As the countdown to the December 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) intensifies, former Ghana international Asamoah Gyan has identified Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and hosts Morocco as the teams to watch.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at the CAF Awards in Morocco on Wednesday night, Gyan acknowledged the strength of African football while expressing regret that Ghana will miss the tournament. “There are many giants competing this year. Ghana is out, which is disappointing, but we are focused on the World Cup,” he said.

The former Black Stars captain highlighted Nigeria’s impressive showing at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, describing the Super Eagles as a team that came close to winning the trophy. “Nigeria performed well and came very close in the past two years. Ivory Coast also impressed, and there are many strong teams,” Gyan noted.

He also commended Morocco for their consistent performance and growing confidence in African football. “Morocco is a formidable contender, performing strongly. I would say these three countries—Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Morocco—are the ones to watch,” he added.

Nigeria’s previous AFCON campaign ended in disappointment after a 2-1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast in the final. With the next tournament approaching rapidly, Gyan’s predictions have already ignited discussions among fans and analysts about the likely champion.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged troops of Operation Hadin Kai to maintain vigilance and adopt an aggressive approach in counter-terrorism operations across Nigeria’s North-East region.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A statement released on Thursday by the information officer of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, indicated that Shaibu gave the directive during an operational assessment visit to the JTF headquarters in Maiduguri, Borno State. The visit was aimed at reviewing the security situation, evaluating ongoing operations, and strengthening collaboration with other security agencies.

While commending the resilience of troops, Shaibu warned against complacency, insisting that the military must remain proactive in denying terrorists freedom of action. He also met with theatre commanders to emphasise enhanced coordination and improved intelligence gathering.

During the briefing, Theatre Commander Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar updated the COAS on current operations, emerging threats, and challenges faced by frontline troops. Shaibu stressed that continued operational assertiveness is critical to staying ahead of insurgent groups and ensuring lasting security in the North-East.

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to creating safe and conducive learning environments for students across Nigeria through continued support for the Safe School Initiative.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, conveyed this message in Abuja during the 2025 International Students’ Day celebration, organised by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement.

According to the statement from the Special Assistant’s office, Uzoka-Anite highlighted that the government would continue to ensure adequate funding for education, teachers’ salaries, school-feeding programmes, and other initiatives that foster safe and productive learning environments.

“The youth of this country are a collective responsibility, not solely the duty of the Student Union or the Ministry of Education. The brilliance, resilience, and creativity of our students are central to building Nigeria’s leadership and intellectual resources. Today, we celebrate more than just academic achievements; we celebrate the future of Nigeria,” she said.

Speaking at the event, the Special Assistant on Student Engagement to the President, Sunday Asefon, emphasized the transformative role of education in national development. He stated that the ceremony honoured the best graduating students from universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and the Nigerian Law School.

The awardees received scholarships, laptops, cash prizes, and other empowerment tools, while exceptional secondary-school students were each awarded N100,000 to promote academic excellence. Asefon explained that the initiative reflects President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to student welfare and education development.

“The President believes, and we reaffirm today, that our students are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also active contributors to national development today. By rewarding academic excellence, we are investing in Nigeria’s future. To all awardees: your achievements distinguish you as the best of our educational institutions, and we encourage you to continue leading with integrity, innovation, and a sense of responsibility,” he said.

International Students’ Day commemorates the 1939 Nazi crackdown on Czech students in Prague, during which nine student leaders were executed and over 1,200 others arrested. It was later declared a global day of student solidarity in 1941. This year, the National Association of Nigerian Students marked the day in Abuja under the theme, “Empowering Students to be Agents of Change,” promoting patriotism, productivity, and advocacy for student rights and unity.