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Author: Promise Odejide

  • Top 10 Players Leading Ballon d’Or 2026 Race After Champions League Last Eight

    The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is beginning to take shape after the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, with Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane pulling ahead as early favourite following a string of decisive performances in Europe and a dominant goal-scoring run this season.

    Kane’s form has put him in front of a competitive field that includes rising stars and established names, all pushing their case as the season approaches its defining stretch.

    Harry Kane leads the race

    The England captain has been ruthless in front of goal, leading Bayern Munich past Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

    He also tops the scoring charts across Europe’s major leagues with 35 goals, giving him a clear edge.

    Lamine Yamal’s breakout season continues

    Barcelona’s teenage sensation keeps delivering at the highest level.

    At just 18, he is driving the club’s La Liga title push, with a strong lead over Real Madrid.

    Mbappé remains a major threat

    Kylian Mbappé is still right in the mix.

    He has scored 25 league goals and leads the Champions League scoring chart with 15, underlining his influence in big games.

    Michael Olise’s rise gathers pace

    Olise has enjoyed a standout season, combining flair with consistent output.

    His goals and assists have pushed him into elite conversation.

    Dembélé finds consistency again

    Ousmane Dembélé is showing a different level of reliability this season.

    He has stepped up in key European fixtures with match-winning performances.

    Declan Rice anchors from midfield

    Rice continues to dominate in midfield with authority.

    His defensive work, leadership, and ability to contribute going forward remain crucial.

    Vitinha quietly controls games

    Vitinha has built his case through consistency.

    His composure and control in midfield continue to stand out.

    Haaland still dangerous

    Erling Haaland remains one of the most feared strikers in Europe.

    Despite a lower ranking, his goal-scoring record keeps him firmly in contention.

    Álvarez delivers when it matters

    Julián Álvarez continues to prove his value in big moments.

    His energy and finishing make him a reliable option in crucial games.

    Bellingham stays in the conversation

    Jude Bellingham remains one of the most complete young midfielders in the game.

    His goals, assists, and presence on the pitch keep him firmly in the race.

  • Tinubu Mocks Atiku, Calls Opposition Coalition a “Gang-Up of Failures” Ahead of 2027 Poll

    President Bola Tinubu has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing the opposition coalition seeking to unseat him in the 2027 general election as a “coalition of failures,” during a political engagement at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    What happened

    Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday, April 16, 2026, while addressing the leadership and coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors.

    The president accused opposition figures, including Atiku, of ganging up against his administration, while questioning their past records in governance and economic reforms.

    He specifically referenced Atiku’s role in Nigeria’s privatisation programme, suggesting it contributed to failed national assets.

    Tinubu’s criticism of Atiku

    In his speech, Tinubu mocked the opposition’s track record, pointing to stalled projects such as Ajaokuta Steel Company and other privatised assets.

    “The head was the chairman of the Privatisation Council of Nigeria… they privatised the steel industry in Delta. Is it working today? No,” he said.

    He added that Nigerians should judge political actors based on results rather than promises, insisting his administration is focused on correcting past failures.

    Defence of his administration

    The president maintained that he inherited a struggling economy but chose to confront the challenges head-on.

    “I didn’t have to look back because the truth is, I took over from myself,” Tinubu said, referencing his role in the transition from former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    He assured supporters that ongoing reforms would eventually deliver visible results in infrastructure, education, and the economy.

    Message to supporters

    Tinubu also praised members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, describing them as part of a national movement committed to economic recovery and social renewal.

    He urged them to remain committed to his administration’s agenda, promising not to abandon them midway.

    “You are in good company… all I can promise is that I won’t give up,” he said.

    What it means

    The comments reflect rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with early campaigns and rivalries beginning to shape public discourse around governance and opposition unity.

  • Saudi PIF Sells 70% of Al-Hilal to Kingdom Holding in $373m Deal

    Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has signed a binding agreement to sell its 70 per cent stake in Al-Hilal Saudi Club to Kingdom Holding Company, marking a major shift in the ownership structure of one of Asia’s most successful football teams.

    Deal details emerge

    The transaction, reported by the Saudi Press Agency, values the Riyadh-based club at about 1.4 billion Saudi riyals.

    Kingdom Holding, chaired by billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, will pay 840 million riyals to acquire the controlling stake, with funding sourced internally.

    The remaining 30 per cent stake is expected to be held by the Al-Hilal Non-Profit Foundation.

    Shift in Saudi sports model

    The deal makes Al-Hilal the first of Saudi Arabia’s “Big Four” clubs to move from state-backed ownership under PIF to private sector control.

    Analysts say the move aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy aimed at reducing government ownership and expanding private investment in the sports sector.

    Prince Alwaleed speaks

    Prince Alwaleed, a longtime supporter and honorary member of the club, said the acquisition is focused on unlocking commercial opportunities while preserving the club’s legacy.

    He noted that Al-Hilal’s identity and history remain central to the new ownership direction.

    What happens next

    The deal is still subject to regulatory approval from the General Authority for Competition.

    However, preparations for administrative and commercial transition are expected to begin immediately ahead of the new football season.

    What it means

    Industry watchers say the move could set the tone for similar ownership changes involving other top Saudi clubs like Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli, which are still under PIF control.

  • Bandits Abduct JAMB Candidates, Other Passengers in Benue Night Attack

    Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted several passengers, including candidates heading for the ongoing JAMB examination, after attacking a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi-Otukpo road in Benue State.

    Attack on night journey

    The incident occurred on Wednesday night when the bus, travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo, was ambushed near its destination.

    Passengers on board were reportedly young men and women heading to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination scheduled for Thursday.

    A source said the vehicle, carrying about 18 passengers, was waylaid around 8pm, with most occupants taken into the bush.

    “Two people, the driver and one passenger, managed to escape. Incidentally, the passengers were mainly young men and women going to write JAMB,” the source said.

    Police confirm abduction

    The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the attack, stating that 14 passengers were abducted while one victim escaped.

    He said security operatives had launched a rescue operation and were already combing the area.

    “I am in Otukpo now with my team, heading the operation. Fourteen passengers were kidnapped, and one escaped,” he said.

    Investigation underway

    The police also revealed that the journey may have violated transport regulations, noting that Benue Links has a policy against night travel.

    According to the commissioner, the driver allegedly picked up passengers after official hours, a development now under investigation.

    “But as we are investigating, we are on the ground to make sure that the victims are rescued,” he added.

    Local authorities react

    Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the attack and said security operatives had been deployed into nearby forests.

    “The victims are mainly young boys and girls coming to Otukpo to write JAMB,” he said.

    Rising insecurity on route

    The Makurdi-Otukpo road has witnessed repeated attacks in recent months, raising concerns among travellers and residents over growing insecurity in the area.

    The latest incident adds to fears around the safety of commuters, especially students travelling for national examinations.

  • Tinubu Declares 2027 Bid, Says “I Can’t Be Intimidated” by Opposition

    President Bola Tinubu has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, signalling readiness to seek a second term in office amid rising political tension and opposition criticism.

    President speaks on 2027 ambition

    The president made the declaration on Thursday during a meeting with the leadership and coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said his goal is to tackle poverty, promote freedom, and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.

    Tinubu also insisted that he remains committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting the independence of the judiciary, even when decisions do not favour his administration.

    Takes swipe at opposition

    In his remarks, the president criticised opposition parties, describing their approach as lacking substance.

    He said he intends to offer Nigerians something different from what he called “rascality” and “noise-making.”

    Tinubu added that he is not threatened by political pressure or criticism from rival camps.

    “They want to scare me off? It’s a lie. I have been through this path before, and if I have to come back over and over again, I will do the same thing,” he said.

    Stance on political pressure

    The president maintained that his experience in Nigeria’s political landscape has prepared him for any challenge ahead of the next election cycle.

    He stressed that attempts to intimidate him would not succeed, noting that he understands the dynamics of opposition politics.

    What it means

    Tinubu’s declaration sets the stage for early political positioning ahead of 2027, as parties and key actors begin to align and test public sentiment.

  • APC Member Sparks Debate, Says “Tinubu Won’t Win” in Free and Fair Election

    An alleged member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked fresh political debate after openly criticising the state of the country and questioning President Bola Tinubu’s chances in a free and fair election.

    What he said

    In a now-viral video, the party member expressed doubts about the current administration’s popularity, insisting that the outcome would be different under a credible electoral process.

    “I’m an APC member, but I tell you people that if we put election on ground, free and fair for people to vote their hearts, the answer is Tinubu won’t win,” he said.

    He also questioned claims linking Nigeria’s economic hardship to global conflicts.

    “How do we explain that a war going on in Iran is why people are hungry in Nigeria?” he added.

    Concerns over governance

    The comments come at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising cost of living and economic pressure.

    The speaker argued that explanations tied to international crises do not fully address the realities faced by citizens.

    Allegations within APC

    The APC member further alleged that some elements within the ruling party are undermining opposition parties.

    “Some elements in APC are stopping opposition parties from existing; it is a bad thing,” he said.

    He warned that weakening opposition voices could harm democratic growth and accountability.

    Wider reactions

    The statement has triggered reactions online, with Nigerians weighing in on governance, economic hardship, and the country’s political direction ahead of future elections.

    Debates have continued over the role of opposition parties and the need for a more competitive political environment.

  • MTN Suspends Xtratime Service Over New FCCPC Lending Rules

    MTN Nigeria has suspended its airtime and data advance service, Xtratime, following new regulatory requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) targeting digital lending operations.

    Why MTN took action

    The telecom giant disclosed the decision in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange on Thursday, stating that the move is to comply with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

    According to the company, the Xtratime service falls within the scope of the new rules, which now require providers of such services to obtain fresh licensing and meet stricter compliance standards.

    “MTN Nigeria Communications PLC hereby notifies… that the company has temporarily suspended its airtime and data credit advance service (‘Xtratime’),” the statement read.

    What the service does

    Xtratime allows prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge, making it a widely used option for customers facing short-term credit needs.

    However, the FCCPC’s updated framework now classifies such offerings as digital credit services subject to tighter oversight.

    Impact on customers and revenue

    MTN said customers can still purchase airtime and data through other available channels despite the suspension.

    The company also downplayed the financial impact of the move, noting that the service does not significantly affect its overall revenue.

    “Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” MTN stated.

    It added that customer usage patterns are being monitored, with further updates expected in its Q1 2026 results.

    Regulatory push on digital lending

    The FCCPC’s 2025 regulations expand oversight of digital lending to include telecom operators and other providers of short-term credit.

    Under the framework, companies offering airtime and data advances must register and obtain approval to continue operations.

    The commission had earlier introduced a similar framework in 2022 but expanded it with stricter rules in 2025.

    What it means

    The development signals increased scrutiny of Nigeria’s fast-growing digital credit sector, as regulators move to address concerns around consumer debt, data privacy, and lending practices.

  • Kenneth Okonkwo Warns Obi: Leaving ADC Makes You a “Mobile Squatter”

    Veteran Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has warned that any move by former presidential candidate Peter Obi to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could damage his political credibility amid ongoing opposition coalition talks.

    What he said

    Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Okonkwo reacted to speculation that Obi might exit the ADC if he fails to secure the party’s presidential ticket.

    “If he leaves, will he now be a mobile squadron? Anybody that leaves ADC for another party is a mobile squatter,” he said.

    He stressed that switching parties at this stage of coalition negotiations would raise serious concerns about political consistency.

    Concerns over coalition unity

    Okonkwo argued that any aspirant who exits the coalition platform during internal negotiations would be seen as politically compromised.

    According to him, such a move could weaken opposition unity ahead of future elections.

    “Anybody that goes out of the coalition is compromised and is working for Tinubu, whoever that person is,” he added.

    ADC and opposition talks

    The ADC has been at the centre of ongoing opposition realignment discussions involving key political figures.

    Among those linked to the talks are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister Chibuike Amaechi, both reportedly interested in the party’s presidential ticket or broader coalition arrangement.

    What it means

    Okonkwo’s comments highlight growing tensions within opposition circles as parties and aspirants weigh their options ahead of future elections, with unity emerging as a key issue in the unfolding political landscape.

  • Ibadan Pastor Sparks Debate After Declaring “Your Breasts Belong to Your Husband” in Sermon

    A sermon delivered by Reverend Mike Babatunde of Oritamefa Baptist Church, Ibadan, has triggered widespread reactions online after the cleric made controversial remarks about marriage and physical intimacy.

    What happened

    The sermon, which was directed at married couples, focused on the role of physical closeness in sustaining relationships.

    During the message, Babatunde made a statement about a woman’s body within marriage that has since gone viral.

    “You who are married, your breasts belong to your husband, not the children. The children are just borrowing them. The real owner of your breast is your husband,” he said.

    Cleric’s message on intimacy

    The pastor also addressed what he described as a growing reluctance among some married women to engage in physical intimacy.

    He linked this to concerns about maintaining body shape, warning that such attitudes could affect marital relationships.

    “You know, I see women, some women say, ‘Ah no, Daddy, I won’t let him touch them because I don’t want to lose my shape,’” he stated.

    Babatunde stressed that physical affection plays a key role in strengthening emotional bonds between spouses.

    He further urged couples to be more open in their relationships, noting that some women often pretend not to understand their partners’ advances.

    “God asked him to touch your breast,” he added.

    Reactions trail sermon

    The sermon has since sparked mixed reactions across social media, with many Nigerians debating the appropriateness of the comments and how they align with modern views on marriage and personal boundaries.

    While some supported his stance on intimacy in marriage, others criticised the remarks as controversial and outdated.

    What it means

    The development highlights ongoing conversations around marriage, consent, and religious teachings, as differing opinions continue to emerge over the pastor’s comments.

  • Labour Party Rejects Obi’s Return, Backs Tinubu for Second Term — Arabambi

    The Labour Party (LP) has ruled out any possibility of its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, returning to the party, as a top official declares support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid amid ongoing internal realignments.

    Party leadership takes position

    Abayomi Arabambi, the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-West), made the position known during an interview on News Central on Thursday.

    He said the party leadership had already reached a consensus on its political direction after months of internal crisis and consultations involving key stakeholders.

    According to him, discussions across factions within the party influenced the decision to move forward without revisiting past alliances.

    Obi’s return dismissed

    Arabambi dismissed speculations that efforts were underway to bring Obi back into the party, insisting such moves would not succeed.

    Reacting to reported attempts by Nenadi Usman, he said any push to reintegrate the former candidate was not in the party’s interest.

    He added that the leadership had no plans to reopen talks on Obi’s return.

    Blame over 2023 elections

    The LP chieftain also criticised Obi and his supporters over the party’s performance in the 2023 general election.

    He alleged that internal lapses, particularly logistical challenges at polling units, contributed to the party’s outcome, rejecting claims that external forces were solely responsible.

    Shift towards Tinubu

    In a significant development, Arabambi disclosed that the party had agreed to support President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

    He said the decision reflects a new political direction aimed at avoiding past mistakes.

    According to him, members of the party are now committed to working towards Tinubu’s re-election.

    What it means

    The stance signals a major shift within the Labour Party, marking a clear break from its 2023 presidential campaign and indicating fresh alignments ahead of future elections.