Author: Opalim Lifted

The English Premier League has celebrated the wealth of Nigerian football talent that has featured for its numerous clubs over the years. In a post on X on Friday, the league celebrated the “greatness” of Nigerian footballers as part of a thread commemorating its diverse array of talent. Past and present Super Eagles stars were recognised in a poster with the Nigerian map and flag on full display. Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Obafemi Martins, Mikel Obi, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Joseph Yobo, Shola Ameobi, and Victor Anichebe were among those celebrated. Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Ola Aina,…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has rubbished reports linking him to a 2027 presidential bid, insisting he remains fully committed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration till 2031. Reacting to a viral online report claiming that some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders were pushing him to contest the 2027 presidency, Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, dismissed the story as “another lie from idle minds who have nothing to contribute to the development of the country.” In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Olayinka said, “As far as Wike is concerned, it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu…

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has criticised the wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a distraction from Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship. In his recent monthly newsletter, Makinde said while political actors are busy switching parties, millions of Nigerians are struggling to survive amid hunger, poverty and inequality. “Political pundits are reading meanings into every handshake and silence,” Makinde wrote. “But for me, the only defection that truly matters is the one that has not happened yet, the defection of hunger. I will only be moved when hunger defects…

The Rivers State Executive Council has cancelled the controversial N134 billion contract awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the renovation and furnishing of the state secretariat. The contract, issued under the six-month interim administration of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), was found to have bypassed due process. The council, chaired by Governor Siminalayi Fubara at Government House, Port Harcourt, ordered CCECC to refund the N20 billion mobilisation fee it had already received. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the contract and three others were hurriedly approved without proper procedures. He announced…

Cole Palmer has been ruled out of action for six more weeks, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said on Friday. The England midfielder has not played since Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on September 20 — when he came off midway through the first half. Maresca initially said he hoped Palmer, 23, would be back after this month’s international break. “I was wrong. Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. So, yes, this is the update,” he said. Chelsea star, Palmer successfully trademarks signature ‘Cold Palmer’ nickname and celebration The Italian said he was confident that the…

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim thinks it is important Sir Jim Ratcliffe went public with his long-term thoughts – but says nothing is certain about tomorrow in football, let alone three years. In an interview with The Times last week, Ratcliffe said it could take Amorim three years to make a significant impact at Old Trafford. Coming in a period when Amorim’s future has been under scrutiny following an extended sequence of disappointing results, the comments helped quell some of the immediate pressure. But, speaking before the 100th meeting with old rivals Liverpool at Anfield, the United boss stressed…

The directive by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to his cabinet members to wear President Bola Tinubu’s signature cap to the State Executive Council meeting has generated reactions from the public. Reacting to the comment, State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dan Osa-Ogbegie, said the governor’s directive shows he was installed by a man, adding: “Our people have insisted, loudly and consistently, that they voted for Asue Ighodalo. Monday Okpebholo himself has now given public weight to that sentiment. He owes his seat not to Edo, but to the man whose cap he compels others to wear.…

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested two employees of Metrodigital Television Ltd, operators of SLTV in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, over alleged illegal rebroadcasting of DStv and GOtv content. The arrests were part of an enforcement exercise carried out on Thursday at No. 12 Order Street, Rumuola, Stadium Link Road, GRA Phase IV, Port Harcourt. The operation followed a preservation order issued by Adamu Mohammed, judge of a federal high court in the state, empowering the anti-graft agency to seize equipment and documents allegedly connected to the piracy. During the operation, EFCC operatives…

FIFA has reversed its stance on President Donald Trump’s ability to influence World Cup host cities, days after the US president once again threatened to strip games from Boston and other venues over security concerns. The global football governing body had earlier dismissed Trump’s remarks, insisting that only FIFA holds the authority to alter match locations. But in a surprising turnaround, the organisation issued a statement on Tuesday deferring to the US government on safety matters. “Safety and security are the top priorities at all FIFA events worldwide,” the statement read. “Safety and security are obviously the governments’ responsibility, and…

Nigerian rapper Jude Abaga, popularly known as MI Abaga, has shared why he would prefer to raise his future children in Nigeria rather than in the United States. Speaking on the Japa Diaries podcast, the rapper said Nigeria’s strong sense of family and community support makes parenting easier compared to the more individualistic lifestyle in the US. “There are a lot of things appealing about home, especially because we’re already ingrained in that system and because there’s a lot of support as well. I feel it’s very difficult for parents here,” MI said. He explained that in Nigeria, it is…