Category: Entertainment

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been deeply affected by cancer, claiming the lives of numerous talented actors and musicians. While some celebrities openly shared their health battles, others chose to keep their struggles private until the end. The recent passing of prominent actor Alex Ekubo has reignited public discourse on this devastating illness.

Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, beloved for his roles in many films, died on May 11, 2026, due to complications from kidney cancer. His death has shocked fans and colleagues alike, highlighting the urgent need for cancer awareness and early detection.

Veteran actor Tom Njemanze lost his battle with prostate cancer on July 18, 2025, at the age of 75. He had sought financial assistance for surgery just three weeks prior to his demise.

Ify Onwuemene, known for her role in “Everyday People,” passed away on May 25, 2021, after a prolonged fight with stage 4 endometrial cancer. Despite undergoing eight chemotherapy sessions and a hysterectomy, she ultimately succumbed to the disease.

Aishat Abimbola, popularly called Omoge Campus, died in Canada on May 15, 2018, after a struggle with breast cancer. Similarly, actress Doris Chima, a former chairperson of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Lagos State, died in August 2021 from complications related to breast cancer, having previously lost one breast to the illness.

Nollywood actor Karibi Fubara passed away in December 2021 from kidney cancer. Just a year earlier, he had undergone surgery to remove 90 percent of a kidney tumor.

The music industry also mourns legendary reggae singer Majek Fashek, who died in June 2020 after battling esophageal cancer. Fellow icon Sonny Okosun, a 61-year-old political activist and musician, succumbed to colon cancer on May 24, 2008, in Washington.

Gospel singer Aduke Gold died from cervical cancer on August 11, 2024, at the University College Hospital in Ibadan. Sound Sultan, whose real name was Olanrewaju Fasasi, passed away in the United States on July 11, 2021, at age 44, after fighting a rare form of blood cancer known as angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.

These losses serve as a somber reminder of cancer’s indiscriminate nature and the importance of regular health screenings and support for those affected.

Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez recently disclosed the reason behind his decision to decline a lucrative $1 million contract from Mavin Records. In a brief post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, the artist explained that a key factor in his refusal was his aversion to maintaining a high social media presence and constantly engaging with fans online, which he feels a major label would likely require.

He stated, “I need to get this off my chest before chanel drops. The reason I didn’t sign to Mavin when they were begging me with a million dollars is because I don’t really like posting. I prefer one tweet per year over engaging my fans. I’m too big for that. I’m mysterious.”

While the offer would have been life-changing for many, Blaqbonez prioritizes his artistic freedom and personal comfort over financial gain. His comments highlight the tension between creative independence and the demands of a mainstream music career.

Popular Nollywood actress Sophia Chisom, widely known as Soso, has stated that on-screen kisses should remain strictly professional rather than a source of personal enjoyment. She addressed recent complaints from fellow actors about unsatisfactory kissing scenes in the industry.

In a recent interview with TVC, Soso explained that she deliberately keeps her teeth clenched and uses only her lips during filming. She emphasized that she is cautious about exchanging saliva with her co-stars, viewing the act purely as a job requirement.

“I don’t use my tongue when kissing on screen. My teeth stay closed, so it’s just lip contact. But because it’s acting, we have to make it look convincing,” she said. “Some actors might use tongue, but I don’t think it’s appropriate to swap saliva with every person you work with. It’s a job.”

Her comments come after several Nollywood actors, including her frequent collaborator Saga Adeolu, complained about never having a truly enjoyable kissing experience in films. Soso finds such complaints odd, reiterating that the purpose is not pleasure but professionalism.

Renowned media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu recently shared personal details about his long battle with cigarette addiction and his journey to quitting. During a candid discussion on the ‘MENtality’ podcast alongside musician Banky W and influencer Aproko, Ebuka disclosed that his smoking habit began when he was in Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3).

He admitted to smoking for more than a decade, escalating to a heavy consumption of two packs per day by the time he reached university. “I was a heavy smoker,” he confessed, highlighting the intensity of his addiction.

Ebuka emphasized that overcoming the habit required consistent and deliberate effort. He noted that many individuals mistakenly replace one addiction with another while trying to break free. Banky W echoed this sentiment, revealing his own struggle with pornography as a misguided substitute for promiscuity. He thought watching adult content would curb his desire for multiple partners, but instead it led to a new dependency.

Aproko, a medical doctor, offered insight into the psychology behind addiction, explaining that humans are driven by two primary motivations: avoiding pain and seeking pleasure. He suggested that substance abuse often stems from an attempt to escape emotional distress. The trio agreed that self-awareness and self-regulation are crucial in overcoming destructive habits.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has extended his congratulations to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal for clinching the 2025/26 Premier League championship. The Gunners were officially crowned champions on Tuesday night after Manchester City could only manage a 1-1 draw away at Bournemouth. This triumph ends a streak of three consecutive runner-up finishes for Arsenal.

Speaking to reporters, Carrick praised Arteta’s side for their consistency over recent seasons. He noted that the title was fully deserved, emphasizing that winning the league requires sustained excellence across a long campaign. Carrick specifically highlighted the patience and gradual improvement shown by Arsenal under Arteta, saying that they have now reached a level where they merit the championship.

Carrick, whose own Man United team handed Arsenal one of their home defeats this season, acknowledged the challenge of replicating such success. He reflected on United’s own storied past but stressed the importance of striving to return to the top. “As a football club, of course, that’s where we want to be. We’ve been there in the past, and it doesn’t mean you’ll always be there again, but we are certainly working towards that goal as soon as possible,” he said.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has decided to leave out Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Manchester City’s Phil Foden from his 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The official squad announcement is scheduled for Friday.

In addition, Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has also been omitted from the selection. Foden was included in Tuchel’s previous squad for the March friendlies against Japan and Uruguay, while Palmer started the match against Japan. Tuchel noted that both players “struggled to make an impact” during those games.

According to BBC reports, several players are in line for call-ups, including Newcastle’s Dan Burn, Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly, Arsenal’s Noni Madueke, and Brentford’s Jordan Henderson. The final squad will be revealed later this week as England prepares for the World Cup.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has declared Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as the greatest coach in Premier League history, placing him above legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Merson argued that Guardiola’s revolutionary impact on football outweighs Ferguson’s longevity.

In his Sportskeeda column, Merson stated, ‘Sir Alex Ferguson’s legacy is built on longevity, but Guardiola has truly transformed the game. If I had to choose the top five managers in Premier League history, I’d pick Guardiola first, followed by Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, and Jurgen Klopp. These five have dominated English football over the past two decades.’

Guardiola, who is set to leave City after their final match against Aston Villa, has won six Premier League titles during his tenure at the club. Merson’s ranking sparked debate among fans, with many questioning whether Guardiola’s success is enough to surpass Ferguson’s 13 league titles.

Ashifat Suleiman, the technical adviser of Kwara United, has emphasized his squad’s readiness to secure a positive outcome in their season finale versus Bayelsa United. The encounter is set to take place at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa this weekend.

Kwara United require just a single point from this fixture to guarantee their continued presence in the top flight. Suleiman stated that the players fully understand what is at stake. He revealed that some key performers were rested during the President Federation Cup to ensure freshness for this decisive league match.

Speaking with Radio One, Suleiman acknowledged the expected difficulty of the contest. He noted that despite Bayelsa United already being relegated, they will be motivated to deliver a strong performance for their home supporters. The Kwara United tactician expressed confidence in his team’s motivation and focus heading into the game.

We anticipate a fierce encounter because they want to please their fans after the disappointment of relegation, Suleiman remarked. Our aim is clear, and the players are fully committed to achieving it.

Finidi George, the technical adviser of Rivers United, has turned his attention entirely to their upcoming league fixture against Katsina United. The Pride of Rivers secured a 2-0 victory over non-league side G12 FC in the Round of 64 of the President Federation Cup in Benin City on Tuesday.

Speaking to the club’s media, Finidi expressed satisfaction with his squad’s performance against the academy side but emphasized that the focus has now shifted to the crucial NPFL match. “I’m pleased with how the players performed against G12,” he said. “But that game is in the past. My full concentration is on the league clash with Katsina United.”

The upcoming encounter, set to take place in Port Harcourt on Sunday, carries immense significance for Rivers United. To clinch the NPFL title for the second time in club history, they must defeat Katsina United and hope that league leaders Rangers slip up in their away game against Ikorodu City in Lagos. Currently, Rivers United trail Rangers by a single point on the standings, making this final battle a must-win scenario.

Cristiano Ronaldo has finally secured the Saudi Pro League trophy, marking a historic achievement for Al-Nassr. The club was officially crowned champions on Thursday after a decisive 4-2 victory over relegation-threatened Damac.

Following a dramatic slip against Al-Hilal in the previous match, the title race came down to the final day. Under the guidance of Jorge Jesus, Al-Nassr knew they could not afford any mistakes against a Damac side desperate to avoid relegation.

Ronaldo played a pivotal role, scoring a brace to seal the win. Sadio Mane opened the scoring in the first half, and Kingsley Coman added a goal after the break, complemented by Ronaldo’s two strikes. The victory ensured Al-Nassr finished ahead of their fierce rivals Al-Hilal in the standings.