The phenomenon, expected to last about 83 minutes, will be visible across most of Africa, according to the National Television Authority (NTA). Countries set to experience the event include Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

While some western locations may miss the earliest phases due to moonrise timing, most of Nigeria will enjoy the full spectacle. Scientists assure the public that the eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, casting Earth’s shadow across the lunar surface. The Moon’s fiery “blood moon” glow is created by sunlight refracting through Earth’s atmosphere.

Unlike solar eclipses, which require protective gear, this lunar eclipse offers a risk-free opportunity for stargazers to witness one of nature’s most stunning cosmic events.

NASA confirms the eclipse will also be visible across Europe, Asia, and Australia.

The newly signed Wolves striker was introduced at the start of the second half and made an immediate impact. Capitalising on a defensive mix-up inside the Rwandan box, Arokodare flicked the ball goalward, his effort crashing off the crossbar before bouncing over the line to seal all three points for Nigeria.

The win pushes Eric Chelle’s men up to third in Group C with 10 points, just one behind Benin Republic and six adrift of leaders,  and next opponents – South Africa.

Nigeria had controlled much of the contest but was left frustrated in the first half. Star striker Victor Osimhen limped off injured in the 35th minute, compounding a difficult opening period in which his earlier finish was ruled out for offside.

Chances from Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi also went begging as Rwanda’s resilient backline held firm.

Arokodare’s introduction after the restart proved decisive, his physical presence and hold-up play creating space for Simon and Ademola Lookman to stretch the Rwandan defence with dangerous runs and crosses.

While the narrow victory was hard-fought, it ensures Nigeria’s qualification hopes remain alive ahead of a crucial showdown with South Africa.

The specially made pot for this massive cooking project can hold 22,619 litres. Baci aims to fill it up to 75-80% capacity, which will require about 5,278 kilograms of basmati rice. Although this weight equates to 264 bags of rice, she decided to use 250 bags for the attempt.

She also shared the quantities of condiments needed, including 1,583 kilograms of tomato paste. To maintain authentic flavor, the tomato base will be distributed equally among tomato paste, pepper chicken paste, and jollof paste. Baci explained that while one kilogram of rice generally requires 0.20 to 0.35 kilograms of paste, she will use 0.30 kilograms per kilogram of rice to bring out the signature taste of Nigerian jollof rice.

Vanguard’s market checks show that the price of 1kg of LPG currently ranges between N950 and N1,020, varying by location.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) July 2025 LPG Price Watch report reveals that the average refill price for a 12.5kg cylinder decreased by 1.91% month-on-month to N20,609.48 in July from N21,010.56 in June. According to the report, Adamawa state recorded the highest average price at N22,528.39, followed by Rivers (N22,512.49) and Taraba (N22,363.57). The lowest prices were found in Yobe (N19,030.00), Niger (N19,154.99), and Nasarawa (N20,000.62) states.

The domestic currency has enjoyed a solid start to September, appreciating from ₦1,526.09/$ at the beginning of the month to last Thursday’s close. The last time the naira traded below the ₦1,515/$ mark was on March 6, when it settled at ₦1,512.30/$.

At the parallel market, the naira also gained ground, strengthening slightly to ₦1,538/$, representing a 0.02 per cent appreciation.

Liquidity and Dollar Inflows Boost Confidence

Market analysts attribute the naira’s performance to improved liquidity and sustained dollar inflows, bolstered by CBN interventions estimated at around $15bn.

In its weekly review, AIICO Capital reported that the FX market opened the week on a calm note, with balanced flows keeping rates stable around ₦1,527–₦1,533/$. By mid-week, offshore supply and opportunistic buying lifted sentiment, with the NAFEX fixing improving to ₦1,528.13/$. The naira eventually sustained gains, trading between ₦1,508/$ and ₦1,529/$ before closing at ₦1,514.87/$.

Similarly, Cowry Asset Management projected relative stability in the coming week, citing dollar inflows and a modest build-up in external reserves as key supports. However, it warned that speculative demand and global oil price volatility could limit further appreciation.

Reserves Edge Higher

Nigeria’s external reserves rose 0.10 per cent week-on-week, climbing from $41.27bn to $41.31bn. Analysts noted that the uptick provides an important buffer against external shocks, such as fluctuating oil prices and currency pressures, while giving the CBN greater capacity to intervene when necessary.

Outlook: Stable but Cautious

Overall, experts expect the naira to remain stable in the near term, supported by steady foreign inflows and improved FX liquidity. However, global oil market dynamics — particularly the outcome of the upcoming OPEC+ meeting — will remain a key factor influencing Nigeria’s external earnings and, by extension, FX market performance.