Category: Entertainment

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.

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, have clinched their place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, even after a 2-1 defeat to Malawi in Lilongwe on Saturday. The result sealed a 3-2 aggregate victory for Moses Aduku’s squad in the final qualifying round.

Malawi struck early through midfielder Faith Chimzimu, who scored in the ninth minute to give the hosts a strong start. Chimzimu, fresh off a UEFA Europa League triumph with Swedish side BK Häcken, doubled Malawi’s lead just before the hour mark, putting the Falconets under significant pressure.

Nigeria responded in the 62nd minute when Oscar Precious pulled one back, reducing the deficit and keeping the tie alive. Despite the loss on the day, the Falconets held on to their aggregate advantage, maintaining their remarkable record of qualifying for every edition of the U-20 Women’s World Cup since its inception.

The team will now look ahead to the tournament in Poland, scheduled for September 2026. This qualification underscores the depth of Nigerian women’s football, as the Falconets continue to build on their legacy of consistent global participation.

Chelsea’s interim manager, Calum McFarlane, has expressed cautious optimism that key wingers Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto could be fit for next weekend’s FA Cup final showdown against Manchester City.

Speaking after a tense 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, McFarlane addressed the injury status of the two wide players. While he stopped short of guaranteeing their availability, he indicated the club is hopeful they will recover in time.

“We’re very hopeful,” McFarlane told reporters when asked if Garnacho and Neto would be ready for the final. “They are going to get back into training, see how they feel, see how it looks. So, fingers crossed.”

The manager emphasized a cautious approach, noting the need to take the situation day by day. “We are hoping that they will be available, but we don’t know at this moment in time,” he added.

The potential return of Garnacho and Neto would provide a significant boost to Chelsea’s attacking options as they prepare to face Pep Guardiola’s side in the prestigious cup final. With the match just days away, all eyes will be on the duo’s progress in training.

In a dramatic LaLiga encounter at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, Sevilla secured a vital 2-1 triumph against Espanyol, with Akor Adams emerging as the hero. The Nigerian forward netted the decisive goal in stoppage time, handing his team a crucial win.

Espanyol took the lead in the 56th minute when Tyrhys Dolan capitalized on a defensive lapse from Sevilla to slot home. The visitors appeared set for a valuable away victory until the home side mounted a spirited comeback.

With 75 minutes on the clock, Adams was introduced as a substitute, replacing Ruben Vargas. The change proved pivotal as Sevilla pushed for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off eight minutes from full time when Andres Castrin leveled the score, setting the stage for a frantic finale.

The winner came deep into added time, with Alexis Sanchez providing the assist for Adams to fire past the Espanyol goalkeeper and spark wild celebrations in Seville. Adams has now amassed nine goals and three assists in 29 LaLiga appearances this season, underlining his importance to the Rojiblancos’ campaign.

Manchester City kept their Premier League title ambitions firmly alive after a convincing 3-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday. The win slices Arsenal’s advantage at the summit to just two points, piling pressure on the Gunners ahead of their upcoming fixture.

Earlier in the week, Pep Guardiola’s men stumbled to a 3-3 draw at Everton, raising questions about their consistency. However, they responded emphatically at the Etihad Stadium, delivering a performance that showcased their resilience and attacking prowess.

The first half ended without goals, but City’s dominance was evident. After the break, Jeremy Doku broke the deadlock with a brilliant curling shot, giving the hosts a deserved lead. Erling Haaland then doubled the advantage by bundling the ball over the line from close range. Substitute Omar Marmoush sealed the victory with a third goal late in the match, ensuring a comfortable win for the champions.

Arsenal can restore their five-point lead when they face West Ham United on Sunday. The title race remains intense as both teams push towards the final stretch of the season.

Barcelona icon Ronaldinho has taken to social media to offer a passionate message of encouragement to his former team ahead of the much-anticipated La Liga showdown against Real Madrid. The Brazilian legend, known for his dazzling skills and infectious smile, shared a nostalgic image of himself competing in a past El Clasico, accompanied by a caption that read, “Great week and with El Clásico!!! Let’s go Barça.” The post, made on X, quickly ignited excitement among fans and players alike.

The upcoming clash, set to take place at the iconic Camp Nou, carries immense weight in the title race. Barcelona currently lead the table with 88 points from 34 games, while Real Madrid trail in second place with 77 points from the same number of matches. A win for the Blaugrana would significantly strengthen their grip on the championship, particularly after manager Hansi Flick expressed his ambition to secure back-to-back titles. “To win a second title with this young team would be unbelievable,” Flick remarked during his pre-match press conference on Saturday.

Ronaldinho’s gesture echoes the deep bond he still shares with the club, where he won two La Liga titles and the Champions League. His message comes at a critical moment, adding an extra layer of motivation for Barcelona as they prepare to face their eternal rivals.

Following Manchester City’s commanding 3-0 victory over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged that the Premier League title race now hinges on Arsenal dropping points in their remaining fixtures.

After a goalless first half, City exploded after the break with goals from Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland, and Omar Marmoush, securing a crucial win that narrowed the gap to league leaders Arsenal to just two points. The Gunners, who have topped the table for most of the season, face West Ham United away on Sunday.

When questioned about the possibility of further twists in the title race, Guardiola stated, “I don’t know… Arsenal have been at the top of the league almost the whole season and are unbeaten in the Champions League. They would have to drop points but it’s not really up to us.” He added, “I think we’ve won everything except Everton in the last 10, 11 games… This team has done what has to be done.”

The Spaniard’s comments highlight the pressure on Arsenal as they navigate the final stretch of the season, with City poised to capitalize on any misstep.

Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker, delivered a match-winning performance as Galatasaray secured a 4-2 victory against Antalyaspor on Saturday, clinching their fourth straight Turkish Super Lig championship.

The Yellow and Reds found themselves trailing twice during the contest, but they mounted a spirited comeback to claim the win that sealed the title.

Osimhen converted a penalty in the 66th minute to notch his first goal of the evening, and he added another just two minutes before the final whistle, sealing the triumph for his team.

The 27-year-old forward has been in outstanding form throughout the campaign, accumulating 15 goals and five assists in 22 league appearances for Galatasaray this season.

Manager Okan Buruk’s squad has amassed 77 points from 33 matches, with only one fixture remaining on their schedule. Their closest rivals, Fenerbahçe, sit second with 73 points from the same number of games.

Lionel Messi, the iconic Inter Miami captain, etched his name deeper into Major League Soccer history on Saturday by surpassing Sebastian Giovinco’s longstanding record. The Argentine star achieved a landmark feat, becoming the quickest player in MLS to accumulate 50 or more goals and assists.

During a thrilling 4-2 victory over Toronto, Messi contributed a goal and two assists, according to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. This performance brought his career MLS statistics to 59 goals and 41 assists across 64 appearances.

The goal against Toronto also marked a significant career milestone for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. His tally now stands at 907 career goals and 410 career assists, underscoring his enduring brilliance on the pitch.

Messi joined Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain a few seasons ago, and his impact has been nothing short of transformative for the American club. The former Barcelona captain continues to dazzle with his exceptional playmaking and scoring ability.

With this record-breaking display, Messi once again proves why he is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, leaving fans and pundits in awe of his sustained excellence in MLS.

Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola has made a bold declaration regarding his team’s Premier League standing, asserting that they are guaranteed a top-two finish this season. This statement came in the wake of a commanding 3-0 triumph over Brentford on Saturday evening.

Goals from Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland, and Omar Marmoush propelled City to a convincing victory, narrowing the gap to league leaders Arsenal to just two points. Guardiola expressed his delight at being back in the title conversation during the post-match press conference.

He stated emphatically, ‘I absolutely relish this. Being in this position again is fantastic. We will secure no lower than second place this campaign. It’s thrilling to be here.’ The Spanish tactician dismissed any notion of pressure, adding, ‘Tension? Not at all. When you feel the work has been accomplished well, there’s no room for stress.’

This victory underscores Manchester City’s relentless pursuit of silverware, with Guardiola’s confidence reflecting the team’s strong form and depth. The win not only boosts their title hopes but also sends a clear message to their rivals.