Author: Chronicle Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has stated that it will begin a clampdown on agents of anarchy in various parts of the country. In a statement on Sunday by its spokesman, Peter Afunanya, the service faulted those said to be creating instability through comments that threaten the sovereignty and corporate existence of the nation. It also condemned what it called the unnecessary vituperations and activities of some religious and past political leaders who have either called for a forceful change of government or mass action against it. The DSS described as unfortunate, a situation where those who should be…

Lionel Messi scored twice and missed a penalty as Barcelona came from behind to move within two points of La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid. Ex-Arsenal man Gabriel headed Valencia in front only for Messi to miss from the spot but convert the rebound. Antoine Griezmann put Barca ahead and Messi clipped in a trademark free-kick before Carlos Soler’s screamer gave Valencia vain hope. Barca host leaders Atletico next Saturday at the Nou Camp. Third-placed Barcelona are level on points with arch rivals Real but beneath them in the table because Real have won both El Clasico games this season. A…

Gareth Bale’s hat-trick gave Tottenham a comfortable victory over relegated Sheffield United as they maintained their pursuit of European football. Bale flicked in the opener when it was lifted over the top by Serge Aurier before the right-back teed him up to thump in the third in the second half. The Welsh international was played in by Son Heung-min on the break for his second – a thumping strike which flew into the top right corner. Son rounded off a dominant Spurs performance when he curled in a superb fourth goal. The South Korean also had a goal disallowed for…

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two late goals to inspire Juventus to a vital victory at Udinese. Andrea Pirlo’s side fell behind to Nahuel Molina’s early goal and barely threatened for long spells. But Ronaldo won and converted a penalty before clinically heading home in the 89th minute. The result moves Juve into third in Serie A and gives them breathing space in the race for Champions League qualification. Five points separate five teams between second and sixth with only the top four qualifying for the Champions League. Inter Milan win first Serie A title in 11 years Inter secured the Serie…

Inter Milan have won their first Serie A title in 11 years after second-placed Atalanta drew with Sassuolo. The Milan giants are 13 points clear after Saturday’s win at Crotone with four games to go. Inter finished second to Juventus by a point last season, but Antonio Conte has ended Juve’s run of nine straight titles in his second season in charge. It is Inter’s first Scudetto since Jose Mourinho won both Serie A and the Champions League in 2010. The title is Conte’s fourth Serie A title, after winning the league in three consecutive seasons during his spell as…

Senate Minority Leader Enyinnaya Abaribe has absolved the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other pro-Biafran agitators of culpability in the attacks on police facilities and killing of security operatives in the Southeast. Abaribe noted that the attacks were being carried out by those he described as ‘fifth columnists imported into Igboland’ whose key motivation was the destabilisation of Igboland. There have been attacks on police stations in various states of the South East, which the police had blamed on IPOB. However, speaking with The Nation after he delivered a keynote address at the Nigeria Bar Association Owerri Branch 2021…

Manchester United’s game against Liverpool has been postponed after about 200 fans broke into Old Trafford to protest against the Glazer family’s ownership of the club. The fixture was scheduled to kick off at 16:30 BST on Sunday. “This is a collective decision from the police, both clubs, the Premier League and local authorities,” said a Premier League statement. Talks will now take place about re-arranging the game. “The security and safety of everyone at Old Trafford remains of paramount importance,” added the Premier League. “We understand and respect the strength of feeling but condemn all acts of violence, criminal…

The Lagos State Boxing Association has held a welcome reception for its boxers who were victorious at the recently concluded 20th edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged Edo 2020. The reception for the team held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, on Saturday. The Lagos State contingent dominated the boxing event of the sports festival, winning five gold, two silver and one bronze medals in Benin City, the Edo State capital. The victorious boxers are Osoba Abdul-Afeez (team captain), Shittu Afolabi, Dolapo Omole, Olamide Mustapha, Adesodun Michael. Others are Blessing Oraekwe, Fatima Aronkomola and Gabriel Francis. Speaking at the…

Arsenal prepared for their Europa League showdown against Villarreal with a confidence-boosting win away to Newcastle at St James’ Park. Mohamed Elneny scored his first Premier League goal for the Gunners, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang secured the points in the second half. Arsenal trail 2-1 after the away leg of their semi-final tie with Villarreal and victory in the north east of England was their first in four games. The Magpies had an excellent April to distance themselves from the bottom three but they struggled to impose themselves on Sunday. Arsenal bag away goal despite loss to Villarreal Steve Bruce’s side,…

Gunmen have killed the Pension Board Commissioner in Kogi State and abducted a Local government chairman among others. Honourable Adebayo Solomon was killed on Saturday, while the Chairman of Yagba East Local Government, Pius Kolawole and some others were kidnapped. The slain commissioner was said to be travelling from Ilorin to Kabba when his vehicle was said to have been shot at Eruku village a few kilometres to Egbe the border town between Kwara and Kogi state by some gunmen. His remains had been deposited at ECWA Hospital, Egbe, while the whereabouts of Kolawole remained unknown. Reacting to the incident,…