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Nigeria vs Iran: Kick-off time, venue, and key details for Turkey friendly

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles will take on war-torn Iran in an international friendly match on Friday in Antalya, Turkey.

The encounter is part of a four-nation invitational tournament featuring Nigeria, Iran, Jordan, and Costa Rica.

Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to use the fixtures to assess new players and continue rebuilding the squad following the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

As a friendly match, no points are at stake.

The game will be held at the Corendon Airlines Park in Antalya, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm Nigerian time (6pm local time in Turkey).

Originally slated to be played in Amman, the venue was moved to Turkey due to security concerns in the Middle East.

Nollywood actress Sarah Martins reveals real cause of Blessing CEO’s cancer

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Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has stirred controversy after claiming that the spirit of the late Bimbo Ogbonna is responsible for the reported illness of relationship expert Blessing CEO.

Her comments followed reports that the Blessing CEO is allegedly battling stage 4 breast cancer and had publicly appealed for financial support for chemotherapy treatment.

 

Reacting via Instagram, Martins criticized Blessing CEO over her past comments about Bimbo, who died from injuries sustained during a fire incident involving her husband, IVD, in Lagos.

 

In the post, Martins suggested that recent developments were a form of retribution, referencing the circumstances surrounding Bimbo’s death and accusing Blessing’s CEO of previously mocking the deceased.

 

“What a day to be alive,” Martins wrote, adding that those who ridiculed Bimbo’s death would eventually “experience what pain feels like.”

 

The actress’s remarks have since generated backlash online, with many condemning the tone of her statement.

 

Blessing, CEO, had earlier taken sides with IVD in 2022 amid allegations surrounding Bimbo’s death. Months later, she announced a relationship with him, and the pair reportedly held a traditional wedding in 2025.

BREAKING: Dangote Refinery reduces petrol price significantly

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has announced a reduction in its petrol pricing, lowering its gantry price to N1,200 per litre and its coastal price to N1,153 per litre.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by the company’s spokesperson, Anthony Chijiena.

 

According to the refinery, the new gantry price represents a decrease of N85 from the previous rate of N1,285 per liter, marking a notable shift in its pricing structure.

 

The 650,000 barrels-per-day facility had, in recent weeks, implemented a series of price increases, with at least five upward adjustments recorded since March 2026. The hikes were largely attributed to volatility in global oil markets and heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

 

However, the latest reduction signals a reversal of that trend and is expected to ease cost pressures across the downstream sector.

 

Nigerian Newssphere reports that the latest adjustment could influence pricing across distribution channels, particularly at depots and retail outlets, potentially leading to marginal relief for consumers if the reduction is passed through the supply chain.

 

The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, continues to play a critical role in shaping domestic fuel pricing dynamics as Nigeria pushes to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

APC Convention: Nigerian govt orders workers to work from home

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President Tinbu

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has announced the closure of access roads around the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja ahead of the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The roads will be shut from Friday, March 27 to Saturday, March 28, 2026, due to the use of Eagle Square as the venue for the convention.

 

Civil servants working within Phases I, II, and III of the Federal Secretariat Complex, as well as those at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have been directed to work remotely on Friday, March 27.

 

The directive was conveyed in a circular issued on Thursday to permanent secretaries, heads of agencies, and parastatals operating within the affected areas.

 

According to the circular, the road closure is necessary because Eagle Square, the venue for the APC convention, is located close to the Federal Secretariat Complex.

 

“All ministries, extra-ministerial departments, agencies, and offices located within the Federal Secretariat, Phases I, II & III are hereby informed of the closure of all access roads leading to and around the said Federal Secretariat Complex from Friday, March 27 to Saturday, March 28, 2026,” the circular stated.

 

It added that personnel in the affected offices should work from home on Friday to ease movement restrictions.

 

The circular, signed by Dr. Abdul S. U. Garba, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, urged heads of ministries, departments, and agencies to inform their staff and ensure compliance.

‘Back to the Bible’—Afrobeat star Omah Lay announces return to Christianity from Islam

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Nigerian singer Omah Lay has suggested that he may have returned to Christianity after previously indicating an interest in Islam.

The Rivers State-born artiste, whose real name is Omah Stanley Didia, had a few years ago sparked reactions after hinting at converting to Islam.

 

However, in a recent post shared on his Snapchat account, the singer appeared to signal a shift back to his Christian roots. Omah Lay disclosed that he has resumed reading the Bible, noting that while he appreciated studying the Quran, he feels a stronger connection to the Bible.

 

“Back to the Bible. I enjoyed reading the QuQuran,ut I relate more to this,” he wrote.

 

His latest comment has fueled speculation among fans about a possible return to Christianity, his birth religion.

Stay clear, Anioma state already in Biafra—USB warns Akpabio, Nwoko, Nigerian Govt

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The United States of Biafra has rejected ongoing discussions around the creation of Anioma State in Nigeria, insisting the region already forms part of its territories.

In a statement issued by its deputy prime minister, Ngozi Orubueze, the seperatist group said Anioma State, with Asaba as its capital, is among the 40 states it declared as part of Biafra in November 2024 in Lahti, Finland.

 

The statement comes amid recent remarks by Senate President Godswill Akpabio supporting the creation of Anioma State, as well as reported backing from lawmaker Ned Nwoko.

 

Orubueze warned that any attempt by Nigerian authorities to incorporate Anioma into Nigeria’s state structure or what she described as a political project of the ruling All Progressives Congress would be resisted.

 

“The State of Anioma, with capital in Asaba, is part of the 40 states of Biafra declared on November 29, 2024,” the statement read, adding that efforts to include the area within Nigeria would not be accepted.

USB further announced Hon. Rev. John Izuegbu as the current governor of Anioma State under its structure and called on residents who identify with its cause to support his leadership.

It also urged people in the region to resist the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu, as well as Akpabio and Nwoko.

Nigeria’s federal government has not officially responded to the statement, while discussions on the potential creation of Anioma State remain part of ongoing constitutional and political debates.

BREAKING: Wike: Court issues arrest warrant for PDP factional chairman Turaki

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Factional PDP chairman

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the arrest of a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki, over his failure to appear in court.

The trial judge, U.P. Kekemeke, issued the order on Thursday, stating that Turaki, a former minister, failed to provide any reasonable justification for his absence.

The case was instituted by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), who filed a one-count charge against Turaki. He is accused of allegedly supplying false information to the police in a petition dated October 2022.

The court’s decision follows repeated non-appearance by the defendant, prompting the judge to mandate his arrest to ensure his presence for further proceedings.

Nigerian Newssphere reports the move is in favour of Nyesome Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory-controlled faction of the opposition party.

Customers face uncertainty as court restores Union Bank board, voids CBN’s takeover. 

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Customers of Union Bank of Nigeria have been left in uncertainty after the Federal High Court in Lagos nullified the takeover of the bank by the Central Bank of Nigeria and ordered the reinstatement of its board.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke ruled that the apex bank exceeded its statutory powers when it dissolved the lender’s board and management.

The CBN had in January 2024 removed Union Bank’s leadership, citing regulatory breaches and concerns about the institution’s financial health.

However, the court held that the move violated provisions of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020.

“The actions of the respondent are ultra vires and not in compliance with the provisions of BOFIA 2020,” Justice Aneke declared.

The suit was filed by Titan Trust Bank Limited, Luxis International DMDMCC,nd Magna International DMCC, who identified themselves as the ultimate beneficial owners of Union Bank.

Despite the ruling, the CBN insisted there is no immediate change to the bank’s operational status, creating a divergence in positions that has further unsettled customers.

The development has sparked widespread concern among account holders, many of whom remain unsure about the safety of their funds and the bank’s immediate future.

Nigerians react as Blessing CEO reveals she’s diagnosed with cancer

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Popular Nigerian self-acclaimed relationship expert Blessing CEO has revealed that she has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

She made the disclosure on Wednesday morning in a viral video shared via her Instagram page, where she broke down in tears while speaking about her condition.

 

In the emotional clip, Blessing, CEO, also showed the physical toll of the illness, including noticeable hair loss, as she opened up about her ongoing battle.

 

The development has since sparked an outpouring of sympathy and support from Nigerians on social media, with many offering prayers and words of encouragement.

 

A user, @king_Naeto, wrote, “Nobody deserves this pain. This video is so emotional, bringing us all back to remember who we are on this earth. After all the struggle and hustle, may sickness never give us the greatest heartbreak.”

 

Another user, @TheChubiyo, said, “This is heartbreaking. Sending blessings to the CEO and all the strength and love during this difficult fight. You’re not alone. We’re all rooting for you.”

 

Also reacting, @MairoEnoch noted that such news serves as a reminder of human vulnerability beyond social media personas.

 

Similarly, @idris_senator described the situation as deeply heartbreaking, stressing that compassion matters in moments like this, while wishing her strength and access to the best care.

 

Meanwhile, @tolatheenigma said despite personal opinions about her online presence, prayers and well wishes remain important at a time like this.

Oil Prices drop mount pressure on Dangote Refinery to reduce petrol price in Nigeria

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A fresh decline in global crude oil prices has intensified calls for the Dangote Refinery to reduce its petrol pump price, currently set at N1,245 per liter.

Oil prices slipped below the $100 per barrel benchmark on Tuesday after reports emerged that former U.S. President Donald Trump sent a 15-point peace proposal to Iran aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East.

According to Nigerian Newssphere, both Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) recorded declines of about five percent, settling at $98 and $87 per barrel, respectively.

 

The latest drop follows weeks of heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which had previously driven crude prices from around $64 per barrel to a peak of approximately $115 before easing.

 

During the earlier rally, the Dangote Refinery raised petrol prices multiple times in March 2026, citing the surge in global crude oil markets. The adjustments pushed pump prices across the country to between N1,361 and N1,380 per liter.

 

However, with crude prices now trending downward, stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy sector are urging the refinery to reflect current market realities by reducing fuel costs.

 

Energy experts, including Eleojo Joseph and Dominic Ebere, argued that a price reduction is necessary, noting that the refinery had previously increased rates in response to rising crude prices and should act similarly as prices decline.