Category: Entertainment

American rapper Azealia Banks has stirred controversy with her recent comments about Nigerians, claiming they are unwelcoming to Black Americans. In a series of tweets, the ‘212’ performer expressed disdain for Nigerian culture, stating that Nigerians are ‘cold-hearted’ and deliberately push Black Americans away. She contrasted this with Ghana, which she described as far more receptive and welcoming to the African diaspora. Banks, who has previously expressed pride in her Ghanaian heritage, made it clear she has no desire to be associated with Nigeria.

The remarks quickly ignited backlash from Nigerians on social media, who accused the rapper of stereotyping an entire nation based on her personal experiences. Many dismissed her statements as ignorant and inflammatory, pointing out the diversity and hospitality of Nigerian people. However, instead of backing down, Banks doubled down on her position, engaging in further trolling of her critics. The exchange has reignited discussions about cultural tensions and perceptions between African Americans and Africans.

Sandra Edoho, the estranged spouse of renowned television host Frank Edoho, has publicly alleged that he engaged in extramarital relationships during their marriage. In a detailed Instagram Story posted on Thursday, she claimed to possess video evidence substantiating her accusations.

Her statement emerged as a response to the recent leak of an alleged intimate video involving her and singer Chike. Last week, reports surfaced about Sandra’s purported affair with Chike, following Frank’s declaration that he would never commit to another woman again.

In her post, Sandra named several women she claims Frank was involved with, including actresses Adaeze Ugboaja, Mbong Amata, Amaka Okeke, and BBNaija star Tega Dominic. She accused him of squandering her money on these women, misusing the financial access she provided.

“Did you ever pay school fees? Not once. All you did was abuse the access to my funds, wasting my money on prostitutes and loose women. Countless transactions at Lekki hotels, Airbnb apartments, lounges, and bars. You sold my property without consent for a pittance and blew the proceeds within a week on various girls. The evidence is documented. Chai!” she wrote.

She further accused Frank of neglecting their sexual relationship and disappearing for extended periods with other women. “Disappearing for weeks with whores like Adaeze Ugboaja at The Hard Rock Cafe, or Tega Dominic, the BBNaija contestant, or Amaka Okeke, whom you claimed you were helping with endorsements for ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,’ but instead brought her into our home to sleep in our matrimonial bed. Or the prostitutes you led into our home—I have video of you escorting one to the gate. While I was pregnant with our first child, you had a long-term affair with actress Mbong Amata, among others. Where do I even start? The nights I cried on the floor begging you to see me, while you walked out and didn’t return for days.”

Sandra urged Frank to move on, stating, “Let go and focus on your future. I want nothing to do with a man who deceived and betrayed me.”

In a recent social media post, Afrobeats star Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, widely recognized as Skales, stirred debate by advising Nigerian youths to prioritize emigration as their ultimate aspiration. He argued that leaving the country is essential for survival and realizing one’s ambitions, emphasizing safety as a key factor.

On his X account, the singer stated: “For a young Nigerian, your primary goal should be to depart from Nigeria so you can thrive and stay alive while chasing your dreams.”

The remark quickly divided opinions online. Many critics accused him of promoting brain drain and failing to encourage accountability from the nation’s leaders. Others pointed out that his portrayal of life abroad as secure and prosperous is deceptive, given issues like racial discrimination and other hardships faced by Nigerians overseas.

Some users also rebuked him for disparaging the country that contributed to his fame and fortune. User JohnBullaSings commented: “Your advice lacks substance. Just because it worked for you doesn’t make it universal.” They added: “What purpose does it serve to make leaving your homeland your life’s dream? Are you fixing the problem or just fleeing from it?”

Sally remarked: “So moving to a foreign land where your skin color is a crime ensures your safety? Or are you heading to another African nation to fulfill your goals? Nigerians themselves are the issue, not Nigeria—it’s merely a location on the globe.”

Okoyemekun expressed: “I’ll never grasp why individuals who were given a head start by Nigeria suddenly speak ill of the country.”

Ethealdiadi countered: “My ambition isn’t to depart from Nigeria. Even if I leave, I’m certain to come back. If everyone dreams of leaving, who will remain? This land is rich in every way, yet we flee. Go abroad, then return to build. It’ll take time, but the work must be done.”

Former Nigerian international and Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, has emphatically declared Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele as the finest footballer currently active globally. The ex-Juventus star made this assertion during his weekly football analysis program, the Sunday Oliseh Global Football insights show.

Oliseh also opined that French national team captain Kylian Mbappe did PSG a significant service by leaving the Parisian club to join Real Madrid two seasons ago. According to Oliseh, Mbappe’s departure has allowed PSG to evolve as a team, shedding the aura of a one-man show. He stressed that before Mbappe’s exit, the narrative was that the striker essentially dictated terms at the club.

Reflecting on the team’s current dynamics, Oliseh noted that players are now more disciplined, with a focus on collective effort over individual influence. He highlighted comments from Dembele, whom he considers the world’s best, about the need to run and contribute defensively as evidence of PSG’s transformation. This shift, Oliseh argued, is why PSG have reached the Champions League final with virtually the same squad over the past two years.

The former midfielder recalled that Mbappe had rejected a new contract with PSG at the start of the 2023/2024 season after the Ligue 1 champions turned down a €120 million offer from Real Madrid for his signature. Oliseh believes this eventual move has been beneficial for both Mbappe’s career and PSG’s development as a cohesive unit.

Festus Austine, the team manager of Rivers United, firmly believes his squad will secure the 2025-26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) championship. The Pride of Rivers faces Katsina United in their season finale at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt next week.

Austine called on supporters to fill the stands and rally behind the team. “It’s been a tough week, but I know we’ll get it right against Katsina United,” he declared ahead of the crucial match. “Come to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium and cheer us to glory—I’m confident we’ll be crowned champions.”

Rivers United currently trail league leaders Rangers by just one point heading into the final matchday. To lift the title, they must defeat Katsina United and hope Rangers drop points against Ikorodu City.

Former Juventus midfielder Sunday Oliseh has shared his thoughts on the upcoming Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. Appearing on the Oliseh Global Football Insights program, the Nigerian legend stated that one element is clear in this showdown. He believes that if the match proceeds at a slow pace, Arsenal will emerge victorious. However, if PSG increases the intensity, they are likely to retain their title.

Oliseh explained: “In this final, one factor is definite. Should the tempo be low, Arsenal will triumph. But if Paris Saint-Germain elevates the speed and maintains a high tempo, we will witness the defending champions lift the trophy.” He added that the outcome does not hinge on Arsenal but rather on PSG’s approach. Defensively, the Parisian side has vulnerabilities, but offensively, they pose a significant threat. They are up against one of the world’s best defensive units.

“Arsenal rarely concede goals. Statistically, they appear likely to win because they haven’t lost a single Champions League match this season. Everything suggests they should prevail. Yet last year, Inter Milan were also formidable heading into the final, only to fall to PSG. These two teams are the finest in this year’s Champions League,” Oliseh concluded.

Former Shooting Stars goalkeeper John Dosu has emphasized the need for enhanced welfare packages for players and coaches in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). He argues that improved compensation is essential for the league to compete effectively with other top African leagues.

Dosu highlighted that inadequate salaries cause clubs to struggle in retaining their most talented personnel. In a social media post, he stated that the time has come to prioritize player and coach welfare in the NPFL. He pointed out that some coaches earn as little as ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 monthly, which hinders league growth.

Directly addressing NPFL chairman Mr. Elegbeleye, Dosu insisted that the league can and must do better. He noted that low wages lead to high turnover, reduced motivation, and difficulty attracting and keeping skilled individuals. According to Dosu, if the NPFL aims to enhance its brand, elevate quality, and rival other African leagues, salary structures and overall welfare must be improved across the board.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has issued a passionate appeal to fans, urging them to back the national team, the Warriors, as they prepare for the Unity Cup. The tournament is set to feature a highly anticipated semi-final clash against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Scheduled for Tuesday, 26 May at The Valley in London, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter. The victorious side will advance to the final on Saturday, 31 May, where they will meet either India or Jamaica.

Head coach Kaitano Tembo announced his 24-player roster for this friendly invitational event on Tuesday. The squad is eager to showcase their talent on an international stage.

In a statement released on its official X account, ZIFA emphasized the importance of fan support. “A night of pride, passion and African football excellence awaits as Zimbabwe’s finest take centre stage in the UK,” the statement read. “Diaspora family, this is your moment to rally behind the Warriors and paint The Valley in Zimbabwean colours.”

The football association is encouraging supporters to don the national colors and create an electric atmosphere that will inspire the team to victory.

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has shared his forecasts for the upcoming Premier League matchday 37 encounters, which span from Friday to Tuesday. The predictions cover a range of high-stakes games featuring top clubs.

Kicking off the round, Aston Villa hosts Liverpool at Villa Park on Friday night. Merson believes the home side will edge a 2-1 victory over Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Manchester United welcomes Nottingham Forest to Old Trafford on Sunday. The pundit sees a 2-1 win for the Red Devils. Meanwhile, Brentford is tipped to beat Crystal Palace 2-0, and Leeds United is predicted to share a 2-2 draw with Brighton.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are expected to lose 0-2 to Fulham, while Everton is backed to defeat Sunderland 2-0. Newcastle United is forecasted to overcome West Ham United 2-0.

On Tuesday, Arsenal faces Burnley at the Emirates Stadium. Merson anticipates a comfortable 3-0 triumph for the Gunners. In a critical clash, Bournemouth is predicted to hold Manchester City to a 1-1 draw.

The standout fixture sees Chelsea taking on Tottenham Hotspur. The former Arsenal star expects Chelsea to secure a 2-0 victory in this London derby.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shed light on his strategy to address the void left by injured defenders Jurrien Timber and Ben White at right-back. With Timber still on the recovery path and White ruled out for the season after picking up an injury in the narrow 1-0 victory over West Ham, the Gunners are facing a crucial period with both Premier League and Champions League commitments looming.

One name that has emerged as a potential solution is center-back Cristhian Mosquera, who has prior experience in the right-back role. When asked whether Mosquera could fill the gap, Arteta emphasized the need for flexibility. Speaking to Football London, he stated, “There are different options depending on the opponent and the tactical approach we want to take. We cannot rely on just one player; we must have two or three alternatives because situations can change rapidly during a match. Injuries can happen, so we need to be adaptable.”

The Spaniard further explained that the team has faced similar challenges throughout the season and has consistently found ways to maintain high performance. “We’ve had issues in various positions before, and we’ve managed to adapt. I’m confident we’ll do the same now,” Arteta added. The Gunners will need to quickly finalize their defensive setup as they push for silverware on multiple fronts.