Evangelical Christians, including the Southern Baptist Convention, and other U.S. faith groups have sought intervention following persecution claims.

FILE PHOTO: Residents inspect the damage after U.S. forces had launched a strike against Islamic State militants in Nigeria at the request of Nigeria's government, as U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on December 25, in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria, December 26, 2025. REUTERS/Abdullahi Dare Akogun/File Photo

Two late December incidents in Nigeria involved separate forms of violence. A suicide bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri killed several civilians, while U.S. forces carried out coordinated airstrikes against ISIS linked camps in Sokoto State.

Allegations of Christians being persecuted in Nigeria have floated around right-wing circles in America for years. US President Donald Trump amplified such claims during his first term in office, escalated the rhetoric after returning to the White House,

Nigeria finished Group C with a perfect record after beating 10-man Uganda 3-1 in Fes. Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the first half, finishing from close range to give his side a deserved lead. Nigeria's task was made easier in the second half when Ugandan substitute goalkeeper Jamal Salim handled the ball outside his 18-yard box.

Following U.S. military strikes on Christmas, targeted sanctions and further U.S. action to end persecution of Christians is expected in Nigeria in 2026, according to members of Congress and advocates familiar with the situation.

History of encounters between Nigeria and MozambiqueNigeria/@CAFNigeria will face Mozambique in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2025).This clash is scheduled for Monday, January 5,

Facing a growing terror threat in the Sahel, the Trump administration could discover that its avoidance of “long-term American presence or commitments” in Africa is impracticable.