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AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle Releases Super Eagles’ Provisional Squad (Full List)

Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles coach, has unveiled his provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Chelle released the list in a post via Super Eagles’ official X account on Tuesday.

The list includes the likes of Victor Osimhen, Lookman Ademola and Tolu Arokodare to lead the attack.

The likes of goalkeepers Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali are also included in the list.

The midfield are made up of the likes of Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka.

The 2025 AFCON will commence later this month and will end in January, 2026.

Full list of Super Eagles’ provisional squad include;

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoya (Udinese FC, Italy); Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos);

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England); Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors);

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel); Peter Agba (Maccabi Haifa, Israel); Tom Dele-Bashiru (Gençlerbirligi SK, Turkey)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Kelechi Iheanacho (Celtic Glasgow, Scotland); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Boniface (Werder Bremen, Germany); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Abdulrasheed Shehu (Niger Tornadoes); Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen, Czech Republic); Ekeson Okorie (Nasarawa United); Chisom Orji (Warri Wolves); Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi (OH Leuven, Belgium); Philip Otele (FC Basel, Switzerland); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961 (Croatia); Emmanuel Michael (Linzer Athletik SK, Austria)

 

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Entertainment News

I Was Once Given A Script To Sleep With A Dog – Actress Nkechi Blessing Opens Up On Acting Challenges (Video)

Nkechi Sunday, the popular Nollywood actress, has opened up about some of the challenges she faced at the early stages of her career.

While featuring in a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, the movie star revealed that the major challenge she faced was outlandish scripts.

She recalled that she was given a script to sleep with a dog but she rejected it because she felt it would create a negative impact on her image if she accepts it as her first role in Nollywood.

“Despite being a newcomer, I was given a script to sleep with a dog. I rejected it because I can’t start off my career like that. Imagine my first ever movie, I am sleeping with a dog. It doesn’t make sense. It is going to be a tag because whatever you start with is what people would associate you with. I didn’t want to be renowned as someone who sleeps with dogs in movies.

“So, I rejected that script. But immediately I threw it down, so many girls grabbed it. I’m not sure any of them are in the limelight today,” she stated.

Nkechi Blessing said after she left the production venue, she met veteran Nollywood filmmaker, Emeka Duru, who offered to work with her.

She added that Duru eventually gave her the opportunity to made her debut in the film ‘Through The Fire’ by Imem Isong.

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NYSC Announces Date For Batch C Stream II Passing-Out

The National Youth Service Corps has fixed Thursday, December 18, 2025, as the passing-out date for Corps Members of the 2024 Batch C, Stream II.

According to a statement signed and released on Tuesday by the NSYC’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the management approved a low-key ceremony that will feature the distribution of Certificates of National Service to deserving Corps Members across all local government areas in the country.

The scheme explained that activities leading up to the event include Job Advisory and Counselling sessions organised by the Corps and relevant partner agencies, as well as the signing of final clearance forms by Zonal Inspectors.

“The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, wishes the Corps Members a successful winding-up and passing-out exercise.

“He also urged them to allow the core values of the Scheme guide them in their post-service relationships as good ambassadors of NYSC,” the statement read.

NYSC is a programme established by the Nigerian government in 1973 to promote national unity, integration, and development.

It is a one-year mandatory service for Nigerian graduates under the age of 30, which includes a three-week orientation camp, a primary assignment phase, and a community development service period.

The three-week training introduced corps members to paramilitary drills, leadership development, entrepreneurship training under the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, and community integration.

Following the orientation, the corps members were posted to their various Places of Primary Assignment where they served in education, health, agriculture, and other critical sectors, contributing to community development across the country.

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Tinubu Nominates Ex-CDS Christopher Musa As Defence Minister

President Bola Tinubu has nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to serve as the new Minister of Defence.

The nomination was contained in a letter sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday, announcing Musa as the replacement for Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, who resigned from the position on Monday due to health reasons.

In his letter to the Senate, the President expressed confidence in Musa’s capacity to lead the Defence Ministry and strengthen Nigeria’s security framework.

The nomination was confirmed in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The statement added, “General Musa, 58, on December 25, is a distinguished soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. He won the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.

“Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa received his primary and secondary education there before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria. He graduated in 1986 and enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy the same year, earning a Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation in 1991.

“General Musa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991 and has since had a distinguished career. His appointments include General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative/Member, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

“In 2019, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations, Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole; and Commander, Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region.

“In 2021, General Musa was appointed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai. He later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before being appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.”

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Entertainment News

How Nigerian Singer, Davido Reacted After His Uncle, Governor Adeleke Resigned From PDP

David Adeleke, the world-famous Afrobeats star, better known as Davido has reacted to news of his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s, sudden resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Earlier, 626Blaze reported that Governor Adeleke officially resigned from the PDP on November 4, 2025, though the news only came to light on Monday night.

The resignation letter, later shared online by his aide Olawale Rasheed, revealed that the governor stepped down because of ongoing issues within the party at the national level.

In the letter addressed to his Ward 2 chairman in Ede North, Adeleke acknowledged the party’s support during his rise from senator to governor but said the unresolved disputes made it impossible for him to continue.

Reacting, Davido wrote on his X page: “Jeje… ”

The announcement has thrown plans for the Osun 2026 governorship primary into uncertainty.

The state PDP announced a postponement of the primary due to internal disagreements, while the party’s National Working Committee insisted the exercise should proceed.

Governor Adeleke remains the only candidate who purchased the form, adding to the confusion.

Speculation is now rife that Adeleke may pursue a second term under the Accord Party.

Some aides are reportedly moving into the party and taking key positions in Osun.

Earlier attempts to join the APC were unsuccessful, with party leaders reportedly rejecting his application.

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Governor Adeleke Quits PDP Hours Before Osun Governorship Primary

Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State Governor has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This comes with less than 24 hours to the PDP governorship primary election.

Adeleke’s decision was communicated in a letter which surfaced on Monday, but was dated November 4, 2025.

The governor cited the crisis in the party as the reason behind his decision.

It read: “Due to the current crisis of the national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), I hereby resign my Membership of the People’s Democratic Party with immediate effect.

“I thank the People’s Democratic Party for the opportunities given to me for my elections as a Senator (Represented Osun West) and as Governor of Osun State under the People’s Democratic Party.”

The PDP Chairman in Osun State, Mr Sunday Bisi, on Monday said the party would not hold the primary election on Tuesday as scheduled due to factional crisis within the party.

Bisi also revealed that Adeleke is no longer interested in picking the party’s nomination as a result of the crisis.

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He Was Asked To Step Aside – Sowore Alleges Reason Behind Defence Minister’s Resignation

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has alleged that President Bola Tinubu instructed Mohammed Badaru Abubakar to step aside from his role as Defence Minister.

Earlier, 626Blaze reported that the Minister tendered his resignation from office on Monday, citing health issues.

However, Sowore in a Facebook post claimed that the Minister was asked to resign to pave the way for the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa as Defence Minister

He said, Abubakar “was asked by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step aside to make room for former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa to be appointed Defence Minister”.

https://web.facebook.com/OSowore/posts/pfbid0XG2VqbY6uJjnQEuPyBZTMo8sQwKrvUTMGDy9Zp31X9daydgFQbMpce49Ry89VAHrl

The activist also alleged that the Nigerian government is also under pressure to relieve the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle over security concerns.

“There are also strong indications that US President Donald Trump’s United States military is pressing for the removal of the equally ineffective and utterly useless Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, citing serious concerns over intelligence sharing and collaboration”,Sowore added.

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2027: There’s An Assassination Plot Against Atiku Abubakar — Timi Frank Alleges

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has alleged a plot to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Frank said the sudden withdrawal of all police personnel attached to Atiku, despite his statutory entitlement as a former vice president, was not only suspicious but part of a wider scheme to expose him to danger.

Frank made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

“No administration since 2007 has ever tampered with Atiku Abubakar’s security despite his consistent role as a major opposition figure. Why now? Why at a time when insecurity is at an all-time high across the country? This action clearly reveals an ulterior motive.”

He stated that the claim that security was being withdrawn broadly from VIPs was a smokescreen, insisting that the main target is Atiku Abubakar.

“This so-called blanket withdrawal is a cover-up. The real objective is to isolate and eliminate Atiku ahead of the 2027 election. The pattern is too obvious to ignore. Atiku, by law, is entitled to police protection as a former vice president. Removing his security at this critical time is deliberate and dangerous,” Frank said.

Frank warned that the move mirrors dangerous political trends across Africa, where incumbent leaders intimidate, arrest, detain, prosecute, and, in extreme cases, eliminate opposition leaders to retain power.

“President Tinubu is now following the disturbing trend in parts of Africa where incumbents use state power to silence their opponents. Atiku has been very vocal in exposing the failures of this administration, and this withdrawal of security is nothing but a political witch-hunt,” he declared.

He challenged the government to prove its claim of a general security withdrawal by also stripping the president’s family members, close associates, and political appointees of their police orderlies and escorts.

“If this directive is truly nationwide, then let the President’s family members, friends, and appointees also lose their security. They are also VIPs. But we know the truth: the main target is Atiku Abubakar, nobody else.”

This comes as the Nigeria Police commenced the withdrawal of 11,566 police officers previously assigned to Very Important Personalities (VIPs) nationwide.

The move followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on the withdrawal of police officers currently providing security to VIPs amid mounting insecurity concerns.

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Entertainment News

BBNaija Star, Liquorose Reveals How She Got Her Name And Her Plans For Nine Children

Roseline Omokhoa Afije, the Nigerian reality TV star and actress, who is better known as Liquorose has shared the story behind her popular stage name, while also speaking about her close-knit family and the future she envisions for herself.

Speaking on the Off the Top podcast with VJ Adams, the 30-year-old explained how Liquorose came to life more than a decade ago.

According to her, the name was born on December 31st, 2012.

“I picked Liquorose December 31st 2012. I like liquor and my name is Rosaline as well. I am a very shy person too. My mum says in her language, ‘Alcohol is never shy’,” she said.

Liquorose also admitted she rarely gets the chance to visit home due to her busy schedule.

“I don’t go home often, it’s bad. I miss my home, I miss my bed. We are very close in my family… we know how to make each other laugh. The last time I was in the hood was last year because I do this charity stuff every December.”

She shared that she dreams of having a large family someday.

“I want nine kids,” she revealed.

On marriage, Liquorose said her mindset has changed from wanting a private ceremony to something much bigger.

“Growing up, I used to be that girl who could get married, and nobody would know,” she said.

But that has shifted.

“At one point, I thought… I want a two-week wedding. I want something loud because it’s going to be a lot. Liquorrose is taken! Officially. I have to do that.”

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Ambassadorial List: The Names Being Paraded To Represent Us Are Shocking – Peter Obi Declares

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has criticised the list of ambassadorial nominees sent to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu, calling some of the selections “shocking” and reflective of a deteriorating political culture.

On November 29, 2025, Tinubu sent the names of 32 nominees to the legislature, days after forwarding three names in an earlier batch.

Among the nominees were prominent political figures, including former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, ex-aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, former chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, and former governor of Abia state, Okezie Ikpeazu.

Obi reacted in a Monday statement posted on 𝕏, questioning the standard behind the selections.

He said, “Yes, some of the names being paraded to represent us as ambassadors globally are shocking.

“But with a leadership that has allowed mediocrity, corruption, and impunity to rise to the top, who else did you expect them to choose?”

The former Anambra governor also tied his criticism to the economic strain affecting millions of households.

He said, “When our people are being killed, our leaders are busy hosting dinners. When children are being snatched from their schools, the political class is celebrating and dancing,” he added.

“When families cannot afford their next meal, those in power are welcoming defectors and exchanging gifts as though Nigeria is not burning.

“This is not governance. This is not leadership. And this is certainly not the Nigeria we deserve.”

The ex-Anambra governor said the suffering in the country has become a pain one carries silently.

He recounted an emotional moment at Abuja airport on Monday, where young Nigerians questioned his recent silence.

Obi added, “It is the kind of pain that makes you remember the humiliating remark from the American president who referred to Nigeria as a ‘now disgraced country’.

“Today, when you look around, you begin to understand why the world speaks of us that way.”

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626blaze is an entertainment and lifestyle website that brings you latest gist and scoops from the world of music, fashion, movies, sports and social commentary.

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