Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Nigeria signed off at Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign on a positive note, defeating long-time rivals Egypt in the third-place playoff to secure the bronze medal. After a tense and goalless 90 minutes that offered few clear chances, the Super Eagles held the nerve in a penalty shootout, winning 4–2 to bring relief and pride to fans back home. Venue: Stade Mohamed V, CasablancaOccasion: Africa Cup of Nations 2025 third-place playoff – Bronze medal match Summary Nigeria claimed third place at AFCON 2025 after a goalless 90 minutes against Egypt, ultimately prevailing 4–2 in a dramatic penalty shootout. The…

December 2025 marked one of the most competitive and culturally significant periods in recent Nollywood history. As cinemas filled up for the festive season, Nigerian filmmakers rolled out big-budget productions, star-studded ensembles, and stories designed to capture both the holiday mood and the complexities of contemporary life. From emotionally charged dramas and culturally rooted epics to crowd-pleasing comedies and stylish genre films, the December releases reflected Nigeria’s film industry growing ambition and diversity. While box-office figures told one story of popularity and commercial power, critical reception offered another lens — one focused on storytelling depth, performances, originality, and artistic execution.…

In one of the most significant regulatory reforms in Nigeria’s capital market in over a decade, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has announced a major upward review of the minimum capital requirements for all regulated capital market entities in Nigeria, marking one of the most far-reaching regulatory reforms in the nation’s financial market in over a decade. The move is aimed at strengthening market resilience, enhancing investor protection, and aligning capital adequacy with the increasing complexity and risk profile of capital market activities. The revised framework is contained in Circular No. 26-1 dated January 16, 2026, issued pursuant to…

In a significant disciplinary ruling that’s reverberated across African football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has banned Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), President, Samuel Eto’o for four matches and fined him $20,000 following alleged misconduct during Cameroon’s 2–0 defeat to host nation Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The incident occurred on January 9, 2026, during the quarter‑final clash in Rabat, where watching from the executive stand, Eto’o was seen making visible gestures of protest toward match officials and leaders of participating federations — actions CAF deemed unacceptable for a senior football administrator. What Happened on the…

In a landmark move announced in January 2026, Paystack, the Nigerian fintech powerhouse backed by global payments giant Stripe, has completed the acquisition of Ladder Microfinance Bank — marking the company’s formal entry into the regulated banking sector in Nigeria. The newly acquired institution has been rebranded as Paystack Microfinance Bank (Paystack MFB), and will operate as a regulated microfinance bank under the Paystack corporate umbrella, distinct from but closely aligned with Paystack’s core payments business. From Payments to Full Financial Services Since its founding in 2015, Paystack has been a leading payment infrastructure provider in Africa — powering digital…

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), has reached a dramatic crescendo as Nigeria faced hosts Morocco in the semifinal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. A place in the final and a chance at continental glory were on the line for both sides. Pre‑Match Build‑Up & Stakes Nigeria entered the semifinal as one of the tournament’s most impressive teams, having won all five prior matches and scoring 14 goals, the highest tally of any team so far in the competition. Victor Osimhen — spearheading Nigeria’s attack — was in excellent form and nearing the national goalscoring record.…

Under the bright lights and roaring atmosphere of a packed stadium, Nigeria and Morocco go head-to-head in a high-stakes encounter that has captured the attention of football fans across Africa and beyond. With a place in the final on the line, both sides have approached this clash with intensity, discipline, and ambition, turning the match into a tense tactical battle. As the Super Eagles look to assert soaring physical strength and counter-attacking threat, the Atlas Lions are relying on home support and technical flair to tip the balance. Every touch, tackle, and pass matters in this gripping contest where a…

From Monday, January 19, 2026, millions of Nigerians who use mobile banking and USSD financial services will begin paying an additional 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT), on certain electronic banking charges, a regulatory change that marks a significant shift in how digital finance services are taxed in Nigeria. What Is the New VAT Rule? The new directive requires banks and financial institutions — including commercial banks, microfinance banks, and electronic money operators — to collect and remit 7.5% VAT on specific service charges connected to mobile financial transactions. The tax is mandated by Nigeria’s national tax authority, now known as…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has officially commenced the sale of application forms for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), and Direct Entry (DE), registration cycle for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges for the 2026/2027 academic session. This announcement marks the start of one of the most critical periods in the academic calendar for prospective higher-education candidates nationwide. 1. Sale of Application Forms and E-PINs JAMB has scheduled the sale of application documents and E-PINs for both UTME and Direct Entry candidates in separate phases: UTME E-PIN vending begins: Monday, 19 January 2026 UTME registration…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that Nigeria will co-host Investopia with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Lagos this February, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s drive to attract global investment and position itself as a hub for sustainable economic growth. The announcement was made on Tuesday at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), where Nigeria also concluded a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with the UAE—an accord designed to deepen trade, investment, and strategic cooperation between the two nations. Nigeria and UAE Sign Historic Economic Partnership The CEPA was signed in the presence of President Tinubu and…

In today’s crowded marketing landscape, businesses are constantly battling for attention. Television advertising — once the gold standard for mass reach, has become increasingly expensive and less guaranteed in terms of engagement, especially among younger or commuter-heavy audiences. Enter BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), Branding — a high-impact, cost-efficient alternative that’s rapidly proving its worth across Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Benin, and other major Nigerian cities. What Is BRT Branding? BRT branding refers to placing advertisements on BRT buses, bus stations, interiors, and even digital screens inside vehicles that ply major urban routes. These buses act as mobile billboards, constantly moving through…

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) — on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria — has released its 2026 updated list of approved digital loan applications (loan apps). This action comes as part of intensified regulatory efforts to protect consumers from fraudulent, illegal, or predatory digital lenders operating in the country. Digital lending apps have become a vital credit option for many Nigerians due to convenience and speed. However, not all apps on app stores are licensed or compliant with Nigerian consumer protection and data privacy laws. To curb abuses, the FCCPC now maintains a public register…