Category: Entertainment

Arsenal icon Lee Dixon has thrown his weight behind Myles Lewis-Skelly, urging manager Mikel Arteta to hand the youngster a starting berth in the upcoming Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Gunners’ academy product has been a revelation since breaking into the first team. Despite having only two Premier League starts by early May, Lewis-Skelly was thrust into central midfield against Fulham and delivered a standout performance in a commanding 3-0 win.

Since that match, the 18-year-old has become a regular fixture alongside Declan Rice in Arsenal’s engine room. His displays, particularly in the Champions League semi-final triumph over Atletico Madrid, have caught the eye of the former Arsenal defender.

Speaking to The Athletic via Metro, Dixon expressed his confidence in the youngster’s abilities. “I wasn’t shocked because I always believed he had what it takes,” Dixon remarked. “This opportunity came from Arteta’s need for a solution, and Myles delivered in spades. He was simply brilliant.”

Dixon highlighted Lewis-Skelly’s composure and game intelligence. “His ball control and spatial awareness were exceptional—he was my man of the match in both legs of the semi-final. Choosing a starter for the final is a huge call, but I’d go with Myles. He’s shown he won’t be fazed by the occasion.”

The Arsenal legend even drew comparisons between Lewis-Skelly and England icon Paul Gascoigne. “I’ve watched Myles closely—he’s got that Gazza-like trait of using his body to shield the ball,” Dixon explained. “He lets defenders think they can catch him, then slows down, inviting contact, and bounces them off to win free kicks. It’s a remarkable skill, and he uses it to push higher up the pitch.”

With the final looming, Arteta faces a tough selection dilemma, but Dixon’s vote of confidence may tip the scales in Lewis-Skelly’s favor.

Jamaica’s head coach, Rudolph Speid, has acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of the Unity Cup final. In a statement that underscores the respect he holds for the African side, Speid emphasized the difficulty of facing the three-time African champions, as reported by DAILY POST.

The Reggae Boyz are set to clash with Nigeria at the Valley in London on Saturday evening, aiming to avenge their previous defeat in last year’s final, which ended in a dramatic penalty shootout victory for the Super Eagles (5-4). Jamaica secured their spot in the title match after a convincing 2-0 semifinal win over India.

Speid expressed his anticipation for the encounter, noting the exciting style of play associated with Nigeria. “Facing Nigeria is always thrilling. They possess an attractive brand of football, and as one of Africa’s powerhouses, they command respect. We are eager for the challenge,” the Jamaican tactician remarked.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM Nigerian time, promising a captivating showdown between two determined sides.

Paul Onuachu has earned a spot among the contenders for the Turkish Süper Lig’s Goal of the Season accolade, as confirmed by sources. The Nigerian striker’s spectacular scissor-kick goal, netted during Trabzonspor’s emphatic 4-2 triumph over Fatih Karagümrük back in September, has caught the attention of the league’s selection panel.

This brilliant effort was previously honored as the Süper Lig’s Goal of the Month for September, setting the stage for its inclusion in the end-of-season awards. Onuachu faces stiff competition from Fenerbahçe’s Marco Asensio and Beşiktaş’s Orkun Kökçü, both of whom also delivered standout strikes during the campaign.

The ultimate winner of this prestigious award will be decided by fan votes, adding an extra layer of excitement for supporters. Onuachu’s nomination comes on the heels of an impressive season where he finished as joint-top scorer in the Turkish top flight, netting 22 goals alongside Eldor Shomurodov.

The team manager of Bayelsa United, Tarila Okoronwanta, has expressed confidence that the club can still achieve something meaningful in the 2026 President Federation Cup despite their recent relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

In the Round of 32, the Prosperity Boys are set to face Wikki Tourists at the Lafia City Stadium next week. Okoronwanta emphasized that the team’s season is far from finished, noting that the Federation Cup offers a chance to salvage pride and possibly secure continental qualification.

“We are not done yet. The Federation Cup is still alive for us. We have a tough match against Wikki Tourists in Lafia, but anything can happen in football,” Okoronwanta stated in an interview with Completesports.

He added, “The President Federation Cup could be our pathway to relief. Winning it would earn us a spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, which would be a huge achievement after the disappointment of relegation.”

The winner of the President Federation Cup is guaranteed a place in the CAF Confederation Cup, making the competition a crucial target for Bayelsa United as they aim to bounce back from their NPFL setback.

Ice Prince has finally broken his silence over the backlash he received for performing at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention in 2026. The rapper faced widespread criticism for taking the stage at a political event while Nigerians grapple with rising insecurity and economic hardship. Many felt he should have used his platform to demand accountability from the government rather than entertaining party loyalists.

However, in a recent interview on the Black Box podcast, Ice Prince explained that his decision was deeply personal. He revealed that the booking came from his uncle, Nentawe Yilwatda, who is the National Chairman of the APC. ‘Who booked me for that event? My uncle – Nentawe Yilwatda, who is the APC Chairman. He is not just a random person to me. He is my real uncle,’ he said. The rapper emphasized that turning down a request from a close family member would have been difficult, regardless of the political implications.

Despite his explanation, many fans remain divided. Some have argued that personal ties should not excuse an artist from taking a stand on pressing national issues. Others have expressed understanding, citing the complexity of familial obligations. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between artists’ personal relationships and their public responsibilities in Nigeria’s charged political climate.

British-Nigerian rapper Skepta, born Joseph Adenuga, has voiced his anguish over the escalating injustice in his homeland, Nigeria. In a heartfelt video message, the ‘Bad Energy Stay Far Away’ artist urged fellow celebrities and the global community to shine a light on the country’s plight.

He noted that although Nigerians are known for their resilience, they have endured systemic unfairness for too long. “There’s a huge amount of injustice in Nigeria,” Skepta stated. “I will always speak out against it, whether at my concerts, in interviews, or through my art. We have to keep raising awareness.”

The Grammy-winning musician stressed that Nigerians cannot fight this battle alone. “Nigerians are tough and always make things look okay, but we are crying out for help. We need the world to stand with us,” he appealed. Skepta’s call adds a powerful voice to the ongoing conversation about social and political issues in Nigeria.

The defending champions of the women’s President Federation Cup, Rivers Angels, are set to commence their title defense against Abia Angels in the Round of 16. This highly anticipated match is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, at the Uyo Township Stadium in Eket.

Meanwhile, FC Robo Queens will confront Remo Stars Ladies in Akure, while Ahudiyannem Queens take on Heartland Queens in Enugu. The city of Awka will host two fixtures: Ibom Angels versus Bayelsa Queens, and Delta Queens against Edo Queens.

In Abuja, Plateau United Queens face Sunshine Queens, and Confluence Queens meet Esthington FC in Enugu. Completing the lineup, Naija Ratels will challenge last year’s runners-up Nasarawa Amazons in Kaduna.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and Paris Saint-Germain stalwart Presnel Kimpembe are set to bring the UEFA Champions League trophy onto the pitch prior to Saturday’s final showdown between the two clubs, as reported by Le Parisien. This follows the established custom of having former players from each finalist team perform the ceremonial duty.

Last season, Javier Pastore and Javier Zanetti had the honor before PSG defeated Inter Milan in Munich. Kimpembe has confirmed to Le Parisien that he has been selected by the Ligue 1 side to carry the trophy. “It is a massive privilege to represent Paris Saint-Germain in this Champions League final,” he stated. “I hope it brings good fortune to the squad and to all Parisian supporters.”

The involvement of Henry, who is an iconic figure for Arsenal, adds emotional weight to the occasion, especially as the Gunners aim to claim European glory against the French champions.

Former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen has advised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to include Viktor Gyokeres in the starting lineup for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The Swedish striker has been in impressive form recently, contributing both goals and assists while leading the attack effectively.

Owen believes Gyokeres poses a significant threat to PSG’s defense, which he considers vulnerable. Speaking to Metro, Owen stated that Gyokeres has been outstanding, scoring consistently and creating opportunities for teammates. He emphasized that the forward’s performances in the Champions League semi-finals demonstrate his ability to trouble even top-tier opponents.

The final, set to take place in Budapest, promises to be a highly competitive clash. Owen’s endorsement of Gyokeres adds to the tactical discussions surrounding Arteta’s lineup choices. Arsenal fans will be eager to see if the manager heeds Owen’s advice and deploys the Swedish striker from the start.

Patrice Evra, the former Manchester United left-back, has publicly recommended that the club make a move for Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen. This comes as United edges closer to finalizing a £38 million deal for Atalanta’s Ederson.

Evra believes Osimhen is the type of player who can truly make a difference at Old Trafford. He emphasized the need for a world-class striker, especially with the demands of competing across multiple tournaments.

Speaking to GOAL, Evra stated: “Victor Osimhen is a player I have great admiration for. I respect Galatasaray and the support he enjoys there, but Manchester United needs a proper number nine. I have huge respect for the current forwards, but in my day, we had four top-class strikers, and you need that depth to challenge on all fronts.”

Evra added: “Osimhen is a difference maker. I know that for a fact.”

Osimhen had an outstanding season, netting 22 goals for Galatasaray and helping the club secure the Turkish Super Lig title. His form has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers.