INSTANT NEWS

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.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is expected to make a final decision on the new minimum wage this Thursday. This decision will follow a meeting with the organised Labour, after which the President will determine the amount to be forwarded to the National Assembly.

Federal Executive Council's Deliberations

The Federal Executive Council has already deliberated on the national minimum wage and will be inviting the organised Labour for a meeting this week. According to Idris, President Tinubu is not opposed to increasing the national minimum wage. However, he is exercising caution to avoid plunging the country into a severe inflationary trend.

A Careful Approach

While the President is committed to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers, he is taking a thoughtful approach to ensure that any increase in the minimum wage does not have adverse economic consequences. Further details on this development will be provisded in due course. Stay tuned for updates!

Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, surprised his wife Chioma Rowland with a brand new car at their wedding on Tuesday. 

A video from the event shows the moment when Davido unveiled the car, with a visibly elated Chioma rushing into it as soon as it was revealed. This isn't the first time the 'Assurance' hitmaker has gifted Chioma a car, having done so previously in 2019.

Davido recently surprised fans by announcing that he and Chioma would be tying the knot. Their wedding was a star-studded affair, attended by dignitaries such as Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Alex Otti (Abia), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the Ooni of Ife, HRH Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, among other notable figures. Many celebrities were also present to celebrate the occasion.

You can watch the video of the car presentation here

President Tinubu highlighted the necessity of addressing banditry and terrorism to ensure farmers can cultivate and transport food efficiently. He pointed out that poor infrastructure, such as damaged roads, exacerbates the food supply problem, with significant losses occurring during transportation.

Reaffirming his dedication to Nigeria, Tinubu stated, "Good economics at a harsh time is the challenge that we must face. No matter how difficult it is, I will not turn my back on Nigeria." He urged citizens to adopt a more productive mindset and move away from rent-seeking behaviors, emphasizing the need to combat smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.

Tinubu called for a national campaign to change the value system and mindset towards the country, stressing that everyone must contribute to overcoming current challenges.

He also praised the National Assembly's leadership for their support, which has facilitated key developments in his administration. Tinubu expressed pride in the partnership with the National Assembly, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in governance to alleviate the nation's hardships.

Senate President Akpabio, speaking to journalists after the meeting, lauded President Tinubu's leadership during his first year in office. He assured that the National Assembly would work on improving legislation to enhance the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has criticized the Federal Government's plan to acquire new jets for President Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Kashim Shettima. According to a report, the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has asked the government to purchase these new aircraft.

Obi, citing the country's current economic hardships, said this move demonstrates the government's "extreme insensitivity to citizens' struggles." In a series of social media posts, the former Anambra governor noted that the decision is disconnected from the pressing issues of rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness plaguing the nation. He described the decision as unacceptable, arguing that the situation demands a more compassionate use of resources, with a focus on improving citizens' welfare.

Obi pointed out that the average age of Nigeria's presidential jets is 12 years, purchased when most Nigerians could afford basic necessities. However, he said that now, as the country faces significant challenges, including a high debt profile, citizens are in even greater need. Obi argued that instead of adding to the government's luxuries, the focus should be on alleviating the suffering of the people and finding solutions to their problems.

The former governor criticized the government's priorities, stating that they are at odds with the needs of society, which is why the country is headed in the wrong direction. He cited examples, such as the government spending $15 million on the Vice President's residence, while the United States, with a much larger economy and higher per capita income, houses its Vice President in a house built over 100 years ago, valued at around $7.5 million. Obi called for an end to this "impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness" and urged the government to prioritize education, healthcare, and lifting citizens out of poverty.