Nigeria to host maiden African Supporters Awards in Lagos
Nigeria recorded a triple success at the just concluded Confederation of African Sports Supporters (CASS) meeting held in Casablanca, Morocco. President-general of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Rafiu Ladipo, was appointed patron of the continental supporters’ body. The meeting also selected Nigeria to host the maiden African Supporters Awards scheduled for March in Lagos. “This honour reflects the hard work and consistency of Nigerian football supporters,” he said. “We reached a unanimous decision to stage the maiden awards in Lagos,” he said.
Source:The Guardian
January 11, 2026 14:23 UTC
Health sector gets N2.1tr as NMA condemns allocation
Nigeria’s health sector has been allocated N2.1 trillion in the 2026 Federal Budget, yet the level of funding remains significantly below the target set by African leaders under the 2001 Abuja Declaration. The health allocation, though higher in absolute terms than budgets in previous years, still accounts for a small proportion of the total federal expenditure. In the proposed 2026 budget, the sector’s share is estimated at around 4.2 to 4.3 per cent of total spending, far below the agreed benchmark. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, acknowledged efforts to increase the share of health funding. Health financing advocates have argued that sustained underfunding undermines the capacity of the health system to meet rising demands.
Source:The Guardian
January 11, 2026 14:10 UTC
NDLEA arrests businessman, recovers tramadol pills hidden in mannequins
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 37-year-old businessman, Ani Romans, and recovered large quantities of tramadol concealed inside mannequins he was transporting for his clothing business. In a statement on Sunday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said a search of the items revealed that the mannequins were stuffed with tramadol pills weighing a total of 5.3kg. “In Akwa Ibom State, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Oron–Ibaka Road in Oron LGA on Friday, January 9, intercepted a 37-year-old businessman, Ani Onyebuchi Romans, while travelling with full-body mannequins for his clothing business in Cameroon. A search of the mannequins revealed that they were stuffed with tramadol pills weighing 5.3 kilograms. Other arrests were recorded in Edo, Niger, Taraba, and Adamawa states, where quantities of cannabis and tramadol were seized from different suspects.
Source:Punch
January 11, 2026 14:03 UTC
FG files cybercrime charges against ex-Nigeria envoy to Zambia, Ominyi, others
The Federal Government has filed a three-count criminal charge against a former Nigerian Ambassador to Zambia, Amb. Nwannebuike Ominyi Eze, and others over alleged cybercrime offences at the Federal High Court, Abuja. The prosecution further alleges that the publications were intended to cause harm, criminal intimidation, enmity, anxiety and hatred against Chief Ogai. The third count accuses the defendants of knowingly transmitting false statements through computer networks with intent to cause harm, an offence punishable under Section 24(2)(a)(b) of the Cybercrime Act. The defendants are expected to take their plea when the matter comes up for arraignment before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Source:The Guardian
January 11, 2026 13:44 UTC
Army sets up new bases in Kwara, Niger to flush out criminals
Rume disclosed this while speaking at the 2025 Nigerian Army Social Activities held at the Sobi Cantonment in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. He said other operations include Operation Harmony in Kwara State and Operation Fansan Yamma, which he noted is currently ongoing. Also speaking at the event, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the state government would continue to work with the military to address security concerns. ), the governor said cooperation between the state government and the Nigerian Army had contributed to improved security outcomes. The Nigerian Army Social Activities is an annual event organised to promote interaction among officers and soldiers, assess operations and foster cohesion within the military community.
Source:The Guardian
January 11, 2026 12:53 UTC
How Many Kids Does the Average Nigerian Have?
But these national averages mask fascinating regional variations that reveal the true complexity of Nigerian family planning. Women with no formal education average 6.2 children, whilst those with secondary education or higher average 3.5 children. The average Nigerian household contains 5.6 people, but this figure tells only part of the story. Conclusion: Understanding How Many Kids the Average Nigerian HasSo, how many kids does the average Nigerian have? Frequently Asked Questions About How Many Kids the Average Nigerian HasHow many children does a typical Nigerian woman have?
Source:The Guardian
January 11, 2026 11:59 UTC
Osimhen powers Eagles to AFCON semis against hosts Morocco
The victory extended Nigeria’s flawless record at the current edition to five wins from five matches, all achieved in open play. They have now scored 14 goals in the tournament, surpassing their previous best of 12 set in 2000, a first in their Africa Cup of Nations history. This was their 12th quarter-final appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, and they have now progressed from this stage on 11 occasions, their only failure coming against Ghana in 2008. Between them, Osimhen and Lookman have now been directly involved in 13 of Nigeria’s 14 goals at the finals. This was their 10th meeting at the Africa Cup of Nations, with both nations now level on four wins apiece alongside two draws.
Source:Punch
January 11, 2026 11:46 UTC
I’m not holding ground for Saraki — ADC’s spokesman
The National Publicity Secretary of the opposition coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has dismissed insinuations in some quarters that he was holding ground for the former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, in the party. Nigerians said the then-performing Sports Minister was axed to get at Saraki, who nominated him, for defecting to the APC. “I am in ADC to join hands with well-meaning citizens to salvage the country from its rudderless drift. The Guardian reports that the former Sports Minister parted ways with Saraki after losing the PDP governorship primary in Kwara State, even though he disagreed. Therefore, interpreting what happened as betrayal is not correct.My leader, Dr Bukola Saraki, did not betray me.
Source:The Guardian
January 11, 2026 11:25 UTC
FULL LIST: AFCON 2025 semi-final fixtures, date, time, venue
The semi-final fixtures for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 have been confirmed following the conclusion of the quarter-final matches. Hosts Morocco will take on Nigeria, while Senegal will face Egypt in the two semi-final matches scheduled for Wednesday. Seven-time champions Egypt sealed the final semi-final ticket after edging defending champions Côte d’Ivoire 3–2 in a thrilling encounter. The victory ended the Elephants’ title defence and set up a semi-final clash with Senegal. Confirmed semi-final fixtures:Senegal vs Egypt – Wednesday, January 14Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier, Rabat by 6 pm WATNigeria vs Morocco – Wednesday, January 14Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat by 9 pm WAT
Source:Punch
January 11, 2026 11:23 UTC
Video confirms killing of terrorists in Sokoto US strikes
Many terrorists were killed, while their hideouts and vehicles were destroyed during United States airstrikes carried out in Sokoto State on December 25, footage sighted by Sunday PUNCH has revealed. The video also captured movements of suspected terrorists fleeing the area following the initial bombardment. However, the exact number of terrorists killed or vehicles destroyed could not be independently ascertained from the footage alone. The United States President, Donald Trump, had earlier announced on Christmas Day that the American military conducted lethal strikes against Islamic State targets in north-western Nigeria. The Federal Government subsequently confirmed the operation, describing it as part of ongoing counterterrorism cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
Source:Punch
January 11, 2026 11:23 UTC
North vs West as Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal set for blockbuster semi-finals
Super Eagles players come together in a huddle before their AFCON 2025 match against Tanzania. Super Eagles players come together in a huddle before their AFCON 2025 match against Tanzania. Earlier on Saturday, Egypt also defeated West African opposition, edging defending champions Côte d’Ivoire 3-2 in Agadir to reach the semi-finals. The result set up a semi-final clash with hosts Morocco and marked Nigeria’s 16th appearance in the AFCON semi-finals. The semi-final fixtures will be played on Wednesday, with Morocco facing Nigeria in Rabat and Egypt taking on Senegal in Tangier.
Source:The Guardian
January 11, 2026 11:17 UTC
NBA seeks justice in alleged forced conversion of Muslim girl
The recent revelation of her whereabouts and the alleged crimes committed against her has sparked widespread outrage, prompting the NBA, Dutse branch, to demand urgent justice and accountability. However, the NBA Dutse branch urged all parties and the public to remain calm and law-abiding as the investigative and judicial processes take their course. Moreso, the NBA Dutse branch, disclosed that the branch is aware of the court’s order and is committed to ensuring justice is done. Accordingly, the association said that the alleged crimes include abduction, unlawful detention, rape of a minor, abuse of office, and forced conversion and marriage. Umar described Onyewuenyi’s actions as “a gross abuse of his position as a DSS officer,” and emphasised that the NBA demands accountability.
Source:Punch
January 11, 2026 11:11 UTC
DisCos abandon metering duty, NERC report reveals
This indicates that the DisCos appear to have abandoned one of their duties, which is metering all eligible customers. Jos Electricity Distribution Plc recorded the highest total installations under the framework, with 52,174 meters deployed between 2019 and 2025. Enugu Electricity Distribution Company installed 597 meters, all between 2019 and 2023. Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company installed 149 meters in 2024, while Kano Electricity Distribution Company deployed 96 meters in the same year. In total, DisCos funded only 131 meters in the third quarter of 2025, representing just 0.06 per cent of the 228,614 meters installed across all metering frameworks during the period.
Source:Punch
January 11, 2026 11:09 UTC
ADC woos opposition bigwigs for 2027 coalition
This follows a public statement by Kwankwaso last Saturday in Kano, where he expressed his willingness to align with any opposition coalition prepared to offer him either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket. Recall that in July 2025, the ADC emerged as the coalition platform adopted by opposition leaders seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. “It was clearly stated that there will be no offer of either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket from the party leadership to anyone. “Nobody can promise anyone the presidential or vice-presidential ticket, given the current realities within the ADC. However, the National Chairman can help negotiate and discuss the sharing of positions, such as ministerial appointments, National Assembly leadership positions, and even the SGF,” the source said.
Source:Punch
January 11, 2026 11:07 UTC
APC never rigged election in Nigeria — Lawmaker
We don’t rig elections in APC. By the time your opponents wake up to rig an election, they’ve already lost. But immediately they hear Ajuloopin, they’d say we don’t know you, but we know your father.’ Since then, I’ve been building on the values and integrity of the name,” he said. Aliyu Murtala Omoboye, encouraged party members to come out en masse and register in this APC e-registration exercise. “That is what will translate into victory come the 2027 general election for the APC.
Source:The Guardian
January 11, 2026 10:53 UTC