Category: Entertainment

Gift Orban, the Nigerian striker currently under contract with Hoffenheim, has emerged as a target for Venezia, according to reports. The Serie A newcomers are looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The 23-year-old spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Hellas Verona, another Italian top-flight side. During his temporary stint, he made a notable impact, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in 28 league appearances.

Despite his productive spell, Verona decided against triggering a permanent purchase clause, allowing Orban to return to his parent club. Now, Venezia—who topped the Serie B standings last term—are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing him on board.

Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio broke the news, stating that Venezia are actively monitoring the forward as part of their preparations to remain competitive in Serie A. The club secured promotion emphatically and are keen to avoid an immediate relegation battle.

Orban’s versatility and previous experience in Italian football could make him a valuable asset for the Lagunari. His goal-scoring ability and work rate align with their need for a dynamic striker to lead the line.

Veteran Nollywood actor Abdul Salam Taofeek, better known by his stage name Tioruju Mondusi, has revealed the most distressing chapter of his life during a candid appearance on the African A-List podcast. The actor recounted a painful betrayal that shook his family to its core.

When asked about a person who wronged him so deeply that he still struggles to forgive, Taofeek pointed to his late wife. He described the incident as the most hurtful experience he has ever endured, saying it left him in tears. His wife, now deceased, is the one he holds responsible for this heartache.

The actor explained that about five years ago, he returned from a filming location to find his wife missing. She was nine months pregnant at the time with their fifth child. Despite repeated attempts, he could not reach her phone for two days. When he finally got through, she refused to disclose her whereabouts. Frustrated, he went to her mother’s home to express his concerns, only to discover that she had secretly introduced herself to another man—a married father of four. Upon seeing a photo frame of them together, Taofeek called to confront her. She returned home, hurling insults, and questioned whether he was even the father of the baby she was carrying.

Days later, she gave birth and requested to hold the naming ceremony at Taofeek’s house, even though she had publicly stated the child was not his. Enraged, he had her arrested along with the other man and his friend who came to plead on his behalf. After he refused to allow the ceremony, she took him to court for divorce. It was during legal proceedings that she confessed that both their third and fifth children were fathered by the other man. She had been in a long-term relationship with him for many years. Tragically, she died last year from depression after the man abandoned her to focus on his own family, given that he was already married with four kids. Taofeek noted that the man hails from Ijebu in Ogun State.

The actor hopes that sharing his story will help others who have faced similar betrayals, and he emphasizes the importance of finding strength even in the darkest moments.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has once again brought social media personality and self-proclaimed relationship expert Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, before a Lagos court. This latest legal action, initiated on Tuesday by the agency’s Lagos Zonal Directorate, involves accusations of fraud amounting to N69.1 million. She faces two charges: obtaining money through false pretenses and theft.

During the court session at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, presided over by Justice R.A. Oshodi, the prosecution, led by C. C. Okezie, requested that the arraignment proceed, noting that the defendant had been properly served with the charges. However, defense attorney Nkama Nneka argued that the charge documents were only recently delivered to her client. Justice Oshodi ruled that the arraignment must continue as legally required, and the charges were subsequently read to Blessing CEO.

This is not the first time Blessing CEO has faced such allegations. She was previously arraigned by the EFCC on May 15, 2026, in connection with an alleged N36 million fraud. The new case adds to her legal troubles, drawing significant public attention due to her prominence as a social media influencer.

The Comoros women’s football team has secured a staggering 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the first round of the 2028 Olympic qualifiers, setting up a high-stakes clash with Nigeria’s Super Falcons.

In the first leg, the Coelacanths dominated with a 17-0 win, and they followed it up with a 13-0 triumph in the return match. The relentless attacking display showcased their prowess as they outclassed the Sudanese side across both fixtures.

However, the upcoming round presents a significantly stiffer challenge. The Super Falcons, Africa’s most decorated women’s team, are widely expected to prevail and advance further. Nigeria’s side recently demonstrated their strength by defeating Senegal 3-0 in a friendly at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, following a 2-1 victory over the Teranga Lionesses in a previous friendly.

The second round of qualifiers is scheduled to take place between October 5 and 13, 2026. Only two African nations will earn spots in the women’s football event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has shared his bold predictions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, backing England to lift the trophy. The ex-Manchester City star believes the Three Lions will overcome Argentina in a thrilling final showdown.

Wright-Phillips, speaking during an interview with All Out Football, also tipped England midfielder Declan Rice to claim the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player. He emphasized Rice’s impact on the pitch as a key factor in England’s success.

“Who do you think is going to win the World Cup? England,” Wright-Phillips stated confidently. “Name the two teams that will play in the final: England vs Argentina. Who will win the Golden Ball for the overall best player of the tournament? Declan Rice.”

The predictions come as anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup, with fans eagerly awaiting to see if England can end their long wait for a second title.

Jose Mourinho has touched down in the Spanish capital to put pen to paper on a contract that will see him return to Real Madrid. The 63-year-old Portuguese tactician engaged in discussions with club president Florentino Perez before the presidential election last weekend and reached a preliminary understanding.

Following Perez’s triumph over challenger Enrique Riquelme, Mourinho’s homecoming to the Bernabeu after 13 years is now on the brink of completion. The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss is poised to sign a three-season agreement and will be formally introduced to the press soon after.

Renowned football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed via X: “José Mourinho, in Madrid today ahead of his presentation as new Real Madrid head coach on a three-year deal.”

In preparation for Mourinho’s arrival, the club has already secured two defensive recruitments: Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool and Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan. These moves signal Madrid’s intent to strengthen the squad under Mourinho’s guidance.

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has expressed a lack of confidence in Spain’s prospects at the World Cup 2026, instead throwing his weight behind Portugal as the team with the tournament’s strongest midfield. Cole, speaking on The Dressing Room Podcast, did not mince words about Luis de la Fuente’s side, predicting they would exit early. “I’m going to throw it out there, I think this Spain team will limp out,” he stated. The Englishman emphasized that Spain’s fate hinges heavily on the availability of young star Lamine Yamal. “For instance, if Lamine Yamal doesn’t play, say he gets injured or something, I just don’t fancy them,” Cole explained. In contrast, he sees Portugal as a serious contender. “I think Portugal has got a chance,” he said. Cole pointed to their midfield depth, highlighting players like Vitinha, Nuno Mendes at left-back, and of course Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Joao Neves. “So the midfield is solid, I think the midfield is the best in the tournament,” he concluded, praising the collective strength of Portugal’s engine room.

Manchester United’s board is feeling optimistic about their chances of securing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, despite competition from local rivals Manchester City. The Red Devils are looking to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season under manager Michael Carrick, having already completed a £35 million deal for Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta. However, Carrick is eager to add at least one more midfielder to compensate for the departures of Casemiro and potentially Manuel Ugarte this summer.

According to The Guardian, United believes they can hijack City’s pursuit of Anderson, who has been identified as a top target for the Cityzens. City had an initial £80 million bid for the England midfielder rejected by Nottingham Forest, but they are preparing a second offer. Meanwhile, Manchester United is confident that Anderson has not yet made a final decision on his future and can still be convinced to choose Old Trafford over the Etihad.

Anderson joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United in 2024 on a five-year contract. The 23-year-old has impressed with his performances, attracting interest from several top clubs. United’s hierarchy is now working hard to persuade him to make the switch to Manchester United, potentially beating their city rivals to a key signing.

Kano Pillars FC has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its technical and support divisions as they gear up for the 2026-27 campaign. The decision was confirmed by General Manager Ahmed Musa following a strategic management gathering held on Monday. This move aims to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and align the club with international football management standards. The restructuring dissolves all current committees and staff appointments, including those with Junior Pillars and the U-19 squad. The dissolution takes effect immediately, and the club has invited interested candidates to apply for the vacant roles through its secretariat. The Sai Masu Gida managed to retain their top-flight status on the final day of the 2025-26 Nigeria Premier Football League season, prompting this proactive shake-up.

Following a decisive 2-1 victory over Bayelsa Queens in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Super Six playoffs, the Chairperson of Nasarawa Amazons, Hajiya Husaina Suleiman Nagogo, has fulfilled her pledge to incentivize the team’s performance. The win, which took place in Port Harcourt on Monday, not only boosted the squad’s morale but also propelled them to the top of the playoff standings with six points accumulated from two matches.

Nagogo extended her congratulations to the players and promptly disbursed cash rewards as promised for each tournament victory. This financial boost comes at a crucial juncture, as the Amazons are set to face FC Robo Queens in their third fixture on Wednesday. The top team at the end of the competition will be crowned the 2025-26 NWFL champions and will earn a spot in the WAFU B Women’s Champions League, underscoring the high stakes involved.