Author: Olukayode Oke

Southampton Sack Russell Martin Following Spurs Humiliation. Southampton have parted ways with manager Russell Martin after a crushing 5-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday left the club nine points adrift of Premier League safety. The decision marks the end of Martin’s 18-month tenure, which included leading the Saints to promotion last season. Martin, 38, was appointed in 2023 and enjoyed early success, guiding Southampton back to the Premier League by defeating Leeds United in the play-off final at Wembley. However, this season has been a stark contrast, with the club managing just one league win—a victory over Everton in November—and…

Barcelona Slip Up As Leganes Secure Shock Victory. Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga was cut following a surprise 1-0 defeat to Leganes at their temporary home turf. The loss sees Hansi Flick’s side level on points with Atletico Madrid, who trail only on goal difference, while Real Madrid sit just one point behind in third place. Leganes, now up to 15th in the standings, made an immediate impact with an early goal in the fourth minute. Sergio Gonzalez rose highest to head in Oscar Rodriguez’s corner, a strike that would ultimately prove decisive. Despite dominating…

Guardiola’s Sleepless Nights Worsened By Dramatic Derby Defeat. Pep Guardiola has revealed that his sleep has been affected by Manchester City’s ongoing struggles, a situation exacerbated by a dramatic and painful defeat in the Manchester derby. The loss, which unfolded in stunning fashion, marked one of the most unforgettable setbacks in Guardiola’s illustrious managerial career. Despite taking the lead through Josko Gvardiol’s 36th-minute header, Guardiola’s demeanour on the touchline reflected unease. His reaction to the goal was one of muted disdain, as it stemmed from a deflected cross rather than the aesthetically pleasing build-up play that epitomises his football philosophy.…

Nigeria Fulfils 100% ECOWAS Financial Obligation For First Time In 19 Years. Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone by fulfilling 100 per cent of its financial obligations to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the first time in nearly two decades. The payment, totalling ₦84 billion and $54 million, covers Nigeria’s community levy for the entirety of 2023 and extends to July 2024. The announcement was made by Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, during the 66th Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The summit was held at…

Giannis Leads Bucks To NBA Cup Final As Thunder Await. Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a commanding performance, scoring 32 points and collecting 14 rebounds, as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 110-102 to secure a place in the NBA Cup final. The Bucks will meet the Oklahoma City Thunder in the final on Tuesday (01:30 GMT, Wednesday) in Las Vegas, after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also scored 32 points in Oklahoma’s 111-96 victory over the Houston Rockets. Antetokounmpo, who leads the NBA in scoring this season, contributed nine assists, four blocks, and a steal, showcasing his all-around dominance. Damian Lillard…

Two Russian Oil Tankers Wrecked In Black Sea Amid Heavy Storm. Two Russian oil tankers have been severely damaged in the Black Sea, resulting in an oil spill and the death of at least one crew member, Russian authorities have confirmed. The incident occurred in the Kerch Strait, a key waterway separating Russia from Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014. Footage released by Russia’s Southern Transport Prosecutor’s Office showed one of the tankers split in half and sinking during a severe storm, with visible streaks of oil spreading across the water. Both tankers had a…

ABC News To Pay $15m Settlement To Trump Over Defamation Lawsuit. ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million (£12 million) to US President-elect Donald Trump to settle a defamation lawsuit following false statements made by its star anchor, George Stephanopoulos. The lawsuit stemmed from a 10 March broadcast of ABC’s This Week, where Stephanopoulos repeatedly and incorrectly claimed that Trump had been found “liable for rape” while questioning Republican congresswoman Nancy Mace about her support for Trump. The remarks were made despite a New York civil jury in 2023 ruling that Trump was liable for “sexual…

Bayern Munich Suffer First League Defeat Under Kompany As Mainz Triumph. Bayern Munich endured their first Bundesliga defeat under manager Vincent Kompany after a 2-1 loss to Mainz, as the hosts capitalised on defensive errors to claim a deserved victory. South Korean forward Lee Jae-sung emerged as the star for Mainz, opening the scoring in the 41st minute after a costly mistake at the back by Bayern. Lee doubled his tally on the hour mark with an impressive turn and finish, leaving the visitors struggling to respond. Leroy Sane provided a late glimmer of hope for Bayern, pulling…

Martinez’s Stunning Save Not Enough As Forest Stage Late Comeback Against Aston Villa. Emiliano Martinez produced a moment of goalkeeping brilliance at the City Ground, yet Aston Villa fell to a 2-1 defeat after Nottingham Forest mounted a late comeback in a dramatic Premier League clash. The match, which had been a largely uninspiring affair, came alive when Forest’s Nicolas Dominguez appeared to have broken the deadlock. A flicked corner from Morgan Gibbs-White found Dominguez just four yards from goal, and the midfielder’s stooping header seemed destined to cross the line. However, Martinez, twice awarded the Yashin Trophy…

Liverpool Rescue Late Draw As Jota Returns To Deny Fulham In Thrilling Clash. Diogo Jota marked his return with a dramatic late equaliser as 10-man Liverpool twice fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against Fulham at Anfield. The result extended Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League table, despite their rivals gaining ground. Jota, sidelined with injury since October, slotted home in the 86th minute to salvage a point for the Reds after Rodrigo Muniz’s strike appeared to have handed Fulham a late victory. The game had earlier turned against Liverpool when Andy Robertson was shown…

Arsenal Fail To Break Down Resilient Everton In Goalless Stalemate. Arsenal missed a crucial opportunity to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against a resolute Everton at the Emirates Stadium. The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s side in third place, six points adrift of Liverpool, who dropped points earlier with a 2-2 draw against Fulham. Arsenal, having played one more game than the Reds, will view this as a missed chance to stay firmly in the title race. Despite dominating possession with 76% and registering 13 shots, the…

INEC Refutes False Reports Of Chairman’s Demise, Urges Public To Avoid Fake News. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has strongly refuted rumours circulating on social media regarding the death of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, describing the claims as entirely false and misleading. In a press statement released on Saturday, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged the public to “disregard the rumour,” affirming that Prof. Yakubu is “alive, hale and hearty.” The misinformation, which emerged on 9 December 2024, caused concern among citizens and stakeholders. Mr. Oyekanmi dismissed the false claims…