Author: Opalim Lifted

The Premier League’s festive feast turned stale on Thursday as the New Year’s Day programme served up three 0-0 draws, most significantly Manchester City’s stalemate at Sunderland which left them four points adrift of leaders Arsenal. Second-placed City would have reduced Arsenal’s advantage to two points but instead were frustrated as their winning streak in all competitions was halted at eight. Liverpool’s attack was also found wanting as they drew 0-0 at home to Leeds United while there were no goals at Brentford as they ground out a draw with Tottenham Hotspur. The only goals of the day came at…

Hugo Ekitike missed an open goal as Liverpool and Leeds started 2026 with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot’s tenure at Anfield. Jeremie Frimpong’s left-footed strike in the first half was met by Ekitike, who bizarrely ended up heading the ball in the opposite direction when all he had to do was guide it into an open goal. Frimpong had put plenty of power on his shot but, from a yard out, it was harder to miss than score. The point extended Liverpool’s unbeaten run to eight games and moved them three points clear of Chelsea, who are fifth,…

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently review workers’ wages, strengthen security nationwide and implement pro-people policies in 2026. The Congress warned that organised labour would resist any actions that further impoverish Nigerians. In a New Year’s message to workers and citizens, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said 2025 exposed deep socioeconomic vulnerabilities, but did not weaken labour’s resolve to fight for social justice, equitable wealth redistribution and national cohesion. Ajaero said the NLC was entering 2026 with fortified resolve rather than naïve hope, noting that assurances of more meaningful engagement by President Bola Ahmed…

The family of Anda Damisa, the Nigerian influencer better known as Lazywrita, has spoken out following his death. In a joint statement shared on Instagram, the family thanked Nigerians and members of the creative community for the outpouring of love and support they have received during what they described as a deeply painful period. “On behalf of Lazywrita’s family, we want to thank everyone for the love, prayers, kind messages, and support we’ve received during this incredibly painful time,” the statement reads. “We are heartbroken and still trying to process this loss. We kindly ask for less calls, texts instead,…

Professor Ahmed Adamu, a Nigerian petroleum economist and lecturer, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a resignation letter dated 31 December 2025, Adamu informed the PDP Ward Chairman of Kudu III Ward in Katsina Local Government Area that his decision takes effect immediately. He thanked the party for the opportunity to serve and requested that the letter be accepted as his official notice of resignation. Copies of the letter were also addressed to the PDP Chairman in Katsina Local Government and the PDP Chairman at the state level, signalling a clear and definitive exit from the…

Enzo Maresca has left his role as Chelsea manager with the club sitting fifth in the Premier League. The Italian, 45, departs less than six months after winning the Club World Cup at the end of his first season at Stamford Bridge. “With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the Club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track,” Chelsea said. The Blues have won just one of their past seven league matches and took only six points from six games…

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has unveiled its institutional brand identity, marking the official transition from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the newly established revenue authority. The transition was marked with the unveiling of the agency’s new logo, according to a statement from Dare Adekanmbi, special adviser to the chairman of NRS. Speaking at the unveiling event in Abuja on Wednesday, Zacch Adedeji, executive chairman of the NRS, said the new identity represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s revenue administration framework. Adedeji said the unveiling reflects a renewed commitment to a more unified, efficient, and…

Victor Osimhen is the fifth top goalscorer in the world for the year 2025. The 27-year-old scored 46 goals in 52 games for both club and country throughout the 12 months to finish in the top echelon of football marksmen. According to ESPN, Osimhen finished behind only Kylian Mbappe (66 goals), Harry Kane (60 goals), Erling Haaland (57 goals), and Kevin Hernandez of Puerto Rico SSC (48 goals) on the yearly chart. The Super Eagles striker is on par with Lionel Messi but achieved the goal tally in fewer games. Osimhen scored nine goals in nine international games for Nigeria…

President Bola Tinubu says 2026 marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth. The President stated this on Thursday in his New Year’s message to Nigerians. Fellow Compatriots, I welcome you all to 2026, with gratitude to God and confidence in our collective resolve that this new year will be a more prosperous one for our nation, our citizens, and all who call Nigeria home. During 2025, we sustained the momentum on our major reforms. We had a fiscal reset and also recorded steady economic progress. Despite persistent global economic headwinds, we recorded tangible and measurable gains,…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Mozambique in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16 fixtures. The fixture was confirmed on Wednesday night following Mozambique’s 2-1 loss to Cameroon, which consigned the Mambas to finish third in Group F. Mozambique, however, sealed qualification stage as one of the four best third-placed teams in the group stage. Nigeria finished top of Group C after winning all three matches and earned nine maximum points. The last AFCON meeting between Nigeria and Mozambique was at the 2010 tournament in Angola. The Eagles defeated the Mambas 3-0, with Peter Odemwingie…