Author: Mayor

The UEFA Champions League knockout play-offs are set, with Manchester City facing reigning champions Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain drawn against French rivals Brest. This season marked the introduction of a new league-phase format, with 36 teams competing in a single table. After the conclusion of 18 simultaneous matches on Wednesday night, the top eight teams automatically secured their places in the round of 16. Meanwhile, clubs finishing between ninth and 24th were drawn into play-offs to fight for a spot in the next stage. Fire erupts at Man City stadium before Champions League clash At UEFA’s House of Football…

Convicted kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, on Thursday, informed the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja that he had repented from his criminal past and had applied to the Lagos State Government for clemency. Evans, through his lawyer, Emefo Etudo, made this known after pleading to an amended five-count charge brought against him by the Lagos State Government. The charges include murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. At the court hearing, the state prosecuting counsel, Sule Yusuf, informed Justice Adenike Coker that the case was starting afresh and requested that the defendants be re-arraigned. Neither…

Arsenal have been charged by the Football Association (FA) for failing to control their players during Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League win at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The charge follows protests from Arsenal players after referee Michael Oliver controversially sent off 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly. Lewis-Skelly was shown a red card for tripping Wolves’ Matt Doherty near the edge of the box just before halftime. The decision was upheld by the video assistant referee (VAR), but Arsenal later appealed, submitting video evidence to an independent commission. The commission overturned the red card and lifted the player’s three-match ban. “The referee had made an obvious…

Qatar Stars League club Al-Duhail has announced the signing of Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech on a free transfer following his departure from Turkish side Galatasaray. Ziyech, who previously played for the Netherlands at youth level, will now be managed by former Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier. “Al-Duhail Sports Club succeeded in obtaining the signature of Moroccan international player Hakim Ziyech,” the club said in an official statement. The 30-year-old midfielder initially joined Galatasaray on loan from Chelsea in August 2023 before making the move permanent in the summer. During his time with the English club, he won both the UEFA…

A Federal High Court has granted bail to former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, in the sum of ₦10 million with one surety in like sum. According to Channels TV, the surety must be a responsible individual with landed property of equal value. The individual is also required to submit the original documents of the property and a passport photograph to the court registrar. Ruling on the bail application, Justice Musa Liman directed Sowore to surrender his international passport to the court. The judge also gave him 24 hours to meet the bail conditions or face remand in police…

Lionel Messi, who is currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he arrived in the summer of 2023 following two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is planning to return to Barcelona after stint in the United States.  According to Argentine journalist and family friend Yanina Latorre, Messi has set his sights on a return to Barcelona once his time in Miami ends. The Argentine legend, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and 2022 World Cup champion, made history during his 17-year tenure at Barcelona. “Messi told me that when he is finished in Miami, where he is…

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Kuje has adjourned the arraignment of former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf, to February 3, 2025. Yusuf, who was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, was brought before the court on Thursday for arraignment over alleged fraud. However, the EFCC sought to amend the charges, prompting Justice Chinyere E. Nwechqeonwu to move the arraignment to Monday. During the hearing, Isah Dokto Haruna, representing lead defence counsel O.I. Habeeb (SAN), applied for bail on Yusuf’s behalf. Prof. Usman Yusuf slams Tinubu,…

Manchester City sealed their place in the Champions League knockout round play-offs with a 3-1 comeback victory against Club Brugge at the Etihad Stadium. Despite falling behind to Raphael Onyedika’s strike just before halftime, the Premier League champions responded emphatically in the second half. Goals from Mateo Kovacic and Savinho, along with an own goal from Brugge’s Joel Ordonez, ensured Manchester City’s progression into the top 24 of the revamped league format. Liverpool, meanwhile, suffered a 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven but still finished top of the table ahead of Barcelona, who were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated its dedication to combating cyberbullying and online harassment in Nigeria. The Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, made this commitment during the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) conference on Cyber Security Awareness and Best Practices in Abuja over the weekend. Speaking through Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE Olalekan Ogunjobi, Olukoyede stressed the need for collective efforts in addressing the growing issue. “Cyberbullying and online harassment have become significant issues globally, including Nigeria. The EFCC is committed to investigating and prosecuting cases involving financial crimes, including those related…

Manchester City are on the verge of sealing a £58.7 million deal for Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso (24) as Pep Guardiola accelerates his January squad revamp. City had an initial £54.5 million bid rejected, with Juventus demanding £75.5 million, but a compromise is expected this week. The move gained traction after Juve coach Thiago Motta confirmed Cambiaso ruled himself out of their Champions League clash against Benfica, citing an ankle injury. With Juventus already eyeing Feyenoord’s David Hancko as a replacement. The full back’s expected arrival at the Etihad is seen as a long-term successor to Kyle Walker, reinforcing City’s…