Category: PM News

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Nigeria’s 2025 World Cup qualification dream ended in heartbreak on Sunday night as the Super Eagles fell 4-3 to the Democratic Republic of Congo after a dramatic penalty shootout in Rabat, Morocco.

Frank Onyeka ignited Nigerian hopes in the third minute, firing a deflected strike past Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.

But DR Congo responded with confidence, levelling in the 32nd minute when Meschack Elia finished off a flowing move initiated by Cedric Bakambu.

Both sides created chances throughout regulation time, with Stanely Nwabali making crucial stops to deny Bakambu and Mukau, while Nigeria’s forwards struggled to find their rhythm.

A series of injuries and tactical substitutions, including the withdrawal of Victor Osimhen at half-time, further disrupted Nigeria’s momentum.

Extra time brought more tension than quality. DR Congo twice found the net through Mayele and Sadiki, but both efforts were ruled out for fouls.

Nigeria nearly snatched a winner when Chancel Mbemba’s powerful header in the 120th minute was brilliantly saved by Nwabali.

With the match still tied 11 after 120 minutes, the tie moved to a penalty shootout that swung wildly from hope to despair.

Akor Adams and Bruno Onyemaechi scored for Nigeria, while Nwabali made an early save from Axel Tuanzebe. But misses from Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi proved costly.

DR Congo, steadier under pressure, converted through Sadiki, Mayele, Balikwisha and Mbemba to seal the 43 shootout victory.

Chidera Ejuke scored Nigeria’s lone successful kick after the early makes from Adams and Onyemaechi.

Britain’s Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has defended new plans to reduce support for refugees and end automatic benefits for asylum seekers.

She said illegal migration is “tearing our country apart” and must be urgently addressed.

The new proposals are inspired by Denmark’s very strict asylum system and aim to stop thousands of migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats from France, a trend that has increased support for the anti-immigrant Reform UK party.

The plans have faced criticism from refugee groups and some Labour Party members who say the measures are too harsh.

But Mahmood rejected claims that the government is adopting far-right ideas. She said her focus is on protecting communities and restoring public trust. Under the proposed changes, refugees will no longer receive five years of protection. Instead, they will be granted 30 months, which will be reviewed regularly.

Refugees could aAlso be returned to their home countries once those places are considered safe.

In addition, those who receive asylum must now wait 20 years before applying for long-term residency, instead of five years as it is today.

Another major change is the removal of the government’s legal duty to provide housing and financial support for asylum seekers. Support will no longer be guaranteed and will be given only at the government’s discretion.

Assistance may be denied to asylum seekers who are capable of working but refuse to do so, or to those who commit crimes.

The Home Office has described the plan as the biggest reform of the asylum system in modern UK history.

The government believes the changes will make the UK less attractive to irregular migrants and will make it easier to remove people who have no right to stay.

Asylum claims in Britain are currently at record levels, with about 111,000 applications submitted in the year leading up to June 2025. More than 39,000 migrants have already crossed the Channel in small boats this year.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under political pressure to reduce the number of crossings, especially as Reform UK continues to lead Labour in several opinion polls. Refugee groups, however, argue that tougher rules will not stop dangerous journeys.

Enver Solomon of the Refugee Council urged the government to rethink its approach, saying refugees who work hard and contribute to the country should be allowed to settle and build stable lives.

The Labour government recently studied Denmark’s asylum model, which is known for being one of the strictest in Europe.

In Denmark, refugees are given one-year permits that must be renewed, and they are encouraged to return home as soon as conditions improve.

Family reunification rules there are aAlso very strict, involving age limits, language tests, and financial requirements. Some Labour lawmakers fear the UK is moving too far to the right and could lose support from progressive voters.

Nigerian singer Akinmayokun Awodumila, popularly known as May D, has claimed that the former music andgtroup P-Square, is responsible for the decline in his music career.

The singer, on his X handle on Sunday, claimed that he used to teach the duo how to make hits. He added that despite his contribution on their career, they refused to give him credit for his efforts.

“I remember when that nigga came running to me to teach him how to make hits. But they would never say the truth. Damn, sometimes I hate this world,” he wrote.

His statement attracted comments from other users. One user claimed that his statement came from a place of financial lack.

“Poverty is working,” he wrote.

May D then responded, stating that P-Square is to be blamed for his current condition.

“I don’t blame you, na P-Square I blame, those mf,” he responded.

Nigeria made a dream start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs final on Sunday night, going ahead within minutes as Frank Onyeka fired home the opening goal against DR Congo.

The Super Eagles struck early, capitalising on a fast, coordinated build-up that caught the Congolese backline unprepared. Onyeka’s composed finish sent the stadium into uproar and gave Nigeria an immediate advantage in the decisive fixture.

Ahead of kick-off, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle made two changes and switched to a 4-3-3 formation for the crunch encounter.

Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retained his place between the sticks. Benjamin Fredrick returned at right-back, Zaidu Sanusi started on the left, while Semi Ajayi — back from suspension — paired Calvin Bassey in central defence.

In midfield, Chelle deployed a trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi, tasked with controlling the tempo and cutting off Congo’s passing lanes.

In attack, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze occupied the wings, with Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray leading the line.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced that students seeking admission into tertiary institutions will now be screened for drug use, as part of efforts to curb substance abuse among youths.

Speaking at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja following his reappointment for a second five-year term, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.) said the new measure aims to catch drug use at an early stage.

He said, “The Honourable Minister of Educationhas accepted our recommendation for drug tests for our children on admission to tertiary institutions, so that with this, we can catch them young before it gets into the addiction stage.”

Marwa explained that this initiative is part of a broader strategy by the agency to prevent drug abuse while promoting legitimate alternatives for youths. “We are going to support licit cultivation of crops that are legitimate, legal, and you can sleep with your two eyes closed,” he added, referring to efforts to steer youths away from illicit drug activities.

He also reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to prevention, sensitisation, counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation, noting the expansion of rehabilitation centres nationwide. “With the support of the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda, seven more rehab centres are coming up under the 2025 budget that will now make every state have its own rehab centre,” Marwa said.

The chairman warned drug traffickers that enforcement would be tough. “Those who refuse to desist can be sure that the NDLEA is up and able on its task of law enforcement. You will be arrested, the drugs will be seized, and your assets will be confiscated,” he said.

Femi Fabunmi

As Nigeria and DR Congo prepare for another chapter in their long-standing football rivalry, a look at their past encounters shows a contest marked by big victories, tactical battles, and shifting dominance.

The two teams first met on 13 December 1969, when the Leopards then playing as Congo-Kinshasa overpowered the Super Eagles 5-0 in Kinshasa during an international friendly.

Nigeria responded years later with a strong performance at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations in Dire Dawa, defeating DR Congo 4-2 on 1 March 1976.

Their AFCON meetings continued to favour Nigeria, with the Eagles securing a 1-0 victory on 19 January 1992 in Ziguinchor, followed by a 2-0 win on 2 April 1994 in Tunis.

In friendly matches, Nigeria recorded one of its biggest wins in the rivalry on 3 March 2010, thrashing the Leopards 5-0 in Abuja. DR Congo, however, struck back five years later, claiming a 2-0 victory on 8 October 2015 in Vise, Belgium.

Their most recent meeting came on 27 May 2018, when both sides settled for a 1-1 draw in Port Harcourt.

Notably, between 1971 and 1997, DR Congo competed under the name Zaire, a period that includes several of these historic encounters.

With both teams set to face off again, the history shows a rivalry filled with drama, goals, and unforgettable moments and fans can expect yet another fierce contest.

President Bola Tinubu congratulates the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi Telu I, on the 10th anniversary of his ascension to the throne of his forebears, which falls on November 16, 2025.

The President joins the sons and daughters of Iwoland, as well as friends and associates of the influential monarch, in celebrating this special occasion.

President Tinubu notes the tremendous impact and progressive streaks of Oluwo in the past decade of his ascension to the throne.

The President particularly highlights Oluwo’s unwavering commitment to Yoruba cultural heritage and revival.

“Like him or hate him, you can hardly ignore his dynamism and leadership and the fact that his people deeply love him.

“I congratulate Oba Telu on this milestone. My thoughts are with him and the people of this great city at this moment,” the President remarks.

President Tinubu wishes Oba Akanbi many more years on the throne and a continued life of impact.

A video making rounds on social media has fueled excitement among fans of Nigerian music icon 2Baba, revealing that his newly wedded wife, Honorable Natasha, is expecting their first child together.

In the clip, Natasha was seen walking down a hallway, with a noticeable baby bump clearly visible, sparking speculation that the couple is soon to welcome a new addition to their family.

2Baba, born Innocent Ujah Idibia, already has seven children from previous relationships. His growing family now looks set to expand further with the arrival of his eighth child.

The couple tied the knot earlier this year in a private ceremony, keeping details largely under wraps until their joyful announcement. Fans and well-wishers have since flooded social media with congratulatory messages for the music superstar and his wife.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), “to promptly account for and explain the whereabouts of the missing or diverted N3 trillion of public funds, as documented in the recently published 2022 annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.”

SERAP said the grave allegations are documented in the latest annual report published by the Auditor-General on 9 September 2025.

SERAP urged him to “identify those responsible for the missing or diverted public funds and hand them over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.”

SERAP also urged him “to ensure the full recovery and return of any missing public funds to the treasury without further delay.”

In the letter dated 15 November 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “These grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest grave violations of the public trust, the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the CBN Act, and anticorruption standards.”

SERAP said, “These grave violations also reflect a failure of CBN accountability more generally and are directly linked to the institution’s persistent failure to comply with its Act and to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.”

According to SERAP, “These violations have seriously undermined the ability of the CBN to effectively discharge its statutory functions and the public trust and confidence in the bank. The CBN ought to be committed to transparency and accountability in its operations.”

The letter, read in part: “AAccording to the Auditor-General, the CBN in 2022 failed to remit over N1 trillion [N1,445,593,400,000.00] of ‘the Federal Government’s portion of operating surplus’ into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) account.”

“The Auditor-General fears that the money may have been ‘diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

“The CBN in 2022 failed to recover over N629 billion [N629,040,000,000.00] paid to ‘unknown beneficiaries’ as part of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, a programme ‘meant to support farmers to ensure sustainable food production in the country.'”

“But ‘the numbers of beneficiaries who collected the money are unknown.’ The CBN has also failed to ‘recover the money.’ The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted’, which could have ‘contributed to the difficulty in sustaining food security in the Nation.'”

“He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

“The CBN has also failed to recover over N784 billion [N784,410,108,864.47] ‘being 32 unpaid, overdue loans and interventions disbursed by the Bank between 2018 and May 2022.'”

“The Auditor-General said ‘there was no evidence that the Bank was doing enough to recover the loans/interventions, which ought to have been paid.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

“The CBN in 2022 also spent over N125 billion [N125,374,000,000.00] ‘on questionable intervention activities.’ The CBN claimed it spent the money ‘on intervention activities in connection with national security, the federal government, state securities, armed forces and to build the capacity of the financial sector’.”

“But the Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been spent ‘without the approval of the National Assembly.’ There was also no document to ‘support the expenditure.'”

“The ‘expenditure also may not have been in the public interest and consistent with the objectives of the CBN in section 2 of the CBN Act.’ The Auditor-General fears the money may have been ‘diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

“The CBN in 2022 also ‘unjustifiably’ spent over N1 billion [N1,792,769,160.00] to buy 43 operational vehicles for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). The ‘spending is unjustified because there is no connection with buying operational vehicles for the NIS and the objectives of the CBN as stated in section 2 of the CBN Act.”

“The NIS also ‘failed to provide any evidence to show that the vehicles were actually supplied and delivered.’ There ‘were also no procurement and payment records or documents.’ The Auditor-General fears the money may have been ‘diverted’. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

“The CBN also awarded 43 contracts for over N189 billion [N189,50,066,756.73] but ‘the contractors deliberately delayed completion of these contracts’ by seeking ‘extension of the completion period.'”

“The contractors then ‘requested for variation of contracts due to extension of completion period.’ Following the request, the CBN paid the contractors over N9 billion [N9,270,849,691.61] ‘irregular variation of contract price.'”

“There ‘were no relevant procurement documents such as contract files, procurement records, and payment vouchers’ for the payment. The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted’ and the projects may have been abandoned.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

“The Katsina state branch of the CBN also failed to recover over N90 million [N90,163,610.00] being ‘outstanding loans and interventions disbursed to 33 small and medium enterprises during Covid 19 in 2020.'”

“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been ‘diverted’ or ‘mismanaged’. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the CBN to comply with our request in the public interest.”

“Paragraph 708 of the Financial Regulations 2009 provides that, ‘on no account should payment be made for services not yet performed or for goods not yet supplied.'”

“Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.” Section 13 of the Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the CBN to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”

“Paragraph 3112(ii) of the Financial Regulations 2009 provides: ‘Where a public officer fails to account for government revenue, such officer shall be surcharged for the full amount involved and such officer shall be handed over to either the EFCC or the ICPC.'”

“Nigerians have the right to know the whereabouts of the public funds. Taking the recommended measures would advance the right of Nigerians to restitution, compensation and guarantee of non-repetition.”

“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their public institutions’ activities.”

In a blistering, history-bending performance that electrified Accra, Team Nigeria ripped the Best Country crown away from the all-powerful United States, storming to the summit of the 2025 WESPAC World Scrabble Championship and rewriting African Scrabble history in the process.

From Day One to Day Four, the 15-man Nigerian squad didn’t just compete, they ruled, turning the Ghanaian capital into a theatre of dominance.

And at the centre of the storm?

Oluwatimilehin Doko the 25-year-old sensation spearheading Nigeria’s conquest alongside Abdulmumin Jimoh, Tega Okiemute, Godwin Victor, and captain Rex Ogbakpa.

NIGERIA’S NUMBERS WERE BRUTAL

350 wins

+8975 cumulative points spread

54.7% winning ratio

These weren’t just statistics, they were a statement. A roar. A dethroning.

A message to the United States, who arrived with 19 players:

“This is Africa’s time.”

Two years ago in Las Vegas, Nigeria narrowly lost the Best Country title to the USA.

In Accra, they came for revenge and they collected it.

HANA RISES — HOST NATION FIGHTS WITH HEART

While Nigeria stole the headlines, Ghana emerged as the soul of the championship, finishing a brilliant second place with 114 wins, ahead of continental rivals Kenya.

Led by the steady brilliance of

Stanley Ubiedi, Addo George, Charles Menson, Edwin Boamah, and Fatawu Bayenang, the Black Star warriors lit up the halls with grit and flair.

Ahana’s brightest star?

Stanley Ubiedi, finishing 13th in the world with 20 wins and a +739 spread, a performance that had the home crowd on its feet.

AFRICA MAKES A STATEMENT

Behind Nigeria and Ghana, the continent surged, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and South Africa all cracked the Top 10 in the Best Country standings, a resounding declaration that African Scrabble has stepped into a new era.

DOKO: AFRICA’S NEW SCRABBLE PRODIGY

In the individual category, debutant Oluwatimilehin Doko delivered one of the greatest African performances in WESPAC history, finishing 5th in the world after a fierce 21-win campaign with +1395 points.

He narrowly missed a place in the grand finale, but etched his name among the elite.

Not since Wellington Jighere’s world-shocking 2015 title and finished 4th two years ago, Doko is one of the very privileged African player hit such heights.

And Nigeria didn’t stop there, five Nigerians stormed into the prestigious Top 20, the best ever outing by any African nation:

Oluwatimilehin Doko

Tega Okiemute

Abdulmumin Jimoh

Godwin Victor

Rex Ogbakpa

The individual category title went to Adam Logan of Canada. He defeated Nigel Richards 4-2 in the best of 7 final.

CELEBRATION IN ACCRA AND A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

As the final tile was played, the green-white-green corner erupted. Nigeria partied deep into Saturday night, led by the newly elected NSF President, Engineer Bright Idahosa, who hailed the team’s unity, courage, and championship spirit.

“We are proud of your achievements,” Idahosa said, glowing.

“Your unity and resilience carried the true Nigerian spirit despite all challenges.”

Head coach Anthony Ikolo added, “This team gave everything. Toppling the USA after their 19-player strength shows the heart of champions.”

NEXT STOP, LAGOS

The triumphant team lands in Lagos on Monday, bringing home a crown Nigeria has chased for years.