Author: Seyi Godwin

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has emphasized his cautious approach to the upcoming Community Shield match against Manchester City, prioritizing player safety over victory. With several key players sidelined, including Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martínez, and Alejandro Garnacho, ten Hag is unwilling to take unnecessary risks. Leny Yoro and Rasmus Højlund are already injured, while Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelöf, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are doubtful for the match. “The FA Cup was a higher occasion than the game on Saturday. Nevertheless, we want to win, but we don’t want to take a risk with players and lose them for…

The English Premier League has unveiled new rules for the upcoming 2024/25 season, which kicks off on August 16, 2024, with Manchester United facing Fulham. The changes aim to enhance the game’s flow and accuracy. One significant modification is the increase in substitute players allowed to warm up simultaneously from three to five per team. This aligns with the existing rule permitting five substitutions per match. Another innovation is the multiball system, featuring 15 balls to expedite gameplay. Players must collect replacement balls from designated cones, while ball assistants are restricted from returning balls to players, except for goalkeepers during…

The Federal Government has halted its plan to sell subsidized 50kg bags of rice to civil servants for N40,000, citing no reason for the sudden withdrawal. The decision was conveyed in a circular titled “Withdrawal of Internal Circular on Sale of Subsidized Rice to Public Servants,” signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs (Human Resources Management Department). The circular, addressed to Directors and Heads of Departments, stated, “I am directed to refer to our internal circular in the Ministry (Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs) of 1st August, 2024 on the…

Nigerian singer Joshua Iniyezo, popularly known as Solidstar, has taken a significant step in his personal life by proposing to his fiancée. The artist shared the exciting news on his social media page on Tuesday, accompanied by a photo of the stunning engagement ring on his partner’s finger. In the caption, Solidstar expressed his gratitude for finding a good woman, stating, “Good woman no dey easy to find.” This heartfelt message highlights the significance of his partner in his life. This development comes after a challenging period for Solidstar, who struggled with drug addiction in 2023. A video shared by…

Nigerian music sensation, Ayra Starr, has been spotted alongside global superstar, Rihanna, at the prestigious Crop Over Festival in Barbados. The annual festival, which celebrates Barbadian music, arts, culture, and food, was the perfect backdrop for the two musicians to shine. In a viral video making the rounds on social media, Ayra Starr and Rihanna stunned in matching bodysuits, complete with extravagant headpieces and oversized wings. The duo’s electrifying presence at the festival has left fans buzzing with excitement. This encounter comes months after Rihanna expressed her desire to collaborate with Ayra Starr, following their meeting at the Fenty X…

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has dismissed reports of his suspension from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as “null and void”. Speaking through his media aide, Terver Akase, Ortom stated that he remains the leader of the party in the state and that any meeting convened without his consent is invalid. Akase emphasized that the embattled Benue PDP Chairman, John Ngbede, had been suspended for one month and lacked the authority to convene a meeting to suspend anyone. However, Ngbede countered that Ortom’s suspension was due to his attempt to hijack the party leadership and return to…

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has criticized financial sustainability rules, stating they encourage clubs to sell academy graduates like Conor Gallagher, who is set to join Atletico Madrid. Maresca believes the rules need to change to protect homegrown players and promote loyalty. Gallagher’s departure would be the latest in a string of sales of Chelsea youth products, including Mason Mount, Lewis Hall, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The club has spent over £1 billion in the past four transfer windows, necessitating the sales to comply with financial regulations. Maresca argued that the rules compel Premier League clubs to sell academy players, citing the…

The Nigerian military has declared that individuals flying Russian flags during protests are committing treason and will be prosecuted. Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, made this announcement after a National Security Council meeting on Monday. Musa stated, “That is totally unacceptable… that is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such.” The military is investigating those behind this action and will take serious action against them. Protesters in Kano and Kaduna were spotted waving Russian flags, chanting anti-government slogans. This has raised concerns about foreign influence, given Russia’s involvement in unconstitutional changes of government…

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed disappointment over President Bola Tinubu’s recent broadcast, saying it failed to address critical issues fueling nationwide protests. Obi described the address as “disconnected from the harsh realities faced by the people” and urged Tinubu to surround himself with truth-tellers, not sycophants. In a statement titled ‘My Response to the President’s Address’, Obi thanked Tinubu for finally speaking out but criticized the lack of empathy towards injured protesters and the failure to decisively tackle ethnic bigotry. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to embrace democracy fully, including the right to protest. Obi…

The ongoing nationwide protests against hunger and economic hardship have led to a disruption in the supply of petroleum products, causing fuel scarcity in many states. According to the National Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, marketers were advised to close their stations during the protest to avoid losing their assets. This, combined with the halt in tanker loading, has caused a distortion in the supply chain, leading to shortages in states where products would have been supplied. Ukadike stated, “Although the National President of IPMAN urged independent marketers to go out…