Chelsea is expected to finalize Raheem Sterling's exit before the transfer window closes on Monday.  The winger has been training separately from the first-team squad and hasn't played for Chelsea in almost two years. Sterling is reportedly open to a permanent move, with Fulham emerging as a potential destination, but a deal is yet to be agreed upon.  Other clubs, including Napoli, have also expressed interest in the 31-year-old. 

Wilfred Ndidi's father, Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer, passed away in a road accident in Umunede, Delta State. He was rushed to a hospital in Agbor, Delta State, where he was confirmed dead.  Ndidi's club, Besiktas, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have expressed their condolences to the family. 

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu had a brief stumble during a ceremonial reception at the Turkish Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, today. He was walking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan when he lost his footing, but was quickly assisted by security personnel.  The incident didn't disrupt the programme, and Tinubu continued with his scheduled engagements, including bilateral meetings with Erdoğan.  The Presidency attributed the stumble to Tinubu stepping on a metal object, saying he's "hale and hearty" and doesn't have any health issues. Tinubu has had similar incidents before, including a fall during the 2024 Democracy Day celebration in Abuja. 

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has shut down Onitsha Main Market for one week due to traders' refusal to open on Mondays, defying the state government's directive to end the sit-at-home practice.  The shutdown could be extended to one month if traders don't comply. Soludo stated that the government won't tolerate actions undermining public safety and economic stability, calling it "plain economic sabotage". Security agencies have been deployed to enforce the closure, and traders who attempted to access the market were turned back. The government has also warned of salary deductions for civil servants who fail to report to work on Mondays. 

Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, has started his law studies at Northwest University, Kano, as a Level 200 student. He was seen attending lectures, dressed in a black gown and white head tie, blending in with his fellow students.  The university admitted him into the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme, recognizing his vast experience in governance, economics, and public service.  This move has sparked widespread praise, with many describing it as an inspiration to lifelong learning.

President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This meeting comes after Mutfwang's recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), making it his first meeting with Tinubu since the switch. Makinde, a second-term PDP governor, has been vocal about his support for Tinubu in the 2023 election, but expressed disappointment with the outcome, saying it fell short of Niger, saying it didn't meet expectations. 

Nigeria's police have confirmed that a group of worshippers was kidnapped from three churches in Kaduna state, after initially denying the incident.  The abduction occurred on January 18, with reports indicating that 172 people were taken, although 9 later escaped, leaving 163 still missing. The police have deployed tactical units and intensified patrols to rescue the victims and restore security in the area.  The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had verified the attacks and provided a list of the hostages. The incident has sparked widespread concern and criticism, with Amnesty International condemning the authorities' initial denial of the kidnapping. 

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sacked Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), ordering INEC to recognise the Nenadi Usman-led executive committee.  The court ruled that Abure's tenure had expired and declared the Usman-led committee as the legitimate leadership .

Morocco and Senegal are leading the pack in African football, with Morocco ranking 8th globally and Senegal at 12th, following their impressive performances in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. Morocco achieved a record ranking despite losing the final to Senegal, while Senegal jumped seven spots to reach their highest-ever ranking.  The top seven African teams in the latest FIFA rankings are: - *1. Morocco* (8th globally) - *2. Senegal* (12th globally) - *3. Egypt* (31st globally) - *4. Algeria* (28th globally) - *5. Nigeria* (26th globally) - *6. Ivory Coast* (37th globally) - *7. Tunisia* (47th globally) Nigeria and Cameroon made the biggest leap, climbing 12 spots each, with Nigeria ranking 26th and Cameroon 45th globally.

Senegal has made history by winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, defeating host Morocco 1-0 in a dramatic final.  Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in extra time, securing Senegal's second continental title. The match was marred by controversy, with Senegal walking off the pitch in protest over a penalty awarded to Morocco, but Sadio Mane convinced his teammates to return, and Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Diaz's Panenka penalty.

Wike's son is reportedly considering a bid for the Obio-Akpor Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, representing Rivers State, ahead of the 2027 general elections. He's said to be around 25 years old and is preparing to challenge the current seat holder, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.  Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, hasn't officially commented on his son's political aspirations. However, Wike has been open about his influence in Rivers State politics and has maintained that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is his political son, despite their past rift. 

Osborn Umahi, son of Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and picked the party's chairmanship nomination form for Ohaozara Local Government Area in Ebonyi State. He was received by APC state executive members, led by Chairman Stanley Okoro-Emegha, who praised Osborn as an intelligent and capable young politician. Osborn expressed gratitude to party leaders and Ohaozara residents for their support, pledging to prioritize youth empowerment, human capital development, grassroots economic growth, infrastructure, and security if elected. He also vowed to build on his father's legacy in infrastructure development. The APC local government primaries are scheduled for January 25, and if Osborn wins, he'll contest the August local government election against other parties' candidates.

Atiku Abubakar's son, Abubakar Atiku Abubakar (Abba), has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and pledged support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. Abba, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced his decision at the National Assembly, citing Tinubu's leadership style and the APC's Renewed Hope Agenda as reasons for his move. He also renamed his political group, formerly Haske Atiku Organisation, to Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation. Atiku Abubakar, Abba's father, described his son's decision as "entirely personal" and emphasized his commitment to democracy, stating, "As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians".

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.