Category: Entertainment

Bichi First FC is set for a major boost as midfielder Umar Sani makes his return from a minor injury just in time for the 2026 President Federation Cup. The team, which competes in the Nigeria National League (NNL), had been missing Sani’s creative presence in recent matches.

Sani played an instrumental role in helping Bichi First secure their place in the cup’s final rounds. His recovery is a timely addition for the side, which is determined to make a deep run in the tournament.

The club, representing Kano alongside NPFL side Barau FC, is now focused on the upcoming Round of 64. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is yet to confirm the exact date for these matches, but preparations are already underway.

Sani’s experience and energy in midfield will be crucial as Bichi First looks to challenge stronger opponents. His return has lifted spirits within the squad, with teammates and fans optimistic about their chances in the competition.

Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid, has declared that his rapport with arch-rivals Barcelona is utterly shattered. In a candid interview with El Chiringuito, he leveled serious allegations against the Catalan club, accusing them of systematically bribing referees over a span of twenty years.

Perez explicitly referenced the Negreira case, demanding full accountability and justice. He stated, “My connection with Barcelona is completely destroyed. I refuse to have any dealings with a club that has been compensating officials for two decades. Justice must prevail in this severe matter.”

The Real Madrid chief also revealed that his club is preparing a comprehensive 500-page document to submit to UEFA next week. This dossier will outline what Perez describes as persistent sporting inequities, further escalating the tension between the two Spanish giants.

Nigeria’s Falconets are set to be part of Pot 2 when the draw for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup takes place at the EC1 Cultural Centre on Friday. The Nigerian squad, coached by Moses Aduku, secured their place in the tournament after a 3-2 aggregate victory over Malawi’s Young Scorchers.

This will be the Falconets’ 15th appearance at the event, which is scheduled to run from September 5 to September 27, 2026. They are one of four African nations competing, alongside Ghana, Tanzania, and Benin.

Other teams in Pot 2 include the United States, Colombia, Mexico, Canada, and New Zealand. The draw will determine the group stage matchups for all participating teams.

Manchester City kept the pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title battle, securing a dominant 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening. The win trimmed the gap to just two points behind the league leaders.

City entered the match five points adrift after Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 win at West Ham last weekend. Despite making six changes to the starting eleven, Pep Guardiola’s side controlled the game from the outset.

Phil Foden was the standout performer, providing assists for both Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush before halftime. Savinho added a third goal late in the match to seal the comprehensive victory.

With just two matches remaining for each team, Arsenal will face Burnley on Monday, while City travels to Bournemouth on Tuesday. The title race remains intensely competitive as the season approaches its climax.

The Recording Academy has officially set the dates for the 2027 Grammy Awards, marking a new chapter for music’s biggest night. During an upfront presentation in New York on Tuesday, the organization revealed that nominations will be announced on November 16, 2026. The eligibility period for albums extends from August 31, 2025, to August 28, 2026.

The awards ceremony itself is scheduled for February 7, 2027, and will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. For the first time in 54 years, the Grammys will not air on CBS; instead, the broadcast will be carried live on ABC, with streaming options available on Disney+ and Hulu.

In a social media announcement on Instagram, the Grammys wrote, “IT’S TIIIIIME! The road to the 2027 Grammys officially begins now. Mark your calendars for submissions, nominations, voting, and all the key moments leading up to Music’s Biggest Night. Grammy Season.” This move away from CBS represents a significant shift in the awards’ broadcasting history.

The family of popular Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo has announced his passing. In a heartfelt statement posted on his Instagram account on Wednesday, they revealed that he died at Evercare Hospital in Lagos from complications linked to advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

“It is with heartbreaking sorrow that we confirm the loss of our cherished husband, son, brother, and friend, Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke,” the family wrote. After a short but courageous fight, he succumbed to the illness.

The statement highlighted his final days, noting that he faced his suffering with incredible resilience and faith. “He endured his pain with remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and persistent hope, trusting that his story would one day inspire others,” the family shared.

They also appealed for privacy and prayers during this difficult period, adding that funeral plans will be disclosed later. “We kindly request privacy and prayers for the peaceful rest of his soul, and for everyone touched by this great loss. Details regarding the funeral and other family matters will be shared in due time. We deeply appreciate the love, support, prayers, and understanding shown to us throughout this time,” the statement concluded.

Renowned Nigerian pastor Bolaji Idowu has opened up about the miraculous role God played during the delivery of celebrity fashion designer Veekee James and her husband Femi Atere’s first child. The couple recently welcomed their daughter, Eliana, in the United States, sparking widespread joy and conversation across the nation.

In his remarks, Pastor Idowu emphasized that the birth was a direct answer to prayers. He urged Nigerians to maintain hope and faith, assuring them that more testimonies are on the horizon. The clergyman’s words resonated deeply with the public, highlighting the power of spiritual belief in challenging times.

Femi Atere responded to Pastor Idowu’s support with heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging the prayers and encouragement that sustained them through the journey. Quoting 1 Samuel 1:27, he declared, ‘For this child I prayed, and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him,’ underscoring the profound significance of the moment.

The announcement of Eliana’s birth has triggered a wave of reactions online, with many celebrating the couple’s blessing. Pastor Idowu’s narrative serves as a reminder of the unexpected ways divine intervention can manifest, offering inspiration to those facing their own trials.

A Federal High Court in Delta State has ruled against social media influencer VeryDarkMan, ordering him to compensate Mrs. Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjuyei Atsepoyi, the wife of comedian Mr Jollof, with N30 million for defamation. The judgment, delivered by Justice R. Harriman on May 13, 2026, comes after VeryDarkMan publicly accused her of infidelity with politicians and internet fraudsters, claiming she helped her husband obtain a political position in Delta State.

The controversy began in September 2024 during an online feud between VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof. In response to VeryDarkMan’s allegations, Mr Jollof countered by calling VeryDarkMan a poorly raised individual from a broken home. Mrs. Atsepoyi subsequently initiated a N500 million defamation suit against VeryDarkMan, seeking redress for the damage to her reputation.

During the proceedings, VeryDarkMan failed to provide any evidence to substantiate his claims. Consequently, the court ordered him to pay N20 million in general damages and an additional N10 million in aggravated damages. Furthermore, the judge mandated that VeryDarkMan issue a public apology within 14 days, which must be published in two national newspapers and across all his social media platforms, retracting the defamatory statements made on September 15, 16, and early on September 19, 2024.

In his ruling, Justice Harriman emphasized that the words were clearly defamatory and actionable per se, citing previous legal precedents. He also imposed a permanent injunction restraining VeryDarkMan from making any further defamatory publications against the claimant. The decision underscores the serious repercussions of online defamation and the legal protections afforded to individuals against false accusations.

Remo Stars’ technical adviser, Usman Abd’Allah, has expressed firm belief that his squad will secure their place in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the next season. The team, which claimed the league title last year, now finds itself battling to stay among the elite clubs in Nigerian football.

A narrow 2-1 victory over Bayelsa United in Ikenne on Sunday lifted the Sky Blue Stars out of the relegation zone. However, their destiny remains uncertain as they head into the final match of the campaign. To guarantee survival, they must defeat Bendel Insurance in their last fixture.

Abd’Allah, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Super Eagles, remains optimistic despite the pressure. “We have to put in maximum effort to score because nothing less than a win will do. We cannot be counted out. With God’s help, we will travel there, secure all three points, and avoid relegation,” he told the club’s media channel.

Remo Stars’ situation is a stark contrast to their recent success, having lifted their first NPFL title less than a year ago. Now, they face the real threat of dropping to the Nigeria National League (NNL) if results do not go their way.

The team’s fate hinges on the final day, where they must deliver a commanding performance to ensure top-flight football returns to Ikenne next season.

Joseph Arumala, a forward for Ikorodu City, is the most notable name among the domestic league players selected for Nigeria’s Unity Cup campaign, as confirmed by sources. The Super Eagles head coach, Éric Chelle, has turned to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to bolster his roster for the upcoming tournament.

Arumala, who previously featured for Nigeria’s U-17 side, has been in excellent form this season, netting 13 goals for his club in the NPFL. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and he now leads a group of home-based talents who will join the national team setup.

According to reports from SCORENigeria, Ikorodu City will contribute three players in total to the squad. This is a significant recognition for the club, which has been making waves in the domestic league. Other NPFL sides also have representation, with Enugu Rangers providing two players, while both Rivers United and Shooting Stars each have one player in the selection.

The six players are currently in Abuja, where they are processing visa applications for travel to the United Kingdom, the host nation for the tournament. Coach Chelle, who has been scouting NPFL matches over recent weeks—attending three games in person—is expected to announce the complete squad later this week.

The Unity Cup semi-final will see Nigeria face Zimbabwe’s Warriors on Tuesday, May 26, at the Valley stadium in London. The inclusion of these home-based stars underscores Chelle’s intent to integrate domestic talent into the national team framework.