Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Jake Paul Defeats Mike Tyson in Controversial Exhibition Match. YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul claimed a points victory over two-time heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a widely criticised bout that left fans frustrated. The eight-round exhibition, held in front of 70,000 spectators in Texas and streamed globally on Netflix, showcased a 27-year-old novice outlasting a 58-year-old legend far removed from his prime. Tyson, who has not fought professionally in 19 years, struggled against Paul’s youthful athleticism and consistent jabs. The fight ended with judges unanimously scoring in Paul’s favour: 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73. Fans, however, were less impressed, with many leaving…

FIFA Club World Cup Draw Set To Launch Expanded 32-Team Format. The FIFA Club World Cup is preparing for a landmark debut with an expanded 32-team format, as fans eagerly await the December 5 draw in Miami. This new tournament structure will determine the group stage line-ups, promising an exciting competition featuring some of the world’s top clubs, including Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich. The tournament, set to take place across the United States from 15 June to 13 July, represents a significant shift in the Club World Cup’s format, marking it as one of the biggest…

Mali, Zambia, And Zimbabwe Secure 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations Qualification   Mali, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have successfully qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), joining the growing list of teams set to compete in Morocco. With one round of qualifiers remaining, the trio sealed their spots following a dramatic weekend of football action. Mali’s Victory Ensures Group I Top Spot   Mali secured their place at the finals with a 1-0 win over Mozambique in Maputo, thanks to Kamory Doumbia’s decisive first-half strike. The victory assures the Eagles of top spot in Group I. Mozambique, however, must…

CBN Directs Banks To Prioritise ATM Cash Disbursements. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a directive requiring commercial banks to prioritise cash disbursements through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) to alleviate cash shortages experienced by citizens. This announcement, made by Solaja Olayemi, the Acting Director of the CBN’s Currency Operations Department, aims to ensure seamless access to cash for Nigerians. Banks failing to comply with the directive face the risk of sanctions. The apex bank also cautioned against distributing naira notes to parties engaged in illegal currency hawking. Amidst these measures, data from the CBN reveals that…

Olympique Lyon Handed Provisional Relegation To Ligue 2 Amid Financial Crisis. Olympique Lyonnais, one of France’s most iconic football clubs, faces a provisional relegation to Ligue 2 and a transfer ban due to ongoing financial struggles. This decision, announced by French football authorities, reflects Lyon’s failure to meet stringent financial compliance standards. The crisis deepened following a dismal start to the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, where the club remained winless after 12 matches, leaving them at the bottom of the table. Fan discontent has also grown, with protests and direct confrontations with players, expressing frustration over the team’s poor…

Tributes As Late Chief Of Army Staff Lt. General Lagbaja Is Laid To Rest. Tears flowed and tributes poured in on Friday as the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest in Abuja. The solemn ceremony marked the end of an illustrious military career spanning decades. The burial, held at the National Cemetery in the nation’s capital, concluded two days of funeral rites that began earlier in the week in Lagos. His casket, draped in Nigeria’s green and white national colours, arrived at the cemetery at approximately 3 p.m. in a white…

Ex-CBN Deputy Governor Testifies On Naira Redesign Controversy. Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Obiora, has disclosed that the CBN Board did not recommend the controversial 2022 naira redesign policy to former President Muhammadu Buhari. Speaking on Thursday during his testimony in Abuja, Obiora revealed that the CBN Board first learnt of the naira redesign on 15th December 2022. He was testifying as the fifth prosecution witness in the trial of former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who faces charges including unlawful printing of new naira notes. Led in evidence by Economic and Financial…

Ecuadorian Footballer Marco Angulo Dies in Tragic Car Accident at 22. The football world is in mourning following the tragic passing of Ecuadorian national team player Marco Angulo, who has died at the age of 22 after a car accident earlier this month. Angulo, who was on the roster for Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati, was remembered by his club for his warm personality and the positive influence he had on teammates and fans alike. FC Cincinnati issued a heartfelt statement, expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences to Angulo’s family, friends, and all who knew him. The club highlighted…

Hero In The Air: Bruno Fernandes Assists Unwell Passenger On Flight To Lisbon. Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes came to the aid of a fellow passenger on a flight to Lisbon this week, displaying quick thinking and compassion when a man appeared to lose consciousness mid-flight. Fernandes, who was en route to join Portugal’s national squad, swiftly assisted the passenger, helping him to a seat and ensuring he was stable until further help could be provided. The passengers on board expressed their gratitude and admiration for Fernandes’ actions, with many noting his calm and supportive response in an unexpected…

Wike Tells Atiku To Abandon 2027 Presidential Aspirations. Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to forgo any ambitions of securing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket for the 2027 election. In a live media briefing held in Abuja, Wike asserted that the PDP would not waste its ticket on candidates he described as “serial betrayers,” alluding to Atiku’s past actions within the party. Atiku, who was the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2023, recently responded to Wike’s statements by pointing out his previous victories over the Minister, referencing his success in…

President Tinubu Appoints Bwala And Others To Key Roles In Government. President Bola Tinubu has appointed three new directors-general for various federal agencies and a special adviser for public communications and media. This announcement was made on Thursday, with the appointments aimed at strengthening the leadership of key sectors in Nigeria. The appointments include: 1. Mr. Olawale Olopade – Director-General, National Sports Commission 2. Dr. Abisoye Fagade – Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism 3. Dr. Adebowale Adedokun – Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement 4. Mr. Daniel Bwala – Special Adviser on Public Communications and Media (State House)…

Trump Appoints Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As US Health Secretary. US President-elect Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The decision was shared on Thursday via Trump’s social media account, X (formerly Twitter). Trump praised Kennedy’s commitment to tackling public health issues, emphasising that the new administration aims to prioritise the safety and health of Americans. He stated, “The safety and health of all Americans is the most important role of any administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be…