Author: Gabby

Sunshine Stars U-19 head coach, Adenike Ayeni, has expressed immense pride in his squad following their remarkable victory over Niger Tornadoes in the President Federation Cup. The young side from Akure delivered a stunning performance to defeat the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) outfit 2-1 in a Round of 64 clash held in Ilorin.

The triumph propels Sunshine Stars into the next phase of the tournament, eliminating the more experienced NPFL team in the process. Despite the elation of the win, Ayeni acknowledged areas needing improvement when his team returns home.

“We are grateful to God for overcoming the NPFL side, but the match exposed some flaws that we must correct before our next fixture,” Ayeni stated, as reported by Karenkossnews. “Back at our base, we will focus on strengthening those aspects of our game.”

The victory has sparked celebrations within the Sunshine Stars camp, but the coach remains grounded, emphasizing the need for continuous development. With the remaining Round of 64 matches scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, Sunshine Stars U-19 will soon discover their opponents in the subsequent round.

Arsenal’s board is preparing to elevate Mikel Arteta into the upper echelons of football’s highest earners through a lucrative contract extension. The proposed deal, as reported by Mail Sport, would significantly boost his current remuneration and place him alongside the game’s elite managerial figures.

The trajectory for Arteta’s pay hike was firmly set after he guided the Gunners to their first English top-flight championship in over two decades. The title was clinched on Tuesday evening when Manchester City were held to a draw by Bournemouth, sparking celebrations at the Emirates.

Arteta’s existing terms were due to expire next summer, but negotiations for a new agreement have reached an advanced stage. His new salary is expected to see a substantial increase, with reports indicating the Arsenal hierarchy is ready to compensate him at a level that reflects his recent success.

Currently, Diego Simeone is recognized as football’s highest-paid manager, earning around £26 million annually at Atletico Madrid. Arteta’s new package is rumored to approach this figure, a massive jump from his current base pay of approximately £10 million per year, plus an additional £5 million for Champions League qualification bonuses.

Pep Guardiola, Arteta’s former mentor at Manchester City, currently earns about £20 million a year. However, with Guardiola set to depart the Etihad this summer, Arteta is poised to become the longest-serving current Premier League manager, a title he will inherit soon.

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has expressed his enthusiasm for facing the Super Eagles once again, ahead of the announcement of Poland’s squad for the upcoming friendly match. According to reports from Polish media, including Gol24, manager Jan Urban is expected to name his team for the friendlies against Ukraine and Nigeria on Tuesday, May 26, just two days before the training camp begins.

Despite Poland’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 37-year-old forward has no plans to retire from international duty. He has assured the coaching staff of his participation in the May training camp. Lewandowski, who led Poland in a 1-0 loss to Nigeria in a pre-World Cup friendly in March 2018, where Victor Moses scored the winning penalty, remains committed to the national team.

“Regarding the June training camp, I will certainly be there,” Lewandowski stated in an interview with Eleven Sports. “Given the circumstances surrounding Jacek Magiera, this camp may be a bit different, as a tribute to the coach. It was important for me to show my desire to attend, to play in these matches, and to say goodbye to him.”

Lewandowski has represented Poland in six major tournaments, including four European Championships (2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024), where he scored six goals, and two World Cups (2018 and 2022), netting twice. Current Super Eagles players such as Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Francis Uzoho, and Moses Simon were part of the Nigerian team that beat Poland eight years ago.

Former Arsenal captain Thierry Henry has shared his thoughts for the first time since the club clinched the Premier League title, ending a 22-year wait. The legendary striker, who was at his prime during Arsenal’s last league triumph, took to social media to express his joy.

Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Tuesday confirmed that Mikel Arteta’s side cannot be caught at the top of the table. Henry posted on Instagram: “From Highbury seats to the Emirates – Arsenal Nation, finally we can celebrate. Special thanks to this generation, finally now my kids saw us winning the league. #goonerforlife.”

The Gunners will officially lift the trophy after their final home game against Crystal Palace on Sunday. Henry’s emotional reaction resonated with fans who have waited over two decades for this moment.

William Troost-Ekong has expressed his belief that the Super Eagles will successfully navigate the qualifying rounds for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, as reported by DAILY POST. The Nigerian national team has been placed in Group L alongside Madagascar, co-hosts Tanzania, and Guinea-Bissau.

Despite acknowledging that these opponents are often considered underdogs, Troost-Ekong remains confident that his side can overcome the challenge. He stated, ‘The group is not straightforward, but I have faith in the team to secure the necessary results.’ The defender, who previously captained the Super Eagles, shared his thoughts with CAFonline.

Nigeria will commence their qualification campaign at home against Madagascar’s Barea in September. Under the guidance of coach Éric Chelle, the team finished third in the most recent AFCON tournament held in Morocco.

Nigerian Afro-house star Niniola Apata has shared the heartbreaking news of her husband Michael Ndika’s passing. The Grammy-nominated singer took to her Instagram story on Wednesday morning to express her grief.

Ndika was the Chief Executive Officer of NaijaReview, a multimedia platform dedicated to Afro-house and contemporary African music. The cause of his death remains undisclosed.

In her emotional posts, Niniola wrote, “God took him” and “My husband died.” She also added, “God took him. 13 years. 13 f***ing years,” accompanied by photos of the couple.

The 39-year-old artist has always kept her personal life private, and she has not provided further details about the circumstances of his death.

Niniola rose to fame after participating in Project Fame West Africa in 2013. She later became a leading figure in the Afro-house genre, with her 2017 song Maradona gaining international acclaim and catching the attention of global stars like DJ Snake, Drake, Timbaland, and Beyoncé.

Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has shared an intimate glimpse into her emotional journey during her time at Mavin Records. In a candid interview on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast with Joey Akan, she revealed that she often sought refuge in the personal space of label boss Don Jazzy whenever she faced challenges.

Reflecting on her years with Mavin, Savage admitted she never fully understood how crucial a caring record label environment is for an artist’s mental stability until she moved on. While signed to Mavin, she would gather with Don Jazzy and fellow acts in his room, sitting on the floor or bed, and openly discuss online controversies or personal struggles. She felt free to cry and receive support, which helped her navigate difficult periods.

Since leaving Mavin in 2019 and joining Universal Music Group, Savage has noticed a stark contrast. With her new international label, she emphasized that there is little concern for her personal affairs. She remarked that walking into the Empire office to cry is simply not an option, and she deeply misses the familial atmosphere she once had.

Savage underscored the importance for artists to evaluate whether a prospective label genuinely cares about their wellbeing or views them merely as revenue generators. She joined Mavin in 2012 and spent seven years there, leaving in 2019. Despite the departure, she continues to regard Mavin as family.

The singer’s revelations highlight a broader conversation about the emotional support systems within the music industry. Her experience underscores how a label can either uplift or isolate an artist during turbulent times.

Nigerian music sensation David Adeleke, known globally as Davido, recently opened up about the significant role his university education played in shaping his life and career. During a heartfelt visit to his alma mater, Babcock University in Osun State, he shared insights into how his academic journey has been a source of pride and distinction.

In an industry where many artists do not hold degrees, Davido takes every opportunity to highlight his academic achievement. He remarked, “My time at Babcock University was instrumental in molding my career path. I frequently tell my colleagues that I not only attended university but also completed my studies. It’s not everyone who starts university that gets to finish.”

Davido earned his degree from the music department of Babcock University. He had previously disclosed that his father made university attendance a condition for pursuing his music career. This condition ultimately led him to not only graduate but also to meet his wife, Chioma Adeleke, on campus.

While still a student, Davido produced several of his biggest hits, demonstrating that academic and musical pursuits can coexist successfully. His story serves as an inspiration to many young fans who aspire to balance education with their creative passions.

Nollywood star and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri has made a passionate appeal to the Nigerian government, urging them to grant citizens the means to protect themselves as the nation grapples with escalating security challenges.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Kadiri voiced her anger and despair over incessant attacks, loss of lives, and the growing terror spreading across various regions. She declared, “Give us power to defend ourselves,” highlighting the helplessness many Nigerians experience daily.

The actress emphasized that safety should never be a luxury but a fundamental right, and she called for tangible solutions instead of empty promises. Her words struck a chord with many, sparking widespread discussions online.

Responding to her post, one user named @EmekaTalks commented, “Ruth Kadiri said what millions of Nigerians are too afraid to voice. People are weary of living in constant fear.” Another user, @DebbieWrites, added, “The government must prioritize securing lives; citizens shouldn’t have to plead for safety.”

Veteran Nollywood actor and CEO of LAIBAN Films International, Laide Olabanji, has voiced strong criticism against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of failing to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians. Reacting to the escalating security crisis, particularly the brutal beheading of a teacher in Oyo State and relentless attacks by bandits in Plateau State, Olabanji expressed deep disappointment in the government’s handling of the situation.

In a passionate video shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, the filmmaker decried the continuous bloodshed across the nation. He highlighted the government’s apparent indifference and lack of urgency in addressing the wave of violence. Speaking in pidgin English, he lamented, “Under your leadership, we are crying. Under your watch, people are dying every minute. Are you not afraid of God? You have treated citizens’ lives like kites; they are killed daily, and you remain unresponsive.”

Olabanji also challenged the president’s priorities, stating, “If you cannot provide quality electricity, better roads, eliminate hunger, or reduce fuel prices, at least ensure our security. Nigeria is bleeding. Nigerians are dying at the hands of bandits and kidnappers. Put an end to the killings.”

His comments come amid growing public frustration over the administration’s inability to curb insecurity, with many citizens and celebrities alike calling for more decisive action.