Olarioye ends Nigeria’s campaign with three weightlifting gold medals
Gowon Akpodonor is a sports journalist for the editorial arm of The Guardian Nigeria. Her triple-gold triumph not only showcased her individual brilliance but also reinforced Nigeria’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in continental weightlifting. The African Youth Games serve as a vital platform for discovering and developing young stars across the continent. Always remember that youth games are developmental platforms and not solely for laurels. Read more »NBA, FIBA, others set to celebrate World Basketball DayGowon Akpodonor is a sports journalist for the editorial arm of The Guardian Nigeria.
Source:The Guardian
December 22, 2025 08:01 UTC
Detroit Lions 24-29 Pittsburgh Steelers: DK Metcalf appears to punch Lions fan
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf appeared to punch a fan during the 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Television footage showed Metcalf approaching the Lions fan, who was leaning over the railings at the front of the stand, in the second quarter at Ford Field. He then appeared to grab the spectator's blue wig before swinging his right fist. "He went over and the fan said something to him," CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson said during coverage of the match. "Obviously, Metcalf did not like what he said, and you saw the swipe there.
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 07:54 UTC
Rogers stars as Villa beat Man Utd to boost title bid
Aston Villa stepped up their unexpected Premier League title challenge as Morgan Rogers’ brilliant brace sealed a 2-1 win against Manchester United on Sunday. Unai Emery’s side took the lead through Rogers’ stunning strike late in the first half at Villa Park. Villa are on their best winning run in all competitions since 1914, when they secured 11 successive victories. Losing Fernandes for the second half was a hammer blow and the irrepressible Rogers restored Villa’s advantage in the 57th minute. Amorim sent on Jack Fletcher, the son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, for his debut, but the teenager’s first game was destined to end in defeat.
Source:The Guardian
December 22, 2025 07:48 UTC
NASA’s PUNCH Mission Captures Unprecedented Views Of The Sun And Solar System
NASA’s PUNCH mission, led by the Southwest Research Institute, has captured never-before-seen images revealing the Sun’s corona and solar wind as a unified, dynamic system. The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has unveiled groundbreaking results from NASA’s PUNCH mission, revealing a breathtaking, continuous view of the solar corona and solar wind in unprecedented detail. The study marks a milestone in heliophysics, offering scientists a clearer understanding of the Sun’s dynamic influence across the solar system. “Seeing solar activity sweeping across the moon, planets and even passing comets gives us a sense of place in our solar system. “PUNCH can actually show us directly the violence of space weather as clouds of electrons cross the solar system,” DeForest noted.
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 06:49 UTC
US Visa Ban on Nigeria: A Call for National Renewal
The recent decision by the United States government to impose sweeping visa restrictions on Nigerian nationals has provoked understandable anger, disappointment, and a sense of collective humiliation across Nigeria and its global diaspora. While no sovereign nation can be denied the right to protect its borders, the blanket profiling of Nigeria and Nigerians is unjust, excessive, and deeply troubling. President Bola Tinubu has what it takes to ensure that history will not only remember the visa restrictions imposed on us, but also how we turned this external humiliation into Nigerian renewal. Fifth, the President must work towards restoring national values and rebuilding trust in leadership. Once again, history must not be allowed to remember only the visa restrictions imposed on us, but also how we responded—turning those restrictions into a national rebirth, renewal, and restoration under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 06:27 UTC
Why Nigeria's Tinted Glass Order Must Be Canceled
Therefore, Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, should cancel the tinted glass enforcement order. The police should let factory-fitted tinted glass vehicle owners be and focus on exorcising their own demons. So, the IG should call off the tinted glass enforcement. The tinted glass permit order looks suspicious. How many of these atrocities were linked to tinted glass vehicles?
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 06:11 UTC
DK Metcalf facing major NFL punishment after throwing PUNCH at opposing fan in stands
DK METCALF could find himself suspended in the midst of a playoff push. During the Detroit Lions vs Pittsburgh Steelers game, CBS cameras caught Metcalf walking up to a fan in the stands. The fan appeared to be wearing a blue wig, and Metcalf was clutching onto it while saying something to the fan. He then extended his arm and appeared to land a punch on the fan. “He went over and the fan said something to him,” CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson said.
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 05:14 UTC
Military rolls out Christmas security measures in Nigeria
The Defence Headquarters has announced that proactive measures are in place to prevent attacks during the Christmas festivities across Nigeria. Unit commanders have been directed to strengthen patrols, establish fortified checkpoints, and maintain close collaboration with community leaders, local vigilante groups, and state security formations. Similarly, the Rivers State Police Command, on Sunday, nnounced enhanced security measures for the Yuletide season, with tactical units deployed to waterways, recreational centres, and other identified hotspots across the state. “The Rivers State Police Command reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding lives and property before, during, and after the Christmas celebration. “The Rivers State Police Command extends warm wishes to all Christians for a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year,” she added.
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 04:52 UTC
Energy access key to scaling EV adoption, expert says
Nigeria’s transition to electric mobility will depend largely on improved energy access and the development of renewable-powered charging infrastructure, the Chief Executive Officer of Bankrol Camel EV, Suleiman Yusuf, has said. Yusuf described electric mobility as an inevitable outcome of global energy transition pressures, climate commitments and the growing demand for affordable and efficient transportation. He said Nigeria’s ability to scale EV adoption would be shaped by its capacity to strengthen power infrastructure, particularly through clean and renewable energy solutions. As EV adoption grows, there must be a corresponding expansion in power supply, especially renewable energy, to sustain it,” he said. Yusuf added that efforts were also underway to address other barriers to EV adoption, including skills shortages, financing constraints and maintenance capacity.
Source:The Guardian
December 22, 2025 04:39 UTC
Nigeria Tax Laws: Alleged Alterations Spark Probe Calls
The tax laws, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, were signed recently by President Bola Tinubu. It added that anyone found responsible for the alleged alterations should be prosecuted as appropriate. SERAP said publishing certified true copies of the tax bills and laws would allow Nigerians to scrutinise and compare the documents with the versions eventually gazetted. “The panel should have the mandate to establish the facts of what exactly occurred and identify those suspected to be responsible for the alleged alterations. Support for tax reformsIn contrast, the Chairman of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, Adebayo Rojugbokan, urged Nigerians to support the tax reforms, saying they would benefit economic development.
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 03:31 UTC
2027: Wabara woos Alex Otti to PDP
Former Senate President, Dr Adolphus Wabara, who is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Taminu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, of the Labour Party (LP), would be welcomed into the party if he decides to join. Wabara told journalists that he was optimistic that Otti would prefer the PDP as the viable vehicle to actualise his second-term bid as governor, noting that Otti would be a big asset for any political party he joins. The former Senate President attributed the scramble for Otti by political parties to his impressive scorecard during his tenure of about 32 months, stating that this would speak for him in 2027. While stating that the South-East has remained a traditional stronghold of the PDP, Wabara predicted that Otti’s eventual defection to the party would brighten PDP’s chances and restore the zone as a major force in Nigeria’s political equation. While acknowledging and lauding Otti’s numerous developmental strides across the state’s sectors, particularly in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, industry, security, and rural development.
Source:The Guardian
December 22, 2025 03:11 UTC
Steelers’ DK Metcalf throws punch at Lions fan in front row during altercation
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf could face disciplinary action after throwing a punch at a fan during Sunday’s 29-24 win against the Detroit Lions. Television footage showed Metcalf speaking with a spectator on the sidelines at Ford Field before he lashed out with a closed fist. Officials appeared to miss the incident but 28-year-old Metcalf could face retrospective punishment. DK Metcalf appears to have an altercation with a Detroit fan pic.twitter.com/a478Zjg3tR — NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 21, 2025The Lions saw their play-off hopes end in unfortunate circumstances as a Jared Goff touchdown on the final play was chalked off due to pass interference. A week after Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL, his understudy Gardner Minshew sustained a knee injury early in the second quarter.
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 02:43 UTC
Steelers' DK Metcalf shoves fan during game in Detroit
DK Metcalf has an altercation with a fan in the stands and shoves him. (0:16)DETROIT -- Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf was involved in an altercation with a fan at Ford Field during the second quarter of Sunday's 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions. The CBS broadcast showed Metcalf talking to the fan, who was in a blue wig and hanging over the first-row railing. The fan, who threw his hands up after Metcalf made contact with him, appeared to have a yellow jersey in his hands. Metcalf reentered the game on the Steelers' next series.
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 02:27 UTC
Key Numbers in Nigeria's Fourth AFCON Title Pursuit
As the 2025 AFCON kicks off in Morocco, Nigeria is aiming to win the title for the fourth time. Lookman’s two goals were scored in the first game of the series against the Benin Republic on September 7, 2024. 3 – The Super Eagles conceded three goals during the qualifiers. 8 – Before qualifying for AFCON 2025, the Super Eagles have finished third eight times at the AFCON (1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2019). 9 – The Super Eagles have been ranked 9th at the AFCON once (2021) in Cameroon.
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 02:26 UTC
Final 130 abducted Niger pupils released by captors
(Photo by Light Oriye Tamunotonye / AFP)The final batch of 130 students abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State, regained their freedom on Sunday, bringing to an end one of Nigeria’s largest recent mass school kidnappings. “Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released. The freed children arrived in Minna, the Niger State capital, joining earlier batches released in phases over the past month. The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State and school proprietor, Most Rev. “I am extremely delighted to learn that the remaining 130 students of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, have been released.
Source:Punch
December 22, 2025 01:46 UTC