Author: David Great

Barcelona stormed into the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a commanding 5-1 win over Real Betis at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday, thanks to a standout performance from 17-year-old Lamine Yamal. Yamal scored and played a key role in two other goals as Hansi Flick’s side delivered a dominant display, building on their Spanish Super Cup triumph over Real Madrid last weekend. Gavi opened the scoring in just the second minute, capping off a fluid team move initiated by Dani Olmo, who started as a false nine in place of the rested Robert Lewandowski. Olmo, controversially granted a temporary playing…

Arsenal moved up to second in the Premier League table after a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium, completing their fifth league double over their bitter rivals. Following back-to-back cup defeats against Newcastle United and Manchester United, doubts loomed over Arsenal’s ability to challenge for major trophies. However, the Gunners entered the North London derby determined to revive their faltering title bid. In contrast, Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, faced far grimmer prospects, trailing Arsenal by 16 points ahead of the clash. Despite their struggles, Spurs held firm early on, with Radu Drăgușin blocking Leandro Trossard’s…

Police have launched an investigation into social media abuse aimed at Arsenal forward Kai Havertz’s wife after his latest poor performance. Havertz missed a penalty in Arsenal’s shootout defeat against Manchester United in the FA Cup third round on Sunday. Following Arsenal’s second successive loss, the Germany international’s wife, Sophia, reposted two abusive messages she had received on Instagram. A police spokesman told Britain’s Press Association: “Officers have received a report of malicious communications towards a Hertfordshire resident on Sunday 12 January. Enquiries are under way.” Speaking on Tuesday, on the eve of Arsenal’s Premier League match against Tottenham, Gunners…

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunications companies to disconnect the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes assigned to nine financial institutions over unpaid debts. In a directive signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, and obtained by Channels Television on Tuesday, the NCC mandated the affected banks to settle their outstanding debts by January 27, 2025, or face losing access to their USSD platforms. The commission did not disclose the exact amount owed by the banks but noted that the total debt initially owed by 18 financial institutions exceeded N200 billion. According to the NCC, some…

Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, has reassured residents that there is no cause for concern following the recent confirmation of a bird flu case in the state. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Information Officer of the Ministry of Health, Ibrahim Abdullahi, Dr. Yusuf emphasized that the situation is under control. “The case we have is isolated and not significant enough to be declared an outbreak. The ministry is on top of the issue and has taken proactive measures to contain it before it becomes a threat to public health,” he said. The development…

For Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, the journey from Agege to the pinnacle of Lagos politics was as meteoric as it was turbulent. Born on November 11, 1972, in Agege, Lagos, his early years hinted at promise. Educated at St. Thomas Aquinas Primary School and Archbishop Aggey Memorial Secondary School, Mushin, Obasa earned a Law degree from Lagos State University in 2006. Obasa’s political career began in 1999 when he was elected a councilor under the Alliance for Democracy, later representing Agege Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2007. For over 15 years, Obasa cemented himself as a…

Bayern Munich are ready to join the race for Kobbie Mainoo if he becomes available. Mainoo, a Manchester United and England youngster, burst onto the scene last season. The Red Devils are hoping to tie him down to a new contract but may sell him if he continues to demand over £200,000 a week. German giants Bayern and Premier League rivals Chelsea are the two most interested parties. If United do have to part with the midfielder, they would much prefer to sell him abroad. United coach Ruben Amorim challenged the 19 year old midfielder to show he deserves to…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, January 13, 2025, presented four additional witnesses in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman. The trial is being heard by Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja. In a statement by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, obtained by Chronicle NG, Mamman is facing a 12-count charge filed by the EFCC, accusing him of conspiracy to commit money laundering involving N33,804,830,503.73. At Monday’s proceedings, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, prosecuting counsel for the EFCC, informed the court of plans to further establish the case…

Lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly have declared that the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was necessary to restore the sanctity and integrity of the legislative body. Addressing journalists at the Assembly Complex, the lawmakers unanimously agreed that the leadership change was long overdue. “The members of parliament today decided to change the leadership of the House, and you know that the constitution made it clear that the House has the power to regulate its proceedings,” they said. “So the members of the House felt that they have had enough of Obasa, and today we have unanimously…

The Oyo State Government has filed eight counts criminal charges bordering on murder, manslaughter against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of an Ibadan-based radio station, and Abdulahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, over the tragic December 18, 2024, funfair stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children. The charge sheet, marked I/05C/2025, was filed on Friday, January 10, 2025, before the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. The government is prosecuting the case as the complainant, while Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi are named as defendants. The defendants face…