Super Falcons’ captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has shared her thoughts on Nigeria’s intense and hard-fought win over the Banyana Banyana of South Africa at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Under the guidance of coach Justine Madugu, the Nigerian women’s national team secured a spot in the WAFCON 2024 final after defeating South Africa 2-1 on Tuesday night. The high-stakes semi-final clash took place at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, delivering edge-of-the-seat moments from start to finish. Ajibade’s Impactful Performance The dynamic forward, Rasheedat Ajibade, made a significant impact during the match, scoring the opener for the Super Falcons through a penalty kick late in the first half. Her effort gave Nigeria the crucial lead and momentum going into halftime. The 25-year-old’s stellar performance earned her the Woman of the Match award — marking her third such recognition at the ongoing tournament. Ajibade’s leadership on the field and consistency throughout the competition continue to shine as a beacon of inspiration for both teammates and fans. End of South Africa’s Unbeaten Streak The Super Falcons’ victory also marked the end of South Africa’s remarkable 15-match unbeaten run in the WAFCON finals, underscoring the intensity and quality of Nigeria’s performance. The rivalry between the two sides has intensified in recent years, making this win even more meaningful. Ajibade Reflects on the Challenge Speaking to reporters post-match, Ajibade acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter. “We knew it was going to be a difficult game because every game in this tournament has been tough. We know South Africa quite well; they are a very good side,” she said. Ajibade highlighted the teams’ past encounters in Olympic qualifiers, previous WAFCON tournaments, and other international competitions as factors that added to the match’s competitive nature. “We have played each other in different competitions, Olympics qualifiers, WAFCON, but we were ready for whatever is going to come our way,” she added confidently. Nigeria vs Morocco: Final Showdown With the semi-final win secured, Nigeria will now face host nation Morocco in the grand finale scheduled for Saturday in Rabat. The Atlas Lionesses clinched their final spot after defeating Ghana 4-2 on penalties in the second semi-final clash, which concluded 1-1 after 120 minutes of intense play. The WAFCON 2024 final promises to be a thrilling contest between two top African women’s football sides, with Nigeria aiming to lift the trophy once again and Morocco hoping to make history on home soil.
Christopher Nkunku’s time at Chelsea appears to be nearing an end, as reports indicate a growing interest from several elite clubs ready to secure his signature this summer transfer window. According to renowned football transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the French forward is likely to part ways with Chelsea FC, following two underwhelming seasons where he struggled to make a significant impact on the pitch and meet the high hopes of Chelsea fans. Romano stated on X (formerly Twitter): “Nkunku wants more game time, and multiple top European clubs are monitoring the situation. Chelsea have been open to letting him leave since January.” He also mentioned that further negotiations and discussions concerning the player are expected to take place in the coming days, suggesting that movement is imminent in this case. Napoli Tables Improved Offer for Dan Ndoye Amidst Forest Competition Elsewhere, Serie A side Napoli has stepped up their pursuit of Dan Ndoye, officially submitting a revised offer to Bologna. As per Romano’s update, the bid includes a €9 million loan fee, a €26 million obligation to buy, and an additional €5 million in potential add-ons. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest had previously placed a direct €30 million bid for Ndoye after successfully reaching personal terms with the Swiss international. With two strong offers on the table, it remains to be seen which deal Bologna will ultimately accept. Erik ten Hag Stands Firm: Granit Xhaka Going Nowhere In a separate development, Bayer Leverkusen’s manager Erik ten Hag has shut down rumors regarding the potential departure of Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka. In a bold statement to RP, ten Hag dismissed the claims made by Xhaka’s agent, clarifying the club’s stance: “Xhaka’s agent can say whatever he likes, but this club has already lost three crucial players this summer. We won’t let any more leave.”“Granit is a vital part of this team. He’s a leader, and he still has three years left on his contract with us.” This declaration puts an end to speculation surrounding Xhaka’s future—at least for now.
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In a major football transfer development, England forward Marcus Rashford has officially completed his temporary switch to Barcelona, according to top-tier transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, confirming the long-speculated loan deal between the Spanish giants and Manchester United. This update comes shortly after earlier reports revealed the full terms and structure of Rashford’s move from Old Trafford to Camp Nou, with both clubs finalizing all paperwork concerning the deal. Rashford’s transfer to Barcelona is now confirmed and legally binding. Barcelona Finalizes Rashford Loan Deal The La Liga club, also known as the Blaugrana, successfully processed every official document related to Marcus Rashford’s temporary stay, cementing the arrangement over the weekend. The 26-year-old attacker has already touched down in Spain to begin this new phase of his career under Hansi Flick, the current head coach of FC Barcelona. Wage Agreement and Buy Clause Details In terms of financial obligations, Barcelona has agreed to cover Marcus Rashford’s complete €14 million gross salary, which amounts to approximately €7 million net after tax deductions. Demonstrating a strong willingness to integrate into the squad and contribute meaningfully, Rashford has reportedly accepted a 15% salary reduction to make the move feasible within Barcelona’s strict financial structure. Importantly, the contract includes a €30 million buy option, giving Barcelona the opportunity to make the move permanent by June 2026 if Rashford impresses over the course of the loan spell. Rashford’s Struggles at Manchester United The loan move was largely prompted by the player’s recent struggles at Manchester United, where he was said to have fallen out of favour with newly appointed manager Ruben Amorim. Rashford found himself sidelined and lacking regular game time under Amorim’s tactical system. During the latter part of the previous season, he was loaned out to fellow Premier League side Aston Villa, but his impact remained limited, leading to fresh discussions about his future. The Barcelona loan deal now offers a potential path to reinvention for the talented forward in one of Europe’s top football leagues.
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South Africa’s women’s national team coach, Desiree Ellis, has shared her deep frustration following their 2-1 loss to Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the semi-final clash at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The match, which took place on Tuesday night, saw defending champions Banyana Banyana suffer a dramatic setback against their long-standing rivals, Nigeria, who once again proved dominant on the continental stage. The Super Falcons broke the deadlock late in the first half, when Rasheedat Ajibade clinically converted a penalty, placing Nigeria ahead just before the interval. Despite the setback, South Africa responded fiercely. Around the 60th minute, Linda Motlhalo leveled the scoreline by netting a penalty for the Banyana Banyana, giving her team a brief resurgence and hopes of reclaiming control of the game. However, heartbreak came in the dying moments of added time. Nigerian defender Michelle Alozie delivered a thunderous long-range shot that beat the South African goalkeeper, sealing a sensational late winner for the Super Falcons. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Coach Desiree Ellis lamented her team’s inability to capitalize on clear-cut chances. “We had a strong desire to win this match. But failing to make the most of our chances cost us dearly,” Ellis stated in disappointment. Following this semi-final loss, South Africa will now shift focus to the third-place playoff, where they’ll face Ghana’s Black Queens on Friday, in a bid to finish the tournament with a bronze medal.
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Super Eagles and Udinese shot-stopper Maduka Okoye has been slammed with a two-month suspension by Italian football authorities due to involvement in illegal betting activities, LMSINT MEDIA reports. Initially, concerns were raised that Okoye could potentially face a lengthy four-year ban if he were convicted of the more severe offense of sporting fraud under Italian football regulations. However, after a thorough investigation, the disciplinary panel found Okoye guilty of the lesser offense of participating in illegal betting, rather than manipulating or fixing the game. According to official reports, the 25-year-old Nigerian international was suspected of intentionally receiving a yellow card during Udinese’s Serie A fixture against Lazio held on March 11, 2024. The incident under scrutiny occurred in the 64th minute of the game, where Okoye was booked for time-wasting tactics—a move that later drew betting-related suspicions from authorities. As a consequence of the verdict, Maduka Okoye is set to miss eight competitive matches, which include one Coppa Italia game and seven Serie A fixtures. Barring further sanctions or appeal overturns, Okoye will be eligible to return to matchday action on October 19, 2024. This development marks a concerning chapter in the career of a promising African goalkeeper who had previously made headlines for his performances with the Nigerian national team and his club stints across Europe.
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In a brewing legal dispute, Nigerian artist Ayo Maff has been slammed with a lawsuit by his record label, TunesBid Limited, over what the company terms as a clear breach of contractual obligations. According to a formal update shared via the record label’s official Instagram page, TunesBid accuses the singer and his team of violating a binding agreement that was signed in December 2023. The post emphasized that the deal involved substantial financial investments from the label into the artist’s music production and distribution. Contract Clauses Allegedly Ignored TunesBid Limited disclosed that it was responsible for funding the production of Ayo Maff’s popular singles — namely: These tracks were reportedly produced and released within the first seven months of the agreement, as stipulated in the contract. Furthermore, the label also claimed to have secured a significant distribution deal for Ayo Maff with the renowned Empire Distribution company — a U.S.-based global music distributor known for managing top African artists, including Fireboy DML and Kizz Daniel (via Empire’s official site). Legal Threats and Public Warning In addition to filing the lawsuit, TunesBid issued a stern public warning aimed at event organizers, music promoters, and other entertainment stakeholders. The warning clearly stated that any third-party engagements with Ayo Maff without the label’s consent could result in legal action. “Ayo Maff is still legally bound by his contract with TunesBid Limited. Any external parties associating with him without our approval are liable to face the consequences under the law,” the statement read. Legal Representation and Details The record label detailed that the Exclusive Recording Agreement was signed on December 3, 2023, following deliberations between the label and the artist’s legal representatives. The law firm involved includes: — all reportedly acting on behalf of OceansTreasure Limited, which is believed to be the artist’s management firm. TunesBid further alleged that despite the contractual obligations and funding already provided, Ayo Maff and his management have been entering into unauthorized agreements with other entities — a move the label described as an act of deliberate fraud and dishonesty.
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Munirat Anto Lecky, widely recognized for her participation in Big Brother Naija, has received a prestigious appointment as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Edo State Governor on Tourism and Creative Economy. This development marks a significant milestone in her transition from reality TV personality to a major player in public service and cultural development. The appointment was officially confirmed through a letter signed by Umar Musa Ikhilor, the Secretary to the Edo State Government. According to the document, her appointment takes effect from June 23, 2025, and falls under the existing framework guiding appointments in the Edo State Public Service Commission. Role and Responsibilities in Edo State Tourism and Creative Sector Anto Lecky, who is also a media entrepreneur, actress, and development advocate, is expected to play a pivotal role in the revitalization of Edo State’s tourism landscape. One of her core assignments includes the promotion of Edo’s cultural heritage and creative industries, aligning with the state’s strategic vision to establish itself as a center of excellence in culture, arts, and tourism innovation. Among her tasks is the promotion of Edo’s historical treasures, particularly the internationally renowned Benin Bronzes, many of which are being returned to Nigeria after decades of being held in foreign museums. Lecky is expected to support initiatives around the repatriation of these artifacts and the establishment of modern cultural institutions, art museums, and tourism hubs that can further boost the state’s economy. Official Confirmation from Government Sources Part of the official letter read: “I write to inform you that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved your appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Creative Economy with effect from June 23, 2025. The remuneration attached to the appointment is in line with the prevailing regulations governing the Edo State Public Service. Congratulations.” This appointment reflects Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to tapping into the strengths of young professionals and media-savvy leaders to drive change in Edo State’s cultural and creative policy direction. Anto Lecky’s Reaction and Vision for Edo State Taking to her Instagram page, Anto Lecky expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Edo State Governor for the opportunity. In her words: “I am honoured to serve my state and my country in this new role. With the return of our priceless Benin Bronzes, upcoming museum projects, and a growing creative sector, Edo is poised to become a leader in Nigeria’s tourism and cultural economy.” Lecky’s vision aligns with a larger national conversation around cultural restitution, heritage tourism, and digital innovation in the arts. Previous Roles and Experience Anto Lecky brings with her a solid background in both the public and creative sectors. She is currently serving as the Special Assistant on Digital and New Media to Shuaibu Audu, Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development. Her blend of public policy, digital engagement, and cultural storytelling places her in a strong position to deliver impact in her new role. She has also held several influential roles in the past: With her experience across media, governance, and youth empowerment, Anto Lecky’s appointment is being hailed as a strategic move by the state government to boost its influence in the national and global creative economy. Conclusion This appointment not only elevates Anto Lecky’s career but also places Edo State at the center of Nigeria’s growing creative economy movement. Her ability to bridge global and local cultural narratives offers promising potential for heritage preservation and cultural tourism in the state.
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Nigerian gospel artist Chidinma Ekile has openly shared a deeply intimate spiritual experience marked by seclusion, intense prayer, and divine encounters. The celebrated singer and Project Fame West Africa winner disclosed that she underwent 40 days of spiritual retreat in isolation, devoted to seeking God’s direction through prolonged fasting, worship, and reflection. She described this season as one filled with emotional turbulence and a profound spiritual battle. During this sacred period, Chidinma said she often spent her nights outside, praying and singing as a means of baring her soul before God. She recounted these moments as deeply transformative, revealing that she felt an overwhelming manifestation of God’s presence like never before. But her journey also included moments of darkness. Chidinma revealed a particularly disturbing spiritual attack that occurred while she was alone on a mountain. She explained how she encountered a dangerous moment where an evil force attempted to push her toward suicide. The singer shared a vivid account of standing on the edge of a cliff, surrounded by darkness, where a tormenting voice urged her to jump. However, in that moment of deep vulnerability, she said an unseen force blocked her path, preventing her from carrying out the act. “It felt like I was in an operating theatre, and God was doing surgery on me — tearing me apart and rebuilding me. I’ve seen it all. Now, material things no longer move me,” she reflected. “The enemy came to take me before my time. One night, the devil took me to the edge of a cliff in total darkness and told me to jump. The voice was overwhelmingly powerful. But just when I was about to jump, something stood between me and the edge — a divine barricade,” she recounted. Chidinma’s courageous testimony has ignited emotional reactions across her fanbase, many of whom commended her spiritual strength and honesty. Her story underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, even in the lives of public figures, and the power of divine intervention in moments of despair.
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Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Nigerian Senate, has firmly denied the circulating claims that the Senate has approved the formation of 12 additional states across Nigeria. Addressing the issue, Akpabio expressed deep concerns about the growing misuse of social media across the continent, cautioning that such trends could potentially lead to societal destruction if left unchecked. In recent days, various social media platforms were flooded with reports suggesting that the Nigerian Senate had reached a consensus on the creation of 12 new states. The news ignited heated debates among citizens, sparking both support and criticism across different communities and political lines. However, Senator Abdul Ningi took to the Senate floor on Monday to categorically debunk the reports. He clarified that the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review had not made any such recommendations. According to him, the widespread news was not only false but also highly misleading and harmful. Senator Ningi stated: “I serve as a member of the Constitution Review Committee. Let me make it clear that our zonal reports have not even been submitted to the central committee handling the main review. Therefore, the viral social media claims that the National Assembly has finalized or even proposed the creation of 12 new states are entirely fake, dangerous, and utterly irresponsible.” He further emphasized that: “There has been no plenary discussion or deliberation on any zonal committee report. The main constitutional review committee has not received or considered any such proposal yet.” Following up on this clarification, Senate President Akpabio voiced his disappointment over how easily false information spreads via social media. He used the opportunity to address broader concerns about the platform’s influence on governance and society. “My concern is that the misuse of social media by Africans may end up tearing our societies apart,” Akpabio warned. “It has gotten to the point where people fabricate fake government documents, such as appointment letters, just to mislead the public or cause confusion—claiming, for example, that someone declined a political appointment when that’s entirely untrue.” Akpabio’s remarks underline growing anxieties among public officials about the disruptive power of misinformation, particularly when amplified through digital platforms that lack robust fact-checking measures.
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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, remains officially suspended from the Nigerian Senate and will not be allowed to resume duties until the National Assembly reconvenes from its two-month recess. This confirmation was made by Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday. The clarification came shortly after the embattled senator was prevented from participating in plenary sessions at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. “We are not in the entertainment industry; we are lawmakers with serious national responsibilities,” Adaramodu explained. “Initially, the situation began like a minor issue, but it has now evolved into a dramatic production. The suspension stands and will remain until the Senate reconvenes after the recess,” he emphasized. Senator Natasha was initially suspended in March 2025, following a controversial incident involving a disagreement over seat allocation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The matter escalated when she alleged sexual misconduct against the Senate President—claims which Akpabio has vehemently denied. Despite her suspension, Senator Natasha attempted to return to Senate proceedings on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, but was denied access and prevented from taking part in legislative duties.
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Judith Amaechi, wife of Nigeria’s former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has firmly denied accusations made by the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that she received ₦4 billion each month from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for women’s training and empowerment programs. She dismissed the statement as “unfounded and ridiculous.” In a detailed rebuttal issued on her behalf, Mrs. Amaechi also condemned Wike’s claim that she was implicated in a corruption-related investigation involving the NDDC. She described the accusation as a calculated attempt at character assassination intended to gain political mileage. Both political figures — Wike and Rotimi Amaechi — have deep roots in the political landscape of Rivers State, an oil-producing region in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. The duo once shared similar affiliations, having each served as governor of the state. According to LMSINT MEDIA, Rotimi Amaechi governed Rivers State between May 2007 and May 2015. His tenure ended when Wike succeeded him and completed his own eight-year term in office. Since then, the once-cordial relationship between the two political heavyweights has deteriorated into open rivalry, often marked by public accusations and counter-accusations. In a recent interview aired in early July 2025, Nyesom Wike alleged that Mrs. Amaechi had received a total of ₦48 billion — ₦4 billion monthly — from the NDDC to fund empowerment programs for women in the region. However, responding through her spokesperson, Dike Bekwele, on Tuesday, Judith Amaechi denied ever receiving such funds from the NDDC. Bekwele insisted there was “no shred of truth” in Wike’s claim against Mrs. Amaechi or the NGO she founded, the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI). “Dame Judith Amaechi has neither received nor benefited from any ₦4 billion monthly allocation from the NDDC,” Bekwele clarified. He elaborated that ESI’s partnership with the NDDC was a mutual arrangement aimed at co-sponsoring human capital development programs, especially for youths and women in the Niger Delta. According to him, the initiative focused on boosting small business owners, including nano and micro enterprises, through capacity-building and entrepreneurship training. Bekwele criticized Wike’s remarks as not only misleading but also defamatory. He argued that there has been no official release of any forensic audit report from the NDDC indicting Mrs. Amaechi or ESI. “For Mr. Wike to publicly claim that ESI or Dame Judith was mentioned in a supposed NDDC forensic audit — which has yet to be made accessible to Nigerians — is completely reckless. The accusation is baseless, absurd, and clearly an invention of Wike’s imagination,” the statement read. Mrs. Amaechi, undeterred by the allegations, challenged Wike to present the version of the audit report that allegedly links her or her foundation to any form of misconduct. She maintained her innocence and urged the public to disregard what she termed politically motivated propaganda.
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The Federal Government of Nigeria has disclosed that the country experiences an annual financial drain exceeding $18 billion due to illicit financial flows and profit shifting schemes often executed by multinational companies operating within its borders. This revelation was made by Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of State for Finance, during her address at the National Conference on Illicit Financial Flows, which was convened by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). While delivering her speech, the minister expressed concern over the increasing volume of unlawful financial activities affecting the country’s economic structure. She described these flows as a concealed mechanism silently siphoning Nigeria’s collective resources. According to Dr. Uzoka-Anite, these unauthorized transactions significantly reduce government revenue, thereby preventing the execution of essential infrastructure projects and services that benefit the populace. She emphasized, “Illicit financial flows are not merely technical challenges; they represent political, developmental, and national security threats. These illicit practices are an economic menace that must be decisively eliminated.” The Minister highlighted that Nigeria suffers substantial financial setbacks due to multinational entities engaged in profit manipulation and tax evasion, especially in sectors with high foreign participation. “It is currently estimated that Nigeria forfeits roughly $18 billion every year as a result of tax avoidance strategies and profit misrepresentation by international corporations active in Nigeria,” she said. She further noted that massive capital is routinely transferred out of the country, pointing out that such illegal transfers drain Nigeria of the financial capacity required to support fundamental public services. “Through the Renewed Hope initiative spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is now undertaking comprehensive, peaceful reforms to construct an economically stable and self-sufficient nation anchored on revenue generation rather than loan dependency,” she remarked. She also addressed the volatility of Nigeria’s historical dependence on oil revenues, describing it as unsustainable and unstable. The ongoing reforms, she stated, are geared towards diversifying the revenue stream by turning attention to non-oil revenue sources. During the event, Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, also voiced the urgency of protecting Nigeria’s national financial assets. He stressed the need to cultivate a robust and fair economic future, noting the harmful consequences of illicit financial outflows on the country’s macroeconomic balance. However, he voiced optimism, saying the current administration under the President’s Hope Agenda marks a pivotal transition into fiscal transformation. Adedeji revealed that the recent approval of four key tax reform legislations reflects the government’s intent to restructure the nation’s tax administration and legal frameworks, while promoting transparency in revenue processes. “Reforming tax laws is only the foundation. It’s imperative to strengthen enforcement, improve digital tax compliance mechanisms, and earn public trust through fairness, transparency, and strategic communication,” he explained. He added that the FIRS is actively deploying multi-pronged strategies to tackle these issues. Their broader objective, he said, is to cultivate a taxation culture driven by public trust and voluntary compliance, rather than fear or coercion. “We are designing a revenue system that is forward-thinking, secure, and highly intelligent,” Adedeji concluded.
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The Zamfara State Government has reiterated its strong resolve to combat banditry and other escalating security challenges, following a critical meeting of top security stakeholders held in Gusau on Monday. The high-profile security meeting was convened by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, and brought together leaders from various security forces as well as key state officials. The aim was to conduct a thorough review of the region’s existing security structure and foster deeper cooperation among different agencies to tackle criminal threats effectively. Present at the meeting was the Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Malam Mummuni, whose attendance further affirmed the state administration’s unshakable dedication to restoring peace, safeguarding lives, and ensuring the protection of property in all communities across Zamfara. Ten Strategic Recommendations to Strengthen Security As disclosed by Suleman Ahmad Tudu, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the SSG, the attendees at the meeting unanimously adopted ten strategic recommendations. These are targeted at enhancing coordination among agencies, streamlining intelligence sharing, and increasing operational efficiency to counter criminal networks, especially armed bandit groups terrorizing the state. During his address, SSG Nakwada denounced the recent wave of attacks that devastated several rural settlements and extended heartfelt condolences to the affected families. He emphasized that the government remains unwavering in its mission to reestablish full security and stability in every locality across Zamfara. “Security threats are evolving rapidly, and we must respond with unified and flexible tactics. Our administration is fully aligned with all security agencies to guarantee that Zamfara regains its status as a safe state,” Nakwada declared. Call for Unified Action Against Bandits In his closing address, Deputy Governor Mummuni reaffirmed the necessity of unified action among all arms of security enforcement. He stressed the importance of keeping up momentum until the menace of banditry is eliminated. “We cannot afford to leave any part of our beloved state vulnerable. The urgency of the moment demands immediate and sustained action,” he asserted. The renewed strategy by the Zamfara Government is widely seen as a bold move to end the longstanding insecurity that has plagued the region and to send a strong message to criminal elements that the state is no longer a safe haven for lawlessness.
