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Tag: Nigeria

Victor Osimhen Apologises To Nigerians For Missed World Cup, Promises Strong AFCON Performance

Wale busari03 mins

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has apologised to Nigerians for the team’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and has vowed to give his all at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Speaking on Sunday, Osimhen, whose comments were shared by CAF-accredited photojournalist Pooja on X, acknowledged the high expectations surrounding the Super Eagles but stressed that neither he nor his teammates felt pressured. “The expectation is really high, not just within the camp but also from Super Eagles fans all over the world. Still, there is no pressure on me, my teammates, or the coach because we know the quality we have,” he said. He described AFCON as a chance to redeem the team after the World Cup disappointment. “This AFCON is an opportunity for us to right our wrongs and show Super Eagles fans everywhere that there is so much more we can give,” he added. Osimhen also issued a direct apology to Nigerians for missing out on the World Cup. “We’re so sorry. We have to say we’re sorry for not securing a World Cup spot. I know the disappointment on many Nigerian fans’ faces. Life happens, but we have to keep moving forward,” he said. Looking ahead, Osimhen expressed confidence in the team’s ability to succeed at AFCON, highlighting the need for effort and focus in every game. “This tournament is our chance to do well and aim to win. It won’t be easy; we have to fight for every ball and every match. We must give our best to reach the final, and that’s where we will aim to lift the trophy,” he said.

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Morocco 2025: Super Eagles Aim for Three Points Against Taifa Stars in Opener

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Nigeria and Tanzania clash in the first match of Group C of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday with the Super Eagles favoured to pick all three points to put their campaign in good stead right from the opening day. The Taifa Stars, coached by Miguel Gamondi, are making only their fourth appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations, following group stage exits in 1980, 2019 and 2023. They are yet to win a match in Africa’s flagship football championship, after drawing three and losing six of their previous nine encounters. Surely, the setting is similar to the Biblical David Vs Goliath situation, with Nigeria having participated in 20 previous editions, clinched three titles, won the silver medals on five occasions, taken the bronze medals eight times, and played a total of 104 matches. Nigeria is the most decorated team in the 68-year history of the Africa Cup of Nations, though Egypt have seven titles, Cameroon have five and Ghana have four. Inside the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday evening, Coach Eric Chelle, who told CAFonline.com last month that Nigerians expect their team to win every match, will most probably set his store by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, central defenders Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, wing-backs Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi (new captain), Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Simon Moses, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen. He has excellent options in Ryan Alebiosu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Samuel Chukwueze and Paul Onuachu. Gamondi will most likely weave his strategy around captain Mbwana Samatta (from Le Havre in the French Ligue 1) and Simon Msuva (who plays in Iraq). These two are very experienced warriors on the international stage and know when to deal and dither. There are also wing-back Mohammed Hussein (who plays for Young Africans in the Tanzania Premier League), and the nifty midfielder Feisal Salum (also in the Tanzania Premier League with Azam FC). More than 45 years ago, in the sunshine of Lagos, a Nigerian team captained by Christian Chukwu (who would emerge Player of the Tournament) and a Taifa Stars squad led by Leodegar Tenga (now Chairman of Tanzania’s National Sports Council) clashed in the opening match of the 12th AFCON at the National Stadium, Surulere. Nigeria won 3-1, to secure three precious points on their way to lifting the trophy for the first time. Fès is expected to be cold on Tuesday, just like most parts of Morocco presently, but the Super Eagles are determined to ride through the climate and post a result that will stimulate greater interest of Nigerian ball fans at home and in the diaspora in the 35th AFCON finals.

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Asake Returns To Lagos After Extended Stay In Los Angeles

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Asake has returned to Lagos after spending time in Los Angeles, and the news has quickly set social media buzzing. Reports of his arrival surfaced on X, exciting fans who have been eager to see the “Mr Money” hitmaker back in Nigeria. Following a run of chart-topping songs and international tours, many supporters are already anticipating fresh releases, live performances, and possible appearances throughout the festive season. Online reactions have been mixed with humor and excitement, as some users teased him over his long stay in the US, while others flooded timelines with messages welcoming him home. Asake touches down in Lagos, Nigeria after spending several years in Los Angeles, California 🪖🇺🇸🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/r5lgCz51iz — Dami’ Adenuga (@DAMIADENUGA) December 21, 2025

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Busta Rhymes Reveals Plans To Relocate To Nigeria And Start A Family

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American rap legend and producer Busta Rhymes, born Trevor Smith Jr, has announced his intention to relocate to Nigeria and establish roots in the country. During his performance at the Detty December Fest, the 53-year-old artist shared his excitement about finally visiting Nigeria, a trip he said took 15 years to realize. He expressed his desire to find a home, invest in property, and even start a family in the country. “I’m looking for a home here, I’m looking for property. I’m thinking about looking for a wife so that when I stop working, I can settle down here,” Busta Rhymes revealed. The rapper, an unmarried father of six, emphasized how meaningful his time in Nigeria has been, signaling that the country could play a major role in the next chapter of his life.

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US Adds Nigeria To Partial Travel Restriction List As Trump Expands Entry Controls

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President Donald Trump has approved a new Proclamation expanding US travel restrictions, with citizens of 15 additional countries now subject to partial entry limitations as part of stricter security measures. The decision, taken on Tuesday, is aimed at reinforcing travel screening and national security standards. The countries newly placed under partial restrictions are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Proclamation retains full travel restrictions on 12 countries earlier identified as high risk. These are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. In addition, five more countries have been moved into the full restriction category following updated security assessments. They are Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria, along with individuals travelling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. Laos and Sierra Leone, previously under partial limits, have also been upgraded to full restrictions, while partial measures remain in effect for Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela. The order removes non-immigrant visa restrictions on Turkmenistan, with US authorities citing improved cooperation with Washington, although immigrant visa limits for its citizens remain unchanged. Exemptions under the Proclamation apply to lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories including diplomats and athletes, and individuals whose entry is considered to be in the national interest of the United States.

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Egypt Defeats Nigeria 2–1 In Pre-AFCON Friendly

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Egypt edged Nigeria 2–1 in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly in Cairo on Tuesday, thanks to a second-half strike from Mostafa Mohamed. The hosts opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark when Mahmoud Saber tapped in at the back post following a precise delivery from Zizo, who repeatedly caused problems for the Super Eagles down the right wing. Nigeria struggled to maintain attacking momentum but came close to an equaliser when Paul Onuachu’s long ball almost resulted in an own goal by Yasser Ibrahim, forcing a sharp save from Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. The Super Eagles eventually drew level shortly afterward. Zaidu Sanusi’s free kick from the left was mishandled by El Shenawy at his near post, allowing defender Chidozie Awaziem to head the ball in from close range. Egypt regained the lead in the second half as Mostafa Mohamed finished clinically inside the box after another incisive move orchestrated by Zizo. Despite Nigeria’s continued efforts, they could not find a response, and Egypt held on to secure the victory, boosting morale ahead of the tournament. Egypt will begin their AFCON campaign against Zimbabwe on Monday, December 22, while Nigeria face Tanzania the following day.

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NFF Investigates DR Congo Over Ineligible Players, Boosting Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Hopes

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced an investigation into DR Congo’s use of potentially ineligible players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a move that could revive Nigeria’s chances of reaching the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, PUNCH Online reports. DR Congo eliminated Nigeria from the African play-offs in November, winning 4–3 on penalties in Morocco and ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of advancing to the FIFA intercontinental play-off. The Congolese team has since advanced to the final of the intercontinental play-off, where they are set to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica. However, the NFF has raised questions about the eligibility of several DR Congo players fielded during the African play-offs. Reports indicate that six to nine players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with Congolese law, which prohibits dual citizenship. While FIFA cleared the players based on possession of DR Congo passports, it is alleged they did not formally renounce their previous nationalities, potentially violating the country’s constitution. “NFF has done the needful,” a member of the federation’s executive board told PUNCH Online. “Their constitution does not allow dual citizenship, and about six to nine players had that status during the play-off. That is the loophole we are exploring. Our lawyers must have submitted the relevant documents to FIFA as well.” NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi also confirmed the federation’s challenge, saying, “We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality. Some of the players have European passports—French, Dutch, or others. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition. “FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared,” he added. “But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s domestic regulations; FIFA acts based on what is submitted. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.” The development has renewed hopes for Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, following their failure to reach the 2022 edition in Qatar. DR Congo has made a single FIFA World Cup appearance, in 1974, when the country was known as Zaire.

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There’s No Christian Genocide in Nigeria, Tinubu Says, Blames Insecurity on Criminality and Extremism

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President Bola Tinubu has rejected claims that Christians are being specifically targeted in Nigeria, stressing that both Christians and Muslims face the same threats from terrorism. He made the remarks on Friday in Abuja while inaugurating the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting, themed “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community.” Tinubu was represented at the event by Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. According to Tinubu, the country’s insecurity stems from historical, economic, and criminal factors, not religious persecution. He said terrorism in Nigeria is driven by criminality and extremism, affecting all citizens regardless of faith. His statement comes after former US President Donald Trump claimed that Christians in Nigeria were being persecuted and threatened military intervention if the government did not act. Trump had labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” prompting the government to send a delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to brief US lawmakers on the nation’s security challenges. Speaking at the NASFAT event, Tinubu said: “In recent times, the Federal Government and other persons of goodwill have had to address unfounded allegations. These allegations are not only false but harmful, and capable of inflaming passions and disrupting the peaceful coexistence we continue to build as a nation. Nigeria’s response was clear, firm and measured. We reaffirmed that our nation does not foster or tolerate policies or actions aimed at persecuting any religious group. Muslims and Christians alike have been victims of terrorism in Nigeria. Muslims and Christians alike stand shoulder to shoulder in condemning violence from any quarter. “As President, I reiterate with all sense of responsibility and fidelity to the Constitution that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria, and there is no Muslim genocide in Nigeria. What we have is terrorism driven by criminality and extremism—challenges we are working tirelessly to overcome.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting national unity, religious freedom, and the security of every citizen, warning against narratives that could sow division. “Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and the ability of its people to coexist peacefully while practicing different faiths,” he said. He also commended NASFAT for its work in fostering moderation, tolerance, and service to humanity as tools for national unity. Keynote speaker Dr Nurudeen Lemu urged Muslims to remain steadfast in faith and optimistic despite the country’s challenges.

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