From 12 January, public and private schools "in safe and secure areas" will be allowed to reopen, Niger state's education ministry said in a statement. The decision follows security assessments and "extensive consultations" with security agencies, it added.

Nigeria’s anti-drug agency has arrested 22 Indian crew members after seizing over 31 kg of cocaine from a merchant vessel at Lagos’ Apapa Port.

Evangelical Christians, including the Southern Baptist Convention, and other U.S. faith groups have sought intervention following persecution claims.

Nigeria finished Group C with a perfect record after beating 10-man Uganda 3-1 in Fes. Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the first half, finishing from close range to give his side a deserved lead. Nigeria's task was made easier in the second half when Ugandan substitute goalkeeper Jamal Salim handled the ball outside his 18-yard box.

The big injury news is that striker Cyriel Dessers, the former Rangers forward, has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a thigh problem, while Blackburn’s Ryan Alebiosu, who made his senior international debut against Uganda, suffered a cut on his foot that required a hospital visit.

Nigeria face Mozambique in a knockout clash as the tournament’s most potent attackers chase their fourth title.