Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, opened their campaign at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament with a commanding 33-point victory over Colombia.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that D’Tigress defeated Colombia 70–37 on Wednesday to secure their first win of the tournament, currently taking place in France.
Nigeria led 18–12 in the opening quarter with impressive displays, but Colombia responded strongly to edge the second quarter 17–16.
D’Tigress dominated the second half, outscoring Colombia 19–5 in the third quarter and 17–3 in the fourth to seal an emphatic victory.
The win marked Head Coach Rena Wakama’s 14th victory since her appointment in 2023.
Since taking charge, Wakama has overseen 18 competitive matches, winning 14 and losing four.
Her achievements include guiding Nigeria to the 2023 and 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket championship titles.
D’Tigress currently rank eighth in the FIBA world rankings, reflecting consistent progress and strong performances in recent international competitions.
One of their most notable achievements remains reaching the quarter-finals of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
Technically, the result again highlighted the growing gap between Nigeria and several emerging basketball nations.
Nigeria controlled the tempo, defended aggressively and converted transition opportunities efficiently throughout the game.
Victoria Macaulay led the scoring with 13 points, delivering the performance in 14 minutes and 20 seconds on the court.
Ifunaya Okoro also finished in double figures, contributing 10 points after playing 28 minutes and one second.
Nigeria will face South Korea in their next group match scheduled for Thursday. (Punch)
Nigerian travellers to the United Kingdom will begin receiving electronic visas instead of physical visa stickers from February 25, 2026.
The announcement was made in a statement on Monday by the Senior Communications Officer at the British High Commission in Abuja, Onyinye Madu.
“From 25 February 2026, all Nigerian nationals applying for a UK Visit visa will receive an eVisa, rather than a vignette (sticker) in their passports,” the statement said.
Under the new system, the commission said successful applicants will access their visa electronically through a UK Visas and Immigration account, marking a shift toward a fully digital visa process.
It explained that the requirements for Nigerian applicants remain unchanged, saying “Travellers will continue to apply online, attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, and meet all existing eligibility criteria.”
The only change, it noted, is the format in which the visa is issued, saying that instead of a physical sticker, applicants will receive a secure digital record of their immigration status.
It added that Nigerians who already hold valid vignette stickers do not need to take any action, as their physical visas will remain valid until they expire or require replacement.
Highlighting the benefits of the transition, the commission stated, “The move to eVisas brings a number of benefits for Nigerian travellers. Passports will be returned more quickly, and travellers can manage their immigration status online at any time, from any location. The digital format offers stronger security as eVisas cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with.”
Also commenting on the development, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, said the change would simplify the process for travellers.
“We are committed to making it easier for Nigerians to travel to the UK. This move to digital visas will streamline a key part of the visa process, making it more secure while reducing dependence on paper documents. We look forward to continuing to welcome Nigerian visitors, students and workers to the UK,” she said.
According to the statement, once a visa application is approved, applicants will be required to create a free UKVI account to access their eVisa. (Punch)
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of 100 US military personnel and equipment in Nigeria, saying they arrived at Bauchi airfield.
Defence spokesman, Samaila Uba, in a statement on Monday, said the deployment follows a recent security agreement between Nigeria and the US.
Uba noted that the Federal Government had made a formal request to the US for assistance in terms of military training, technical support, and intelligence sharing with the members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“The collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorists’ threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country,” the statement reads.
Uba said the US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity.
Noting that the US personnel are not combat forces, the defence spokesman noted that all training activities will be conducted under the authority, direction and control of the federal government and in close coordination with the Nigerian military.
Uba said Nigerian troops, alongside the US trainers, will commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives in the coming days.
“These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralize extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilize the nation,” he added.
Uba said the military remains fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist groups that threaten the country’s sovereignty, national security, and the safety of its citizens.
He also assured Nigerians of continued transparency and the provision of clear, accurate, and timely information regarding the military cooperation efforts.
The deployment comes after months of mounting pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has strongly criticised Nigeria’s government for what he describes as its failure to adequately protect Christians from deadly attacks carried out by Islamist militants and armed groups.
He declared Nigeria a country of particular concern (CPC). But the Nigerian government has since rejected Trump’s claim, insisting that violence in the country affects people of all faiths and not only Christians.
Trump ordered airstrikes in Nigeria on Christmas Day, saying they targeted Islamic State terrorists in the North-west who are responsible for killing Christians.
He and Nigerian authorities later confirmed that the action was a collaborative effort.
Following discussions with Nigerian authorities in Abuja, the head of US Africa Command, General Dagvin Anderson, confirmed that a small team of US military officers was in Nigeria, focused on intelligence support.
Critics questioned the move, which they claim undermines Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
However, the DHQ clarified that the partnership with the US primarily focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support, and strategic dialogue.
According to Uba, all engagements with the US are done with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and existing bilateral frameworks.
Nigeria is facing a protracted fight with dozens of local armed groups increasingly battling for turf, including the homegrown Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, the ISIL affiliate in West Africa Province (ISWAP).
There is also the ISIL-linked Lakurawa, as well as other “bandit” groups that specialise in kidnapping for ransom and illegal mining.
Several thousand people in Nigeria have been killed, according to data from the United Nations. (Channels)
US President Donald Trump says Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady of Nigeria, attended the country’s national prayer breakfast held in Washington DC on Thursday.
Recognising the first lady at the event,Trump described Oluremi as a “very respected woman” and a “Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria”.
“We are honoured to be joined by the First Lady of Nigeria (Remi Tinubu), who also happens to be a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria, very respected woman…. it’s a great honour. Thank you very much,” Trump said in a video of the event.
The national prayer breakfast is an annual event where people of different political beliefs come together to pray.
Oluremi was ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations, in 2018.
The first lady’s presence at the event comes amid the stance of the US government on killings and persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
In October 2025, Trump redesignated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ in response to allegations of a Christian genocide in the country.
Barely a month later, Trump asked the United States department of war to prepare for “possible action” to wipe out Islamic terrorists in Nigeria.
On December 25, 2025, the US government launched a fusillade of air strikes on ISIS terrorists in the north-western Nigerian state of Sokoto.
Subsequently, the US and Nigerian governments formed a working group to address issues on counter-terrorism and religious freedom in Nigeria. (TheCable)
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria from his state visit to the Republic of Türkiye.
Tinubu arrived at about 8:55 p.m.
He was received by senior government officials.
The President had departed Abuja for Türkiye on January 26, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
It follows an earlier official visit to Nigeria by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan between October 19 and 20, 2021, which reinforced diplomatic ties between Abuja and Ankara.
During the days-long trip, Tinubu and his Turkish counterpart signed nine Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
At the centre of this was the move to ramp up bilateral trade from $2 billion to $5 billion.
“We also discussed opportunities to support our investments in Nigeria. We believe that the joint Economy and Trade Committee, which we agreed to establish today, will be instrumental in this regard,” Tinubu had said in a joint briefing with Erdogan.
Other deals sealed during the trip ranged from energy cooperation, media, higher education, and Halal Quality Infrastructure, aimed at giving Nigerian agricultural products a competitive edge.
Erdogan said his country would support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, expressing readiness to deepen cooperation in military training and intelligence.
Speaking at a joint press conference, the Turkish president said that under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is taking firm steps against terrorism, and Türkiye stands by the Nigerian people in this struggle.
“We are ready to share Türkiye’s significant experience in counterterrorism,” presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, quoted the Turkish leader as saying.
The Turkish president also said terrorist groups, particularly in Africa’s Sahel region, pose a threat to the continent’s stability.
Nigerian officials held meetings with Türkiye’s leading defense industry firms during the visit and expressed confidence that the outcomes of those talks would be positive.
While Nigeria exports crude oil and agricultural products to Turkiye, the European country exports planes, iron and steel, chemical products, and helicopters to the West African country. (Channels)
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s senior national football team, the Super Eagles, on their bronze medal victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the feat as a proud moment for the nation.
In a statement on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and mental strength, noting that they showed remarkable character by bouncing back from the disappointment of their semi-final loss to host nation Morocco earlier in the week.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, defeating the North African giants in a penalty shootout after regulation time, during which Nigeria dominated large spells of the encounter.
President Tinubu commended the players and technical crew for refusing to allow the setback of the semi-final defeat define their campaign, stressing that their response reflected the fighting spirit for which Nigerians are known.
According to the President, the bronze medal is a fitting reward for a team that displayed discipline, unity and determination throughout the tournament.
“Despite their impressive run in the competition, the Super Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco on penalties last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of lifting the trophy were dashed,” Tinubu said.
“However, our players remained undaunted. Exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, they regrouped, refocused and ensured that their efforts did not end in disappointment.
“We are proud of them as they receive their well-deserved bronze medals on Sunday in Rabat. Their performance has once again demonstrated the determination, persistence and can-do spirit that define us as a people.”
The President added that the team’s ability to rise above adversity sends a strong message to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora about the power of perseverance and national unity.
“Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold,” Tinubu said.
The President also urged the players to see the achievement as a foundation for greater success in future international competitions, assuring them of the nation’s continued support as they prepare for upcoming continental and global challenges.
Nigeria’s third-place finish at AFCON 2025 further reinforces the Super Eagles’ status as one of Africa’s most consistent footballing nations and offers renewed optimism for fans ahead of future tournaments. (Guardian)
Defending champions, Nigeria, have been drawn against Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi in Group C of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Super Falcons, record `10 times winners, will play the Group C games at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
Nigeria’s match against the Copper Queens will be a reenactment of their quarter-final outing in the 2024 edition of the tournament. The Super Falcons thrashed the Zambians 5-0 in that game.
Morocco, runners-up in the last two editions of the WAFCON, are in Group A against Algeria, Kenya, and Senegal. Games in that lot will be played at the Moulay Al Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
Meanwhile, former champions South Africa were drawn with Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania in Group B.
The Banyana Banyana are expected to make the knockouts and relaunch their bid to reclaim the title they won in 2022. All Group B matches are at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
Giants Ghana and Cameroon will feature in Group D alongside Mali and Cape Verde at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
The 2026 WAFCON runs from 17 March to 3 April 2026.
This year’s edition, which was originally scheduled for last year, will serve as the qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The top four teams will represent Africa in the competition billed for Brazil. (Channels)
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have reached the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 2-0 win over Algeria at the Stade de Marrakech.
The victory sets up a last-four clash against Morocco after their win against Cameroon in the quarter-final.
The Eagles came into the match after a 4-0 win over Mozambique in the Round of 16, having scored 12 goals in four games, the tournament’s highest tally.
Algeria, unbeaten before the quarter-final, had conceded only once in four matches and were known for their strong defence.
From the start, Nigeria dominated possession and pressed high, forcing Algeria to defend deep. Victor Osimhen led the attack with power and speed, supported by Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams, while Alex Iwobi controlled the midfield, linking defence and attack.
The first half saw Nigeria create several chances, with Akor missing a one-on-one opportunity and another effort cleared off the line.
Algeria remained organised at the back and tried to threaten on the counter with goalkeeper Luca Zidane keeping their side in the game.
The breakthrough came in the second half when Victor Osimhen powered home a header to put Nigeria ahead.
The Eagles continued to dominate, and Akor Adams added a second goal after an assist from Osimhen, securing a comfortable lead.
Nigeria controlled the game from midfield, with Wilfred Ndidi breaking up Algerian attacks. The full-backs and wingers stretched the defence, creating space for Osimhen and Akor.
Algeria made substitutions to try and turn the match around, but Nigeria’s defence and composure kept them in control until the final whistle.
The Super Eagles now advance to the semi-finals, where they will face hosts Morocco. (Punch)
Algeria secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last-16 tie on Tuesday, setting up a quarter-final showdown with Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria in Marrakesh on Saturday.
A late strike by substitute Adil Boulbina in the 119th minute settled a tense encounter at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
Released on the left, the 22-year-old forward, who plays for Al-Duhail in Qatar, advanced into the area and unleashed a powerful shot into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the 18,837 fans in attendance.
Boulbina, making just his second appearance off the bench at the tournament, was overcome with emotion after the match.
“I have always dreamed of playing for the national team. It is the ambition of every Algerian to play for their country and do well. I had my chance and scored, and the most important thing is that we won and qualified for the next round,” he said.
The 2019 champions, who won all their group-stage games, now appear as strong contenders to claim a third continental title.
Their victory, however, was a bitter blow for DR Congo, who had hoped to face Nigeria after defeating the Super Eagles on penalties in a World Cup qualifying play-off in November.
“We are obviously disappointed with the outcome. I thought it was a top-level game between two really good sides. The players gave everything. We fought to the end, but unfortunately, it was not enough,” said DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre.
The match itself failed to live up to its billing, with few clear chances in the first half. Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe headed just wide from a corner for DR Congo, while Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza fired narrowly past the goal.
In the second half, Edo Kayembe tested Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane with a long-range effort, but the score remained goalless, forcing extra time.
Algeria grew more threatening in extra time, with Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi producing fine saves from Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah in the 111th minute. A winning goal seemed unlikely until Ramiz Zerrouki released Boulbina with a precise pass, allowing the substitute to score and secure the win. (Channels)
The Super Eagles have booked a place in the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals with a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique in their Round of 16 clash in Fès.
The Eagles started strongly, building on their perfect group stage record, having won all three matches to top Group C. Mozambique, making their first-ever appearance in the Round of 16 after finishing as one of the best third-placed teams in Group F, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pace and attacking threat.
The Super Eagles took an early lead in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman converted an assist from Akor Adams. Victor Osimhen doubled the advantage five minutes later, before Lookman set up Osimhen again in the 47th minute to make it three. Adams Akor completed the scoring with Nigeria’s fourth in the 75th minute.
Wilfred Ndidi captained the midfield alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, while Stanley Nwabali returned in goal. The back four of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi kept Mozambique at bay throughout the match.
Substitutions in the second half saw Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze replace Adams Akor and Lookman, while Onyeka and Ndidi were replaced by Tom Dele Bashiru and Onyedika as Chelle refreshed his midfield. Moses Simon also came on for Osimhen.
By the 80th minute, Nigeria had registered eight shots on target, while Mozambique had yet to test Nwabali.
With the win, Nigeria advance to the quarter-finals, maintaining their momentum as they chase a fourth AFCON title. They will face the winners of the match between Algeria and Congo DR. (Punch)
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