Mozambique President Promises Huge Bonus If Mambas Beat Super Eagles At AFCON 2025

Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo has applauded the Mambas for reaching the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and has unveiled a special incentive ahead of their clash with Nigeria. The Mozambican side booked a date with the Super Eagles after finishing third in Group F, even though they closed the group stage with a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon. In a message released on Thursday to the players and coaching crew, President Chapo praised the team’s efforts at the tournament, describing their progression to the knockout stage as a historic achievement that has brought pride to the country. He commended the squad for their discipline, bravery and determination, noting that their performance had pushed Mozambican football to a new level on the continental scene. To further boost morale ahead of the Nigeria encounter, Jornal Notícias reported that the president approved an extraordinary bonus of 500,000 meticais, valued at about N11.3 million, for each player and member of the technical team if they defeat the Super Eagles and qualify for the quarter-finals. President Chapo also assured the team of the full support of the nation and expressed confidence in their ability to rise to the occasion against Nigeria. Nigeria and Mozambique will meet at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Monday, January 5, with kickoff scheduled for 8 pm.

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DDG Says Nigeria Is Safer Than America During Lagos Visit

American rapper and online personality Darryl Dwayne Jr., known as DDG, has sparked online reactions after claiming that Nigeria is safer than the United States. The rapper made the comments in a video shared by CutnPaid on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, January 1, while visiting Lagos, challenging the widely held notion that Nigeria is extremely dangerous. “I think America is the most dangerous country there is, to be honest. I don’t think Nigeria is as dangerous as America, nowhere near,” he said. DDG compared crime in both countries, pointing to the high rates of gang-related shootings in the U.S., which he said are far more serious than anything he has experienced in Nigeria. “You get robbed out here for sure, but people aren’t getting shot like that — the way it happens in America,” he noted. He encouraged anyone planning to visit Nigeria not to be swayed by negative stereotypes. “So if anybody is thinking about coming out here, just pull, bro,” he added. 𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐈 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐈𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚” — 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐃𝐆 American rapper and internet personality Darryl Dwayne Jr., popularly known as DDG, has stirred reactions online after stating that Nigeria… pic.twitter.com/Ryov4K7gjw — Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) January 1, 2026

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First Lady Remi Tinubu Welcomes First Baby of 2026 in Abuja

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, kicked off 2026 by visiting new mothers at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, describing the year as one of “peace in abundance” and “prosperity in abundance” for the country. She was joined by the Vice President’s wife, Hajia Nana Shettima, Minister of Women Affairs Hajia Imaan Sulieman-Ibrahim, Minister of State for the FCT Hajia Mariya Mahmoud, and other dignitaries. During the visit, she welcomed the “First Baby of the Year,” a girl born at midnight to 26-year-old first-time mother Adakole Patience. The First Lady also celebrated Blessing Oragwu, who gave birth to triplets—two boys and a girl—on December 29, 2025, after 13 years of marriage, presenting gifts to the family. “I welcomed the baby of the year, a girl, and then visited the triplets born last month. The mother waited 13 years, which is wonderful,” she said. Reflecting on the start of the new year, Senator Tinubu expressed gratitude for Nigerians who made it into 2026 and shared her hopes for the nation. “In Yoruba land, they say when you have girls, they come with ease. We believe this year will be great for our nation—peace in abundance, prosperity in abundance. We should all be thankful,” she said. She encouraged Nigerian women to pursue their ambitions with faith and generosity. “Nigerian women are blessed and hardworking. If you feel God has placed something in your heart, go after it. Start small if needed—you will be amazed. This year, to prosper, sow into the lives of the less privileged. Be generous. Giving should be intentional,” she added. The First Lady also invited Nigerians to listen to her podcast, Daughters of Zelophehad, for a more detailed message.

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Onuachu And Onyedika Fire Nigeria To 3-1 Win Over Uganda, Maintain Perfect Record In AFCON Group C

Paul Onuachu and Raphael Onyedika starred as Nigeria defeated Uganda 3-1 to secure all nine points in Group C of the AFCON qualifiers. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle made several changes to his starting lineup, handing starts to Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), and Moses Simon (Paris FC). In the absence of Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen captained the team. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Onuachu scored his first goal for Nigeria in four years, assisted by Dele-Bashiru. In the 50th minute, Chidozie Awaziem missed a close-range chance from a corner, and a minute later, Bruno Onyemachi nearly doubled the lead, firing into the side netting after Osimhen missed a header. Uganda was reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute when substitute goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola handled Osimhen’s goal-bound shot outside the penalty area. Nigeria extended their lead in the 67th minute when Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika scored with an assist from on-loan Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze. Five minutes later, Chukwueze again impressed on the right wing, setting up Onyedika to complete his brace. Uganda pulled a consolation goal in the 75th minute through Rogers Mato, who finished off Allan Okello’s through pass. Osimhen was substituted in the 87th minute for Sevilla striker Adams Akor after being denied a first-half goal due to an offside call. Earlier, Super Eagles legend Kanu Nwankwo, popularly known as Papilo, sent prayers and support to the team ahead of their final Group C match, praising the players for their performance against Tunisia and celebrating their connection to the iconic Super Eagles anthem from the early 1990s.

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Tinubu In Telephone Conversation With Anthony Joshua, Mother After Tragic Accident

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spoke by phone today with Anthony Joshua, the Nigerian-British former heavyweight boxing champion, following the tragic accident in Ogun State in which Joshua was injured and lost two of his associates. “I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital. “I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call. “Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The Governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention.” Earlier, in a statement on X, President Tinubu—who is currently abroad—expressed profound sympathy for the boxer over the accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. “I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride. “In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny. “I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.”  

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AFCON: Nigeria Edge Tunisia 3-2 as Lookman Inspires Super Eagles to Knockout Stage

Ademola Lookman delivered a standout performance as Nigeria edged Tunisia 3-2 to secure qualification for the AFCON round of 16, ending a three-game winless streak against the Eagles of Carthage. The match began at a high tempo, though clear chances were limited early on. Hannibal Mejbri hurried an effort for Tunisia, while Victor Osimhen missed two headed opportunities from promising positions inside the opening 11 minutes. Osimhen then saw a close-range finish ruled out for offside after reacting quickest to Akor Adams’ saved shot. Nigeria gradually asserted control, even if the scoreboard did not immediately reflect it. Osimhen again headed wide from a Calvin Bassey cross, while Tunisia signaled intent when Ali Abdi fired over Stanley Nwabali’s bar. Wilfred Ndidi responded with an effort that flew over at the other end. The breakthrough came in the 44th minute when Lookman’s precise delivery found Osimhen, who broke free from Montassar Talbi to power a header home and celebrate with visible relief. The Super Eagles carried that momentum into the second half and doubled their lead within five minutes. Ndidi rose to meet Lookman’s corner, nodding in his first goal for Nigeria. Lookman then tested the defense himself as Tunisian frustration grew, worsened by Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane leaving the pitch injured after a collision with Nwabali. Nigeria struck again in the 67th minute through a slick attacking move. Lookman danced past Yan Valery and finished clinically, despite defenders racing back toward the goal line. Tunisia mounted a late fightback. Talbi reduced the deficit by glancing Mejbri’s free-kick past Nwabali with 15 minutes remaining. The tension increased in the 87th minute when Bright Osayi-Samuel conceded a penalty for handball, which Abdi converted to make it 3-2. Ferjani Sassi came close to completing the comeback, but his header drifted wide, allowing Nigeria to hold on. The result gives the Super Eagles seven wins from their last eight AFCON group-stage matches and confirms their place in the knockout rounds. For Tunisia, the defeat ends a five-match unbeaten run, though they remain second in the group ahead of their clash with Tanzania.

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Panic In Kwara As Explosions Rock Offa Hours After US Airstrikes In Nigeria

Residents of Offa, Kwara State, were thrown into fear late Thursday night after explosions shook parts of the town, destroying property and raising security concerns, just hours after the United States carried out airstrikes on ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria. The blasts reportedly occurred around midnight on Christmas Day at two separate locations. Witnesses told The PUNCH that the first explosion affected buildings near the Eid praying ground, while a second occurred close to Solid Worth Hotel, about a five-minute walk from the first site. An undetonated device was reportedly discovered at the second location, prompting heightened security measures. The exact source and nature of the explosions were still unclear at the time of reporting. Confirming the incident, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Offa Local Government, Abiola Azeez Babatunde, said the council was aware of online reports about the explosions. “The Offa Local Government has taken note of reports circulating regarding a suspected ordnance-related incident that occurred in the precinct of Offa Yidi Praying Ground on December 25, 2025. The affected areas have been cordoned off by security agencies to allow for thorough investigation,” Babatunde said. He added that the Local Government Chairman, Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, visited the scene immediately to assess the situation firsthand. “The Executive Chairman, Hon. Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, visited the location immediately after the incident to assess the situation. Residents are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while security agencies carry out their investigations,” the statement added. A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The PUNCH that the objects that struck buildings in Offa were components from a missile, not conventional explosives. “There was an airstrike by the US in collaboration with the Nigerian government against terrorists in Sokoto. The operation involved more than a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from a US warship in the Gulf of Guinea. What was found in Offa is not a bomb but a component of a missile that was launched,” the source said. The explosions came shortly after US President Donald Trump confirmed airstrikes targeting ISIS positions in northwest Nigeria, particularly Sokoto State. While there is no official link between the US strikes and the Offa incident, the timing has heightened public anxiety, with residents calling for increased security and clarification from authorities. The Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are ongoing. “Discrete investigations are ongoing to reveal exactly what happened. Please be patient,” she said. Offa is located roughly 540 to 550 kilometres from Sokoto. As of Friday morning, no casualties had been reported, and the state government and security agencies have yet to release a detailed statement on the explosions.

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Morocco 2025: Nigeria, Tunisia Battle for Three Points in Top-of-the-table Clash

One of Africa’s most storied and remarkable football rivalries makes another stop on Saturday, this time in the Moroccan city of Fès, as Nigeria and Tunisia clash in a top-of-the-table encounter of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, at the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès. With three points taken by each team from their opening games, the stage is set for fiery exchanges as Coaches Eric Chelle and Sami Trabelsi, themselves former players, will be determined to push their teams to achieve victory and book an early spot in the tournament’s Round of 16. There have been a total of 21 matches between both teams, dating back 64 years, with each having won six times, and the remaining nine matches drawn (though some eventually went into penalty shootouts). Of the three that stretched to penalty shootouts, Nigeria won two, including a memorable 1982 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture and an Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final duel that flowed back and forth in the Egyptian city of Port Said 19 years ago. Tunisia won the lottery in the 2004 AFCON that they hosted, edging the Eagles to set up a Final clash with Morocco’s Atlas Lions. Both teams have staged walkouts against each other, with Nigeria leaving the pitch in an AFCON qualifying match in Tunis in December 1961, after a controversial goal, and Tunisia opting to do the same when Nigeria scored an equalizing goal through Baba Otu Mohammed in an AFCON bronze-medal match in Kumasi in March 1978. When the Carthage Eagles pipped the Super Eagles 1-0 in the Round of 16 at the AFCON in Cameroon four years ago, it was their first victory over Nigeria in a competitive match since 1985, when they won a 1986 World Cup qualifying match 2-0 in Tunis. There have been high drama, muscle-flexing, and boardroom blowouts, and Saturday’s encounter will be another game of intensity and power-play as Nigeria seek to establish themselves as one of the favourites for the trophy and Tunisia, who will be going to next year’s FIFA World Cup finals, determined to fight for a second continental title. Trabelsi, who was in the squad that Khaled Badra led to win Tunisia’s only AFCON title, at home in 2004, has the likes of Captain Ferjani Sassi, Ali Maãloul, Hannibal Mejbri, Dylan Bronn, Ben Ali, Ali Ben Romdhane and Yan Valery who can turn a game on its head within a split second. They showed their deadliness in sweeping aside Uganda in Rabat on Tuesday evening. For Eric Chelle, the triumvirate of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze at the fore, and the duo of Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi at the rear provide some assurance. With Osimhen still looking for his first goal of the tournament, the Carthage Eagles could be under tremendous pressure from Nigeria’s ace forward who boasts 31 goals in 47 matches. Midfield lubricator Alexander Iwobi, likely to win his 93rd cap, will be expected to play a key role in Nigeria’s challenge for the three points. Captain Wilfred Ndidi will surely be called upon several times to break up the play of the fast-paced Tunisians. SUPER EAGLES, CARTHAGE EAGLES IN HISTORY 25 Nov 1961: Nigeria 2-1 Tunisia (AFCONq: Lagos) 10 Dec 1961: Tunisia 2-2 Nigeria (AFCONq: Tunis): Match inconclusive as Nigeria walked off the pitch 25 Sep 1977: Tunisia 0-0 Nigeria (WCq: Tunis) 12 Nov 1977: Nigeria 0-1 Tunisia (WCq: Lagos) 16 Mar 1978: Tunisia 0-2 Nigeria (AFCON: Kumasi): Match at 1-1 when Tunisia walked off the pitch 29 Jun 1980: Tunisia 2-0 Nigeria (WCq: Tunis) 12 Jul 1980: Nigeria 2-0 Tunisia (WCq: Lagos): Nigeria win 4-3 on penalties 29 Sep 1984: Tunisia 5-0 Nigeria (Friendly: Tunis) 06 Jul 1985: Nigeria 1-0 Tunisia (WCq: Lagos) 20 Jul 1985: Tunisia 2-0 Nigeria (WCq: Tunis) 22 Feb 1992: Tunisia 1-1 Nigeria (SCSA: Tunis) 09 Aug 1997: Tunisia 2-0 Nigeria (LG Cup: Tunis) 23 Jan 2000: Nigeria 4-2 Tunisia (AFCON: Lagos) 11 Feb 2004: Tunisia 1-1 Nigeria (AFCON: Rades): Tunisia win 4-3 on penalties 04 Feb 2006: Tunisia 1-1 Nigeria (AFCON: Port Said): Nigeria win 6-5 on penalties 20 Jun 2009: Tunisia 0-0 Nigeria (WCq: Rades) 06 Sep 2009: Nigeria 2-2 Tunisia (WCq: Abuja) 22 Jan 2016: Tunisia 1-1 Nigeria (CHAN: Kigali) 17 Jul 2019: Nigeria 1-0 Tunisia (AFCON: Cairo) 13 Oct 2020: Tunisia 1-1 Nigeria (Friendly: St. Veit, Austria) 23 Jan 2022: Tunisia 1-0 Nigeria (AFCON: Garoua)

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