The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Tinubu’s reform will develop Nigeria, says Okpebholo 

    Tinubu’s reform will develop Nigeria, says Okpebholo 

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has assured Nigerians that the reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would develop the nation.

    Governor Okpebholo said a robust strategies in collaboration with relevant security agencies have been put in place by President Tinubu to ensure safety of lives and property across the country.

    Okpebholo spoke at an interdenominational prayer service held at his residence in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

    Governor Okpebholo who called on Nigerians to continue to pray for President Tinubu and his administration, said prayers were crucial to successful delivery of electioneering promises.

    The Edo Governor said his administration is working hard to develop the state but that some persons were trying to divert their attention and set the state on the path of retrogression.

    ” I appeal for your prayers, asking God to frustrate the enemies of the state.

    Read Also: CDS pledges resilient, disciplined military to safeguard Nigeria’s unity

    “Consistent prayers and effective collaboration with security agencies have continued to improve the security situation in Edo State, As we are working to develop Edo State, some people are trying to divert our attention and set the state on the path of retrogression. I appeal for your prayers, asking God to frustrate the enemies of the state.

     “I want to assure you that our administration and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing everything possible to ensure the safety of lives and property of Nigerians and to make Edo State safer. The Egyptians we see today in Edo State and Nigeria, we shall see them no more. The kidnappings we saw yesterday, we shall see them no more”

    “The cultism and cult-related activities we saw yesterday, we shall see them no more. I request prayers for Mr President Tinubu. This is a time he truly needs our prayers because he is doing so much for Nigeria, despite several criticisms against his government”

    “The President is implementing far-reaching policies and economic reforms that will develop the nation.

    “We are putting deliberate strategies in place to ensure sustained development and progress in Edo State but critics are making concerted efforts to distract the government and drag the state backward.

    “As we are working to develop Edo State, some people are trying to divert our attention and set the state on the path of retrogression. I appeal for your prayers, asking God to frustrate the enemies of the state.

    “We need prayers for our land because without prayers, development will be difficult. Businesses will not thrive, and economic activities will suffer,” he stated 

    In his sermon titled “Crossing Over with Gratitude,” Reverend Francis Okhale urged the congregation to always give thanks to God.

    He said, “We are here to honour God Almighty for what He is using Senator Monday Okpebholo to do for Edo people. We can see the impact of his administration, especially in infrastructural development such as flyovers, schools, hospitals, and other critical projects.” 

  • Imam urges Tinubu to stay focused on national vision at Jumat prayers

    Imam urges Tinubu to stay focused on national vision at Jumat prayers

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday joined Muslim faithful for Jumat prayers at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos, where the presiding Imam urged him to remain steadfast in pursuing his vision for the country despite challenges and criticism.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

    Delivering the sermon, the visiting Imam of the mosque, Dr Salahudeen Munirudeen Arriyadhi, commended the President for what he described as the administration’s ongoing developmental efforts, reminding him that leadership often attracts divergent opinions.

    Read Also: Seyi Tinubu gets installed as Okanlòmo of Eyọ Ọba Alakẹtẹ Pupa, Laba Ẹkun

    “You cannot satisfy everyone at the same time,” the Imam said, urging the President to stay focused on governance and service to the people.

    Quoting from the Qur’an, Dr Arriyadhi told the President that “Allah was happy with leaders who listened to the cries of his followers but unhappy with leaders who do not attend to the needs of the led,” adding prayers for divine guidance and success for the administration.

    “We are praying for you, and you will succeed,” he said.

    In his sermon, themed Unity in Diversity and Remembering the Day of Judgement, the cleric said human differences in colour, tribe, religion, language and nationality were divinely ordained and should be embraced rather than feared.

    He stressed that diversity was not accidental but a sign of God’s wisdom, noting that it should serve as a foundation for harmony, unity and mutual learning among people.

    “Diversity is a sign of Allah’s Wisdom. If Allah had wanted every one of His creations to be one, He would have created them one. Diversity in religion and tribe should not be a source of problems,” the Imam said.

    President Tinubu was accompanied to the mosque by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, among other senior officials.

    He was received at the mosque by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, as well as members of the mosque’s management.

    The President arrived in Lagos on Saturday, December 20, to spend the end-of-year festive season in the nation’s commercial capital.

  • Captain Ndidi, Ajayi  want improvement  despite  ‘spirited’ winning start

    Captain Ndidi, Ajayi  want improvement  despite  ‘spirited’ winning start

    Captain Wilfred Ndidi has praised Super Eagles’ resilience following a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania in their opening match  at 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while acknowledging there is still room for improvement.

    Speaking after the match, Ndidi stressed the importance of starting the tournament on a winning note.

    “The first game is always about momentum,” Ndidi said. “It was really good that we got the three points, which is the most important thing.”

    The Besiktas midfielder admitted the team struggled with fatigue in the second half but praised the squad’s reaction and composure under pressure.

    Read Also: Governor Otti hosts Abia-born Super Falcons after 2024 WAFCON triumph

    “There’s always space for improvement. The first half was good, the pace was good. In the second half we were a bit tired, but we reacted very well,” he added.

    Despite Nigeria conceding again, Ndidi downplayed concerns over defensive issues, expressing confidence in the players and coaching crew to address shortcomings as the tournament progresses.

    Similarly, defender Semi Ajayi has admitted that  the Super Eagles still have areas to improve despite their winning start  against Tanzania.

    Ajayi  who was named Man of the Match, emphasized the need for improvement as the tournament progresses.

    “There are a few things we would iron out and improve, but there are also a lot of positives to take,” he said. “We need to do better at seeing out games and killing teams off.”

    The defender also stressed the importance of goals coming from all areas of the pitch, noting that success cannot rely solely on attackers.

    Nigeria now turn attention to a crucial Group C encounter against Tunisia, while Tanzania prepare to face Uganda in their next match.

  • Aiyegbeni urges Super Eagles to  brace for stiffer  AFCON challenges

    Aiyegbeni urges Super Eagles to  brace for stiffer  AFCON challenges

    Former Nigeria International Yakubu Aiyegbeni has urged  the Super Eagles campaigning at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to brace for stiffer challenges  despite their opening 2-1 win against Tanzania.

    Weighing  in on Victor Osimhen’s display and the rhythm of Nigeria’s midfield,  he stressed  that the Galatasaray man did much of the hard work but lacked the final break of luck in front of goal.

    The Super Eagles created plenty in Fez, building their attacks through wide movement and quick combinations around the box. Alex Iwobi dictated pockets of play, drifting between lines and linking seamlessly with Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman. That platform meant chances kept falling to Osimhen, even if the finishing touch never quite arrived on the night.

    Aiyegbeni pointed to the volume of those opportunities as proof that the framework around the striker is functioning, while insisting that Nigeria cannot stop refining the creative core if they hope to go deep at AFCON 2025.

    Read Also: Salah joins  African greats with AFCON scoring streak

    “You have Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi… they try to create chances and they create some chances for Osimhen. He was just unlucky today,” Aiyegbeni  reportedly told journalist Toyosi Afolayan  as per Afrikfoot after the Tanzania game. “But we still need creative midfield, but the midfield today with Chukwueze, I think he did very well.”

    Iwobi’s influence backed that verdict. The midfielder stitched phases together, drove Nigeria forward in transition, and finished with two assists, underlining how central he has become to the team’s flow.

    While Osimhen chased relentlessly, pressed defenders, and occupied the back line, the former Everton man acted as the connector that kept Nigeria’s attacks breathing.

    The three time AFCON winners now sits second in group c after the opening day, and attention quickly turns to the next match against Tunisia on December 27 in Fez.

  • Oliseh responds as fans split over commentary on Eagles’ win

    Oliseh responds as fans split over commentary on Eagles’ win

    Former Super Eagles captain and head coach, Sunday Oliseh, has broken his silence following mixed reactions on his ‘colour commentary’  during Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Tanzania, a match in which the Super Eagles opened their AFCON campaign on a positive note.

     While Nigeria secured all three points, Oliseh’s post-match commentary quickly became a major talking point across social media platforms.

     While many praised Oliseh for  his no-holds-barred assessment of the Super Eagles’ performance, others accused the former skipper of being overly critical with some suggesting his analysis portrayed a lack of support for the team despite the win.

    Read Also: Governor Otti hosts Abia-born Super Falcons after 2024 WAFCON triumph

    Reacting to the backlash, Oliseh released an official statement expressing disappointment over the narrative being pushed online. He stressed that his comments were rooted in professionalism and a deep-seated commitment to the progress of Nigerian football, not hostility towards the team or coaching crew led by Eric Chelle. According to Oliseh, objective analysis should never be mistaken for disloyalty.

    “For nearly 40 years, I have dedicated my life and career to the progress of Nigerian football,” Oliseh stated, adding that while his role as an analyst demands honesty and balance, his emotional attachment to the Super Eagles remains unchanged. He described constructive criticism as “a tool for improvement borne out of a desire to see our nation succeed.”

    The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder also noted the irony in the criticism, revealing that he had previously been accused of being “too supportive” of the coaching staff. He explained that the contrasting accusations highlight a misunderstanding of his role, reaffirming that his loyalty to the green and white is unwavering and needs no validation.

    Oliseh concluded by urging fans to shift focus away from personal debates and rally behind the players as the tournament progresses. As discussions continue to trend online, his message served as a reminder of the fine line between passion-driven fandom and the value of honest football discourse, especially as Nigeria pushes for continental glory.

  • Chukwueze recalls  difficult times at Milan

    Chukwueze recalls  difficult times at Milan

    Super Eagles’  forward at the ongoing Africa Cups of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025, Samuel  Chukwueze has admitted he endured some torrid time  with AC Milan before he was farmed out on loan to Fulham in the English Premier League.

    Chukwueze arrived Milan in 2023 on the wave of glory from Villarreal but he tallied just four goals in 51 games before heading to the loan spell at Fulham where he has found his rhythm once again.

    On the  sidelines of the Super Eagles’  AFCON campaign in Fes, the 26- year-old  has  spoken candidly about his tempestuous time with the Rossoneri, adding he was not given enough time to blossom at the Serie A side.

    Read Also: Salah joins  African greats with AFCON scoring streak

    “I don’t think I was given the time or the opportunities I needed (at Milan),” the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner reportedly said On Sport via Milanista.  “But that’s football. I just have to keep working. Maybe one day I’ll return to Serie A, or La Liga, or stay in the Premier League. English football probably suits my style better than Italian tactics.”

    He added: I miss Milan. It’s my second home. My family are still there, so of course I miss the city. They are doing well and I wish them all the best, I’m still a Milan player, after all, because I’m only on loan.”

    Despite his not too pleasant period at Milan, Chukwueze remains upbeat about the city of Milan even as he backed his former side to remain firmly in the race for the Scudetto.

     “You can see what Milan are doing, they’re playing very well,” he said. “If they keep pushing like this, I think they can win. I’m sure they’ll finish in the top four because their level has been really high.”

    Chukwueze also reserved special praise for new teammate Luka Modrić, calling him “one of the best players I’ve ever played with,” and for Zlatan Ibrahimović, whose influence he described as motivational across the entire Milan dressing room.

  • Morocco 2025: Goldberg  fuels ‘AFCON Magic’ with fans for Super Eagles

    Morocco 2025: Goldberg  fuels ‘AFCON Magic’ with fans for Super Eagles

    Goldberg Lager Beer has applauded the Super Eagles following their 2–1 victory over Tanzania in Fez, a result that handed Nigeria maximum points in their opening match and lifted spirits among fans across the country.

    While the win marked a positive start for the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations, Goldberg said the moment also reflected the deeper story of Nigerian football culture — the passion, belief, and shared energy of the fans — which sits at the heart of their ‘Our Beat, Our Gold’ campaign.

     “Our Beat, Our Gold is Goldberg’s celebration of Nigerian football culture beyond the ninety minutes of play,” said Kunle Aroyehun, Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg. “It speaks to the shared rhythm around football; the conversations, the humour, the emotions, and the way the game brings us together. Football in Nigeria is not just watched, it’s lived, and that collective passion is something truly golden.”

    The Super Eagles took an early step forward in their AFCON journey with the win and will next face Tunisia in a key Group C fixture. For Goldberg, however, the focus remains on the supporters whose energy continues to drive the team.

    As the Official Beer and Sponsor of the Super Eagles, Goldberg has been spreading what it describes as “AFCON magic” through a network of viewing centres designed to bring fans together in shared celebration.

    Read Also: Governor Otti hosts Abia-born Super Falcons after 2024 WAFCON triumph

    Across Lagos and surrounding communities, the brand has activated fan hubs at Campos Stadium in the Lagos Island area, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Rowe Sport Centre in Yaba, Abesan in the Abesan community, Mushin in Mushin, Agege Stadium in Agege and Ikorodu within the Ikorodu community.

    These viewing centres combine live football with music, entertainment and fan engagement, creating lively spaces where supporters can watch matches together and express their emotions freely. According to Goldberg, the aim is to recreate the excitement of the stadium and make every Super Eagles game a communal experience.

     “Football has always been a unifying force in Nigeria, especially during moments involving the Super Eagles,” Aroyehun said. “We felt it was important to shift the spotlight to the fans — the people who show up emotionally every time. This campaign recognises that passion and gives it a platform.”

    The Our Beat, Our Gold campaign also features the Golden Clan, a group of cultural voices brought together to amplify real fan stories and conversations around Nigerian football. Through humour, commentary and shared experiences, the Golden Clan reflects the many ways Nigerians live the game beyond match day results.

     “The Golden Clan helps us tell the real football stories — the banter, the reactions and the moments that make supporting the Super Eagles special,” Aroyehun explained. “They simply amplify what fans already do naturally.”

    The Goldberg brand manager captured the spirit of the campaign in simple terms. “Our Beat, Our Gold na how Goldberg dey celebrate the way Nigerians take love football,” he said. “No be only the match, na the gist, the shout, the banter, the way everybody dey feel am together. That our collective energy na the beat, and to us, na pure gold.”

    As the Super Eagles prepare for their next match against Tunisia, Goldberg says it will continue to stand with fans, celebrating their passion and togetherness.

     “Whether you’re watching from home, a viewing centre or the street corner, your energy matters,” Mr Aroyehun added. “This passion, this rhythm, this community — it’s gold.”

    For Goldberg, the opening win against Tanzania is a good foundation the Super Eagles can build on in their quest for a fourth AFCON title

  • Davido hits N140m jackpot on Eagles’ winning start

    Davido hits N140m jackpot on Eagles’ winning start

    Afrobeats superstar Davido has cashed out  big on Nigeria’s opening match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, earning a massive N140 million after his pre-match prediction came true.

    Ahead of the Super Eagles’ Group C clash against Tanzania in Fez, Morocco, Davido had  predicted that both teams would score during the encounter. The forecast proved accurate as Nigeria edged Tanzania 2–1 in a tightly contested match.

    The Super Eagles took the lead in the first half before Tanzania equalised, setting up a tense contest that was eventually settled by Ademola Lookman’s decisive goal.

    Read Also: Salah joins  African greats with AFCON scoring streak

    Reports  claimed that Davido’s correct call earned him  about  $96,564 pay-out  which is said to  be an  equivalent of  about N140 million, sparking widespread excitement on social media.

    Fans celebrated not only Nigeria’s winning start to their AFCON campaign but also applauded Davido’s sharp prediction, which turned football insight into a lucrative outcome.

  • Otti honours Abia-born Super  Falcons on historic WAFCON triumph

    Otti honours Abia-born Super  Falcons on historic WAFCON triumph

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has celebrated three Super Falcons of Abia origin following Nigeria’s historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where the Falcons defeated hosts Morocco in Rabat to clinch a record-extending 10th continental title.

    The players hosted by the Governor were Miracle Usani Ofem of Abia Angels FC, Christy Ucheibe of Benfica Ladies (represented by her father), and Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto, Canada.

    Speaking during the reception held on Tuesday, December 23, Governor Otti expressed deep appreciation to the players for projecting Abia State and Nigeria positively on the continental stage.

    “I just want to thank you for bringing honour and pride to this State and our Nation. We are very happy that you emerged champions. Abia State is a State of champions,” the Governor said.

    Governor Otti explained that the state had initially planned to receive the players earlier, but tight schedules prevented the meeting. He reaffirmed his administration’s belief in celebrating excellence to inspire others.

    Read Also: Governor Otti hosts Abia-born Super Falcons after 2024 WAFCON triumph

    “We like to celebrate people who have done well so that others can emulate them and even want to do better. As you perform better, be assured that we are also going to celebrate you,” he assured.

    The Governor also disclosed that the victorious Falcons would receive a “handsome reward package,” to be conveyed through the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, praised Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to sports development and thanked him for honouring the Abia-born champions and rewarding excellence.

    Similarly, Chairman of Abia Angels FC, Mr. Johnson Nwosu, described the occasion as historic, noting the club’s transformation into one of Nigeria’s elite women’s teams under the current administration.

    Responding on behalf of the players, Usani thanked the Governor for his support and hospitality, describing the reception as a great honour. The event was attended by top government officials and political leaders across the state.

  • GOtv Boxing Night 34 Jam Festival holds tomorrow

    GOtv Boxing Night 34 Jam Festival holds tomorrow

    The much-anticipated sports and entertainment show, GOtv Boxing Night 34 Jam Festival, will take place tomorrow at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    The Boxing Day showcase will feature six professional bouts, headlined by the national super bantamweight title clash between Sodiq “Happy Boy” Adeleke and defending champion Durotimi “Tiny” Agboola. The bout is expected to be a defining contest for both fighters, with Adeleke chasing his first national title and Agboola aiming to retain his crown.

    Read Also: Salah joins  African greats with AFCON scoring streak

    Also on the card is an international catchweight bout between Nigeria’s Rasheed “ID Buster” Idowu and Ghana’s Nii Offei Dodoo, adding a familiar West African rivalry to the night. Other confirmed contests include Segun “Odi” Gbobaniyi against Tobiloba “Smiling Assassin” Ijomoni in the lightweight division, Sodiq “Smart Lion” Suleiman versus Emmanuel “Ability” Abimbola in a light welterweight clash, Ezekiel “Touch” Seun against Toheeb “Full Tank” Hassan in the super bantamweight category, and Sadam “Baby Boxer” Oladipupo facing Imole “System” Oloyede.

    Beyond the boxing, the Jam Festival edition will also feature live music and comedy performances, reinforcing the event’s reputation as a blend of sport and entertainment. Fast-rising artistes Shoday and Mavo are billed to perform, alongside comedy act Triclowns, as organisers aim to deliver a full Boxing Day experience for fans.

    The event, which begins at 4pm, will air live on SS Africa 1 (GOtv Channel 63, DStv Channel 207). It is sponsored by GOtv, with support from MultiChoice, Renmoney, ZetaWeb, TheCable and the Lagos State Sports Commission.