Author: News Room
Coach Eric Chelle says the Super Eagles are focused and grounded ahead of Monday’s Round of 16 clash with Mozambique, targeting a record 18th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final appearance. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the encounter will take place at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco, with a kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. (Nigerian time). Chelle described the knockout phase as a fresh test, warning that Nigeria’s flawless group-stage performance would offer no guarantees against a determined Mozambican side. “The Round of 16 is a new competition. Past performances will not win matches at…
Former Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has called on the United States of America to commence air assaults in Benue over the large presence of armed herdsmen attacking farmers in the state. He stated this over the weekend during a consultation dinner organised for political stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Makurdi. Chief Aondoakaa said armed herdsmen are in control of more than 15 of the 23 Local Government Areas in the state, and the people have come under sustained attacks under the current administration. He said these attacks have…
The Benue State Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Hon Benjamin Omale, has restated his support for the re-election of Governor Hyacinth Alia in the 2027 governorship election. He stated this during a meeting with members of the party and other critical stakeholders at his residence in Makurdi, the state capital. Hon Omale said the meeting was a show of unity, strength, and renewed commitment of the APC family in the state as they move into the 2027 general elections. He said the essence of the get-together was to thank God for His protection, guidance, and faithfulness over…
The gunmen that kidnapped a medical doctor, Abu Ibrahim Babatunde and his brother, Abu Tahir, in Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State have demanded N200 million ransom for their release. DAILY POST reports that the victims were kidnapped on January 1, 2026, along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp in Auchi. A source close to the family, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the kidnappers contacted the victims’ relations on Saturday, demanding N200 million to effect their release. The source added that negotiations is ongoing with the family of the victims and the abductors…
Three countries have been booked their places in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Host nation Morocco became the latest to seal their progress with a narrow 1-0 win over Tanzania on Sunday. The Atlas Lions came into the match as heavy favourites, but failed to score as many goals as they would have loved. But in the 64th minute, Brahim Diaz scored the winner, as Morocco qualified into the next round. They will now face the winner between South Africa and Cameroon, who play later tonight. Morocco join Mali and Senegal in the quarter-finals.
Gunmen have demanded N200 million ransom for the release of two brothers, Ibrahim and Tahir Abu, who were kidnapped in Auchi, Edo State, on January 2. The father of the abductees, Momoh Tahir, told The PUNCH on Sunday that the kidnappers contacted the family to demand N200 million. After negotiations, he said, the ransom was reduced to N100 million, and the family hoped further discussions would lead to an additional reduction. He said, “They have been in touch with us since they were kidnapped. They asked for N200 million, but we were able to negotiate N100 million. We are still…
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a fire outbreak at the building housing the Mobile Police 13 unit in Makurdi, which also contains the unit’s armoury. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, acknowledged the incident but said details were still being gathered. “Yes, I am aware of the fire outbreak at the Mopol 13 facility in Makurdi, but I will get back to you,” she told journalists. PUNCH Online learnt that the fire occurred in the early hours of Sunday, destroying several office rooms as well as the armoury section of the unit. An eyewitness who spoke…
I do not have the power to foresee the next politician who will move from one party to the other. Neither can I foretell who will win the ongoing African Cup of Nations though you can guess right where my heart lies. Because I carry grammar anointing, however, I stand by the record of the outgoing year to predict that many people will make the errors below in 2026. Am not around Yes! Many will write ‘am’ when they mean the contracted form of ‘I am’. For instance, they will write: ‘Am tired.’ ‘He says am not supposed to be…
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that prominent former leaders of the Peoples’ Democratic Party and known supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have resolved to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The political figures include former PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara; former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia; and former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo. Governor Fubara made the announcement on Thursday at the New Year banquet organised by the Rivers State Government at Government House, Port Harcourt. He acknowledged the presence of the political figures at the…
Nigerian insurers are projected to record a combined Profit After Tax of N10.59bn for the first quarter of 2026, according to company filings with the Nigerian Exchange Group. The forecast reflects strong contributions from major players, including AIICO Insurance Plc, Regency Alliance Insurance Plc, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, and International Energy Insurance Plc. AIICO Insurance Plc leads the sector with a projected PAT of N5.06bn, driven by an insurance service result of N3.26bn and net investment income of N20.85bn. Its cash flow outlook shows a net increase in cash and cash equivalents of N4.87bn, bringing closing cash balances to N24.08bn.…
