Serie A: Atalanta look to keep momentum against league leaders Inter
Atalanta are on the comeback trail ahead of Sunday night’s visit of Serie A leaders Inter Milan, with coach Raffaele Palladino leading the charge for the revitalised Bergamo club. Since Palladino replaced Ivan Juric last month Atalanta have rediscovered their groove, as witnessed by the way they dealt with Eintracht Frankfurt and Chelsea in the Champions League. Atalanta sit fifth in the Champions League, level on points with mega-bucks Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, and now they’re heading back up the Serie A table. 3 – Atalanta have already won one more league match under Palladino than the two won with Ivan Juric. Fixtures (times GMT)SaturdayParma v Fiorentina (1130), Lecce v Como, Torino v Cagliari (1400), Udinese v Lazio (1700), Pisa v Juventus (1945)SundayAC Milan v Verona (1130), Cremonese v Napoli (1400), Bologna v Sassuolo (1700), Atalanta v Inter (1945)MondayRoma v Genoa (1945)
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 14:05 UTC
Tinubu mourns two Kano lawmakers who died hours apart
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of two members of the Kano State House of Assembly. “I offer my condolences to their families and constituents as well as the government and people of Kano State. Tinubu prayed for the repose of the souls of the late lawmakers and asked God to grant comfort to their families. “The President prayed for the repose of the souls of the late lawmakers and divine comfort to their families,” the statement said. The Kano State House of Assembly was thrown into grief following the incident, with tributes pouring in for the late lawmakers, who were described as active representatives of their constituencies.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 14:03 UTC
Opay debunks viral cash giveaway claim, warns users of scammers
Opay has debunked a viral message circulating on social media claiming that the financial service provider is giving out money to users during the festive season. Opay stressed that it is not running any cash giveaway or money distribution programme during the festive period. The company advised users not to transfer money to strangers under any circumstances and warned against sharing sensitive personal information such as Bank Verification Numbers (BVN). The statement read, “Opay is not giving money to anyone during this festive season. Beware of scammers, do not transfer money to strangers, never share your BVN to anyone.”
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 13:43 UTC
PDP slams FG over US disclosure of terror strikes before Nigeria
The Peoples Democratic Party has criticised the Federal Government for allowing the United States to disclose details of terror strikes carried out on Nigerian soil before Nigerian authorities addressed the nation, describing the development as a disturbing failure of security communication and national leadership. In a statement issued on Friday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, observed that the Federal Government’s delayed reaction forced Nigerians to depend on foreign sources for updates on critical security operations taking place within their own territory. PDP said the FG ought to have led in announcing the development to properly inform Nigerians, rather than belatedly confirming reports already in the public domain. “While international cooperation in the fight against high crimes like terrorism is very much appreciated, the Peoples Democratic Party is deeply concerned about a communication structure where foreign powers break the news of security operations in our country before our government does. “We urge the Federal Government to ensure that the defence agreement with the United States of America includes joint operations, which will ultimately result in knowledge sharing and experiential learning to help Nigeria sustainably combat insecurity, rather than full externally-led ‘precision attacks’.”
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 13:43 UTC
Offa LG confirms suspected ‘ordnance incident’, assures residents of safety
The Offa Local Government Council has confirmed reports of a suspected ordnance-related incident that took place at the Offa Yidi Praying Ground on December 25, 2025. Related NewsHe said the Executive Chairman, Hon. ”The Offa Local Government has taken note of reports circulating regarding a suspected ordnance-related incident that occurred in the precinct of Offa Yidi Praying Ground on December 25, 2025. The Executive Chairman, Hon. ”The Executive Chairman urges all residents of Offa to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 13:41 UTC
Lagos police recover illegal fireman during stop-and-search in Ishashi
The Lagos State Police Command has said the recovery of a locally made firearm in the Ishashi area underscores its continued reliance on stop-and-search operations as part of broader efforts to prevent crime across the state. The police said the recovery was made in the course of a routine stop-and-search operation carried out within the division’s jurisdiction, adding that the operation was led by the Divisional Police Officer. In Edo State, Hundeyin said four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and alleged violent attacks on a community. He added that in Lagos and Ogun states, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were also apprehended. The police said investigations into the various cases were ongoing, while efforts were being intensified to dismantle criminal networks operating across the country.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 13:03 UTC
Yuletide: Catholic priest calls for love, sees Nigeria’s future as pregnant
Fr Emmanuel Obimma, has preached love among Nigerians, which he said is the essence of God’s decision for Christ’s birth. Fr Obimma, who is popularly called Fr Ebube Muonso, also encouraged the art and act of charity to the less privileged members of society. Therefore, they must do everything possible to show love and put smiles on the faces of the citizens. “Nigeria is pregnant. Ebube Muonso said.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 12:35 UTC
$1.26b deal signals rising investor confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructure – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has said the successful closure of a $1.26 billion financing deal for Phase 1, Section 2 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway reflects growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector and the country’s reform-driven investment climate. Closing this transaction ensures that work on the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will continue without interruption. The deal follows the earlier $747 million financing secured for Phase 1, Section 1, underscoring the project’s scalability and bankability. The structure signals renewed international confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to deliver large-scale infrastructure. Describing the transaction as “a defining moment in Nigeria’s infrastructure journey,” the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said the funds would be deployed responsibly to ensure timely delivery.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 12:29 UTC
Shehu Sani backs US airstrikes on terrorists in Nigeria
Former Senator, who represented Kaduna Central at the defunct 8th National Assembly, Shehu SaniFormer Senator, who represented Kaduna Central at the defunct 8th National Assembly, Shehu SaniFormer Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani has welcomed recent airstrikes against terrorist targets in Northwest Nigeria, describing them as a “conscionable action”, while cautioning against excessive reliance on foreign military intervention. He described terrorist groups operating in Nigeria as “cancerous cells” and emphasised that their attacks do not target a single religious group. While acknowledging the contribution of US forces, Sani stressed that lasting security must ultimately come from within Nigeria. Director ofDefence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said the precision strikes targeted foreign ISIS-linked elements while minimising collateral damage. The airstrikes come amid continued security incidents across Nigeria, including a deadly bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 12:21 UTC
Sheikh Gumi criticises US airstrikes in Nigeria, calls for alternative partners
Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised the United States’ recent airstrikes on terrorist camps in north-western Nigeria. This comes after US President Donald Trump’s announcement that US forces carried out “numerous deadly strikes” in north-western Nigeria. Gumi urged the Federal Government to halt military cooperation with the US and instead seek assistance from “neutral countries” such as China, Turkey, and Pakistan. If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively. “The US involvement in Nigeria will attract the real anti-US forces, making our land the theater of war.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 12:07 UTC
Sanusi Hails Otti’s Achievements, Urges National Unity
The Emir of Kano, Mohammadu Sanusi II, has commended the achievements of Abia State Governor Alex Otti, saying that even outside Abia and Nigeria, people have taken note of the great transformation of the last two years of Otti’s administration. “I will like to congratulate Governor Otti for his work and to pray that he will continue to deliver for the people. “I’m proud to be a member of his international economic advisory Board (Council),” Mohammed Sanusi II stated. You probably haven’t visited Abia State College of Education Technical Arochukwu. So, I’m happy to say that about 3 weeks ago, Abia State College of Education Technical Arochukwu, had all its courses accredited.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 11:56 UTC
Alteration claims: N’Assembly to re-gazzette tax laws, says Reps spokesperson
The National Assembly has directed its Clerk to re-gazette the nation’s tax laws and issue Certified True Copies of the versions passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, following allegations of alterations to the laws. The decision was disclosed in a statement released on Friday in Abuja by the House of Representatives spokesman, Akin Rotimi. According to Rotimi, the leadership of the National Assembly has taken decisive steps to address the matter in order to safeguard public interest. According to the statement, the review includes, “A careful examination of any lapses, irregularities, or external interferences, should any be established. “As part of the process, the leadership of the National Assembly has approved administrative steps to clarify the official legislative record.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 11:38 UTC
Gunmen shoot Catholic priest on Christmas Day in Imo
Gunmen suspected to be fleeing an undisclosed incident on Christmas Day shot an assistant parish priest of Saint Kelvin Catholic Church, Ogbaku, in the Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State. The priest, whose identity had yet to be officially confirmed as of press time, was reportedly shot at about 8am on Christmas Day while approaching the church gate for morning Mass. The source narrated the incident thus: “The shooting happened on Christmas day when everyone was in a joyous mood. However, the Divisional Police Officer for Owerri West has visited the church to verify the claims. He has also requested to see the priest to aid the investigation.”Meanwhile, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 11:38 UTC
Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Christmas Babies at Lagos Hospital
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, representative, Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Health Service Commission, Bakare Modupe, presenting a gift to a mother Photos: Lagos state govtThe Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Health Service Commission, Bakare Modupe, has felicitated with mothers of Christmas babies at General Hospital, Ijede, Ikorodu. According to a post obtained from the Lagos State X account on Friday, the delegation presented gifts to the newborns as well as to in-patients, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to maternal and child welfare. “This gesture underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to maternal and child welfare in the state,” she said. The hospital recorded its first Christmas baby, Okiki Omobolanle, a male delivered via Cesarean Section at 12:45 a.m., weighing 2.8kg. The gesture highlights the Lagos State Government’s dedication to improving healthcare services, supporting mothers and children, and celebrating life during the festive season.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 11:37 UTC
Older woman threatens to punch influencer during ‘fit check’ video
A viral confrontation between a young social media creator and an older passerby has sparked a heated debate about filming in public. She appears to be keeping to her own space on the relatively empty street when an older woman walks past and suddenly calls out, “Give it a break, girls,” in a dry tone. One commenter pointed out the street was “pretty empty,” and the women weren’t blocking anyone’s path, saying the older passer-by just “felt compelled to criticise them” for no reason. Check out more newslettersOthers said the influencer would have been justified in defending herself had the stranger followed through on the threat to punch her. Others called it “bizarre” how the older woman went from a snarky remark to a near-physical confrontation, describing her behaviour as “antagonistic and aggressive.”The conversation reflects a deeper generational gap over social media etiquette in public places.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 11:13 UTC