Category: Entertainment

Chris Waddle, the former Newcastle United midfielder, has recommended that Manchester United manager Michael Carrick part ways with two specific players during the upcoming summer transfer window. Carrick is gearing up for his first opportunity to reshape the squad after officially becoming the club’s permanent boss.

According to the ex-Premier League star, the Red Devils need to release Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund to make room for new additions. Waddle, speaking with BoyleSports, stressed that the club must also move several other players to reduce the wage bill. He highlighted that Casemiro is already on his way out, but more departures are necessary.

“There are another five or six players that need to be offloaded to free up funds for Carrick to bring in the right personnel,” Waddle said. The comments come as the English manager prepares for a significant rebuild at Old Trafford.

Remo Stars have expressed their deep disappointment after being relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The Sky Blue Stars ended the season in 17th place, amassing 47 points, which was insufficient to avoid the drop.

The club acknowledged that they fell short of the required standards and consistency needed to remain in the top division. In an official statement released on Monday, Remo Stars confirmed their participation in the Nigeria National League (NNL) next season.

“The outcome of the season is very disappointing for everyone connected to the club—supporters, players, staff, and management who have invested emotions into this journey,” the statement read. The club recognized the frustration this season has caused, noting that expectations are high within the organization.

“We understand the disappointment and frustration this season has brought; the expectations attached to this club are high. We didn’t deliver the performance and consistency required to maintain our place in the division.”

Despite the setback, the team remains resolute. “Important decisions will be made and every effort will be directed towards returning the club to where it belongs,” they vowed.

It is worth recalling that Remo Stars won the NPFL title just one season ago, in the 2024-25 campaign, making this relegation an especially bitter pill to swallow.

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle says he is expecting a challenging encounter when Nigeria takes on Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semi-finals. The match is scheduled for Tuesday night at the Valley in London, with the winner advancing to face either Jamaica or India.

Nigeria and Zimbabwe have played to draws in their most recent meetings, and Chelle believes the upcoming game will be no different in terms of difficulty. The Nigerian tactician praised the Warriors, describing them as a formidable side packed with quality players and high motivation.

“Zimbabwe is a great team, a great team with strong players. They come with a lot of motivation. They want to win,” Chelle said during his pre-match remarks. He emphasized that his squad must be at their best to overcome the determined Zimbabwean outfit.

The Unity Cup is an invitational tournament, and both teams see it as an opportunity to test their strength and build momentum. For Nigeria, advancing to the final would be a significant step under Chelle’s leadership, but the coach is fully aware that Zimbabwe will pose a serious threat.

Evans Ogenyi, the technical adviser of Wikki Tourists, has expressed unwavering confidence that the Bauchi Elephants will make a swift comeback to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following their demotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL).

The team’s relegation was confirmed after a disappointing 3-1 loss to Kun Khalifat FC on the final day of the 2025-26 season in Owerri on Sunday. Wikki Tourists finished at the bottom of the NPFL standings with just 40 points, sealing their fate.

Ogenyi took responsibility for the poor campaign and extended a heartfelt apology to the club’s supporters. He drew inspiration from other big clubs that have faced similar setbacks and successfully bounced back. “Big clubs experience relegation, but with strong character and determination, they return immediately. The same will happen with Wikki Tourists,” Ogenyi stated in a message to the club’s media.

Wikki Tourists were not alone in their relegation struggle this season. Bayelsa United, El-Kanemi Warriors, and defending champions Remo Stars also suffered the same fate, making it a particularly competitive and brutal campaign at the bottom of the table.

Despite the setback, Ogenyi remains optimistic about the future. He emphasized the need for resilience and a structured plan to ensure the team regains its NPFL status in the shortest possible time. The club’s focus now shifts to rebuilding and preparing for the challenges of the NNL.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Rangers International FC after they secured the Nigeria Premier Football League championship for a historic ninth time. The achievement was announced on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

The President praised the management, players, and supporters of the Enugu-based club for topping the standings with 68 points from 38 matches, finishing ahead of second-placed Rivers United. He highlighted the club’s rich heritage, recalling their dominance in the 1970s and 1980s when they won multiple league and FA Cup trophies, notably reaching the African Cup of Champions Clubs final in 1975 and claiming the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.

President Tinubu also commended Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for his contributions to youth and sports development, which he said played a key role in the club’s success. “Rangers have produced some of Nigeria’s finest footballers who made the nation proud globally. I am proud of their achievement,” Tinubu stated.

Additionally, the President acknowledged Rivers United for their commendable performance and sportsmanship throughout the season. He wished both clubs the best as they prepare to represent Nigeria in the upcoming CAF Champions League.

Galatasaray insider and analyst Haluk Yürekli has made a definitive statement regarding the future of Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, emphasizing that the club will not willingly part with the player. According to Yürekli, the only scenario that could lead to Osimhen’s departure from the Istanbul giants is if the striker himself requests a transfer.

In an interview with the 343 Digital YouTube channel, Yürekli clarified that the Super Eagles star has untouchable status within the club, as the Turkish champions view him as a cornerstone of their project. The insider revealed that Osimhen is not for sale under normal circumstances, regardless of the financial offers that might come in.

Yürekli stated that if Osimhen were to directly inform the club of his desire to leave, only then would Galatasaray consider negotiations. However, even in that scenario, the club would demand a minimum of €150 million (approximately N239 billion) in transfer fees before opening talks with any interested European clubs.

Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray last summer when the club activated his €75 million release clause from Napoli, has had an outstanding season. The former African Footballer of the Year has scored 22 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances across all competitions. His performances have attracted attention from top European sides such as Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite the interest, Yürekli stressed that Galatasaray has no intention of selling Osimhen. He reiterated that the player’s contract with the Lions runs until the end of the 2028-2029 season, and the club is determined to keep him unless he explicitly asks to move on. Until that happens, Yürekli made it clear that no amount of money would persuade Galatasaray to part with their prized asset.

Zimbabwe’s head coach, Kaitano Tembo, has expressed confidence that his squad is well-prepared for their Unity Cup semi-final showdown against Nigeria’s Super Eagles. The Warriors are set to face the Nigerian side on Tuesday at the Valley, marking their debut in the invitational tournament.

Reflecting on previous encounters, Tembo noted that his team has faced the Super Eagles twice in the past two years, with both matches in Rubavu and Uyo ending in draws. However, he emphasized that those results hold no relevance for the upcoming match.

“This encounter is entirely different—different match, different circumstances, different context. We need to focus on proper preparation and not rely on past outcomes,” Tembo stated ahead of the game. “We must go out there, give everything, and secure the win, leaving no room for complacency.”

The Warriors are determined to make a strong impression in their first Unity Cup appearance, and Tembo’s message underscores a commitment to putting aside history and focusing on the task at hand against a formidable Nigerian side.

South African rapper Nasty C has publicly acknowledged the role of Nigerian superstar Wizkid in boosting the international appeal of African music. During a recent podcast appearance, Nasty C highlighted how Wizkid’s 2016 collaboration with Drake on ‘One Dance’ served as a pivotal moment for the genre.

According to Nasty C, the success of ‘One Dance’ opened doors for many African artists, making Afrobeats a highly lucrative field. He noted that in conversations with hosts in Nigeria and Ghana, he learned that some hip-hop artists were even switching to Afrobeats because of the financial opportunities that emerged after Wizkid’s collaboration with Drake.

The track, which also features British singer Kyla, holds a Guinness World Record for being the first song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. Recognized for its blend of Afrobeats, dancehall, and pop, the song is widely credited with bringing global attention to the Afrobeats sound. Drake himself has acknowledged Wizkid’s significant contributions, as the Nigerian artist served as a co-writer, co-producer, and performer on the hit.

Nigerian media personality GehGeh has expressed strong criticism regarding the lack of proactive engagement from the country’s youth and security forces in addressing challenges of governance and insecurity. In a statement shared on his official social media platform, GehGeh drew a stark contrast between the coordinated efforts observed in South Africa and the apparent inertia in Nigeria.

He noted how South African citizens effectively mobilized for a mission, receiving tacit support from both their government and police force. In stark contrast, GehGeh lamented that the Nigerian police are preoccupied with chasing internet fraudsters and private chefs, while the youth seem unwilling to mobilize and reclaim the nation from corrupt politicians. His remarks underscore a growing frustration with the passive stance of young Nigerians in the face of systemic corruption and escalating insecurity.

Former Big Brother Naija winner Phyna has made explosive allegations against influencer VeryDarkMan, claiming he turned the public against her after she rejected his sexual advances. The reality star took to X on Sunday to share her side of the story amid their ongoing feud.

Phyna revealed that she initially reached out to VeryDarkMan in 2025 for help seeking justice for her late younger sister, Ruth Otabor, who was tragically struck by a Dangote Cement truck in Edo State. With VeryDarkMan’s involvement and Phyna’s outcry, Dangote Cement eventually agreed to cover the victim’s medical expenses.

However, shortly after this development, VeryDarkMan stepped away from the case, alleging that Phyna had negotiated with the company behind his back. Phyna denies this claim and now suggests that the real reason for the fallout was her refusal of his sexual proposition.

According to Phyna, VeryDarkMan’s behavior shifted after she turned him down. She shared alleged chat evidence to support her claims and vowed never to forgive him. “VeryDarkMan came out to say the opposite of what happened. I can never forgive him because he turned me into a bad person over my sister’s case. He is someone I held in high esteem, but he switched up on me. Claiming I requested 1 billion naira from Dangote. I was shocked because such a conversation never happened. Maybe he started holding grudges against me because he said he wanted to sleep with me and I didn’t accept,” she said.