Author: David Great

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti says he understands the fans booing him and the team in their 5-2 win over Celta Vigo in their Copa del Rey round of 16 clash on Thursday, which he sees as an act of frustration after a humiliating 5-2 loss to rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday. Ancelotti said he was glad that his side showed character to not be affected by their fans’ anger and advance to the quarter-finals on Thursday, after they allowed Celta to recover from two goals down to level the game 2-2 in the final minutes…

South Korea’s anti-corruption agency on Friday announced its intention to request a Seoul court to prolong the detention of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has once more declined to answer questions from investigators. On Wednesday, Yoon made history as the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested, amid an investigation into allegations of insurrection related to his brief imposition of martial law in early December. He is currently in custody at the Seoul Detention Centre. To extend Yoon’s custody, investigators at the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), which is overseeing the inquiry, must seek court approval for…

A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded in space just minutes after its launch from Texas on Thursday, prompting airline flights over the Gulf of Mexico to change their routes to steer clear of falling debris and delaying Elon Musk’s flagship rocket program. SpaceX mission control experienced a loss of communication with the newly upgraded Starship, which was transporting its inaugural test payload of mock satellites without any crew, just eight minutes after it launched from its South Texas rocket facilities at 5:38 p.m. EST (2238 GMT). Footage captured by Reuters displayed orange orbs of light darting through the sky above the…

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Friday announced that the Israeli cabinet will convene to provide final approval for a ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which includes the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip. In Gaza, Israeli warplanes continued their intense strikes, with Palestinian authorities reporting late on Thursday that at least 86 people were killed the day after the truce was announced. Amid ongoing divisions among ministers, Israel postponed meetings that were anticipated on Thursday, when the cabinet was set to vote on the pact, attributing the delay to Hamas. However, in the early hours…

Nigerian troops have eliminated 76 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in the northeastern Borno state in recent weeks, a spokesperson said on Thursday. The militants were thought to be affiliated with the armed group Boko Haram and its offshoot ISWAP, which have been conducting a lethal insurgency in northeast Nigeria since 2009, displacing millions and resulting in thousands of deaths, particularly in Borno, the epicentre of the conflict. Since the beginning of the year, militants have intensified their attacks in Borno, including a recent assault on the Dumba community on Sunday that resulted in the…

Barcelona came from an early goal down to beat Real Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, scoring four goals in a dominant first half and surviving having their goalkeeper sent off to clinch a record-extending 15th trophy. Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Alejandro Balde were all on target before halftime, after French forward Kylian Mbappe put Real in front in the fifth minute. Raphinha grabbed another in the second half while Rodrygo scored for Real. Barcelona put in a clinical display to lift their first trophy in more than a year, having no silverware to…

The Police Command in Ogun has expressed alarm regarding a notable rise in the number of reports concerning missing persons within the state. CSP Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the Command, made this announcement in a statement issued in Abeokuta, the state capital. She stated that the Command had observed an unusual increase in the number of missing persons spanning all age groups. Odutola observed that merely a small portion of the individuals had been located, with many unfortunately not making it back home. The police spokesperson encouraged residents to stay alert and enhance their awareness of security, placing a…

• Sanwo-Olu charges new Permanent Secretaries on highest standards of professionalism, effective implementation of policies Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Friday, swore in the chairman and members of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), charging them to use their professional knowledge, expertise and wealth of experience to uphold the integrity and credibility of the electoral process in the State. Governor Sanwo-Olu, while reiterating his administration’s unwavering commitment to democracy, accountability, and the rule of law, said, “Credible elections are the bedrock of sustainable development, and we will continue to support LASIEC in fulfilling its mandate.” The members…

Nigeria and the United States entered into an agreement on Friday to repatriate approximately $52.88 million in assets that were forfeited by former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and her associates. The agreement paves the way for the initial repatriation to Nigeria of assets associated with Alison-Madueke that are located outside the West African nation. Attorney General of Nigeria and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi said the agreement with the US enables “the repatriation of approximately $52.88 million arising from the forfeiture of the Galactica assets, linked to the former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and her associates.” The agreement comes…

Real Madrid will chase a record-equalling 14th Spanish Super Cup title in the final against Barcelona after second-half goals by Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo helped them to a 3-0 win over Mallorca in the semi-finals on Thursday. England midfielder Bellingham broke the deadlock after the hour mark with a low shot into the middle of the goal before Mallorca defender Martin Valjent’s own goal doubled the lead in stoppage time followed by a Rodrygo strike from close range. Spanish champions Real will play Barcelona for the Super Cup trophy on Sunday after goals by Gavi and Lamine Yamal earned Barca…