Author: Gabby

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has released his scoreline predictions for the upcoming Premier League matchday 35 fixtures, which include several marquee matchups. According to Sportskeeda, Merson’s forecasts span from high-scoring draws to comfortable home wins.

The analyst expects Arsenal to secure a solid 2-0 victory against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening. He also foresees a thrilling encounter between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, predicting a 2-2 draw. In other major clashes, Chelsea is tipped to edge Nottingham Forest 2-1, while Everton and Manchester City are forecasted to share a 1-1 stalemate on Monday night.

Merson has backed Leeds United to beat Burnley 2-0 at home. His other predictions include Brentford 1-1 West Ham United, Wolves 1-0 Sunderland, Newcastle United 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion, Bournemouth 3-0 Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur. The full list of predictions offers a comprehensive outlook on the weekend’s action as the season enters its final stretch.

Following the thrilling first-leg matches of the Champions League semi-finals, UEFA has unveiled its Team of the Week, with several standout performers earning recognition. Paris Saint-Germain dominates the lineup with four players, while Arsenal and Bayern Munich each contribute two representatives.

The selected squad reflects the action from Tuesday and Wednesday, including PSG’s high-scoring 5-4 victory over Bayern Munich and a tense 1-1 draw between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal. Among those honored are Vitinha, Joao Neves, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Ousmane Dembele of PSG. Arsenal’s Gabriel and David Raya, along with Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise, also made the cut. Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann and Marc Pubill round out the selection.

UEFA announced the lineup via its official website, highlighting the contributions of these players in the crucial semi-final first legs. The full team includes Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, David Raya, Dayot Upamecano, Marc Pubill, Gabriel, Michael Olise, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Luis Diaz.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has unequivocally declared that Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup, despite the nation’s absence from the recent congress held in Vancouver. While speaking at the event, Infantino stressed the importance of unity, stating that Iran’s inclusion is a step toward bringing people together.

Earlier in the week, a three-member delegation from the Iranian Football Federation traveled to Toronto, but one individual was denied entry into Canada, and the remaining two opted out of attending the congress in what appeared to be a protest. Reports from Iranian media indicated that Mehdi Taj, the head of the federation, was refused entry at Toronto Pearson Airport, even though he had been granted authorization to travel. FIFA sources described the incident as a regrettable circumstance, noting that while Iran was invited, the final decision on entry rested with Canadian authorities.

During the roll-call of the 210 FIFA members present, Secretary General Mattias Grafström made no mention of Iran’s absence. The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation has lingered since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on the Islamic Republic in February. Nevertheless, Infantino confirmed that Iran will fulfill their group stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt.

Infantino stated, “Allow me to make it clear from the outset that Iran will indeed compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And they will certainly play in the United States. The reason is simple: we must come together and unite people. There are already enough divisions in the world; if no one works to bridge them, what will become of our society? We need to act, and this is our opportunity.”

Iran’s World Cup campaign is scheduled to begin on June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles. If both Iran and the United States finish second in their respective groups, they could meet in the round of 32, marking a rematch of their 2022 group stage encounter in Qatar. Iran is also slated to play matches in Seattle.

Despite Infantino’s confidence, concerns persist regarding immigration issues for the Iranian delegation this summer. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that while Iranian players would be welcome, certain federation officials might encounter difficulties. “The issue with Iran revolves around specific individuals they wish to bring, some of whom have ties to the IRGC,” Rubio commented.

Mehdi Taj, a former commander in the IRGC, has been designated as a terrorist entity by Canada since 2024. Although the Canadian government had granted Taj a temporary resident permit to attend the congress, it appears the permit has been rescinded. Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed, “My understanding is that the permission has been revoked.”

In a separate segment of his address, Infantino defended FIFA’s controversial ticket sales strategy amid widespread criticism over pricing. He revealed that the organization had received 500 million ticket requests, with 90% of available inventory sold. “We have satisfied 100% of the tickets released, which accounts for 90% of the global supply. While there are premium-priced tickets, affordable options are also available. All proceeds are reinvested into the sport,” Infantino said. He further noted that FIFA’s projected revenue for the 2023-26 cycle has increased to $14 billion (£10.3 billion), a 20% rise from the previous cycle.

In a heated exchange on social media, Nigerian music star Davido has thrown a sharp retort at singer T-Dot after being labeled a ‘daddy’s boy.’ The clash stems from an ongoing feud involving Davido, DJ Tunez, and Burna Boy, which has now drawn in T-Dot.

DJ Tunez, known for working with Wizkid, recently sparked controversy by reposting a photo of Wizkid in an outfit similar to one Davido wore, captioning it ‘Original, no be fake.’ Davido perceived this as a direct insult and fired back, mocking Tunez over a previous altercation with Burna Boy where Tunez was knocked down. Davido tweeted about Tunez being on the floor, taunting him.

T-Dot stepped in to defend DJ Tunez, arguing that Tunez was outnumbered and showed courage by punching Burna Boy’s associate. He then criticized Davido, claiming the singer has never stood on his own without his father’s wealth and security. ‘You never stood no where on this earth 10 toes down without your dad’s money, security, and your boys,’ T-Dot wrote.

Davido wasted no time in responding, dismissing the ‘daddy’s boy’ narrative as stale. He fired back, ‘Your daddy your daddy nah only thing Una know … why ur papa no hustle … shut up n slide for Tunez.’ He added that T-Dot’s frustration stems from inheriting his father’s lack of success, saying, ‘Na frustration you see inherit from your papa e reach to dey vex.’

The exchange highlights the ongoing tension in the Nigerian music scene, with fans and artists alike taking sides in the heated rivalry between Davido and Wizkid’s camps.

Nigerian Afrobeat star Ahmed Ololade, better known as Asake, recently opened up about his journey in the music industry, expressing gratitude for his global recognition while acknowledging that many exceptionally gifted artists remain undiscovered. In a candid conversation with Spotify, the singer known for hits like ‘Sungba’ admitted that he is far from being the most talented musician out there. ‘I’m happy because there are a lot of people who make music out there and a lot of people who are more talented than me,’ he said. ‘I’m thankful to God that I’m able to use the talent He gave me—not only locally but also globally. So for that, I give all thanks to God.’

Speaking further, the ‘Organise’ crooner credited Lagos as the city that shaped his artistry and personal growth. Having moved to Lagos after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the singer revealed that the bustling metropolis was instrumental in his transformation into adulthood. ‘Lagos taught me how to live like a man. Lagos inspired most of my songs,’ he stated. The artist emphasized how the city’s energy, struggles, and vibrancy have been a constant source of inspiration for his music.

Asake also reflected on the humble beginnings of his career, noting that he often wonders why other musicians with equal or greater talent have not received the same level of recognition. He described feeling humbled by his own success, attributing it to divine grace rather than personal merit. ‘There are many musicians far more talented than me but not heard,’ he added, underscoring a sense of solidarity with peers who remain in the shadows. The interview highlighted Asake’s down-to-earth personality and his ongoing commitment to honoring his roots while embracing his international platform.

The long-standing copyright disagreement between gospel icon Goke Bajowa and fellow artist Boye Best has finally been laid to rest. The two music stars made peace during Boye Best’s album launch event held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday evening.

Just days earlier, Bajowa had publicly threatened legal action against Boye Best for allegedly using his classic track ‘Iwo Ko Lodami’ in promotional materials for the album launch without permission. The promo clips created the impression that Boye Best owned the song, which angered Bajowa.

In response, Boye Best took to Instagram to deny the allegations, explaining that a lounge manager had produced the promotional video without his knowledge or consent. He expressed regret over the misunderstanding.

However, in a now-viral Instagram video shared by Bajowa on Thursday, the two artists were seen performing together on stage during the album launch. In the clip, Bajowa embraced Boye Best and spoke warmly: “One love, one family. Boye is a good person. Many people have told me about him but I didn’t believe it. I think I will have to agree now with what I have seen in the last four days. God bless you. We will do a collaboration that people can stream and tidy up the paperwork.”

The event also drew several notable figures, including singers Alayo, KS1 Malaika, and 9ice, as well as actors Adeniyi Johnson, Mr Latin, and Dele Omo Woli. A video of the reconciliation moment has been circulating widely on social media, marking a positive end to the brief dispute.

In a heartwarming turn of events, Nigerian music sensations Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay have officially called a truce to their five-year disagreement. The reconciliation unfolded at the highly anticipated Berklee in Nigeria Class of 2026 Graduation Concert held in Lagos, marking a significant moment for fans who have followed the singers’ strained relationship.

This development arrives six months after Seyi Shay publicly expressed her willingness to settle differences with Tiwa during an earlier media appearance. The feud, which erupted in 2021, became widely known when the two artists clashed at a Lagos salon. Tiwa later revealed that the conflict originated from a diss track and allegations that she had deliberately impeded career opportunities for other female musicians.

Now, a viral clip shared on Thursday captures the duo embracing each other warmly, evoking strong reactions across social media platforms. The video shows the singers putting aside their past grievances, much to the delight of their followers. This gesture of unity took place amidst the celebration of musical talent at the graduation concert, symbolizing a fresh start for both stars.

The resolution of this feud highlights a growing trend of reconciliation in the Afrobeat community, where artists are increasingly focusing on collaboration over rivalry. Fans are hopeful that this new chapter will lead to future musical partnerships between Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay.

Paul Okoye, widely recognized as Rudeboy from the former Nigerian Afrobeats group P-Square, experienced an onstage mishap during a live show in Perth, Australia. While delivering their classic track ‘Forever,’ he lost his footing and tumbled off the stage.

The incident quickly went viral, sparking a wave of reactions online. Many social media users pointed to his decision to wear dark sunglasses during the nighttime performance as a possible cause. Others linked the fall to his ongoing separation from his twin brother, Peter Okoye, with whom he had previously performed as P-Square.

As reported by DAILY POST, the Okoye brothers parted ways professionally amid disagreements over financial transparency, royalty issues, and management of their music catalog. This split has been a recurring topic among fans and critics alike.

Some of the comments on the video included observations like ‘Dark shades at night increase the chance of missing your step by 1000%,’ while another user joked that his twin would have laughed heartily, though noting it could happen to anyone. A particularly poignant remark noted that ‘Every single person in that crowd knows only P-Square, not Mr P or Rudeboy.’ Others speculated that performing alone might have contributed, with one comment stating, ‘If they were two, he wouldn’t have fallen.’ A different perspective suggested that perhaps he was out of practice, as he hasn’t performed on stage in a while. Another humorous take claimed, ‘His twin will soon change Australia’s national anthem.’

Nigerian socialite and entrepreneur Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, widely recognized as Cubana Chief Priest, has officially obtained the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency in Imo State.

The celebrity businessman announced the development through his Instagram account on Thursday, sharing a photo of himself with the nomination and expression of interest forms. In his post, he expressed gratitude to his patron, Seyi Tinubu, who he described as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland and leader of the City Boy Movement. He wrote: “Stopped by to see my patron @cityboy.movement_hq, the Okanlomo of Yorubaland, @seyitinubu, with my nomination and expression of interest form for blessings. When I say City Boy Movement, you say empowering the youth. Chukwu Bu Ike M.”

DAILY POST had earlier reported that Cubana Chief Priest declared his ambition to run for the House of Representatives in the upcoming general election under the APC banner for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency. His decision to pick up the nomination form marks a significant step toward actualizing his political aspirations.

Adesola Akeem, the husband of popular herbal vendor Eniola Fagbemi, better known as Eniola Sisi Alagbo, has publicly apologized for the recent leak of a private sexual video. The video, which circulated widely online, showed Sisi Alagbo filming her husband while he was engaged in a sexual act with another woman; all three were nude in the clip.

In a heartfelt Facebook message, Adesola took full responsibility for what he described as disappointing and embarrassing behavior. He acknowledged that his conduct fell short of the values and standards expected of him by his family, friends, business associates, religious leaders, and the Nigerian public. He also asked to be held accountable for his actions while he seeks a period of reflection, learning, and personal growth.

His apology came one day after Sisi Alagbo admitted her mistake and sought forgiveness for her role in the incident. She had expressed deep regret over the video, which emerged earlier this week. Adesola emphasized that he understands the distress and worry the situation has caused and fully accepts that his actions were wrong. He specifically apologized to his family for the pain and sadness, and to his friends and colleagues for any strain on their relationships or damage to their reputation.

He also addressed religious and moral organizations, recognizing the seriousness of the misconduct and the importance of accountability. To his fans and supporters, he expressed profound regret for letting them down and vowed to use this time for self-improvement. He asked for their support, forgiveness, and prayers as he works to make better choices and rebuild lost trust, both in his personal and professional life.