By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

In an extraordinary and controversial final, Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra-time on Sunday to lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy at a stunned Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The match was decided by a moment of individual brilliance but will be remembered for an unprecedented protest. With the score 0-0 deep into second-half stoppage time, Senegal saw a potential winner by Ismaila Sarr disallowed for a foul. Moments later, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty for a shirt-pull on Brahim Diaz.

In a shocking escalation, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch in protest of the decisions. The dramatic walk-off halted play for over fifteen minutes before senior player Sadio Mane helped mediate a return. The reprieve proved decisive: Diaz’s audacious panenka penalty was calmly saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, sending the match to extra-time.

There, midfielder Pape Gueye struck the decisive blow, unleashing a spectacular rocket from outside the box that curled into the far corner, leaving Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou rooted.

Senegal then professionally managed the remaining minutes to secure their second AFCON crown. The victory also shattered Morocco’s formidable 16-year undefeated record on home soil, dating back to 2009.

The final was not without chances in regulation. Bounou had produced a superb save to deny Iliman Ndiaye in the first half, while Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi spurned a golden opportunity, flashing his shot wide when through on goal shortly before full-time. Ultimately, it was Senegal’s resilience amid the chaos that sealed a historic and tumultuous triumph.

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kano State Chapter, has commended His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State, and the Nigeria Police Force for their rapid and decisive action in apprehending suspects linked to the gruesome murder of a woman and her children in Dorayi, Gwale Local Government Area.

In a strongly worded statement signed by Comrade Aisha Muhammad Yanleman (Assistant Secretary) and Sayyida Bahijja Malam Kabara (Chairperson), NAWOJ praised the professionalism and commitment of security agencies in ensuring that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice.

The association noted that the prompt response has reassured the public and restored confidence in the state’s security architecture, sending a clear message that crime will not go unpunished in Kano.

NAWOJ expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family, describing the incident as a “painful and irreparable loss” that has touched the conscience of the entire nation. The association extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, emphasizing that the tragedy calls for collective reflection and responsibility.

Beyond commending the authorities, NAWOJ urged families and communities to be more vigilant, stressing that some individuals may silently battle mental health challenges such as depression. The association highlighted the importance of early intervention and care to prevent avoidable tragedies, pointing to the Dorayi incident as a wake-up call for society.

The association strongly insisted that justice must take its full course, not only to punish the culprits but also to serve as a deterrent to others. NAWOJ reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the protection of women and children, while praying for peaceful coexistence, safety, and harmony in Kano State and Nigeria at large.

“Once again, NAWOJ Kano State Chapter stands in solidarity with the grieving family and reiterates its commitment to promoting peace, security, and the protection of women and children in our society,” the statement concluded.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Federal Government to immediately clarify the terms of a $5 billion health cooperation agreement recently signed with the United States, citing “materially different” and potentially unconstitutional framings of the deal.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed alarm over what it described as conflicting portrayals of the five-year bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in December.

While the Nigerian government has presented the agreement as an inclusive framework to strengthen health security and boost domestic financing, U.S. official statements framed it as focusing strongly on supporting Christian faith-based healthcare providers.

The ADC highlighted that the U.S. version introduces “identity-based elements” absent from Nigeria’s account, suggesting funds could be directed primarily to health institutions linked to one religion—a move the party says violates constitutional guarantees against discrimination.

“The U.S. characterisation indicates that spending under the MoU should be targeted at health institutions backed by a particular religion only,” Abdullahi stated. “This raises serious constitutional and national cohesion concerns.”

Under the agreement, the U.S. intends to commit nearly $2.1 billion over five years, while Nigeria is to increase its domestic health spending by about $3 billion in the same period. The deal covers HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio interventions.

The ADC also pointed to a clause allowing the U.S. President or Secretary of State to pause or terminate programmes deemed against national interest—a condition reportedly omitted from Nigeria’s public explanation of the MoU.

“Why is the Nigerian government committing more resources under an arrangement that appears discriminatory and grants unilateral termination powers to a foreign government?” Abdullahi questioned.

Citing Sections 42(1), 15, and 17 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibit discrimination and obligate the state to promote national integration, the ADC insisted that any agreement introducing identity-based distinctions in public service provision is fundamentally flawed.

The party has demanded that the Federal Government clearly state which version reflects the actual terms and explain the significant discrepancies between the two accounts.