Alleged Christian Genocide: Why Nigeria Was Declared a Country of Particular Concern — Should We Be Worried?

Nigeria has been declared a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), but what does this really mean for us?

Under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998, the U.S., not the UN, has the authority to designate any country as a Country of Particular Concern if it targets a group of people for practicing their religion and the government is found to be involved—directly or indirectly—in such acts.

This means that if a country engages in or tolerates violence against a particular religious group, violating their freedom of association and freedom of religion, and if the government is suspected of supporting those who carry out such violence, it can be labelled a CPC.

Contrary to popular belief, this does not protect only Christians. It applies to Muslims and followers of all religions as well. For example, in 2023, China was designated a Country of Particular Concern because of its persecution and detention of Uyghur Muslims (and other Turkic-Muslim minorities) in Xinjiang, including mass internment, forced labour, and restrictions on religious practices.

However, under the IRFA, Donald Trump or any U.S. president does not have the right to invade Nigeria simply because it is designated a CPC. What the U.S. can do is impose sanctions—such as visa bans, restrictions on arms sales, and limits on foreign aid. So why is the government worried?

In my opinion, being declared a Country of Particular Concern also suggests that the government is actively involved in or tolerating religious intolerance. As a result, the U.S. can impose visa bans on high-profile government officials and even seize properties belonging to them in the U.S. if they are linked to proceeds of terrorism or human rights abuses.

What happens if the U.S. actually follows through on its threats?

Under normal circumstances, the U.S. has no legal right to invade Nigeria over religious intolerance because Nigeria is a sovereign nation. But the U.S. is a global superpower, and sometimes power speaks louder than international law. Do I think an invasion will happen? No—not only because Trump often bluffs, but also because it wouldn’t make strategic sense. Still, if it did happen, we would be stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea, because neither Trump nor this current government seems to genuinely care about the people.

So what can Tinubu do?

Naturally, the first step would be to engage in diplomatic dialogue with the U.S. But I recently discovered that Nigeria currently has no ambassadors or diplomats in many countries. Apparently, President Tinubu withdrew them when he took office and has not replaced them, nearly two years into his tenure. Perhaps he is saving those appointments as political rewards ahead of the next election.

Anyway, I hope I’ve been able to explain, not confuse, you about what the Country of Particular Concern designation really means.

“From Recovery to Red Card: Liam Delap’s Nightmare Return for Chelsea”

“Liam Delap Sent Off on His Injury Return as Chelsea Defeat Wolves in Carabao Cup”

Things have not been so rosy for Liam Delap since he joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town. The number 9 hasn’t really experienced much stability since his transfer to Chelsea, as he has been out with a hamstring injury.

However, Delap’s return from injury has been one of the worst possible. He came on as a substitute in Chelsea’s narrow win against Wolves in the Carabao Cup fourth round. Delap, who was subbed on in the 60th minute, picked up a second yellow card in the 86th minute and was sent off.

Delap is now set to miss Chelsea’s next Premier League game against Spurs. Many Chelsea fans have called the striker out for being undisciplined.

“Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid 4–0: Arteta Wins the Haram Ball Derby”

Arsenal has won their Champions League group-stage game against Atlético Madrid by scoring four goals in just 13 minutes. The match was highly anticipated by football fans, as both sides are known for playing a “defensive-minded” style of football, also known as haram ball. However, Mikel Arteta proved that he was more Bin Ladined than his Atlético Madrid counterpart, Diego Simeone.

According to reports, a day before the game, Atlético Madrid players were denied access to hot showers at the Emirates. Looks like Arteta’s shithousery worked wonders, because they were absolutely terrible.

Martinelli opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 51st minute, with Timber making it two in the 63rd. Then Gyökeres ended his goal drought with a brace in the 67th and 70th minutes. He was also named Man of the Match for his performance.

Guess Arteta can definitely be crowned Mr. Haram. I mean, there was absolutely no way Arsenal — a team with up to eight solid defenders — weren’t going to haram their way to victory. One can safely conclude that if everything were up to Arteta, he’d probably buy 11 defenders as players. But I guess he isn’t totally in charge, because the people around him definitely understand that he’s not entirely normal — so impulsive!

20.10.20 — The Day Nigeria Died #EndSARS

Some of us may argue that Nigeria died years ago, long before the Lekki Toll Gate incident — and that the incident was simply the burial of an already dead country. However, the death of the nation became manifest on 20-10-2020, when the Nigerian Army opened live ammunition on innocent young people whose only “crime” was a dream — a dream of a better future, a future their forefathers once had access to.

Simple people with simple dreams, carrying the flag of our country — the green, white, green, a symbol of hope — had their blood stain that flag. A symbol we should call our honour is now stained with the blood of our people.

That was the day the country, and everything about it, collapsed. They didn’t care that the people gunned down were singing a song of unity — the national anthem — a song that turned into a dirge when it became the last words of a people who had carried the fire of hope and faith.

Till today, no one knows the shooters.

There is still no justice for the End SARS victims.

20-10-20

We will never forget.

We will never forgive.

Who gave the order?

#EndSARS

World Cup: No Agenda Fashioned Against Victor Osimhen Shall Prosper

Nigeria has qualified for the African playoffs through Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick. While we would have gotten a direct qualification if we had played the way we played against Benin Republic in other matches, I am still very happy that there is still hope. Though, as they say, it’s still the hope that kills.

However, what’s paining me is how Nigerians tried to slander Victor Osimhen for Nigeria almost not making the cut for the World Cup. According to them, he is the star player and he always gets angry at his teammates after any match that doesn’t go their way, so they’re trying to create an agenda. These guys are forgetting that Victor only played 5 games—sorry, 4 and a half games—because he was subbed off early with an injury against Rwanda.

In all the games he played, he had a goal contribution. Even in the Zimbabwe match we drew, it was after he was subbed off—just 5 minutes after—that captain Ekong, senior man Ndidi, and that werey Nwabali couldn’t defend the backline. But Victor shouldn’t be angry, right? If only we had won that match, we would have gotten direct qualification. But it’s okay; at least we still have a chance.

Victor has 7 goal contributions in 4 and a half games—6 goals and 1 assist—yet you say he’s not world-class? He is exactly what you call him: Jagun Jagun Turkey ooh, PJ Mask! He keeps delivering. He has 29 goals and 12 assists in 44 games for Nigeria, so better put some respect on his name.

I like the fact that he silenced all his haters by even opening the scoring against Benin Republic in the 3rd minute. Now, all we have to do is play like this in our other games, and I promise you there’s no way we won’t qualify.

Another thing—God bless our coach, Eric Chelle.

Super Eagles Forced to Make Emergency Landing in Angola After Plane Suffers Cracked Windscreen

According to a report by The Punch, the Super Eagles are currently stuck in Angola after being forced to make an emergency landing. The chartered Value Jet aircraft carrying the Super Eagles reportedly suffered a cracked windscreen shortly after takeoff from Luanda, Angola, where it had stopped to refuel.

Fortunately, all the players are safe, thanks to the professionalism of the pilot who landed the jet safely.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in a statement, revealed that the same plane had earlier conveyed some officials to Polokwane on Friday, where the match against Lesotho was played. However, while carrying the Super Eagles back to Nigeria, it suddenly developed a cracked windscreen.

The statement read in part:

“However, after a routine refueling stop in Luanda, Angola (where the plane also stopped to refuel on Thursday night, and where the same plane had stopped to refuel to and from Bloemfontein in South Africa for the Matchday 8 encounter between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana last month), the aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air after takeoff, and the pilot did well to guide the airplane safely back to the airport in Luanda.”

The NFF also emphasized that it is working with the Minister of Transport, the Chief of Staff to the President, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to secure the necessary landing permit for another aircraft to pick up the Super Eagles and fly them safely to Lagos, Nigeria, before heading to Uyo.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to play their last World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, October 14th, against Benin Republic in Uyo. They must secure a convincing win to qualify directly for the World Cup if South Africa fails to beat Rwanda, or settle for a playoff spot if South Africa wins.

Nigeria To World Cup: It’s The Hope That Kills

On October 14th, I’m going to be off the Internet. Don’t ask me why.

Okay, ask me why.

The Super Eagles are playing football. Apparently, Nigeria is set to play its last World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic in Uyo — and we need a win to secure first position if South Africa loses, or at least a playoff spot if we beat Benin.

Now, you might wonder why I want to disappear from the Internet that day. Simple: the Super Eagles are the kings of disappointment.

First of all, we shouldn’t even be in this situation. What exactly was the plan? To struggle for qualification like amateurs? And then there’s the painful truth: the Super Eagles always disappoint when it matters most.

Just look at AFCON 2024 — wahala talah! Nobody expected Nigeria to even cross the group stage with that confused tiki-taka football, yet somehow we reached the finals. And then, as usual, we bottled it against Ivory Coast — the same team we had beaten 2–0 in the group stage.

What still pains me is Ola Aina’s confession after the final — that he played with a Grade 2 hamstring injury. Nigerians were all over social media calling him “patriotic” and “selfless.” Abeg, that wasn’t patriotism. That was stupidity — foolish and selfish behaviour. Why didn’t you say you couldn’t play? Both goals we conceded came from his side.

As for this World Cup qualification, I had already given up hope. The way these players have been performing, it’s like they’re on a playground. But somehow, despite everything — the heartbreak, the trauma, the disappointment — there’s still that tiny flicker of hope in me.

And you know the saying: it’s the hope that kills.

Because the Super Eagles have this insane habit — they give you hope on a platter of gold today, and snatch it away the next day.

Oh, and by the way — that Uyo Stadium is cursed.