Category: Entertainment

Nigerian artist Skales has weighed in on the earnings debate between musicians and footballers, arguing that soccer players enjoy more consistent income. During a recent appearance on the Groovymono show, the ‘Shake Body’ hitmaker explained that even benchwarmers in football earn well, while only top-tier musicians rake in big money.

He pointed out that music revenue fluctuates with trends—what’s hot today can fade tomorrow. In contrast, football contracts guarantee pay regardless of performance or fame. “You don’t have to be a star or a starter in football to make money,” Skales said. “But in music, money comes in seasons. An artist can be on top now and irrelevant later. Those who stay relevant consistently are backed by divine grace.”

Skales emphasized that many little-known footballers still earn impressive salaries, whereas music careers are unstable unless sustained by constant hits. “Music is crazy money, but sports money is different,” he added. The singer’s comments add fuel to the ongoing conversation about wealth in entertainment versus sports, highlighting the structural advantages of professional football contracts over the unpredictable nature of the music industry.

In a recent interview, Nollywood actress Shine Rosman challenged the widespread belief that movie stars in Nigeria are all wealthy. Speaking on a podcast with colleague Baaj Adebule, she revealed that the financial reality for many is far from the glamorous image often portrayed.

Rosman pointed out that while some actors appear affluent, their wealth frequently comes from side businesses rather than acting. She emphasized that a significant number of performers are actually facing financial difficulties, struggling to make ends meet.

The actress noted that the assumption of universal luxury within Nollywood is one of the biggest misconceptions about the industry. She clarified that although a few individuals are well-off due to external ventures, the majority do not have the substantial wealth that fans imagine.

Her candid remarks have sparked conversations about the economic challenges within the Nigerian film industry, shedding light on the gap between perception and reality for many hardworking actors.

The Nigerian Falconets have learned their opponents for the group stage of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. During the official draw held on Friday in Lodz, Poland, they were placed in Group F alongside Spain, China, and New Caledonia.

This marks the 12th edition of the biennial tournament. Nigeria’s Women’s U-20 team has never missed a single edition since the competition began.

For the Falconets, the goal is clear: secure their first world title after finishing as runners-up twice in previous tournaments. The team has consistently performed well on the global stage.

Matches in Poland will be hosted across four cities: Bielsko-Biała, Katowice, Lodz, and Sosnowiec. The competition is scheduled to run from September 5 to 27, 2026.

With Spain being a strong contender, China offering a tactical challenge, and New Caledonia as debutants, Group F promises intriguing contests. The Falconets will aim to top the group and advance deep into the knockout stages.

In a significant development for Nigerian football, Brentford defender Michael Kayode has publicly declared his commitment to representing the Italian national team at the senior level. The 21-year-old right-back, who was born in Borgomanero, Italy, to Nigerian parents, has previously featured for Italy’s youth squads but remained eligible for the Super Eagles until his recent announcement.

Speaking to Tuttosport, Kayode expressed his unwavering dedication to the Azzurri. He stated that his priority has always been Italy, emphasizing that he grew up wearing the blue jersey during his youth career. The former Fiorentina player confidently noted that he has no doubts about his decision and hopes to earn his first senior cap as soon as possible.

Kayode is expected to be named in Italy’s squad for their upcoming international friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece in June. This move closes the door on Nigeria’s chances of securing his services, despite the Super Eagles’ ongoing efforts to strengthen their defensive options.

The defender’s decision is a blow to Nigerian football, which has often sought to attract dual-nationality players. However, Kayode’s strong ties to Italy, where he was born and developed his football career, ultimately guided his choice.

Fatima Oloko, the shot-stopper for Abia Angels, has voiced her belief that her team can make a strong impression in the upcoming Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Super Six playoffs. The Umuahia-based club earned their spot in the competition alongside Robo Queens and Nasarawa Amazons from Conference B, while Rivers Angels, Edo Queens, and defending champions Bayelsa Queens qualified from Conference A.

Oloko emphasized that the squad will enter each match with focus and resolve, treating every game as a final. Speaking after the regular season concluded, she noted that despite not being tipped as favorites to advance, the team is determined to give their all. “We are preparing for the Super Six tournament. We were not expected to qualify, but we will go there and compete wholeheartedly. Each game will be approached as if it’s our last, and we will accept whatever outcome comes,” she stated.

The goalkeeper’s confidence reflects the underdog spirit of Abia Angels, who have defied expectations to reach this stage. With the playoff tournament set to feature top sides from both conferences, Oloko’s leadership between the posts could be crucial for the Angels’ ambitions.

Former England international Jay Bothroyd has expressed strong confidence that Arsenal will claim the Premier League crown this season. Speaking on Sky Sports, the ex-striker emphasized that the Gunners are in a commanding position to finish at the top. With only two matches remaining, Arsenal leads Manchester City by two points. According to Bothroyd, the likelihood of Arsenal lifting the league trophy stands at an impressive 95%.

However, Bothroyd is less optimistic about Arsenal’s chances of securing a double. When asked about the upcoming Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, he highlighted the difficulty of the task. He pointed out that PSG’s recent clean sheet against Bayern Munich underscores their defensive solidity. Bothroyd also praised the attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué, noting their relentless pressing and exceptional quality.

“If Arsenal play at their best, they can win the final,” Bothroyd admitted. “But PSG’s work rate and talent make them a formidable opponent. That’s why I find it hard to predict Arsenal will win the Champions League.” He concluded that while the league title seems all but secured, the European trophy remains a tougher challenge for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Following an emphatic 4-2 triumph over Liverpool on Friday night, Aston Villa has clinched a place in the Champions League. The victory propelled Unai Emery’s squad to 62 points, two clear of Liverpool with just one fixture remaining.

Ollie Watkins netted twice, and John McGinn added a stunning late strike as Villa completely outplayed the defending champions. The win guarantees Villa’s participation in the league phase of next season’s elite European competition.

They will join Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United as Premier League representatives in the Champions League. Villa now has an additional incentive: they face Freiburg in the Europa League final next week. If they win that match, they would have secured automatic qualification anyway, but their league result ensures their spot regardless.

Interestingly, if Villa had not already qualified through the league, a Europa League victory would have given them the berth, and the sixth-place Premier League team would have taken the extra spot. But as it stands, Villa’s stunning form under Emery has rewarded them with a top-four finish.

In a candid interview with The Beat FM Lagos, Nigerian rapper Ice Prince Zamani opened up about his natural weight loss journey and his future aspirations. The ‘Oleku’ hitmaker firmly stated that his transformation was achieved without the aid of Ozempic or any other medication, emphasizing it was purely organic.

Beyond discussing his fitness, Ice Prince dropped a bombshell regarding his music career. He suggested that his upcoming album might be his swansong, signaling a potential retirement from the industry. The artist revealed that he plans to settle down and get married once he reaches the age of 40, which is approximately three years away.

However, the rapper clarified that he is not currently on the lookout for a partner. Instead, he is focused on pursuing his ambitions. “I didn’t use any drugs for my weight loss; it was all natural. To be honest, I feel like this next album will be my last. In about three years, I’ll be 40, and hopefully by then, I intend to get married,” he stated. He added that his current priority is achieving his goals, leaving romance for later.

In a recent episode of the BTS Reality podcast, Nollywood actress and producer Sandra Okunzuwa declared that YouTube filmmakers are now offering higher pay to actors than traditional cinema productions. She emphasized that the days of low compensation in Nigeria’s movie industry, particularly on digital platforms, are over.

According to Okunzuwa, some actors are commanding fees as high as N5 million for just four days of shooting on YouTube projects. “The notion that actors are poorly paid is outdated—at least when it comes to online content,” she stated.

She explained that while cinema and Netflix may have once dominated, YouTube has emerged as a lucrative avenue where talent is well rewarded. “Actors on YouTube are earning top dollar. Some charge between N4 million and N5 million for a four-day shoot, which is more than what you’d get from a cinema movie,” she added.

Her comments highlight a shifting dynamic in Nollywood, where digital platforms like YouTube are increasingly becoming major players, offering competitive compensation that challenges traditional film models. This trend suggests that the intersection of streaming and independent production is reshaping how Nigerian actors are valued.

Veteran Nigerian musician Sunny Neji has shared his perspective on why female fans, particularly married women, are often attracted to artists who specialize in love songs. In a recent conversation with Yanga FM in Lagos, Neji addressed the ongoing buzz surrounding a well-known Nigerian singer’s rumored involvement with the spouse of a media personality—a situation that allegedly played a role in the couple’s separation.

Neji explained that it’s only natural for married women to feel drawn to performers whose music revolves around romance and relationships. He emphasized that this attraction is a normal human response and not something to be condemned. However, the veteran artist stressed that the responsibility lies with the musicians themselves to maintain discipline and avoid crossing ethical boundaries.

According to Neji, the key is self-control. He stated that while the initial pull toward romantic singers is inevitable, artists must make conscious choices to steer clear of inappropriate entanglements. He urged his colleagues in the music industry to prioritize integrity and remember the impact of their actions on families and their own careers.