Cristiano Ronaldo continued his remarkable scoring run as he netted twice in the first half to lead Al Nassr to a comfortable 3–0 victory over Al Akhdoud, taking his career goal tally to 956. The Al Nassr captain opened the scoring with a composed finish, before adding his second before the break to put his side firmly in control. The brace underlined Ronaldo’s enduring influence and clinical edge, even at this stage of his illustrious career. Al Nassr dominated the contest throughout, limiting Al Akhdoud’s attacking threat and controlling possession across the pitch. With Ronaldo continuing to deliver decisive performances, Al Nassr’s title ambitions remain firmly on track.

December 27, 2025 22:37 UTC

A social media user and cancer patient, Mensah Omolola, popularly known on X as AuntieEsther. A social media user and cancer patient, Mensah Omolola, popularly known on X as AuntieEsther, who sparked widespread debate after rejecting a blood transfusion recommended as part of her treatment has died. God bless.”However, the situation took a controversial turn when Obi-Dickson revealed that AuntieEsther’s church had warned her of possible disciplinary action, including disfellowship, if she accepted a blood transfusion. According to him, doctors offered two options: a transfusion-supported treatment that was well within the donated funds, or a more expensive and prolonged alternative that avoided blood transfusion. Meanwhile, #AUNTYMUSE_ clarified that AuntieEsther’s position against blood transfusion had been stated clearly from the beginning, even before the fundraising started.

December 27, 2025 21:57 UTC

Nakatani (32-0, 24 KOs) found a frequent home for his uppercut early and outlanded Hernandez 142-94 over the first six rounds. However, the unbeaten Mexican standing opposite him was edging closer and making him work tirelessly to maintain such a pace, which showed in the second-half punch stats. Hernandez threw considerably more (568-409) and outlanded the Japanese star 179-155 over the final six rounds, leaving a debate over the judges' scorecards as to who prevailed. Gary Kitanoski and Mike Hayel both had it 115-113 for Nakatani, closer and deservedly so in direct contrast with Nawaf Almohaimeed's wild 118-110 score.

December 27, 2025 21:50 UTC

The Special Adviser on Public Communications and Media to Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has described the airstrikes launched by the United States on ISIS-linked terrorists in Sokoto as sketchy. They may not have specific authorization by Congress to fight terrorist organizations that are designated as such in Nigeria,” said Bwala. The terrorist organisation’s goal is to establish a so-called Islamic caliphate governed by its extreme interpretation of Islamic law. These terrorist organisations coordinate attacks on Christian communities and churches. Trump threatened military intervention in Nigeria if the West African country failed to address the Christian genocide.

December 27, 2025 21:48 UTC

Tata Punch Facelift spied: 2026 Model to get major design and tech overhaul Recent spy shots of near-production Tata Punch Facelift test mules reveal a comprehensive overhaul designed to align the vehicle with Tata's modern design language. Exterior styling: Adopting the new Tata DNARecent spy shots suggest that the Punch facelift will align its aesthetics with Tata's newer SUV lineup, such as the Nexon and Punch EV. (Image Source : RUSH LANE) Tata Punch Facelift spiedInterior and technology upgradesThe cabin is set for a substantial premium upgrade. Powertrain and launch timelineUnder the hood, the 2026 Punch is expected to retain its reliable powertrain options:1.2L Revotron Petrol Engine: Available with both a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. The Tata Punch facelift is slated for a market launch in the first half (H1) of 2026.

December 27, 2025 21:44 UTC





The Federal Government has announced the graduation of more than 7,000 newly recruited forest guards drawn from seven frontline states after completing a three-month training programme under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative. He directed each state to recruit between 2,000 and 5,000 forest guards. The graduation of the recruits shows the kickoff of the forest guards after it had been delayed for seven months. “The training programme recorded a 98.2 per cent completion rate. “These Forest Guards are not just uniformed personnel.

December 27, 2025 21:04 UTC

This is the central submission of a United Kingdom based Islamic scholar, Shaykh Muhammad Mahmoud at over N10 million Nigeria Food Appeal exercise in Lagos. Mahmoud, who represented Prophetic Path and Dabbagh Welfare Trust UK, made the declaration while speaking to journalists, during distribution of nine food items. The distribution exercise to 100 families was in collaboration with The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and the professions. “The food items distribution is for the beneficiaries to have respite for a period of time, before the beginning of Ramadan. Speaking to journalists on behalf of The Companion, its Executive Secretary, Dr Abdul Rafiu Alabi, said Dabbagh food appeal is to alleviate poverty in Nigeria, in particular, Lagos.

December 27, 2025 20:00 UTC

Nollywood actress, director and film producer Allwell Ademola has died at the age of 43. Ademola died on Saturday, December 27, in Lagos. Her death was confirmed by fellow actress Faithia Williams, who shared the news on Instagram on Saturday. The actress’ death came hours after she made what would become her final post on Instagram. Allwell Ademola worked across Yoruba and English-language Nollywood films as an actress and was also active as a producer and director.

December 27, 2025 19:57 UTC

There was anxiety at Government House, Gombe, Gombe State, after a watchman allegedly killed a staff member who handles water borehole operations in the house. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon at 3:50pm, when the victim, identified as Baba Usama, was allegedly killed after being drugged and strangled with a rope by his killer. According to the Gombe State Police Command, Shuaibu Adamu, aged 19 years, committed the atrocity. Police spokesman in the state, Buhari Abdullahi, revealed that on December 26, 2025, a distress report was received that the victim, a casual staff member employed as a borehole operator at the Gombe State Government House, was found lying motionless. “The Gombe State Police Command reassures the public of its firm commitment to justice and the safety of all persons working within and around government facilities”, he said.

December 27, 2025 18:44 UTC

While praising the courage, bravery and commitment of Nigeria’s military and security forces in confronting the rising threat, Okoh stressed U.S. support as essential to bolster their efforts. Gumi warned that American involvement could worsen Nigeria’s security challenges and undermine national sovereignty. “At this critical juncture, the involvement of the United States in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations deserves recognition, not condemnation. “I wasn’t surprised after the delegation that visited the United States, when you look at the membership of the delegation, the Attorney-General was part of it. So, we know that some form of agreement was signed with the United States.

December 27, 2025 16:41 UTC

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has announced that his administration is introducing new initiatives aimed at curbing the menace of banditry in the state. He said since assuming office, his administration has consistently supported security agencies in combating banditry across the 13 local councils affected by the menace. Aliyu emphasised the need for residents to continue supporting the government and security agencies in order to make Sokoto State safer. “As a government, we are ready to do all it takes to ensure that banditry becomes history in Sokoto State. He also thanked the people of Sokoto State for their continued support and prayers, assuring them of more dividends of democracy across the state.

December 27, 2025 15:19 UTC

Highlighting the stakes, the ADC on Friday acknowledged the broader security context in the country. “We therefore support all lawful and effective measures aimed at saving lives and restoring security,” the party said. It continued, “Nevertheless, the ADC reiterates its long-standing opposition to the physical operation of foreign military forces on Nigerian soil. Criticising the President Bola Tinubu-led government’s handling of national security, the ADC explicitly attributed the reliance on foreign action to administrative failings. “This reflects a frightening lack of awareness of the historic significance of this incident by the President of Nigeria,” it concluded.

December 27, 2025 14:56 UTC

Currently, Nigerian law graduates can commence full legal practice after attending the Nigerian Law School and being called to the Bar. Introducing a two-year pupillage means that it would take about eight or nine years before one can practice law in Nigeria,” said Enebeli. The reason they do that is because senior lawyers are not ready to pay young lawyers. Law students fresh out of law school, even though licensed to practice law straight away, still need practical hands-on experience under accredited senior lawyers to fully grasp the issues around law practice. He also recommended minimum required remuneration standards and structured learning outcomes as other mechanisms that will ensure the success of the proposed pupillage.

December 27, 2025 14:19 UTC

(NAN)Brig.-Gen Ahmed Balogun of the Nigerian Army in Benin has said that the distribution of Christmas food and monetary gifts to families of fallen officers was aimed at expressing gratitude. Balogun noted that the gifts served as a reminder to the widows of fallen soldiers that the Nigerian Army had not forgotten the sacrifices of their late husbands, made in defence of their fatherland. Balogun noted that the initiative aligned with the idea of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, which prioritises the welfare of soldiers and their families. “We are here to put soldiers first and to bring the Chief of Army Staff’s philosophy to life by celebrating and identifying with our soldiers and their families during this Christmas season,” he said. She urged officers, soldiers and their families to continue to live in unity and love, noting that the Nigerian Army recognises and celebrates both Christian and Muslim festivals.

December 27, 2025 13:53 UTC

Suspected bandits on Friday evening reportedly invaded the Adanla community, a suburb of Igbaja in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, and allegedly abducted no fewer than seven persons. The attack, according to residents occured around 7pm on Friday, December 26, 2025, and threw the otherwise peaceful agrarian community into fear. A community leader in Igbaja and Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, confirmed the incident to The PUNCH on Saturday. “At about 7:30pm, we received a report from Adanla-Irese, a suburb of Igbaja, that bandits had entered the community,” Oyin-Zubair said. When contacted, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said she was yet to receive a detailed briefing on the incident.

December 27, 2025 13:34 UTC