Egypt Edge Benin 3-1 After Extra Time to Secure Quarter-Final Spot in AFCON 2025

The **Egyptian Football Association** is delighted to announce that the Pharaohs have advanced to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 following a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Benin in the Round of 16, played at the Grand Stade d'Agadir.

In a thrilling encounter that required extra time to produce a winner, Egypt demonstrated resilience, quality, and character to overcome a determined and well-organized Benin side. The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes before the Pharaohs pulled away in the additional 30 minutes.

**Marwan Attia** broke the deadlock in the 70th minute with a stunning curled strike from the edge of the box, capping off an excellent team move involving captain **Mohamed Salah** and right-back **Mohamed Hany**. Benin's spirited response came in the 83rd minute when substitute **Jodel Dossou** tapped in after a deflection and spill by goalkeeper **Mohamed El Shenawy**, forcing extra time.

The breakthrough in the additional period arrived in the 97th minute, as defender **Yasser Ibrahim** rose superbly to head home from a well-worked corner routine, restoring Egypt's lead. With Benin pushing forward in search of an equalizer in the dying moments, the Pharaohs sealed the victory in dramatic fashion. In the 120+3rd minute, **Mohamed Salah** latched onto a precise pass from **Ahmed Sayed Zizo** on a swift counter-attack, calmly slotting the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper with the outside of his boot to make it 3-1 and confirm progression.

This result marks Egypt's place in the last eight, where they will face the winner of the tie between holders Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso. The seven-time champions, under the guidance of their coaching staff, continue their pursuit of an unprecedented eighth AFCON title — their first since 2010.

**Egyptian Football Association President** commented:  

"This was a true test of character against a brave Benin team that never stopped fighting. Our players showed tremendous spirit, quality, and belief to secure the victory. Mohamed Salah, Marwan Attia, Yasser Ibrahim, and the entire squad delivered when it mattered most. We now look ahead to the quarter-finals with confidence and determination."

The Pharaohs extend their gratitude to the passionate Egyptian fans in Agadir and back home, whose unwavering support fueled the team throughout this intense battle.

Lagos State Police Command Launches Investigation into Allegations Against Pastor Chris Okafor

The Lagos State Police Command has officially commenced a thorough investigation into multiple serious allegations leveled against Pastor Chris Okafor, Senior Pastor of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries (also known as Liberation City).

In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, the command confirmed that Pastor Okafor has been invited to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for questioning. The pastor is expected to appear before the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

The invitation follows widespread public allegations of **multiple rape**, **other sexual offences**, manipulation, infidelity, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace and breakdown of law and order in the state. These claims first gained prominence in mid-December 2025 when Nollywood actress Doris Ogala released emotional videos on social media, accusing the pastor of a long-term sexual relationship beginning in 2017, broken promises of marriage, sharing of explicit content, and contributing to personal distress.

As the controversy escalated, additional women — including the pastor's former wife, Bessem Okafor — came forward with accusations of sexual misconduct, deception, physical abuse, and related issues. Some reports have also referenced more severe claims circulating online, including references to murder allegations, though the primary focus of the current probe centers on sexual offences.

Initially, the Lagos State Police Command had stated that no action could be taken without a formal complaint from alleged victims. However, following renewed public interest, media enquiries, and direct communication with the Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh directed the SCID to proceed with the investigation — even in the absence of formal petitions — by inviting the pastor for questioning and summoning alleged victims, witnesses, and potential complainants to provide statements.

The police have assured full protection and confidentiality for anyone coming forward with information or as victims. "The Commissioner of Police has directed immediate full security coverage and protection for victims and hereby encourages them to feel free to come out and report at the Criminal Investigation Department, Panti," the statement emphasized. "The identity of the victims will be kept absolutely confidential and will be protected."

The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to a professional, transparent, and unbiased process, stressing that no individual is above the law.

Pastor Okafor, who recently married a new wife, Pearl, on December 16, 2025, and publicly apologized during a church service for past "mistakes" (kneeling on the altar to seek forgiveness), has also announced a temporary step-back from pulpit duties for rest and spiritual retreat.

This development marks a significant step in addressing the allegations that have sparked widespread discussion across social media and Nigerian society. The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided as the process unfolds.

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Apostle Harrison Ayintete Addresses Controversy Surrounding Singer Skales' Church Testimony

Apostle Harrison Ayintete, founder and lead pastor of **The Goodness Nation Ministries**, has issued a statement clarifying his position following widespread media attention on his comments regarding Nigerian music artist Skales' recent testimony shared at Harvesters International Christian Centre.

The discussion arose after Skales publicly testified about the remarkable revival of his 2014 hit song *Shake Body*, which gained renewed global popularity in 2025 following a viral dance video featuring Barcelona football sensation Lamine Yamal. The singer described the moment as a divine answer to his intense prayers and fasting, noting that multiple prayer points were fulfilled in a single day.

In a detailed response shared via social media on January 4, 2026, Apostle Ayintete emphasized that his remarks stem from a concern for biblical standards in church testimonies, rather than any personal animosity toward Skales.

> “I don’t have any issues with you dear brother,” Apostle Ayintete stated. “If you gave that testimony on your own platform, it is really not my business. I believe you have the right to enjoy the fruit of your labour.”

He clarified that the core issue lies with the decision of Skales' local church to project the testimony during a service.

> “I honestly think they shouldn’t project your testimony on SHAKE BODY,” he continued. “**You testimony doesn’t enable spiritual growth, devotion or maturity**. Your testimony does not inspire Godliness.”

Apostle Ayintete argued that testimonies in church should serve as examples that encourage believers toward deeper spiritual growth, character development, devotion to Christ, and godliness. He expressed concern that celebrating a resurgence tied to a song some view as promoting immorality could inadvertently set a wrong precedent for younger Christians.

> “It will only make more younger people do immoral music… while seeking God’s blessings on it,” he noted, underscoring the need to distinguish between worldly success and testimonies that genuinely edify the body of Christ.

The Apostle reiterated his commitment to upholding the integrity of Christian witness and protecting the sanctity of church gatherings as spaces for spiritual nourishment.

This statement has sparked diverse reactions across social media, with opinions ranging from support for the pastor's call for discernment to defense of Skales' right to share his personal experience of gratitude to God.

Apostle Harrison Ayintete remains focused on his ministry's mission to teach God's goodness, sound doctrine, and Christ-centered living.

Pastor Dr. Paul Enenche Categorically Dismisses Allegations of Using Church Funds for Personal Lifestyle

The Senior Pastor of **Dunamis International Gospel Centre**, Dr. Paul Enenche, has firmly rejected and dismissed recent unfounded claims suggesting that church funds are being used to finance his personal lifestyle or that of his family.

In a recent sermon delivered during a church service, Pastor Enenche addressed the allegations head-on, describing assumptions linking his personal possessions—such as suits, watches, or other items—to church offerings as "mumu-ishness of sense" (foolishness of reasoning). He emphasized the transparent and accountable structure of the ministry's finances since its inception in 1996.

Pastor Enenche stated:

> “From day one till now, the church cheque book has not been in our possession. Neither I nor my family has ever had access to it.”

He further clarified that proceeds from his personally authored devotionals (*Seeds of Destiny*), CDs, books, and other materials sold through the ministry have never been used for personal expenses.

> “Not one naira of it has been used to buy a tie or socks; how much more church offering?” he declared.

The Pastor highlighted his detachment from materialism, revealing that many items received as gifts remain unused or are generously given away.

> “I gave out about 200-and-something suits in one day. Go, it’s enough,” he added.

Pastor Enenche reiterated that his personal needs and those of his family are met independently of church resources, consistent with the ministry's commitment to integrity, stewardship, and kingdom-focused priorities. He urged believers to shift attention from material pursuits to spiritual growth and God's kingdom.

> “Let’s stop living for things and start living for God and the kingdom. When you do, the things people are chasing will start chasing you.”

Dunamis International Gospel Centre remains dedicated to its mandate of restoring human lives and destinies through the power of the Gospel, upholding the highest standards of financial transparency and accountability.

This statement serves to reaffirm the church's position and to encourage the public to disregard baseless speculations that seek to distract from the ministry's impactful work.

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