BREAKING: Drama as Senegal beat Morocco to clinch AFCON glory

Senegal clinched their second Africa Cup of Nations title after edging hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a thrilling 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

The decisive moment came three minutes into extra time when Pape Gueye fired a superb left-footed strike from the edge of the box, stunning the home crowd in Rabat.

Morocco had earlier missed a golden chance to win in regulation time after VAR awarded a late penalty, but Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s effort.

Both sides traded chances in a finely balanced contest, with Morocco chasing a first continental title in over 50 years and Senegal aiming to reclaim their crown.

Senegal started brightly, dictating play early and forcing Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into sharp saves from Pape Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye.

Morocco responded before half-time, with Nayef Aguerd narrowly missing Abdessamad Ezzalzouli’s dangerous cross across the face of goal.

After the break, the Atlas Lions pressed harder, but Ayoub El Kaabi squandered a clear chance, failing to hit the target from close range.

Senegal threatened on the counter and nearly scored late on, but Bounou produced a fine save to deny substitute Ibrahim Mbaye in the 89th minute.

Extra time proved decisive as Sadio Mané’s clever pass released Pape Gueye, who showed composure and power to beat Bounou with an unstoppable strike.

Morocco pushed desperately for an equaliser, but Mendy stood firm as Senegal defended resolutely to secure a historic victory.

The triumph confirms Senegal’s status among Africa’s elite, sealing a second AFCON title with discipline, resilience and championship pedigree.(NAN)

President Tinubu orders suspension of APC e-registration in Kano, over Gov’s defection

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has allegedly ordered the suspension of the All Progressives Congress (APC) e-registration exercise in Kano State, pending the formal defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the ruling party.

The allegation was made by Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, a member of the House of Representatives and a prominent APC leader in Kano.

Doguwa disclosed this in a video shared on X by user @jrnaib2, where he suggested that the President had already welcomed Governor Yusuf into the ruling party.

Speaking in the video, the lawmaker stated: “What could you do when Tinubu said he has accepted Abba? What would you do?

“Tinubu has accepted him (into APC), we were going to start APC e-registration in Kano tomorrow, but the President and the APC national leadership has directed that it should be put on hold.”

Doguwa further explained that the APC leadership intends for Governor Yusuf to be the first person to register electronically in Kano once the process resumes.

He added: “If we accept the ‘hunch backed,’ what would he do with me? We could only be patient.”

While the exact date the remarks were made remains unclear, they come as the APC continues its nationwide membership registration drive.

The statements have sparked mixed reactions online. Some social media users dismissed the claim that Governor Yusuf is considering a move to the APC. User @auwal_sls argued that the governor is not prepared to abandon his current political platform, while another user, @Teemaah88, warned that Kano State “will lose this election.”

In recent months, there have been growing reports that associates of Governor Yusuf and his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are pushing for a defection to the APC.

Supporters of the idea believe such a move would strengthen Kano’s political alignment with the federal government.

The Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has publicly defended these calls, insisting that joining the APC would be beneficial to the state. However, Kwankwaso has strongly opposed any suggestion of defection.

He has repeatedly maintained that Governor Yusuf should remain in his current party and has even challenged him to resign from office if he intends to cross over to the APC.

Speculation peaked earlier this week with reports that the governor was expected to defect on Monday, but no such move has taken place.

So far, Abba Kabir Yusuf has kept silent on the issue, leaving the political future of Kano State uncertain.

Governor donates N9 million to wives of fallen soldiers

Gov. Ahmed  Ododo of Kogi, has announced the donation of Nine million naira to nine widows of fallen soldiers during the West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025 festivities.

The ceremony, held at the 12 Brigade headquarters, Chari‑Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, brought together military personnel, community leaders, and families of service men, who have paid the ultimate price for Nigeria’s security.

Represented by the State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara the governor reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to supporting Nigerian Army and security agencies.

Rep of Gov. Ahmed Ododo, the State Security Adviser Cdr Jerry Omodara (rtd), presenting gifts to wives of fallen soldiers at the 12 Brigade’s Nigerian Army WASA 2025, held at Chari Maigumeri Barracks Lokoja
He described the initiative as a moving gesture underscoring the state’s gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made by its military families.

Ododo, serving as Special Guest of Honour, praised the 12 Brigade’s WASA describing it as a vibrant showcase of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

“The event is a vital morale‑boost for troops who have spent the year on operations, training and community security.

“The annual WASA tradition has been “impressively sustained” and provides soldiers a chance to unwind with families after a demanding year,” he said.

He traced WASA’s roots to the West African Frontier Force, the predecessor of the Nigerian Army, emphasising its role in fostering unity, camaraderie and a sense of belonging among officers, soldiers and their dependents.

The governor lauded the colorful performances by various cultural troupes, saying the displays proved that “you have not broken links with your cultural backgrounds.”

He congratulated the brigade for successful 2025 operations that kept peace and security across Kogi, urging personnel to remain “focused, resilient and proactive” as they enter 2026.

Ododo reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, promising continued assistance to improve welfare and operational effectiveness.

Earlier, the Commander, 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. -Gen. Kasim Sidi, had assured Kogi of the army’s commitment to maintaining peace and security.

He described WASA as a significant occasion that brought together officers, soldiers, families, and friends to celebrate shared identity, cultural heritage, and collective achievements.

The commander praised the dedication, discipline, and professionalism of officers and soldiers, highlighting the Brigade’s achievements in 2025, including successful military operations against bandits and kidnappers in Kogi. (NAN)