Author: David Great

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso said Victor Boniface will stay with the Bundesliga club, following the Nigerian striker’s absence from their Champions League match against Sparta Prague, which sparked speculation about a transfer to Saudi Arabia. Boniface made his return from injury on Saturday, yet he remained on the bench during Leverkusen’s 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig, following reports in German media that linked him to a potential transfer to Saudi club Al-Nassr. He was subsequently excluded from training prior to Leverkusen’s 2-0 Champions League victory against Czech team Sparta Prague on Wednesday. “He will train again tomorrow. I believe he is staying with us,” Alonso told reporters after that win. “So I have to say that I am satisfied, I am happy. Victor Boniface is comfortable here, so I don’t believe that this is…

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Kuje has adjourned the arraignment of former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf, to February 3, 2025. Yusuf, who was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, was brought before the court on Thursday for arraignment over alleged fraud. However, the EFCC sought to amend the charges, prompting Justice Chinyere E. Nwechqeonwu to move the arraignment to Monday. During the hearing, Isah Dokto Haruna, representing lead defence counsel O.I. Habeeb (SAN), applied for bail on Yusuf’s behalf. Prof. Usman Yusuf slams Tinubu,…

Manchester City sealed their place in the Champions League knockout round play-offs with a 3-1 comeback victory against Club Brugge at the Etihad Stadium. Despite falling behind to Raphael Onyedika’s strike just before halftime, the Premier League champions responded emphatically in the second half. Goals from Mateo Kovacic and Savinho, along with an own goal from Brugge’s Joel Ordonez, ensured Manchester City’s progression into the top 24 of the revamped league format. Liverpool, meanwhile, suffered a 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven but still finished top of the table ahead of Barcelona, who were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated its dedication to combating cyberbullying and online harassment in Nigeria. The Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, made this commitment during the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) conference on Cyber Security Awareness and Best Practices in Abuja over the weekend. Speaking through Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE Olalekan Ogunjobi, Olukoyede stressed the need for collective efforts in addressing the growing issue. “Cyberbullying and online harassment have become significant issues globally, including Nigeria. The EFCC is committed to investigating and prosecuting cases involving financial crimes, including those related…

Manchester City are on the verge of sealing a £58.7 million deal for Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso (24) as Pep Guardiola accelerates his January squad revamp. City had an initial £54.5 million bid rejected, with Juventus demanding £75.5 million, but a compromise is expected this week. The move gained traction after Juve coach Thiago Motta confirmed Cambiaso ruled himself out of their Champions League clash against Benfica, citing an ankle injury. With Juventus already eyeing Feyenoord’s David Hancko as a replacement. The full back’s expected arrival at the Etihad is seen as a long-term successor to Kyle Walker, reinforcing City’s…

As part of President Donald Trump’s ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration in the United States, about 3,690 Nigerians have been listed for deportation. This was revealed in a document compiled by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations, released on Tuesday. According to the document, “the data was broken down according to nationality and the number of people faced with deportation.” The list shows that Mexico and Nicaragua have the highest number of deportations, with “252,044 and 45,955 illegal immigrants expected to be deported soon.” Last week, hundreds of migrants were arrested, while others were flown…

Scores of people took to the streets in Niger and Burkina Faso on Tuesday to rally in support of their countries’ withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is set to take effect on Wednesday. The imminent departure of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali from ECOWAS has deepened divisions within the regional bloc, raising concerns about its future. The three military-led governments had formally notified ECOWAS in January 2024 of their immediate exit, citing what they described as the organization’s excessive reliance on France. France has become a common adversary for the three juntas, which now…

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has accused ex-Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of allegedly being responsible for mass killings during his tenure in office. Omokri’s accusations came in response to El-Rufai’s recent criticism of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The former governor had declared that he no longer recognizes the ruling party, citing a lack of internal democracy and a deviation from its founding principles. Reacting via his official X handle, Omokri launched a scathing attack on El-Rufai, saying: “You are a bloodthirsty tyrant, and because you no longer see blood flowing on the streets of Kaduna, you are unable…

Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly will be available for their next three games after the Football Association (FA) rescinded the red card he had received in Saturday’s 1-0 win away at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Referee Michael Oliver sent off Lewis-Skelly for tripping Matt Doherty on the edge of the Wolves box as the home side attempted a counterattack just before halftime. The decision was also upheld by the video assistant referee but Arsenal appealed and an independent commission upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal and removed his three-match suspension. The Premier League had said the red card was checked and confirmed by VAR…

Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface missed training on Tuesday amid reports from German media linking the striker to a transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Manager Xabi Alonso confirmed that negotiations for the player’s transfer are still in progress. Boniface, 24, made his return from injury on Saturday, yet remained on the bench during Leverkusen’s 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Prior to his injury in November, Boniface had netted eight goals in 15 matches across all competitions. In the previous season, he scored 14 goals in 23 league matches, becoming the team’s leading scorer and playing a crucial…