The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • EPL: Aston Villa beat Newcastle 2-0 to keep title hopes alive

    EPL: Aston Villa beat Newcastle 2-0 to keep title hopes alive

    Aston Villa moved to within four points of the Premier League summit after a commanding 2-0 victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday, while Chelsea climbed into the top four with a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.

    Leaders Arsenal, however, can restore a seven-point cushion over Villa and Manchester City when they host Manchester United later this week.

    Villa bounced back from last weekend’s 1-0 home defeat to Everton to remain in contention for their first league title since 1981. Emi Buendia opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a spectacular strike from outside the box, setting Unai Emery’s side on course for their first win at Newcastle since 2005.

    Newcastle struggled without injured captain Bruno Guimaraes and were unable to inspire a fightback, leaving their Champions League qualification hopes in jeopardy. Ollie Watkins sealed the win with a header from Lucas Digne’s cross in the 88th minute.

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    The defeat saw Newcastle drop to ninth but remain just three points outside the top five, keeping their European ambitions alive. Villa, meanwhile, hold an 11-point advantage over sixth-placed Manchester United, keeping them on track for a return to Europe’s elite competition.

    At Selhurst Park, Chelsea delivered more blows to Crystal Palace with a 3-1 victory, extending their strong run under Liam Rosenior. The Blues scored through Estevao, Joao Pedro, and Enzo Fernandez from the penalty spot, marking their fourth win in five league matches since Rosenior’s appointment.

    Palace’s struggles deepened as England international Adam Wharton was sent off for two bookable offences, and striker Jean-Philippe Mateta missed a key early chance. Manager Oliver Glasner, who has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season, expressed frustration over the sale of captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City, adding to uncertainty over his squad’s future.

    Elsewhere in the relegation battle, Nottingham Forest strengthened their survival hopes with a 2-0 win over Brentford at home. Goals from Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi lifted Forest five points clear of the drop zone, following West Ham’s win over Sunderland on Saturday that had intensified pressure on Sean Dyche’s side.

  • FUPRE warns new intakes against cultism

    FUPRE warns new intakes against cultism

    …admits 2,390 Students

    The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) has matriculated 2,390 new students, warning them that freedom on campus must be balanced with discipline, integrity, and personal responsibility.

    The students were matriculated on Saturday for the 2025/2026 academic session, with the university reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct.

    Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Chiedu Uwabor, said the fresh students earned their places through “a rigorous and merit-based process,” describing their admission as “the beginning of a transformative academic journey.”

    The Vice-Chancellor urged the students to be guided by the institution’s motto, “Excellence and Relevance,” while navigating university life.

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    “FUPRE maintains a zero-tolerance policy for cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, cybercrime, and all forms of misconduct,” he warned, stressing that such acts could jeopardise students’ academic future.

    He noted that the ceremony formally inducted the students into “a scholarly community committed to knowledge, integrity, and purposeful excellence,” positioning them to innovate, lead and contribute meaningfully to society.

    Highlighting the institution’s niche, the Vice-Chancellor said FUPRE remained Nigeria’s first and only specialised Petroleum University, the first in Africa and the sixth globally, established to provide world-class education, research, and practical training for the petroleum, energy, and allied sectors.

    “As a purpose-built institution, FUPRE is committed to producing leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who can address real industry and societal challenges,” he said.

    He cited the university’s growing profile, referencing the first-place victory of FUPRE’s Chemical Engineering Hackathon team, The Alchemists, at the 2025 Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers National Student Convention, the ranking of three FUPRE scholars among the top two per cent scientists worldwide in the Stanford University–Elsevier Global Ranking, as well as the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists Golden Jubilee Award received by the institution.

    According to him, the matriculating students comprised 1,980 males and 410 females admitted into the Colleges of Science, Engineering and Technology, Maritime and Offshore Studies, Computing, and Petroleum Administration and Management.

    He expressed delight at the admission of pioneer students into new programmes such as Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Procurement Management, Petroleum Information Management, and Entrepreneurship, as well as first intakes into Petroleum Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Microbiology.

    Senior University officials, including principal officers, deans, directors, and heads of departments, were in attendance.

  • Niger Govt reopens additional 2,451 schools in 24 LGAs

    Niger Govt reopens additional 2,451 schools in 24 LGAs

    The Niger State Government has approved the reopening of 2,451 public and private primary and secondary schools for the second phase of academic resumption, effective Monday, January 26, 2026.

    This is coming two weeks after the state government reopened schools in some local government areas after closing down the schools in November following the abduction of students of St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri in Agwara local government area of the state.

    This directive follows a comprehensive security assessment by relevant agencies and was announced in a statement released Saturday, January 24, 2026, by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

    The reopening approval covers schools across 24 of the state’s 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs), as the Ministry noted that schools in Paikoro Local Government Area remain closed, as security assessments in the area are still ongoing.

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    A list of cleared schools for Paikoro will be released at a later date.

    According to the circular signed by the Director of Schools and Educational Services, Hassan Mohammed, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, the resumption applies strictly to the schools listed in the “Phase Two” schedule.

    The approved list details a total of 2,451 schools cleared for resumption.

    The breakdown of the schools includes 478 schools in Chanchaga, Suleja has 363 schools, Bida has 226 schools, Bosso has 215 schools, Kontagora has 172 schools, Borgu has 124 schools, Mokwa has 101 schools, Lapai has 87 schools, Lavun has 84 schools, Shiroro has 77 schools, Agaie has 71 schools, and Gurara has 71 schools.

    Others include 56 schools in Katcha, 52 schools in Tafa, 49 schools in Gbako, 45 schools in Rafi, 37 schools in Munya, 31 schools in Mashegu, 24 schools in Wushishi, 23 schools in Edati, 19 schools in Agwara, 19 schools in Magama, 14 schools in Mariga, and 13 schools in Rijau.

    The Ministry advised parents and guardians to check the approved list to confirm their children’s schools are among those cleared, emphasizing that the decision prioritizes the safety of students and staff, as security agencies have been directed to ensure a safe learning environment as academic activities resume.

  • EPL: Chelsea defeat Palace 3-1 to maintain top-four charge

    EPL: Chelsea defeat Palace 3-1 to maintain top-four charge

    Chelsea strengthened their hold over Crystal Palace with a 3-1 Premier League triumph at Selhurst Park on Sunday, marking their 18th consecutive unbeaten encounter against the Eagles.

    The Blues broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Estêvão capitalised on a loose pass from Jaydee Canvot, sprinted past Tyrick Mitchell, and slotted the ball past Dean Henderson.

    Palace pressed for a response, but Fernández’s wayward header in his own box almost handed Estêvão a second chance, which the forward failed to convert.

    Chelsea doubled their advantage early in the second half. Within five minutes of the restart, Estêvão set up João Pedro, who cut inside Adam Wharton and neatly threaded the ball through Henderson’s legs.

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    The visitors made it 3-0 when Fernández converted a penalty after Canvot handled Pedro’s shot inside the box.

    Crystal Palace’s woes deepened as Adam Wharton picked up two yellow cards in five minutes for fouls on Moisés Caicedo, ruling him out of their next match against Nottingham Forest.

    A late Jefferson Lerma header was denied by goalkeeper Sánchez in the 88th minute, but Chris Richards netted a consolation goal, giving the home fans a brief reason to cheer.

    Chelsea held on through nine minutes of stoppage time to seal the victory, moving up to fourth place in the Premier League under Liam Rosenior. The win makes Rosenior the first English manager since Steven Gerrard in 2021 to win his first two top-flight matches in charge.

    The result extends Crystal Palace’s winless streak to 11 consecutive competitive games.

  • DSS nabs suspected sea pirates, foils hijack of crude oil vessel, abduction of crew members

    DSS nabs suspected sea pirates, foils hijack of crude oil vessel, abduction of crew members

    Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Saturday arrested two suspected members of a band of sea pirates in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, as they were fine-tuning plans to hijack a crude oil-laden vessel in the Gulf of Guinea, The Nation gathered on Sunday.

    The men, identified as Geoffrey Atizara, 38, from Aleibiri in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, and Divine Kelechi Unueze, 42, from Nekede in Owerri, Imo State, were nabbed at a hotel on Tenacious Street in the Edepie area of Yenagoa, according to security sources.

    According to a reliable security source, preliminary intelligence, corroborated by the suspects’ confessional statements, revealed that the men, along with other band members, were plotting to seize a vessel, abduct its crew, and steal its cargo.

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    According to the source, Unueze was the financier of the operation, while Atizara was tasked with recruiting additional pirates.

    “The duo have admitted to being part of a high-profile criminal network operating in the South East and South South parts of Nigeria, mainly profiting from sea piracy and kidnapping,” the source offered.

    “Given the sophistication and the resources at the disposal of this pirate band, this arrest has disrupted what could have been a major threat to maritime security in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea region,” one of the sources declared.

    Another source disclosed that the DSS, in concert with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, has intensified intelligence-driven operations to curb maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.

    “Recent successes,” the source disclosed, “include the interception of several pirate speedboats and the rescue of crew members from hijacked vessels off the coasts of Bayelsa and Delta States.”

    The arrest of the two suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa state marks additional successes by security agencies in the region, he added.

    Recall that barely a week ago, the DSS, in separate joint operations with sister security agencies and forest guards, rescued some abducted pastors and other individuals in Kaduna and Borno States.

  • La Liga: Yamal acrobatics propel Barca to 3-0 victory against struggling Oviedo

    La Liga: Yamal acrobatics propel Barca to 3-0 victory against struggling Oviedo

    Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga on Sunday with a convincing 3-0 victory over Real Oviedo at a partially reopened Camp Nou, thanks to goals from Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and a spectacular acrobatic strike from Lamine Yamal.

    The Catalans regained pole position after Real Madrid briefly took the lead following their win over Villarreal on Saturday. Barca now sit a point clear at the summit.

    Despite Oviedo languishing at the bottom of the table with just two wins all season, Barcelona had to battle for their triumph as the visitors defended resolutely through the first half.

    The breakthrough came in the second half when Olmo found the net, opening the scoring after sustained pressure. From there, Barca’s quality shone through. Yamal’s goal, a stunning volley from Olmo’s cross, was the standout moment of the match.

    The first half was a struggle for the hosts, who were unusually erratic in passing. Injured midfield maestro Pedri Gonzalez watched from the stands, his expression betraying his frustration.

    Oviedo threatened on the counter, with Haissem Hassan forcing a save from Joan Garcia from long range. At the other end, goalkeeper Aaron Escandell produced a smart stop at his near post to deny Raphinha before halftime.

    Barcelona returned from the break with renewed urgency. After sustained pressure, Olmo converted a loose ball in the box following strong work from Yamal and Raphinha.

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    Oviedo’s defensive error in the 57th minute allowed Raphinha to pounce on a back-pass from David Costas, calmly lifting the ball over Escandell for Barca’s second. The third was Yamal’s moment of brilliance — as Olmo’s cross fell behind him, the young forward executed a flawless sideways scissor kick to seal the victory.

    A sudden downpour hit Camp Nou in the closing stages, sending some fans scurrying from the open stands. Those who stayed witnessed Escandell deny Robert Lewandowski a potential fourth goal with a sharp save.

    The win marks a key statement from Hansi Flick’s side as they continue their title push, showing both resilience and attacking flair despite a testing first half.

  • Tonto Dikeh shares testimony on faith, forgiveness after reconciliation with ex-husband

    Tonto Dikeh shares testimony on faith, forgiveness after reconciliation with ex-husband

    Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has taken to social media to share a personal testimony on her spiritual journey, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness.

    Her reflection follows a recent reconciliation with her ex-husband, Olakunle Churchill, ending a decade-long public feud.

    Dikeh credited God for healing their relationship and restoring peace between them.

    Describing herself as a vessel for God’s love and mercy, the actress expressed gratitude for the inner peace and joy she now experiences.

    She also spoke on the process of spiritual growth, noting that God often breaks and rebuilds individuals, removing negative traits and reshaping their character for a higher purpose.

    Dikeh wrote, “I am that woman the Lord has shown mercy. I am that woman who stands as living proof that God never fails. I am that woman who knows who she is and whose she is.

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    “I am a living, breathing incubated prophecy of God. I am that woman who carries a peace that defies logic and understanding. I’ve got joy that makes no sense. I am that woman who has tasted the weight of God’s love; nothing compares to it. His power, His beauty, His anointing.

    “I am that woman called and fashioned as an Esther-mandated vessel, set apart for such a time as this. I am that woman whose greatest pursuit is to know her God more and more.

    “I have learned that there is no true salvation without God first breaking you, then rebuilding you in His image. In the process, He cleanses you, purges you, and strips away hate, bitterness, pride, and unforgiveness until only His nature remains.

    “And if my life speaks at all, it is a canvas of God’s unending love, mercy, and faithfulness”.

    Dikeh encouraged those struggling to forgive to seek God’s help, emphasising forgiveness as a path to freedom and healing.

    “To anyone seeking a forgiving spirit: Be encouraged. Forgiveness is not weakness. It is freedom. It is God’s gift to heal your heart before He heals your story. What you release, God restores. What you surrender, He redeems”.

    The mother of one concluded with a prayer for the restoration of broken relationships and the reignition of love in hearts.

    “Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for every heart longing to forgive but struggling to let go. Pour Your grace where wounds still ache. Soften hardened places and replace bitterness with healing.

    “I pray for the restoration of broken family relationships where love was lost, breathe life again; where communication died, restore understanding; where division took root, plant peace and unity.

    “Rebuild homes, restore trust, and let Your love reign in every heart. Do what only You can do, Lord, because when You rebuild, it is always better than before. Amen,” she added.

  • Bidemi Kosoko welcomes new child, family celebrates

    Bidemi Kosoko welcomes new child, family celebrates

    Actress Bidemi Kosoko, daughter of veteran actor Jide Kosoko, has welcomed a new child.

    The announcement was made on Instagram by her sister and colleague, Sola Kosoko.

    Sola praised God for the addition to the family, describing Him as “The author and finisher of our faith”.

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    She wrote, “Praiseeee God. Awesome God. The author and finisher of our faith

    “Join us to welcome our newest baby in the family to @bidemi_kosoko. Congratulations to the Bankole and Kosoko Family”.

    The announcement sparked widespread congratulations from Nollywood stars, entertainers, and fans, who took to the comment section to celebrate the Kosoko and Bankole families.

  • Niger Delta games critical for youth development, says Enabulele

    Niger Delta games critical for youth development, says Enabulele

    Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has described the Niger Delta Games as a critical platform for grassroots sports development, youth empowerment, and regional integration.

    Enabulele spoke when he played host to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie.

    Ebie was in the state to review the level of preparedness, strengthen collaboration, and reaffirmed commitment of all stakeholders toward delivering a successful and impactful festival.

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     Enabulele said the games were more than a competition and a deliberate investment in the future of Nigeria’s youth.

    He said the discovery of talents could serve the region and the nation for many years.

    The ESSC boss thanked the NDDC for sustaining the vision of using sports as a tool for unity, peace, and development in the Niger Delta.

    Enabulele noted that the consistency of the Commission in supporting the festival reflected a deep understanding of sports as a catalyst for social and economic growth.

    He said Edo State was ready to host the festival, even as he assured that all necessary facilities, logistics, and institutional support were being put in place to ensure a hitch-free event.

    “This initiative has continued to give hope and opportunity to young athletes across the region, particularly at the grassroots level.

    “Edo State is fully prepared to host the Niger Delta Sports Festival. Our facilities are ready, our technical teams are on the ground, and we are working closely with the NDDC and the organisers to ensure that this edition sets a new benchmark in organisation, athlete welfare, and competitive excellence.

    “Our priority is talent discovery and development. By focusing on young athletes, we are deliberately building a pipeline that will feed state, national, and even international sports platforms in the future,” Enabulele noted.

    The NDDC Chairman commended Edo State for its proactive role and continued leadership in sports development, expressing confidence that the second edition of the festival would surpass expectations. 

  • Driver injured as two vehicles crash in Lagos

    Driver injured as two vehicles crash in Lagos

    A driver was injured and hospitalised on Sunday morning following a collision involving two vehicles on the Eko Bridge, Lagos, causing heavy traffic congestion along the corridor.

    The accident, which occurred around 6 a.m. on the inward lane of the bridge towards NEPA, involved a truck and a white car. The impact of the collision caused the car to overturn, leaving its driver injured.

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident on its official X handle, saying emergency responders were immediately deployed to the scene. The injured driver was promptly evacuated and taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

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    LASTMA stated, “An accident involving two vehicles occurred on Eko Bridge inward NEPA, prompting the deployment of tow trucks. LASTMA personnel and officers from the Ebute Ero Divisional Police Station are currently managing the situation. The driver has been swiftly rushed to the hospital for treatment.”

    The agency added that traffic was temporarily reduced to a single lane, resulting in slow movement and a backlog extending to the Offin Canal axis.

    In a later update, LASTMA confirmed that the affected vehicles have been successfully evacuated from the location.

    Normalcy is expected along the corridor.