INSTANT NEWS

Chidera Ejuke was awarded the Man of the Match title after Sevilla's 1-0 pre-season friendly win over Saudi club Al-Ittihad on Friday. 

The Nigerian international put on an impressive display, showcasing his pace and dribbling skills that left the Al-Ittihad defense struggling to keep up.

Ejuke's outstanding performance was a key factor in Sevilla's victory, with Argentina's Lucas Ocampos scoring the winning goal just before halftime. 

The 27-year-old Nigerian winger, who joined Sevilla on a free transfer last month, is expected to play a crucial role in the team's upcoming season.

Ejuke's impressive debut is a promising sign for Sevilla fans, who can look forward to seeing more of his skills in action.

 His pace and agility on the field make him a valuable asset to the team, and his ability to link up with his teammates will be essential in achieving success in the upcoming season.

 Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has expressed his disillusionment with the state of Nigeria, stating that the worst individuals are occupying political positions.

 He believes that the country's problems are deeply ingrained and that a radical change is necessary to address them.

Effiong took to his social media handle to express his frustration, stating that the current situation requires a significant shake-up to lead to a complete reset. 

He emphasized that the country's political leaders are more focused on causing harm and destruction than serving the people.

Meanwhile, a nationwide protest has been scheduled for August 1-10, 2024, tagged #EndBadGovernance. The organizers are calling attention to the widespread hunger and inflation plaguing the country, demanding fundamental change and better leadership.

 Effiong's comments echo the sentiments of many Nigerians who are fed up with the status quo and are seeking a transformative shift in the country's governance.

 Nigeria's women's basketball team, D'Tigress, suffered a 77-63 defeat in a pre-Olympic friendly match against Germany on Friday.

 Despite the loss, the team showed a commendable performance, with forward Amy Okonkwo leading the charge with 16 points and two rebounds. Elizabeth Balogun also impressed with 14 points and five rebounds.

Germany's Alexis Peterson emerged as the top scorer of the game with 22 points. The friendly match served as a valuable preparation for D'Tigress ahead of the Olympics, where they will face stiff competition from Australia, France, and Canada.

 The team will continue to fine-tune their skills with upcoming friendlies against Serbia and Puerto Rico. With their determination and spirit, D'Tigress aims to make a strong impact at the Olympic Games.

Former Golden Eaglets striker Stanley Iheanacho has completed a transfer to Clube Deportivo de Mafra, a Liga Portugal 2 team. 

The 19-year-old signed a five-year contract with CD Mafra, committing his future to the club until June 2029.

Iheanacho joins CD Mafra from FC Midtylland, a Danish Superliga side. Although he impressed in a cup match against Aabenraa BK, scoring four goals on his debut in September 2023, he failed to make a league appearance for the club. 

Despite this, he played a crucial role in Midtylland's U-19 youth league triumph last season, scoring 12 goals in 22 appearances and featuring in four UEFA Youth League matches.

This move to CD Mafra presents a new opportunity for Iheanacho to develop his skills and gain valuable experience in Portugal. With his talent and potential, he is expected to make a significant impact at his new club.

 The University of Ibadan management has held a meeting with student representatives to address the ongoing protests on campus.

 The students, led by Students' Union President Bolaji Aweda, have been demonstrating against various issues, including the recent introduction of 10-hour daily electricity supply, fee hikes, compulsory GES textbooks, poor welfare conditions, inadequate security, and victimization of students who participated in earlier protests.

Aweda presented the students' grievances to the management, emphasizing the need for improved living and learning conditions on campus. 

In response, Professor Peter Olapegba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), explained that the new electricity policy was necessitated by the high monthly bills paid to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

The meeting aimed to find a resolution to the ongoing protests and address the students' concerns. The management's response and willingness to engage with the students' union may help to alleviate tensions and find a way forward for the university community.

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has taken a significant step towards ensuring the health and well-being of schoolgirls in the state. A bill proposing the provision of free menstrual hygiene products to girls in public schools has been passed for second reading.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau announced the passage of the bill during a plenary session, praising Hon. Hajarat Danyaro for sponsoring the initiative.

 The bill aims to improve the hygienic conditions and overall health of schoolgirls, and has been referred to the House Committee on Health, Education, and Women Affairs for further review.

The committees are expected to submit their report by August 6, 2024. Hon. Hajarat Danyaro Ibrahim, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, emphasized the importance of the bill in preventing cervical cancer, improving hygiene, and addressing issues like womb blockage.

 Other lawmakers, including Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa, Hon. Daniel Ogazi, Hon. Mohammed Omadefu, Hon. Yusuf Chunbaya, and Rt. Hon. Muhammad Oyanki, also expressed support for the bill, highlighting its potential to enhance the quality of education for girls and reduce menstruation-related stigmatization.

Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has urged his old club to sign Nico Williams, the talented Spanish winger who impressed at Euro 2024. Sagna believes Williams would be a perfect fit for the Gunners, praising his technical ability and pace.

Williams, who currently plays for Athletic Bilbao, has been linked to several top European clubs, including Barcelona.

 Sagna, who also played for Manchester City, expressed his admiration for Williams, saying, "I would love to see Nico Williams at Arsenal. He represents the freshness and energy the club needs, and he's got the legs to make an impact."

Sagna continued, "He's very good technically, able to find passes and play between the lines. He would fit Arsenal perfectly." However, he believes Williams may ultimately join Barcelona, reuniting with his international teammate, Lamine Yamal, on the right wing.

 Despite this, Sagna hopes to see Williams in the Premier League, showcasing his skills at the highest level.  

Shooting Stars SC has officially kicked off preparations for the upcoming 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

 The team resumed training on Wednesday, with a mix of returning players and new signings participating in a light session at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode.

Following a impressive fourth-place finish last season, the Oluyole Warriors are gearing up for another competitive campaign. Their first test will come against Nasarawa United at the Lafia City Stadium on August 31, when the new season officially gets underway.

As the team begins its build-up to the 2024-25 season, fans will be eager to see how the new signings blend with the retained players to challenge for honors.

 With a few weeks to go before the season opener, Shooting Stars SC is poised to make a strong push for success in the upcoming campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has dismissed speculation that he is in the running to become the next England national team manager.

 The Football Association is currently searching for a replacement for Gareth Southgate, who resigned from the position after England's loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Postecoglou's name has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the role, but the Australian coach has categorically denied the rumors. When questioned about the speculation, Postecoglou replied, "I was taking a nap this afternoon, I have no idea about it." 

He reaffirmed his commitment to Tottenham, stating, "I'm the Tottenham manager, and my focus is totally on bringing success to this club."

Postecoglou's response puts to rest any speculation about his potential departure from Tottenham, and he can now focus on the upcoming season with the Premier League club.

 Having only joined Spurs last summer, Postecoglou is determined to make his mark on the team and lead them to success.

Stanley Nwabali, the Super Eagles goalkeeper, has returned to pre-season training with Chippa United despite speculation surrounding his future at the club. The 28-year-old's impressive performances last season have caught the attention of several clubs both in South Africa and abroad.

Nwabali's outstanding displays at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he kept four clean sheets and helped Nigeria finish as runners-up, have further enhanced his reputation. As a result, he has attracted interest from top clubs, including Saudi outfit El-Ettifaq and English Championship side Queens Park Rangers. Additionally, South African giants Orlando Pirates are also reportedly keen on acquiring his services.

Despite the interest, no concrete offers have been made for the former Enyimba and Katsina United goalkeeper, and he

The Delta State Police Command has successfully apprehended three suspected gunrunners who manufacture and supply weapons to armed robbers and kidnappers. The suspects, identified as Tega Dierunaba, Chibiuke Anuforo Cosmas, and Sunday Moses Pam, were arrested on July 16, 2024, following an intensive intelligence-led investigation.

According to Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe, the operatives arrested the suspects between 1 pm and 7:35 pm in Ughelli. Sunday Moses Pam, one of the suspects, was found to conceal and convey arms from Plateau State to Delta State. All three suspects have confessed to the crime, which was also admitted by Goodluck Sakutu, a previously arrested suspect from whom a fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered.

The suspects are currently in custody, and the investigation is ongoing. This recent breakthrough is a follow-up to a previous recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle on June 8, 2024, which led to the arrest of three individuals. The Delta State Police Command's efforts to combat gunrunning and related criminal activities continue to yield positive results.

In a surprising turn of events, Nigerian aviation expert and youth activist, Isaac Balami, has defected from the Labour Party (LP) back to his former party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Balami, who previously served as the National Deputy Campaign Manager for the Obi/Datti presidential campaign in 2023, made the announcement on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Abuja.

Balami had initially left the APC in 2023 due to the party's decision to field a Muslim-Muslim ticket, featuring President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. However, he has now reversed his stance, stating that the current administration has proven him wrong. He acknowledged that the Muslim-Muslim ticket was the primary reason for his departure, but he has come to realize that it holds little significance.

Balami praised President Tinubu's administration for its efforts in promoting equity and appointing credible Nigerians to key positions. He highlighted the president's outreach to the Middle Belt region, stating that no previous administration has worked as closely with the region as the current one. Balami expressed his optimism for Nigeria's future under the APC's leadership, saying, "I can see a Nigeria that, in a few years, will thrive." Following consultations with leaders across Nigeria, his family, and the Middle Belt caucus, Balami resigned from the Labour Party and returned to the APC.

Chaos erupted in Rivers State on Wednesday as a group of individuals blocked the entrance to the Port Harcourt Refinery Complex in Alesa-Elema. A viral video posted by social media influencer Imran Muhammed showed the group dancing to music in a makeshift tent and slaughtering a cow.

The motives behind the protest remain unclear, but sources suggest that the group is determined to halt the refinery's operations. Despite attempts to reach out to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for clarification,

Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, the founder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries (CMDM), has responded to criticism over his "miracle soap" product, stating that it has received approval from the Nigerian government. The product, which includes soap, perfume, and water, was launched by Fufeyin to promote spiritual growth and well-being.

However, Abel Damina, the founder of Power City International in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has condemned the product, accusing Fufeyin of being a businessman rather than a prophet. In a video response, Fufeyin defended his product, revealing that it has a registered number from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Fufeyin claimed that he has personally used the soap and achieved success, stating, "I used it and succeeded with it. Something you don't know quite." He encouraged those suffering to try the soap, asking, "Are you not tired of suffering?" The controversy surrounding Fufeyin's miracle products continues to spark debate among Nigerians.

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid's latest summer signing, has expressed his enthusiasm about playing with Vinicius Jr. During his official presentation as a Real Madrid player on Tuesday in Spain, Mbappe emphasized that great players are meant to play together.

"Vinicius is an exceptional player, and I'm thrilled to share the pitch with him," Mbappe said. "I'm also looking forward to playing with Rodrygo and the rest of the team. As great players, we're meant to complement each other's skills."

Mbappe downplayed any potential concerns about competition or conflict, stating, "I won't have any issues playing with Vinicius. He had an outstanding last season, and now it's my turn to adapt to him, Rodrygo, and the rest of the team to support them."

This statement from Mbappe highlights his team-oriented mindset and eagerness to collaborate with his new teammates, setting a positive tone for his tenure at Real Madrid.

A 55-year-old herbalist, Kabiru Amuda, was arraigned in an Iyaganku Magistrate's Court, Ibadan, on Tuesday, for allegedly defrauding a victim of N2.5 million. Amuda pleaded not guilty to the charges of obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.

According to the prosecutor, Insp Iyabo Oladoyin, the defendant committed the offences in June at Ilora, Oyo State. He allegedly obtained the money from Taofeek Ogungbe, promising to prepare a traditional charm to boost his business and personal wealth. However, Amuda failed to provide the agreed services, contravening Sections 419 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Adebola Adeola, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N3 million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until August 20 for hearing.

Former Ogun State governor Olusegun Osoba has made a startling revelation about ex-military Head of State Ibrahim Babangida's (IBB) tenure. According to Osoba, IBB was held hostage by those who helped him overthrow General Muhammadu Buhari in 1985. This group, which included late Sani Abacha and Aliyu Gusau, exerted significant control over IBB's actions while he was in power.

Osoba shared this insight in an interview with ThisDay, recalling a meeting with IBB where he and other journalists confronted the military president about his government's shortcomings. IBB reportedly confessed that he had no choice but to listen to his fellow coupists, stating, "I am hostage to those who staged the coup and those who put me here... if I didn't listen to what they wanted, they would get me out in seconds."

Osoba's account suggests that IBB's powers were not absolute, and that he was beholden to the interests of those who brought him to power. This revelation provides a unique perspective on the dynamics of military rule in Nigeria and the constraints that IBB faced during his tenure. It also highlights the importance of a free press in holding those in power accountable, even under challenging circumstances.

Arsenal FC has rejected two bids from Fulham and Crystal Palace for their midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, according to Sky Sports. The 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from the North London club due to limited game time under manager Mikel Arteta. Despite his talent, Smith Rowe only made three Premier League starts for Arsenal last season, largely due to injury issues.

As a result, Smith Rowe is eager to secure first-team football elsewhere. Fulham and Crystal Palace are now considering whether to submit an improved bid for the midfielder. Arsenal's decision to block Smith Rowe's departure may be a strategic move to retain his services or negotiate a better deal.

The situation highlights Smith Rowe's desire for regular playing time, which has been scarce under Arteta's management. With his potential and age, Smith Rowe is an attractive target for Premier League clubs seeking to bolster their midfield. The transfer saga will likely continue, with Fulham and Crystal Palace weighing their options and Arsenal holding firm on their valuation of the player.

 
Ex-Formula One driver, Ralf Schumacher comes out as gay

Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher has made a significant personal announcement by coming out as gay. This makes him the most high-profile driver in the sport's history to do so. Schumacher, the brother of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, shared the news on social media on Sunday night.

In an Instagram post, Schumacher expressed his joy and gratitude, saying, "The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything." The post included a photo of him and his French business manager, Étienne.

Schumacher's friend, German actor Carmen Geiss, confirmed the news on her social media post, saying, "I want to tell you about a person who plays a very special role in my life. For many years, I have known and loved him infinitely. Today, he confessed his homosexuality. This step was an act of liberation and self-acceptance for him."

Geiss praised Schumacher's courage, saying, "It was a courageous decision that has matured in him for a long time, and one he is now full of pride and confidence." This announcement marks a significant moment for the sports world and the LGBTQ+ community, and Schumacher's bravery is being celebrated by many.

The debate about who deserves the title of Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in football has been a long-standing one, with opinions divided between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Recently, Argentina legend Angel Di Maria shared his thoughts on the matter, firmly placing Messi at the top.

Di Maria, a former Argentina international, declared Messi as the greatest of all time. Speaking to the media after Argentina's 2024 Copa America win over Colombia, Di Maria cited Messi's impressive collection of Ballon d'Or awards as a key differentiator. "In the end, the best is the one who has more Ballon d'Ors, and Messi has eight," Di Maria said. "For me, therefore, there is some distance between him and Cristiano."

Di Maria's comments highlight the significance of individual accolades in evaluating a player's greatness. With eight Ballon d'Or awards, Messi surpasses Ronaldo's five, making a strong case for his status as the GOAT. While opinions may still vary, Di Maria's endorsement adds weight to Messi's claim to the top spot.

As a former teammate and fellow Argentina international, Di Maria's opinion carries significant weight. His statement adds to the ongoing conversation about Messi and Ronaldo's legacies, sparking further debate among football fans worldwide. Where do you stand on the GOAT debate? Share your thoughts!

The constitutional review process is currently underway, with a focus on critical issues such as state creation, state police, and other vital matters. According to Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, the committee is working tirelessly to ensure a thorough and inclusive review process

Agbese praised the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, for his exceptional leadership and innovative approach to constitutional review. The committee has adopted a citizen-driven approach, engaging various stakeholders and soliciting input from Nigerians nationwide. This has not only enhanced the review process but also fostered a sense of ownership and inclusivity among Nigerians.

The committee has identified critical stakeholders in various sectors to provide insight and guide the process. They are aggressively working on areas of concern to Nigerians, including state creation, state police, local government autonomy, and contradictions in local government election and autonomy and funding for the judiciary

Agbese assured that the committee will keep its promise of concluding the process before December 2025. The goal is to amend the constitution in a way that strengthens institutions and promotes nationhood, rather than creating further problems for the nation. The committee aims to create a flexible constitution that unites citizens and gives them a sense of nationhood.

The ongoing constitutional review process is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and representative constitution. By engaging citizens and soliciting their input, the committee is ensuring that the revised constitution reflects the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians. As the process moves forward, it is essential to maintain transparency and accountability to ensure a successful outcome.

Victor Osimhen, Napoli's star striker, has been training separately from his teammates for the second consecutive day due to ongoing muscle fatigue issues. According to multiple sources in Italy, Osimhen did not participate in pitch training with the rest of the squad on Monday, instead opting for solo gym work

The Nigerian international had only recently resumed pre-season training with Napoli last week, but his fitness struggles have already raised concerns. Despite being expected to leave the Partenopei this summer, no club has yet met his release clause or submitted offers.

The release clause in Osimhen's contract, signed last December, is reportedly set at a staggering €130m. As the transfer window heats up, all eyes are on whether any club will be willing to meet this hefty fee to secure the talented 25-year-old's services.

For now, Osimhen's focus remains on regaining full fitness and joining his teammates on the pitch. However, the speculation surrounding his future continues to build, leaving Napoli fans and football enthusiasts alike wondering what's next for this talented young striker.

Bayelsa United Set Sights on Mustapha Jibrin

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club, Bayelsa United, are reportedly interested in signing Mustapha Jibrin, a talented right-back. The Yenagoa-based club has identified Jibrin as their preferred option for the position, and talks are already underway with his representatives.

jirin's Football Background

The former home-based Eagles defender is currently a free agent, having last played for Kano Pillars in the 2022/2023 season. Jibrin has also had stints with Niger Tornadoes in the past, making him a seasoned player in the NPFL. With his experience and skills, he could be a valuable addition to Bayelsa United's squad.

A Potential Boost for Bayelsa United

If the deal goes through, Jibrin's signing could be a significant boost for Bayelsa United, who are looking to strengthen their team for the upcoming season. The right-back position is crucial in any team, and Jibrin's expertise could help shore up the club's defense. As talks continue, fans will be eagerly waiting to see if Jibrin will don the Bayelsa United jersey soon.