Morocco 2025: Marrakech Set For a War Like No Other

Saturday’s third quarter-final of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations is certainly the pick of the last-8 clashes, as Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Fennecs of Algeria clash for the 23rd time at senior level, since their first encounter at the 2nd All-Africa Games in Lagos 55 years ago.   Games between both teams over the past five-and-half decades have been laced with thrills and frills, shocking scorelines, drama, end-game flips, stunning comebacks, awesome performances by star players, and a bit of infamy.   The encounter in Marrakech will be the 10th time that both countries will clash in African football’s biggest championship, with Nigeria having won only three of the previous nine duels. Algeria have won four, and the other two have ended in stalemates.   One stalemate was the infamous clash of Bouake in 1984, when both teams were suspected to have ‘reached an accord’ to play a scoreless draw in order for both teams to qualify to the semi-finals, and get Cup holders Ghana eliminated.   Nigeria defeated Algeria to win their first AFCON trophy on home soil in 1980, and 10 years later, Algeria defeated Nigeria to win their first AFCON on home soil!   Marrakechi, Morocco’s fourth largest city, is set to host a massive showdown that will create its own story as a chapter in the book of one of African football’s greatest rivalries.   FIFA World Cup Do-Me-I -Do-You   NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (10 October 1981): The highest-stakes confrontations between Nigeria and Algeria have been in FIFA World Cup qualifying series, starting with the shocking defeat of then reigning African champions Nigeria by the Fennecs in Lagos in October 1981.   Before the match, a couple of decisions by then NFA (including an increase in match ticket price) did not go down with the players. A couple of retired players were brought back to the team, creating discontent and disharmony. Algeria ran away with a 2-0 win, both goals scored in the first half.   ALGERIA VS NIGERIA (30 October 1981): In Constantine three weeks later, not much could be rescued. The Eagles lost 1-2 and crashed out of the race.   NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (03 July 1993): Visitors Algeria raced to an early lead through striker Abdelhafid Tasfaout, but Nigeria clawed their way back starting with Jay Jay Okocha’s free-kick, and an imperious Rashidi Yekini display, to win 4-1.   ALGERIA VS NIGERIA (08 Oct 1993): Algeria fought hard to stop Nigeria’s bid for a first-ever FIFA World Cup ticket, but failed. Finidi George’s first-half goal was enough for a 1-1 finish and Nigeria’s ticket to USA 1994 was assured.   NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (03 July 2004): Joseph Yobo rose above everyone else at the far post to score Nigeria’s only goal in Abuja in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

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Ayra Starr’s Mother Nene Aderigbigbe Explains Why She Ended Three Close Friendships

Nene Aderigbigbe, mother of singer Ayra Starr, has shared why she permanently ended three close friendships. In a New Year’s reflection on TikTok, Nene looked back on past choices and questioned whether she might have overreacted. She explained that each friendship ended for clear personal reasons. The first fallout occurred after a serious breach of trust. Nene said a friend had shared a private conversation with her husband without permission. “I was reflecting on life, and I remembered a few years ago I cut off some friends. I don’t know if I overreacted, but do you know why I did it?” she said. “Three of us would talk about women’s things, and the next day, one of them told me my private conversation had been shared with her husband. I never picked up her call again. Why would you tell your husband what we discussed? That’s not the kind of friend I want.” The second friendship ended due to unwanted interference from the friend’s husband, who repeatedly involved Nene in personal matters. “I’m your friend, not your husband’s friend. Why tell me where you are? I’m not comfortable with that,” she said. The third breakup was caused by emotional exhaustion. Nene explained that a friend, married for over 20 years, would constantly call to complain about her husband. “Do you want me to go and confront him? That’s your marriage, not mine. I cannot be drained mentally like that,” she added. Nene noted that none of the three friends know the full reasons behind her decisions. “That’s why I cut them off, and even today, they still don’t know why,” she said. Her story underscores the importance of boundaries and protecting one’s peace in friendships.

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Eucharia Anunobi Denies Allegations In Viral Audio, Warns Against Spreading Unverified Claims

Nollywood actress and evangelist Eucharia Anunobi has responded to a viral audio clip that allegedly linked her to Apostle Chikere Nwafor. The audio, which has been circulating on social media, reportedly involved Apostle Psalm Okpe and a pastor identified as Martins, also known as Martin Ugbulu. The discussion included unverified claims about Apostle Chikere and mentioned Anunobi’s name, sparking attention from both entertainment and church communities. The recording also alluded to a woman engaging in questionable behavior during a private affair, though no evidence was provided to support the allegations. Apostle Psalm Okpe later apologised, admitting the statements were based on hearsay and should not have been shared publicly. In a live video, Eucharia Anunobi dismissed the claims, calling them a deliberate attempt to tarnish her reputation. “They wanted to ruin my name, but God intervened. Their plan to damage my image failed,” she said. “Every mouth that has spoken evil against you, God will silence them forever.” She further warned bloggers and online commentators against sharing unverified or harmful content, stressing that doing so could have serious consequences.

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Davido Confirms Upcoming Collaboration With Chris Brown For 2026

Nigerian superstar Davido has revealed that he and American R&B star Chris Brown are working on a joint project set to drop this year. The “Dami Duro” singer shared the news during a recent interview, saying: “Honestly, collaboration with the western world. I have a collaboration with Chris Brown and it will come out next year.” Although the video of the interview was likely recorded late in 2025, it only went viral on January 7, generating excitement among fans eager for new music from the duo. Davido and Chris Brown have collaborated before, and this new project promises to further showcase their musical synergy. 🚨 DAVIDO CONFIRMS JOINT PROJECT WITH CHRIS BROWN SET TO DROP NEXT YEAR 🤩🔥 — Via Billboard Arabia pic.twitter.com/HsiJZiuAbn — 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) January 7, 2026

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Court Orders Interim Forfeiture Of 57 Properties Linked To Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to the Federal Government. The order was issued by Justice Emeka Nwite following an ex-parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the assets, valued at billions of naira, include luxury residential and commercial properties across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states. The Certified True Copy (CTC) of the order was obtained on Wednesday, a day after the ruling. In his judgment, Justice Nwite declared: “It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties described in Schedule One below, which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.” The judge directed that the order be published in a national newspaper to allow any interested party 14 days to contest the forfeiture before a final order is issued. The matter was adjourned to January 27 for a compliance report. The properties include high-value assets such as: Luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja, currently valued at nearly N6 billion. Two-winged large storey building at Onitsha Crescent, Garki, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels), purchased for N7 billion. Five-storey Meethaq Hotel in Jabi District, Abuja, valued at N8.4 billion after completion. Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Maitama, with 15 rooms, valued at N12.95 billion after rehabilitation. Various commercial shops, warehouses, bungalows, and plots of land in Abuja, Kano, and Birnin Kebbi acquired between 2016 and 2024, with individual values ranging from N40 million to over N12 billion. Residential estates and multiple housing units in Birnin Kebbi, Abuja, and Kaduna, purchased between 2018 and 2023. Justice Nwite emphasized that the properties are “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities” and placed them under interim forfeiture while investigations continue. The ruling represents a significant move by the EFCC to recover assets suspected to have been obtained through illegal means.

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Burkina Faso Foils Assassination Plot Against Military Leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré

Burkina Faso’s authorities have announced the foiling of a plot to assassinate the country’s military ruler, Capt Ibrahim Traoré. The security minister, Mahamadou Sana, said the plan was allegedly orchestrated by Lt Col Paul Henri Damiba, the former leader ousted by Traoré in September 2022. The scheme reportedly targeted Traoré and other senior military and civilian figures, with funding allegedly coming from neighbouring Ivory Coast. “Our intelligence services intercepted this operation in the final hours. They had planned to assassinate the head of state and then strike other key institutions, including civilian personalities,” Sana said during a late-night broadcast. Authorities reported finding a leaked video in which the plotters discussed killing Traoré either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence on the night of 3 January. They reportedly intended to continue their attacks on other senior officials afterwards. Sana added that Damiba had allegedly mobilised soldiers and civilian supporters, secured foreign funding—around 70 million CFA francs ($125,000; £92,000) from Ivory Coast—and planned to disable the country’s drone-launch base before foreign forces could intervene. Several arrests have been made as investigations continue, though the total number of suspects detained has not been disclosed. “These individuals will be brought to justice soon,” Sana said, urging citizens to avoid involvement in dangerous schemes and assuring that the situation remains under control. Capt Traoré, 37, has faced multiple coup attempts since taking power and is also grappling with increasing jihadist violence that has displaced millions. Despite his authoritarian reputation, he maintains strong domestic support and has gained recognition across Africa for his pan-Africanist outlook and criticism of Western influence. However, critics continue to accuse Traoré’s government of suppressing dissent, including arbitrary arrests of military officers and restrictions on the media. This is not the first time the junta has pointed to Ivory Coast as a source of alleged interference in Burkina Faso’s internal affairs.

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T-Pain Purchases Private Jet Following Lucrative Music Catalog Sale

American singer T-Pain surprised his family with an extravagant gift—a brand-new private jet. The moment was captur. ed and shared on his official Instagram page, showing the Grammy-winning artist unveiling the aircraft to his loved ones, whose reactions ranged from sheer disbelief to excitement. The purchase reportedly comes after T-Pain made substantial earnings from selling his music catalog, a deal he previously described as life-changing. In an earlier interview, he revealed that the proceeds were equivalent to what it would have taken him “100 years” to earn through regular music income. T-Pain surprised his family with the new private jet he just purchased pic.twitter.com/0XotQOZt1z — 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) January 6, 2026

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China Condemns US Over Planned Intervention In Venezuela’s Oil Sector

China has strongly condemned the United States’ planned intervention in Venezuela’s oil sector, sharply criticising President Donald Trump’s actions as a violation of international law. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning described the US move as an “outrageous use of force” and said Washington’s insistence that Venezuela manage its oil resources according to an “America First” agenda amounts to harassment and undermines the rights of the Venezuelan people. “Venezuela has full sovereignty over its natural resources and economic activities,” Mao said, adding that China’s own rights and interests in the country must also be protected. The criticism follows Trump’s announcement on his Truth Social platform that Venezuela’s interim government would transfer 30 million to 50 million barrels of “sanctioned oil” to the United States, with the proceeds intended to benefit both Venezuelans and Americans. China, a key ally and the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil, has consistently opposed foreign interventions in the South American country. The condemnation also comes in the wake of a US military operation that led to the removal of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, which Beijing and other global powers have denounced as a breach of Venezuela’s sovereignty. Mao’s statement reflects growing international concern over the US actions, highlighting tensions surrounding Venezuela’s oil resources and the broader geopolitical implications of unilateral interventions.

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