The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Pere Egbi slams critics calling for Osimhen’s removal from AFCON tournament

    Pere Egbi slams critics calling for Osimhen’s removal from AFCON tournament

    Media personality Pere Egbi has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the on-pitch disagreement between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, calling for restraint and urging fans to stop demanding Osimhen’s removal from the team.

    The incident occurred on Monday during Nigeria’s knockout match against Mozambique, despite Lookman having provided the assists for Osimhen’s two goals earlier in the game.

    Video footage of the encounter showed Osimhen charging towards Lookman, who remained composed throughout the exchange.

    Reacting to the backlash, Egbi stressed that the Super Eagles could not afford to lose Osimhen, describing the Napoli striker as a crucial asset to the national team.

    He also criticised those calling for sanctions, questioning their understanding of football and underscoring Osimhen’s value to Nigeria’s campaign.

    Read Also: Tacha backs Osimhen after AFCON on-pitch drama

    Egbi warned that failure to resolve the disagreement could undermine the team’s cohesion and negatively affect Nigeria’s chances of winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Egbi wrote on X: “Are people so clueless to actually demand that Osimhen be dropped? Really???? Come on. That’s a reach! Dem drop am now, una get im replacement anywhere????? Wf!!! Na we wan use our hand commot ourself from this AFCON. Imagine players reading these bants online.”

    He also addressed rumors about Osimhen’s supposed “bad attitude” being the reason Chelsea didn’t sign him, dismissing the claims as baseless and pointing out that Osimhen had turned down Chelsea in the past.

    “Lol, so Chelsea came for him and he turned them down, but world people are out here saying the guy’s attitude is bad that’s why no club wants him. Una do well o, Nigerians. Una go soon vex these boys, dem go start to play rubbish now, and then everybody go rest”, he added.

  • Actor Charles Born marks one year in Nollywood

    Actor Charles Born marks one year in Nollywood

    Actor Charles Born has reflected on his career path as he celebrates one year anniversary in Nollywood.

    Born, via Instagram, expressed gratitude for the opportunities that have propelled his career forward.

    He recounted his humble beginnings, transitioning from a radio career to pursue acting, facing initial struggles and rejections.

    Charles said despite the challenges, he persevered, taking a leap of faith to focus on acting full-time and his decision has yielded impressive results, with over 40 films credited to his name within a year.

    He credited his growth to his support system, including his manager and the Nollywood community.

    “It is with tears in my eye that I type this, but not tears of sadness but tears of gratitude. I was having a conversation with my manager @celestine_queen and I mentioned how it’s officially my 1 year anniversary in Nollywood and she goes “it’s a lie you are just one year in nollywood”? And in that moment I understood in real time what God has done for me. Two years ago I moved from full time radio to part time to see if I could chase this acting thing but one year after that NOTHING!

    Read Also: Waje taught me life-changing lessons – Actor Charles Born

    “Even though I was still doing part time radio. I did everything they said do, auditions, DM directors, shoot monologues but all I was met with was silence then in 2024 I decided to chase it fully and so I resigned completely from radio very broke with only 13k in my acc. And I year after we are here!OVER 40 FILMS! If u told me in 2023 that one day you would google me and “Nigerian Actor” would pop up I would have laughed you to scorn but look at God (slide 2).

    To every single person who gave me a chance THANK YOU if I begin to list I won’t finish! But this boy is grateful.

    “Have I gotten to the peak? NO! have I gotten that dream role? NO! but I grateful for the journey, the growth, the opportunities,the lessons and above all grateful for the gift of time. So to every dreamer don’t stop dreaming, chasing and believing because in the words of @realwarripikin “na who give up loose”, he wrote.

  • Tacha backs Osimhen after AFCON on-pitch drama

    Tacha backs Osimhen after AFCON on-pitch drama

    Media personality Tacha has defended Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen following his on-pitch confrontation with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday.

    The incident occurred during the match despite Lookman having assisted one of Osimhen’s goals earlier in the game.

    Video footage showed Osimhen charging toward Lookman, while the latter maintained his composure throughout the exchange.

    Reacting via X platform, Tacha stated that Nigerians are targeting Osimhen because “they have seen Osimhen finish”.

    Read Also: Osimhen: Onyedika Nigeria’s most underrated player

    She compared Osimhen to Cristiano Ronaldo, questioning whether critics would apply the same standard to the football legend if he displayed similar behavior.

    Tacha said: “Nigerians and see finish!! Y’all realize Victor Osimhen is our own Christiano Ronaldo??

    “If Ronaldo did same thing we won’t have this much uproar but of course it’s Osimhen na.. make coach just Bench Osimhen for the next match i WON Check something. Baba was on to a hat-trick! you expect him not to shout!? make una dey calm down! most of orna no just like am plain and simple. SAME passion is the reason he’s one of the best attacker in world!! So Abeg shift”.

  • DJ Cuppy takes break from social media for spiritual retreat

    DJ Cuppy takes break from social media for spiritual retreat

    Media personality Florence Otedola popularly known as DJ Cuppy has announced she will be stepping away from social media for a 21-day biblical fast.

    In an Instagram story post, Cuppy said she’s taking time to reset and spend quiet time with God, and a need for space to reflect and handle personal matters privately.

    According to her, she’s taking a break to focus on her spiritual journey, starting 2026 with a period of reflection and prayer.

    Read Also: Returning to normal life after Temi Otedola’s wedding tough – DJ Cuppy

    Cuppy assured fans she’s fine, asking them not to panic, and will return after the break, refreshed and reconnected.

    She wrote: “Never done this before. I’ll be offline and taking a social media break for a little while… I’m starting 2026 with a 21 day biblical fast and after the last few weeks I realised I needed it more than ever.

    “I need time for myself and time being hidden with God. I have a few personal things I need to process quietly but please do not worry about me I am okay. I know I usually post on Instagram every day so this feels strange even for me. I will be back. Just taking a moment to reset and reconnect.”

  • Tiwa Savage slams X user over ‘repeated’ online harassment, threatens action

    Tiwa Savage slams X user over ‘repeated’ online harassment, threatens action

    Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has threatened to take actions against an X influencer, Dami Foreign over alleged social media attacks on her and son, Jamil.

    Savage, on Tuesday, slammed Dami Foreign for crossing a line while also accusing him of a long-standing agenda to bring her down and expressed outrage over his comments about her 10-year-old child.

    In a series of posts, Savage called out Dami Foreign for his repeated attacks, including a past comment wishing her harm.

    The singer emphasised that Dami Foreign’s obsession with her is evident, but his relevance is lacking. 

    Read Also: I lost lucrative deal after refusing to travel with company executive – Tiwa Savage

    She wrote: “@TheDamiForeign I dare you to post anything about my child again and THIS WILL MOVE BEYOND TWITTER. @TheDamiForeign you see that I never cared about your paid agenda to bring me down and you’ve been doing it for a long time.

    “You talking about my child is crossing the line. Dami with my FULL CHEST e no go better for you. You even posted that you wanted me to die young…. Back to sender. @TheDamiForeign the obsession with me is loud but your relevance is missing”.

  • Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes’ hits N1.7bn in cinemas

    Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes’ hits N1.7bn in cinemas

    Multi-award winning actress and producer Funke Akindele has made history with her latest film, “Behind The Scenes,” which has become the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of 2025, earning N1.767billion mark in almost four weeks.

    Recall that the film’s distributor, FilmOne Entertainment, had earlier announced that “Behind The Scenes” broke five opening-weekend records, including the highest single-day gross on Boxing Day, with N129.5 million.

    Now reacting to the latest achievement, the distributor wrote: “Celebrating yet another incredible milestone and we’re so sure we wouldn’t have done this without you and your love.

    “Behind The Scenes hits a whopping N1.77B also standing as the Number 1 film of the weekend. Thank you to everyone for the love and support so far”.

    Akindele’s impressive track record at the box office has solidified her position as a powerhouse in the industry.

    This is her third film to gross over N1 billion, following “A Tribe Called Judah” and “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” which became Nollywood’s biggest opening weekend of all time and the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever, respectively.

    The film’s success can be attributed to its advanced screening on December 10 and 11, which generated significant buzz among audiences, paving the way for its nationwide release on December 12.

    “Behind The Scenes” boasts an all-star cast, including Scarlet Gomez, Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre, and Uche Montana, among others.

  • Toyin Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ hits N711 million in 18 days

    Toyin Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ hits N711 million in 18 days

    Actress Toyin Abraham‘s directorial debut, “Oversabi Aunty,” has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming fourth hightest grossing Nollywood film of all time in West Africa with a box office earnings of over N711million in 18 days.

    The film distributor, FilmOne wrote on Instagram: “West Africa, you showed up and showed out in an Oversabi way. Thank you for the love.

    “In just 18 days, Oversabi Aunty grossed N711.5M, making it the 4th Highest Nollywood Film of all time in West Africa. Thank you to everyone for the love and support so far. This win is for all of us.”

    The film tells the story of a well-meaning but overly involved aunty who tries to fix everyone’s problems, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and touching revelations.

    The film’s advanced screening on December 18 generated significant buzz among audiences, paving the way for its nationwide release on December 19.

    The film boasts an all-star cast, including Mike Ezuruonye, Efe Irele, and Enioluwa Adeoluwa, among others.

    Abraham expressed her gratitude to fans, thanking them for their love and support.

    In a post on social media, Abraham wrote, “I may not have the perfect words, but my heart is full. Thank You, Lord and thank you to every single person watching and supporting Oversabi Aunty.I am deeply grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

  • Paul Enenche: I don’t use Church funds for personal expenses

    Paul Enenche: I don’t use Church funds for personal expenses

    Pastor Paul Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre has denied using church funds for personal gain, stating that he has never accessed the church’s financial accounts or used proceeds from church materials for personal items.

    Speaking during a church service, he emphasised that his needs are met through divine provision, not church resources.

    Enenche explained that proceeds from his books, CDs, and other materials are not used for personal expenses, including clothing or accessories.

    He stressed that church offerings are reserved for ministry purposes only.

    The cleric urged believers to prioritise spiritual growth, service to God, and commitment to the church, rather than focusing on material possessions or public perceptions.

    He encouraged Christians to live with purpose, aligning their lives with values that reflect faith, sacrifice, and dedication to the kingdom of God.

    Read Also: Deborah Paul Enenche opens up on her weight gain struggle

    In his sermon, Enenche said, “Many people don’t know our secret. Some people will think, oh, this suit is wearing now is church money. This trouser is church money. This watch is, ah, church money. That is the mumuciousness of sense. The church’s checkbook has not been in our possession from day one till now. The CD that is sold in this church. I have not used one naira of it to buy a tie. Seed of destiny, monthly devotion, I write it.

    “Not one naira of it has been used to buy socks. How many more church offerings? If the one that you can say is legitimately yours. God, the things we need, he supplies.

    “He supplies them like that, directly. I gave about 200, and something suits me in one day. Let’s stop living for things. Let’s stop. Let’s start living for God. Let’s start living in reality. Let’s start living for what matters. Let’s start living for the kingdom. And you will come to the point where they think that people are looking for. They die after you. They rush after you.”

  • Peller to return to school over inability to speak fluent English

    Peller to return to school over inability to speak fluent English

    TikToker Peller has expressed regret over his inability to speak fluent English, acknowledging it as a barrier to confident communication.

    The social media personality, who is ready to pursue education, made the admission during a recent live-stream session with fellow content creator Enzo.

    When asked to formally introduce himself in English, Peller declined, stating, “In English? E no go go.”

    The conversation took a light-hearted turn when Enzo teased Peller about an impending meeting with popular internet personality, Speed, prompting Peller to reiterate his concerns about his English skills.

    “So you’re telling me that if Speed comes, you are not going to talk to him? Because he just called me now that he’s coming tomorrow,” Enzo said.

    Read Also: I’m focusing on myself in 2026, no more girls – Peller vows 

    “I no go even see am. My English is very bad, but I dey go university soon to study Arts,” Peller replied.

    Peller’s revelation has sparked widespread discussion online, with many praising his decision to pursue higher education despite his success as a social media influencer.

    The 20-year-old’s decision to return to school comes on the heels of his reported breakup with his girlfriend, Jarvis, and has been seen as a step towards personal growth and self-improvement.

  • Harvesters church to pay N50,000 monthly to unemployed workers for three months

    Harvesters church to pay N50,000 monthly to unemployed workers for three months

    The Senior Pastor of Harvesters International Church, Bolaji Idowu, has announced plans to provide financial assistance to its unemployed workers who serve in the church.

    Idowu, while speaking to his congregation, revealed that the church will pay N50,000 monthly for three months to help affected workers stabilise while searching for new jobs.

    He said, “All those who serve in church who are in between jobs, watch what I said. You know, they’re in between jobs. You used to have a job, but you lost a job. For the next three months, we’ll be giving you N50,000 every month to help them till they get their next job.”

    Read Also: Harvesters Church pastors, police officers risk jail over land takeover

    The initiative targets leaders serving in various church capacities who have lost their jobs.

    “So all of those leaders that serve in the church that I just mentioned, you know, we’re giving N50,000 just to help them stabilise. One of the things the church should do is to be there for one another, hallelujah, to help them stabilise,” he added.

    To access the support, eligible workers are required to register with the church administration.

    Pastor Idowu assured that extensive interviews would not be necessary due to the trust established through their service.

    He said, “If you’re that kind of person, in that category, you want to see your pastor and your church administration and register. We’re not going to do so many interviews because for you to serve, we trust the fact that you’re honest.”

    The announcement was met with applause from the congregation.