Author: Olukayode Oke

Rodri Eyes Return To Action Before End Of The Season. Manchester City midfielder Rodri remains optimistic about making a return to the pitch before the conclusion of the season, despite suffering a significant knee injury earlier in the campaign. The Spanish international ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September. Manager Pep Guardiola initially stated that the injury would likely rule Rodri out for the entirety of the season. However, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Rodri shared his determination to defy expectations. “My target is to come back this season.…

Van Nistelrooy Set To Take Charge At Leicester City. Ruud van Nistelrooy is on the brink of being appointed as Leicester City’s new manager, stepping in to replace Steve Cooper, who was dismissed after a short tenure of just 157 days. Cooper’s departure follows a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Chelsea last Saturday, leaving Leicester 16th in the Premier League table, a precarious one point above the relegation zone after 12 matches. Van Nistelrooy, 48, brings a wealth of experience both as a former elite striker and as a developing coach. His appointment comes shortly after he left his…

Displaced Lebanese Return Home As Ceasefire Holds. Displaced families in Lebanon have begun returning to their homes in the south following the implementation of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The truce, brokered by the United States and France, came into effect early this morning, bringing a sense of relief after over a year of conflict. Families loaded their belongings into vehicles and travelled from Beirut back to villages near the border with Israel. Many displayed Hezbollah flags and posters of the group’s former leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli air strike two months ago.…

Bomb Threats Target Trump Cabinet Nominees. Several individuals nominated by Donald Trump for cabinet and White House roles have been targeted by bomb threats and swatting incidents, prompting investigations by US law enforcement. The FBI confirmed it is aware of “numerous bomb threats” and hoax calls designed to elicit a heavy police response at the homes of Trump’s appointees. The threats, which occurred between Tuesday night and Wednesday, targeted at least nine nominees, including those chosen to lead the Departments of Defence, Agriculture, Housing, and Labour, as well as the nominee for US ambassador to the United Nations. …

Russia Launches Major Missile Strikes On Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure. Russia has unleashed a significant missile attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, marking the second such offensive this month. Ukraine’s Energy Minister, Herman Halushchenko, confirmed the widespread strikes, which have led to emergency power outages across the country. “Attacks on energy facilities are taking place all over Ukraine,” Halushchenko said, urging residents to seek shelter and stay updated via official channels. The national energy operator, Ukrenergo, has implemented emergency power cuts to minimise strain on the grid. Explosions were reported in multiple regions, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lutsk, and Odesa. In…

NPFL: Exciting Results Mark Matchday 14 Drama. Matchday action in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on 27 November delivered thrilling results, with standout performances from various teams. Abia Warriors emerged victorious with a 2-0 triumph, showcasing their dominance on home turf, beating Katsina United, while Akwa United edged Plateau United 1-0 in a tightly contested match. Niger Tornadoes suffer a heavy defeat in the hands of Bayelsa United losing 1-4. A win highlighting the attacking intent of Bayelsa. At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, El Kanemi suffered defeat in the hands of Ikorodu City, losing 2:0…

Ogun Assembly Summons Dangote Cement Over Compliance With Standards. The Ogun State House of Assembly has directed the management of Dangote Cement Company to present the master plan for its Ibese cement plant in Yewa North Local Government Area. The resolution, passed on Tuesday, requires the company to include details of associated facilities, such as a trailer park and industrial drainage channel, in accordance with international standards. This decision followed the presentation of a report by the joint House Committees on Trade, Commerce and Investment, and Environment, chaired by Adebisi Oyedele. The report was prompted by concerns over environmental…

TETFund Suspends Foreign Scholarships For Nigerian Lecturers. The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced the suspension of its foreign scholarship programme for lecturers, effective 1 January 2025. The decision, outlined in a circular dated 25 November 2024 and signed by Executive Secretary Sonny Echono, comes as a response to the rising costs of training abroad and concerns over scholars absconding. The circular stated, “In response to the excessive cost of training in foreign institutions, coupled with the high rate of abscondment of scholars, the board of trustees of the fund has approved the suspension of the foreign component…

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello Arraigned Amid Heavy Security. The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, appeared at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday, amid a heavy security presence. Arriving at the court around 8:50 am, Bello faced charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC accuses Bello of financial misconduct, including the alleged mismanagement of state funds, embezzlement, and abuse of office during his tenure as governor from 2016 to 2023. The charges follow ongoing investigations into his financial dealings. According to reports,…

Ceasefire Deal Reached Between Israel And Hezbollah. After 13 months of conflict, a landmark ceasefire agreement has been announced to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese militia. The deal, brokered by the United States and France, aims to restore peace in Lebanon and secure Israel from militant threats. Key Terms of the Agreement US President Joe Biden described the deal as “a permanent ceasefire,” with measures to ensure stability along the Israel-Lebanon border. Under the agreement: – Hezbollah will withdraw its fighters and weapons from the area between the Blue Line—the de facto Israel-Lebanon border—and the…

Trump’s Tariff Plans Spark Concern From Affected Countries. Officials from Canada, Mexico, and China have voiced strong opposition to President-elect Donald Trump’s recent pledge to impose sweeping tariffs on imports from America’s top trading partners. They warn that such measures could have devastating economic consequences for all involved. Trump announced plans to introduce 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, alongside a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, in what he described as an effort to curb drug trafficking and illegal immigration. Concerns from Canada   Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his dismay and pledged to work constructively…

Families Seek Justice After Australian Teens Die In Suspected Methanol Poisoning In Laos. The families of two Australian teenagers, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, are calling for justice after their tragic deaths in Laos from suspected methanol poisoning. The 19-year-olds were among six foreign tourists who reportedly consumed toxic bootleg alcohol, leading to a fatal outcome. Laos authorities have detained eight individuals, all staff at the Nana Backpackers hostel in Vang Vieng, where the victims were staying. The hostel, now closed, has denied serving illicit alcohol, but investigations are ongoing. Families Welcome Progress   The bodies of Ms Jones…