INSTANT NEWS

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.

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!