Morocco 2025: Eagles Remain Confident as Gusau Quashes Fears of Manipulative Officiating

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) has dismissed fears of possible biased officiating when the Super Eagles lock horns with hosts Atlas Lions of Morocco in Wednesday night’s Africa Cup of Nations second semi-final in Rabat.   “I do not have the same fears of the match officials being biased as some people have. I believe that the grass is always green and that the playing pitch is level. I do not see a situation in which the match officials will be working against any team’s interest.   “Last summer, we were here in Morocco, for the Women Africa Cup of Nations, and we played the host nation in the Final, even coming from two goals behind to achieve victory. There is nothing to fear. This is the highest level of football on the African continent, and the officials know that CAF as well as the whole world is watching, and will not do anything untoward.”   The NFF supremo and President of WAFU B spoke against the backdrop of widespread fears among Nigerian ball fans that the match officials could blatantly or surreptitiously work in favour of the host nation, which is looking for a second AFCON title after its maiden gong 50 years ago.   The Super Eagles camp continues to radiate confidence and self-belief ahead of the encounter, as the players keep strictly and professionally to their daily schedule at the Hotel Rihab and at the training ground – Complexe Sportif Mohamed VI.   Feelers from the Atlas Lions camp reveal that the players are in trepidation of the impact that Nigerian midfielder Alexander Iwobi can have on Wednesday night’s game.   Iwobi supplied 22 line-breaking passes in the quarter-final game against Mozambique (which Nigeria won 4-0) and 14 against Algeria’s Desert Foxes in Saturday’s quarter final duel in Marrakech. Nigeria won both games, scoring six goals and conceding none.   The 29-year-old, who debuted for Nigeria against the Democratic Republic of Congo in a friendly in Belgium on 8th October 2015, also supplied the assists for Nigeria’s first two goals of the competition, in the 2-1 win over Tanzania in Fés on 23rd December.   He will earn his 96th cap for the Super Eagles on Wednesday night.

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AFCON 2025: CAF Appoints Ghanaian Referee for Nigeria, Morocco Semi final Clash

Ghanian referee, Daniel Laryea has been appointed as the center referee for Nigeria’s semifinal game against Morocco while Abongile Tomfrom South Africa is on Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties. Laryea, 38, is a listed international referee for FIFA since 2014. He is also one of the referees for the Ghana Premier League. In 2021, Laryea was officially selected as a referee for the delayed 2020 African Nations Championship in Cameroon. He officiated the 2021 Ghanaian FA Cup final between Hearts of Oak and the Ashanti Gold. Laryea was also one of the appointed referees of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho will also take charge of Senegal verse Egypt tie, just as Kenyan Pierre Atcho take charge of VAR.

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BBNaija Star Angel Smith Marries Female Partner Tumie In Texas

BBNaija star Angel Smith has officially tied the knot with her partner, Tumie, in Texas, USA. The 25-year-old shared the news on social media, posting a video that showcased her wedding ring alongside Tumie’s marriage certificate. The couple, who went public with their relationship several months ago, are now legally married. Angel relocated to Texas two months ago, a move that appears to have paved the way for their wedding. BBNaija Angel reportedly engaged to her girlfriend in the USA 😨👀❤️ pic.twitter.com/YsQXQFScnb — HO🅿️EN (@hopefortv) January 12, 2026

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Portable Arraigned, Remanded Over Assault, Theft Charges In Ogun

Nigerian singer Portable has been arraigned and remanded at a federal high court in Ota, Ogun State, over multiple criminal charges. He appeared in court on Monday facing a nine-count charge that includes assault, theft, resisting arrest, and causing harm. The allegations relate to an incident on New Year’s Day at his Odogwu Bar in Iyana Ilogbo, where prosecutors claim he attacked his estranged partner, Ashabi Simple, several police officers, and other individuals. The police also allege that Portable stole a Mercedes‑Benz E300 worth around N12 million, registered to Ileyemi Damilola. Two of Ashabi Simple’s siblings testified in court, though she was absent. In addition, the singer is accused of obstructing and assaulting W/Inspector Ogungbe Olayemi while she was performing her official duties. Portable’s bail request was denied because the police officer allegedly assaulted was not present to testify. He has been remanded in custody and will return to court on January 19 for another bail hearing.

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Phyna Claims Iyabo Ojo Distanced Herself Over Her Association With VDM, Calls Him ‘Very Dirty Boy’

Reality TV star Phyna has claimed that Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has distanced herself from her due to her involvement with controversial influencer VeryDarkMan (VDM), whom she labeled a “very dirty boy.” Speaking during a recent livestream, Phyna explained that the change in their relationship began after she responded publicly to a statement by VDM. “The issues she was having… he was involved in them, so I tweeted to reply to VDM because he made a statement. But it was misunderstood. Since then, I feel mama doesn’t like me as much anymore. Before, she used to comment on my posts, she used to like them, but now she no longer likes or follows me. And I’m very sure it’s because of the dirty boy,” she said. Phyna added that the situation has affected her interactions with others online. “It’s what I have to face. I even went as far as confronting him—not to insult, but I attacked her V.E.L because of this same dirty boy. I’ve had my fair share. I’ve fought a lot, and people have stopped talking to me. I remember when I posted something about the dirty boy again, Angel Big Brother… she commented in a way that showed she was clearly not happy with me at all,” she continued. Her revelations have sparked reactions on social media, with fans discussing the reported fallout between Phyna and Iyabo Ojo and the influence of VDM on their strained relationship. Iyabo Ojo started disliking me because of my issue with VerDarkMan She no longer like or comment on my posts again, VDM is a very dirty boy —-Phyna pic.twitter.com/mbnATHquct — Metro Naija (@metronaija) January 13, 2026

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Eso Dike Reveals It Took Over 7 Years To Earn First 1 Million Naira From Acting

Actor Eso Dike has revealed that it took him more than seven years to earn his first 1 million naira from acting. In a conversation with Chude Jideonwo, Dike reflected on his early days in the industry and the gradual pace of his financial growth. “It took me more than 7 years to make my first 1 million Naira bulk as an actor… I am not a portrayer of suffering, so even if I’m struggling, you won’t know,” he said. A law graduate from the University of Benin, Eso Dike later transitioned into acting and has featured in popular TV shows like Tinsel and The Smart Money Woman, as well as Nollywood films including Game On and Ricordi.

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Man United Set to Appoint Michael Carrick as Interim Manager

Michael Carrick is set to be confirmed as Manchester United’s interim head coach until the end of the season. A deal has been agreed in principle to appoint Carrick and his coaching staff, and work is now taking place to finalise contract details ahead of an official announcement. That could potentially come later on Tuesday and the 44-year-old’s first game in charge is set to be Saturday’s Manchester derby. Carrick and his staff could take their first training session on Wednesday. The first-team squad are off on Tuesday, but preparations for the visit of Manchester City will step up a level tomorrow. Carrick emerged as the preferred candidate to take over until the end of the season after face-to-face talks with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. Carrick met the pair last Thursday, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke to them on Saturday. Berrada and Carrick were impressed with Carrick’s vision during those discussions and held further talks on Monday with a view to concluding a deal. That included the make-up of the former Middlesbrough manager’s backroom team, with United short of senior coaches after the departure of Ruben Amorim and his Portuguese coaching team. Carrick took charge of United for three games in the autumn of 2021 after Solskjaer was sacked, steering them to victories against Villarreal and Arsenal and a draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He had been a part of Solskjaer’s staff but left the club when Ralf Rangnick was appointed until the end of the season. He has since had a spell in charge of Middlesbrough, reaching the play-offs in 2022/23, but he was sacked at the end of last season after a 10th place finish.

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Olubadan Snubs Alaafin At 2026 Oyo Inter-Faith Gathering

A mild drama unfolded yesterday at the 2026 Inter-Faith Gathering held at the Secretariat’s Grand Space in Ibadan, as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, appeared to be snubbed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja. The event, which brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, senior government officials, and community representatives, focused on promoting unity, peaceful coexistence, and mutual understanding across Oyo State. During the gathering, the Alaafin extended a hand in greeting to the Olubadan, but the gesture was not returned. The Olubadan later greeted Governor Seyi Makinde and other dignitaries before proceeding to his seat. Several attendees witnessed the moment, which quickly became a topic of public discussion. Opinions on the incident were divided. Some described it as unfortunate, while others urged caution, noting that long-standing traditional protocols and hierarchy might explain the exchange. Observers suggested that such interactions could influence perceptions of respect and decorum among royal institutions. Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde called on residents of Oyo State to remain vigilant and security-conscious, emphasizing that peace and safety require cooperation between the government and citizens.

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