₦airaland Forum

THECLOUDNGR reports that the commander of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment

Justice James Omotosho sitting at the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment instead of death sentence.
Justice Omotosho gave the announced the sentencing on Thursday after hour-long judgment where the IPOB leader was convicted on all the counts of terrorism charges by the Department of States Security (DSS), on behalf of the federal government of Nigeria.

The judge held that the threats of violence and killings, including the declaration of sit-at-home in the South-Eastern states of the country, in his many broadcasts constitute acts of terrorism.

The court also convicted the IPOB leader on count three that, he (Kanu), on diverse dates between 2018 and 2021, professed himself to be a member of the IPOB, a proscribed organization in Nigeria.
Kanu removed from courtroom

Earlier, Justice Omotosho ordered Kanu to be removed from the courtroom after he became unruly midway into proceedings.

The judge had ruled and dismissed three fresh motions filed by the IPOB leader after the case was adjourned for judgment and dismissed them for being unmeritorious.

As the judge moved to deliver the ruling, Kanu argued that the court could not proceed because he was yet to file his final written address.

Raising his voice, Kanu accused the trial judge of being biased and claimed that the judge did not know the law.

Kanu has since been moved out of the courtroom, while judge is preparing to read the final judgment.

A young Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, who recently had a confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reportedly escaped an assassination attempt on Sunday evening.

Military sources told Vanguard that Yerima was trailed by unidentified men dressed in black and riding in two unmarked Hilux vans with no number plates. The vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off Kubwa Expressway to Gado Nasco Way.

According to the source, the officer noticed the surveillance and executed a “strategic maneuver,” successfully evading the suspected assailants. The incident reportedly occurred around 6:30 p.m.

The source added that the matter is under investigation and is receiving “the seriousness it deserves,” noting that further details are being withheld so as not to compromise the process.

The development comes days after Lt. Yerima, while on duty with other security personnel, engaged in a tense confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District. The clash, captured on video, sparked widespread public debate and prompted intervention from the Presidency, which subsequently halted the demolition exercise at the site.

Following the incident, military veterans nationwide criticised Wike for verbally insulting the officer and rejected calls for disciplinary action against Yerima.

Spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that ex-service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if the officer faced any punishment.

He stressed that military personnel owe allegiance to Nigeria—not individual public officials—and insisted that Wike must apologise for his remarks.

“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” he queried, adding that such conduct undermines national institutions and demeans the dignity of public office.

Meanwhile, Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar has assured that no military personnel acting lawfully will be sanctioned over the altercation.

“We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty,” Badaru said during a ministerial briefing for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations at the National Defence College.

“Any officer on lawful duty will be protected if he is doing his job lawfully and doing it well.”

Veterans had earlier vowed to mobilise and occupy the FCT Ministry if Lt. Yerima faced any form of disciplinary action.

DR Congo ends the Nigerian Super Eagles Dream of playing in the 2026 World Cup as they edged the Super Eagles in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in Rabat.

Frank Onyeka had given Nigeria the perfect start with an early goal in the third minute, only for Meschak Elia to level for DR Congo in the 32nd minute. Despite several near-misses in extra time, neither side could find a winner, forcing the tie into penalties.

The shootout proved a nightmare for the Super Eagles. Calvin Bassey missed the opening spot-kick, and Semi Ajayi saw his penalty saved, while Simon also failed to convert. DR Congo held their nerve to secure victory, sending them through to the intercontinental playoff and ending Nigeria’s campaign in heartbreaking fashion.

It was a night of missed opportunities for Nigeria, who struggled to adapt without Victor Osimhen after he was forced off early in the second half due to injury. Despite some bright moments from the likes of Arokodare and Onyemaechi, the Super Eagles could not break down a resilient DR Congo defence.

DR Congo will now prepare for the intercontinental playoff, keeping their World Cup hopes alive, while Nigeria are left to rue what might have been in a tense, high-stakes encounter.

Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed has been appointed to officiate today’s FIFA CAF World Cup playoff final between Nigeria and DR Congo, to be held Sunday.

Jayed will be assisted by fellow Moroccans Mustapha Akarkad and Zakaria Bernissi as the assistant referees, while Mahrez El Malki of Tunisia will serve as the fourth official.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team will include Lahlou Benbraham from Algeria and Haitham Guirat from Tunisia, ensuring full coverage for this crucial match.
The playoff final determines which of the two African teams: Nigeria or DR Congo will advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 intercontinental playoffs, adding high stakes to this Sunday showdown.

Nigerian rapper Olamide Adedeji, better known as Olamide Baddo, declared during a visit to York University in Toronto that Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun aka Wizkid as the greatest Afrobeats artist since Fela Kuti.

He praised Wizkid's innovations in fusing R&B, dancehall, and Afrobeats, as seen in albums like Made in Lagos, which have boosted the genre's global reach.

The statement, made amid talks on Afrobeats' evolution, has generated significant online buzz among fans.

Watch Video With The X Link Below:

After Fela , Wizkid is the greatest afrobeats artist ever — @Olamide pic.twitter.com/CYGyNcAr8D

— WizKid Gallery (@WizkidGallery) November 13, 2025

Nigerian artist Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu popularly known as Burna Boy paused his sold-out concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, on Wednesday night after spotting a front-row fan's girlfriend sleeping, demanding the fan take her home and refusing to perform until they left.

The incident occurred midway through his 'No Sign of Weakness' tour performance, attended by 9,500 fans, with videos capturing his insistence on full audience engagement.

Social media reactions have divided fans, with some supporting his stance on concert etiquette and others criticizing the ejection of paying attendees.

Watch Video With X Link Below:

🚨Moment Burna Boy asked a fan to take his girlfriend home because they were sleeping at his show last night in denver 🇺🇸🤯

“Take her the fxck home. Walahi im not performing another song till you go home” pic.twitter.com/pxpXrCbWBx

— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) November 13, 2025

Afrobeats star Wizkid publicly endorsed his 14-year-old son Boluwatife Balogun, stage name Champz, for his five-track Afrobeats EP Champion's Arrival during a fan interaction at a New York Knicks game on November 11, 2025.

The EP, featuring tracks like 'The Military' and 'Soldier,' topped Nigeria's Apple Music album chart within hours of release, highlighting Champz's independent entry into the music scene.

Fans on X celebrated Wizkid's proud support, which amplified the project's swift success and sparked talk of potential father-son collaborations.

Video below:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ83g70jyIe/

Minister Nyesom Wike of the Federal Capital Territory clashed with armed soldiers on Tuesday in Abuja’s Gaduwa District while attempting to enforce a stop-work order on Plot 1946, a site lacking valid titles and approvals allegedly developed by retired Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo.

Earlier, soldiers had repelled FCTA control officers, leading to Wike’s intervention where he accused the military of intimidation and secured assurances from Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and the Chief of Naval Staff for resolution.

Wike reaffirmed his commitment to demolishing unauthorized structures across Abuja to uphold the city’s master plan.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWMQqNPRd4o

Nigerian Afrobeats artist Omah Lay released a 26-second snippet of his upcoming single on X on November 7, 2025, featuring soulful vocals and lyrics exploring relationships and empathy.

The teaser marks his first new solo material since the album Boy Alone in May 2024, following a 433-day gap, and has garnered over 16,000 likes with endorsements from figures like Olamide.

Fans and industry observers anticipate a full release soon, highlighting Lay's distinctive style in the Afrobeats scene.

https://x.com/Omah_Lay/status/1986746875706323385

Justin Bieber shared intimate photos on Instagram and X of himself and wife Hailey embracing and kissing at Kendall Jenner's beachside 30th birthday party on Mustique island, held on November 4, 2025, at a villa rented from Tommy Hilfiger.

The event drew attendees including Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, showcasing the couple's typically private bond amid Bieber's recovery from Ramsay Hunt syndrome. The posts garnered over 500,000 engagements, with fans praising their enduring relationship.

See Photos Below

Shakabulizzy Crooner Mavo has just sweep the top 3 spot in the Apple Music chart as of October 29, 2025, through collaborations with Wizkid, CKay, and Davido.

Tracks including 'Money Constant' with DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tunez, and Wizkid, 'Body (danz)' with CKay, and 'Shakabulizzy (Remix)' with Davido have driven this achievement, with 'Money Constant' also topping Spotify Nigeria and reaching number 11 on global Shazam charts. Signed to Inner Circle Entertainment, Mavo's success underscores the power of strategic partnerships in elevating Nigerian music globally.

TikTok has officially revealed its top Nigeria Song of the Summer for 2025, crowning ‘Wasiu Ayinde’ by BhadBoi OML as the track that dominated feeds and inspired trends.

Toyin Mustapha, TikTok’s Head of Music Partnerships, UK, Ireland & Sub-Saharan Africa, said in a statement that the album ‘Bhadboi’ stood out and gained popularity on the platform stemmed from its unique cultural fusion.

He said that the album masterfully blended a modern pop sound with traditional Yoruba influences from Fuji music, exemplifying how artists are redefining Afrobeats through authentic fusion.

According to him, the song’s success is a perfect example of how the platform’s list reflects a diverse and vibrant mix of sounds.

“While Nigerian artists like Davido, Olamide, and Rybeena topped the charts with their high energy anthems.

“The top ten also saw an impactful mix of gospel-inspired hits, sounds from across Africa, including South Africa and Uganda that resonated deeply with the Nigerian audience.

“TikTok is where music truly comes to life. It is a space where songs are discovered, collective enjoyment is cemented, artists grow and opportunities open up in ways that were not possible before,” Mustapha said.

According to him, what makes TikTok special is the community where fans, creators and musicians all come together to shape culture, and in this case, seasons, in real time.

Mustapha said that the Songs of the Summer showed how powerful that connection was and how TikTok continued to be the platform where Nigerian music could break boundaries and reach the world.

He said that the full list of top 10 trending tracks offered a deeper look into the sonic diversity happening across the Nigerian music landscape.

According to him, collaborations proved to be a powerful formula for chart success, with six collaborations making the list of the top ten songs of the summer.

Mustapha said that the collaborations included “99” by Olamide, Seyi Vibez, Asake, Young Jonn and Daecolm; “With You” by Davido and Omah Lay, and “Gaddem” by Rybeena & Shoday.

He said that Amapiano’s continued influence was also undeniable, with songs like “Ngishutheni” by Goon Flavour, Master KG & Eemoh showcasing the genre’s unstoppable appeal across the continent.

According to the Tiktok boss, a growing appetite for emotionally-driven content such as soulful and inspirational tracks like Chella’s “My Darling” among others found viral moments alongside the season’s biggest hits.

Mustapha said that these tracks found viral success on TikTok fueled by their high energy and memorable choruses for dance challenges and lifestyle content.

He said that the tracks perfectly captured the creativity and vibrance at the heart of Nigeria’s youth and culture.

According to him, more than just a ranking, the 2025 Songs of the Summer list proves TikTok’s role in pushing a diverse mix of local artists and genres to the forefront.

He said that the platform was cementing its position as a cultural incubator, helping authentic and culturally rooted music find a global audience.

Nigerian Rapper and Singer Emeka Akumefule, known professionally as Blaqbonez, His diss track "ACL" targeting Odumodublvck from his album No Excuses, climbed to No. 2 on the Apple Music's Nigeria Top Songs chart four days after its release, topping Odumodublvck Big Time featuring Wizkid after 2 straight week at top the chat.

The album No Excuses also secured the top spot on the Nigeria albums chart, with two tracks entering the top 10. This marks Blaqbonez's highest-charting solo effort amid ongoing rap rivalries in Nigeria's music scene.

Blaqbonez who has been in loggerhead with Odumodublvck is ready to go head to head in rap battles with Odumodublvck to decide who is the better rapper.

See Top Ten Charts Below:

Nigerian Rapper and Singer Emeka Akumefule, known professionally as Blaqbonez, His diss track "ACL" targeting Odumodublvck from his album No Excuses, climbed to No. 2 on Apple Music's Nigeria Top Songs chart four days after its release, topping Odumodublvck Big Time featuring Wizkid after 2 straight week at top the chat.

The album No Excuses also secured the top spot on the Nigeria albums chart, with two tracks entering the top 10. This marks Blaqbonez's highest-charting solo effort amid ongoing rap rivalries in Nigeria's music scene.

Blaqbonez who has been in loggerhead with Odumodublvck is ready to go head to head in rap battles with Odumodublvck to decide who is the better rapper.

See Top Ten Charts Below:

Morocco concluded off a historic run in Chile on Sunday night, beating Argentina 2-0 to take home the Under-20 FIFA World Cup.

The result marked the first ever World Cup triumph for Morocco at any age-group level in the country's history.

Yassir Zabiri, who plays for FC Famalicao in the Portuguese top flight, scored a pair of first-half goals for Morocco to stake his team to a 2-0 lead at the break -- and that would be all the African nation would need.

Morocco reached the final by beating South Korea, the United States and France in the knockout rounds before downing Argentina to cap an impressive run.

The country's senior team has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup in North America after making it to the semifinals of the 2022 edition in Qatar before losing to France.

Argentina's senior team is the defending World Cup champion and is also qualified for next summer's tournament.

Barcelona secures important win after two consecutive defeats Barca were only just able to edge Girona, 19th, thanks to Araujo's late goal.

Pedri Gonzalez slotted Barcelona ahead early on but Axel Witsel equalised with a superb overhead kick for a Girona side who came close to securing a deserved point.

"Sometimes you have to win games like this -- we missed a lot of chances and they did too," Fermin Lopez told DAZN.

"We fought until the end and we got that second goal... it was a chaotic second half but I think we deserved the win and we got it."

Barca coach Hansi Flick brought Lamine Yamal back into the starting line-up after he recovered from the groin injury which kept him out of Spain's recent World Cup qualifiers.

The teenage winger also missed the 4-1 thrashing by Sevilla in Barcelona's last La Liga outing, which the Catalans were only just able to bounce back from.

With several players including striker Robert Lewandowski out injured, Flick handed a league debut to 17-year-old forward Toni Fernandez.

In line with the protest organised by the Spanish footballers' association against Barca's match against Villarreal in December which has been moved to Miami, both sets of players stood still for 15 seconds after the whistle blew for kick-off.

Barca took the initiative and earned a 13th-minute lead through Pedri after Jules Kounde and Yamal combined well.

The winger fed Pedri, who dribbled into the box and casually passed the ball into the bottom right corner.

Girona, who finished in the top four two seasons ago but have struggled ever since, soon found a way back level.

Witsel produced a stunning overhead kick to equalise in the 20th minute and shock the hosts.

The visitors poured forward and found holes in Barcelona's high line several times to create danger.

Barca goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made a fine save to deny Vladyslav Vanat as he charged through on goal.

Cristian Portu struck the post after getting in behind Barca's defence and then Bryan Gil blazed off target after darting through one-on-one yet again.

Marcus Rashford struck the crossbar with a free-kick at the other end before an entertaining battle reached the interval.

Honours even
Pau Cubarsi bundled home for Barca after an hour but the goal was ruled out because of a foul by Eric Garcia in the build-up.

Flick made a surprising double change, withdrawing star players Yamal and Pedri despite chasing the game, perhaps with Tuesday's Champions League clash against Olympiakos in mind, as well as next weekend's Clasico.

Paulo Gazzaniga made an excellent save at his near post to thwart Rashford as Barca turned the screw, with substitute Lopez making a notable impact.

Rashford wanted a penalty when Vitor Reis caught him in the face with a swinging arm in the box but the referee waved away Barca appeals.

Flick sent on centre-back Araujo as a striker in the final stages in desperation and the Uruguayan delivered deep in stoppage time, finishing off Frenkie de Jong's cross to snatch three points.

Araujo ripped off his shirt in celebration as Barca claimed a victory which seemed improbable after a flat second half display.

"We feel that we played a great game... (but) we had four or five clear chances and should have scored more to kill the game," Witsel told DAZN.

"It's hard mentally to let in a goal like that, but we have to think about the first half (we played)... and keep that in mind for our next match."

Nottingham Forest sacked manager Ange Postecoglou straight after they suffered a 3-0 defeat by Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday which left the club languishing in 17th place and on the brink of slipping into the relegation zone.

Australian Postecoglou became the first Forest manager to fail to win any of his first eight games in charge of the Midlands side and the writing was on the wall at 2-0 when club owner Evangelos Marinakis left his seat in the stands.

A resounding chorus of boos met the final whistle and Postecoglou cut a lone figure near the centre circle as he applauded the handful of Forest fans who had stayed behind.

Chelsea's Pedro Neto got a goal and an assist within three minutes at The City Ground and though the visitors were reduced to 10 men late on when Malo Gusto was sent off, they kept a clean sheet as the win lifted Enzo Maresca's side to fourth.

FOREST START BRIGHTER BUT NO GOALS

Postecoglou rolled the dice by changing half his side from the last defeat and Forest did start the brighter of the two teams but could not find the net in a goalless first half.

Chelsea had a new-look midfield, with Cole Palmer sidelined for six more weeks and Enzo Fernandez not in the squad while Moises Caicedo only made the bench.

Maresca was watching the game in the stands due to a one-match touchline ban and the Italian had his head in his hands when three significant errors gifted Forest clear chances.

Fortunately for Chelsea, the home side failed to capitalise on mistakes, with Morgan Gibbs-White coming closest with two big opportunities, curling a shot wide of the top corner and missing with an acrobatic effort moments later.

CHELSEA FIND CUTTING EDGE
But Chelsea gradually grew into the game, carving out their best chances in the final 10 minutes. Andrey Santos came close twice, once firing over after a clever layoff from Joao Pedro while his next effort went wide.

Maresca made three substitutions at halftime and Chelsea were rewarded four minutes after the break when Neto's cross into the box was headed home by the unmarked 19-year-old defender Josh Acheampong.

The mood at The City Ground changed drastically two minutes later when Chelsea earned a free kick.

Reece James rolled it to Neto whose effort pierced through the wall and past the hand of goalkeeper Matz Sels to leave Postecoglou fuming.

Forest thought they had scored in the 70th minute when Igor Jesus stretched to fire a shot on goal but the ball bounced off the bar and the post.

Any hopes of a comeback went up in smoke on another set-piece as Sels punched a corner into the path of James who fired home, sparking an exodus as Forest fans headed for the exits.

Chelsea's only black mark came when Gusto was sent off for a second yellow card for scything down Neco Williams but they held on for their first clean sheet since August.

Nigerian entrepreneur Linas Sworn, known as Blord, had his Instagram account with over 3 million followers permanently deleted on Thursday after posting explicit images of social critic Martins Vincent Otse, aka VeryDarkMan (VDM), violating community guidelines on nudity.

The ban follows an escalating online feud that began with mutual accusations of smartphone scams and deceptive business practices between Blord, founder of Blord Group, and VDM, a prominent anti-corruption activist.

VDM expressed outrage in a video response, while Blord has not commented publicly.

Nigerian Afrobeats artist Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, began a seven-day spiritual retreat called igbele at a Celestial Church of Christ in Ogun State on October 15.

The seclusion follows his leak of WhatsApp chats between baby mama Ashabi Simple and an Islamic cleric, where she discussed developing feelings for another man while seeking marital advice.

Portable shared footage of the event on Instagram, depicting him in white garments amid church prayers and chants that blend Yoruba traditions with Christian practices.

Watch Video With The Link Below.

Portable is doing 7 days igbele inside church 😩😂 pic.twitter.com/ng03aBZhqu

— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) October 16, 2025

🎶🔥 NEW MUSIC ALERT! 🔥🎶

Afrobeats just got a fresh new voice, and trust us — Sholly Sholly Fresh is coming in HOT! 🌍💫

Real name Olusola Okusaga Raji, this fast-rising act just dropped TWO brand new tracks — Web3 and Sati Ramoni — and they’re already turning heads in the music scene. If you haven’t heard them yet, you're seriously missing out! 🚀🎧

🎵 Web3 is a banger for the digital hustlers — a vibe that speaks to the future, the grind, and the tech-powered wave we’re riding right now. It's got that catchy bounce you can’t ignore. Think crypto meets culture, but with Sholly’s unique Afro twist. 💻🌐💥

🎵 Sati Ramoni, on the other hand, is deep, raw, and proudly rooted. It's a cultural anthem with street soul — the kind of song that feels like home, no matter where you are in the world. 🏠🌍

Sholly Sholly Fresh brings real energy, originality, and passion to both tracks — and it’s clear he’s not here to play. Whether you’re into street vibes, club sounds, or thoughtful lyrics, this guy delivers all of it.

🚨 If you love discovering new artists before they blow up, put Sholly Sholly Fresh on your radar NOW.

🎧 Stream “Web3” and “Sati Ramoni” on all major platforms
https://music.apple.com/us/album/sati-ramoni-x-web-3-single/1845583006

https://open.spotify.com/album/3PVu4yijQ8fgh8J4RTJKkV?si=23Yz4ESKSMmyB6By5MhR2Q

https://audiomack.com/Sholly-Fresh/album/satiramoni-x-web-3?share-user-id=20680153

📲 Follow @Only1Sholly on IG, @Sholly_fresh10 on TikTok
📢 Support real talent. Share the vibes. Spread the word. 🌍🔥

#Afrobeats #NewMusic #ShollyShollyFresh #Web3 #SatiRamoni #NigerianMusic #RisingStar #StreetVibes #AfroFusion #NowPlaying #SupportLocalArtists

Nigeria secure the much needed win against Benin Republic but South Africa victory against Rwanda means the Super Eagles finished second despite the win against Benin.

Osimhen scores hattrick as Super Eagles secures comfortable wins and are set to battle it out against the likes of Gabon, Burkina Faso and Cameroon for the last spot of the 2026 World Cup.

The winner of the first face off will take on each other for the last spot and the winner joins the other 9 group winners to complete the 10 spot for Africa.

Ten (10) African teams now have a spot as the World Cup has been increased to 48 teams starting 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke better known by his stage name Davido has just announced Nigeria portion of his 5IVE Alive World Tour, featuring performances in Akwa Ibom on October 26th, Adamawa on October 29th, Enugu on November 1st, Ibadan on November 9th and Lagos on December 25th.

This Tour supports his fifth studio album 5IVE release April earlier this year, the album has garnered billions of streams across all streaming platforms and also gets a Grammy Awards recognition.

Tickets are currently on sales starting from #5,000 right after the announcement was made via his official X handle.

A Nigeria and Lagos based fast rising singer Olusola Okusaga Raji better know by Sholly Fresh has just dropped 2 new tracks today October 11, 2025.
This 2 new tracks follows his last single "AJE" which was release in late 2024.
Sholly Fresh is fastly growing and has the vibe you'll always want to listen to when you're down and also when you feels good and lonely too.
Listen to Sati Ramoni and Web3 with the link I provide below this post and share your thought on his growth

https://open.spotify.com/album/3PVu4yijQ8fgh8J4RTJKkV?si=23Yz4ESKSMmyB6By5MhR2Q

Erling Haaland cleared his mess by scoring for Norway moments after having a penalty saved twice by Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, the goal poacher failed to convert from the spot initially, but Peretz was judged to have come off of his line and Haaland was allowed to retake.

The striker fluffed his lines again and was made to look a fool, although that did not last long.

Haaland missed his spot-kicks when the scores were level at 0-0 after just six minutes and the Norwegian fans may have started to feel concerned that they would blow their chance of World Cup qualification. They needn’t have worried, for their giant forward would have the last laugh.

The hosts opened the scoring when Haaland bundled through on goal and knocked into Anan Khalaili who could do nothing as Peretz’s clearance clattered off him and into his own goal.

Haaland then completed his redemption by firing into the bottom left corner with his weaker right-foot to double the lead after 27 minutes.

Israel then scored a second own-goal through Idan Nachmias to leave them 3-0 down to a rampant Norway, who look set to secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup. Haaland may have been on the wrong end of penalty humiliation, but the imperious forward can never be written off.

His effort against Israel marked the tenth game in a row in which he has found the back of the net and few would count him out of adding to that run in the next few weeks.

Haaland’s start to the season has been nothing short of remarkable with the forward back at his very best. His goal on Saturday marked his 19th strike in just 12 games this season and took his total for Norway up to 49 from 46 caps.

By his own ridiculously high standards, the striker had a relatively weaker season last campaign, in part due to Manchester City’s overall form and a few injuries hampering his consistency. While his 22 Premier League goals is still impressive, it marked a drop off from the 27 in 2023/24 and 36 the year before.

Keen to right the record, Haaland has started this season with a point to prove. In just seven league games, he has notched up nine goals and one assist. For Norway, Haaland has been central to their position of strength in World Cup qualification. He has scored ten goals for his country in their six group games, winning each of their fixtures.

Nigeria’s total public debt has climbed to N152.40 trillion as of June 30, 2025, up from N149.39 trillion at the end of March.

This is according to the latest figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO).

The figure represents a quarterly increase of N3.01 trillion, equivalent to 2.01%, while in dollar terms the debt stock rose from $97.24 billion to $99.66 billion, reflecting a 2.49% increase.

External debt portfolio sees modest rise
Nigeria’s external debt stood at $46.98 billion (N71.85 trillion) in June, up from $45.98 billion (N70.63 trillion) in March. The DMO report shows that multilateral lenders remain the largest creditors, with a combined exposure of $23.19 billion, accounting for 49.4% of external obligations. The World Bank, through the International Development Association, is the single largest creditor with $18.04 billion outstanding.

Bilateral loans made up $6.20 billion, led by the Export-Import Bank of China at $4.91 billion, followed by smaller exposures to France, Japan, India, and Germany. Commercial borrowings remained sizeable at $17.32 billion, almost entirely Eurobonds, which account for 36.9% of the external portfolio. A further $268.9 million was owed under syndicated facilities and commercial bank loans.

The reliance on Eurobonds and other commercial instruments exposes Nigeria to global market volatility, while the heavy concentration in multilateral loans indicates continued dependence on concessional financing.

Domestic debt dominated by long-term bonds
On the domestic side, total obligations reached N80.55 trillion by June, an increase of N1.79 trillion from N78.76 trillion in March. Federal Government bonds dominated the portfolio with N60.65 trillion, representing 79.2% of total domestic debt. This category included N36.52 trillion in naira-denominated bonds, N22.72 trillion in securitised Ways and Means advances, and N1.40 trillion in dollar bonds.

Treasury bills accounted for N12.76 trillion, or 16.7%, while Sukuk issues stood at N1.29 trillion. Smaller instruments included savings bonds worth N91.53 billion, green bonds of N62.36 billion, and promissory notes totalling N1.73 trillion. The promissory notes include both naira and foreign currency-denominated liabilities converted at the June CBN exchange rates.

The growing stock of securitised Ways and Means advances underlines the fiscal stress the government faces, even as it leans on bond markets to finance budget deficits.

Federal Government accounts for over 92%
Of the N152.40 trillion debt stock, the Federal Government was responsible for N141.08 trillion, which amounts to 92.6% of the total. This was made up of N64.49 trillion in external obligations and N76.59 trillion in domestic debt.

For the first time in 2025, the DMO provided a separate breakdown of external debt for states and the Federal Capital Territory. Their combined obligations were reported at $4.81 billion (N7.36 trillion), while their domestic debts stood at N3.96 trillion. In total, subnational governments owed N11.32 trillion, accounting for 7.4% of the national debt stock

What you should know
The DMO explained that external debt was converted to naira using the Central Bank’s official exchange rate of N1,529.21 to the dollar as of June 30, 2025. The weaker exchange rate compared with earlier in the year magnified the naira value of foreign borrowings, adding to the rise in the overall stock.

This effect highlights the vulnerability of Nigeria’s debt portfolio to currency depreciation. Even in periods where fresh borrowing is limited, the conversion of dollar and other foreign currency debts at weaker naira levels inflates the total.

Although Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio remains within international thresholds, the pace of growth and the increasing cost of servicing loans continue to raise questions about sustainability.

Nigeria’s debt trajectory underscores the need for stronger revenue mobilisation and fiscal consolidation. Without significant progress in expanding the tax base and reducing expenditure inefficiencies, debt service could continue to crowd out investments in infrastructure and social spending.

Nigerian Afrobeats artist Wizkid posted a Snapchat message on October 10, 2025, stating "Lion dey chop wild animal, gorilla dey chop banana," which fans interpret as a subtle reference to rival Burna Boy amid his recent 'No Sign of Weakness' World Tour expansion and top Spotify ranking.

The post, shared days after Burna Boy announced new tour dates in Australia, North America, and Europe, has garnered over 27,000 engagements on X with fans debating its meaning.

Neither Wizkid nor Burna Boy has addressed the speculation, highlighting the ongoing rivalry among Afrobeats' 'Big Three' including Davido.

An American man who had his license suspended joined a court hearing via zoom video and was driving at the moment he joined.

The judge was in shock 😲 as he still don't believe the man will be driving but you can watch the video below.

Man with suspended license joins court hearing via zoom while driving then this happened 😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/xI0SHdAtou

— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) October 6, 2025

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Remember Derrick Jackson, the relationship coach who always pandered to women?

Who ended up cheating on his loyal wife (left picture) & left her for a baddie (right picture)

Well the baddie got pregnant by another man & Derrick went LIVE on his social media handle in tears after finding out

For every man, this has been a successful hate watch, this guy used to blame men for everything. Turns out he's a hypocrite and he got burnt by a woman, whom he used to defend

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun popularly known as Wizkid has officially submit his album named after his demise mom "MORAYO" for Grammy Awards 2026 nomination.

The Afrobeats singer have not release any single since Morayo album has had several featured on songs like Billionaires Club by Olamide, Gimme Dat with Ayra Starr, Forever Be Mine by Gunna to mention a few.

Here are the full list of his submission for the 2026 Grammy Awards:

Wizkid’s submission for the Grammy 2026

Morayo: AOTY, Global Album
Piece of My Heart: ROTY, SOTY, African Perf
Billionaires Club: African Perfomance
Kese (Dance): Best Music Video
Gimme Dat: African Perfomance