Osimhen stars as Nigeria survive Tunisia rally to reach second round

Osimhen stars as Nigeria survive Tunisia rally to reach second round

Victor Osimhen starred as Nigeria became the second qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage after Egypt by surviving a late Tunisia onslaught to win 3-2 in Fes on Saturday.

The Super Eagles were cruising to victory when leading 3-0 through goals from Osimhen, captain Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

But Tunisia refused to surrender in the top-of-the-table Group C clash and Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi scored to set up a tense finish.

Tunisia had two chances to level during seven minutes of added time, but a header from captain Ferjani Sassi and a shot by substitute Ismael Gharbi were just off target.

Nigeria have six points, Tunisia three and Tanzania and Uganda one each with the final round of group matches set for Tuesday.

The showdown was the seventh time the Super Eagles and the Carthage Eagles had faced each other at an AFCON.

Nigeria won three times and Tunisia once. Another two meetings went to penalty shootouts with each nation winning one.

After performing well below par when edging Tanzania in the opening round, Nigeria were a transformed team against Tunisia, dominating the first 30 minutes in the northern city.

Osimhen was outstanding, particularly in aerial duels, while Tunisia were forced to constantly defend against the three-time champions.

The Galatasaray striker, wearing his trademark mask, headed just over after nine minutes and came close again soon after as he rose to meet a corner kick.

Osimhen had the ball in the net after 17 minutes, but was rightly ruled offside. Big-screen replays showed the 2023 African player of the year timing his run too early.

- Furious Mejbri -

Tunisia midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was luckly to escape a yellow card for dissent after reacting angrily when a Nigerian took a foul throw, flinging the ball into the ground.

Osimhen was wide with another headed goal attempt, then left the pitch temporarily so that the medical staff could apply a spray to his leg.

Tunisia finally broke out of a defensive shell on 32 minutes and forced a corner. The set-piece ended with the ball coming back to Abdi, whose shot flew well over.

Several Tunisian raids reaped no reward and on 44 minutes the goalless deadlock was broken with Osimhen, predictably, the scorer.

The goal involved two former African players of the year with 2024 winner Lookman crossing the ball and Osimhen rising between Abdi and Talbi to head powerfully into the net.

Just five minutes into the second half Nigeria stretched their lead to two goals as they once again exposed the aerial weaknesses of the Tunisian defence.

Atalanta striker Lookman was the architect again, floating a corner into the heart of the goalmouth where Ndidi soared to beat goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen and score his first international goal.

After creating the first two goals, Lookman scored the third on 67 minutes after being set up by Osimhen. He had time to control the ball in the box before slamming it into the net off the post.

Tunisia pulled one goal back with 16 minutes remaining. The north Africans finally got the better of an aerial duel and Talbi nodded a Mejbri free-kick into the net.

The goal had a dramatic effect as Tunisia took control and scored again with three minutes left when Abdi converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review showed Bright Samuel handled.

POLICE ARREST TWO NOTORIOUS BANDITS/KIDNAPPING KINGPINS IN KWARA STATE, RECOVER ARMS, CASH, MOTORCYCLE

POLICE ARREST TWO NOTORIOUS BANDITS/KIDNAPPING KINGPINS IN KWARA STATE, RECOVER ARMS, CASH, MOTORCYCLE

The the Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant operational breakthrough with the arrest of two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins responsible for violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara States.

On Friday, 19th December, 2025, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), attached to Kwara State, in a covert operation carried out in collaboration with operatives of the Kwara State Police Command, intercepted and arrested two members of a dangerous banditry and kidnapping gang along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The suspects arrested are Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi ‘m’ aged 26 and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide ‘m’ aged 30. Both suspects were arrested in Komen–Masallaci village, Kaiama LGA of Kwara State at the time of arrest.

During the operation, the following items were recovered from the suspects: one brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, red in colour, valued at ₦1,850,000.00, which investigations revealed was purchased with proceeds of ransom payments; ₦500,000.00 cash, being unspent ransom money; one AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping gang terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara States. Further findings indicate that the gang also doubles as suppliers of arms and ammunition to criminal elements.

Both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to enable the arrest of other members of the syndicate and recovery of additional weapons.

The Nigeria Police Force further recalls that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi), was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral video flaunting firearms and large sums of money on social media.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, commends the operatives involved for their professionalism and dedication, and reassures Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

Meanwhile, members of the public are encouraged to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations.

CSP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, anipr, mipra�Force Public Relations Officer�Force Headquarters,�Abuja.

 

26th December, 2025.

BREAKING: Senator Peter Nwaoboshi Is Dead

BREAKING: Senator Peter Nwaoboshi Is Dead

Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who represented Delta North from 2019 to 2023, has been confirmed dead.

This was announced in a Facebook post by the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, on Friday, 19th December 2025.

According to the post:

“I just lost my senior brother, boss, leader, and friend, Distinguished Senator Peter Onyeluka Nwaoboshi.

While I mourn with his immediate family, the Nwaboshis, Ibusa community, Oshimili North, and the entire Delta State, I pray the Almighty God to accept his soul and grant eternal rest in His bosom,” he added.

BREAKING: Senator Peter Nwaoboshi Is Dead

BREAKING: Senator Peter Nwaoboshi Is Dead

Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who represented Delta North from 2019 to 2023, has been confirmed dead.

This was announced in a Facebook post by the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, on Friday, 19th December 2025.

According to the post:

“I just lost my senior brother, boss, leader, and friend, Distinguished Senator Peter Onyeluka Nwaoboshi.

While I mourn with his immediate family, the Nwaboshis, Ibusa community, Oshimili North, and the entire Delta State, I pray the Almighty God to accept his soul and grant eternal rest in His bosom,” he added.

We allowed them to enter before unleashing fire' - Military Reacts to Death of Terrorist Commander

We allowed them to enter before unleashing fire' - Military Reacts to Death of Terrorist Commander

The Nigerian Military recently reacted to the death of a terrorist commander and his gang members during a successful operation in Borno State. According to their statements which were shared by VANGUARD, they pointed out that they allowed the terrorists to enter and effective engagement range before unleashing their missile on them.

The news regarding the death of a terrorist commander and his group of armed fighters at the hands of the Nigerian Military during a face-off in Borno State generated mixed reactions after the reports went viral across various social media platforms.

In a twist of events, the armed terrorists believed to be members of the Boko Haram fighters while attempting to attack the Bitta community in Borno, met their waterloo as men of Operation HADIN KAI ambushed and neutralized them.

According to the statements which were made available to the general public by VANGUARD, a military source whose identities were not ventilated to the public narrated how the irredentists were repelled and eventually neutralized.

In his statements, he pointed out that tactically, the troops allowed the terrorists to enter an effective shooting range before unleashing fire. This, ensured that the terrorists were cornered, rendered powerless and unable to escape.

During the shootout, according to the military source, a top military commander, his cameraman and other group members were annihilated.

'In his words'

“Exercising tactical restraint, our forces allowed the terrorists to enter an effective engagement range before unleashing coordinated fire. Several insurgents, including a top commander and his cameraman, were neutralised." He said.

Breaking News: Outrage Lagos Residents cries out as Ancestral Sacrifices (Ebo) Flood Church Bus Stop in Igando-Ikotun LCDA

Breaking News: Outrage Lagos Residents cries out as Ancestral Sacrifices (Ebo) Flood Church Bus Stop in Igando-Ikotun LCDA

A wave of public concern has erupted after a resident raised alarm over the growing number of ancestral sacrifices (ẹbọ) openly displayed at the Church Bus Stop in Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Lagos State.

The man, who shared his concerns with Lagos Reporters, described the situation as disturbing and increasingly unacceptable, noting that the bus stop has become littered with ritual items placed in broad daylight.

Commuters and residents expressed similar worries, saying the constant sight of such sacrifices poses both environmental and psychological discomfort for those who use the busy route daily.

Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor the situation and engage relevant authorities to address the growing concerns.

BREAKING NEWS: C&S SUPREME HEAD CONDEMNS ABDUCTION OF SERAPHS IN KOGI, URGES GOV. ODODO TO SECURE THEIR RELEASE

BREAKING NEWS:

C&S SUPREME HEAD CONDEMNS ABDUCTION OF SERAPHS IN KOGI, URGES GOV. ODODO TO SECURE THEIR RELEASE

The Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, His Most Eminence Prophet (Dr.) Emmanuel Abiodun Alogbo, has strongly condemned the abduction of innocent worshippers during a church service in Ejiba, Yagba West LGA of Kogi State.

In a statement by the Church’s Chief PRO, Special Apostle Omololu Olubode, Prophet Alogbo described the November 30 attack as a dangerous assault on freedom of worship and a troubling sign of rising insecurity in the state.

He urged Governor Usman Ododo to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted members and called on the Federal Government and security agencies to deepen both local and global collaborations to end banditry and kidnapping nationwide.

Jacob Odulate, The Man Who Invented Alabukun Powder Over 100 Years Ago

Jacob Odulate, The Man Who Invented Alabukun Powder Over 100 Years Ago

Alabukun, is one of the oldest drugs in Nigeria and even is still very relevant and popular today. However, not many know Jacob Odulate aka Blessed Jacob, a Nigerian pharmacist, inventor, and entrepreneur and the brain behind the brand that has remained relevant selling in all parts of Nigeria, Benin Republic, Cameroon, Ghana, and some parts of Europe.

1. Jacob Sogboyega Odulate aka Blessed Jacob was born into a polygamous family in 1884.

2. He was originally from Ikorodu in Lagos State but later moved to the neighboring Ogun State.

3. At age 14, he trekked for three months from Ikorodu before reaching Abeokuta to establish himself.

4. Blessed Jacob managed to create a brand from what served as his consulting room and workshop in Abeokuta. His modest headquarters was at the Sapon Area, not far from where he later built his famous three-story building in Ijemo Agbadu.

5. In 1918, he invented the legendary Alabukun powder which is now a hit in the world’s most populous nation and other West African nations.

6. He sent his children to study at some of the best universities in Durham, Newcastle, United States of America, and London. e.g Mrs. Folake Odulate (later to become Chief. Mrs. Folake Solanke) who is the first female lawyer in Nigeria to wear the silk and she also became the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). In 1966, she established the first law firm by a Nigerian female at Ibadan, Oyo State, and named it Alabukun Chambers in honor of her great father.

7. Apart from making the drugs, the energetic Blessed Jacob also produced other brands like Alabukun mentholine, other preparations, and an annual journal called Alabukun Almanac which was widely distributed in Abeokuta and eventually all over Nigeria between the 1920s and 1950s.

8. He died in 1962 at age 78.