Category: Entertainment

Shooting Stars’ goalkeeper Godgift Elkannah has publicly expressed remorse over a critical error that could have cost his team dearly during their 3-2 victory against Nasarawa United. The mistake, which allowed the opposition to equalize, was a rare lapse for the usually reliable shot-stopper.

In a heartfelt statement, Elkannah admitted his disappointment, saying that such an error has never occurred in his career before. He expressed immense gratitude that his teammates managed to rally and secure the win despite the setback.

The victory keeps Shooting Stars in contention, as they currently hold the fourth spot on the NPFL standings. Elkannah’s apology highlights his accountability and the team’s collective spirit in overcoming adversity.

Despite a recent setback, Nasarawa United’s technical adviser, Mbwas Mangut, remains optimistic about securing a place in continental competitions. The Solid Miners suffered a 2–1 defeat against Shooting Stars in Ibadan, which pushed them down to seventh in the NPFL standings.

With only two matches remaining in the season, Mangut has assured fans that the team will continue to fight with determination. “I have said before that the league remains open for teams in the top six positions,” Mangut told the club’s media. “We will keep battling until the final whistle of the season, hoping to achieve our objectives.”

The defeat was a blow to their aspirations, but Mangut emphasized that the campaign is not over. The team is focused on bouncing back and will face Plateau United in their next fixture at home in Lafia this weekend.

Every match is now crucial, and Mangut’s message is clear: Nasarawa United will not abandon their dream of going continental. “We will fight till the end, with the hope of achieving our set goals,” he added.

Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has expressed admiration for Lucky Emmanuel and Ayobami Junior following their standout displays in Shooting Stars’ 3-2 triumph over Nasarawa United during the NPFL matchday 36 clash at Lekan Salami Stadium on Sunday.

The tactician, who was present in the stands to observe the encounter, specifically highlighted Ayobami Junior’s quality on the ball. However, he noted that the youngster must intensify his defensive contributions to aid the team more effectively.

“Lucky Emmanuel netted two goals, but my primary focus was on Ayobami Junior,” Chelle shared with the club’s media team. “He handled the ball exceptionally well and is highly skilled. Yet, when possession is lost, he must put in extra effort to support the squad. The entire team gave their utmost during the match.”

Emmanuel’s double strike proved crucial in securing the win for the home side. Looking ahead, Chelle is scheduled to attend the upcoming fixture between Ikorodu City and Wikki Tourists on Tuesday.

In a gripping Monday night encounter, Manchester City saw their Premier League title hopes suffer a significant blow after being held to a 3-3 draw by Everton at Goodison Park. The result leaves Pep Guardiola’s side trailing league leaders Arsenal by five points, a gap that could prove decisive with only a handful of games remaining.

City entered the match knowing a win was essential to keep the pressure on the Gunners, and they started brightly. Jeremy Doku opened the scoring with a superb curling effort just before halftime, giving the visitors a deserved lead. However, the second half unfolded dramatically as Everton transformed their performance entirely.

The Toffees struck three times through Thierno Barry, who netted a brace, and Jake O’Neil, turning the game on its head. City, though, refused to surrender. Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku both found the net to rescue a point for the title contenders.

Despite their fightback, City remain five points adrift of Arsenal, who sit atop the table. Guardiola’s men have a chance to reduce the deficit when they face Brentford, while Arsenal travel to West Ham. The title race continues to twist and turn, but City can ill afford more slip-ups.

Thierry Henry, the legendary former Arsenal captain, has delivered a fresh verdict on the Premier League title race, declaring that Manchester City have lost control of their own fate. Speaking on Monday Night Football, Henry analyzed the implications of City’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Everton, a result that has shifted the balance of power.

The ex-striker noted that Pep Guardiola’s side now trail Arsenal by five points, though they hold a game in hand. However, Henry emphasized that the Gunners currently hold the upper hand in the battle for the championship. “Now it’s back in Arsenal’s hands. It’s not in Man City’s hands anymore,” he stated firmly.

Henry admitted he had anticipated City dropping points at Goodison Park, pointing to signs of nervousness in their performance. “I saw a bit of nervousness with City because they imploded. They brought Everton back into the game with some mistakes. The game became crazy,” he explained. The Frenchman also expressed concern about City’s upcoming fixture against West Ham, which could further complicate their title hopes.

Despite the shift in momentum, Henry urged Arsenal to remain focused and not get carried away. “Arsenal can see that Man City dropped two points, but you can’t start to think that, ‘Now, maybe…’ There’s no maybe. Win your games. Don’t look at City. It’s in your hands,” he advised. According to Henry, the key for Mikel Arteta’s side is to maintain concentration and secure victories in their remaining matches, rather than relying on City’s slip-ups.

Nigerian rapper Ice Prince, known for his hit song ‘Oleku’, has opened up about the dramatic changes he made to his lifestyle as part of his weight loss journey. The artist, whose real name is Panshak Zamani, disclosed that he has embraced celibacy and completely given up smoking, marking a major shift from his previous habits.

Sharing his progress on social media, Ice Prince expressed feelings of liberation and spiritual renewal. In a post on his X handle, he stated that giving up sex and cigarettes has been the most impactful decision of his life. He described the transition from being a chronic smoker to a non-smoker as a testament to divine grace, emphasizing that he feels ‘unchained and saved’ by this new path.

The rapper also revealed that he has abstained from alcohol, soft drinks, energy drinks, and bread for more than a year. Ice Prince expressed a strong commitment to maintaining these changes for the rest of his life, citing a profound sense of well-being and contentment. His journey reflects a holistic transformation aimed at improving his health and personal growth.

A medical professional based in Canada has called on Nigerian singer Portable to undergo a brain scan following his celebrity boxing match against skit maker Carter Efe. Dr. Arinze Onwumelu, widely known as Dr Zo, expressed concerns about potential head injuries sustained during the bout.

The fight took place over the weekend in Lagos and ended with Portable losing. The event generated significant buzz on social media, with many fans and public figures weighing in on the outcome.

In a video shared online on Monday, Dr Zo recommended that Portable get an MRI to check for internal damage. He noted that Carter Efe landed several punches to sensitive areas of Portable’s head, which could lead to a subdural hematoma—a serious medical condition involving bleeding in the brain.

Dr Zo emphasized that celebrity boxing matches are meant for entertainment, not intense combat. He questioned whether Carter Efe understood the nature of the exhibition, warning that the blows delivered might have long-lasting effects.

“Anyone close to Portable should take him to the hospital for a brain test,” Dr Zo stated. “There may be a damaged artery.”

The doctor also urged event organizers to make protective headgear mandatory to reduce the risk of severe head trauma in future matches.

Before the fight, Portable had expressed confidence in his ability to win, having previously defeated rapper Speed Darlington and actor Charles Okocha in other celebrity boxing events. However, the match against Carter Efe did not go as planned.

In a recent podcast appearance, Nigerian singer Seun Kuti made it clear that his dispute with Afrobeats superstar Wizkid is far from over. The Afrobeat artiste stated unequivocally that the rift between them is permanent, stemming from Wizkid’s alleged disrespect toward his legendary father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

According to Daily Post, the tension between the two musicians erupted after Wizkid claimed he surpassed Fela’s contributions to music. This was in response to Seun Kuti’s earlier plea for fans to stop comparing the ‘Ojuelegba’ hitmaker to the late Afrobeat pioneer. The comment struck a nerve, leading to an irreparable fallout.

During the podcast interview, the host directly asked Seun Kuti whether the beef with Wizkid had been resolved. Kuti responded firmly, stating that the matter is lifelong. He emphasized that he has nothing to say about Wizkid but made it clear that disrespecting his father is something he can never overlook. ‘You don’t say things about my dad and then it is fine. There is no coming back from that,’ Kuti asserted.

The news has sparked reactions across social media, with many fans weighing in on the ongoing feud. While some support Seun Kuti’s stance on protecting his father’s legacy, others feel the dispute has escalated unnecessarily. Nevertheless, Kuti remains resolute in his position, signaling that any chance of reconciliation is off the table indefinitely.

Jamie Carragher has predicted that the Premier League championship will be determined by goal difference, with Manchester City emerging as the eventual winners. The former Liverpool defender believes that despite Arsenal’s impressive form, the title race will come down to the finest margins.

Speaking after Arsenal’s dominant 3-0 victory over Fulham, Carragher praised Mikel Arteta’s side, calling it their best performance in weeks. He noted that the win puts additional pressure on Manchester City ahead of their difficult trip to Goodison Park. “Arsenal were superb. That was their most convincing display since the north London derby,” Carragher observed. “They looked full of energy and composure, though Fulham’s struggles helped them.”

Carragher predicts City will overcome Everton but argues that the outcome will hinge on goal difference. “I expect City to win at Everton, but it may not be enough if goal difference decides it,” he explained. “Arsenal’s comfortable win gave their goal difference a big boost.”

Arsenal’s remaining fixtures include West Ham, already-relegated Burnley, and Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Manchester City face Brentford, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Aston Villa in their quest for a seventh title since 2018.

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has weighed in on the club’s potential need for a new striker, pointing to Julian Alvarez as the ideal candidate to succeed Gabriel Jesus. Speaking in an interview with Metro via BetMGM, the former midfielder expressed doubts about Jesus’s long-term future at the Emirates, citing the Brazilian’s desire for regular first-team football.

Parlour highlighted that Jesus, who is now at a stage in his career where consistent playing time is paramount, may seek an exit at the end of the current campaign. ‘He wants to be on the pitch every week,’ Parlour noted, suggesting that the club should prepare for his departure.

The Arsenal icon then identified Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez as a ‘fantastic option’ to bolster the attack. Parlour praised the Argentine’s pace and recalled his impressive performances during his time at Manchester City. ‘His speed and what he showed at City would make him a great addition,’ Parlour added, emphasizing that Alvarez could seamlessly fill the void left by a potential Jesus exit.