Author: Vincent Osuwo

Lionel Messi believes Argentina fans are right to dream of a second World Cup title but warns that other competitors, especially France and Spain, “are in better shape.” “There are a lot of guys who are dealing with injuries or a lack of match fitness, but the truth is that when the group is together, it has been proven that it competes and always wants to win,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said of Argentina in an interview with host Pollo Alvarez published on YouTube. However, Messi, who has elevated Inter Miami to the status of a must-see team in…

Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema has been named to an all-star lineup of global music stars that will headline the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. South African artist Tyla, American rapper Future, pop queen Katy Perry, Brazilian singer Anitta, and BLACKPINK member LISA will all join Rema on stage at the Los Angeles Stadium. FIFA confirmed this in a statement issued on Saturday via its official Twitter account. According to the football governing organization, three opening ceremonies will be staged individually in the three host countries, with the United States celebrating on Friday, June…

Air Peace has reported a slight disruption to its scheduled Lagos-London Gatwick flight after a routine mechanical inspection revealed a small fault with the aircraft. Air Peace’s management published a statement via its X handle on Saturday, stating that the issue was found after passengers had already boarded the aircraft, causing the airline to withdraw the jet from service in accordance with safety standards. “Following the completion of passenger boarding, a routine post-boarding technical check identified a minor aircraft fault that required immediate attention,” the airline said. The airline claimed that all passengers had safely departed as engineers worked to…

Gov. Abba Yusuf has been allowed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to run for a second term as governor of Kano State in 2027. Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson, issued a statement on Friday confirming this. According to the statement, the permission came after the governor’s nomination and screening paperwork were submitted and successfully screened by the party’s National Working Committee. According to the statement, a team chaired by APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda conducted the screening exercise at the Plateau Governor’s Lodge. During the exercise, Yilwatda stated that the party was happy with the governor’s performance…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi have secured the African Democratic Congress’ declaration of interest and nomination forms for the 2027 general elections. Another presidential candidate, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has also signed the form, promising to prioritize security, job creation, and the growing cost of living that affects millions of Nigerians. The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, revealed on Friday that the three hopefuls had already obtained the forms. “Yes, the three of them (Atiku, Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen) have obtained the forms,” he said. The presidential nomination form costs N90 million. Hayatu-Deen,…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) to lead a mass educational and sensitization campaign across South African communities and workplaces to combat xenophobia and protect migrant workers. In a letter dated May 7, 2026, and addressed to the president of COSATU in Johannesburg, NLC president Joe Ajaero warned that South Africa could not claim to defend the working class while allowing African migrants to be hunted and killed. Ajaero said, “We cannot claim to fight for the working class while allowing a section of that class to be hunted like…

Federico Valverde has delivered an emotional public apology after reports emerged that he was involved in a heated training-ground dispute with teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni at Real Madrid. The Uruguayan midfielder broke his silence in a lengthy message released by veteran journalist Fabrizio Romano on social media following numerous claims that tensions inside the Madrid dressing room deteriorated during training this week. “I’m sorry. I’m truly sorry because this situation hurts me; this moment we’re going through is painful,” Valverde wrote as he addressed fans and attempted to calm speculation surrounding the incident. The midfielder admitted to having issues with a…

Spanish giant Real Madrid announced on Friday they had fined Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde 500,000 euros ($588,000) each after a training ground clash that left the latter needing hospital treatment. The club did not impose any sports sanctions on the two players, instead stating in a statement that the fine “thereby concludes the internal procedures” initiated against them. Valverde will miss Sunday’s Clasico against Barcelona as a result of the head injury he suffered during the altercation. The club stated that he would be out for up to two weeks. Tchouameni participated in training on Friday and could play…

Bruno Fernandes has been named the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Men’s Footballer of the Year after a standout individual season in England. According to BBC Sport on Friday, the Portuguese midfielder was recognized for his consistency, creativity, and leadership during the campaign, during which he delivered impressive stats for United despite varied results. Fernandes scored eight goals and provided 20 assists in 34 games across all competitions, contributing significantly to Manchester United’s improved performance under interim manager Michael Carrick. The FWA complimented his influence and overall effort as United aimed for a solid league finish and qualification to next season’s…

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu resumed as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs on Friday after being appointed by President Bola Tinubu. Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who formerly served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, was promoted following the departure of former Minister Yusuf Tuggar, who resigned on March 30 to pursue his governorship ambitions in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 election. According to a statement published in Abuja by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokeswoman, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the minister was greeted upon arrival by top directors of the ministry, led by the Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Ahmed, as well as leaders of ministry agencies. The…