Xabi Alonso was fired by Real Madrid after a tumultuous seven-month stint as head coach, following a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. Before his departure, Alonso had expressed optimism about Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance, saying, "I think we will see a better Trent... We need him, it's his first year, and it's normal to have this adaptation period".  Alonso's exit was reportedly due to internal discord, including clashes with senior players like Vinicius Jr., and a string of poor results. Alvaro Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid player and coach of the B team, has taken over as interim manager.

Nigerians will start paying a 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on mobile bank transfers and USSD transactions from January 19, 2026. This is due to a government-backed regulatory directive aimed at expanding the tax net and boosting non-oil revenue. The VAT will apply to service fees charged by banks and financial institutions for electronic transactions, not the transferred amount itself. Services that won't attract VAT include interest on deposits and savings.  Here's a breakdown of what's happening: - *VAT on Banking Services*: 7.5% VAT on mobile banking fees, USSD transaction fees, and card issuance fees - *Stamp Duty*: ₦50 charge on electronic transfers of ₦10,000 and above, payable by the sender - *Tax Purpose*: To improve tax collection and grow non-oil revenue The Nigerian government has clarified that this isn't a price increase by banks, but rather a statutory requirement for VAT collection and remittance. 

Morocco emerged victorious in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, beating Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a tense 0-0 draw in Rabat. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero, saving two penalties, including efforts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi. Youssef En-Nesyri scored the decisive spot-kick, securing Morocco's place in the final against Senegal. The match itself was a closely fought affair, with Morocco creating more chances but Nigeria's Stanley Nwabali making crucial saves. The Super Eagles had the best scoring record in the competition but struggled to break down Morocco's defense. Morocco's win marks their first AFCON final appearance since 2004.

The trial of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, and others over the alleged N33.2 billion arms procurement fraud has revealed how defendants allegedly used funds meant for arms procurement to buy properties and foreign currencies. According to EFCC's first prosecution witness, Michael Adarikun, on April 17, 2015, ONSA transferred N600 million to Acacia Holdings Limited, which had a balance of only N27,094 before the transfer. The funds were allegedly disbursed to various companies, including Medical Plastic Limited, where Dasuki's wife is a majority shareholder.  Some of the transactions include: - *Land Purchases*: N60 million was transferred to Hidayatul Atfaal Islamic Academy for the purchase of 3.62 hectares of land in Kyami District, Abuja, valued at N120 million. - *Property Purchases*: N50 million was disbursed to Squad Developers Nigeria Limited for 118.132 hectares of land at Stadium Layout, Kwali, Abuja, and N25 million was transferred to Zava...

Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a 2-0 win over Algeria, booking their spot in the AFCON 2025 semifinals! Victor Osimhen opened the scoring with a header just after halftime, and Akor Adams doubled the lead in the 57th minute.  This impressive performance sets up a semifinal clash with hosts Morocco.  The Super Eagles dominated the match, with Osimhen and Ademola Lookman causing constant threats in attack. Algeria struggled to contain Nigeria's pressure, especially in the second half. Osimhen's goal was a perfect display of timing, athleticism, and composure under pressure.  Nigeria's next challenge is Morocco, and they'll look to maintain their unbeaten streak in the tournament.

Meet Michel Kuka Mboladinga, DR Congo's "human statue" who's become the most famous fan at AFCON. He's earned this title for standing completely still throughout games, looking up at the sky with his right arm raised and palm open, paying tribute to Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba. Kuka's pose is more than just a quirky gesture - it's a symbol of peace and a nod to Lumumba, who served as DR Congo's first prime minister in 1960 before being assassinated. His tribute has resonated with Congolese fans, who see Lumumba as a hero. Despite DR Congo's exit from the tournament, Kuka's legacy lives on. He's become a media star, with his trip to Morocco even sponsored by the government. As Jered Bitobo, head of Kuka's supporters group, says, "He is sending out a strong message, both at local and international level. The open palm is a sign of peace and we need peace in our country.

Liam Rosenior has been confirmed as Chelsea's new head coach, signing a contract until 2032. The 41-year-old Englishman joins from RC Strasbourg, a partner club of BlueCo, Chelsea's parent company. Rosenior replaces Enzo Maresca, who left the club on New Year's Day after 18 months in charge. Rosenior, known for his attack-minded approach, becomes the second Black Chelsea coach after Ruud Gullit. He led Strasbourg to European qualification in his first season, finishing seventh in Ligue 1. Rosenior's experience includes stints as assistant coach at Derby County and head coach at Hull City.  His first game in charge will be against Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup on Saturday, with Calum McFarlane continuing interim duties for Wednesday's Premier League clash against Fulham.

Gunmen have killed at least 30 villagers and abducted several others in a brutal attack on Kasuwan-Daji village in Niger state, northern Nigeria. The attackers, believed to be bandits, stormed the village on Saturday evening, opening fire on residents, burning homes and the local market, and making off with food supplies. President Bola Tinubu has condemned the attack, directing security officials to hunt down the perpetrators and rescue the hostages. "These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people," he said in a statement. "They must face the full consequences of their criminal actions".  The attack is the latest in a cycle of deadly violence in the conflict-hit region, following the abduction of over 300 schoolchildren and teachers from a Catholic school in November. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has described the attack as "heartbreaking, senseless and a tragic reminder of the worsening insecurity confronting many Nigeri...