Your Daily Roundup from NaijaNewsFeeds.com
⚽ SPORTS
Super Eagles Soar Past Tanzania in AFCON 2025 Opener
Nigeria’s Super Eagles kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in Fes, Morocco. Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman secured three crucial points for the three-time African champions in their Group C opener.
The victory comes as Nigeria seeks redemption after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With Tunisia and Uganda also in their group, the Super Eagles will need consistent performances to advance to the knockout stages.
Key Highlights:
- Scorers: Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman
- Next Match: Nigeria vs Tunisia (December 27, 2025)
- Trending: #AFCON2025, #SuperEagles, #NGATAN
📱 X Post: Super Eagles Official Lineup
📱 X Post: DAZN Football Match Highlights
📱 X Post: Ajayi’s Goal
Source: Channels TV, Punch Newspapers
⚖️ JUSTICE & ANTI-CORRUPTION
EFCC Detains Ex-AGF Malami Despite Court-Ordered Bail
Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), remains in Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody despite being granted bail by an Abuja High Court on December 23, 2025. Malami, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, faces allegations of N1.014 billion money laundering.
The Federal Government has filed 16-count charges against Malami and his son, alleging financial impropriety during his tenure. His aide confirmed that the EFCC has refused to release him despite the court order dated December 23, 2025.
Key Details:
- Charges: 16-count money laundering (₦1.014bn)
- Status: Bail granted but still detained
- Trending: #Malami, #EFCC
📱 X Trend: Malami was trending in Nigeria with discussions about the detention
Sources: Naija News, Nigerian Eye, Channels TV
Six Lagosians Arraigned for Attacking LASTMA Officials
Six suspected miscreants have been arraigned in court for allegedly masterminding a violent attack on officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) during a midnight enforcement operation along Airport Road, Lagos. The suspects face charges of assault and obstruction of public officers in the discharge of their duties.
Source: Nigerian Eye
🏛️ POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Tinubu Appoints Speaker Abbas to Lead Benue APC Reconciliation
President Bola Tinubu has constituted a high-level reconciliation committee for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, appointing House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas as chairman. The committee aims to resolve the protracted feud between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume.
Other members include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Mai Mala Buni, and former Speaker Yakubu Dogara.
📱 X Trend: #BenueAPC, Speaker Abbas
Source: Naija News, Nigerian Eye
Makinde Vows Not to Support Tinubu in 2027
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has publicly declared that he will not support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 elections. Speaking during a press conference, Makinde criticized the current administration’s policies and vowed to work against Tinubu’s second-term ambitions.
The statement has intensified speculation about opposition alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
📱 X Trend: #SeyiMakinde was trending across Nigeria
Sources: Naija News, Channels TV
Rivers Political Crisis: Six Reps, Two Senators Defect to APC
In a major political realignment, six members of the House of Representatives and two senators from Rivers State, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defections further deepen the political crisis in Rivers State between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Source: Channels TV, Punch Newspapers
INEC Rejects Turaki-Led PDP NWC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced it will not recognize the Kabiru Turaki (SAN)-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing subsisting court judgments. The decision escalates the leadership crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party.
Source: Naija News
💰 ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Tax Reform Controversy: Oyedele Defends January 1 Implementation
Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, has insisted that the new tax laws must be implemented by January 1, 2026, warning that workers will remain overtaxed if the reforms are delayed. The statement comes amid calls from various stakeholders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), for the suspension of the new tax legislation.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga also defended the government’s position, questioning critics who are asking for the suspension of laws designed to reduce the tax burden on ordinary Nigerians.
Key Points:
- Implementation date: January 1, 2026
- Opposition: Atiku, NBA, Senator Ali Ndume
- Government stance: Reforms will reduce overtaxation
📱 X Trend: #TaxReform, #Oyedele
Sources: Naija News, Punch Newspapers
Ekiti Becomes First State to Domesticate Nigeria Tax Administration Act
Ekiti State has become the first state in Nigeria to domesticate the Nigeria Tax Administration Act following Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s signing of the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, 2025. The move positions Ekiti as a leader in tax reform implementation.
Source: Nigerian Eye
Power Supply to Improve Within 48 Hours After Pipeline Explosion
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has assured Nigerians that electricity supply will significantly improve within 24 to 48 hours following a sharp decline caused by an explosion on the critical Escravos-Lagos Gas Pipeline (ELP). The explosion disrupted gas supply to several power plants, leading to reduced electricity generation nationwide.
Source: Nigerian Eye
🎓 EDUCATION & YOUTH
NOUN Student Dies After Collapsing During Exam
A student of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Michael Coker, tragically died after suddenly collapsing during an examination at the institution’s Victoria Island study centre in Lagos on December 16. The incident has raised questions about emergency response protocols at the university, with allegations of delayed medical assistance.
Source: Nigerian Eye
UNN Appoints Chimamanda Adichie as Visiting Professor
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has appointed acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, African Development Bank Chief Economist Prof. Kevin Chika Urama, and University of Chicago political economist Prof. James Robinson as visiting professors. The appointments are part of UNN’s strategic effort to elevate its global academic profile.
Source: Nigerian Eye
🔒 SECURITY
Two Suspected ISWAP Terrorists Arrested in Lagos
Two suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been arrested in Lagos State. The suspects, identified as Modu Gana and Ibrahim Dugge, were apprehended by security operatives following intelligence reports. The arrests highlight ongoing security concerns about terrorist infiltration in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Source: Naija News
US Steps Up Surveillance Over Nigeria
The United States has been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November, signaling heightened security cooperation between both countries. The surveillance operations come amid concerns over Christian persecution and rising insecurity in parts of Nigeria.
Source: Naija News
Abducted Kwara Monarch Released After 25 Days
A traditional ruler from Kwara State has been released after spending 25 days in kidnappers’ den. The monarch was abducted in late November, and his release comes after intense security operations and negotiations.
Source: Channels TV
🎄 YULETIDE & SOCIAL
Christmas: Gov Fintiri Grants Pardon to Death-Row Inmate Sunday Jackson
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has granted pardon to Sunday Jackson, a death-row inmate, as part of Christmas celebrations. The gesture of mercy has been widely praised across Nigeria, with #SundayJackson trending on X (Twitter) with over 42,000 tweets.
📱 X Trend: #SundayJackson (42K+ tweets)
Source: Channels TV, Punch Newspapers
FG Declares Public Holidays for Christmas, New Year
The Federal Government has declared December 25 and 26, 2025, as well as January 1, 2026, as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Nigerians have been urged to celebrate responsibly and maintain peace during the festive season.
Source: Naija News
Police Deploy 5,000 Officers in Lagos for Yuletide
The Lagos State Police Command has deployed 5,000 officers across the state to ensure security during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The deployment includes increased patrols, stop-and-search operations, and surveillance at major public spaces.
Source: Channels TV
🌍 INTERNATIONAL
US Denies Visas to EU Ex-Commissioner, Four Others
The United States has denied visas to five individuals, including former European Union commissioner Thierry Breton, accusing them of attempting to pressure American social media companies into censoring content. The visa restrictions have sparked diplomatic tensions between the US and EU.
Source: Channels TV, Nigerian Eye
Libya’s Top Military Chief Dies in Turkey Plane Crash
Libya’s top military chief and four others have died in a plane crash in Turkey. The Falcon 50 aircraft requested an emergency landing due to electrical failure minutes after taking off from Ankara, but contact was lost shortly after.
Source: Channels TV
🎬 ENTERTAINMENT
‘A Very Dirty Christmas’: NFVCB Defends Film Title Amid Backlash
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has defended its approval of the movie title “A Very Dirty Christmas,” stating the title is metaphorical and not an insult to Christianity. The film, produced by Ini Edo, has faced criticism from Christian groups, with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) calling for its withdrawal from cinemas.
Source: Punch Newspapers
Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes’ Hits ₦512m in 12 Days
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele’s latest movie “Behind The Scenes” has grossed ₦512 million in just 12 days of release, cementing her position as one of Nigeria’s highest-grossing filmmakers.
Source: Punch Newspapers
📊 TOP TRENDING TOPICS ON X (TWITTER) – NIGERIA
December 24, 2025:
- Christmas – 4.1M tweets
- #AFCON2025 – 43.5K tweets
- Sunday Jackson – 42.1K tweets
- Tanzania – 57.7K tweets
- Super Eagles – 26.2K tweets
- Lookman – 21.9K tweets
- Iwobi – 19.3K tweets
- Seyi Makinde – Trending
- Malami – Trending
- EFCC – Trending
Source: GetDayTrends, Trends24
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Compiled by NaijaNewsFeeds.com | December 24, 2025