Author: Gabby

Following Galatasaray’s emphatic 4-2 victory over Antalyaspor, star striker Victor Osimhen took a moment to spotlight teammate Barış Alper Yılmaz. During a live chat on his social media, the Nigerian forward expressed admiration for Yılmaz’s relentless energy and style, comparing it to that of an African player.

“Barış Alper Yılmaz competes exactly like an African footballer. Ambition, fight. Extremely hungry, incredibly strong,” Osimhen declared. He went on to recount how, soon after arriving at the club, he noticed Yılmaz’s distinctive approach and immediately asked veteran teammate Dries Mertens about him. “I told Mertens, ‘Man, this guy plays like an African player, do you see that? Because we Africans never stop.’ Mertens replied, ‘Yes, that’s exactly why I like him so much.’ Barış is a true warrior,” Osimhen added.

Osimhen’s comments came right after his team clinched the Turkish Super Lig title, further solidifying the strong bond and respect within the Galatasaray squad.

Sevilla secured a pivotal 2-1 triumph against Espanyol at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium on Saturday, a result that has been praised by Nigerian striker Akor Adams. The victory lifted the Rojiblancos to 12th in the LaLiga standings, establishing a three-point buffer above the relegation zone.

Trailing early on, Luis García Plaza’s side displayed resilience to overturn the deficit. Substituted into the game, Adams emerged as the hero by netting the deciding goal deep into stoppage time. This strike marked his ninth league goal of the campaign, underscoring his growing influence at the Andalusian club.

Reflecting on the outcome, the Nigeria international emphasized the collective determination that fueled the win. “I’m extremely pleased with the three points and for my teammates. We put in a lot of effort, and this result reflects our hard work,” he told the club’s official channels.

Sevilla now turn their focus to a challenging away fixture against Villarreal in their next LaLiga outing, aiming to build on this momentum and climb further away from the drop zone.

Galatasaray will have to finish their season without their star striker Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian forward received a yellow card during Saturday’s 4-2 victory against Antalyaspor, his fifth booking of the campaign, triggering an automatic one-match ban. Osimhen will therefore miss the upcoming derby against Kasimpasa at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium next Sunday.

Despite the suspension, Osimhen played a crucial role in securing Galatasaray’s fourth consecutive Süper Lig title. He scored twice in that match, propelling the Yellow and Reds to yet another championship. This marks the second league title Osimhen has won with the Istanbul club since joining.

Now, manager Okan Buruk’s squad aims to end the season on a high note by securing all three points in the season finale. Even without their top scorer, Galatasaray will look to maintain their momentum and celebrate their title win with a strong performance against Kasimpasa.

Nigerian influencer Priscilla Ojo has opened up about the hurtful rumors surrounding her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Jux. In a revealing chat with media personality Chude Jidenowo, she disclosed that many in Tanzania believed her husband was impotent simply because he had not fathered a child by age 35, despite his wealth and fame.

According to Priscilla, the speculation was fueled by the fact that Juma Jux’s peers—fellow musicians and friends—all had children, while he did not, even after being in several relationships. She explained that the assumptions persisted even after they welcomed their first child in August 2025, with some still questioning whether the baby was conceived through surrogacy or implantation.

Priscilla emphasized her husband’s discipline and patience, stating, “He knew when it was time. He is very disciplined. He knew what he wanted. You can roll with certain people and not be like them.” The couple tied the knot in a civil ceremony in Tanzania in February 2025, followed by traditional and white weddings in Lagos, Nigeria, in April 2025. They welcomed their son, Prince Rakeem Ayomide Mkambala, in Canada in August 2025.

The 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) celebrated two of Nollywood’s most iconic figures, Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo, with Industry Merit Awards. The ceremony, held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, marked the 12th edition of the prestigious event, which recognizes outstanding contributions to African cinema.

Both actors were lauded for their decades of work and enduring impact on the Nigerian film industry. Their storied careers have made them household names and revered figures in Nollywood.

Accepting her award, Sobowale expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, her fans, and especially her children, whom she credited for making her journey in both life and career smoother. She noted, “I thank the Almighty for keeping me alive to witness this moment. My children have been my pillar, and my fans are the reason I am here. Without you, there is no ‘Sola Sobowale.’ This honor truly means the world to me.”

Kanayo O. Kanayo used his platform to address a pressing issue, condemning xenophobic violence in South Africa. He urged for unity and solidarity among African nations, highlighting the need to combat such acts of hatred.

The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) was held on Saturday evening at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, celebrating the best in African film, television, and digital storytelling. Below is the full list of winners and nominees across all categories.

Best Supporting Actor – Bucci Franklin won for his role in To Kill A Monkey. Other nominees included Lateef Adedimeji (Gingerrr), Simileoluwa Hassan (The Yard), Femi Branch (Owambe Thieves), Gabriel Afolayan (Colours Of Fire), Femi Adebayo (King Of Thieves 2), Lateef Adedimeji (Red Circle), and Uzor Arukwe (Behind The Scenes).

Best Supporting Actress – Linda Ejiofor took the award for The Herd. Nominees included Olamide Kidbaby (Oversabi Aunty), Bisola Aiyeola (Gingerrr), Nadia Dutch (Aljana), Sola Sobowale (The Covenant), Amal Umar (The Herd), Juliebrenda Nyambura (MTV Shuga Mashariki), and Funke Akindele (Behind The Scenes).

Best Lead Actor – Uzor Arukwe won for Colours Of Fire. The category also featured Lateef Adedimeji (Lisabi: A Legend Is Born), William Benson (To Kill A Monkey), Mike Ezuruonye (Oversabi Aunty), Kanayo O. Kanayo (Grandpa Must Obey), Khumbuza Meyiwa (Bet I Love You), Wale Ojo (3 Cold Dishes), and Femi Branch (Red Circle).

Best Lead Actress – Linda Ejiofor claimed the prize for The Serpent’s Gift. Nominees included Bimbo Akintola (To Kill A Monkey), Ifeoma Fafunwa (The Lost Days), Ariyike Owolagba (Something About The Briggs), Sola Sobowale (Her Excellency), Scarlet Gomez (Behind The Scenes), Genoveva Umeh (The Herd), and Gloria Anozie-Young (Mother Of The Brides).

Best Director – Akinola Davies Jr. won for My Father’s Shadow. Other nominees were Tunde Kelani (Cordelia), James Omokwe (Osamede), Daniel Etim Effiong (The Herd), Yemi Filmboy Morafa (Gingerrr), and Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi (3 Cold Dishes).

Best Overall Movie – My Father’s Shadow took the top honor. Other contenders included Gingerrr, The Herd, 3 Cold Dishes, The Serpent’s Gift, and Behind The Scenes.

Best Digital Content Creator – Emmanuel Kanaga and Sophia Chisom won for their collaborative work. Nominees also included Elozonam Ogbolu and Genoveva Umeh, Akwaman, Destiny Ogie Osarewinda, Benedict Ehimare Oriaifo, Taaooma, and Steve Chuks.

Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) – Lisabi: A Legend Is Born won. Other nominees included The Serpent’s Gift, Labake Olododo, Olorisha, and Aljana.

Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa) – Addis Fikir emerged victorious. Nominees included Inside Job, Sayari, My Son, and Kimote.

Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa) – Tlhaho Ya Mosadi won. Other nominees were Bet I Love You, Sebata: The Beast, Ben Made It, and Terra Of Queens And Kuma 2.

Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa) – Artal Alhanin: Our Memories took the award. Nominees included The Omnipresent, The Delivery, The Hidden Voice, and This Is Portsaid.

Best Indigenous Language Film (Central Africa) – Mabanda won. Other nominees were Safou: A Gift From Nature and Golden Spoon.

Best Scripted M-Net Original – The Low Priest won. Nominees included Adam to Eve, Mother of the Bride, The Yard, and Bobo.

Best Unscripted M-Net Original – Nigerian Idol S10 won. Other nominees were Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, Chapa Chapa My Love, Out N About (Harar), and Undugu.

Best Indigenous M-Net Original – Inimba won. Nominees included Kukoyi, Undugu, Out N’ About (Harar), Kampala Creme, The Chocolate Empire, and Mgbuka.

Best Short Film – Hussaini won. Other nominees included Fleas, Rise, Telephone, and My Body, God’s Temple.

Best Cinematography – Jermaine Edwards won for My Father’s Shadow. Nominees included Kabelo Thathe (To Kill A Monkey), Emmanuel Igbekele (The Herd), Daanong Gyang (Finding Nina), Emmanuel Igbekele (The Serpent’s Gift), KC Obiajulu (Stitches), and Emmanuel Igbekele (Gingerrr).

Best Editing – Daniel Anyiam won for To Kill A Monkey. Other nominees were Kazeem Agboola (Cordelia), Omar Guzman Castro (My Father’s Shadow), Wanguma Peter Chidebere and Dele Doherty (Landline), Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi (3 Cold Dishes), and Winston Aig-Ohioma (Osamede).

Best Sound Design – Pius Fatoke and CJ Mirra won for My Father’s Shadow. Nominees included Tolu Obanro (Gingerrr), Vaughan Phillips (Ben Made It), Tolu Obanro (The Party), Vaughan Phillips (Sebata: The Beast), and Fisayo Adefolaju (The Herd).

Best Music Score – No winner listed, but nominees included Shirleen Wangari (Cards On The Table), Xavier Ighorodje (Gingerrr), Isaac Ayodeji (Suky), and Tomi Adesina (3 Cold Dishes).

Best Documentary – Beyond Olympic Glory won. Other nominees were The Good, The Bad of Afrobeat, The People Shall, Not Addressing This Anymore, and BOU.

Best Scripted Series – Inimba won. Nominees included To Kill A Monkey, The Yard, The Chocolate Empire, and Kash Money.

Best Unscripted Series – Nigerian Idol won, with other nominees including The Real Housewives Of Lagos, Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, Offair With Gbemi And Toolz, and Out N’ About (Harar).

Trailblazer Award – Uche Montana was honored with this award.

Industry Merit Award – Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo both received this prestigious recognition.