Tag: Nigeria

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Asake pledges support after fan’s death at Nairobi concert

Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has expressed deep sorrow following a tragic incident at his concert in Nairobi, Kenya, where a stampede reportedly claimed the life of a fan.

The incident occurred on Friday, December 20, during Asake’s performance in the Kenyan capital.

Reports from local media and eyewitnesses indicated that overcrowding and movement around the venue led to panic, resulting in a stampede that left several people injured and at least one person dead.

In a statement shared on his Instagram story, Asake said he was devastated by the development and confirmed the identity of the deceased as Karen Lojore.

“I am devastated by the tragic incident that took place at the festival on Dec 20th in Nairobi,” the singer wrote. “My heart goes out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Karen Lojore, and I pledge to support and do my best to understand what happened. Those responsible should be held accountable.”

Asake added that music has always been his way of spreading love and joy, noting that the loss of life at a show meant to bring happiness was deeply painful to him.

“Music has always been my way of sharing love and joy, and it breaks my heart that anyone had to experience such loss,” he said. “My thoughts are with everyone grieving, and I pray that Karen rests in peace. God bless Kenya.”

The tragedy at Asake’s concert has renewed concerns about crowd control and event safety, particularly at concerts headlined by A-list performers with large followings.

Some attendees at the Nairobi show reportedly complained of congestion and difficulty accessing certain parts of the venue, while others described moments of panic as the crowd surged.

Similar crowd-control concerns have surfaced at several concerts in Nigeria this December, drawing attention to a growing pattern during the festive season, when shows attract unusually large crowds.

At Fola’s What a Feeling concert in Lagos, fans complained of overcrowding and poor organisation, with some attendees struggling to gain access to the venue.

The situation prompted the fast-rising singer to apologise publicly to fans via X (formerly twitter) acknowledging the lapses and expressing regret over their experience.

A similar situation happened at BNXN’s BNXN Live in Concert, where issues around access, crowd management, and fan dissatisfaction trended online after the event. BNXN later apologised to fans and refunded a fan ₦250,000.

These incidents have intensified calls for stricter safety measures at concerts across Nigeria and beyond.

Asake concluded his message by offering prayers for the deceased and support for those affected, as the music community reflects on the importance of safety at live events. (Guardian)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

AFCON ’25: Super Eagles beat Tanzania 2-1 in group C opener

Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 2-1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group C opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Tuesday.

The match started at a lively pace, with Nigeria taking early control, though Tanzania threatened on several occasions.

The deadlock was broken in the 36th minute when defender Semi Ajayi rose highest to head Alex Iwobi’s lofted cross into the back of the net, giving Nigeria a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Tanzania responded quickly in the second half.

Just two minutes after the restart, midfielder Charles M’Mombwa capitalized on a loose ball to level the score at 1-1, putting Nigeria under pressure.

However, Nigeria regained the lead in the 55th minute when Ademola Lookman struck a clinical left-footed shot from outside the box to make it 2-1.

The latter stages of the match saw Tanzania press aggressively, but Nigeria defended resolutely.

Goalkeeper Daniel Nwabali and defenders Bassey and Ajayi made crucial interventions to deny the Taifa Stars further chances.

Despite Tanzania’s late pressure, Nigeria held on to claim all three points.

The Super Eagles are currently leading Group C, with Tunisia and Uganda set to clash later on Tuesday (today) at 9 p.m.

The three points are expected to boost Nigeria’s confidence ahead of their next Group C fixtures: against Tunisia on Saturday, December 27, and Uganda on Tuesday, December 30. (Punch)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

US signs health deal to aid Christians in Nigeria

The United States has signed a five-year health cooperation agreement with Nigeria aimed at strengthening the country’s health system, with a specific focus on supporting Christian faith-based healthcare providers, Washington announced on Saturday.

Under the bilateral agreement, the United States will contribute nearly $2.1 billion to programmes targeting HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and polio, as well as initiatives to improve maternal and child health, a US State Department spokesperson said.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has committed to increasing its national health spending by almost $3 billion over the same five-year period, according to the spokesperson.

The agreement includes what the State Department described as “a strong emphasis on promoting Christian faith-based health care providers”.

The announcement comes amid heightened attention from Washington to the security situation facing Christian communities in Nigeria.

Last month, President Donald Trump said the United States was prepared to take military action in Nigeria in response to attacks on Christians, comments that drew international attention.

Trump has repeatedly said Christianity faces what he described as an “existential threat” in Nigeria and other countries, framing the issue as part of a broader concern about the global persecution of Christians.

His administration has placed Nigeria back on the US list of countries of “particular concern” over religious freedom and has imposed restrictions on the issuance of visas to Nigerian nationals.

According to the State Department, the health agreement signed on Saturday was negotiated in connection with reforms undertaken by the Nigerian government to prioritise the protection of Christian populations from violence.

Nigeria is roughly divided between a predominantly Christian south and a largely Muslim north. (ThisDay)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Egypt beat Nigeria 2-1 in pre-AFCON friendly

Egypt beat Nigeria 2–1 in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday as both sides completed their final preparations for the tournament, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The hosts took the lead in the 28th minute through Ahmed Saber after neat work down the right by Zizo, whose low cross found the midfielder unmarked for a close-range finish. Nigeria responded with increased urgency and went close before the break, Paul Onuachu forcing a fine save from Mohamed El-Shenawy with a glancing header from Frank Onyeka’s long throw.

The Super Eagles were rewarded in first-half stoppage time when Chidozie Awaziem equalised. Zaidu Sanusi’s delayed free-kick from the right caused confusion between El-Shenawy and his near post, allowing Awaziem to nod into an empty net to draw Nigeria level at the interval.

Egypt restored their advantage eight minutes after the restart as Mostafa Mohamed capitalised on a poorly coordinated Nigerian offside trap, continuing his run before rifling past Amas Obasogie. (Punch)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Nigeria provides protection to Guinea-Bissau opposition candidate amid coup

Nigeria has placed Guinea-Bissau’s opposition presidential candidate, Mr. Fernando Costa, under its protection following reports that his life is under threat.

Mr. Costa, the main challenger to President Umaro Embalo in the November 23 election, faced danger after soldiers seized power, halted the vote count, and imposed a nationwide curfew before the official results could be announced.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved Mr. Costa’s protection inside the Nigerian Embassy in Bissau. The decision was formalized in a letter dated November 30, signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and addressed to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Omar Alieu Touray.

According to the letter, Nigeria’s action is a proactive measure to safeguard democracy and ensure the safety of political actors in Guinea-Bissau. It also urged ECOWAS to direct its Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to provide additional security for Mr. Costa while he remains at the embassy.

The letter states in part:

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has graciously approved the provision of protection and security within the premises of the Nigerian Embassy in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau for Mr. Fernando Dia Da Costa. This decision is a proactive measure to ensure the safety of Mr. Da Costa in response to imminent threats to his life. It underscores our firm commitment to safeguarding the democratic aspirations and the sovereign will of the people of Guinea-Bissau.”

Nigeria’s intervention reflects its commitment to protecting democratic processes and supporting political stability in the West African region. (Vanguard)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

‘I no longer live in Nigeria’ — Ayra Starr

Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has confirmed that she has officially moved out of Nigeria.

During an online live session, the singer admitted to moving to New York, marking a new chapter in her personal life and career.

Though it has been less than two months since her relocation, the singer says the city already feels like home.

“Moved to New York in less than two months officially, but I’m always in newyork regardless, I’ve always been in New York, I’m a newyorker in my spirit,” she shared.

According to her, the bustling rhythm of New York echoes the familiar chaos and energy of Lagos, the city she grew up in.

“I’m a New Yorker in my spirit, I feel it; New York reminds me so much of Lagos,” she said.

The presence of a large African and Nigerian community in the city, she added, has made the transition feel natural.

“There’s a lot of Nigerians here, there’s a huge African diaspora here so it feels like home.” (Vanguard)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Nigeria thrash Gabon 4-1 to boost World Cup hopes

Victor Osimhen scored twice as the Super Eagles sealed an emphatic 4-1 victory over the Panthers of Gabon in extra time to advance to the next playoff stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.

After a goalless first half, Akor Adams broke the deadlock early in the second half, capitalising on a player’s error to put Nigeria ahead.

Gabon, however, equalised four minutes before the end of the match, forcing the game into extra time.

Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead with a composed finish before Osimhen extended the advantage, netting twice to put the result beyond doubt.

The Super Eagles’ solid defensive display, led by Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey, ensured Gabon’s late efforts came to nothing.

The win moves Nigeria closer to securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the final playoff round set to determine their qualification status.

Nigeria secured a spot among the top runners-up in the African qualifiers, buoyed by a dominant 4-0 win over the Benin Republic that saw Victor Osimhen net a remarkable hat-trick.

Gabon, meanwhile, finished second in Group F behind the Ivory Coast to earn their own playoff place.

Nigeria will go on to face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16, with the victor of that tie advancing to the inter-continental playoff for a chance at a World Cup berth. (Punch)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

FG sympathises with Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti over hurricane Melissa devastation

The Federal Government on Sunday expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti following the catastrophic destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa across the Caribbean.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kimiebi Ebienfa, FG said it received “with profound sorrow and deep sympathy the news of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on our sister nations, the Republic of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica.”

The ministry described the scenes of devastation as “truly heart-wrenching,” noting that reports from the affected nations showed widespread destruction, severe flooding, and tragic loss of lives and livelihoods.

“Nigeria stands in solidarity with the governments and the resilient peoples of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica during this period of immense adversity and destruction,” the statement read.

The government also commended the efforts of emergency responders in the affected countries, praising their courage and commitment under dire conditions.

“We commend the swift and courageous efforts of the national emergency response teams in both countries, who are working tirelessly under extremely challenging conditions to provide relief and save lives,” it said.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to global solidarity and South-South cooperation, the Federal Government extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a full recovery.

“In the spirit of South-South cooperation and the enduring bonds of friendship and solidarity that Nigeria shares with the nations of the Caribbean, the Federal Government of Nigeria extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a full and speedy recovery to the injured,” the statement added.

FG also called on the global community to support recovery and rebuilding efforts in the Caribbean nations.

“The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria calls upon the international community and our partner organisations to rally in support of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica, and to provide all necessary assistance to help these nations in their urgent recovery and rebuilding efforts.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Government and people of the Republic of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica,” the ministry concluded.

According to reports, Hurricane Melissa has left nearly 50 people dead across the Caribbean after unleashing catastrophic winds, flooding, and destruction on multiple islands. The storm—one of the most powerful on record—has devastated Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, while Bermuda remains under a hurricane warning.

It was reported that in Jamaica, at least 19 deaths have been confirmed, mainly in the western parishes of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth, with widespread power and communication outages complicating rescue efforts. Haiti has reported 30 deaths, over 1,000 homes flooded, and 16,000 people displaced, while Cuba is reeling from major infrastructure damage amid its economic crisis. Around 735,000 Cubans were evacuated as homes collapsed and power lines were torn down.

The United States and the United Kingdom mobilised aid, with US disaster response teams deployed across the region. (Punch)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka says US revoked his visa

Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has said the US revoked his visa and banned him from the country.

The 91-year-old author, who won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1986, said the US consulate asked him to bring in his passport so his visa could be cancelled in person as new unspecified information had come to light.

Soyinka called the invitation a “rather curious love letter from an embassy” in a news conference held on Tuesday and told organisations hoping to invite him to the US “not to waste their time”.

The US embassy in Nigeria has said it cannot comment on individual cases.

The Nobel laureate has previously held permanent residency in the US but renounced it in 2016, tearing up his green card in protest of President Donald Trump’s election.

The green card is a permanent residence permit for the US – prized by many African immigrants to the US.

Soyinka affirmed on Tuesday that he no longer had his green card – and jokingly added that it had “fallen between the fingers of a pair of scissors and it got cut into a couple of pieces”.

The famed author has had regular teaching engagements at US universities for the past 30 years.

“I have no visa. I am banned,” he said on Tuesday.

Soyinka has long been critical of the Trump administration’s radical stance on immigration and linked the visa revocation to his outspoken criticism.

He said his recent comparison of Trump to Uganda’s dictator – “Idi Amin in white face” – may have contributed to the current situation.

“When I called Donald Trump Idi Amin, I thought I was paying him a compliment,” Soyinka said, “he’s been behaving like a dictator.”

Idi Amin was a Ugandan military officer and dictator who ruled the country from 1971 to 1979, infamous for his brutal regime and widespread human rights abuses.

When asked if he would consider going back to the US, Soyinka said: “How old am I?”

In July, the US State Department announced sweeping changes to its non-immigrant visa policy for citizens of Nigeria and several other African countries.

According to the policy, nearly all non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians and nationals of Cameroon, Ethiopia and Ghana would now be single-entry and valid for only three months, rolling back the up to five-year, multiple-entry visas they had enjoyed previously. (BBC)

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Trump tells military to prepare for ‘action’ against Islamist militants in Nigeria

US President Donald Trump has ordered the military to prepare for action in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militant groups, accusing the government of failing to protect Christians.

Trump did not say which killings he was referring to, but claims of a genocide against Nigeria’s Christians have been circulating in recent weeks and months in some right-wing US circles.

Groups monitoring violence say there is no evidence to suggest that Christians are being killed more than Muslims in Nigeria, which is roughly evenly divided between followers of the two religions.

An advisor to Nigeria’s president told the BBC that any military action against the jihadist groups should be carried out together.

Daniel Bwala said Nigeria would welcome US help in tackling the Islamist insurgents but noted that it was a “sovereign” country.

He also said the jihadists were not targeting members of a particular religion and that they had killed people from all faiths, or none.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has insisted there is religious tolerance in the country and said the security challenges were affecting people “across faiths and regions”.

Trump wrote in a social media post on Saturday that he had instructed the US Department of War to prepare for “possible action”.

He warned that he might send the military into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” unless the Nigerian government intervened, and said that all aid to what he called “the now disgraced country” would be cut.

Trump added: “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!”

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth replied to the post by writing: “Yes sir.

“The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”

Trump’s threat has triggered alarm across Nigeria. Many on social media are urging the government to step up its fight against Islamist groups to avert a situation where foreign troops are sent into the country.

But Mr Bwala, who said he was a Christian pastor, told the BBC’s Newshour programme that Trump had a “unique way of communicating” and that Nigeria was not taking his words literally.

“We know the heart and intent of Trump is to help us fight insecurity,” he said, adding that he hoped Trump would meet Tinubu in the coming days to discuss the issue.

Trump earlier announced that he had declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” because of the “existential threat” posed to its Christian population. He said “thousands” had been killed, without providing any evidence.

This is a designation used by the US State Department that provides for sanctions against countries “engaged in severe violations of religious freedom”.

Following this announcement, Tinubu said his government was committed to working with the US and the international community to protect communities of all faiths.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” the Nigerian leader said in a statement.

Jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have wrought havoc in north-eastern Nigeria for more than a decade, killing thousands of people – however most of these have been Muslims, according to Acled, a group which analyses political violence around the world. (BBC)