“Good morning, Nigeria! Here’s a roundup of the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today, Sunday, November 9, 2025, as compiled by Gossip News Now .”
1. NPFL Match Turns Violent as Katsina United Fans Attack Rival Player
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match between Katsina United and Barau FC descended into chaos on Saturday after violence erupted at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
The incident left Barau FC forward, Nana Abraham, severely injured after he was attacked and suffered a deep cut to the neck.
The violent outbreak reportedly occurred moments after Barau’s Orji Kalu scored a 69th-minute equaliser, bringing the scoreline to 1-1.
Confirming the incident on its official 𝕏 page, Barau FC wrote:
“70’ The match is temporarily halted following an attack on Barau FC player, Nana Abraham. Katsina United | 1-1 | Barau FC.”
Just moments earlier, the club had posted:
“69’ Goal! Orji Kalu levels the scores. Katsina United | 1-1 | Barau FC.”
Graphic images from the scene showed Nana Abraham bleeding heavily from a neck wound as officials and teammates rushed to provide emergency aid while chaos unfolded on the pitch.
Security personnel were quickly deployed to restore order, forcing a temporary suspension of the game.
The NPFL and relevant authorities are expected to issue statements and launch investigations into the violent incident.
2. Trump’s Views on Nigeria Shaped by Those Who Thrive on Division – Shehu Sani
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has claimed that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s perception of Nigeria’s security challenges was influenced by individuals who benefit from spreading chaos and division.
Speaking in an interview with The Washington Post, Sani criticised the “Christian genocide” narrative reportedly shared with Trump, describing it as misleading and politically motivated.
He stated, “Trump’s views about Nigeria and its leadership were shaped by people who thrive in chaos and division. They present a one-sided picture of insecurity and ignore the courage and resilience of Nigerians confronting terrorism daily.”
The former lawmaker and human rights activist maintained that those promoting such narratives are “anarchists and propagandists” who distort facts about Nigeria for ideological or political gain.
While acknowledging that Nigeria continues to face serious threats from insurgents and bandits, Sani said the nation’s security agencies and citizens remain committed to restoring peace and stability.
He urged the international community, especially the United States, to rely on balanced information and support Nigeria through intelligence sharing, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic engagement rather than biased reports.
“The fight against terrorism requires not only military strength but also social justice,” he said. “Addressing poverty, unemployment, and corruption is critical to achieving lasting peace.”
Sani also cautioned against what he described as the “weaponisation of misinformation” against African nations, warning that it undermines democracy and fuels instability across the continent.
3. Shari’ah Council Calls for INEC Chairman Amupitan’s Removal Over Controversial Legal Brief
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over concerns surrounding a controversial legal document he allegedly authored in 2020.
The call followed a SaharaReporters publication alleging that Amupitan had written a brief describing violence in northern Nigeria as a “Christian genocide” and linking the region’s insecurity to the 19th-century jihad of Sheikh Uthman bn Fodio.
In a statement released on Friday, November 7, 2025 (16th Jumada I 1447 AH), the SCSN said it received the revelations with “deep disappointment and grave concern,” referencing details from the report titled Nigeria’s Silent Slaughter, published by the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON).
The statement read, “If indeed Prof. Amupitan authored the said document, his submissions are not only unbecoming of a person of learning but also dangerously inimical to Nigeria’s unity, peace, and stability.”
The council condemned the reported remarks, describing them as “divisive, sectarian, abusive, and factually inaccurate narratives against a majority faith community.”
It insisted that the insecurity plaguing the North and North-Central regions should not be portrayed as religious persecution but rather as a product of “banditry, extremism, poverty, and social injustice.”
The SCSN also criticised Amupitan’s alleged attempt to associate present-day insecurity with the historic jihad of Sheikh Uthman bn Fodio.
“The Jihad of Sheikh Uthman was not a war of hatred or extermination,” the statement noted. “It was a movement for spiritual, moral, and social reform — principles that continue to be respected across Africa today.”
4. Ali Modu Sheriff Denies Accusing VP Shettima of Creating Boko Haram
Former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has dismissed as false a viral report claiming he accused Vice President Kashim Shettima of creating the Boko Haram insurgency.
The fake publication, which circulated widely online, quoted Sheriff as allegedly saying, “It’s not me; it’s Shettima who created Boko Haram.”
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, Sheriff described the report as “false, malicious, and dangerous,” stressing that it was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish his image.
“The said story is a complete fabrication, devoid of truth, and a calculated effort to malign my person and create unnecessary political tension,” he said.
Sheriff clarified that he did not grant any interview or make any comment regarding Vice President Shettima, insisting that the story was the handiwork of mischief-makers bent on discrediting him.
He added, “This false report is not only mischievous but also a dangerous piece of fake news aimed at undermining my years of contributions to peace, unity, and development in Borno State and Nigeria at large.”
Reaffirming his dedication to national stability, Sheriff said he has directed his legal team to take swift action against those responsible for spreading the defamatory content.
“Senator Sheriff has instructed his lawyers to identify all individuals, bloggers, or media outlets involved in publishing or sharing this baseless story,” the statement read.
He warned that failure to retract the report would attract full legal consequences.
5. Soludo Defeated in APC Candidate Ukachukwu’s Polling Unit
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nicholas Ukachukwu, has defeated the incumbent governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, in his polling unit as counting commenced in the Anambra gubernatorial election.
Gossip News Now reports that the early arrival of electoral materials and officials ensured a smooth start to voting in what observers described as a closely contested race.
Ukachukwu cast his vote at exactly 11:46 a.m. at Umudimala 1, Polling Unit 011, Osumenyi Ward 2, Nnewi South Local Government Area. Announcing the results, the presiding officer, Esther Ojukwu, disclosed that Ukachukwu secured 126 votes, while Soludo managed only six.
Earlier, Ukachukwu had raised concerns about reports of vote-buying and intimidation of APC agents at various polling centres across the state.
Speaking shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 012, Osumenyi Ward 2, he described vote trading as a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
“If there’s no seller, there can’t be a buyer,” he said. “Some people have chosen to sell their conscience, which is worse than those buying votes. When you exchange your right for money, you lose your voice as a citizen. You can’t complain later — society must be blamed for encouraging this.”
The APC candidate also alleged that one of his party’s agents had been assaulted while monitoring the election, describing the incident as an act of intimidation.
“There have been cases where people are beaten up. It’s bullying, and though it may seem acceptable to some today, power changes hands. God gives power to whom He wills,” Ukachukwu stated.
6. Miyetti Allah Warns U.S. Against Proposed Sanctions: “Such Actions Are Dangerous”
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has cautioned the United States against imposing sanctions on the group over alleged violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
Gossip News Now reports that the U.S. House of Representatives recently urged the Departments of State and Treasury to place targeted sanctions on several Nigerian organisations, including Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
Reacting to the development in an interview with Daily Post, a state leader of MACBAN, Bakoji Adamu, described the move as unjust, stressing that it would be wrong to punish an entire association for the alleged actions of a few individuals.
“It is dangerous to take such measures without proper investigation,” Adamu warned. “If an individual breaks the law, that person should be investigated and punished — not the entire group.”
He cautioned that blanket sanctions could heighten tension and misunderstanding within the Fulani community and further aggravate insecurity in the country.
Adamu, a retired army captain, urged foreign governments to collaborate with Nigeria on security and peacebuilding efforts rather than taking unilateral actions that could worsen existing crises.
According to him, Miyetti Allah’s mission is to foster peace and promote modern livestock management practices, not to instigate conflict.
7. Arrest Vote Buyers in Anambra Election – Senator Victor Umeh
The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Victor Umeh, has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in vote buying during the ongoing Anambra governorship election.
Speaking to journalists after casting his vote at Polling Unit 019, Aguluzoigbo Town Hall, Ward Three, Anaocha Local Government Area, Umeh expressed anger over the persistence of vote trading, describing it as a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
He noted that the election had been largely peaceful, with no major complaints about malfunctioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), unlike in previous elections.
Condemning the act of vote buying, the senator stated:
“Anyone who believes the only way to win an election is through rigging or buying votes is an enemy of the state and of Nigeria. Vote buying has been clearly outlawed, yet some people still engage in it. Those who sell their votes must understand that they are selling their right to complain.”
He added that the money received from such acts is fleeting and cannot justify the long-term damage done to democratic governance.
“I don’t know how much one can be paid that will last four years. The money finishes in two days, but you lose your right to demand accountability for four years,” he said.
Umeh further stressed that real change in Nigeria must come from the actions of citizens, not just politicians.
“Those of us in the National Assembly see the mood of the nation. It’s not lawmakers that will change Nigeria — it’s the citizens. If people keep collecting money to vote for candidates they don’t believe in, they are destroying their own future and that of their families,” he said.
He called on security agencies to act decisively when credible evidence of vote buying emerges.
“If there is proof of vote buying, those involved should be arrested. The right thing is to assess candidates based on merit and vote accordingly. That is how we can strengthen democracy in this country,” he concluded.
8. #AnambraDecides2025: Observers, Civil Groups Commend INEC for Peaceful and Credible Election
International observers and civil society organisations have praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the peaceful and transparent conduct of the ongoing Anambra State governorship election.
Gossip News Now reports that the commendations were contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Dayo Oketola.
Updates from the INEC Situation Room revealed that voting across the state was orderly, with improved voter turnout and a calm atmosphere compared to the 2021 governorship election.
Observers attributed the smooth process to INEC’s strong logistical planning, effective deployment of technology, and the leadership of its Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN).
Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke of the International Association of World Peace Advocates lauded the electoral body’s performance, describing the process as “peaceful, professional, and well-coordinated.”
He also commended the security agencies for maintaining discipline and calm at polling centres. “The environment is peaceful and secure. In some polling units, we observed up to seven police officers, and their conduct has been commendable. The synergy among the security agencies is impressive,” Nkweke stated.
Addressing claims of vote buying, Nkweke said his team had found no evidence of such incidents in the areas they monitored. “We report what we observe, not rumours. So far, the election has been credible and free of malpractice,” he affirmed.
Civil society groups also applauded INEC for its early deployment of materials and personnel, noting that it contributed significantly to the smooth conduct of the exercise.
Ms. Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, said the timely arrival of officials and materials at polling units demonstrated INEC’s improved preparedness.
She said, “The early start of voting and the calm atmosphere reflect better planning. This should be sustained in future elections.”
9. Councillor Reportedly Shot Dead During Anambra Governorship Election
A councillor has reportedly been shot dead by gunmen in the Owerre Ezukala community of Orumba South Local Government Area during the ongoing Anambra State governorship election.
Gossip News Now gathered that the incident occurred at Owerre Ezukala Ward 1, where the deceased was said to have been casting his vote before being attacked.
An eyewitness, identified as Iyke Orji, confirmed the development to Daily Post, saying, “While voting was ongoing in Owerre Ezukala Ward 1, unknown gunmen arrived, shot a top political figure, and fled the scene. The councillor of Owerre Ezukala was fatally shot.”
However, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that there was no official report of such an incident as of the time of filing this report.
He said, “The state has been peaceful all through the exercise. The atmosphere remains calm, and there’s no record of violence anywhere in Anambra that I’m aware of for now.”
Security operatives have reportedly intensified patrols across the area as investigations continue.
10. “So She Deserves Abuse Because She Flew Private Jets?” – Tacha Slams Critics of Regina Daniels
Former Big Brother Naija star, Natasha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has condemned critics mocking Nollywood actress Regina Daniels amid her recent marital ordeal and allegations of rape and assault.
Gossip News Now reports that Tacha, in a post shared via 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), expressed outrage over the public’s response, saying that being a woman in Nigeria often feels like a crime.
She criticised those who dismissed Daniels’ claims while focusing on her luxurious lifestyle, arguing that wealth or fame should never invalidate a woman’s experience or call for justice.
Tacha wrote,
“Being a woman in this part of the world feels like a crime. Someone cries out that she’s been raped, drugged, and beaten, and instead of outrage, society starts dragging her for flying private jets and traveling the world.
“So because she lived well, she deserves to be abused? That’s the sickness of this society — a place where people justify violence against women but envy their freedom.
“At this point, what hope does the girl child even have?”
She concluded her post with the hashtags #ProtectWomen and #JusticeForReginaDaniels, urging Nigerians to stand for justice rather than perpetuate victim-blaming.
“That’s all for today’s top Nigerian newspaper headlines. For more breaking news and updates, visit Gossip News Now. Join us again tomorrow for the latest stories.”
