Category: Entertainment

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has offered his congratulations to Arsenal after the club clinched the 2025/2026 English Premier League title. Speaking through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku emphasized that the Gunners’ success was the product of sustained dedication, strategic foresight, and meticulous planning over time.

The announcement came on Tuesday when Manchester City could only manage a draw against Bournemouth, confirming Arsenal as champions. Atiku took the opportunity to link the club’s achievement with his own vision for Nigeria’s economic transformation ahead of the 2027 elections. He stressed that, similar to how Arsenal nurtured young players and adhered to a distinct footballing identity, Nigeria must prioritize youth development, institutional strengthening, and consistent reform strategies to build a prosperous nation.

According to Atiku, the Arsenal victory was not an instantaneous event but the result of a long-term commitment to excellence. He stated, “My vision is to create an inclusive economy driven by innovation, robust institutions, and the boundless potential of our youth. Just like Arsenal invested in developing young talents and sticking to a clear philosophy, Nigeria must invest in its citizens, reform its systems, and persistently execute a coherent economic plan.”

The former presidential candidate also urged Arsenal to cap an extraordinary season by defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final. He added, “After conquering the Premier League, I urge Arsenal to now focus on winning the Champions League.”

Wrexham AFC has publicly congratulated their goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo after he received his first call-up to the Nigerian national team for the Unity Cup. The club took to social media platform X to express their pride in the shot-stopper’s achievement.

Okonkwo’s international eligibility switch was confirmed by FIFA last month, paving the way for his inclusion in the Super Eagles squad. Although the Nigeria Football Federation has yet to release the official roster for the invitational tournament, Wrexham’s announcement confirms his selection.

The Unity Cup will see Nigeria face Zimbabwe’s Warriors in the semi-final next Tuesday. Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle is expected to finalize and announce the squad later this week.

Arthur Okonkwo, the former Arsenal goalkeeper, has opened up about his decision to represent Nigeria at the international level. In an interview with the Super Eagles media team, the shot-stopper expressed his excitement over finally being cleared to play for the West African nation, noting that talks with the national team began during the summer of last year.

“It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to play for your country. I am incredibly excited and can’t wait to get started,” said Okonkwo. “I have been waiting for this chance for a long time, and to see it become a reality is fantastic.”

The 23-year-old revealed that the process was set in motion when he received a call from the manager and the goalkeeping coach last summer. “They told me they were interested, and the conversations were very positive. Since then, we have been working on completing the switch from England to Nigeria,” he added.

Okonkwo also shared the emotional moment he learned of his selection. “The goalkeeping coach messaged me first, confirming I was chosen for the camp. A wave of excitement hit me. The first people I called were my dad and mom. I am full of joy and pride. My other family members haven’t heard yet, but they will soon, and I know they’ll be overjoyed.”

When asked about his motivation, the young goalkeeper stated that his primary goal is to win silverware with the Super Eagles. “The reason behind my decision is that I want to win trophies for Nigeria. I know how passionate Nigerians are about football and how much it means to them. To be able to contribute to that, for my country and my roots, would be incredible.”

Nigeria’s national football team head coach Eric Chelle has released the rosters for two separate assignments: the upcoming Unity Cup and a pair of friendly matches featuring Poland and Portugal. The Unity Cup lineup, as reported by DAILY POST, blends domestic-based talents with seasoned international stars.

In the Unity Cup semifinal, the Super Eagles will go up against Zimbabwe next Tuesday. Additionally, the squad will face Poland and Portugal in June. For the Unity Cup, the goalkeeper pool includes Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo, and Michael Atata. Among the defenders are Bruno Onyemaechi, Emmanuel Fernandez, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Igoh Ogbu, Obinna Igboke, Elias Ochobi, and Chibueze Oputa. Midfield duties will be handled by Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Alhassan Yusuf, Aderemi Adeoye, Samson Tijani, Ayobami Junior, and Tosin Oyedokun. The forward line comprises Simon Moses, Akor Adams, Philip Otele, Owen Oseni, Zadok Abu Yohanna, Terem Moffi, Rafiu Durosinmi, and Femi Azeez.

For the friendlies against Poland and Portugal, the squad features goalkeepers Maduka Okoye, Arthur Okonkwo, and Francis Uzoho. Defenders include Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, and Emmanuel Fernandez. Midfielders are Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Alhassan Yusuf. Forwards called up are Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen, and Terem Moffi.

Arsenal icon David Seaman has expressed confidence that Mikel Arteta’s side can secure a historic double by winning the Champions League title, fresh off their Premier League success. The north London outfit clinched the domestic crown on Tuesday evening when Bournemouth held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium, with Erling Haaland’s late equalizer failing to keep the title race alive for City.

Seaman, a legendary goalkeeper for the Gunners, believes the current squad has the mentality to add European glory to their achievements. Reflecting on the upcoming final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, he emphasized that style takes a back seat to results. “It’s all about winning, it’s not how we play,” Seaman stated, while nostalgic for the classic chant of “1-0 to Arsenal,” which he insists still carries a powerful ring.

Arsenal will officially lift the Premier League trophy on Sunday at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace, before shifting focus to the Champions League final scheduled for the following week. The club’s return to the summit of English football after a prolonged drought has reignited hopes of a double, with Seaman’s prediction adding fuel to the optimism surrounding the team.

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.