Author: Vincent Osuwo

Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya lost his fourth fight in a row, this time to American contender Joe Pyfer via technical knockout at UFC Fight Night on Saturday. Pyfer (16-3) won a career-defining fight against Adesanya (24-6) at 4:18 in the second round at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, USA. Adesanya started the fight strong, dominating the first round with fast movement and strikes. Pyfer, on the other hand, absorbed the early pressure and used a series of strong punches and a takedown to shift momentum. In the second round, Pyfer pinned the Nigerian-New Zealander against the fence before…

Tottenham parted ways with coach Igor Tudor by mutual consent on Sunday after only seven games in charge as they fight to stay in the Premier League. Tudor lost five of those games, leaving Spurs out of the Champions League and just one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League. The 47-year-old did not speak to the media following last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest, having learned of his father’s death just after the game ended. “We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for head coach Igor Tudor to leave the club with…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi were among dignitaries at the National Mosque in Abuja on Sunday for the funeral prayers of the mother of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai. Others present included the 16th Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi; billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote; former minister of communications and digital economy, Isa Pantami; and the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Also in attendance were Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, a former Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari, and ex-National Chairman of…

Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has announced his resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party, citing the need for political realignment. Kwankwaso, who was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, revealed this in a statement issued on Sunday. He said, “I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) with immediate effect.” The ex-governor described his exit as a difficult decision, noting his longstanding involvement with the party. “As a committed and bonafide member of the party, this was not an easy decision to make. However, considering the…

The former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has apologized to Vice President Kashim Shettima for referring to him as a “spineless” person. El-Rufai tendered the apology in a statement on his verified X handle on Sunday. The former Kaduna State governor had, in a statement on X, described Shetti as a spineless person; however, in his statement on Sunday, he referred to the tweet as “reckless.” “His statement on Sunday reads, ‘I want to use this medium to apologize to the Vice President of Nigeria, his Excellency Sir Kashim Shettima, for my old post referring to his person…

Argentina talisman Lionel Messi will have a stand named after him at his current club Inter Miami’s new stadium. The 38-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, signed with the MLS team in 2023 following a trophy-laden career in Europe with Barcelona and Paris St. Germain. He went on to become the Florida club’s record goal scorer with 82 and assist provider with 53, and they have taken the uncommon step of honoring an active player in this manner at their 26,700-seat Nu Stadium. Inter Miami said, “Traditionally, tributes look to the past. They are…

Senegal paraded the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy before Saturday’s friendly against Peru at the Stade de France after being stripped of the title earlier this month. Morocco was crowned the victor of the 2025 Afcon tournament after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the result of the January final. Senegal’s players walked off the field in protest after Morocco was granted a stoppage-time penalty with the score 0-0. When they returned after a 17-minute delay, Morocco missed the penalty kick, and Senegal won in extra time. Following an appeal by the Moroccan FA (FRMF), CAF later declared…

Former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on Saturday received a stream of political leaders, associates, and well-wishers at his Abuja residence following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who died on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, after a period of illness. The condolence visits came as public attention focused on El-Rufai’s temporary release from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, where he had been detained since February 18 on financial wrongdoing charges. He was granted compassionate parole to attend his mother’s burial. Rotimi Amaechi, a former Governor of Rivers State, was among those who paid…

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has described as fake a report circulating in the media on the purported prices of expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2027 general elections. The graphic, which made the rounds on Friday, claimed that aspirants for the presidency would pay N200m for nomination forms, while those seeking state assembly seats would pay N20m. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said in a statement on Saturday that the report did not emanate from the party. “The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to a false and misleading report…

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party Peter Obi has expressed condolences to former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai. In a statement issued Friday night, Obi stated, “I have just received the tragic news that my brother Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, has died in Cairo, Egypt, where she was undergoing treatment. “This is indeed a somber moment for the El-Rufai family, as Mama’s passing marks the close of a significant chapter in their matriarchal lineage. “The loss of a mother is a profound turning point in anyone’s…