Category: PM News

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed ITRI, the official match ball for the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be hosted by Morocco.

According to CAF, the new ball is a creative fusion of African tradition and modern innovation. Its design draws inspiration from Morocco’s historic zellij art, a decorative mosaic style known for its intricate geometric patterns.

The ball’s name, ITRI, meaning star in the Amazigh (Berber) language, reflects the symbolic star that adorns the Moroccan national flag a representation of unity, hope, and national pride.

CAF officials described ITRI as more than just a football it is a symbol of Africa’s artistic brilliance and sporting excellence.

The ball was engineered using cutting-edge materials to ensure precision, durability, and superior flight performance, meeting the highest international standards.

Football fans will get their first glimpse of ITRI in action when hosts Morocco take on Comoros in the opening match of AFCON 2025.

The encounter will mark the beginning of a month-long tournament celebrating the best of African football, culture, tradition and creativity.

The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 officially kicks off on Sunday, December 21, 2025, promising unforgettable moments as the continent’s top teams battle for glory under Moroccan skies.

Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo scored a brilliant first-half hat-trick to send AFC Toronto into the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) final.

Her goals powered Toronto to a 4-1 win over the Montreal Roses on Monday at a snow-covered York Lions Stadium, completing a 6-1 aggregate victory from the two-leg semifinal.

Okoronkwo, 28, who had tallied eight goals and eight assists in 1,486 minutes during the regular season, wasted no time making her mark, scoring in the 7th, 20th, and 26th minutes. Toronto’s Lauren Rowe added a fourth in the 83rd minute, while Tanya Boychuk netted Montreal’s consolation in the 74th.

Fans and pundits hailed Okoronkwo as “Africa’s next big star,” noting her three-goal contribution in Nigeria’s run to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semifinals. She was also Nigeria’s Baller of the Week in September after her hat-trick in Toronto’s 7-0 win over Vancouver Rise.

“It was a complete team effort. The work up top from Kaylee Hunter alongside Esther was incredible. She even set up the first goal,” said Toronto coach Marko Milanovi. “We know what Esther is capable of, a big-time player who delivers in big moments. We hope to see more of that in the final.”

Toronto had won the first leg 2-0 in Montreal on November 1, with goals from Small and Hunter. They will now face Vancouver Rise at BMO Field on Saturday, after Vancouver advanced past Ottawa 5-4 on penalties following a 3-3 aggregate semifinal draw.

The second leg of the TorontoMontreal tie was postponed from Sunday due to heavy snowfall in Toronto.

President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s determination to end terrorism and foster lasting peace across Nigeria, pledging that every citizen, regardless of faith, will benefit from a safer and more united nation.

According to the presidential aide, Nigeria is “fortunate to have a leader with both the courage and the clarity to confront insecurity head-on.” He added that the President’s approach to governance places emphasis on cooperation across religious and ethnic lines.

Dare wrote: “President Tinubu embodies the Nigerian story — one of faith, perseverance, and shared destiny. He remains steadfast in his pursuit of harmony among Christians and Muslims, strengthening our bonds through mutual respect and collaboration.”

He further urged citizens to view Nigeria’s diversity as a powerful asset rather than a weakness, stressing that “our differences must never be tools for division but foundations for shared progress.”

The Presidency has repeatedly dismissed such claims as “misinformed and exaggerated,” insisting that the Nigerian government protects freedom of religion and condemns all acts of violence, irrespective of victims’ faiths.

Dare concluded that Nigeria’s resilience lies in its people’s ability to endure hardship together: “Our faiths may differ, but our hopes do not. Nigerians have suffered side by side, and together we will rebuild and rise stronger.”

Beninese-French singersongwriter, Angelique Kidjo, has issued a strong warning to afrobeats artists about not being complacent with their sound.

The artist, while speaking with Netng, expressed her excitement for the impact and recognition Afrobeats has made. She however stated the need for artists to challenge themselves.

“It’s a trend now, Afrobeats. Everybody likes it. But how do we renew it every time around?.Repetitive things and doing the same thing over and over again,” she stated.

Kidjo also stressed that artists need to be committed and showcase professionalism. She urged them to strive to e more than just a national phenomena.

“Because you’re such and such in your country doesn’t mean you’re such and such everywhere else,” she added.

In yet another distressing incident that starkly illustrates the catastrophic repercussions of flagrant disregard for traffic regulations, a grievous motor collision occurred along Kudirat Abiola Way by Clay Bus Stop, inward Radio Junction on Awolowo Way, Ikeja, when a Toyota Highlander Jeep (registration number SMK 343 JV), recklessly navigating against the authorised traffic direction, crashed head-on into a commercial mini-bus (Korope) with registration number MUS 662 YG.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the Highlander Jeep, driven at an excessive and unlawful speed while traversing a prohibited one-way corridor, violently rammed into the oncoming commercial mini-bus, resulting in a devastating impact that left the mini-bus driver unconscious and both vehicles severely damaged.

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who arrived at the scene within minutes, promptly initiated emergency rescue efforts. Demonstrating commendable professionalism and swift coordination, LASTMA officers extricated the unconscious mini-bus driver, administered immediate first aid, and ensured his urgent transfer to a medical facility for advanced treatment.

To ensure proper handling of the incident, security operatives from the Alausa Police Division were invited by LASTMA officials to take over the case for a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The accidented Highlander Jeep was towed to the LASTMA Yard in Alausa, while the commercial mini-bus was transferred to the Alausa Police Division for further investigative procedures.

For safety and traffic management purposes, the accident scene was temporarily cordoned off by LASTMA personnel to prevent secondary mishaps and facilitate seamless recovery operations. Following the successful evacuation of both vehicles and debris, the affected corridor was reopened, restoring smooth vehicular movement across the axis.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, strongly denounced the reckless and life-threatening act of driving against traffic, describing it as “a conscious act of lethal negligence tantamount to attempted manslaughter.”

He further emphasized that:”Driving in the opposite direction of traffic is as deadly as wielding a weapon. Any motorist who willfully violates the one-way restriction is not merely breaching the law but deliberately endangering the lives of innocent road users. Such behaviour will continue to attract the most severe sanctions under the law.”

Mr. Bakare-Oki reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s uncompromising commitment to upholding traffic discipline and enforcing all traffic laws with absolute impartiality. He assured that habitual violators and reckless motorists would face the full wrath of the law, serving as deterrence to others.

The General Manager also extended his heartfelt wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured mini-bus driver and commended the bravery, vigilance, and professionalism of LASTMA operatives whose swift intervention averted a potential fatality and ensured the rapid restoration of normal traffic flow.

Regina Daniels’ brother, Sammy, has spoken up after being released from police custody. While speaking with his sister on a video call, Sammy expressed his love and support to her amid her marital crisis.

He pledged his support to his sister, emphasising that he is ready to protect her regardless of the cost.

“Nobody will beat you again; I’m ready to go to prison multiple times for my family,” he said.

Regina Daniels in turn expressed her love for him, appreciating him for his undying love and support.

“Nobody go beat me again and na my brother talk am. I love you so much my brother,” she responded.

Soldiers on Tuesday stopped the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his team from entering a land in Gaduwa, sparking tension between the former Rivers State governor and the military.

Report obtained from Channels TV revealed that the incident occurred when Wike and FCTA officials tried to access the land but were blocked by armed soldiers. An aide of Wike reportedly told the officers: “This is unprofessional. You cannot be threatening a minister like this.”

Wike, who questioned the soldiers’ actions, said no one is above the law. “You cannot carry a gun to intimidate anybody. I am not one of those that can be intimidated,” he said. He added that the FCTA had no legal documents allocating the land to the military and accused the officers of acting on impunity.

The FCT minister also condemned attempts to use force to settle disputes, saying, “I don’t understand how someone in such a position cannot follow proper channels instead of intimidating Nigerians.”

The soldiers, however, insisted they were following instructions from a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo, and refused to leave the site.

Channels Television reported that the matter is ongoing, and no resolution has been reached as of Tuesday afternoon.

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu, has denied claims that he was the Labour Party candidate in the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Moghalu said he was disturbed by reports that wrongly listed him as the Labour Party candidate, with some media outlets even using his photo in their stories.

He described the reports as “false and lazy journalism,” explaining that journalists had confused him with Chief George Moghalu, who was the real Labour Party candidate in the election.

“I am distressed to have seen several news reports citing ‘Kingsley Moghalu’ as the candidate of Labour Party in this election, with some running my photograph along with their reports,” he wrote.

“These reports are false, unfortunate and smack of lazy reporting, as they were apparently conflating Chief George Moghalu, who was the Labour Party candidate in the election, with me.”

Moghalu clarified that he is not a member of any political party and did not take part in the Anambra election. He added that he has stayed away from partisan politics since 2022.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I am not a member of any political party in Nigeria. I was not a candidate in the Anambra State gubernatorial election held on November 8, 2025.

“I resigned from participation in partisan politics in September 2022, ahead of the 2023 presidential election. I was the presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in 2019,” he said.

He urged all media organisations that published the wrong information to correct their reports and issue retractions.

The actual Labour Party candidate, George Moghalu, contested against Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and others, including Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

eorge Moghalu lost to Soludo in the official results across the state, including his home local government area, Nnewi North.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced in Abuja on Tuesday that enforcement of the total ban on sachet and small PET bottle alcohol will begin January 2026.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said this at a press conference, reaffirming the agency’s unflinching commitment to protecting public health and emphasising that its responsibility to safeguard the nation’s wellbeing remained sacrosanct.

Adeyeye said the enforcement would ensure full compliance with the total ban on production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml by December 2025.

She explained that the move aligned with the recent Senate directive and was fully supported by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to protect Nigerians from harmful alcohol consumption.

According to Adeyeye, the measure underscores NAFDAC’s statutory duty to safeguard public health and shield vulnerable groups, especially children and young adults, from the harmful consequences of excessive alcohol consumption.

She warned that proliferation of high-alcohol-content beverages in sachets and small containers made them affordable and concealable, contributing to addiction, misuse, and reckless behaviour among minors and commercial drivers.

Adeyeye added that the menace had been linked to increased domestic violence, road crashes, school dropouts, and several social vices, which had continued to destabilise families and communities nationwide.

“In December 2018, NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN).

“The agreement initially set Jan. 31, 2024, as the deadline but was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers reconfigure facilities and exhaust existing stock, Adeyeye explained.

She said the new Senate resolution aligned with that agreement and Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Organisation’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol, adopted in 2010.

“This ban is not punitive but protective. It aims to secure the health and future of our children and youth, based on scientific evidence and global public health standards.”

She stressed that NAFDAC could not continue to compromise Nigerians’ wellbeing for short-term economic gains, emphasising that a nation’s true wealth lied in the health of its people.

Adeyeye clarified that only spirit drinks packaged in sachets and small PET or glass bottles below 200ml were affected by the regulation to be enforced by January 2026.

She urged all stakeholders, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, to comply fully with the December 2025 phase-out deadline, warning that no further extension would be granted by the agency.

She said NAFDAC would collaborate with the Ministry of Health, FCCPC, and National Orientation Agency to intensify national sensitisation campaigns on the social and health risks linked to alcohol misuse.

Adeyeye reaffirmed that NAFDAC remained resolute in ensuring that only safe, wholesome, and properly regulated products were available to Nigerians in line with its mandate to protect public health.

(NAN)

Femi Fabunmi

Former DR Congo captain Youssouf Mulumbu believes the current national team is strong enough to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

DR Congo first played at the World Cup in 1974 in West Germany (then called Zaire) in a group with Brazil, Scotland, and Yugoslavia.

Now, 51 years later, DR Congo is in the playoffs with Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon for another chance to reach the 2026 tournament. They finished as one of the best second-placed teams in qualifying.

The Leopards will play Cameroon in Rabat on Thursday. The winner will face the winner of Nigeria vs Gabon in the playoff final on Sunday.

If DR Congo wins the African playoffs, they will move to the inter-continental playoffs in March 2026 in Mexico, where two World Cup spots are available. Mulumbu is confident the team can get there.

“When I played, the team had many gaps. We had to rebuild and show that playing professionally didn’t stop you from representing your country. We wanted to qualify for the World Cup, but it didn’t happen. I hope this generation can do it for 2026,” Mulumbu said.

DR Congo’s coach, Sebastien Desabre, named a 25-man squad for the playoffs, including players from England, France, Spain, and other European leagues. Mulumbu says this makes the team stronger and more organized.

“Today’s team is more united. Defensively, they are solid and concede few goals.

And in attack, with Bakambu having a big day, they are dangerous. Before, we relied more on individual talent. Now it’s a smart, organized team,” he added.

DR Congo could have qualified directly if Senegal had not won their last game. Senegal beat Mauritania 4-0, while DR Congo beat Sudan 1-0, finishing second in Group B.

The winner of the African playoffs will proceed to the international playoffs scheduled for Mexico in March next year for the final ticket to the Mundial in 2026.