The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Tacha condemns officiating in Super Eagles’ AFCON semi-final defeat

    Tacha condemns officiating in Super Eagles’ AFCON semi-final defeat

    Media personality Tacha has criticised the officiating in the AFCON semi-final clash between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Morocco.

    The Nation reported that Nigeria lost 4–2 on penalties after a tense 0–0 draw at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday.

    Reacting on X, Tacha said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should have opposed the appointment of referees from Ghana and South Africa, citing long standing football rivalries with Nigeria.

    She wrote, “The @thenff is a very unserious organization. Two referees from rival countries — Ghana and South Africa — how?

    “The moment those referees were announced, the NFF should have petitioned CAF. And even if CAF refused to change them, the petition alone would have put the referees on check.

    Read Also: Tacha rejects ‘Na Man Dey Do Man’ narrative, says men benefit more from other men

    “But instead, silence. And what did we get? One of the worst officiated games in the history of football.”

    “The referee disrupted the rhythm of the match nonstop. Fouls were given that made no sense. Even Moroccan players sometimes looked unsure what the whistle was for. That’s how bad it was.

    “This wasn’t ‘home advantage.” This was shambolic officiating. If the @thenff has any sense, they will petition CAF, demand a review, and question whether that referee should be handling games at this level at all. CAUSE performances like that damage the credibility of African football. FR.”

    Many Nigerian fans who have aired their grievances also felt the refereeing was biased and poor, impacting the game’s outcome. 

  • DeeOne calls for investigation into Nigerian NGOs

    DeeOne calls for investigation into Nigerian NGOs

    Comedian and reality TV star DeeOne has called on the government to probe all Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the country.

    He alleged that some NGOs are involved in illicit activities, including funding terrorism, kidnapping, and human trafficking.

    DeeOne made the call in an Instagram video, stating that the government should investigate all NGOs’ accounts and ensure their activities are legitimate and not harmful to others.

    Read Also: Seyi Law hails Deeone for completing 52-hour stand-up comedy marathon

    “Federal government of Nigeria, please investigate all the NGOs’ accounts in the country. A lot of them are being used to sponsor terrorism, for kidnappers, child trafficking sponsorship, and a lot of them are being used for human harvesting sponsorship.

    “Please do a thorough investigation on all these NGO accounts. In Nigeria today, if somebody rescues somebody, the next thing the people will do is open an NGO, and the next thing they become a multi-millionaire. We’re not saying you should not make money, but it has to be legit, not at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

  • ‘Delta is in very good hands’ — Obi Cubana hails Oborevwori

    ‘Delta is in very good hands’ — Obi Cubana hails Oborevwori

    • …confirms December 2026 delivery of Millennium City

    Business mogul and Cubana Group Chairman, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, has hailed Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, describing his leadership as God-fearing, people-focused, and development-driven, and declared that “Delta is in very good hands.”

    Obi Cubana spoke during a visit to the Government House, Asaba, alongside Pastor Jerry Eze, Founder of Streams of Joy International, who was in the state to dedicate the Cubana Millennium City project.

    The visit highlighted the growing partnership between the Delta State Government and private investors in accelerating urban development and boosting economic growth.

    Obi Cubana reaffirmed confidence in Governor Oborevwori’s leadership and assured him that the Millennium City project would be completed by December 2026.

    He said, “When the righteous is on the throne, the state rejoices! Delta State is indeed blessed to have a God-fearing and development-oriented Governor. Delta State is in very good hands,” he said.

    Read Also: Obi Cubana crowned Okpataozueora I of Oba

    He also expressed appreciation to the Governor for his openness and accessibility, adding: “Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State, thanks for access always! We are bringing magic to Delta State.”

    Speaking on the Cubana Millennium City (CMC) Asaba project, the Cubana Group Chairman described it as a landmark development, referring to it as “the Jewel on the Niger.” 

    He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to timely delivery, assuring prospective homeowners and investors that the first phase of the estate would be ready for occupation by December 2026.

    Cubana Millennium City Asaba is envisioned as a premium mixed-use development expected to further enhance Asaba’s status as a fast-growing urban and investment hub, in line with the Oborevwori administration’s MORE Agenda of accelerated development, economic growth and improved quality of life for Deltans.

  • FirstBank takes centre stage at 9th AFRIMA

    FirstBank takes centre stage at 9th AFRIMA

    As part of its Yuletide activities, FirstBank sponsored the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), concluding its DecemberIssaVybe campaign.

    The week-long event, held in Lagos from January 7 to 11, 2026, brought together artistes, delegates and music industry stakeholders from at least 48 African countries, reaffirming AFRIMA’s status as Africa’s leading music awards platform. Artists from West, East, North, Central and Southern Africa, as well as the diaspora, were recognised across several categories, reflecting the diversity of African music.

    As part of the programme, the AFRIMA Music Business Summit attracted key industry players, including the Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Sipho Dlamini, and Karima Damir of Universal Music Morocco. Other participants included Francis Doku, Mustapha Ettouil, Georg Heritlitz and Olisa Adibua, alongside prominent artistes such as Koffi Olomide, ID Cabassa, Innoss’B, Juma Jux, Stonebwoy and Didi B.

    The celebrations continued on January 9 with the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, which drew a large crowd of music lovers. Performances at the event featured Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti, as well as Wande Coal, Diamond Platnumz, Yemi Alade, Stonebwoy, Innoss’B, Kcee, 9ice, Obesere, Jeriq, Skales, Moliy, Mavo and Ayuba.

    The main awards ceremony was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites Convention Centre. Activities began with a red-carpet session at 3:30pm, hosted by social media influencer Enioluwa, while the main ceremony commenced at 7pm. Nigerian rapper FalzTheBahdGuy and French-Senegalese actress and media personality Liliane Maroune hosted the event. The ceremony also featured performances by Mr P, Seyi Vibez, Bright Chimezie and Fuse ODG, as well as tributes to late African music legends.

    Speaking at the event, the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said the bank’s sponsorship of AFRIMA reflects its long-standing commitment to promoting African arts, culture and entertainment. He said the DecemberIssaVybe campaign was designed to deepen customer engagement through music while supporting creatives across the continent.

    The awards recognised excellence across multiple categories. Burna Boy won Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness, while Rema emerged Artiste of the Year. Chella clinched African Fans’ Favourite, Folex won Best African Video of the Year, and Qing Madi was named Most Promising Artiste of the Year. Other winners included Phyno, Takana Zion, Didi B, Moh Green, Team Paiya, Veronica Adane, Morijah and Milo.

    The 9th AFRIMA celebrated African musical excellence while promoting unity, cultural pride and the growing global influence of the continent’s creative industry.

    Here is a full list of winners

    Album of the Year: Burna Boy – “No Sign of Weakness” (Winner, Nigeria)

    Artiste of the Year: Rema (Winner, Nigeria)

    African Fans’ Favourite: Chella (Winner, Nigeria)

    Best African Video of the Year: Folex (Winner, Tanzania)

    Song of the Year: “Laho” by Shalipoppi (Winner, Nigeria)

    Most Promising Artiste of the Year: Qing Madi (Winner, Nigeria)

    Producer of the Year: Element Eleéh & Mugisha Fred Robinson (Winner, Rwanda)

    Songwriter of the Year: Bakhaw Dioum for “Choix” (Mia Guissé ft. Wally B. Seck) (Winner, Senegal)

    Best African Artiste in African Contemporary: Axel Merryl (Winner, Benin)

    Best African Artiste in Reggae, Ragga, Dancehall: Takana Zion (Winner, Guinea)

    Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hip Hop: Phyno (Winner, Nigeria)

    Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Jazz: Haddinqo (Winner, Ethiopia)

    -Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop: Manamba Kante (Winner, Guinea)

    Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African RnB/Soul: Rema for “Baby Is It A Crime” (Winner, Nigeria)

    Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Rock: Izlan (Winner, Algeria)

    Best African Collaboration:Shallipopi feat. Burna Boy (Winner)

    Best African Dance/Choreography:Weeha for “Dimama” (Winner, Ethiopia)

    Best African DJ: Moh Green (Winner, Algeria)

    Best African Duo Group/Band: Team Paiya (Winner, Côte d’Ivoire)

    Best African Lyricist/Rapper: Didi B (Winner, Côte d’Ivoire)

    Best African Duo or Group in African Traditional: Veronica Adane (Winner, Ethiopia)

    Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music: Morijah (Winner, Côte d’Ivoire)

    Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music: Milo (Winner, Côte d’Ivoire)

  • Reality star Adekunle blasts referee, says Nigeria was robbed

    Reality star Adekunle blasts referee, says Nigeria was robbed

    Reality TV star Adekunle Olopade has spoken out about the Super Eagles’ semi-final loss to Morocco, shifting the blame from the players to the match officials.

    In a tweet on X, Adekunle claimed Nigeria was robbed of a win due to poor officiating by Ghana’s Daniel Laryea, citing several questionable decisions, including a yellow card to Calvin Bassey and ignored fouls on Nigerian players.

    Olopade defended the Super Eagles’ performance, stating they had the upper hand and created many scoring opportunities.

    He urged fans to consider the entire match, not just the penalty shootout, and called out CAF for not addressing the officiating issues.

    He wrote: “While Chukwueze’s performance was absolutely terrible, we simply cannot reduce the entire match to just a penalty shoot out.

    “First of all, the game WASN’T EVEN SUPPOSED TO GET TO PENALTIES. If you didn’t watch the match from start to finish, please don’t involve yourself in this. Nigeria had so many chances, yes it was a tough game but we had the upper hand. The Super Eagles player were ready. Probably even the best form they’ve all been in a while and we were ready. The country was ready.

    “But Daniel Laryea with his intentional and terrible officiating robbed us of that match. The ref was whistle-happy, Calvin Bassey did not deserve the yellow card, he stopped a lot of our plays that killed the momentum, ignored Morocco’s one too many fouls on the Nigerian players, and it was clear to see that they played favoritism to the host country.

    “This isn’t about country or banter, maybe it influenced his decisions but THERE WERE TOO MANY WRONG CALLS ON THE SUPER EAGLES PART AND CAF SHOUDLN’T BE QUIET ABOUT IT.

    “Yesterday’s match felt like it was Nigeria against the whole of Africa and sentiments aside, Nigeria was robbed off the win”.

  • Kemi Afolabi seeks help in locating lost school friend

    Kemi Afolabi seeks help in locating lost school friend

    Actress Kemi Afolabi has reached out to the public for help as she begins the search for long-lost friend, Maria Stephen Seun.

    In a social media post, Kemi revealed that she has been having recurring dreams about Maria, prompting concerns for her friend’s safety and well-being.

    The actress has provided some details about Maria, including her attendance at Our Lady of Apostles, Yaba, Lagos (OLASS 98 set), in the hopes that someone will come forward with information about her whereabouts.

    Read Also: Kemi Afolabi urges fans to protect their lives, well-being 

    She wrote: “Looking for my lost loved one (friend) Maria Stephen Seun. Our Lady of Apostles, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. (OLASS 98 set).

    “I keep seeing Maria in my dreams, and I just want to be sure she is okay and not in any trouble whatsoever.

    “Our common friend is Ebun, but I don’t remember Ebun’s last name right now.
    I remember we communicated sometime here on this platform, but I don’t remember her handle anymore.

    “Pls leave a message in my comment section or DM if you have information that can help locate my best friend in secondary school. lookingformylosslovedone”.

  • I received $120,000 for being Fela’s son – Seun Kuti ‘

    I received $120,000 for being Fela’s son – Seun Kuti ‘

    Afrobeats singer Seun Kuti has responded to Wizkid fans over the “Big Bird” nickname controversy, saying the name is his and Wizkid should find his own original moniker.

    The beef started when a Wizkid fan asked Seun on his Instagram live, to change his longtime nickname, claiming Wizkid is the “Biggest Bird” and Seun refused, citing he’s used the name longer.

    “Wizkid ‘stole’ my name. Tell your fave to be original. Why are you telling me to change my name? Sorry, I can’t change it. This name has been here since. I am the first to come up with it”, he said.

    Seun also slammed Wizkid’s team, including DJ Tunez, for not addressing comparisons between Wizkid and his late father Fela, stating that they indirectly allow fans drag Fela’s name into music disputes.

    “If I see DJ Tunez again, I’ll confront him because he and his team are enjoying the Wizkid and Fela comparison instead of debunking it. I won’t even hug him,” he said.

    In the video, Seun revealed he recently got $120,000 because he’s Fela’s son, saying his dad’s legacy still brings benefits.

    He said: “I recently received about $120,000 simply because I am Fela’s son; it is not my work. My father has died over 29 years from the grave, and I received it,” adding that his father is still blessing him from the grave.

    Read Also: US suspends immigrant visa processing for Nigeria, 74 others

    “How many of your fathers from the grave can send you $120,000 from the grave? You think you can just open your mouth…No of your fathers has accomplished… You don’t know what it means to be the child of someone who accomplished something”.

    He stressed his criticism isn’t aimed at Wizkid, but at fans disrespecting history.

    “Keep Fela’s name out of your (Wizkid FC) mouths,” he said. “Why must you find a way to bring Fela always into your discussions?”

    Seun challenged Wizkid fans to do something positive, like building a school, instead of online drama.

    “I’ll use four days to drag Wizkid FC. They claim they’re over one million, so let them contribute ₦1,000 each for their fave. That’s ₦1 billion to build a school in Surulere on Wizkid’s behalf. Dragging and disrespect is your power. All they do is insult people. Who raised you?

    “You cannot come together to do something positive in the name of the young man,” he said.

    He also rejects Wizkid being called “New Fela,” saying Fela’s legacy can’t be compared.

  • Rotimi Salami thanks Nollywood for ‘unwavering support’ after Allwell Ademola’s death

    Rotimi Salami thanks Nollywood for ‘unwavering support’ after Allwell Ademola’s death

    Actor Rotimi Salami has penned an emotional appreciation letter to colleagues, guilds, associations, and the entire industry, thanking them for their outpouring of love and support following the passing of fellow actor Allwell Ademola.

    In the letter on Instagram, Salami praised the Nollywood community for showing up in force during their darkest moment, demonstrating that they are more than just industry professionals, but a true family.

    He expressed gratitude for the presence, calls, messages, prayers, financial support, and quiet strength offered by colleagues, which helped carry them through their grief.

    Salami highlights the dignity and respect with which Allwell was laid to rest, reflecting the value the industry placed on her life, craft, and impact.

    He thanked everyone for their gestures, big and small, and prays that God will reward them abundantly.

    “Appreciation Letter, Dear Esteemed Colleagues, Guilds, Associations, and the Entire Nollywood Family,

    “With a heart still heavy, yet deeply grateful, I write this letter to appreciate every one of you for the overwhelming love, support, and solidarity shown to us during the burial rites of our beloved colleague, Late Allwell Ademola.

    Read Also: SayRahgold, Rotimi Salami feature in new flick, Iboju Akeke

    “In our darkest moment, you stood by us—not just as professionals in the same industry, but as a true family. From your presence, calls, messages, prayers, financial support, logistics, and quiet strength behind the scenes, you carried us when words failed and when grief felt unbearable.

    “Nollywood showed up in unity, compassion, and honour. You reminded us that beyond cameras, scripts, and sets, we share something deeper: humanity, love, and brotherhood. The dignity with which Allwell was laid to rest reflects the respect and value you all held for her life, her craft, and her impact.

    “We do not take any gesture for granted. Every effort, no matter how small it may have seemed to you, meant the world to us. You turned our tears into moments of strength and ensured that Allwell’s final journey was filled with honour, light, and love.

    “May God reward you all abundantly, replenish every resource spent, and grant us long life so we will not gather in tears over one another again. May Allwell’s soul continue to rest in perfect peace, and may her legacy live on through the unity and kindness we witnessed from you all.

    “From the depths of our hearts, thank you, Nollywood. Your love will never be forgotten. With profound gratitude, Rotimi Salami”.

    Allwell Ademola died on December 27, 2025 following a heart attack in her residence. 

  • Tonto Dikeh sets boundaries, prioritises respect in 2026

    Tonto Dikeh sets boundaries, prioritises respect in 2026

    Actress Tonto Dikeh has issued a clear warning for the New Year, stating that she will be intentional about the brands and individuals she chooses to support.

    In a post on social media platforms, Dikeh emphasised that respect is non-negotiable and she will not associate with or promote anyone who is hostile or disrespectful towards her, God, or her pastor.

    Dikeh explained that she will not contribute to the growth of any brand that doesn’t value, honour, or protect her person and her work.

    She also reminded individuals and brands to respect her boundaries, including discussing appearance fees with her management before extending event invitations.

    She wrote: “This year, I will be very intentional about the brands and individuals I choose to support. I will not associate with or promote anyone who aligns with people or platforms that are hostile or disrespectful toward me, God of my Pastor.

    Read Also: Tonto Dikeh offers Christmas comfort to grieving individuals

    “Respect is non-negotiable. I will not contribute to the growth of any brand that doesn’t value, honour, or protect my person and my work.

    “Before approaching me for promotional support, please be guided. Take a moment to reflect and ask yourself:
    Have I genuinely supported her, and do I accept this request?

    “Additionally, unless we share a close personal relationship, which is very rare, please do not extend event invitations without first acknowledging and discussing my appearance fee with my management. (I don’t talk business personally). I do not make appearances, casually, even for acquaintances, and certainly not without clear professional terms”.

  • Qdot recalls traumatic robbery experience with new release ’28 of Sept’

    Qdot recalls traumatic robbery experience with new release ’28 of Sept’

    Singer Qdot has recounted the trauma of a robbery incident that occurred in September 2025 when he was robbed at gunpoint in his home.

    Putting words together, Qdot released a new song, ’28 of Sept’, which reflected on the traumatic robbery incident.

    The song, which dropped in January 2026, is a raw and emotional expression of Qdot’s feelings about the incident, which left him shaken and struggling with fear and anxiety.

    In the song, Qdot recounts the harrowing experience, describing it as the most terrifying moment of his life.

    The song’s lyrics touch on themes of survival, gratitude, faith, and resilience.

    Read Also: Singer Qdot recounts traumatic armed robbery attack

    According to him, the assailants made away with his phones, laptops, and emptied his bank accounts, also seizing control of his social media accounts.

    In an X post, Qdot disclosed that he wakes up every night at 2:30 am in fear and unable to sleep peacefully, indicating that the incident’s impact still lingers.

    He appealed for healing and peace, calling on the government to take stronger action to address the issue and bring an end to his suffering.

    He wrote on X: “28 of Sept OUT NOW. Even though September 28 has passed, the trauma is still with me. I wake up every night at 2:30 a.m. in fear and can no longer sleep peacefully. I pray for healing and peace, and for stronger government action so this suffering can finally end @followlasg @CruLagospolice @LagosPoliceNG”.