Opta Nigeria (@OptaNGR) underlined the worrying trend in a post on X, writing, “The Super Eagles of Nigeria have now failed to keep a clean sheet in 5 consecutive matches. OluDee (@Dare4xploits) wrote, “Defence is the Achilles heel of the present Super Eagles, same reason they will be watching the World Cup at home. ‎BöD£ (@buddie_LXG) offered a mixed verdict, posting, “Best of the Super Eagles I’ve watched in years, disappointed we conceded two and invited unnecessary pressure. ‎Anthony Abakporo (@anthonyabakporo) questioned the penalty decision but still stressed the need for improvement, stating, “The Super Eagles Defence needs a lot of Improvement. WorlleysoLA (@TejustPatrick) wrote, “Super Eagles have really improved, but with Nwabali as the first gk, that team cannot win shit cos good goalkeepers win competitions for you.”‎“There’s something wrong with Super Eagles defence.

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the US military carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in northwestern Nigeria. Confirming the strike, the Federal Government said it gave the US support and that the strikes were carried out on targeted areas being used by the terrorists. At Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, a missile hit a farmland, while some buildings were affected in Offa, Kwara State. Terrorists dislocated, may seek international support – ExpertsA security analyst and Chief Executive Officer of Beacon Consulting, Kabiru Adamu, said fleeing terrorists might attempt to cohabit with law-abiding citizens. According to him, the uncertainty surrounding possible future strikes will heighten fear among the terrorists and disrupt their operations.

And band-aids are why Nigeria has failed to launch since independence, with the political elite content with the glitter and glamour of office rather than service or governance. Remember the Nigerian military announcing last year the deployment of “special forces” across the country in a “renewed onslaught” on the insecurity? Another declared that the insecurity needed not the military or intelligence, but a spiritual response. In that calendar year, Nigeria changed some military chiefs, but nothing significantly improved in Nigeria’s security response. That included suggestions of a potent intelligence schema, which Nigeria has not demonstrated in the 16 years we have contended with insecurity.

A self-styled Ghanaian prophet, Ebo Noah, who predicted a global catastrophe that failed to occur has urged his followers to relax and “enjoy themselves,” declaring that the doom had been postponed. Whatever happens is the decision of God,” Ebo Noah said. Standing beside one of the boats, Ebo Noah said he had already built six arks in preparation for a catastrophic flood. Ebo Noah announced the postponement of the rapture in a video posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday. Ebo Noah who spoke in Twi language, urged the people to enjoy themselves and party.

Tata Punch Facelift: The upcoming 2026 Tata Punch facelift has been spotted testing again, with the latest spy images suggesting the model is now close to its production-ready form. Two test vehicles were seen together, offering a clearer look at the updates Tata Motors is preparing for its popular compact SUV. Updated Exterior DesignThe test vehicles remain partially camouflaged, but several changes are visible. Debut Date, Expected Price, Features, Engines & More)Powertrain Likely to Remain UnchangedMechanically, the 2026 Tata Punch is expected to continue with the existing 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. Expected Launch TimelineThe updated Tata Punch is expected to make its official debut in the first half of 2026.

Wike declared that he and his political allies would “resume full politics” by January 2026. Assuring his supporters that there was no cause for alarm, Wike urged them to remain resolute and steadfast. We have never wavered in our support for President Bola Tinubu,” Wike added. “One thing you should know about Nigerian politics is that some people believe that if you say ‘we will deal with Wike,’ money will come. Governors came and left, but none agreed to elevate our stools until Wike,” Nwuche said.

He was already a figure of some controversy, as would become a lifelong habit, among the younger pupils and staff at Dulwich college in south-east London. She was not personally acquainted with Farage and did not see or hear his alleged racism and antisemitism, she said. “Of course Farage directly abused pupils,” Deakin said. “Emms [the headteacher] called me in: he was quite a forbidding figure for me as a young teacher,” she said. I participated fully in College life and enjoyed teaching such lively, intelligent and talented pupils, whom I remember with affection.

The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 19-year-old casual worker in connection with the alleged killing of a fellow staff member within the Gombe Government House premises. The incident occurred on Thursday, December 26, 2025, and involved two casual staff members working at the Government House, the police said in a statement issued on Saturday. Abdullahi disclosed that further investigation, including a review of CCTV footage within the Government House, revealed that another casual staff member had assaulted the deceased shortly before his death. “At about 11:00 p.m. on the same day, the suspect was arrested at his hideout in Bagadaza Quarters, Gombe. “The Gombe State Police Command remains committed to ensuring justice is served and that all persons working within and around government facilities are adequately protected.

Daniel Ayantoye writes on how what should be a simple task, renewing a website hosting subscription locally, has become a source of frustration and financial loss for Nigerian businesses. As more Nigerians migrate operations online, local hosting companies have positioned themselves as cheaper alternatives to foreign providers, promising convenience, local support and easier payment options. For many, these experiences have become enough reason to avoid local hosting providers altogether. I don’t trust any Nigerian hosting company again,” said Joshua Sunday, a web developer, in a telephone interview with our correspondent. Worrisome public reviewsA check of public complaints posted on Trustpilot, an online review platform, revealed a mixed picture of local hosting companies.

Mikel Arteta praised Arsenal’s refusal to let their Premier League title challenge be ruined by injuries after they survived another debilitating 24 hours to beat Brighton 2-1 on Saturday. Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera were also ruled out, so Myles Lewis-Skelly came in at left-back and England midfielder Declan Rice started at right-back. Hailing Arsenal’s spirit and togetherness in adversity, Arteta said: “What I like is that we are having a lot of issues and we are dealing with it in an incredible way. That is the spirit and that is how much our players want it. We were a big threat but the margin of victory should have been much bigger,” Arteta said.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye has backed Nigeria to maintain their winning start at the Africa Cup of Nations as they prepare to face Tunisia in a crucial group stage clash at Fez Stadium on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. “I think we did a great job in the game,” Adeleye said. “The most important thing is to win the game, and I am very happy we won. “For me, it was okay, and I believe my time will surely come as well.”Adeleye earned his Super Eagles debut in 2023. Tunisia also started their campaign strongly with a 3–1 win over Uganda and will be targeting another statement result.

In a swift and daring operation, the Oyo State Police Command has apprehended a suspected robber and recovered a stolen motorcycle following a late-night attack on two residents in the Olorunda Aba area of Ibadan. During the chase, one suspect abandoned the stolen motorcycle and fled into nearby bushland. The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, commended the officers for their professionalism and swift action. He directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for detailed follow-up. The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its determination to combat armed robbery and to reinforce its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Seven people, including two children and the driver, died when a Sharon bus lost control and veered off the 200km Gombe-Potiskum road, crashing into the bush in Yobe State. Four other passengers sustained injuries in the accident on Friday. The Police Motor Traffic Department promptly mobilised to the scene, evacuating the deceased and the injured to the State Specialist Hospital, Potiskum, for treatment and deposition. Sadly, two of the injured later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

A former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, is set to formally join the African Democratic Congress amid ongoing consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the party source said, “We are aware that Peter Obi is making plans to declare for the ADC on December 31 in Enugu. That must have informed his decision.”But the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he could not confirm Obi’s planned defection. He said, “Don’t forget that by June or July, at the latest, we must have a presidential candidate. “Once a presidential candidate emerges and you see people also coming up to contest the governorship election, it will change the momentum,” he stated.

It was Nigeria’s second win in Group C and ensures they will top the standings, even with one first-round fixture still to play. Their six-point haul is three more than second-placed Tunisia, with Tanzania and Uganda on one point each. Osimhen had a series of narrow misses from as early as the eighth minute as Nigeria came out of the starting blocks swarming all over Tunisia. Tunisia won a fortunate penalty with five minutes left as the ball hit Bright Osayi-Samuel’s hand as he was trying to head clear. It is a first point for both sides in their pool after they opened their 2025 campaign with defeats by Tunisia and Nigeria respectively.