Author: Olukayode Oke

Christophe Galtier seemed unsurprised by Kylian Mbappe’s brutal five-goal display in Paris Saint-Germain’s Coupe de France demolition of Pays de Cassel on Monday. PSG eased into the last 16 of the competition with an emphatic 7-0 victory at Lens’ Stade Bollaert-Delelis, with Mbappe involved in all but one of their goals. The sixth-tier opposition – who were technically the home team – did not look overawed and played some attractive football during the early stages, but the floodgates opened once Mbappe put PSG ahead with 29 minutes played. It was 4-0 by half-time, with Mbappe netting three and setting up…

Simone Inzaghi told Inter Milan to forget Monday’s dismal defeat to Empoli, after which the Nerazzurri were still not giving up hopes of winning Serie A. Inter remained 13 points behind runaway leaders Napoli after going down 1-0 at home following a first-half Milan Skriniar red card. Empoli were good value for their win against Inzaghi’s out-of-sorts side, and the head coach appeared to recognise that as he sought to move on swiftly from this match. “We have to archive it immediately,” he said. “We will have another difficult game, and we have to forget immediately, looking ahead. “Of course, we…

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says Nigeria is set to host the regional digital economy conference in the country. NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr Reuben Muoka made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja. Muoka said policy makers and stakeholders in the digital economy ecosystem in the West African sub-region would converge in Abuja from Jan. 31 to Feb.1, for the Digital Economy Regional Conference. He said that they would converge to discuss the future of digital economy and intensify regional public private partnerships for the region. “The event is being hosted by the Ministry of Communications…

The Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Ltd. (LPLEL), promoter of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, says the port will boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Promote (GDP) and facilitate trade volume. The Managing Director of LPLEL, Mr Du Ruogang, while addressing the media during the official inauguration of the Lekki Port by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said that the macro-economic benefit of the port was enormous. Ruogang noted that the Lekki Port remains a game-changer that would redefine maritime activities in Nigeria and the entire West African sub-region. He highlighted other benefits to include; improvement of external trade competitiveness through improved port…

Arsenal’s latest signing, Jakub Kiwior has revealed why he joined the Gunners this January transfer window. Arsenal on Monday confirmed the signing of Kiwior from Italian club Spezia. Kiwior became Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta’s second January signing. The Poland international moved to Emirates Stadium in a deal worth £ 20 million. The 22-year-old, who has nine caps for Poland, signed a four-and-a-half contract with the North London club with the option of a further year. Speaking to the club media following his move to Arsenal, Kiwior explained the reasons behind his switch to the Premier League leaders, revealing that their…

Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Labour Party in the forthcoming elections, has assured of his determination to fight insecurity and reopen the country’s borders if elected. Speaking in Katsina State on Monday in continuation of his campaign for the presidency, the Labour Party presidential candidate believed that bad governance and insecurity had caused extreme hardship and abject poverty among Nigerians. According to him, “I will build a new Nigeria for all, and boost the socio-economic activities of Katsina State and the nation in general.” Peter Obi explained that himself and his running mate, Datti Baba Ahmed, have chosen…

The Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has apologised for the delay in Abuja-Kaduna train movement on Monday. Pascal Nnorli, Manager, Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) issued a statement after complaints by passengers. Nnorli explained that the delay was due to a shortage in the supply of diesel. He said the AGO received fell short of the standard required and was outrightly rejected after a statutory laboratory test. The manager said the test is carried out on all liquid “used on the rolling stock, locomotives inclusive, to ensure that the right specifications are utilised”. The statement assured that operations would normalise as the…

Manchester City have signed Argentine, Maximo Perrone from Velez Sarsfield. The formalities of the deal were completed this January as parties involved had already reached agreement in December. The 20-year-old Perrone plays as a defensive midfielder and has recorded 33 appearances for Velez this season. He has netted twice from his defensive midfield position and provided three assists. Pep Guardiola has one reliable defensive midfielder in the person of Rodri as Kalvin Phillips who joined the club last summer has not hit the ground running. Phillips has not found his feet at the Etihad Stadium, playing just 152 minutes for…

Former Leeds United boss, Marcelo Bielsa is set to replace Frank Lampard as Everton’s new coach. As reported by Sky Sports, Bielsa is under consideration as Lampard’s replacement with Everton 19th in the Premier League. The Everton hierarchy have made Bielsa their first choice to become the club’s next manager after sacking Lampard on Monday. Bielsa, who has been out of work since he left Leeds last February, has already held talks with Everton’s chiefs about taking over at Goodison Park. The report added that the 67-year-old has also indicated his willingness to take on the job. Recall that Everton…

The Department of State Services DSS has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC of its determination to provide a conducive atmosphere for the February/March general election. Director General, State Services, DGSS, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi made the pledge in Abuja at the opening of a 4-day strategic workshop organized by the Service for its state directors and heads of institutions. Service Spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya in a statement issued Monday in Abuja said the workshop which held between 18th and 21st January, 2023, was part of the Service’s preparedness for the general elections.  According to him, the INEC Chairman…

Relegation-threatened Everton have sacked manager Frank Lampard after less than a year in charge at the Goodison Park club, British media reported on Monday. The former Chelsea boss was appointed to replace Rafael Benitez in January 2022 but leaves with the side 19th in the table, level on points with bottom club Southampton. In a sign of the turmoil enveloping Everton, club directors were earlier this month ordered to stay away from Goodison Park due to perceived security risks. Everton fell to a damaging 2-0 defeat at fellow-strugglers West Ham on Saturday — a ninth loss in their past 12…

Novak Djokovic surged into the Australian Open quarter-finals with his “best match of this year” on Monday. After a series of shocks at Melbourne Park, normal order was more or less restored on day eight, except for fourth seed Caroline Garcia bowing out under the weight of expectation. Djokovic demolished Alex de Minaur for the loss of just five games to sweep into the last eight and step up his bid for a 10th Melbourne crown, and record-tying 22nd major title in all. He will meet fifth seed Andrey Rublev for a semi-final berth after the Russian toppled Danish teenager Holger…