Category: Entertainment

In a recent NWFL playoff match, Rivers Angels suffered a 1-0 defeat against Abia Angels, a result that left head coach Tosan Blankson pointing to missed opportunities as the primary cause. Speaking after the game, Blankson expressed his frustration, noting that despite the team’s hard work, they failed to capitalize on several scoring chances.

The decisive moment came in the 26th minute when Winner David scored a header that proved to be the match-winner for Abia Angels. The match, held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, saw Rivers Angels dominate possession but lack the finishing touch needed to convert their dominance into goals.

Blankson remarked that football can be cruel at times, highlighting the disappointment of seeing his players give their all yet still come up short. He emphasized that the strikers had ample opportunities to score but were unable to deliver when it mattered most. This loss leaves Rivers Angels in fourth place on the playoff table with three points from two matches, while Abia Angels secured their first victory of the competition.

The coach’s comments underscore the fine margins that often decide football matches, with Rivers Angels needing to improve their clinical edge in front of goal if they hope to advance further in the NWFL playoffs.

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has expressed confidence that his team is fully prepared for their upcoming friendly match against Portugal. The game, set to take place at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday, represents a valuable opportunity for the Nigerian squad to measure themselves against world-class opposition.

Chelle highlighted that Portugal is a top-tier team that could potentially be crowned world champions, making this encounter a significant test. “Playing against a team of this caliber is a great experience for us. They have many elite players, and we are delighted to have this chance,” he stated during the pre-match press conference.

Portugal will use this friendly as their final preparation before heading to Miami for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles, who have not lost in their last six matches, are eager to maintain their unbeaten run despite facing a formidable opponent.

Regarding the previous meeting between the two sides in 2022, which ended in a 4-0 defeat for Nigeria, Chelle emphasized that his focus remains on the present. “I concentrate on my players, our philosophy, and how we want to play. The past is not relevant to this game,” he added.

The Malian coach expressed optimism that his squad can rise to the occasion and deliver a competitive performance against the Portuguese side.

Mustapha Lawal, the former Shooting Stars goalkeeper, has emerged as a hot prospect for several top-tier clubs following his departure from the Ibadan-based side. The 26-year-old shot-stopper, who represented Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team, is now a free agent after his contract with Shooting Stars expired.

Reports indicate that reigning NPFL champions Rangers International, Plateau United, and Kwara United are among the domestic suitors vying for his signature. Additionally, foreign interest has surfaced from Angolan club Atlético de Luanda and Sierra Leone’s FC Kallon, highlighting the goalkeeper’s growing reputation beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Lawal is renowned for his exceptional reflexes, commanding presence in the box, and composure under pressure—attributes that made him a standout performer for Shooting Stars last season. He made 16 league appearances, keeping four clean sheets and earning plaudits for his consistency.

The shot-stopper originally joined Shooting Stars from Nigeria National League side Sunshine Stars two years ago. His impressive displays have now placed him on the radar of multiple clubs, both domestic and international, as the NPFL transfer window approaches.

Real Madrid has officially disclosed that their substantial €150 million proposal for Atletico Madrid’s forward Julian Alvarez was turned down earlier this week. The 26-year-old striker, who has been one of the most sought-after talents in the current transfer window, may still be on the move from the Wanda Metropolitano. Madrid’s city rivals have now entered the fray for his signature.

The bid follows a promise made by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to secure a marquee signing, a ‘Galactico’, if he were re-elected. Following a board meeting, the club released a statement confirming the offer: “Real Madrid CF announces that, following today’s Board of Directors meeting, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atletico de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julian Álvarez.” The statement continued, “After studying and evaluating it, Atletico de Madrid has thanked the club for the offer, made within the framework of the good relations existing between both clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player’s release clause.”

This development adds another layer of intrigue to the summer transfer saga, as Alvarez’s future remains uncertain with several top clubs monitoring the situation.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has shed light on why Portugal opted to face Nigeria in an international friendly, pointing to the team’s physical intensity and playing style rather than rankings. According to Chelle, the decision is not about comparing nations but about the type of challenge Portugal seeks ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Chelle emphasized that Portugal wants to test themselves against an African side known for its robust physicality. He noted, “This isn’t about disrespect. We can’t compare Nigeria and DR Congo. I don’t focus on which team is best. It’s about philosophy and the intensity of the game. They want to face an African team because of the physicality, and facing us is a good opportunity.”

The friendly is part of Portugal’s final preparations for the World Cup hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Chelle also linked Portugal’s choice to their recent playoff final against DR Congo, which Portugal lost on penalties. He speculated that Portugal may want to see how they fare against a similar African opponent. “We faced DR Congo in the World Cup playoffs and lost on penalties. Maybe they want to assess their performance against us. My job is to focus on my responsibilities, no matter what,” he added.

On squad development, Chelle stressed his long-term vision of building a balanced team blending experienced and younger players. He said, “My role is to assemble the best players in the country to create a mix of veterans and youth, because Nigeria remains after me. I outlined a year ago how I intend to do my job, and I have executed my duties. I don’t attribute success to luck.”

Regarding player selection, Chelle explained that he picks players who consistently prove their worth weekly. He stated, “When I call up a player, it’s because he shows it every week. My responsibility is to ensure the player is in optimal condition at the right time, even if that time comes when I’m not prepared. If we’re short and a player can’t participate, I make the most informed decision.”

The management of Bendel Insurance has announced a three-week break for both players and staff after the conclusion of the 2025-26 NPFL season. The team is scheduled to return to training on July 1, 2026, to begin preparations for the upcoming campaign.

General Manager Charles Ihimekpen communicated this decision during a team meeting held on Tuesday. He acknowledged the club’s fifth-place finish in the league but expressed disappointment over their early exit from the President Federation Cup, where they were eliminated by El-Kanemi Warriors.

In his address, Ihimekpen stated that while the season did not fully meet expectations, there is room for gratitude and appreciation for the efforts made. He emphasized the importance of learning from setbacks to avoid similar disappointments in the future.

The management of Sunshine Stars has officially announced the appointment of former player Kehinde Abiodun as the club’s new scout, effective immediately. This decision comes as part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming season, following a disappointing campaign in the Nigeria National League (NNL).

Abiodun, a familiar face at the Owena Waves, is expected to leverage his deep understanding of the game and sharp talent identification skills to uncover promising young players. His role will be crucial in strengthening the squad as the club aims for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) next term.

Last season, Sunshine Stars finished in fifth place in NNL Conference A with 25 points from 16 matches, falling short of the promotion spots. The club is now focused on rebuilding and ensuring a stronger performance in the new season, with Abiodun’s appointment being a key part of that strategy.

The former player expressed enthusiasm about returning to the club in a different capacity, stating that he is ready to contribute to the team’s growth and success. His appointment has been well received by fans and stakeholders who believe his experience will be invaluable.

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.