Arsenal overcame Newcastle with a dramatic stoppage-time winner. Nick Woltemade had given Newcastle the lead, but Mikel Merino equalised late, and Gabriel Magalhães headed in from a corner deep into injury time to hand the Gunners all three points. The win lifts them into second place on 13 points, two behind Liverpool.
Crystal Palace 2–1 Liverpool
Liverpool’s unbeaten run ended as Crystal Palace nicked a late 2–1 victory at Selhurst Park. Ismaïla Sarr struck early for Palace, Federico Chiesa levelled late in the 87th minute, but Eddie Nketiah completed the comeback in stoppage time. Liverpool remain top with 15 points, while Palace climb into the top three on 12 points.
Aston Villa 3–1 Fulham
Aston Villa secured their first league win of the season, overturning an early goal by Fulham’s Raúl Jiménez. Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, and Emiliano Buendía all scored in the second half. The result moves Villa out of the relegation zone and boosts their confidence.
Brentford 3–1 Manchester United
In a disappointing display away from home, Manchester United were beaten 3–1 by Brentford. Igor Thiago scored twice within the first 20 minutes, before Benjamin Sesko pulled one back for United in the 26th minute. A late strike from Mathias Jensen sealed the home side’s emphatic win. United’s hopes were further dampened by a missed penalty from Bruno Fernandes after a lengthy VAR delay. The defeat marks their third league loss of the season and extends their winless away run.
President Donald Trump of the United States has introduced significant new tariffs targeting pharmaceutical products, large trucks, and home renovation fixtures and furniture. The announcement, made late Thursday, represents the most aggressive trade policy move by Trump since last April’s unexpected introduction of reciprocal tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners, signaling a resurgence of the Republican president’s trade war. From October 1, Trump declared on Truth Social that a 100% tariff will be applied to any branded or patented pharmaceutical product unless the manufacturing company is constructing a pharmaceutical plant in the U.S. On Friday, shares of Asian pharmaceutical companies with significant U.S. market exposure, such as South Korea’s Samsung Biologics, experienced declines. Australia, which exported approximately $1.3 billion in pharmaceutical products to the U.S. in 2024 according to the United Nations Comtrade Database, criticized Trump’s tariff decision. In another Truth Social post, Trump announced a 25% tariff on all “Heavy (Big) Trucks” manufactured outside the U.S. to bolster domestic manufacturers like Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Mack Trucks, and others. Foreign competitors in the U.S. market, including Sweden’s Volvo and Germany’s Daimler, saw their shares drop sharply in after-hours trading in Europe. Trump justified the truck tariffs by citing multiple reasons, primarily emphasizing “National Security purposes!” Earlier this year, the Trump administration initiated a Section 232 investigation into truck imports to assess their impact on national security, paving the way for Thursday’s tariff announcement. Section 232 is a trade law provision granting the president extensive authority to impose tariffs or restrictions on imports deemed a threat to national security. Trump also revealed plans for a 50% tariff on home renovation materials and a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture, claiming these products are flooding the U.S. market from overseas. According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, in 2022, imports, primarily from Asia, accounted for 60% of all furniture sold in the U.S., including 86% of wood furniture and 42% of upholstered furniture. Shares of home furniture retailers like Wayfair and Williams Sonoma, which rely heavily on imported goods, fell sharply in after-hours trading. The Trump administration has already implemented a baseline 10% tariff on all countries, with higher tailored rates for nations with significant trade surpluses with the U.S. Additionally, Trump has invoked emergency powers to impose extra tariffs on trade partners Canada, Mexico, and China, citing issues related to fentanyl trafficking and undocumented migration. It remains uncertain how these new tariffs will interact with the existing trade measures. The European Union noted on Friday that its trade agreement with the U.S., finalized in July, protects the bloc’s drug exports from tariffs exceeding 15%. EU trade spokesman Olof Gill stated, “This clear all-inclusive 15 percent tariff ceiling for EU exports represents an insurance policy that no higher tariffs will emerge for European economic operators.” The UK expressed that it is engaging with the U.S. regarding the pharmaceutical tariffs, seeking a favorable resolution.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has terminated all its Nigerian workers, effective September 25, 2025, citing a “total reorganisation” due to repeated sabotage incidents threatening the safety of its 650,000 barrels-per-day facility. The decision, outlined in a letter dated September 24, 2025, and signed by Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, came less than 24 hours after 90 percent of workers joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), sparking accusations of anti-union retaliation. The letter instructed workers to surrender company property to line managers and await exit clearance, with the Finance Department tasked to compute their benefits and entitlements. It cited “many recent cases of reported sabotage in different units of the Petroleum Refinery leading to major safety concerns” as the reason for the reorganisation. A senior refinery official, however, denied mass sackings, framing the move as a “clean-up” to address sabotage and protect assets. The official clarified that unaffected Nigerian and expatriate workers continue operations, and affected staff could be reabsorbed after the issues are resolved, emphasizing that the sudden action prevented culprits from concealing their actions. PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo condemned the terminations, linking them to the workers’ unionization. “Yes, it is true. We saw the letter late last night. I can assure you that they will recall all of them,” Osifo stated, hinting at legal and industrial action. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), which recently suspended a solidarity strike after federal intervention, also criticized the refinery for undermining labor rights. An expired injunction against strikes raises fears of renewed unrest in the oil sector. Affected workers expressed shock, with one anonymously stating, “We joined PENGASSAN for better conditions, not to lose our jobs.” The refinery, operational since 2024 to curb Nigeria’s fuel import reliance, has faced prior disputes with NUPENG over labor practices and with petroleum marketers over pricing and distribution. The mass termination has fueled public outrage, with social media campaigns demanding worker reinstatement and government mediation. As tensions mount, the labor crisis threatens to disrupt the refinery’s operations and Nigeria’s fuel supply chain.
Former Arsenal academy striker Billy Vigar has tragically passed away at the age of 21 following a serious brain injury sustained during a match.
The Chichester City forward, born in Worthing, was injured on Saturday while playing against Wingate & Finchley in the Isthmian League Premier Division. Reports suggest he may have collided with a concrete wall, although the club has not officially confirmed the details.
Vigar’s family released a statement on Thursday: “After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy was placed in an induced coma. On Tuesday, he underwent surgery in the hope of aiding his recovery. Although the procedure gave him a chance, the injury ultimately proved too severe, and he sadly passed away on Thursday morning.”
Tributes have poured in from across the footballing world, reflecting the deep affection and respect Vigar earned during his career.
A product of Arsenal’s Hale End academy, Vigar joined the Gunners at 14 after being scouted at his hometown club, Hove Rivervale FC. He left Arsenal in 2024 and went on to play for Derby County, Hastings United, and Eastbourne Borough before joining Chichester City.
Arsenal paid tribute, stating: “Billy joined our academy on schoolboy terms aged 14, after being scouted at Hove Rivervale FC, and quickly excelled as a striker at Hale End. Beyond his talent, he will be remembered for his passion for football, pride in representing Arsenal, and the warmth and character that endeared him to team-mates and coaches. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Vigar family and Billy’s many friends at this extremely difficult time.”
Derby County, Hastings United, Eastbourne Borough, The FA, and others also expressed their shock and sorrow.
Chichester City confirmed his passing and announced that Saturday’s fixture against Lewes has been postponed and will be rescheduled.
Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos has been ruled out with a thigh injury, adding to the European champions’ growing list of high-profile absentees, the club confirmed on Friday.
The 31-year-old Brazilian defender “will undergo treatment on a left thigh injury over the next few weeks,” PSG announced in a statement.
His setback comes on the heels of injuries to Joao Neves, Desire Doue, and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, further complicating Luis Enrique’s selection options.
PSG did not reveal when Marquinhos sustained the problem. The centre-back featured for the full 90 minutes in Monday’s 1-0 defeat to arch-rivals Marseille, a match in which he unfortunately scored an own goal.
When contacted by AFP, the club declined to provide further details.
There was some positive news, however, with Bradley Barcola returning to training on Friday after missing the Marseille clash due to thigh muscle fatigue. He is in contention for PSG’s upcoming Ligue 1 fixture against Auxerre this weekend.
PSG then host Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday, before travelling to Lille for a league encounter on October 5.
Nigeria narrowly escaped a nationwide blackout on Thursday as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) suspended their strike after 10 hours of intense negotiations with the Federal Government and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The industrial action, which began early Thursday, was halted following an emergency meeting in Abuja, sparing millions of households and businesses from crippling power disruptions. The strike was triggered by unresolved issues, including unpaid salaries since April 2025, non-implementation of the new national minimum wage, casualization of staff, lack of operational tools and vehicles, and failure to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) since 2021. Additional grievances included outstanding retirement benefits and unresolved matters from TCN’s unbundling. In a circular dated September 24, 2025, NUEE’s acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, accused TCN management of neglecting workers’ welfare and allowing the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to deteriorate, prompting the indefinite withdrawal of services. The emergency meeting, convened by the Minister of Power and represented by senior ministry officials, included representatives from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, TCN management, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), NUEE, and SSAEAC. After hours of deliberation, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, outlining key resolutions to address the workers’ demands. According to the communiqué, the unions agreed to the Minister’s appeal to review a standing committee’s report by October 6–7, 2025, with implementation slated for later that month. TCN and NISO were tasked with evaluating the financial implications of the report and preparing an implementation plan for submission to the Minister and the unions. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) was directed to expedite its tariff review to facilitate the agreement’s execution. Crucially, all parties agreed that no employee would face victimization for participating in the strike. The unions described the outcome as a “measured victory” but warned they would resume industrial action if the government or TCN fails to honor the MoU. “We cannot continue to fold our arms while our rights are trampled upon,” Igwebike stated, emphasizing the union’s resolve to ensure compliance. The suspension has eased widespread anxiety across Nigeria, where fears of a prolonged blackout had unsettled citizens and businesses already grappling with erratic power supply. The success of the MoU’s implementation will be critical to sustaining stability in the sector. For now, Nigerians await the government’s next steps, with the unions poised to reconvene and address any outstanding issues.
Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland today in a vibrant Yoruba traditional ceremony. The 81-year-old former Oyo State Governor received the sacred Akoko leaves from Chief Waheed Popoola, the Afobaje of Ibadanland, at Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, Ibadan South East, symbolizing his legitimacy as monarch. Amid loud ovations, he was crowned at the Ose Meji Temple as Arusa I. Arriving in a white limousine with the Olubadan-in-Council, Ibadan warlords (Oloroso), and family, Oba Ladoja’s coronation drew dignitaries including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who presented the staff of office at Mapo Hall, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III. Others present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Ogun Governor Gbenga Daniel, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Aliko Dangote, High Chief Aare Latoosa, and Chief Onikepo Akande. Tight security ensured a smooth event. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu, posted on X, “Here comes His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland,” sharing an image of the crowned king. Ibadan’s markets and neighborhoods buzzed with excitement, with residents calling it a historic moment. Oba Ladoja, styled Arusa I, pledged to foster peace and prosperity. “The Akoko leaves carry our ancestors’ trust, and I will lead Ibadan to greater heights,” he said. Governor Makinde praised Ladoja’s ascent as a reflection of Ibadan’s orderly chieftaincy system, alternating between Otun and Balogun lines. Ladoja, a former governor (2003–2007), was nominated in August by the Olubadan-in-Council following the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025. The coronation underscores Ibadan’s enduring monarchical tradition, with Oba Ladoja’s leadership poised to blend heritage with progress.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has terminated its ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative due to “misunderstandings and confusion” surrounding the program, as announced in a statement on its website on Thursday. This decision follows reports claiming Japan planned to introduce a special visa category for Nigerians relocating to Kisarazu, a city designated as a “hometown” for Nigerians and other Africans under the initiative. On August 26, Nigeria’s State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, stated that Japan would create a “special visa category” for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians to live and work in Kisarazu, a claim the Japanese government later refuted. JICA clarified that the term “hometown” and the concept of “designating” Japanese municipalities as such caused “misunderstandings and confusion within Japan, placing an excessive burden on the four municipalities.” The agency explained, “Originally, under this initiative, it was envisioned that exchange programs would be coordinated and implemented among the Japanese local governments, relevant African countries, and JICA. The specific details were to be determined later.” JICA further noted, “However, JICA believes that the very nature of this initiative, namely, the term ‘hometown’ and the fact that JICA would ‘designate’ Japanese local Governments as ‘hometowns’ led to misunderstandings and confusion within Japan, placing an excessive burden on the four municipalities. JICA sincerely apologizes to the municipalities involved for causing such a situation.” The agency emphasized, “JICA takes this situation seriously. After consulting with all parties involved, JICA has decided to withdraw the ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative.” Launched in August during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development, the initiative aimed to foster cultural and educational exchanges between four Japanese municipalities and four African countries. JICA stressed that it has never promoted immigration initiatives and has “no plans to do so in the future,” while affirming its commitment to supporting other international exchange programs. In August, confusion emerged when Nigeria’s State House claimed Kisarazu was designated as a “hometown” for Nigerians with a special visa category for skilled youth to live and work there. The Japanese government promptly denied these claims. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the JICA Africa Hometown initiative focused on cultural and developmental exchanges between selected African countries and four Japanese cities, with no immigration benefits or special visas involved. The misunderstanding intensified after Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Japan, Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, and Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe publicly received a certificate designating Kisarazu as the “hometown” for Nigerians, fueling reports of migration opportunities.
Nigeria has long been a breeding ground for football talent, and several Super Eagles players have gone on to achieve glory in Europe’s most prestigious club competitions. From the UEFA Champions League to the Europa League, six Nigerians stand out for their historic triumphs with unforgettable performances and decisive moments in finals that remain part of football folklore.
Nwankwo Kanu – Ajax (1995 Champions League, Inter Milan 1998 UEFA Cup)
Kanu was part of Ajax’s golden generation that stunned Europe in 1995. The Amsterdam club defeated AC Milan 1–0 in the Champions League final, with 18-year-old Patrick Kluivert scoring the winner. While Kanu did not score, his creativity and presence across that campaign were vital.
Three years later, with Inter Milan, he added the UEFA Cup, playing a role as the Italians beat Lazio 3–0 in the 1998 final at Parc des Princes. That triumph underlined his reputation as one of Africa’s most decorated players.
Finidi George – Ajax (1995 Champions League, UEFA Super Cup 1995)
Alongside Kanu, winger Finidi George played a key role in Ajax’s 1995 Champions League triumph, starting in the final against Milan. Known for his pace and work rate on the right flank, Finidi provided balance to a youthful Ajax side that shocked Europe.
He later won the UEFA Super Cup, helping Ajax overcome Real Zaragoza over two legs in 1995.
John Obi Mikel – Chelsea (2012 Champions League, 2013 Europa League)
Mikel delivered one of the greatest individual performances by a Nigerian in a European final. In the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich, played at the Allianz Arena, Mikel was immense in midfield, breaking up attacks and protecting Chelsea’s backline in a game that went to extra time. Chelsea eventually triumphed 4–3 on penalties after Didier Drogba’s dramatic equaliser and decisive spot-kick.
A year later, Mikel added the Europa League medal as Chelsea beat Benfica 2–1 in the 2013 final in Amsterdam. Branislav Ivanović’s stoppage-time header sealed victory, with Mikel again anchoring the midfield.
Taribo West – Inter Milan (1998 UEFA Cup)
The charismatic defender was part of Inter Milan’s backline during their 1998 UEFA Cup run. In the final against Lazio, West featured in the squad as goals from Zamorano, Zanetti and Ronaldo earned Inter a commanding 3–0 win. While Ronaldo stole the headlines with a masterclass, West’s defensive contributions across the campaign ensured Inter remained solid at the back.
Chidi Odiah – CSKA Moscow (2005 UEFA Cup)
Odiah became the first Nigerian to lift a major European trophy with a Russian club. In the 2005 UEFA Cup final against Sporting Lisbon in Lisbon, Odiah played a full 90 minutes at right-back as CSKA stunned the home side 3–1. Goals from Aleksei Berezutski, Yuri Zhirkov, and Vágner Love sealed a historic victory, with Odiah praised for containing Sporting’s dangerous wingers in their own stadium.
Victor Moses – Chelsea (2013 Europa League)
Moses was a key part of Chelsea’s Europa League-winning squad under Rafa Benítez. Though he didn’t feature in the 2013 final against Benfica due to injury concerns, his earlier contributions were crucial, scoring in both legs of the semi-final against Basel. Chelsea’s 2–1 win in the final capped a memorable campaign for the Nigerian winger, earning him a place in history as a UEFA trophy winner.
Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass on Wednesday night, scoring twice and assisting once as Inter Miami cruised to a 4-0 victory over New York City FC to clinch a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs.
The Argentine superstar’s brace lifted him to the top of Major League Soccer’s scoring chart with 24 goals in 23 appearances, two clear of LAFC forward Denis Bouanga.
Luis Suárez, back in action after serving a three-game suspension for spitting at a Seattle staff member during the Leagues Cup final, converted a penalty for Miami, while Baltazar Rodriguez also found the net in the emphatic win.
At a rain-soaked Citi Field, the home of baseball’s New York Mets Miami held a narrow 1-0 lead when Messi struck in trademark fashion in the 74th minute. Released by former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, the 37-year-old surged into the box, skipped past a defender, and deftly chipped the ball over goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Suárez extended the advantage from the spot soon after, before Messi capped the night in the 86th minute with a precise angled finish into the bottom corner from the right side of the area.
The victory underlined Miami’s playoff credentials and showcased yet another decisive performance from their captain, who continues to dominate MLS in his first full season.
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