Author: Opalim Lifted

American rapper ASAP Rocky has shared how his mother, Renee Black, once believed he would end up with singer Rihanna long before they became a couple. Speaking on the New York Times Popcast, Rocky said his mother often encouraged him to see Rihanna as more than a friend, even when he insisted nothing romantic was happening between them. He admitted he brushed off her advice at the time because he believed Rihanna was not interested in him that way. Looking back, he said her instincts were right and that the timing eventually worked in their favour. “My mother used to…

A federal capital territory (FCT) high court in Maitama has struck out the criminal charges instituted by the federal government against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central. Chizoba Orji, presiding judge, struck out the suit on Thursday following a notice of discontinuance filed by the federal government. At the court session, West Idahosa, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, moved for the matter to be struck out following the prosecution’s application for discontinuance. He also prayed the court to release all documents belonging to the defendant and her sureties. The prosecution counsel did not oppose the application. Consequently, the case was struck out,…

The Budget Office of the Federation has firmly dismissed claims that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) operates a ₦246 billion “salaries budget,” describing the allegation as misleading and based on a poor understanding of Nigeria’s federal budgeting process. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu, clarified that the N246.77 billion figure associated with the NEDC in the budget is not a personnel-only allocation. Rather, it is a statutory lump-sum provision presented at an aggregate level, in line with standard practices under the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for statutory and quasi-statutory agencies.…

The federal government of Nigeria has commended the Super Eagles for their performance and resilience at the tournament despite their defeat. On Wednesday, the Atlas Lions of Morocco defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on penalties to reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, conveyed the message in a statement on Thursday. He said the team demonstrated character, teamwork, and resilience, qualities he described as deeply important to the nation. The minister said the players’ effort and commitment throughout the competition earned them the respect and gratitude of…

Substitute Jefte Betancor scored twice as second-tier Albacete pulled off a dramatic 3-2 victory over Spanish giants Real Madrid on Wednesday, eliminating them from the Copa del Rey at the round-of-16 stage on Alvaro Arbeloa’s managerial debut. On a misty night at the Carlos Belmonte stadium, the energetic 17,000-strong crowd created an electric atmosphere as Albacete stunned the European powerhouses, who had sacked manager Xabi Alonso earlier in the week. Former Real defender Arbeloa, who was handed the reins in the wake of Alonso’s dismissal, selected a largely second-string side and they struggled to impose themselves on their lowly opponents,…

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez made errors that contributed to two of Arsenal’s three goals in a dramatic Carabao Cup semi-final first leg – but Alejandro Garnacho scored twice to keep Chelsea in the tie. Sanchez failed to claim Declan Rice’s corner, allowing Ben White to head in Arsenal’s seventh-minute opener from close range – and the goalkeeper let a cross squirm through his fingers shortly after half-time for Viktor Gyokeres to make it 2-0. Garnacho pulled one back 12 minutes into the second half, but Martin Zubimendi’s brilliant shimmy and finish restored Arsenal’s two-goal advantage. The former Manchester United winger then…

Hosts Morocco survived a nervy night in Rabat to see off Nigeria 4-2 on penalties to reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Youssef En-Nesyri stroked the winning spot-kick into the bottom-left corner after Yassine Bounou saved from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi. In a game of few chances a shootout looked a likely outcome from early in proceedings. Tournament top scorer Brahim Diaz squandered Morocco’s best opening just before the half hour, misjudging a header from Achraf Hakimi’s right-wing cross, with the Real Madrid forward’s effort coming more off his shoulder. Nigeria’s star forwards Victor…

The trial of former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), took a decisive turn on Wednesday as the EFCC detailed how billions meant for election security allegedly flowed from government coffers to private companies and individuals. Testifying before Justice C.O. Agbaza of the FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja, the first prosecution witness, Dr Michael Adariku, said investigators traced substantial transfers from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to Acacia Holdings Limited and other beneficiaries. Led by Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, the EFCC investigator told the court that funds were paid into Acacia Holdings’ UBA account, including transactions…

Burkina Faso have sacked coach Brama Traore and his coaching staff after their last-16 exit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The country’s football federation (FBF) said the decision was taken following results “deemed to fall far short of the objectives set for the national team” before the finals in Morocco. The Stallions had been targeting a place in the semi-finals but lost 3-0 to defending champions Ivory Coast in the first knockout round. “This poor performance has caused deep disappointment among supporters, stakeholders in national football, and governing bodies,” said FBF chairman Oumarou Sawadogo. Traore, 63, had…

Visa applications from Nigeria, Russia and at least 73 other countries will no longer be processed by United States embassies and consulates as Washington moves to tighten immigration screening over concerns about welfare dependence. The US Department of State has directed consular officers to pause visa processing for the affected countries from January 21, pending a broad reassessment of screening and vetting procedures. The directive was contained in an internal memo first reported by Fox News. Under the instruction, visa officers are to refuse applications using existing provisions of US immigration law while the review is ongoing. The pause applies…