Super Eagles demolition of Mozambique overshadowed by spat between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman

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By Deji Komolafe - Deputy Editor-in-Chief

The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Monday booked their trip to the quarterfinals of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. 

A brace from star player Victor Osimhen as well as a goal each from Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman, sealed the fate of the Mozambicans, in a devastating display of ruthless attacking verve, by the Nigerians. 

The victory was however overshadowed by a brief spat betweeen Osimhen and Lookman in the second half, with the Super Eagles pretty much out of sight, with a commanding lead. 

Following the incident, there have been several takes from football fans and other commentators alike, on the issue, with some blaming Osimhen for the spat and others equally chiding Lookman for being selfish in the final third, on a few occasions. 

Some sources have even quoted Osimhen with threats to leave the Nigerian camp and return back to his club in Turkey. 

I seriously doubt that Osimhen threatened to quit the team, and adding to this was the rather crass retort from Rufai Oseni, the Arise TV commentator and uncouth purveyor of atavistic balderdash. The latter added fuel to the fire by saying Osimhen can leave and go back to Galatasaray. What utter drivel from the same person that once drove on the wrong side of the road, and when pulled over by law enforcement, verbally assaulted the officer, while touting his purported political connections and influence, as an implied threat to the officer. 

There is no question Victor Osimhen did not handle this the right way, but apart from Lookman himself being at fault here (note that he has always had a penchant for being selfish at his club, Atalanta as well, much to the chagrin of his coaches and some teammates), people are blowing this way out of proportion.

The truth is that all teams have one impact player (regardless of how talented the team is) that sends shivers down the spines of the opposition. 

Victor Osimhen is that for Nigeria and the rest of his teammates need to realize that. 

No team is afraid of a Super Eagles team headlined by Akor Adams, Lookman or Paul Onuachu. On the contrary, once the opposition sees Osimhen’s name on that team list and see him in the hallway as the teams lineup before the game, that is where the game is won. Even the Mozambique players became peacemakers between Lookman and Osimhen during their brief spat. Does anyone think that would have happened if it was between Onuachu and Lookman? 

Nigeria needs Osimhen. His teammates also need him as they are better and more intimidating with him on the pitch.

Victor will grow and become better from this. Lookman must also learn what his role is on the team. He is not there to outshine Osimhen, much like Batistuta never did with Maradona, or Rivaldo (or even Ronaldinho) never did with R9. Henry never did it with Zidane either. Lookman and the other players need to understand in no uncertain terms that they stand a better chance of winning laurels with Osimhen and must learn to put up with his shortcomings. Victor actually has more assists than Lookman and has always been a facilitator for his peers as well. 

The team must block out the noise, stay focused and this is where and how Eric Chelle earns his money (assuming he is being paid of course by the criminal thugs at the NFF). 

Keep soaring Super Eagles!

Colonialism - The precursor to Neo-Colonialism and imperialism, packaged as globalization

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By David LaRue

More than stealing the land, colonization was about hijacking the mind. They didn’t just conquer people, they rewired them. That was and is the real psychological warfare - Convincing the oppressed that their suffering was order, that obedience was holy and freedom was chaos.

They used everything - religion, education and even language to program people, in the process, reprogramming their sense of self. They told colonized nations their Gods were devils, their languages were primitive and their traditions were backward. 

Once you believe that, they don’t have to chain you. You’ll just police yourself. They created the civilized versus savage binary, so deep in the global psyche to the extent that even after independence, people still chase Western approval. That is the ‘genius’ of colonial psychology, as it does not end when the flag comes down, but when the mirror changes. 

Religion was (still is) the most effective form of control. They did not introduce Christianity, they repackaged it. 

They replaced the liberating parts with obedience, calling submission divine order. They turned the same book that said ‘let my people go’ into a handbook for staying in line. They further turned that same book that said “the violent taketh the Kingdom of God by force” into a pacifist handbook for promoting meekness. 

They said ‘blessed are the meek’ all while enslaving the meek and inheriting the earth to boot. They said ‘obey your masters’ all while being the masters. 

That is psychological warfare dressed up as morality, not faith. And then came the schools where they taught colonized people that all human history started with Europe and that everything was and is Europe. 

They erased our history and rewrote resistance as rebellion, while also calling genocide progress. They did not have to burn every village, they just had to teach the children to see themselves as less. 

And when those children then grew up and started leading, their already colonized mind became an organic impediment to their vision. You don’t need armies to keep control when you’ve already conquered identity.

And now comes globalization laced with the template of free market capitalism. But it is all the same game, just different packaging. 

Debt traps, development loans, sanctions and the establishment media. They don’t have to occupy you anymore; just convince you that you’re free while they hold all the receipts. Frantz Fanon warned us about this - not because he was violent, but because he understood the violence of being told that your only value is in your proximity to the values of the oppressor. 

Colonialism did not disappear, it just rebranded. They don’t need whips when they have WiFi, they don’t need chains when they control what you see, hear, learn and dream of becoming. 

That is the war nobody sees, the one that makes oppression look like order; because once the mind believes the ‘master’ is moral, the body doesn’t even try to run. 

Therein lies the real battle.

‘President of peace’ Donald Trump and the Venezuelan quagmire

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By Foreign News Desk

Global response to the capture of Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro by the United States, has been swift and directed. 

US President, Donald Trump had announced the capture of Maduro and his wife in an operation by American Special Forces over the weekend. 

Russian and China, in particular, accused the US government of “extremely serious military aggression” by Washington, while declaring a state of emergency as several leaders allied with Caracas denounced the US action, calling it an unprovoked armed aggression against a sovereign state.

A statement by Russia’s Foreign Ministry said: “This is deeply concerning and condemnable.

“The pretexts used to justify such actions are untenable. Ideological hostility has triumphed over businesslike pragmatism.”

Iran, on its part, said it “strongly condemns the US military attack on Venezuela and a flagrant violation of the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro called Maduro’s capture as US “assault on the sovereignty” of Latin America, which would lead to a humanitarian crisis.

Colombia is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council this year, and leftist leader Petro called for the body to meet “immediately.”

Cuba, an ally of Venezuela, denounced what it called “state terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people” according to a statement by President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who urged a “response from the international community” following a “criminal attack” on Caracas.

Driver’s decision that may have saved Anthony Joshua’s life

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By Global News Desk

It has emerged that a last-minute decision taken by Anthony Joshua’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 47, may have saved the life of the two-time Word Boxing champion in car crash that killed two of his friends.

The driver’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, made the revelation in Sagamu, Ogun State, during the hearing for Kayode in Sagamu High Court, where he denied all charges against him.

Abiodun told Daily Mail, “My client has pleaded not guilty. And what happened was an accident. I haven’t had a full chance to speak with him yet, but I know he is saying the brakes did not work.

“I also understand that the journey started in Lagos, and that initially Anthony had got into the front seat. But the driver asked him to swap seats.”

Kayode made the call because Anthony’s big frame was preventing him from seeing the side mirror properly.

The boxer, aged 36, then swapped seats from the front to the back of his SUV before the crash which killed Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele

“From what I understand, (late) Latif was in front,” but he then “changed seats with Anthony,” the lawyer added.

Wife and son

The driver’s bail was set at 5 million Naira, and his case adjourned to 20th January for his trial. 

Outside the court, the driver’s wife was too hysterical to speak. But his son told the Daily Mail his father was innocent and it was ‘just an unlucky accident’.

Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, 19, said: “The family is very upset by what’s happened and we are sorry for the deaths of the two people.

“Dad is not a fast driver, he was following the speed limit and then the brakes failed. He said he was pushing the pedal, but nothing was happening.

“He tries to swerve and avoid the truck parked by the side of the road but hit it. He’s been driving for Anthony for three years, he’s a good driver.

“I know that when the journey started in Lagos, Anthony was sitting in the front by the driver. But my dad asked him to sit behind because he was blocking his view.

“He was taking Anthony to see his family in Sagamu and had picked them up from the airport. They were only a few minutes from arriving.

“It’s not his fault. If the truck wasn’t parked there illegally this wouldn’t have happened.”

RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL MOBSTERS: THE SHAME OF A NATION IN MORAL DECLINE AND DECAY

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By Yahaya Balogun

Why do our people act like barbarians, as if we are trapped in the medieval period known as the Dark Ages? Here, even convicted criminals are afforded humanity and human dignity. If any of officers in a lawful society were to emulate this criminal crowd, they would face strict consequences, potentially facing charges at the state level.

Oh! How disheartening! 

Today, a 'pastor' in Nigeria openly confessed in his 'church' to heinous acts—aggravated child molestation, severe sexual harassment, and aggravated infidelity. Yet, his brainwashed followers continue to cheer for this sexual predator, child molester, and master religious manipulator within what is supposed to be a lawful society. He gave his gullible congregation doses of his usual religious lamba and cooked stories; they cheered ignorantly to the celebration of their souls' defeat!

Oh! How disheartening!

Nigeria is in a dire predicament. Recently, some unscrupulous Nigerians have fueled a kind of religious genocide in a nation already collectively burdened by terrorism, while certain figures continuously bring self-curses and suffering upon themselves! They mistake the carrots and sticks and hollow promises of the controversial man for genuine love. Yet, they all cheer for criminals in Nigeria and punish innocent and law-abiding citizens. Can you believe it?

Oh! How disheartening! 

Yesterday, a religious bandit and terrorist apologist denounced a legitimate US strike on ISIS affiliate camps in Northern Nigeria, yet this religious and political bigot walks the streets of Nigeria unarrested and unquestioned!

Oh! How disheartening! 

Shame on all the oblivious enablers, deliberate ignorant people, and false-religious souls in Nigeria for enabling criminal activities all in the name of politics and religion! But who will rise to halt this pervasive ignorance, religious banditry and terrorism, moral decay, and humanity’s decline in our country-Nigeria?

Oh! How disheartening!

Brazil Supreme Court rejects former president Bolsonaro, Trump ally, request for house arrest

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Global News Desk

Brazil’s Supreme Court has rejected former president Jair Bolsonaro’s request to convert his prison sentence for plotting a coup to house arrest, according to a ruling published Thursday.

Bolsonaro’s lawyers submitted the request Wednesday, citing a “real risk of a sudden worsening” in health for the far-right ex-leader as the reason to serve his 27-year sentence at home.

Bolsonaro, 70, has been hospitalized for more than a week after undergoing surgery for a groin hernia and then a procedure to treat recurring bouts of hiccups.

“Contrary to what the defense alleges, there has been no worsening of Jair Messias Bolsonaro’s health condition,” judge Alexandre de Moraes stated in his decision.

In office from 2019 to 2022, the ex-president has for years been dealing with complications from an abdominal stab wound he suffered during a 2018 campaign rally, requiring several major surgeries.

Bolsonaro is expected to be discharged from the hospital on Thursday, according to his doctors.

He will then have to return to the small room where he is serving his sentence at a federal police facility in Brasilia.

In September, Brazil’s Supreme Court found Bolsonaro guilty of conspiring to stay in power after narrowly losing 2022 elections to leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Prosecutors said the plot, which included a plan to assassinate Lula, failed because of a lack of support from military top brass.

Bolsonaro, an ally of US President Donald Trump, dismissed the trial as a “witch hunt” aimed at preventing him from running for president again in 2026.

He has been under house arrest until shortly before the start of his prison term in November.

He was detained and sent to prison after he took a soldering iron to his ankle monitoring bracelet in what the court saw as an escape attempt.

Bolsonaro said his actions were the result of medication-induced paranoia.

The Supreme Court last month rejected his appeal against his conviction.

His supporters have had more success in the conservative-controlled Congress, which has passed a law that could reduce Bolsonaro’s sentence to just over two years.

Lula has vowed to veto the law. However, Congress has the last word and can override him.

Bolsonaro’s conviction has thrown open the race for president in October 2026 elections.

With his comeback chances looking increasingly shaky the right-winger has tapped his son Flavio Bolsonaro, a 44-year-old senator, to succeed him at the head of Brazil’s conservatives.

To win election, the younger Bolsonaro may have to beat fellow conservative contenders as well as 80-year-old Lula, who has signaled he may seek a fourth term.

Perils of a Narco-State as Mexico arrests alleged drug cartel leader wanted by US

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Global News Desk

An alleged leader of the notorious Sinaloa cartel wanted by the United States has been arrested in Mexico on drug and terrorism charges, Mexican government sources said Wednesday.

Pedro Inzunza Noriega was accused by the United States in May of trafficking large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and heroin into the country as the second-in-command of the Beltran Leyva Organization, a faction of the cartel now believed to be defunct.

He was taken into custody in Mexico’s northwestern Sinaloa state, the sources said.

The US indictment marked the first time an alleged leader of the cartel was charged with “narco-terrorism and material support of terrorism,” according to the Justice Department.

“The Sinaloa Cartel is a complex, dangerous terrorist organization and dismantling them demands a novel, powerful legal response,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said at the time.

“Their days of brutalizing the American people without consequence are over; we will seek life in prison for these terrorists.”

Since returning to the White House last year, US President Donald Trump has vowed to crack down on drug trafficking.

His administration has conducted strikes on alleged drug boats in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, killing more than 100 people.

Trump has demanded that Mexico increase its efforts to combat drug trafficking, threatening tariffs on Mexican exports if more is not done.

Noriega’s son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, who was charged alongside his father, was killed by Mexican military personnel during an anti-drug operation in November.

Master of Self-aggrandizement - Peter Obi extolls his own ‘leadership’ values with incendiary narrative

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Global Political Desk

“I once washed British Airways in-flight toilet – Peter Obi reveals”

The former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has cited an experience from his time as a serving governor to underline what he described as his problem-solving and leadership qualities.

Obi made the disclosure earlier this week during a Space chat on with his supporters, known as the so-called Obidients.

Recounting the incident, Obi said the episode occurred during a flight on British Airways several years ago.

“We were coming back on British Airways years back; I was a serving governor. The entire toilet was messed up. She opened that toilet to use it; it was messed up and she walked away,” he said.

According to him, rather than ignore the situation, he decided to clean the toilet himself after the previous user walked away.

‘I Cleaned It Because I Might Use It Again’

Obi said his action surprised a member of staff who later discovered the toilet had been cleaned.

“I went in there, and she came back. The entire place was cleaned. She didn’t even tell me, but she told a minister and somebody else where she works in the office,” he said.

Quoting the woman, Obi added, “She said, ‘I can’t believe this’.”

He explained that his reason for cleaning the toilet was simple and practical.

“The people called me; I said I cleaned it because maybe I would be the next person that would go back there to use it,” Obi stated.

The former Anambra governor used the story to urge Nigerians to take responsibility when they encounter things that are wrong, instead of looking the other way.

“When you see things that are wrong, clean them. I don’t have house help in my house; everybody knows that. Let us stop all this fake life,” he said.

However, British Airways had yet to react to Obi’s claim as of the time of filing this report.

Former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua survives deadly auto accident while traveling in Nigeria

Joshua in wrecked vehicle

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By Eghosa Ogbeifun

Two-time World Heavyweight Champion and boxing icon, Anthony Joshua was involved in a ghastly auto accident in Nigeria that nearly took his life. 

Reports indicate that an SUV transporting Joshua collided with a stationary truck. However, the exact circumstances of the crash are still under investigation, with officials working to determine what led to the incident.

The 36-year-old former heavy weight champion being rescued from the wrecked vehicle, appearing to have suffered injuries.

Authorities in the South-Western state have yet to issue a statement on the matter and details of the injuries to the boxer and the identity of the persons who died are unclear as of now. 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the incident in an official statement signed by Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide.

According to the FRSC, the crash involved a Lexus SUV carrying Anthony Joshua and a stationary truck.

“The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN (private) and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck with unknown registration number. A total of five adult males were involved in the crash.

“Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.

“The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu,” the statement said.

It noted that the Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) was duly notified for further investigation and necessary documentation.

According to the FRSC, preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road.

“The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” FRSC said.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured victim, Anthony Joshua a speedy recovery.

FRSC reiterated its warning to motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking, excessive speed, and disregard for traffic regulations, particularly on high-speed corridors such as the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

It urged motorists to exercise patience, maintain lane discipline, and prioritize safety over haste, especially during the festive travel period.

Video Credits - TV360 NIGERIA

Divide and Conquer - Second scramble for Africa as Israel recognizes Somaliland as sovereign nation

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By Foreign News Desk

Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland is a “threat” to security and stability in the Horn of Africa and encourages secessionist groups, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Sunday.

Israel announced on Friday it was officially recognizing Somaliland, a first for the self-proclaimed republic that in 1991 declared it had unilaterally separated from Somalia.

Addressing an emergency parliamentary session, Mohamud said the move was “tantamount to a blunt aggression against the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the unity of the people of the Somali Republic”.

He added that “the violations of (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) and his attempts to divide the Federal Republic of Somalia is (a) threat to the security and stability of the world and the region, and encourage the hardline groups and secessionist movements, which exist or can exist in many regions of the world”.

Somaliland, which has for decades pushed for international recognition, enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has its own money, passport and army.

But it has been diplomatically isolated since its unilateral declaration of independence, even if it has generally experienced greater stability than Somalia, where Al-Shabaab Islamic militants periodically mount attacks in the capital Mogadishu.

Somalia’s government and the African Union reacted angrily after Israel’s announcement.

Mogadishu denounced a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty, while Egypt, Turkey, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the African Union all condemned the decision.

The European Union also insisted that Somalia’s sovereignty be respected, with foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni calling for “meaningful dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to resolve long standing differences”.

Regional analysts believe that a rapprochement with Somaliland would provide Israel with better access to the Red Sea, enabling it to hit Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Israel repeatedly hit targets in Yemen after the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, in response to Houthi attacks on Israel that the rebels said were in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The Iran-backed Houthis have halted their attacks since a fragile truce began in Gaza in October.

In addition, press reports a few months ago said Somaliland was among a handful of African territories willing to host Palestinians expelled by Israel.

Neither the Somaliland authorities nor the Israeli government has commented on those reports.

“Somalia will never accept the people of Palestine to be forcibly evicted from their rightful land to a faraway place, let it be Somalia or elsewhere,” Mohamud told parliament.

He also warned Netanyahu “against the transfer of its wars in the Middle East to Somalia. Somalia will not allow military bases that are used to attack other countries; it is ready to take part in the stabilisation of the region and the world in general.”