Author: Vincent Osuwo

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have climbed to 26th in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, their highest position in 16 years, following a strong run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, AFCON. Morocco, the hosts, also made it into the top 10 for the first time since 1998, demonstrating the tournament’s enormous influence on African football. After winning the bronze in the continental championship, Eric Chelle’s team moved up 12 spots in the January 2026 FIFA rating, making them one of the greatest movers. They were ranked 21st in the world in May 2010, which was…

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN) was on Monday arrested by operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) shortly after his release from the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja. The Department of State Services apparently snatched him up as soon as he exited the institution. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission emphasized that Malami was not re-arrested. Officials with the Nigerian Correctional Service verified that Malami was released after completing his bail conditions. “He has been released. He perfected his bail conditions and was released this afternoon,” one official said. Another added, “He…

The Ogun State Police Command has detained one suspect in connection with the death of popular artist Adesina Afeez, aka Destiny Boy. According to the command, the matter has been sent to the State Criminal Investigation Department’s Homicide Section for further investigation. In a statement on Monday, the command Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, said, “The Ogun State Police Command has since commenced investigations into the death of Adesina Afeez, aged 22 years, popularly known as Destiny Boy. “The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Homicide Section, for detailed investigation. One suspect is currently…

Morocco has announced intentions to petition FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over the Senegal national team’s walkout during the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announced its intentions after Senegal clinched the 2025 AFCON trophy. The Senegalese team’s walkout followed a referee’s decision to award a penalty kick, which FRMF stated was deemed correct by all experts in a statement released on its official X on Monday. “The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA regarding the Senegalese national…

President Bassirou Faye of Senegal has declared Monday a paid public holiday across the country to celebrate the national football team’s triumph at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The announcement follows Senegal’s 1-0 victory over host nation Morocco in the AFCON final on Sunday in Rabat. Faye directed that public sector workers receive full pay for the day to allow citizens to celebrate the achievement. “This Monday will be considered a paid public holiday. Senegalese people will celebrate. Then we must welcome the Lions properly and congratulate them,” he said Sunday night. In addition, he offered the new African…

Moroccan winger Brahim Diaz has issued a heartfelt apology to fans following a missed penalty in the AFCON final against Senegal, a moment that ultimately cost Morocco the title. In a statement shared via Fabrizio Romano on Monday, Diaz expressed the depth of his disappointment, writing, “My soul hurts. I dreamed of this title thanks to all the love you all gave me, every message, every show of support that made me feel I wasn’t alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all else.” The Real Madrid forward took full responsibility for the miss, saying, “Yesterday…

Enugu State police officers stopped an abduction attempt on the Adani-Nsukka Road, killing one armed suspect and recovering an AK-47 rifle during a heated early-morning fire battle with suspected kidnappers. According to our correspondent, the confrontation took place around 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, at the Ngene-Ukwu axis of the highway, when officers from the Adani Division, working with members of the Neighborhood Watch Group, apprehended the suspects as they allegedly emerged from a nearby bush to abduct occupants of a passing vehicle. SP Daniel Ndukwe, spokesperson for the Command, confirmed the incident on Monday, saying, “During the exchange…

The Federal Government has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund Overseas Scholarship Scheme, (PTDF) which would enable Nigerian postgraduate students to study in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia. On Monday, Dada Olusegun, the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, verified this in a post on X. “FG has announced the commencement of applications for 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarships overseas,” the post said. According to a statement on the scholarship board website, the initiative is aimed at MSc and PhD candidates in oil and gas-related…

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sternly condemned behaviour by some players and officials during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final between hosts Morocco and Senegal in Rabat on Sunday night. In a statement on Monday, CAF said, “The Confédération Africaine de Football condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night,” the statement read. The continental football body mentioned that it strongly condemns any form of inappropriate conduct during matches, particularly actions directed at match officials…

Top chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have ruled out the granting of automatic tickets to governors, including Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who joined the party recently. A member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that defection from another political party to the APC does not guarantee an automatic ticket. Supporting this sentiment, the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, described the APC as democratic and progressive, stressing that all members…