Trendbrio.com

News and Entertainment Update

Live
Soccer
Sports
Morocco 2025: Super Eagles Target Fourth Crown as Biggest AFCON Kicks Off 01
02
News
Tinubu Warns Governors of Federal Intervention Over Local Government Financial Autonomy
03
Entertainment
Fantana Slams Diamond Platnumz for Mentioning Her Name at Juma Jux Concert
04
Sports
Wilfred Ndidi Appointed New Captain of Super Eagles
05
News
Edo Court Grants Bail to Activist Harrison Gwamnishu

Tag: Nigeria

BREAKING: Nigeria’s Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar Resigns Amid Security Emergency

Wale busari01 mins

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office with immediate effect, citing health reasons, marking a significant shake-up in the nation’s security leadership. His resignation was conveyed in a letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Bola Tinubu. In the letter, Abubakar explained that his health could no longer sustain the demands of the position. President Tinubu accepted the resignation and thanked him for his service, while sources within the Presidency indicated that the Senate will be notified of his replacement later this week. Abubakar, 63, previously served two terms as governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 before being appointed Defence Minister on August 21, 2023. His departure comes at a critical moment, as President Tinubu recently declared a national security emergency and is expected to outline its full scope in the coming days, adding weight to the search for a new defence chief.

Read More

Nigerian Embassy Grants Asylum To Guinea-Bissau Opposition Candidate After Military Coup

Wale busari02 mins

The Nigerian embassy in Guinea-Bissau has provided asylum to opposition presidential candidate Fernando Dias da Costa after threats were made against his life. This follows a military coup in the Portuguese-speaking West African nation last Wednesday, just days after the presidential elections. Both President Umaro Embaló and da Costa had declared victory ahead of the official results. Nigeria expressed serious concern over the coup and called for an immediate restoration of constitutional order. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would work with partners to ensure a “swift return” to normalcy. In a letter dated November 30 to ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that President Bola Tinubu had approved protection for da Costa at the Nigerian embassy. The letter also requested that the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) provide security for him while on embassy premises. Alkasim Abdulkadir, Tuggar’s special assistant on media and communications, verified the letter and said Nigeria’s decision reflects its sovereign duty and commitment to regional peace, stability, and democratic governance. “Acting to reduce tensions, Nigeria used its lawful discretion to prevent further unrest and promote social cohesion in Guinea-Bissau and across West Africa,” Abdulkadir said, emphasizing that the intervention aligns with ECOWAS principles and Nigeria’s role as a regional stabilizer. Following the coup, ECOWAS convened an emergency virtual summit of heads of state, suspending Guinea-Bissau from the bloc until constitutional order is fully restored.

Read More

Tunde Bakare Claims Trump’s Nigeria Agenda Is Fuelled by Oil, Minerals and Geopolitical Power

Wale busari03 mins

Pastor Tunde Bakare has suggested that the Trump administration’s heightened focus on Nigeria is rooted in America’s pursuit of key resources and strategic advantages in emerging global technologies. Delivering his State of the Nation Address in Lagos, the Citadel Global Community Church overseer said Nigeria’s oil reserves, mineral wealth and relevance in future tech supply chains make the country an inevitable point of interest for President Donald Trump’s style of governance. He linked the development to the US government’s decision to relist Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom and Trump’s recent remarks on the rising violence across Middle Belt communities. Bakare explained that he anticipated this shift long before it happened, recalling that after Trump’s 2024 victory he received what he described as a symbolic revelation pointing toward a renewed American push in Nigeria driven by geopolitical calculations. According to him, “Nigeria’s oil wealth and other mineral resources will be critical to the Trump presidency, as will our role in the value chain of emerging technologies.” He warned that foreign pressure on Nigeria’s delicate religious landscape could heighten tensions if the government responds emotionally rather than strategically. He urged the authorities to prioritise economic diplomacy and clear policy direction, saying Trump’s approach to power often turns threats into negotiation opportunities. Addressing the wider security crisis, Bakare said the unending assaults in the Middle Belt, North-West and South-East reveal the depth of Nigeria’s internal fractures, leaving many communities feeling unprotected and ignored. He criticised lawmakers and foreign affairs officials for reacting slowly and placing political interests above national stability. Bakare outlined several steps he believes are necessary to restore order, including stronger military engagement, community-driven policing under federal oversight, deployment of veterans and paramilitary personnel, improved surveillance technology and closer security collaboration with the United States. He also called for a victims’ register and a nationwide reconciliation effort led by President Bola Tinubu.

Read More

CAF Schools Football Championship: Nigeria Up Against CIV, Benin Republic in Ouagadougou

Wale busari04 mins

Nigeria will tackle the representative teams of Benin Republic and Cote d’Ivoire in the group stages of the WAFU B zonal qualifiers for this year’s CAF Schools Football Championship. The zonal qualifying tournament will take place in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso, this week. The four-day fiesta will witness competition in both male and female categories, though Nigeria is taking part in only the male event. Group A of the male competition has hosts Burkina Faso, Ghana and Niger Republic, with Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Benin Republic in Group B. In the female category, hosts Burkina Faso are up against Cote d’Ivoire in the two-team Group A, with Ghana, Benin Republic and Niger Republic in Group B. On Monday, the Nigeria squad, made up of players from a number of schools that took part in the national competition in Abuja two months ago, will take on their counterparts from Cote d’Ivoire at the Stade August 4 in Ouagadougou, from 11am. On Tuesday, at 9am, the Nigerian school boys will take the pitch against their counterparts from Benin Republic. Semi-final matches are scheduled for Wednesday while the loser’s final and final matches will be played on Thursday. The Nigerian contingent, made up of 19 players and six officials, travelled through Lagos and Abidjan before arriving in Ouagadougou on Saturday, and are lodged at the Hotel Splendid in the Burkinabe capital. The 19 players in the Nigeria team are drawn from the Government Basic Education School, Kaduna; Government Junior Secondary School, Jalingo; Adaigbo Secondary School, Ogwashi-Ukwu; National Grammar School, Enugu and; Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti. The team is led by Coach Oluwaseun Oyeniyi. Goalkeepers: Sa’adu Tukur (Government Junior Secondary School, Jalingo); Joshua Chima (Adaigbo Secondary School, Ogwashi-Ukwu) Defenders: Mujaheed Nura (Government Basic Secondary School, Kaduna); John Oruomoni (National Grammar School, Enugu); Hamza Ibrahim Aliyu (Adaigbo Secondary School, Ogwashi-Ukwu); Tobiloba Adedeji (Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti); Divine Juwe ((Adaigbo Secondary School, Ogwashi-Ukwu); Timothy Ijachi (National Grammar School, Enugu) Midfielders: Yusuf Auwal (Adaigbo Secondary School, Ogwashi-Ukwu); Isaac Ajang (Government Junior Secondary School, Jalingo); Thomas Titus (National Grammar School, Enugu); Peter Moses (Government Basic Secondary School, Kaduna); Abdulsalam Mohammed (Government Basic Secondary School, Kaduna); Ayomide Adeleke (Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti); Nnamdi Echeruozo (National Grammar School, Enugu) Forwards: Marcus Adeyanju (Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti); Wisdom Okonkwo (Adaigbo Secondary School, Ogwashi-Ukwu); Umar Faruk Shuaibu (Government Basic Secondary School, Kaduna); Abdulrazzaq Mufutau (Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti)

Read More

Nigeria Petitions ITTF Over Visa Denial for World Youth Championships in Romania

Wale busari03 mins

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has lodged a formal petition with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) after its players were denied entry visas to compete at the ongoing 2025 World Youth Championships in Romania. The development has sparked concern within Nigeria’s table tennis community, as the setback threatens the country’s participation in one of the sport’s most prestigious youth tournaments. In a letter signed by NTTF President Adesoji Tayo, the federation condemned the decision, describing it as a violation of the principles of international sportsmanship, inclusivity, and fair participation that ITTF and its partners uphold. “As an official representative of Nigeria and Africa in this prestigious global event, I firmly believe that the reasons provided for the visa refusal are unjust, discriminatory, and contrary to the spirit of unity which international sports is designed to foster,” Tayo stated. Despite weeks of intensive training by players and coaches, the visa denial has dampened the spirit of the contingent and resulted in financial losses for the federation. Nigeria was set to represent Africa in the boys’ U-19 and U-15 team events, having qualified as continental champions at the African Youth Championships in Lagos. The NTTF further noted: “Since our inability to participate is not a fault of NTTF, we hereby formally notify the ITTF and the host federation, Romania Table Tennis Federation, that NTTF will not be liable for any penalties or financial obligations arising from accommodation or hospitality reservations made in relation to this event.” Tayo urged ITTF to urgently intervene to prevent similar occurrences in the future, stressing that the visa refusal has disrupted Nigeria’s ambition of grooming another generation of world-class players.

Read More

Nigeria, Egypt Book World Para Championships Tickets

Wale busari04 mins

Nigeria and Egypt reaffirm their continental dominance, winning multiple gold medals at the 2025 ITTF-Africa Para Championships, which came to an end on Sunday, November 23, 2025, in Giza, Egypt. The championships, which brought together top competitors from across the continent, including host nation Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire, also served as a qualifier to the 2026 World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand. Nigeria finished slightly ahead with six gold medals, while Egypt secured five. Côte d’Ivoire also impressed, with Bayala Jean Pierre’s spirited silver medal in the singles, adding depth to the event. 2024 Paralympics bronze medallist, Ogunkunle Isau, led the charge in the Men’s Singles Classes 4–5. Adesope Abiola Wali, Farinloye Victor, and Lawal Kehinde added to Nigeria’s gold tally with victories in their respective singles categories. Isau once again stepped up by excelling in mixed doubles with Oputa Kate, winning the Mixed Doubles class 10 title, while Adesope Abiola Wali and Kehinde finished first in the Mixed Doubles classes 14–20 category. Egypt’s campaign was marked by dominant singles victories, including Ramadan Khaled’s triumph over compatriot Elmahsy Ahmed in the Men’s Singles Classes 1–3, Youssef Sayed’s commanding win against Abdelmoneim Abousteit in the Men’s Singles Classes 6–7, and further golds from Abdelwahab Abdelrahman and Mahmoud Faiza in the women’s classes 1-5. The host’s doubles strength was also evident as Sayed teamed up with Abdelwahab Abdelrahman to clinch the Men’s Doubles Class MD18 title in a hard-fought 3–2 battle against Nigeria’s duo Adesope Abiola Wali and Agunbiade Tajudeen on the final day. Speaking after the conclusion of the championships, Tournament Director Amr Fahmy described the event as a resounding success. He noted that the level of competition continues to improve, with more athletes participating each year. “We are hopeful that future editions will attract even greater participation, which will further enhance the growth and stature of this championship,” Fahmy said. By the close of the competition, eight qualification slots to Bangkok 2026 had been secured, while additional slots will be earned through African rankings in 2026 according to the ITTF rules, ensuring broader representation and opportunity for athletes across the continent.

Read More

US, Nigeria Agrees To Boost Security Collaboration With Intelligence Sharing And Military Support

Wale busari03 mins

The United States and the Federal Government of Nigeria have agreed to strengthen security cooperation, with commitments to expand intelligence sharing and provide military support for nationwide counter-terrorism and counter-extremism operations. The agreement follows a series of high-level meetings in Washington last week between senior Nigerian officials and key US Government agencies, aimed at deepening defence ties and exploring new areas of collaboration. The Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, met with officials from the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of Defense. Other members included Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, said the meetings provided an opportunity to address misconceptions about Nigeria’s security situation, including claims of genocide, and to emphasize that violence affects multiple religious and ethnic communities. “The discussions allowed us to correct misconceptions, foster a solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforce mutual trust, and advance a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt,” Onanuga said. He added that the US has expressed willingness to provide complementary support, including humanitarian aid for affected populations and technical assistance to enhance early-warning systems. Both countries have agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and to establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate actions in priority areas. The Nigerian government also reiterated its commitment to improving civilian protection and addressing concerns around religious freedom and security. “The Federal Government recognizes the heightened sensitivities surrounding religious freedom and security and assures citizens that firm, urgent, and coordinated measures are being taken to safeguard the nation,” Onanuga concluded.

Read More

Orji Uzor Kalu Claims Politicians Are Fueling Killings And Abductions To Destabilise Tinubu Government

Wale busari03 mins

Former Abia State governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has accused politicians of orchestrating the recent rise in killings and abductions across Nigeria to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Kalu said the wave of attacks is not random but part of a calculated plan, drawing parallels to attempts to destabilise former President Goodluck Jonathan. He declined to name the alleged sponsors but suggested both local and foreign actors are involved. “What we are seeing is always a routine, something that goes with the elections. When you have an election, people will try to pressure the government in power for all kinds of things to start happening. And you can remember when President Jonathan was here, a similar thing happened,” Kalu stated. He added that the ongoing insecurity is a strategic move linked to political manoeuvring ahead of upcoming elections. According to him, the attacks mirror past periods of heightened unrest aimed at weakening the incumbent government. Despite his concerns, Kalu expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s response to the crisis, noting that the President had cancelled official engagements to focus on national security following several high-profile abductions. “For the first time, you see the president cancelling all his engagements. Today is Sunday, and he faced security challenges. He faced everything about security,” he said. Kalu assured Nigerians that the government is making every effort to rescue abducted victims, including recently kidnapped schoolgirls. “Those girls will be recovered. The government is making every effort to make sure these people are recovered,” he said, describing the current situation as “not the best of times” for the country. He also praised the military and security agencies, acknowledging that service chiefs and operatives have been fully deployed to restore peace and security.

Read More