Author: David Great

RCD Espanyol pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the LaLiga season, defeating league leaders Real Madrid 1-0 at the RCDE Stadium. The victory lifted the struggling hosts out of the relegation zone and ended Los Blancos’ five-game winning streak in all competitions. Carlo Ancelotti’s side had been in rampant form, averaging 3.25 goals across four consecutive wins, including a dominant 3-0 UEFA Champions League triumph in midweek. However, they struggled to find rhythm against a determined Espanyol side. Real suffered an early blow when Antonio Rüdiger was forced off injured within the first 15 minutes. The first real…

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, from N950 to N890 per litre. The price adjustment, which takes effect immediately from Saturday, 1st February 2025, was disclosed in a statement issued by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina. According to the statement, the reduction follows a positive shift in the global energy and gas markets, alongside a decline in international crude oil prices. “Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, from N950…

The Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismantled an illegal mining site in the Kajola community, Atakumosa West Local Government Area of Osun State, and arrested one suspect, while others fled upon sighting security operatives. The command disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, signed by its Public Relations Officer, Kehinde Adeleke. According to the statement, the operation was carried out on Friday under the leadership of the Osun NSCDC Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo. Speaking after the raid, Sotiyo said, “This illegal mining site at Sambisa Area, Kajola, Atakumosa West Local Government, Osun…

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he would impose hefty new tariffs of 25% on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% on imports from China, and nothing could be done by the three countries to forestall them. Trump did, however, reference a potential carve out for oil from Canada, saying that rate would be 10% versus the 25% planned for other goods from the United States’ northern neighbor. But he indicated wider tariffs on oil and natural gas would be coming in mid-February, remarks that sent oil prices higher. Trump has been threatening the tariffs for weeks, saying…

The UEFA Champions League knockout play-offs are set, with Manchester City facing reigning champions Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain drawn against French rivals Brest. This season marked the introduction of a new league-phase format, with 36 teams competing in a single table. After the conclusion of 18 simultaneous matches on Wednesday night, the top eight teams automatically secured their places in the round of 16. Meanwhile, clubs finishing between ninth and 24th were drawn into play-offs to fight for a spot in the next stage. Fire erupts at Man City stadium before Champions League clash At UEFA’s House of Football…

Convicted kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, on Thursday, informed the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja that he had repented from his criminal past and had applied to the Lagos State Government for clemency. Evans, through his lawyer, Emefo Etudo, made this known after pleading to an amended five-count charge brought against him by the Lagos State Government. The charges include murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. At the court hearing, the state prosecuting counsel, Sule Yusuf, informed Justice Adenike Coker that the case was starting afresh and requested that the defendants be re-arraigned. Neither…

Arsenal have been charged by the Football Association (FA) for failing to control their players during Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League win at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The charge follows protests from Arsenal players after referee Michael Oliver controversially sent off 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly. Lewis-Skelly was shown a red card for tripping Wolves’ Matt Doherty near the edge of the box just before halftime. The decision was upheld by the video assistant referee (VAR), but Arsenal later appealed, submitting video evidence to an independent commission. The commission overturned the red card and lifted the player’s three-match ban. “The referee had made an obvious…

Qatar Stars League club Al-Duhail has announced the signing of Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech on a free transfer following his departure from Turkish side Galatasaray. Ziyech, who previously played for the Netherlands at youth level, will now be managed by former Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier. “Al-Duhail Sports Club succeeded in obtaining the signature of Moroccan international player Hakim Ziyech,” the club said in an official statement. The 30-year-old midfielder initially joined Galatasaray on loan from Chelsea in August 2023 before making the move permanent in the summer. During his time with the English club, he won both the UEFA…

A Federal High Court has granted bail to former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, in the sum of ₦10 million with one surety in like sum. According to Channels TV, the surety must be a responsible individual with landed property of equal value. The individual is also required to submit the original documents of the property and a passport photograph to the court registrar. Ruling on the bail application, Justice Musa Liman directed Sowore to surrender his international passport to the court. The judge also gave him 24 hours to meet the bail conditions or face remand in police…

Lionel Messi, who is currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he arrived in the summer of 2023 following two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is planning to return to Barcelona after stint in the United States.  According to Argentine journalist and family friend Yanina Latorre, Messi has set his sights on a return to Barcelona once his time in Miami ends. The Argentine legend, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and 2022 World Cup champion, made history during his 17-year tenure at Barcelona. “Messi told me that when he is finished in Miami, where he is…