Category: Entertainment

Nigeria’s Raphael Onyedika has declined the opportunity to extend his stay at Belgian Pro League side Club Brugge, according to reports. The defensive midfielder currently has just one year remaining on his existing contract with the club, which has won the Belgian title 19 times.

Club Brugge had previously turned down offers from Turkish champions Galatasaray for the 26-year-old during the January transfer window. However, Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad indicates that the club has been pushing for a contract extension with Onyedika for some time.

Despite these efforts, the Nigerian international has made it clear that he intends to move on when the current season concludes. Onyedika initially joined Club Brugge from Danish side FC Midtylland back in 2022, and now appears ready for a new challenge.

According to recent reports, the Real Madrid squad has made their preference clear regarding the club’s next head coach. The players are leaning towards former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp rather than Jose Mourinho, who is currently in charge at Benfica.

Mourinho remains a candidate for the position, but the Madrid dressing room fears his arrival could create tension and conflict. The Portuguese coach’s previous tenure at the club was marked by internal clashes, and players believe history might repeat itself. Klopp, on the other hand, is viewed as a unifying figure who can foster a positive atmosphere.

The timing is critical, as current manager Alvaro Arbeloa is likely to leave at the end of the season after a disappointing campaign. Real Madrid is heading towards a trophyless year, and the board is expected to make a managerial change. While Mourinho has openly expressed interest in returning to the Santiago Bernabeu, the players’ voices are reportedly influencing the decision.

Klopp has been without a club since stepping down from Liverpool in 2024, making him an attractive free-agent option. A report from Cadena Ser, as relayed by Sportskeeda, indicates that the squad sees the German as a better fit to lead the team forward. The coming weeks could see the club’s hierarchy make a final call, with player sentiment playing a key role.

The football world is in mourning as news spreads of the tragic death of Emmanuel King Okoye, a 25-year-old midfielder who suffered a fatal head injury during a match in Nigeria. The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 29, while Okoye was visiting family in his home country.

According to reports from Notiziario del Calcio and the Canicattini Police Department, Okoye collapsed following a heavy collision on the pitch. Emergency services arrived quickly and provided immediate medical assistance before rushing him to a hospital, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Okoye spent much of his playing career in Italy, where he featured for several amateur clubs, including Acri, Palmese, Trebisacce, and Tricarico Pozzo di Sicar, among others. He also played for Campora, San Fili, and Promosport, leaving a lasting impression on the Italian football community.

In a heartfelt tribute, Pol.D. City of Canicattini expressed their grief, stating: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of former striker Emmanuel King Okoye. During what was meant to be a peaceful family visit in Nigeria, he tragically passed away at just 25. Emmanuel played for us in the 2018-2019 season and was known for his passion, integrity, and hard work. We will always remember his remarkable goal in Mazzarrone and the special bond he shared with Massimo Ficara, another angel taken too soon. Our deepest condolences go to the Okoye family. Rest in peace, Emmanuel.”

This tragedy comes just a week after another devastating loss for Nigerian football: former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo also collapsed and died on the pitch during a friendly match in Ungwan Yelwa, Kaduna. The back-to-back incidents have sparked renewed concerns about player safety and health protocols in the sport.

Galatasaray’s star forward, Victor Osimhen, has shared his thoughts on the eternal debates comparing Lamine Yamal with Michael Olise, and Lionel Messi with Cristiano Ronaldo. During a quick-fire Q&A session with Berneese, the Nigerian international was asked to choose his favorite in both match-ups.

Regarding the young wingers, Osimhen admitted it was a difficult decision. He praised both Barcelona’s Yamal and Bayern Munich’s Olise for their unique abilities. According to Osimhen, they share similarities in their playing style, particularly in their preferred foot, but their reading of the game differs. Rather than picking one, he opted for both, explaining that favoring one would be a disservice to the other.

When the discussion turned to the legendary pair of Messi and Ronaldo, Osimhen took a similar stance. He pointed out that both players have dominated world football for nearly two decades, making it impossible for him to separate them. Osimhen stated that he has never chosen between the two and again selected both, acknowledging their unparalleled longevity and impact on the sport.

Osimhen’s balanced perspective reflects his respect for the talents of all four footballers, avoiding the trap of ranking them against each other.

Former Chelsea midfielder Chris Sutton has shared his score predictions for the upcoming Premier League matchday 35 games, which include a highly anticipated clash between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday evening.

According to BBC Sport, Sutton expects a thrilling 2-2 draw between the Red Devils and the Reds. He also foresees Arsenal securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Fulham when they meet at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

In other fixtures, Sutton predicts Everton will suffer a 2-1 defeat at home against Manchester City on Monday, while Chelsea are tipped to share the spoils with Nottingham Forest in a 1-1 stalemate.

Sutton’s full set of predictions for the weekend include: Brighton triumphing over Newcastle United 2-1 at St James’ Park, Brentford drawing 1-1 with West Ham United, Leeds United beating Burnley 2-0, Wolverhampton Wanderers losing 1-0 to Sunderland, Bournemouth edging Crystal Palace 2-1, and Aston Villa defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0.

Super Eagles attacker Salim Fago Lawal will not participate in the forthcoming Unity Cup competition due to an injury setback. The Nigerian international picked up the knock during Viktoria Plzeň’s 2-0 triumph over Bohemians Praha in March.

As a result of this injury, the 23-year-old was already absent from Nigeria’s friendly matches against Iran and Jordan. According to the Czech publication Plzeňský deník, the forward’s recovery has not progressed sufficiently, and he is now expected to miss the rest of the season.

Lawal was a member of the Super Eagles squad that competed in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Unity Cup is scheduled to kick off in Charlton on Tuesday, 26 May, with Nigeria facing Zimbabwe in the first semi-final.

Chelsea have been handed a significant lift ahead of their upcoming Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest. Interim head coach Calum McFarlane revealed during his Friday press briefing that key defenders Reece James and Levi Colwill are likely to feature in the squad for Monday’s match at Stamford Bridge.

The duo have been recovering from injuries that kept them out of action, but have now returned to full training with the first team. McFarlane expressed optimism about their availability, stating, “Reece is back in training, and Levi is back in training as well. Both are looking good, which is really positive. Things are looking promising.”

This double boost comes at a crucial time for the Blues as they aim to secure a positive result against a resilient Forest side. The return of James and Colwill will bolster Chelsea’s defensive options and provide much-needed depth for the remainder of the season.

Adesua Etomi-Wellington, the wife of multi-talented Nigerian entertainer Banky W, recently opened up about her marital journey, sharing insights that challenge conventional expectations. In a candid interview with Teju Babyface, which she attended alongside her husband, the actress disclosed that Banky W was not initially the man she envisioned marrying—not because of any personal flaw, but due to his diverse career paths.

“Before I met my husband, I prayed and told God that I did not wish to marry a musician, a pastor, or a politician. However, God gave me all three in one person,” she revealed, emphasizing the divine orchestration behind their union.

Banky W, for his part, recounted the moment he knew Adesua was destined to be his wife. He admitted that he had been certain for 18 months, but waited patiently for her to arrive at the same realization. The turning point came when Adesua called him one day and declared, “Banky, you know you’re my husband, right?” This confirmation solidified his conviction, leading to their marriage in 2017.

Nearly a decade later, the couple’s love remains strong, and they have been blessed with two children. Adesua’s story serves as a testament to faith, patience, and trusting in a higher plan, even when it contradicts personal preferences.

The Nigeria Police Force has taken singer Rolex Dee into custody following allegations that he defamed and cyberbullied fellow musician Taye Currency during the Agbaletu program. The Oyo State Police Command issued a statement clarifying the situation, countering claims of an unlawful arrest. According to the police, officers tracked Rolex Dee to Lagos after Taye Currency filed a formal petition, accusing Rolex of making defamatory statements, engaging in cyberbullying, and issuing threats to life across various social media platforms.

The controversy began when Rolex Dee’s interview on the Agbaletu program went viral, drawing widespread attention. The police emphasized that the suspect’s remarks, made during a public broadcast, were considered damaging and were further amplified by online circulation. In their official response on X, the command labeled earlier reports of an illegal arrest as unverified and misleading, stating that the detention was lawful and based on a legitimate complaint.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions within the Nigerian music industry, as artists increasingly turn to legal avenues to address online disputes. Rolex Dee remains in police custody as investigations continue, with authorities vowing to uphold the law against cyberbullying and defamation.

Popular Nollywood filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has taken to social media to express her frustration with Air Peace airline after being left stranded at London Gatwick Airport for hours. In a series of posts on her X (formerly Twitter) account, she described the situation as unacceptable and called out the airline for poor communication and lack of support.

Akindele revealed that passengers, including elderly individuals, had been waiting since 6:30 AM without any proper updates from the airline. She stated that after a long delay, they were informed of a bird strike and promised hotel accommodations, but hours later, people were still sitting at baggage claim—hungry, exhausted, and without their luggage.

She posted: ‘Air Peace, this is unacceptable. Passengers (including elderly people) have been stranded since 6:30 AM at London Gatwick Airport with no proper communication. After hours of delay, we were told there was a bird strike and promised a hotel. Hours later, people are still sitting at baggage claim hungry, exhausted and without their bags.’

Akindele further lamented that elderly passengers were struggling, families were tired, and there were no clear updates or support. She demanded that the airline release passengers’ luggage immediately and provide the promised hotel accommodations.

In response, Air Peace apologized and explained that the delay was due to a bird strike, emphasizing that safety and operational efficiency are their priorities. The airline assured that their team was working to assist all affected passengers and asked for patience.

However, less than an hour later, Akindele posted again, expressing disappointment that after hours of waiting, there were still no bags, no hotel, and no proper updates. She reiterated her call for the airline to take care of its passengers promptly.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many users criticizing the airline’s handling of the situation and expressing support for the actress.