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Tag: Nigeria

Morocco 2025: Osimhen, Lookman, Akor Committed to Over-running Desert Warriors

Wale busari08 mins

Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Desert Warriors of Algeria are set for a terrific showdown in the 45,000-capacity Grand Stade de Marrakech on Saturday, in the third quarter-final match of the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals. Both countries, with five African titles between them, will throw everything into the encounter as they seek a place in the last-4 of perhaps the biggest and most glamorous AFCON tournament in the competition’s 69-year history. Both teams have been landlords elsewhere. The Eagles flew from Fès – where they had played all their group phase and Round of 16 matches – to Marrakech on Thursday afternoon, while the Fennecs also had to travel from Rabat (where they also played all their previous four games). Three-time champions Nigeria netted 12 times in their first four matches (three group phase games and the Round of 16), while the Fennecs (otherwise known as Desert Warriors) have struck eight times, including knocking three each past Sudan and Equatorial Guinea in Group E. They eliminated the Democratic Republic of Congo with an added-time goal while the Super Eagles made short work of the Mambas of Mozambique. Nigeria’s twin-terrors Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, and new face Akor Adams, who is highly motivated by his first AFCON goal (against Mozambique in the Round of 16) and the steady recuperation of his mother, look too hot to handle for the 1990 and 2019 champions. Osimhen and Lookman were the driving force behind Nigeria’s runner-up accomplishment in Cote d’Ivoire two years ago, and have proved equally impactful here with each netting three goals, while Lookman has five assists and Osimhen has one. However, the truth is that the Fennecs have their own pack of match-winners, who have proven over the years to be highly dependable and can eke out a result when it is least expected. Baghdad Bounedjah scored the only goal of the 2019 Final against Senegal in Cairo, which handed Algeria their second AFCON trophy, and has remained one of the most potent strikers in the history of the Fennecs. Captain Riyad Mahrez has turned out to be as brutally efficient as Rabah Madjer (who carried the nation on his shoulders as the North African country hosted and won the AFCON trophy in 1990), Lakhdar Belloumi and the nifty Abdelhafid Tasfaout. Ismael Bennacer is another tricky customer, though he operates from the midfield, and defender Ramy Bensebaini scored the only goal when the Fennecs pipped Nigeria in a friendly in Austria in October 2020. Adil Boulbina netted the scorcher that ended the hopes of Leopards of DR Congo, and the Super Eagles must also beware of midfielders Ibrahim Maza and Hicham Boudaoui, as well as striker Anis Hadj-Moussa. Nonetheless, Nigeria has looked very capable in this championship, with the group playing with purpose, grit, pride and passion, and captain Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi have delivered energetically and with panache. Osimhen’s brace against Mozambique took him within three goals of Nigeria’s all-time record of 37 goals, and Lookman now has six AFCON goals, with his brace against Cameroon and strike against Angola in the knockout rounds of the last competition in Cote d’Ivoire. Both forwards will be eager to add to their tally here. Paul Onuachu is galvanized by his strike against Uganda in the group phase turning out to be the 150th AFCON goal for Nigeria, and could play some part in Saturday’s duel. The winner of the encounter will take on the winner of the second semi-final, between Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions and Morocco’s Atlas Lions, taking place on Friday in Rabat. Incidentally, when Morocco hosted the AFCON in 1988 (the only previous championship the North African Kingdom staged), Cameroon clashed with Morocco in the first semi-final while Nigeria and Algeria clashed in the second semi-final. The quartet are now repeating history at the quarter-final stage. Thirty-eight years ago, Nigeria edged Algeria in a marathon penalty shootout after regulation and extra time ended 1-1, while Cameroon edged hosts Morocco to set up a Nigeria-Cameroon Final. The Indomitable Lions won that controversial Final 1-0. SUPER EAGLES, FENNECS IN HISTORY 10 Jan 1973: Nigeria 2-2 Algeria (All-Africa Games: Lagos) 28 Jul 1978: Algeria 1-0 Nigeria (All-Africa Games: Algiers) 22 Mar 1980: Nigeria 3-0 Algeria (AFCON Final: Lagos) 10 Oct 1981: Nigeria 0-2 Algeria (FIFA WCq: Lagos) 30 Oct 1981: Algeria 2-1 Nigeria (FIFA WCq: Constantine) 10 Mar 1982: Nigeria 1-2 Algeria (AFCON: Benghazi) 11 Mar 1984: Nigeria 0-0 Algeria (AFCON: Bouake) 23 Mar 1988: Nigeria 1-1 Algeria (AFCON: Rabat) 02 Mar 1990: Algeria 5-1 Nigeria (AFCON: Algiers) 16 Mar 1990: Algeria 1-0 Nigeria (AFCON Final: Algiers) 03 Jul 1993: Nigeria 4-1 Algeria (FIFA WCq: Lagos) 08 Oct 1993: Algeria 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA WCq: Algiers) 14 Sep 1995: Nigeria 2-0 Algeria (All-Africa Games: Harare) 21 Jan 2002: Algeria 0-1 Nigeria (AFCON: Bamako) 03 Jul 2004: Nigeria 1-0 Algeria (FIFA WCq: Abuja) 04 Sep 2005: Algeria 2-5 Nigeria (FIFA WCq: Oran) 30 Jan 2010: Nigeria 1-0 Algeria (AFCON: Benguela, Angola) 12 Nov 2016: Nigeria 3-1 Algeria (FIFA WCq: Uyo) 10 Nov 2017: Algeria 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA WCq: Constantine) 14 Jul 2019: Algeria 2-1 Nigeria (AFCON: Cairo) 09 Oct 2020: Nigeria 0-1 Algeria (Friendly: St. Veit, Austria) 27 Sep 2022: Algeria 2-1 Nigeria (Friendly: Oran)

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Amanda Azubuike Makes History As First Nigerian Woman To Become US Army Brigadier General

Wale busari02 mins

Amanda Azubuike has broken new ground in a profession long shaped by male leadership, emerging as the first Nigerian woman to rise to the rank of Brigadier General in the United States Army. Now 57, her ascent stands as a powerful symbol of possibility, particularly for women and Black professionals pushing for representation at the highest levels of military command. Azubuike was born in London to Nigerian parents of Igbo heritage and a Zimbabwean mother. Her upbringing was shaped by constant change and perseverance. Her father relocated from Nigeria to the UK to study law, where he met her mother, who was training as a nurse. After her parents separated, Amanda and her sister moved to the United States with their mother, a transition that marked a new chapter in her life. She officially became a US citizen in April 1989. With over 30 years of service, Azubuike has built an impressive military career, taking on several high-impact leadership and strategic roles. She has served as Deputy Commanding Officer at the US Army Cadet Command, led communications as Chief of Public Affairs for the US Southern Command, and worked as a Senior Military Advisor at the Pentagon. Her promotion to Brigadier General crowned decades of dedication and excellence, cementing her place in history as the first Nigerian woman to achieve this milestone in the US Army and reinforcing her legacy as a trailblazer in global military leadership.

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Super Eagles Set to Receive Outstanding AFCON Match Bonuses

Wale busari01 mins

The Federal Government has confirmed that the Super Eagles’ match bonuses for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have cleared all necessary regulatory approvals. Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite said in a statement on Thursday that the payments would begin reflecting in the players’ domiciliary accounts “starting today or tomorrow.” The announcement comes after the Super Eagles threatened on Wednesday to boycott their travel to Marrakesh for their quarter-final match over unpaid allowances. Nigeria is set to face Algeria on Saturday in Marrakesh, about five hours from their base in Fez. Players and officials had insisted they would not make the trip until all outstanding bonuses were settled. The Eagles have yet to receive match allowances for the four games they have played so far in the tournament.

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Algeria, Nigeria To Face Off In AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

Wale busari01 mins

Algeria and Nigeria are set to meet in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Fennec Foxes booked their place in the last eight with a late 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo. After a tense 90 minutes that ended goalless, it looked like the match would be decided by penalties. However, in the 118th minute, Adil Boulbina cut in from the left and fired a stunning strike to secure victory. The Super Eagles advanced on Monday following an emphatic 4-0 victory against Mozambique in Fez, setting up the eagerly anticipated clash with Algeria. The quarter-final showdown will take place on Saturday, January 10, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm local time.

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Lookman Assures Team Unity Despite Osimhen’s Frustration In Nigeria’s Win Over Mozambique

Wale busari01 mins

Ademola Lookman has played down any notion of a rift with Victor Osimhen following Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 at Fes Sports Complex. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Osimhen, who scored twice, showed visible frustration after Lookman missed a passing opportunity, causing a brief moment of tension before the Galatasaray striker was substituted in the 70th minute. After the match, Lookman stressed that team unity remains the top priority. “Victor is our number one guy. He’s a top striker, vital to us. Moments like that happen, but they don’t change our togetherness,” he said. “I play for the badge and my teammates; assists or goals, the team comes first. Victor’s hunger drives us. We understand each other and keep pushing. We stay calm, respect decisions, and focus on the next game.”

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Super Eagles Storm AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals With 4–0 Win Over Mozambique

Wale busari03 mins

Nigeria’s Super Eagles cruised into the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with an emphatic 4–0 win over Mozambique in their Round of 16 encounter in Fès. Fresh from a flawless group stage where they won all three matches to finish top of Group C, the Eagles wasted no time asserting their dominance. Mozambique, who reached the knockout phase for the first time after qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams from Group F, found it difficult to contain Nigeria’s speed and fluid attacking play. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman finished off a move created by Akor Adams. Nigeria tightened their grip on the match five minutes later as Victor Osimhen doubled the lead. Shortly after the restart, Lookman turned provider again, teeing up Osimhen for his second goal in the 47th minute to put the game firmly beyond reach. Akor Adams capped Nigeria’s commanding display in the 75th minute with the fourth goal, sealing a comprehensive victory. Wilfred Ndidi led the team from midfield, partnering Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, while Stanley Nwabali returned between the posts. The defensive line of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi ensured Mozambique posed little threat throughout the contest. Head coach Chelle rotated his squad in the second half, introducing Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze for Akor Adams and Lookman, while Tom Dele-Bashiru and Onyedika replaced Onyeka and Ndidi. Moses Simon also came on for Osimhen as Nigeria comfortably managed the closing stages. By the 80th minute, the Super Eagles had recorded eight shots on target, with Mozambique failing to register a single effort that troubled Nwabali. The result sends Nigeria into the quarter-finals in confident fashion as they continue their push for a fourth AFCON crown. Their next opponents will be decided from the clash between Algeria and Congo DR.

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Canada Deports 366 Nigerians As Enforcement Hits Decade High

Wale busari06 mins

Canada removed 366 Nigerian nationals between January and October 2025 as part of an intensified immigration enforcement drive, the most aggressive the country has carried out in more than a decade. Records from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) removals program show that an additional 974 Nigerians are currently listed as “removal in progress,” meaning they are awaiting deportation. Updated figures released on November 25, 2025, place Nigeria ninth among the top 10 nationalities deported from Canada this year, while it ranks fifth among countries with the highest number of pending removals. Historical data indicates that deportations of Nigerians from Canada have fluctuated over the years. In 2019, 339 Nigerians were removed, a figure that dropped to 302 in 2020, 242 in 2021, and 199 in 2022. Nigeria did not feature among the top 10 deported nationalities in 2023 and 2024 but returned to the list in 2025, recording 366 removals in just 10 months—about an eight percent increase compared to 2019. The rise in deportations coincides with a broader tightening of immigration controls. The CBSA is currently removing close to 400 foreign nationals every week, the fastest rate recorded in over 10 years. During the 2024–2025 fiscal year, Canada deported 18,048 people at a cost estimated at $78 million. Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the CBSA is legally obligated to enforce valid removal orders against foreign nationals deemed inadmissible. Reasons for removal include security concerns, violations of human or international rights, criminal activity, organized crime, health or financial grounds, misrepresentation, and failure to comply with immigration regulations. Data shows that the majority of deportees—about 83 percent—are failed refugee claimants whose asylum applications were denied. Criminal cases account for roughly four percent of all removals. Canadian law recognizes three types of removal orders: departure orders, which require individuals to leave within 30 days; exclusion orders, which bar re-entry for one to five years; and deportation orders, which permanently prohibit return unless special authorization is granted. The federal government says the increased deportations are aimed at aligning immigration levels with national priorities, including addressing housing shortages, labour market pressures, and border security challenges. As part of this effort, authorities approved an additional $30.5 million over three years to strengthen removal operations and committed $1.3 billion to border security improvements. Concerns have been raised by immigration advocates over the potential impact of proposed legislation. Aisling Bondy, president of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, warned that deportations could rise further if Bill C-12, commonly referred to as the border bill, is passed. “According to Bondy, one provision in that legislation states that many individuals will face a permanent prohibition on submitting asylum applications in Canada.” An examination of CBSA figures shows that Nigeria is the only African country among the top 10 nationalities deported from Canada in 2025. Other African countries fall under a broader “remaining nationals” category, which recorded a total of 6,233 removals this year. Mexico leads the list of removals in 2025 with 3,972 deportations, followed by India (2,831), Haiti (2,012), Colombia (737), Romania (672), the United States (656), Venezuela (562), China (385), Nigeria (366), and Pakistan (359). In the current removal inventory, India tops the list with 6,515 cases, followed by Mexico (4,650), the United States (1,704), China (1,430), Nigeria (974), Colombia (895), Pakistan (863), Haiti (741), Brazil (650), and Chile (621). Nigeria remains the only African nation featured in this top 10. Despite the removals, Canada continues to attract Nigerians seeking better economic and educational opportunities. The 2021 Canadian census shows that more than 40,000 Nigerians migrated to Canada between 2016 and 2021, making them the largest African immigrant group and the fifth-largest overall during that period. Further data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada indicates that 6,600 Nigerians became permanent residents in the first four months of 2024, ranking fourth behind India, the Philippines, and China. Between 2005 and 2024, over 71,459 Nigerians obtained Canadian citizenship, placing Nigeria among the top 10 source countries for new Canadians. Canada’s ageing population and labour shortages continue to make the country an attractive destination for Nigerian professionals and students.

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Peter Obi Warns Nigeria Against Tax Policies That Make Citizens Poorer

Wale busari04 mins

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has cautioned that Nigeria may worsen hardship and weaken national unity by adopting tax policies that place heavier burdens on an already struggling population. In a statement shared on X, Obi said genuine economic progress cannot be achieved through measures that make citizens poorer, stressing that growth must be anchored on trust, honesty, and productivity. He warned that policies which erode people’s wellbeing ultimately damage the social contract between government and citizens. Drawing from his interactions with leaders across different countries, Obi noted that nations which achieved lasting transformation did so by uniting their people around a shared vision rooted in truth. He argued that leadership without honesty destroys consensus and weakens the foundations of development. He said taxation should operate as a true social contract built on fairness, sincerity, and concern for citizens’ welfare, adding that tax policies must be clearly explained, including their impact on incomes and how revenues are used for national development. According to him, without transparency, taxation becomes a burden rather than a tool for growth. Obi maintained that Nigeria’s fiscal challenge is not just about increasing revenue but about making citizens wealthier so the country itself can grow stronger. He said Nigerians are being asked to pay higher taxes without clarity, accountability, or visible public benefits. He identified the empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises as the starting point for sustainable economic growth, noting that thriving small businesses create jobs, raise incomes, and naturally broaden the tax base. The former governor also expressed concern over what he described as an unprecedented tax fraud controversy, alleging that a tax law currently being enforced is not the same version passed by the National Assembly. He said reports indicate that lawmakers themselves have acknowledged discrepancies between what was approved and what was eventually gazetted. Obi warned against celebrating increased government revenue while citizens become poorer, describing such outcomes as a failure of governance rather than success. He argued that taxing poverty does not create wealth but instead deepens hardship. He called for a fair, lawful, and people-centred tax system that supports production, rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and restores trust between the government and the people, saying only such an approach can turn taxation into a true instrument for unity, growth, and shared prosperity.

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