Author: Opalim Lifted

Manchester United took a massive stride towards securing a return to the Champions League as Matheus Cunha’s first-half goal proved enough to beat out-of-form Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s own hopes of a place at European club football’s top table are in peril as they suffered fourth Premier League defeat in a row for only the second time this century. They have failed to score in any of those losses and have not found the net since 4 March. Yet Chelsea will wonder how they managed to extend that sorry record this evening. Three times – through Estevao, who went…

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has clarified that it has not banned airtime borrowing or data advance services in Nigeria, countering widespread claims. The statement comes a few days after MTN Nigeria said it was suspending its airtime and data credit advance service, popularly known as “Xtratime,” in compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional (DEON) consumer lending regulations, 2025. The regulations were officially gazetted and took effect on July 21, 2025. In September 2025, the FCCPC said the rules, issued under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (2018), would serve as a comprehensive framework…

The Imo State Government has announced plans to honour late Nigerian football legend Henry Nwosu with a state burial, recognising his contributions to the country’s sporting history. Nwosu, a member of Nigeria’s historic 1980 African Cup of Nations-winning squad, died on March 14 at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital after a brief illness. He was 62. Following his death, his remains were moved to Owerri, the Imo State capital, where preparations for his final rites are underway. Speaking on the development, Imo Commissioner for Sports, Obinna Onyeocha, confirmed that the state government is working closely with the family to organise…

Members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have temporarily suspended their planned nationwide shutdown over the reported 300 per cent increase in Jet A1 aviation fuel prices. The decision followed an appeal by the Federal Government, which urged operators to hold off on suspending flights or raising airfares amid mounting economic pressure on passengers. In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting on Friday, AON described the move as “concessionary but conditional,” stressing that the suspension remains temporary. The group said its next steps would depend on the outcome of a crucial meeting with the Minister of Aviation and…

Eric Chelle, head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, has promised to scour the Nigeria Premier Football League and European leagues for exciting new talent to add to the team for the 2026 Unity Cup. The Super Eagles will defend their Unity Cup title against India national football team, Jamaica national football team, and Zimbabwe national football team in London from May 26 to 30. Chelle said he would leverage the invitational tournament to inject a fresh stream of players into the team’s setup. “The Unity Cup provides a platform to assess new players. I will comb Europe and…

The Ogun State Government is set to file criminal charges against Abubakar Adamu, the driver of the stationary truck linked to the fatal road crash involving associates of Anthony Joshua. The development emerged during court proceedings on Thursday, where state counsel D.O. Ogunyomi took over the prosecution of Adeniyi Kayode, the driver of the Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and his friends at the time of the accident. Ogunyomi urged the court to consolidate charges against both Adamu and Kayode, arguing that both drivers played roles in the tragic incident. The request followed legal advice from the Ogun State Department of…

Temisan Okomi, a Nigerian sports broadcaster, has died after a brief illness. Classic FM, the radio station he worked with for over 12 years, announced his death in a social media post on Friday. “With the heaviest of hearts, we regret to announce the passing of one of our staff, Temisan Okomi, following a brief illness,” the statement reads. “Until his passing, Temisan was the Group Head of the Sports Department. He was a valued member of our team whose contributions and presence will be deeply missed. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult time.”…

The Federal Government has moved to halt the growing misuse of the “Ambassador” title in Nigeria, warning that only individuals formally appointed by the President are legally recognised to bear the designation. The directive was announced on Friday in Abuja by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, during a press briefing where he expressed concern over the increasing number of Nigerians parading themselves as diplomats without official backing. According to him, the development has created confusion within diplomatic circles, with several foreign missions reaching out to the ministry for verification of individuals claiming ambassadorial status. “The…

Coventry City have sealed a long-awaited return to the English Premier League after a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. The result confirms the Sky Blues will finish in the top two of the EFL Championship, securing automatic promotion for the first time since their relegation in 2001. Bobby Thomas emerged as the hero, scoring a crucial equaliser after Ryoya Morishita had given Blackburn the lead early in the second half. The point was enough to mathematically guarantee promotion. Coventry are now unbeaten in five matches, although their recent form includes three consecutive draws. Despite that, their consistency…

Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” for all commercial vessels and will remain so during the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire,” Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X on Friday. A 10-day ceasefire was agreed between Israel and Lebanon late on Thursday, though it remains unclear whether the armed group Hezbollah, which has been fighting Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon during the Iran war, will recognise it. The passage…