Defence Minister Christopher Musa Says Divine Intervention Overcame Conspiracy Against Him

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that his rise to national leadership was guided by faith and divine intervention, despite facing conspiracies from within the forces. Speaking at a recent worship service at Conquerors Global Assembly in Abuja, the former Chief of Defence Staff recounted how God’s hand turned a challenging period into a breakthrough in his career. “We give God the glory for what has happened this year. Even when the enemy thought they were putting us down, they did not know God was going to lift us up. In their small minds they conspired and thought they had won. But as long as you have God as your pillar, you will win,” Musa said. He encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in faith, highlighting that trials are necessary for growth and improvement. “If you are never challenged, you can never improve in life. As Nigerians, we know we are strong, but we are stronger together with God Almighty. Nigerians are winners. We must continue to pray for our leaders and our country,” he added. Musa also reminded believers that God never abandons those who serve Him: “Because we serve a living God, He will never give up on us.” His testimony comes weeks after President Bola Tinubu nominated him as Minister of Defence on December 2, forwarding his name to the Senate. Musa replaces Mohammed Badaru, who resigned from the position due to health reasons.

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DJ Cuppy Expresses Gratitude To God After Paying Tithes And Offerings All Year

Nigerian DJ and philanthropist, DJ Cuppy, has shared a personal reflection on her spiritual journey, expressing gratitude to God for the grace to remain faithful in giving throughout the year. The music star revealed that she consistently paid her tithes and offerings every month, describing the achievement as something she is deeply thankful for. “Proud to say I paid my tithes + offerings all 12 months this year and God I thank You!” Beyond celebrating her consistency, Cuppy also used the moment to encourage others, stressing that generosity is measured by intention rather than size. She referenced the biblical story of the widow highlighted by Jesus to reinforce her message about sincere giving. “A little encouragement btw; remember the widow Jesus talked about? It is never about how much but the heart posture 🤲🏾” Her post quickly drew attention online, sparking discussions around faith, generosity, and personal devotion, with many applauding her openness and message of heartfelt giving.

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Anthony Joshua Hospitalised After Fatal Crash

Anthony Joshua has been hospitalised after sustaining ‘minor injuries ‘ in a deadly car accident in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of two individuals, shortly after 11am on Monday morning. Reports suggest that the ex-heavyweight champion was in a Lexus Jeep when it collided with a stationary lorry on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in southwest Nigeria. The Daily Star’s sister paper the Daily Mirror reached out to Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, who is currently holidaying in the Caribbean and had just learned about the accident. Hearn believes Joshua to be alright and is en route to the hospital, but could not provide any additional details. Ogun State Police Command confirmed Joshua and other injured people have been taken to “an undisclosed hospital”. They also confirmed two individual’s had been killed as a result of the crash. Horrifying images of the aftermath were shared on social media, including Joshua, who was not wearing a top, in his Lexus Jeep looking dazed. According to local reports, four people were inside the Lexus at the time, while his security followed in a separate vehicle. Reports add that rescue efforts began immediately, with eyewitnesses flagging down passing motorists to assist. And local outlets added that officers from the Nigerian Federal Road Safety Corps arrived within minutes to secure the area. Footage, which was shared on social media, appears to show Joshua being helped out of the car before he is offered aid by bystanders who were quick to the scene to help. Joshua was then filmed wincing in pain before he was seen speaking to officials. The camera then pans in the horrifying clip, which goes on to show the wreckage and images of the victims of the crash on the ground. Joshua, who has family roots in Sagamu, a town in Ogun State, was in Nigeria after he defeated Jake Paul in their lucrative heavyweight match earlier this month.

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Morocco 2025: Eagles Dread Difficult Customers, Cranes of Uganda

Nigeria and Uganda clash on Tuesday evening in a match tendered on different perspectives for both teams as three-time champions Nigeria conclude their group phase account at the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.   The Cranes, eternal difficult jobs for the Super Eagles since their first meeting in an AFCON semi-final duel in Kumasi 47 years ago, need a win to stand any chance of enjoying the cold climate of Morocco beyond Tuesday evening, while the Super Eagles, already qualified for the Round of 16 no matter the tremor anywhere on the park, need a draw simply to assure top-table finish in Group C.   Veteran goal-tender Denis Onyango and team-mates have themselves to blame for being stuck on one point to the final day of the group phase. After the expected manhandling by Tunisia, and falling behind to Tanzania in their second match, Nigeria-descent Uche Ikpeazu rose from the bench to give them an equalizer against the Taifa Stars. The game fell into their hands to pick up the three points, but Allan Okelo blasted the ball away from goal from a penalty kick.   The only route left for them is to put a sword through the Eagles. With the Nigerians intent on sustaining a winning mentality, determined to maintain their great form and put fear into the hearts of other possible contenders for the trophy, that is unlikely to happen.   Nigeria’s prolific goalscorer Victor Osimhen has netted only once in this tournament, but the man who succeeded him as Africa Player of the Year (and who teamed up with him to create a Super Eagles’ terror attack at the last competition in Cote d’Ivoire), Ademola Lookman, has again opted to take Africa’s biggest football championship by storm.   Lookman has netted two goals this term (adding to his three from the 2023 finals), and has made two assists (adding to one from last term). He looks like a man-on-a-mission. His goals have been unstoppable left-footed missiles.   Another big hurdle the Cranes will have to deal with is that Osimhen, now on 32 goals in 48 matches for Nigeria, is committed to presenting himself a special birthday gift, having turned 27 on Monday. Such a man (and being Osimhen in this case) will be difficult to contain.   In addition, Nigeria’s midfield has come into its own, with Wilfred Ndidi playing a true captain’s game in the Eagles’ first two matches, and Alex Iwobi simply magnificent. Frank Onyeka reminded all of his abilities when he starred against the Tunisians, and there are still Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi yet to be tested.   Nigeria is the country with the most appearances in the AFCON knockout rounds in history, having done so here for the 19th time, and the victory over Tunisia was the Eagles’ 35th group-stage win in the history of the competition. Nigeria have lost only one of their last 16 AFCON group-stage games – defeat to Madagascar in Egypt after they already qualified for the Round of 16.   Uganda will look to the history of contests between both nations and be hopeful.   In eight previous encounters, the Cranes have lost only twice, winning four times, with the other two games ending in a draw. Five of the matches have been competitive, and Ugandans cannot forget how their star forward Philip Omondi scored the winner to ensure a 2-1 defeat for Nigeria in the 1978 AFCON semi-finals. Uganda have won two of the three international friendly matches, with the other ending in a draw.   Uganda have progressed beyond the AFCON group stage only twice previously, in 1978 in Ghana and 2019 in Egypt.   Ikpeazu will probably start as Belgian tactician Paul Put throws his aces up from the get-go. There are also James Bogere, who earned the Cranes a second penalty against Tanzania, Okello and Denis Omedi, who scored against Tunisia and assisted the equalizer against Tanzania on Sunday.   Nigeria, now on 149 goals in 106 AFCON matches, will aim for a milestone 150th goal, and more, when the game commences at the Complexe Sportif de Fès at 5pm on Tuesday.   At his pre-match press briefing on Monday, Coach Eric Chelle said: “The competition is not only for the starting 11; everybody deserves a chance to play and show what they can offer the team. Sometimes a player who makes a cameo appearance can change the outcome of games and even win a tournament. For me, I want to present the best team every time.”   Captain Ndidi: “The atmosphere in the team is good. Everyone is excited and confident, but the previous games are in the past. The focus is one the next game.”   SUPER EAGLES, CRANES IN HISTORY   14 Mar 1978: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCON semi: Kumasi) 26 Sep 1981: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Lagos) 29 Aug 1992: Nigeria 2-0 Uganda (AFCONq: Lagos) 17 Jul 1993: Uganda 0-0 Nigeria (AFCONq: Kampala) 24 Mar 2007: Nigeria 1-0 Uganda (AFCONq: Abeokuta) 02 Jun 2007: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCONq: Kampala) 25 Mar 2015: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Uyo) 20 Nov 2018: Nigeria 0-0 Uganda (Friendly: Asaba)  

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Mentality, Resilience, and Redemption: Harry Maguire Reflects On His Man United Journey Ahead of 2025 Finale

In a revealing interview ahead of Manchester United’s final match of 2025, Harry Maguire opens up about the “sink or swim” mentality required to survive at Old Trafford and his winning heroics at Anfield this season. Stream the clash between United and Wolves live tomorrow night at 22:15 on Showmax Premier League.     29 December 2025- As Manchester United prepare to walk out at Old Trafford for their final fixture of 2025 against Wolves tomorrow night, centre-back Harry Maguire has opened up about the “sink or swim” reality of life at the world’s most scrutinised club.     In a deep-dive interview, Maguire speaks candidly about his six-year journey—a path marked by heavy responsibility, tactical shifts, and a hard-earned “redemption” that has defined his current campaign.     The Final Hurdle of 2025: “We Have the Foundations” With United facing Wolves tomorrow, 30 December, at 22:15, the focus is firmly on ending the year with momentum. Maguire believes the team has found its footing after a turbulent period. “I do feel like we’ve got the foundations now to go and have a successful season, and it’s up to us to go and do it now,” Maguire says of the current squad. “Since Ruben [Amorim] came in, I’ve always thought he is an excellent manager and he just needed things to click.” “I still think there are games this season where we’ve let ourselves down a little bit; I believe we should have more points than what we’ve got at the moment. However, we’re not in a terrible position, and I see it going in a good direction—in the right direction.”     The Scrutiny of a Giant: “Sink or Swim” Reflecting on his time at the club, Maguire notes that the intensity of the Premier League is magnified tenfold at Manchester United. “You quickly realise things can turn real quickly when you’re at this club,” he admits. “You obviously know it’s a big club, but you don’t understand how big the analysis and the scrutiny is on everything you do.” “Every tackle, every misplaced pass seems to be analysed. I’ve been really good at ignoring all that, whether it’s good or bad.” “You need to handle the defeats well, but you also need to handle the victories well, because you can get pushed up really high, as if you’re one of the best players in the world, and you know what’s going to happen—they’re going to try and knock you back down.”     The Captaincy and the Hardest Days Maguire speaks with honesty about his three-year tenure as captain, particularly the dip in form during his third season following the high-profile arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, and Jadon Sancho. “The expectation was to challenge and really kick on, and it just never happened. It never clicked,” he reflects. “I was the captain, I was the face, and I faced the media after every defeat.” “It’s tough when you feel like you’re repeating yourself to six or seven cameras, and you have to be careful what you say because it’s going to get analysed.” “I felt like during that bad period, I was always trying to look after others and I maybe took my eye off myself in terms of my own performances. That’s probably where the dip came in.”     The Amorim Era and “The Anfield Moment” A major highlight of this season was Maguire’s winner at Anfield—a goal that secured his place in United folklore. “If that happened five or six years ago, I wasn’t experienced enough to realise how big the moment was,” Maguire says. “But for it to happen this season, when I’m experienced and I know how much it means… it’s a special moment.” “I scored the header, and I didn’t know where I was in the stadium—I ended up running to the [Liverpool] fans instead of our fans. For us to stay resilient and show that spirit… I don’t think I’ll ever forget that one.” On the current manager, Maguire is equally full of praise. “I think Ruben’s record should be judged on this season; this is where he’s had his time to work and he’s picking his team up.” “I want to be part of this successful club, and when I see it going in the right direction, of course I want to be part of it.”     A Message to the Future Despite the highs and lows, Maguire remains unwavering in his commitment. “I’m a lot stronger mentally now. I’ve learned an awful amount about myself. My worst time wasn’t as bad as what was in my head, and the best time wasn’t as good as what was in my head. I try to remain focused and look forward.”

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Iyabo Ojo Hits Back at Allwell Ademola’s Brother Over Criticism of Support

Actress Iyabo Ojo has responded to criticism from Allwell Ademola’s brother over the support she and other colleagues reportedly gave the late actress during her lifetime. The brother had accused Iyabo Ojo and other celebrities of failing to support Allwell Ademola’s work and career, despite claiming to be friends. In a video, he said: “All the ‘Rest in Peace’ messages and public displays of love are fake and hypocritical. Where was this love when she was alive? When she produced Eniobanke, none of you promoted it. You all claimed friendship, yet you never supported her work or career, even though she supported many of you. During the Jagun Jagun production, no one called her or offered her a role. “Some of you, like Lateef Adedimeji, Owonikoko, Iyabo Ojo, and others, came to our house to shoot movies, yet you never found it worthy to stand by her. If you couldn’t support her while she was alive, don’t perform loyalty now that she is gone.” In reply, Iyabo Ojo defended her actions, saying, “I over-supported your sister when she was alive, when she was building her career as a producer and director. I featured in her movies countless times for free and I also supported her financially and emotionally.” She concluded by wishing the late actress peace, adding, “May her beautiful soul continue to rest in perfect peace.”

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BREAKING: Anthony Joshua Involved in Road Crash on Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Two Dead

World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway at Makun, Ogun State, on Monday, according to sources. Eyewitnesses and first responders reported that the vehicle carrying Joshua collided with another car under circumstances that remain unclear. Two people were confirmed dead at the scene, while Joshua sustained minor injuries and was quickly attended to by rescue teams. A witness who helped with the evacuation said emergency personnel acted swiftly to remove the injured from the wreckage. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released. The crash site has been cordoned off by traffic officials and local police as investigations continue. Officers from the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency were present to manage the scene. Social media quickly filled with messages from fans expressing concern for Joshua and condolences for the families of those killed. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

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Wike Attributes Rift With Makinde To Denied Ministerial Appointment

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that tensions with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde began after Makinde was denied a ministerial appointment in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Wike shared the details during a media briefing on Monday, providing insights into the underlying political issues within the G5 group, a coalition of former and serving governors who collaborated during the 2023 elections. According to Wike, the disagreement emerged when Makinde’s nominee was not given a ministerial slot, despite prior expectations within the group. “What we are dealing with today is that he was not given any ministerial slot,” Wike said. “Even when he was expressing it, his anger was visible. He didn’t need to tell anyone; we could see it. We told him, ‘calm down.’” Wike added that efforts were made to explain the circumstances behind the appointments, including visits to President Tinubu, in an attempt to pacify Makinde. “We went back home and explained why we met the President. We told him to take it easy, noting that there were certain factors he may not have considered. But something had to be done,” he said. Despite these efforts, Wike said Makinde appeared to have “already made up his mind,” making reconciliation difficult. Wike also recalled an earlier incident that, in his view, reflected Makinde’s temperament. “I remember when the Rivers State Government held a reception for me. Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom spoke and said they were going to support the President for a second term,” Wike said. “But the next day, Seyi Makinde responded, questioning Ortom’s statement. I called him and said that even if Ortom spoke, he didn’t need to go that far. A simple response could have been, ‘Let’s call a day; it’s too early for that kind of statement.’” Wike compared Makinde’s reactions to someone who achieves success too quickly and lacks patience. “Sometimes when you make your first one million dollars, you react too early. You forget that Dangote didn’t make his first million overnight, but today he is the richest man in Africa,” he noted.

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