Author: Opalim Lifted

Mohamed Salah’s penalty gave Egypt victory over South Africa as the seven-time champions survived playing the second half with 10 men to book a place in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a game to spare. Having gone ahead through Salah’s contentiously-awarded spot kick in the 45th minute, the Pharaohs swiftly found themselves at a numerical disadvantage when right-back Mohamed Hany received a second booking during stoppage time at the end of the first half. Bafana Bafana made an attacking change at the break, replacing Thalente Mbatha with Sipho Mbule, but spent much of…

Nigeria’s proposed January tax reforms face uncertainty as allegations of alterations continue to draw opposition from lawmakers, labour and civil society, heightening risks of legal disputes, taxpayer resistance and a growing credibility crisis. Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume recently called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene by suspending the implementation and ordering a thorough investigation into allegations that the laws were altered. Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the call in a statement issued in Abuja, warning that proceeding with implementation while the allegations remain unresolved would undermine the credibility and legitimacy of the tax regime. His intervention…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says attacks on Christians in Nigeria has to come to an end. Netanyahu’s stance formed part of his Christmas message late Wednesday night to Christians around the world. Judaism, Israel’s main religion, and Christianity are deeply linked Abrahamic faiths sharing roots in ancient Israel. However, while Christians view Jesus as the Messiah, Jews await his arrival. Christmas is the Christian celebration of Jesus’ birth. Felicitating Christians, Netanyahu criticised global persecution of the sister faith, citing Middle Eastern countries of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey. Netanyahu in Israeli court for graft trial Outside the region, Nigeria…

Nigeria’s fragile power sector has plunged millions deeper into darkness after electricity generation from the national grid collapsed to about 3,000 megawatts (MW), far below both installed capacity and government promises of improvement. On Tuesday, grid supply fell sharply despite Nigeria boasting over 13,000MW of installed generation capacity. The decline comes at a time when Band A and B customers are paying higher tariffs in exchange for assurances of better and more reliable electricity, with the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, previously pledging an average supply of 5,000MW. By early evening, generation had slipped further to just 2,652MW, with only…

It’s Christmas, and you’re still wondering where to go or what to do for fun without spending too much. Between the rush, last-minute plans, and tight budgets, deciding how to enjoy the day can feel overwhelming. Here is a list of simple and affordable places where you can soak in the festive mood, have a great time, and still stay within your budget. Amusement parks Amusement parks are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to enjoy Christmas, especially for families and groups of friends. With a relatively low entry fee, visitors can enjoy multiple activities such as rides,…

Manchester United forward Amad Diallo’s composed strike gave holders Ivory Coast victory over Mozambique in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group F opener in Marrakech. The Elephants, aiming to become the first defending champions since Egypt in 2010 to retain the title, squandered a succession of first-half chances against opponents ranked 60 places below them at 102nd in Fifa’s rankings. Amad provided relief for Emerse Fae’s side four minutes after the restart, capitalising on static defending to meet Franck Kessie’s knockdown with a cool low finish that arrowed between Sunderland defender Reinildo’s legs on its way in. Mozambique…

The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has secured the conviction and sentencing of Sani Endurance Aferokhe and Hillary Odo, two former bankers, for diverting N10.3 million belonging to bank customers. According to a post on X by the commission on Wednesday the judgment was delivered by Justice A. O. Onovo of the Enugu State High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu. The case was handled by the EFCC and relates to offences committed while the convicts were staff of Intercontinental Bank Plc, now Access Bank Plc. Aferokhe and Odo were arraigned on January 18,…

The United States (US) Embassy in Nigeria has assured Nigerians that visas issued before January 1, 2026, will remain valid despite new US travel restrictions affecting the country. The reassurance followed concerns after the US government placed Nigeria among 15 mostly African countries under partial travel suspensions on December 16. Other affected countries include Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and The Gambia. According to US authorities, the decision was based on security concerns linked to the presence of radical Islamic terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State, in parts of Nigeria. The US government said these conditions create…

A chaotic moment unfolded in a recent train collision with Toyota Hiace bus at the Arena area of Oshodi in Lagos State. Following the alerts, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASTMA) said it immediately activated the state’s emergency response plan from its Cappa Base in Oshodi and deployed its response team to the scene. The emergency agency confirmed that no casualties were recorded in the incident. LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said, “Following distress alerts received at about 7:53p.m., LASEMA activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans from its Cappa Base, Oshodi. “Upon arrival of LRT at the incident…

Grammy-nominated singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced that he will visit Osun State to collect his Accord Party membership card, days after his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, formally joined the party. Davido made the announcement on Tuesday via his social media pages, saying he would be at the Osun State Government House in Osogbo. “I will be live in Osun to pick up my @AccordPartyNG membership card @ Imole House, Osogbo tomorrow… see you soon accordingly,” he wrote, while tagging the governor. The announcement follows recent political developments in Osun State after Governor Adeleke resigned from the…