Author: Press Room

Goals either side of half-time by Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane took Cameroon through to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals at South Africa’s expense on Sunday as the Indomitable Lions edged their last-16 clash 2-1. Tchamadeu opened the scoring in the 34th minute at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, and teenage Bayer Leverkusen forward Kofane headed in the crucial second goal two minutes after half-time. A late rally from South Africa saw Evidence Makgopa pull one back, but it is Cameroon who go through, and the five-time champions now play hosts Morocco in a heavyweight quarter-final on Friday. They…

By Daniel Ayantoye, Olasunkanmi Akinlotan, Dirisu Yakubu and Salisu Kabuga The Nigerian Medical Association and the Guild of Medical Directors have warned that the newly introduced tax laws will increase the cost of healthcare services across the country. The laws took effect on January 1 despite calls for a suspension amid controversies surrounding their implementation. They were enacted through a harmonised set of tax bills passed by both chambers of the National Assembly in 2025 and subsequently transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent. Speaking on the new tax regime, NMA President Bala Audu said it could exacerbate the economic…

Joe EBi Gunmen who abducted two brothers in Auchi, Edo State, have demanded a ransom of ₦200 million for their release, later reducing the amount to ₦100 million following negotiations with the family. The victims, identified as Ibrahim and Tahir Abu, were kidnapped on January 2 along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp area of Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government Area. Ibrahim is a medical doctor currently undergoing his housemanship at the Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi.Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the father of the abducted brothers, Momoh Tahir, confirmed that the kidnappers had been in contact with the family…

Bitcoin is back in the spotlight after $645.8 million in crypto ETF inflows on January 2 reignited optimism across the digital asset market. Whereas, the total crypto market cap has reached $3.12 trillion along with daily trading volume near $75 billion, reflecting rising institutional activity.The Fear and Greed Index stands at 40 (neutral), a sharp improvement from December’s fear levels, while the Altcoin Season Index at 25 confirms the market remains in a clear Bitcoin-dominant phase. Analysts say ETF demand is tightening supply at a time when liquidity remains thin, creating ideal conditions for higher prices.Bitcoin Technical Setup: Triangle Breakout…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to take on the Mambas of Mozambique at the Complexe de Fes in their round of 16 clash in the AFCON 2025 tournament, Soccernet.ng reports. Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has warned his teammates against complacency, citing Mali’s victory over Tunisia as a perfect example of why things can quickly go haywire in the African Cup of Nations. Nigeria secured three points in all of their group stage games, while Mozambique qualified for the knockout rounds with just one win, advancing as one of the best-placed third teams. Calvin Chinedu Bassey and Alexander Chuka…

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has condemned the attack on Kasuwan Daji market in Niger State, where terrorists killed at least 30 villagers and abducted scores of women and children. In a statement released on Sunday, Idris described the killings and abductions in Kasuwan Daji and Kaima Village as tragic, saying the victims were ordinary Nigerians drawn from different religious backgrounds. “The tragic events at Kasuwan Daji and Kaima Village have left a deep scar on all of us. These victims—those killed and those abducted—were traders, farmers, parents and schoolchildren from both Muslim and Christian backgrounds.…

African Democratic Congress (ADC) A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Chief Niyi Aborisade, on Sunday expressed confidence that the party will record a sweeping victory in the state during the 2027 general elections, citing the growing popularity of the party and the recent defection of former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as major indicators. Aborisade made the assertion while speaking with journalists in Ibadan, noting that the ADC has continued to gain strength across Oyo State due to what he described as widespread dissatisfaction with the current political leadership and the declining influence of other major…

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has admitted he is under pressure to deliver at the Africa Cup of Nations, as the Super Eagles prepare for a decisive round-of-16 showdown against Mozambique in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports. Speaking at the official pre-match press conference in Fes ahead of Monday night’s knockout tie, Chelle made clear that the group phase is now behind his team and that the tournament’s true challenge begins here. Nigeria Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle. Photo by IMAGO What Chelle said ahead of Mozambique game “This is the end of the group stage,” Chelle stated as monitored by Soccernet.ng.…

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a fire outbreak at the building housing the Mobile Police 13 unit in Makurdi, which also contains the unit’s armoury. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, acknowledged the incident but said details were still being gathered. “Yes, I am aware of the fire outbreak at the Mopol 13 facility in Makurdi, but I will get back to you,” she told journalists. PUNCH Online learnt that the fire occurred in the early hours of Sunday, destroying several office rooms as well as the armoury section of the unit. An eyewitness who spoke…

The National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Ladipo Johnson, has assured that the party will withstand its internal crisis in Kano State, despite dissolving all party structures and speculation over a possible defection by its only sitting governor, Abba Yusuf. The NNPP National Leader and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Governor Yusuf have been embroiled in a political crisis. This comes amid reports of the governor’s alleged move to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress, a move strongly opposed by Kwankwaso. In response, the party’s National Working Committee on Friday dissolved its Kano State…