2026 WCQ: NFF Blames Dessers, Troost-Ekong For Super Eagles’ Draw With South Africa The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has criticised Cyriel Dessers and captain William Troost-Ekong following the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with South Africa in Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier. Needing a win to boost their qualification chances, Nigeria fell behind in the 25th minute when Troost-Ekong turned the ball into his own net. Calvin Bassey restored parity before halftime with a powerful header. In a post-match statement, NFF Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, faulted Dessers’ display, describing it as ineffective. “Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he was substituted after coming on, did not fare any better. He was too slow to latch onto passes, failed to win aerial duels and offered little to spark the Nigerian att+ck,” the statement read. Troost-Ekong also came under f+re for his costly error. “The Super Eagles’ fighting spirit was diminished after team captain William Ekong inadvertently swept the ball into his own net in the 25th minute, wrong-footing Stanley Nwabali and handing the Bafana Bafana the lead and momentum,” the NFF added. #Instablog9jaNews #TrendingStory #Awareness

Tinubu Orders Tighter Oversight of Crypto Transctons and Digital Payments President Bola Tinubu has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other regulators to intensify monitoring of cryptocurrency and digital payment activities. Speaking through Finance Minister Wale Edun at the 18th Annual Banking and Finance Conference of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Abuja, Tinubu noted that the rapid adoption of stablecoins and digital currencies outside traditional banks poses challenges. “There is a digital revolution. Many people now make payments without using the banking system. To this end, I have directed capital market and banking authorities to track this trend while it is still evolving,” he said. He stressed that digital tools, AI, and open banking are no longer futuristic but essential for Nigeria’s economic growth. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso also revealed that diaspora remittances, now at $600m monthly, could reach $1billion by 2026. CIBN President Prof. Pius Olanrewaju disclosed that since 2024, 16 banks have raised over N2.5 trillion in fresh capital, while private sector credit has surged above N82 trillion, boosting jobs and businesses. The renewed focus comes amid Nigeria’s ongoing legal battles with Binance Holdings Ltd. The government is demanding over $79.5 billion and ₦231m in damages, along with $2.001 billion in alleged unpaid taxes for 2022 and 2023. The crypto firm and its executives, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, face multiple charges including tax evasion, money laundering, and foreign exchange violations. The cases, currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja, also seek penalties for tax defaults, interest charges tied to CBN’s lending rate, and other sanctions. Authorities allege Binance concealed operations despite its significant presence in Nigeria. #Instablog9jaNews #TrendingStory #Awareness

Ghana Court Sentences Three Nigerians to 96 Years for Car Th+ft The Atasemanso Circuit Court in Ghana has sentenced three Nigerians Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenze to a total of 96 years in prison for car th+ft in Kumasi. Police spokesperson Godwin Ahianyo said the trio was arrested on June 20 and arraigned on July 22. “On July 22, 2025, the suspects Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenze were arraigned before the Atasemanso Circuit Court. “During proceedings, Russell Ekenze pleaded guilty to the charges and was immediately convicted and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment in hard labour. The other two suspects, Francis Friday and Linus Agwazie, pleaded not guilty. “Subsequently, on July 23, 2025, the cases of Francis Friday and Linus Agwazie were heard at Circuit Court 3, where both were found guilty and each was sentenced to 8 years’ imprisonment on two counts, with the sentences to run concurrently.” He added, “On the same day, Circuit Court 1 also heard additional charges against all three suspects, resulting in 20-year IHL sentences each, also on two counts, and to run concurrently. “Finally, on July 24, 2025, Russell Ekenze was further convicted at Circuit Court 2, receiving an additional 10-year IHL sentence on two counts, to run concurrently with his existing sentence. “All three convicts, Francis Friday, Linus Agwazie, and Russell Ekenze, are currently serving their sentences at the Kumasi Central Prison.” This comes amid recent reports of Nigerians being linked to cr+mes in Ghana, including the May conviction of Patience Gold for human traff+cking and the July arrest of 50 Nigerians for alleged cyberfra¥d and traff+cking. #instablog9jaNews #TrendingStory #Stayupdated

K+dnppers Demand N15m Ransom for Edo Bus Passengers Abd¥ctors of passengers from an 18-seater New Edo Line bus and a Toyota Camry along the Owan–Auchi Road have reportedly demanded N15 million ransom for each victim still in captivity. The att+ck occurred on September 5, 2025, when g¥nmen intercepted the vehicles and forced passengers into the bush. The Edo State Police Command later rescued 16 victims, but several others remain held. Among those still in captivity is Gloria Ikhaghu, who was returning home after her father’s burial in Okpekpe, Etsako East LGA. A family member confirmed that k+dnappers had contacted them. “We are begging Governor Monday Okpebholo and everyone to help secure Gloria’s release, as we don’t have such money,” the relative said. “We just buried her father; raising N15 million is impossible.” Police spokesperson CSP Moses Yamu said he was unaware of any ransom demand but assured that security operatives were “still combing the bush” for the victims. The Owan–Auchi axis has long been a hotspot for abductions and armed att+cks, with criminals exploiting the dense forest terrain. The latest incident has renewed calls for stronger highway security in Edo State. In 2023 and 2024, frequent k+dappin along the Benin–Auchi and Benin–Ekpoma roads triggered protests from residents, who accused security agencies of failing to adequately protect travellers. #Instablog9jaNews #TrendingStory #Awareness #wStayUpdated

Former midfielder Thiago Alcântara has agreed to join Hansi Flick’s coaching staff at Barcelona. The deal is fully completed, with his return expected as early as next week. #ThiagoAlcantara #FCBarcelona #Barca

Enugu Govt Accuses Sujimoto of Abandoning ₦5.7bn Projects The Enugu State Government has accused developer Olasijibomi Ogundele (Sujimoto) of abandoning multi-billion-naira projects after receiving ₦5.76bn (50% of the contract sum). Commissioner for Information, Malachy Agbo, said Ogundele engaged inexperienced workers, failed to meet structural standards, and ignored efforts to resolve the matter. A joint inspection with the EFCC in May 2025 reportedly showed little or no work done, despite Sujimoto securing the contract with a Jaiz Bank bond. The state alleged that funds were diverted, describing it as a deliberate attempt to defraud. It vowed to recover “every penny of Ndi Enugu” fraudulently obtained. Ogundele, who was earlier declared wanted by the EFCC for alleged money laundering, has denied wrongdoing in a video message. #EnuguState #Sujimoto #EFCC

🤍🇨🇴 Luis Díaz: “It's definitely always special to play for a big club, and Bayern is one of the big clubs”. “I'm very happy. I joined the right team, the right group. I'll continue to work hard with both feet on the ground and focus on what's to come”.

You have to succumb to your husband; he’s your boss” — Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola tells his daughter, Temi, in an emotional speech at her wedding “Temi, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. You found a great guy. Very great guy. Blessed guy. He comes from a very decent family.” But his most striking counsel came as he charged his daughter: “One thing I will advise you, Temi, is… You have to succumb to the whims and c¥rses of your husband. Okay? He is your husband and he is your boss. There is no more daddy. Don’t come here.” Otedola praised the love he observed between Temi and her husband Tosin: “You are truly in love with each other. Truly, truly in love with each other.Temi is an entrepreneur. Tosin is an entrepreneur. So you match each other. This is made in heaven.” He encouraged Tosin, saying: “But Tosin… You are going to go places. I have seen the entrepreneurial skill in you. When we were much younger… We think we are used to us but not like your generation.And it has always paid off.” He further urged the couple: “Continue to love,Temi. When you have issues, problems, just keep it within yourself. Never call any friend and have this problem. Just keep it within your walls. And God will bless you and bless your marriage.” Concluding, Otedola thanked the guests: “I thank you all. And I wish you safe travels back to various places you have come from. God bless you all. I love you all. Thank you all.”

INEC Takes Voter Registration to Ward Level in FCT By Oloniruha Emmanuel The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the devolution of voter registration to all 62 wards in the FCT, ahead of the area council elections. This brings the total registration centers to 69. INEC National Commissioner, Sam Olumekun, announced that the in-person registration will run from 29 September to 8 October 2025, while online pre-registration in the FCT will be suspended from 15 September. He noted that this step follows INEC’s practice in Edo, Ondo, and Anambra ahead of off-cycle elections. According to Olumekun, registration will close on 8 October in line with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires suspension 90 days before elections. #INEC #FCTVoterRegistration #RegisterToVote

The Ekiti APC governorship primary (October 27, 2025) is fast approaching, and all eyes are on Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Despite fears that he might shut others out, Oyebanji is widely seen as a humble, peace-loving democrat with unmatched grassroots appeal. The APC national leadership has been praised for rejecting automatic tickets, showing fairness and transparency. Opponents may be uneasy, but Oyebanji’s inclusive style—consulting elders, carrying party members along, and connecting deeply with the people—has made him the clear favorite. At this point, the numbers speak loudly: barring divine intervention, Oyebanji looks set to emerge as the party’s flagbearer. #Ekiti2025 #APCPrimary #BiodunOyebanji #EkitiPolitics #NigeriaDecides2025 #DemocracyInAction

Benue Lady M¥rdered by Ex-Boyfriend in Lagos Two Years After Their Breakup Shock and outrage have trailed the br¥tal k+lling of a young woman from Benue State, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend, in Lagos on Thursday night. The victim, an interior decorator who recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was reportedly att@cked in her residence by the suspect, identified as Lintex Ogale. According to the victim’s sister, the pair ended their relationship in August 2023, but Ogale allegedly refused to move on, often thre@tening that if he could not marry her, no one else would. On the night of the incident, Ogale allegedly disguised himself as a dispatch rider to gain access to the estate. When denied entry, he reportedly scaled the fence, c¥t her gas pipe in an apparent attempt to cause an expl%sion, and later broke into her home. Neighbours said he att@cked the victim with a kn+fe, st@bbing her multiple times until she coll@psed. The suspect, who allegedly tried to h@rm himself after the act, was overpowered and p+nned down by neighbours until police arrived. The victim’s family described her as a hardworking young woman with a promising future, whose life was cut short by what they called “a relationship by f%rce.” Police have confirmed the arrest of the suspect as investigations continue.

No 5% Fuel Levy From January 2026, Revenue Will be Used for Transport Infrastructure to Cut Logistics Costs and Ease Inflation— Tax Reform Chairman Taiwo Oyedele Chairman of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has clarified that the proposed five per cent fuel surcharge will not take effect in January 2026, insisting that its implementation remains subject to a formal commencement order by the Minister of Finance. In a video released by the State House on Friday, Oyedele dismissed as “false and misleading” reports that Nigerians would begin paying the levy next year under the newly signed Tax Administration Act. “What we have is a provision carried over into the new tax law, but it does not automatically commence in January 2026,” Oyedele explained. “The date will only be set through an official order by the Minister of Finance.” He explained that the surcharge is intended to fund transport infrastructure, which would in turn reduce logistics costs, ease commuting, and help bring down inflation. The clarification comes amid growing public concern that new fuel-related taxes could worsen economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The levy, contained in the Nigeria Tax Administration Act signed into law on June 26, 2025, applies to every supply or sale of refined fossil fuel products in the country, whether produced locally or imported. However, cleaner alternatives such as renewables, household kerosene, cooking gas (LPG), and compressed natural gas (CNG) are exempt.

Ebonyi Government Reportedly Bans House and Land Agents from 2026

Legendary Italian Fashion Icon Giorgio Armani D+es at 91

Christopher Nkunku: “The first time I heard about AC Milan… it was special for me. I didn’t think too much, I said yes immediately”. “I just wanted to hear about the project — and it happened”.

🇧🇷 João Pedro: “You can see Estevão from the streets. You can see he is natural. Tosin said to me: João, wow. Estêvão is amazing!”. “Playing for Brazil and Chelsea at 18, oh my God… He’s going to be like Vinícius”, told @MrDomSmith.

🚨🇲🇨 Paul Pogba has been included in AS Monaco squad for Champions League. He’s waiting for debut as new Monaco player after joining the club in July and working on his best form.

🚨 Manchester United have had a loan proposal rejected by Atlético Madrid for Conor Gallagher. United asked for Gallagher but no plans for Atléti to let him leave on loan. Same answer was received by Crystal Palace one week ago.

🔵⚫️ Willian will travel today to Brazil in order to undergo medical and sign in as new Gremio player! Deal done with former Fulham winger. 🇧🇷

💙 Gigio Donnarumma: “Honestly, I really wanted to join Man City… they wanted me, I felt their strong interest and Pep Guardiola really trusted me”. “Pep wanted me there and I can only feel proud about that. I’m so, so happy to join such a top club”.