Today's Paper Roundup: Sat 26-09-2026
From a nervy Super Eagles win in Uyo to fresh tension in the White House press corps, and from Tinubu's call for patience to a growing debate over Nigeria's $1trillion economy dream, here's what's making news this Saturday morning.
World Watch: Trump vs Press, US-China AI Pact
The White House has escalated its running battle with the media after barring CNN reporters from travelling with President Donald Trump on a planned Saturday trip. The move follows the president's attempt last week to shut out three outlets entirely over what he considers hostile coverage. In a separate development from Washington, the United States and China have struck an agreement to open a direct line of communication over artificial intelligence incidents, a step announced in the wake of a bilateral summit.
“CNN blocked from Trump trip on Saturday”
“accusing them of providing only negative coverage on him”
Super Eagles Scrape Past Madagascar
Nigeria's Super Eagles opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a nervy 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo, having to fight back from a goal down under coach Eric Chelle. The result has already sparked debate over which players impressed and which struggled in the narrow win.
“Super Eagles Survive Madagascar Scare to Win 2-1”
Economy: Tinubu's Reassurance, and the $1trn Question
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians not to despair over ongoing security and economic hardships, insisting there is light at the end of the tunnel. But economists are pouring cold water on the scale of ambition behind government targets, warning that Nigeria would need to sustain an annual compound growth rate of roughly 28 per cent over the next five years just to hit the federal government's $1 trillion economy target by 2030. On the markets side, the NGX equities index extended its rally into a third straight week, while separately Nigeria has slipped to third place among African countries with the highest monetary policy rates after the CBN's benchmark rate cut.
“Nigeria Must Grow 28% Annually To Hit 2030 Target – Experts”
“the benchmark NGX All-Share Index (ASI) rising 2,308.85 basis points or approximately 0.92%”
“Nigeria dropped to third position in September 2026 from second in July”
Politics: Constitution Amendment, Anambra Ecology, Delta Drug Squad Row
The Jigawa State House of Assembly has received the constitution amendment bill from the National Assembly, pledging swift action ahead of the deadline. In Anambra, Senator Umeh has renewed calls for the state to be declared an ecological disaster zone, citing severe erosion and flooding, particularly in Anambra Central. Meanwhile in Delta State, the Ukwuani council chairman has said his local government lacks the constitutional power to form a drug enforcement squad, following the death of an NDLEA officer, even as he confirmed a suspect has been arrested while others were released.
“Jigawa assembly receives constitution amendment bill, pledges timely action”
“The entire Anambra is prone to erosion menace and flooding”
“Ukwuani council lacks power to form drug squad — Ajede”
Nnamdi Kanu at 58, and RCCG's South Africa Returnees
As detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu marks his 58th birthday, his brother Prince Emmanuel Kanu has spoken defiantly about those who doubted the separatist leader's resilience. In Lagos, the Redeemed Christian Church of God has welcomed the first batch of 100 Nigerian returnees from South Africa under a humanitarian initiative, stressing that beneficiaries were not selected along membership lines.
“They thought they had buried you”
“says beneficiaries not selected on membership basis”
World Affairs & Diaspora
Nigeria's federal government is facing criticism at home over its stance at the United Nations, with the Muslim Public Affairs Centre faulting Abuja for leaving Palestine out of its national statement at the 81st UN General Assembly.
“Muslim group faults FG for omitting Palestine from UNGA statement”
Entertainment & Culture: Remembering Olu Jacobs, Kizz Daniel Opens Up
Tributes continue to pour in for veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs, whose five-decade career spanning theatre, television and film in London and Nigeria is being celebrated as he is laid to rest. Meanwhile, singer Kizz Daniel has opened up about the real reason behind his recent hiatus from music, revealing it followed the death of his mother this year rather than any secret album project.
“The lion has gone, but the roar keeps reverberating”
“Why I took break from music — Kizz Daniel”
Also in the News
Tech and consumer news out of the US sees TikTok agreeing to pay Alabama at least $100 million and to enact time limits for teen users, settling a lawsuit over child safety on the platform. In maritime news, the National Hydrographic Agency says it will release three new nautical charts covering approaches to Calabar, Jamestown and the Port of Calabar on October 1. And in sport, Brazilian football great Roberto Carlos has candidly discussed how he lost almost all the fortune he made during his playing career.
“TikTok agrees to teen limits in US settlement”
“3 New Calabar Nautical Charts To Be Unveiled October 1 – NHA”
“How I lost all money I made from my football career”