Afrobeats singer Seun Kuti has cautioned Afrobeats artists against comparing themselves to his late father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, saying sampling his music doesn’t make them equivalent to the legend.
Speaking on the Hits Don’t Lie podcast, Kuti criticised artists who claim to be the “New Fela” simply because they’ve sampled Fela’s songs or drawn inspiration from his style.
He noted this trend is peculiar to Nigeria, citing examples of artists like Wizkid and Burna Boy who’ve sampled Fela’s music and faced comparisons.
Kuti said, “A few people have done good samples of Fela’s music. But the only critique that I have is that sampling Fela doesn’t make you Fela.
“So, people should stop saying that they are my dad. That is crazy. It crazy when people say that they are the ‘New Fela.’ Where is the ‘Bob Marley’? It is only in Nigeria you hear such. We so wild stuff here. People are wild.”
Coming on the heels of signing midfielder Antoine Semenyo, Manchester City have reached an agreement to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, with the Premier League champions closing in on the England international after a deal was struck on Friday.
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Palace have accepted City’s official proposal, with the total fee understood to be in the region of £20 million. The player has also given his approval to the move, clearing the final hurdle for the transfer to be completed.
“Marc Guehi to Manchester City, here we go,” Romano wrote, confirming that all parties are now aligned on the transfer. He added that the agreement is an exclusive story, now fully confirmed.
Guehi is expected to bolster Pep Guardiola’s defensive options as City continue to strengthen ahead of the new season, with the formal announcement anticipated in the coming days.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Niger State have rescued two pastors and a church member abducted by armed bandits in Kaduna State.
The victims, Rev. Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob and Suleiman Adamu, were kidnapped on January 9, 2026, at the Gwagwada area of Chikun Local Government Area while travelling through Kugosi to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to officiate a wedding ceremony.
Receiving the rescued pastors, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, said the victims were safely rescued from the bush by DSS operatives during ongoing security operations in Niger State.
Rev. Hayab commended the DSS for what he described as courageous, timely and selfless service to the nation, noting that the successful rescue brought immense relief to the church and families of the victims.
He said the safe return of the abducted pastors had renewed hope that criminal elements could be defeated through sustained and coordinated security efforts.
The CAN chairman stressed that insecurity could only be effectively tackled through cooperation among security agencies, faith leaders and the general public, warning that criminals thrive when communities are divided.
Meanwhile, DSS operatives of the Niger and Kaduna State Command in joint operation also arrested three suspects linked to the incident. The suspects are also involved in arms and ammunition courier and they operate along the Kwara–Niger–Katsina–Kaduna axis.
According to one of the suspects Kwalo, he disclosed that they transport the ammunition through motor parks and rural routes to evade security checkpoints.
Also that they received a consignment from a courier at Tegina Motor Park in Niger State and handed it over to Kawu, who subsequently passed it to Iro Malam Iro for onward delivery.
Iro was said to have conveyed the ammunition from Tegina to Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, where it was allegedly delivered to an unidentified recipient after he was directed to use specific routes to avoid detection.
Kwalo received N50,000 for collecting the consignment, Kawu earned N5,000 as a middleman, while Iro was paid N20,000 as courier.
During interrogation, Kwalo claimed he was deceived into handling the consignment, alleging that the sender told him it contained tantalite, a precious stone, concealed in sacks of millet to prevent theft.
Reacting to the arrests and rescue of the abducted pastors, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, SAN, said the operation reflected the commitment of the DSS and other security agencies to protecting lives and property.
Shuaibu commended the DSS leadership for its sustained efforts, assuring residents that the Kaduna State Government, under Governor Uba Sani, remains committed not only to maintaining peace but to sustaining it.
He urged citizens to support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, stressing that security is a shared responsibility and that continued collaboration is critical to curbing criminality across the state.
The Africa Cup of Nations reaches its climax on Sunday as Senegal and Morocco face off for continental supremacy at Stade Moulay Abdellah. For either team, victory would mean a second continental title with Senegal winning it in 2021 while Morocco last won it in 1976.
Both sides come into this game after similarly impressive campaigns, finishing the group stage with identical records and showcasing outstanding defensive discipline throughout the tournament. Senegal edged past Egypt in a tightly contested semi-final, while Morocco advanced after shutting out a Super Eagles squad which had been on a scoring spree all tournament.
With two of the competition’s most consistent and well-drilled teams on display, the stage is set for a finely balanced and tactical final.
Road To The Final
Senegal
The Lions of Teranga finished atop their group with seven points, registering seven goals and conceding only once, a consistency that has characterized their tournament. Their semi-final victory over Egypt – marking a third high-stakes win over the Pharaohs in five years – highlighted that control and efficiency, as they had 65% possession, restricted Egypt to a single shot on target, and secured the breakthrough through Sadio Mané in a disciplined 1–0 win.
Under Pape Thiaw, Senegal has impressed tactically, deploying a flexible 4-3-3 formation that often shifts into a compact 4-5-1 when defending. This setup has allowed the team to maintain defensive solidity while sustaining a potent counter-attacking threat. Control in midfield has been crucial, shielding the backline and creating space for the forwards.
Sadio Mané remains central to Senegal’s ambitions. The Al Nassr forward has contributed two goals and three assists in the tournament, bringing his AFCON career total to a record 20 goal involvements. With an unbeaten record, defensive stability, and a squad led by experienced winners, Senegal enters Rabat ready to face Morocco in what promises to be their most challenging match of the tournament.
Morocco
Morocco topped their group with seven points, recording six goals scored and just a single goal conceded, paralleling Senegal’s group-stage performance. Their semi-final encounter with Nigeria demonstrated their tactical superiority, limiting the Super Eagles to just two shots across 120 minutes, with only one on target. Meanwhile, Morocco had 16 attempts, including five on target, with Fulham’s Calvin Bassey delivering a standout performance to keep Nigeria in the game. The match was settled in a dramatic penalty shootout, with Morocco prevailing 4–2 and reaching the final for only the second time since 2004.
Coach Walid Regragui has emphasized disciplined defensive structure combined with quick attacking transitions, making effective use of the wings to create opportunities. Morocco’s midfield has consistently dictated tempo, and their defence has been difficult to breach, conceding only once in six games. Players like Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, and Noussair Mazraoui have supplied moments of individual quality, but the squad’s success has largely stemmed from collective teamwork rather than reliance on individual stars.
This balance between defensive resilience and measured attacking threat, coupled with the fact that they’re yet to fall behind in this competition, makes Morocco an appealing 1UP pick for the online betting community with BetKing providing the best odds for this.,
With home advantage at Stade Moulay Abdellah and an unbeaten run leading into the final, Morocco are well-positioned to challenge Senegal’s potent attack, in what is expected to be a low-scoring, but highly enjoyable game.
Head To Head
The historical head-to-head record between the two nations favours Morocco, who have won four of their last five meetings. Their most recent encounter ended in a 1–1 draw, with Morocco eventually prevailing in a penalty shootout.
Notably, the sides have never faced each other at the Africa Cup of Nations, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this final. While the head-to-head advantage may offer Morocco a psychological edge, tournament finals often unfold on their own terms, largely detached from historical trends.
Meetings: 31
Senegal wins: 7
Morocco wins: 18
Draws: 6
Team Form
Senegal
Morocco
Form
W-D-W-W-W-W
W-D-W-W-W-W
Goals Scored
12
9
Goals Conceded
2
1
Clean Sheets
4
5
Team News
Senegal has some concern due to the suspension of two key starters. For the second time in his career, captain Kalidou Koulibaly will miss an AFCON final, having also been absent from the 2021 victory over Egypt. Interestingly, some view this as a good omen for Senegal seeing as they won without him 5 years ago. The former Chelsea centre-back was substituted during their semi-final victory over Egypt after picking up an injury, but prior to that he had picked up a second booking of the knockout stages, confirming a one-match suspension that ruled him out of the final regardless of his fitness.
Habib Diarra, who has been an exceptional worker for the West Africans in midfield, is also suspended after being booked in the same game. The Teranga Lions will therefore lean on their squad depth, with Mamadou Sarr expected to be preferred in defence ahead of Abdoulaye Seck, while Lamine Camara is widely tipped to replace Diarra in midfield. For Morocco, Romain Saïss and Sofyan Amrabat, both of whom are not starters, are also unavailable due to injury.
Expected Line-Ups
Senegal: Mendy | Diatta – Sarr – Niakhate – Diouf | Camara – Idrissa Gueye – Pape Gueye | Ndiaye – Jackson – Mane (4-3-3)
Morocco: Bono | Hakimi – Aguerd – Masina – Mazraoui | El Aynaoui – Saibari – El Khannouss | Diaz – El Kaabi – Ezzalzouli (4-3-3)
Key Players: Sadio Mané and Malick Diouf vs. Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi
The final of this AFCON features a unique scenario, with key players on both sides set to come up directly against each other, setting the stage for an incredible showdown. On Senegal’s left side, African football icon Sadio Mané is paired with the promising left-back Malick Diouf. Both have been outstanding throughout the tournament, with many tipping them for inclusion in the Team of the Tournament.
While Mané is years removed from the explosive winger he once was, he has leaned heavily on his experience, often dropping deeper to operate more as a playmaker. With three assists and two goals in the competition – including the fierce strike in the semi-final that proved decisive – he’s the first player in AFCON history to reach 20 goal involvements. Malick Diouf has been equally impressive, particularly in the semi-final where he kept Mohamed Salah quiet for long periods. He made a match-high 10 clearances in that game, more than the entire Egyptian team combined (7). The West Ham defender will be keen to replicate that display on Sunday.
On Morocco’s right side, the hosts boast tournament top scorer Brahim Díaz (5 goals) alongside reigning African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi, who, despite missing a few games due to injury, has created 10 chances – the most by a Moroccan in this tournament. Given the attacking quality of this pairing, the Atlas Lions’ build-up play has naturally been channelled down that flank, an approach that has yielded consistent success throughout the tournament. Against the Super Eagles in the semi-final, they did, however, show another side to their game, putting up an outstanding defensive shift which limited Nigeria to just 2 shots in 120 minutes.
If Senegal is to win on Sunday, much will hinge on keeping Hakimi penned in his half while limiting Díaz’s influence in the final third – tasks that will fall largely to Mané and Diouf. Conversely, if the hosts are to end their 50-year wait for a continental title, they will need to restrict Mané’s playmaking while ensuring Diouf is kept under pressure, a responsibility that rests with Hakimi and Díaz. As a result, a fascinating tactical battle awaits in the final.
By The Numbers
Sadio Mane is the first player to reach 20 goal involvements at AFCON (11 goals, 9 assists). One to keep an eye on for more goal involvements?
Senegal has kept 18 clean sheets in 27 AFCON games over the last five editions.
Senegal is in its third AFCON final in the last four editions.
Morocco hasn’t conceded from open play in this AFCON.
Morocco has never fallen behind in this tournament.
Yassine Bounou’s 5 clean sheets in 6 games for Morocco is one shy of the tournament record – 6 by Cameroon’s Alioum Boukar (2002).
Since the introduction of the Round of 16 in 2019, Morocco is the third team to reach an AFCON final after conceding just one goal in six matches, alongside Senegal in 2019 and Egypt in 2021.
Morocco have registered 87 shots at goal, the second most at the tournament, with only Senegal (94) recording more.
At least two police officers attached to the Distress Response Squad (DRS) of the Enugu State Police Command were killed on Thursday night after gunmen attacked their patrol team in Enugu, the state capital.
The incident occurred at about 8.00 p.m. along Agbani Road, in the Detective Police College (DEPO) junction.
According to police sources, the assailants suddenly opened fire on the patrol vehicle without provocation while the officers were on duty along the street.
The police operatives reportedly responded to the attack, leading to an exchange of gunfire that forced the assailants to flee with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
During the incident, the patrol vehicle was set ablaze, while two officers sustained severe gunshot wounds.
They were rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention but were later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
It was further gathered that the gunmen made away with AK-47 rifles and some ammunition belonging to the slain officers.
Reacting to the attack, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, ordered an intensified manhunt for the perpetrators, whom the police described as suspected IPOB/ESN-linked criminal elements.
He directed tactical and intelligence units of the Command to deploy all available resources and sustain the trail of the fleeing suspects to ensure their arrest and prosecution.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Command disclosed that a Lexus RX 330 SUV earlier snatched from a resident and used by the assailants during the attack has been recovered.
The vehicle was said to bear multiple bullet holes from the exchange of gunfire.
CP Giwa also appealed to members of the public with credible information that could aid the arrest of the suspects to promptly report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through available channels.
He assured residents that the Enugu State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice and that criminal elements do not undermine public safety in the state.
The Delta State Bureau of Orientation and Communications has pledged to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on ward-to-ward awareness and sensitisation for National Identification Number (NIN) registration across the state.
Director General of the Bureau, Dr Fred Oghenesibve, gave the assurance in Asaba during an advocacy visit by the Delta State Coordinator of NIMC.
Praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing NIMC to intensify NIN registration nationwide, Oghenesibve described the exercise as critical to effective governance, security, and development.
“Responsible leadership is defined by clear and achievable policies. What works in advanced countries—proper citizen data capture—is now being implemented in Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that NIN registration benefits both the federal and state governments, stressing that it had become a key planning tool and an emerging universal identifier, including for tax and population data.
According to him, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will also leverage accurate data to strengthen planning and service delivery in Delta State.
Dr Oghenesibve reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to working with NIMC to drive grassroots participation and urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise.
The Bureau DG hinted that Governor Oborevworri was deeply concerned about the welfare of Deltans, and that he actually really wants to know the actual figure of people in the state to ensure the spread of development and social welfare services as in D-Cares programme.
”Back home here in Delta, His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is very concerned about the welfare of Deltans, and he actually wants to know the actual figure of people in the state so that the spread of development and social welfare services as we have it in D-Cares programme and other social welfare programmes. Then these figures will enable him to effectively plan, and say these are the numbers of persons we have in the state,” Oghenesibve said.
He made a passionate appeal to the management of NIMC to look at the possibility of developing NIN card in such a way that it will have sufficient space for background information to be captured in the card, not just for the numerical purposes but for security and other purposes.
He expressed the hope that with the initiatives and reforms being implemented by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the country would soon become the pride of all Nigerians.
Earlier, the Delta State Coordinator of the NIMC, Mrs Grace Robinson, said the advocacy visit was to inform the Delta State Bureau of Orientation and Communications about the forthcoming NIN registration slated to commence on January 19, 2026 and that the exercise would be for initial period of six weeks, after which it may be extended.
She emphasised that the registration was for those from zero years to infinity who have not registered previously.
Mrs Robinson hinted that President Bola Tinubu had given the commission mandate to go from ward to ward to register those yet to be captured for NIN.
She stated, ”The purpose of this visit is to collaborate with you on the President’s mandate that we should go from ward to ward to register people for NIN. This time, we are going into villages, riverine areas, everywhere to register people for NIN—those who have not registered before.”
The state Coordinator of NIMC said so far, over one hundred and seventy seven million (177,000,000) Nigerians had been registered for NIN.
Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated elder statesman and former interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, on his 87th birthday.
The governor described the former Osun State governor, who turned as a strong advocate of good governance, a committed proponent of true federalism and a respected political icon who has positively impacted many lives through politics and public service.
In a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu said Chief Akande, fondly called Baba Omo Kekeke, remains a role model for his courage, integrity and dedication to the public interest.
He commended Akande’s commitment to public service, particularly his tenure as the first governor of Osun State in the Fourth Republic, noting that he has continued to inspire younger generations in a political environment often perceived as self-serving.
The governor also praised the elder statesman for his pivotal role in the formation of the APC as its first interim national chairman, as well as his fatherly contributions to sustaining the party in Osun State, the South-West and across Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu said Akande’s long years of service to the nation, his consistency during the pro-democracy struggle and his unwavering commitment to progressive ideals have set him apart as a dependable man of integrity.
He wished the elder statesman good health and renewed strength, praying that Nigeria continues to benefit from his wealth of experience and exemplary leadership.
The Association of Nigerian Imams has held a national congregational prayer in Kano, seeking divine intervention to address the rising insecurity in the country.
The Jama’atul Imams dug deeply into the Qur’an, recited its verses and sought Allah’s (God’s) directive and solution.
The holy event, held at the Sheikh Ahmadu Tijjani Mosque, brought together religious leaders and avid worshippers from across the state.
The national president of the association Sheikh Muhammad Nasir Adam emphasised that the dilapidating security situation in the country requires “collective reflection and spiritual renewal” in tackling it.
“We are gathered here because of the decision of our association. Looking at Nigeria’s current predicament, we resolved to recite the entire Qur’an and seek Allah’s intervention on insecurity.
“We are also praying against external threats from countries attempting to destabilise our nation,” he said.
Sheikh Adam noted that Nigeria faces insurgency, banditry, and other emerging threats, stressing that prayer remains the strongest weapon available.
The president described Nigeria as a nation blessed with abundant resources and resilient people, urging citizens to embrace humility, prayer, and collective resolve to overcome adversity and build a future rooted in peace, justice, and prosperity.
He said, “From the challenges of Boko Haram, Lakurawa to bandits, kidnappers and other terrorist groups, these are new realities. We feel that prayer is our last option and biggest weapon.”
The association invited all Nigerians of all faiths to join the effort, with plans of replicating similar prayers and fasting across all the 36 states.
It also asked traditional rulers and civil society representatives to join the spiritual war against terrorism and banditry.
“We are calling on all imams and the faithful nationwide to continue praying for lasting peace and security in our dear,” Adam said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya in Conakry.
The Vice President is also scheduled to proceed to Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, to attend the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF 2026) following his participation in the presidential inauguration.
According to a statement issued Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, on Friday, Shettima will represent President Tinubu at the inauguration ceremony slated for Saturday, January 17, at the GLC Stadium, Nongo, Conakry, following President Doumbouya’s election victory.
The statement said the Vice President’s attendance at the ceremony underscores Nigeria’s strategic engagement in regional leadership, economic partnership and global economic integration under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
It added that the visit forms part of Nigeria’s leadership role within ECOWAS, including efforts to support Guinea’s return to constitutional order after a four-year transition.
Beyond diplomatic solidarity, the trip is also aimed at deepening bilateral trade relations, which have recently recorded growth, with Nigerian exports to Guinea, particularly manufactured goods and agricultural products, rising to $3.29 million.
From Guinea, Vice President Shettima will proceed to Davos to participate in WEF 2026, scheduled to hold from January 19 to January 23, 2026.
The 2026 World Economic Forum, themed “A Spirit of Dialogue,” will convene leaders from government, business, civil society, and the scientific and cultural communities to promote trusted dialogue, collaborative problem-solving and future-oriented solutions to shared global challenges.
Key discussions at the forum will centre on the transformative changes driven by frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, next-generation biotechnology and advanced energy systems.
The forum aims to examine how these innovations can be responsibly deployed to unlock new engines of growth, expand access across emerging markets, invest in skills for a rapidly changing workforce, and promote sustainable and equitable development.
While in Davos, the Vice President is expected to engage global leaders and investors on Nigeria’s economic reform agenda, emerging investment opportunities and Africa’s role in shaping a resilient and inclusive global future.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of his engagements in Davos.
The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership (ACDL) has advised the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, to exercise caution and uphold judicial independence amid ongoing impeachment proceedings involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu.
In a statement issued on Monday, the group said the unfolding political situation in the state underscores the need for the judiciary to remain neutral and strictly guided by constitutional provisions.
The intervention comes as the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, continues actions connected to the impeachment process, including a formal request to the Chief Judge to constitute an investigative panel in line with constitutional procedures.
According to ACDL, heightened political tensions between the executive arm and factions within the legislature have made it necessary for judicial actors to proceed with restraint and adherence to due process.
Speaking on behalf of the group, its Executive Director, Barrister Nedu Ekwueme, said the Chief Judge’s role in appointing a seven-member investigative panel, where required, should be carried out without external pressure or political considerations.
“The judiciary must continue to serve as an impartial arbiter and a pillar of fairness within our democratic system,” Ekwueme said.
He noted that public confidence in the judicial process depends on transparency and strict compliance with constitutional guidelines, particularly in politically sensitive matters such as impeachment.
The group referenced previous impeachment cases in Nigeria where courts later reviewed the process, stressing that procedural lapses often complicate governance and deepen political divisions.
ACDL further emphasized that any investigative panel, if constituted, should be properly composed and allowed to carry out its mandate thoroughly within the timeframe prescribed by law.
“The people of Rivers State deserve stability and governance focused on development,” Ekwueme said, adding that adherence to due process would help prevent prolonged political uncertainty.
The group also called on professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, as well as civil society organisations and other stakeholders, to observe the process and promote respect for the rule of law.
