Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign teenage midfielder Cristian Orozco.
Orozco, 17, currently plays for Fortaleza CEIF and has captained Colombia’s Under-17 team.
The defensive midfielder played a key role in helping Colombia reach the final of the U17 South American Championship earlier this year. He has been identified as an exciting young talent with first-team potential.
However, Orozco will not be able to complete a move to Old Trafford until he turns 18 next year. He will continue to play for Fortaleza CEIF until the transfer can be finalised in July.
Orozco is expected to arrive in Manchester with a profile similar to Sekou Kone, who joined United’s academy from Malian club Guidars FC for around £1million in the 2024 summer transfer window.
Kone impressed scouts playing for Mali at the Under-17 World Cup before his transfer to United. Orozco’s strong performances at the recent U17 South American Championship have drawn similar attention.
United have broadened their academy recruitment in recent years due to Brexit rules, which prevent them from signing players from Europe.
In January, the club agreed a £3.3million fee, rising to £7million with add-ons, with Cerro Porteno to sign Diego Leon.
The deal stipulated that Leon would complete his move from Paraguay in the summer window. Leon impressed coaches at Carrington and worked exclusively with the first team in pre-season.
He was introduced to the Old Trafford crowd alongside Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko.
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Oskar Ibru was a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s business landscape, serving as the Chairman and CEO of the Ibru Organisation, one of the nation’s most enduring family conglomerates. As the eldest son and successor to founder Michael Ibru, he played a vital role in sustaining and diversifying the family’s extensive interests across shipping, oil & gas, fishing, port operations, and real estate. Beyond the boardroom, he was a distinguished philanthropist and patron of the arts.
Early Life and Education Born on August 11, 1958, Ibru attended Igbobi College before pursuing higher education in the United States, earning his first degree from Skidmore College and a master’s degree from Atlanta University’s graduate school of business.
A Legacy Forged in Shipping Returning to Nigeria in 1983, Ibru honed his skills with a management trainee role at The Guardian. He then joined Emsee Shipping Lines Limited, quickly rising from research and development manager to general manager, before becoming the company’s managing director in 1992. His maritime expertise was further recognized when he became the first African Commodore of the Apapa Boat Club and was named the 2006 Maritime Personality of the Year. He later served as the President of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping.
Philanthropy and Personal Life Ibru was renowned for his patronage of the arts and his deep commitment to giving back, especially in the education and healthcare sectors. He chaired the Dream Child Foundation, an NGO that partnered with the World Bank and KPMG to use music and culture to empower and support African children. He was married to Chief Wanda Ibru, the curator of the Ijebu National Museum and owner of the Pathways Botanical Gardens. They raised three children: Makashe Ibru-Awogboro, Chris Ibru, and Nenesi Ibru-Okeke.
Oskar Ibru was married to Chief Wanda Ibru, curator of the Ijebu National Museum and owner of the Pathways Botanical Gardens. They had three children: Makashe Ibru-Awogboro, Chris Ibru and Nenesi Ibru-Okeke. He was the first African Commodore of the Apapa Boat Club, and was the 2006 Maritime Personality of the year.
Education and Early Life:
Oskar Ibru was born on 11 August 1958, the eldest son of Michael Ibru, founder of the Ibru Organization. He attended Igbobi College for his secondary education before proceeding to Skidmore College for his first degree and later Atlanta University graduate school of business for his master’s degree.
Career:
Ibru returned to the country in 1983 and joined The Guardian as a management trainee and then Emsee Shipping Lines Limited in the position of research and development manager. He rose to the position of General manager and became managing director of the company in 1992. He headed most of the companies under the Ibru Organization where he participated in the decision-making process in areas such as shipping, fishing, oil & gas, port operations and real estate.
He was president of the governing council of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping.
Oskar Ibru was the Chairman of the Dream Child foundation. The Dream Child Foundation is an NGO which aims to usethe culture of music to empower and support the African child in partnership with the World Bank and KPMG. He was renowned for his patronage of the arts and philanthropic endeavours, particularly in the education and healthcare sectors.
Ibru was a key figure in Nigeria’s business landscape and played a vital role in sustaining the family conglomerate founded by his father. He was the most notable heir of
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Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has disclosed that a Delta Air Lines flight en route from Lagos, Nigeria, to Atlanta, United States, was forced to make an emergency diversion to Accra, Ghana, after a fire incident in the aircraft’s oven on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, Mr Michael Achimugu, said this on X.
Achimugu said after the issue was resolved, the flight crew had exceeded their rest time limits, making it impossible to continue.
There is confirmation that the airline’s flight DL055 from Lagos to Atlanta was diverted to Accra on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, due to a fire situation in the aircraft oven.
He said: “By the time the issue was resolved, the flight crew had exceeded their rest time limits, making it impossible to continue.
“However, some passengers were rebooked on the airline’s Accra-New York flight the same evening, and this effort was repeated on Wednesday night for additional passengers. Flight DL055 LOS – ATL finally departed from Accra today, September 25, 2025, at approximately 1200hrs.”
On Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Lagos that was cancelled today September 25, 2025, he added, “Although passengers were duly informed about the cancellation, the airline accommodated those who arrived at the airport by providing transportation to hotels as reported in the flight disruption of this morning.
“23 passengers had been rebooked on Air France, while others would be airlifted on British Airways, KLM, and Lufthansa Airlines.
“The remaining passengers are scheduled to depart on the airline’s scheduled flight of tomorrow, September 26, 2025, at 1140hrs. Air France flight has not been cancelled as speculated but would operate at 0130hrs.”
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The gaming sector is one of the fastest-moving industries in the digital economy. Investment numbers show a clear shift in how entertainment is funded and consumed. Players, studios, and investors are shaping a future where gaming takes center stage in digital culture. Platforms such as 1xbet reflect how gaming and interactive entertainment connect users across regions. And offer them easy access to both casual and competitive formats.
Financial data shows how different continents prioritize gaming as a sector of growth.
Regional investment overview
Each region has a unique approach to gaming investments. Global revenue for gaming reached more than 180 billion USD in 2022, and projections continue to rise. Services such as https://1xbet.gw/en/mobile highlight how user demand supports this growth, giving players secure access across devices and reinforcing market trust.
Here is a breakdown of investment patterns by region:
North America: major focus on studios, esports, and console gaming.
Europe: balanced growth between PC, and also esports, and iGaming platforms.
Asia: largest market, with strong emphasis on mobile and competitive titles.
Middle East and Africa: rapidly growing infrastructure and mobile gaming demand.
This structure shows how gaming has become not just a pastime but a global investment field.
North America: leading with studios and esports
North America invests heavily in studios and publishers that dominate global sales. Companies based there control many of the best-selling franchises.
Investment areas include studio acquisitions, console hardware development, and competitive streaming platforms.
Region
Share of global gaming investments 2023
Key focus area
North America
30%
Studios, esports, broadcasting
Europe
25%
PC, iGaming, regulations
Asia
35%
Mobile, competitive titles
Middle East & Africa
10%
Infrastructure, mobile access
Europe: regulations and diversification
Europe takes a different route, balancing investment between PC gaming, esports, and regulated iGaming platforms. Strong consumer protection laws shape how money flows into this space. The result is a sustainable environment where growth is steady, if less explosive than Asia. Services like 1xbet online illustrate how platforms adapt to European regulation, offering users trust and compliance alongside entertainment.
European investors also put resources into VR and AR projects. This ensures that future shifts in immersive technology will not bypass the region. Europe’s balance of innovation and regulation makes it a solid, if slightly conservative, player in the global market.
Investment area
Estimated share in Europe 2023
Trend
PC gaming
40%
Strong esports base
Mobile
25%
Growing adoption
iGaming
20%
Highly regulated
VR/AR
15%
Investment in future tech
Asia: the global powerhouse
Asia represents the largest share of gaming investment. With billions of mobile users, the region dominates revenue charts. Mobile gaming alone accounts for more than half of total spend.
Sub-region
Revenue 2022 (USD billions)
Forecast 2030 (USD billions)
East Asia
55
85
South Asia
15
30
Southeast Asia
20
40
Middle East and Africa: growing infrastructure
Although smaller in scale, Middle East and Africa investments grow faster than most. Mobile networks expand rapidly, and governments recognize gaming as a sector of digital economy growth.
Esports and media rights
Esports has become a central pillar for investment worldwide. Esports revenues are no longer secondary streams but central to the business model. This reflects how seriously the investment community takes competitive gaming today.
Regional comparisons: who leads and why
Comparing regions shows the importance of demographics, and also technology, and regulation. Asia leads due to scale and mobile adoption. North America excels in studio output and esports marketing. Europe builds long-term stability with regulation and VR research. The Middle East and Africa add growth potential with young demographics and rising connectivity.
Broader impact on the global economy
Gaming investments affect more than entertainment. They create jobs in software, hardware, and event management.
Investments also change how players interact with sports, media, and even education. Cross-platform integration means gaming is no longer isolated but part of daily digital habits.
Expanding opportunities
The regions investing most in gaming reflect not only financial priorities but also cultural momentum. Asia continues to lead, but Europe and North America remain essential pillars. While the Middle East and Africa bring exciting future potential. With platforms ensuring players can access entertainment safely, the global picture looks set for further expansion. For investors and players alike, the story of gaming is one of steady growth, shifting power, and expanding opportunities.
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Online mobile gaming in Nigeria has rapidly evolved into a multi-million-naira industry, captivating the country’s youth and becoming one of the leading forms of digital entertainment.
From adrenaline-pumping battle royales to immersive football simulations, the Nigerian gaming landscape in 2025 is both diverse and fiercely competitive. According to recent user analytics, a few titles have emerged as clear favourites among local players.
eFootball
Formerly known as Pro Evolution Soccer (PES), eFootball has cemented its place as one of Nigeria’s most beloved sports games. Developed by Konami, the mobile version of this classic title boasts over 16 million monthly active users globally.
In Nigeria, the game maintains a dedicated user base of 10,000 to 20,000 monthly players, with youths logging on daily to compete in local and international matches.
Call of Duty: Mobile
Call of Duty: Mobile (CODM) continues to ride the wave of its console legacy, offering players a gritty, realistic combat experience. With extensive multiplayer modes and cutting-edge graphics, it remains a strong contender in Nigeria’s online shooter scene.
According to Sensor Tower data, CODM averages 34,000 weekly active users in Nigeria, despite its higher device requirements.
PUBG Mobile
Regarded as the king of mobile battle royale games, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) Mobile enjoys a massive following in Nigeria. Its large-scale maps and strategic gameplay have kept it ahead in the shooter genre.
The game records approximately 59,000 weekly active users in Nigeria, beating its competitors in overall session times and in-game engagement.
Roblox
While not a traditional game, Roblox has emerged as a sleeper hit among Nigerian youth. The platform offers thousands of mini-games created by users worldwide, encouraging creativity and social interaction.
Despite its simple graphics, Roblox boasts an impressive 98,000 weekly active Nigerian users, especially among teenagers and young adults.
Free Fire
Easily the most accessible and widely played game in the country, Garena’s Free Fire dominates the mobile gaming scene with a staggering 425,000 weekly active users in Nigeria.
Its success lies in its low hardware demands, quick match format, and localised appeal. While it may not match the technical polish of its rivals, it remains unmatched in reach and engagement across all income brackets.
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The stock market reversed losses by 0.31 per cent on Thursday, recording N279 billion gain for investors.
This is coming after four consecutive sessions of losses. The uptrend was driven by improved bargain hunting and renewed investors interest in stocks like: Mecure Industries, Oando, Mc Nicholas, CHAMS, Legend Internet and 29 other stocks.
Specifically, the market capitalisation, which opened at N89.063 trillion, added N279 billion to close at N89.342 trillion.
Similarly, the All-Share Index soared by 0.31 per cent or 432.94 points, settling at 141,149.04 compared with 140,716.10 recorded on Wednesday.
Also, the market breadth closed positive with 34 gainers against 22 lossers.
Mecure Industries led the advancers’ table by 9.89 per cent, closing at N26.10. Oando trailed by 9.50 per cent, ending the session at N49 while Mc Nicholas climbed by 9.31 per cent, settling at N3.64 per share.
CHAMS rose by 9.24 per cent, finishing at N3.43 and Legend Internet gained by 9.18 per cent, closing at N5.35 per share.
On the flip side, Eterna led the decliners’ table by 10 per cent, settling at N27.90.
Sovereign Trust Insurance followed, shedding by 4.84 per cent, closing at N2.95 and The Initiates fell by 3.84 per cent, ending the session at N12.02 per share.
Caverton Offshore Support Group dipped by 3.76 per cent, finishing at N6.40 while Fidson lost by 3.72 per cent, closing at N41.40 per share.
An evaluation of the market activity revealed increase in the market volume and value and a decline in transactions.
A total of 5.5 billion shares valued at N419.7 billion were traded across 20,399 transactions, compared to 442.6 million shares worth N16.9 billion that exchanged hands in 21,684 transactions earlier on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Aradel Holdings led the market chart in volume and value with 693.3 million shares valued at N388.2 billion.
Consolidated Hallmark Holdings followed with 333.3 million shares worth N1.3 billion while Sterling Nigeria traded 104.9 million shares valued at N771.8 million.
Zenith Bank transacted 45.5 million shares worth N3.14 billion and Unity Bank sold 4 million shares valued at N12.7 billion. (NAN)
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Femi Otedola, a significant shareholder and chairman of First HoldCo Plc, has increased its stake in the company with the acquisition of additional 64,878,668 million shares valued at N2,011,238,708.
FBN Holdings disclosed the acquisition in two separate documents as required by the post listing requirement of the Nigerian Exchange Limited, NGX.
According to the documents, signed by Adewale L. O. Arogundade, the Company Secretary, Otedola purchased 39,313,379 shares at N31 per share, valued at N1,218,714,749 on September 23, 2025.
On the same day, Otedola acquired an additional 25,565,289 shares, valued at N792,523,959 through Calvados Global Services Limited.
Consequently, Otedola’s direct shareholding has increased to 3,251,346,245 units, representing 7.76%. His indirect holdings now stand at 3,491,125,586 units, representing 8.34%.
Otedola now holds a 16.1 percent stake in First HoldCo, compared to the 13.15 percent recorded in September 2024.
Otedola’s new stake holdings comes almost three months after Oba Otudeko, the founder of Barbican Capital Limited and chairman of Honeywell Group, and Tunde Hassan-Odukale, group managing director of Leadway Assurance, sold over 10 billion shares held in First HoldCo.
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A 30-year-old man, Mutawakilu Ibrahim, has been arrested by the Kano State Police Command for allegedly stabbing his grandparents to death during a heated argument over food at their residence in Kofar Dawanau Quarters, Dala Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, the incident occurred on Thursday morning, around 9:30 am, and was promptly reported at the Dala Divisional Police Headquarters.
The suspect, believed to be under the influence of intoxicants at the time of the attack, allegedly used a knife to inflict multiple stab wounds on his grandfather, Muhammad Dansokoto, 75, and grandmother, Hadiza Tasidi, 65, following a disagreement over food.
The victims were rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, where medical personnel confirmed them dead on arrival.
Their bodies were examined and subsequently released to family members for burial in line with Islamic rites.
In response to the tragedy, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, for a discreet investigation.
“The suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation,” the police spokesperson added.
Kano State, Nigeria’s most populous state, has witnessed an increase in reported cases of violent crimes within family settings in recent years.
Security experts and community leaders have often linked such incidents to drug abuse, mental health challenges, and rising economic hardship, which put pressure on family relationships.
The use of illicit substances, particularly among youths and young adults in Kano, has been a recurring concern.
Authorities and civil society groups have repeatedly warned that drug abuse often fuels violent behaviour and domestic disputes, sometimes leading to fatal outcomes.
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Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba has entered the global elite, securing a spot among the top 10 fighters in the world in the latest rankings by The Ring magazine.
Updated on Thursday, the prestigious list—known as boxing’s most respected independent ratings—placed the 30-year-oldAjagba at No. 10.
He joins an elite lineup of heavyweights, with Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk holding the champion title and Britain’s Tyson Fury topping the contender list.
Efe Ajagba, who boasts a professional record of 20 wins, one loss, and one draw, including 14 knockouts, has impressed boxing enthusiasts worldwide with a series of strong performances that have reignited his world title ambitions.
His most recent victory further cemented his position as one of Africa’s leading heavyweight contenders.
Other top fighters in the division include New Zealand’s Joseph Parker and Germany’s Agit Kabayel, who occupy top positions among contenders.
Founded in 1922, The Ring magazine updates its rankings periodically, taking into account fight results, performance, and track records.
Ajagba’s inclusion makes him the only Nigerian currently ranked in the heavyweight top 10.
The Ring Heavyweight Rankings:
Oleksandr Usyk (Champion) – 24-0-0 (15 KOs)
Tyson Fury – 34-2-1 (24 KOs)
Joseph Parker – 36-3-0 (24 KOs)
Agit Kabayel – 26-0-0 (17 KOs)
Daniel Dubois – 22-3-0 (21 KOs)
Filip Hrgovic – 19-1-0 (14 KOs)
Fabio Wardley – 19-0-1 (18 KOs)
Zhilei Zhang – 27-3-1 (22 KOs)
Martin Bakole – 21-2-1 (16 KOs)
Moses Itauma – 13-0-0 (11 KOs)
Efe Ajagba – 20-1-1 (14 KOs)
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A 38-year-old housewife, Temitayo Adefioye, was on Thursday docked in an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly threatening to kill her former husband.
Adefioye, whose address was not provided, is charged with assault, threat to life and conduct likely to cause the breach of the peace.
The Prosecution Counsel, Insp. Olagoke Adegbenro told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Aug. 13, at Badeku, Ibadan.
He alleged that the defendant hired thugs to beat up Mr Akintomide Oladotun, who was her former husband.
Adegbenro alleged that the defendant also brought acid and petrol into Oladotun’s compound to harm him.
He said Adefioye conducted herself in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by sending different threatening messages to her ex-husband.
He said the offences contravened the provisions of Sections 351, 86 and 249(d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The Magistrate, Mrs Olasinmibo Sanusi-Zubair, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100,000 and two sureties in like sum.
She held that the two sureties must be blood relatives of the defendant and thereafter adjourned the case until December 9for hearing.
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Lagos Government demolishes over 19 buildings at Trade Fair Plaza. The demolition exercise was carried out under heavy security, with a convoy of trucks from the Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, and tactical teams stationed around the plaza.
The officers restricted access to the premises and sent away traders who attempted to record the exercise.
At the time of filing this report, selective buildings inside the plaza were already reduced to rubble, sparking outrage from shop owners who claimed they were not served prior notice.
One trader, who spoke reluctantly to newsmen, said: “We don’t even know the reason for the demolition. That’s why you see people moving up and down, asking questions.” Another speculated that the affected structures might have been marked for being too close to a canal.
A visibly agitated plaza owner, who arrived while his shop was being pulled down, screamed from his car that no notice was served before the bulldozers moved in. Some sales representatives lamented that their bosses’ goods, still locked up inside the shops, were destroyed alongside the buildings.
No fewer than 19 buildings valued at over N150 million each were affected by the exercise. “If the government doesn’t want companies or development here, they should just come out and say it. People have invested their life savings here. Over 19 buildings are in that plaza”, one trader said angrily.
When contacted to clarify the role of the Task Force, its Chairman said the operation did not originate from his office. He explained: “Sometimes, security agencies in the state seek the backup of the Task Force to secure the environment. That does not mean they initiated the process. However, if such reports come to my table, I will let you know.”
As at press time, there was no official statement from the Lagos State Government on the demolition, but security operatives remained on the ground to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
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A lady accused of kidnapping a child in Agbarho community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, was burnt alive by an irate mob.
A witness who disclosed that the incident took place at Ekwvere Road claimed that the lady hid the seven-year-old boy she had abducted in a sack.
The source added that the kidnapper was carrying a Bible at the time.
According to community sources within the vicinity, the lady was confronted when it was observed that she was unusually dragging the sack.
Residents who accosted her demanded to know what was in the sack.
“She was unstable when they asked her to disclose what she was carrying in the sack. When the bag was forced open, they found a seven-year-old child in it. They shouted, and it attracted a large crowd,” someone who witnessed the incident said.
The irate mob proceeded to beat her to a pulp, brought a tyre to the scene, and forced it down her neck.
The witness added, “The lady and the tyre were set ablaze.”
The Agbarho community has been in the news for over a year due to missing children cases, and mothers have alleged that no fewer than 30 children have been taken.
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