Author: Editor Francis

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) finds itself back in the legal spotlight as new revelations surface regarding alleged irregularities in tax operations dating back to 2017, particularly related to the signing of Neymar. ‘Mediapart,’ which had previously disclosed evidence of ongoing investigations, now highlights the involvement of key figures, including Pascal Ferre, in potential undue influence on the French press. The focal point of the controversy is Pascal Ferre, a former editor-in-chief of ‘France Football’ and current member of PSG’s communication department. ‘Mediapart’ probes into Ferre’s role and potential influence on the press, specifically within ‘France Football,’ during his tenure as head…

Read More

In a thrilling encounter at the San Siro, Italy midfielder Frattesi emerged as the hero for Inter, securing a crucial victory with a decisive strike in the third minute of stoppage time. Simone Inzaghi’s side faced a late scare when Verona’s Thomas Henry, who had earlier netted the equalizer, missed a penalty in the 10th minute of added time. Frattesi’s match-winning goal came on the rebound after Lorenzo Montipo spilled Nicolo Barella’s shot, concluding a chaotic sequence that included Alessandro Bastoni’s impressive volley off the bar. The wild celebrations ensued as Inter is set to lead the Serie A table…

Read More

In a crucial FA Cup third-round fixture at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea is set to host Preston North End as they seek a potential route to Europe after facing challenges in the Premier League. Manager Pochettino has emphasized the importance of going all out in the competition, viewing it as a consolation route for the Blues. Despite finishing 2023 with four wins in their last five games across all competitions, Chelsea is eager to kick off 2024 with another victory. However, they face a significant hurdle with a lengthy injury list that includes key players such as Reece James, Ben Chilwell,…

Read More

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp addressed the upcoming challenges as key players Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo are away for international tournaments in Ivory Coast and Qatar, respectively. Klopp, preparing for Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round tie against Arsenal, expressed his honesty in not wishing too much success for Salah and Endo, considering the potential impact on their return date in February. Klopp admitted, “I said if I wish you good luck it would be a lie,” and acknowledged that while he would prefer an early exit for personal reasons, both players could go on to win their respective tournaments. Despite the…

Read More

The Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission has disclosed the comprehensive cost and breakdown of the forthcoming 2023/2024 main pilgrimage set for Rome and Greece. In an official statement signed by Celestine Toruka, the Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, the commission provided insights into the anticipated exercise. Addressing chairmen and secretaries of all States Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards through a letter dated December 28, 2023, the commission confirmed the commencement date for the pilgrimage scheduled by the end of the current month. Outlined in the statement, the pilgrimage cost to Rome and Greece is stipulated at N3,000,000 per pilgrim.…

Read More

Matchroom and Queensberry made a significant announcement on Friday night, confirming that Anthony Joshua is slated to step into the ring against Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia. While an exact date for this highly anticipated fight is yet to be finalized, an upcoming press conference scheduled for January 15 in London aims to shed light on the details. Joshua, determined to reclaim his heavyweight dominance, recently secured a five-round victory over Otto Wallin on December 23. Originally slated to fight Deontay Wilder, plans shifted when Wilder suffered a loss to Joseph Parker on the same fight card. Meanwhile, Ngannou, the…

Read More

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has provided guidance for Nigerians on safeguarding their Google accounts against potential hackers. Pantami shared these insights on Friday after revelations that hackers could gain unauthorized access to Google mails without requiring users’ passwords. A security firm’s analysis uncovered a perilous form of malware exploiting third-party cookies to access individuals’ private data. Google responded, stating that it is actively working to clamp down on third-party cookies and has taken measures to secure compromised accounts. In response to this development, Pantami urged Google account users in Nigeria to exercise caution when accepting…

Read More

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has given its approval for the imminent launch of the Nigerian naira stablecoin (cNGN), scheduled to debut on February 27, 2024. Powered by the Africa Stablecoin Consortium (ASC), a collaborative effort involving Nigerian financial institutions, fintech companies, and blockchain experts, the cNGN represents a significant step in the realm of digital currency. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies specifically engineered to maintain a stable value, often pegged or linked to another currency, commodity, or financial instrument. In an official statement released on Thursday, the ASC affirmed that the cNGN stablecoin has met all regulatory standards set forth…

Read More

Nigerian parliamentary panel chairman, Ikenga Ikeagwuonu, has expressed concern over the recent raid by anti-graft officials on the offices of Dangote Industries Ltd, controlled by billionaire Aliko Dangote. Ikeagwuonu, who heads a committee on petroleum resources in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, voiced apprehension, stating that the raid could have adverse effects on the economy and discourage potential investors. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted the raid at the Lagos headquarters of Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person, as part of an ongoing investigation into Godwin Emefiele, the former head of Nigeria’s central bank. An official from the EFCC, speaking…

Read More

In a recent press briefing, the U.S. State Department responded to mounting concerns regarding the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The spokesperson,Matthew Miller, Department Spokespersonacknowledged strikes along the northern border shared by Israel and Lebanon, emphasizing efforts to prevent further escalation and the spread of the conflict to additional countries. Highlighting the ongoing risk of a region-wide conflagration, the administration stressed active measures to lower this risk. Despite recent events in Beirut, Baghdad, and Iran, the spokesperson noted that concerns have been persistent since the initial incidents on October 7th. The U.S. has adopted a measured approach, engaging in…

Read More

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is set to depart for his fourth visit to the Middle East since the terrorist attacks of October 7th, with additional stops in Europe. The week-long trip will include visits to Türkiye, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank, and Egypt, where he will engage in meetings with foreign counterparts and address critical issues. The primary focus of Secretary Blinken’s discussions will encompass several key matters: 1. Humanitarian Assistance to Gaza: Immediate measures to substantially increase humanitarian aid to Gaza will be a top priority. The Secretary will emphasize…

Read More

President Joe Biden will seek to fire up his 2024 campaign Friday with a major speech warning that democracy is at risk from Donald Trump, three years after the deadly January 6 US Capitol attack. Either trailing or neck and neck with Trump in recent polls, the 81-year-old Democrat will frame his likely Republican rival as a threat to the nation in an address near the historic US independence war site of Valley Forge in Pennsylvania. A looming winter storm forced the speech to be brought forward a day from Saturday, the third anniversary of the Capitol assault by a…

Read More