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Can Arsenal Still Win the EPL Considering Liverpool’s Current Form?

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points with their draw at Aston Villa on Wednesday night. However, this was the second time in a week that they failed to secure a win, giving Arsenal a glimmer of hope.

Arsenal sits eight points behind Liverpool with a game in hand, hoping for more slip-ups. According to the Opta supercomputer, Arsenal’s title chances increased from 14.1% to 15.2%, a notable improvement from 7.1% in early February, showing momentum on their side.

Despite the recent setback, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk remains focused:

“The main thing for us is to completely focus on ourselves, don’t look at what others are doing and writing, just focus on us. Every game will be tough until the end of the season, then we will see at the end of the road if it is enough. But we have put ourselves in a good position and we have to keep fighting.”

Liverpool’s Dominance

Under Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool has been a relentless force this season. Their strengths include:

  • A lethal attacking trio
  • A rock-solid midfield
  • A rejuvenated defense

Liverpool has consistently picked up points, even in difficult fixtures, either through late winners or sheer dominance. Their ability to grind out results makes them formidable title contenders.

Arsenal’s Strengths and Challenges

Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, has also been impressive, showing:

  • Defensive solidity – one of the best defensive records in the league
  • Attacking flair – young stars like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard delivering crucial goals

However, concerns remain about Arsenal’s ability to handle high-pressure moments, as seen in previous seasons. Maintaining consistency will be crucial if they are to challenge Liverpool.

Can Arsenal Overtake Liverpool?

Despite Liverpool’s strong form, Arsenal still has a chance. Key factors that could influence the title race:

  • Defensive resilience – Arsenal must maintain their solid backline
  • Consistency in attack – converting chances efficiently is critical
  • Liverpool’s potential setbacks – injuries, fatigue, and fixture congestion

With both teams pushing for glory, the title race is set to go down to the wire. While Liverpool remains the favorite, Arsenal is still a serious contender.

Liverpool’s Remaining Fixtures

Liverpool has a packed schedule in February but a relatively lighter March. Their final stretch includes tough matches against Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham.

Liverpool’s Final 12 Premier League Games:

  • 23 Feb: Man City (A)
  • 26 Feb: Newcastle (H)
  • 8 Mar: Southampton (H)
  • 2 Apr: Everton (H)
  • 5 Apr: Fulham (A)
  • 12 Apr: West Ham (H)
  • 19 Apr: Leicester (A)
  • 26 Apr: Tottenham (H)
  • 3 May: Chelsea (A)
  • 10 May: Arsenal (H)
  • 18 May: Brighton (A)
  • 25 May: Crystal Palace (H)

Liverpool will also play in the EFL Cup final and the Champions League last-16 tie in March.

Arsenal’s Remaining Fixtures

Arsenal is unbeaten in 14 league matches (W9 D5), their longest run under Arteta. They play one fewer game than Liverpool in February but one more in March.

Arsenal’s Final 13 Premier League Games:

  • 22 Feb: West Ham (H)
  • 26 Feb: Nottingham Forest (A)
  • 9 Mar: Man Utd (A)
  • 16 Mar: Chelsea (H)
  • 1 Apr: Fulham (H)
  • 5 Apr: Everton (A)
  • 12 Apr: Brentford (H)
  • 19 Apr: Ipswich (A)
  • 26 Apr: Crystal Palace (H)
  • 3 May: Bournemouth (H)
  • 10 May: Liverpool (A)
  • 18 May: Newcastle (H)
  • 25 May: Southampton (A)

Arsenal will need to stay in contention before their crucial trip to Anfield on 10 May, which could be decisive.

How Costly Could Havertz’s Injury Be?

Arsenal may have the slightly easier run-in, but they face a major setback with Kai Havertz’s injury.

  • Havertz, Arsenal’s top scorer (15 goals, 5 assists), could be out for the season.
  • Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are also sidelined with hamstring injuries.
  • Gabriel Jesus is out for the season with an ACL injury.
  • Arsenal failed to sign a striker in the January transfer window.

With key attacking players missing, Arsenal’s title challenge could be in jeopardy.

Can Arsenal Win the League?

While Liverpool remains the favorite, Arsenal has a chance if they:
✔ Capitalize on Liverpool’s slip-ups
✔ Stay defensively strong
✔ Overcome their injury crisis

The title race is still open, but Arsenal will need to be near-perfect in the final stretch to stand a chance.

Who do you think will win the league?

G20 Foreign Ministers Meet Amid Geopolitical Tensions

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Foreign ministers from the world’s largest economies gathered in South Africa for a two-day G20 meeting, held amid deep divisions over the Ukraine war, trade policies, and the absence of the U.S. Secretary of State due to diplomatic tensions.

The G20, representing 85% of global GDP and three-quarters of global trade, has faced growing discord since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Political fractures have further widened following President Donald Trump’s recent policy shifts on trade and foreign relations.

As the host nation, South Africa aims to use its G20 presidency to push for greater attention to global inequality, climate change, and financial reforms favoring developing nations. However, the U.S. decision to skip the meeting underscores rising tensions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed the agreed-upon agenda, while Trump cut U.S. aid to South Africa over ideological differences, including Pretoria’s legal challenge against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Trump’s reversal of U.S. support for Ukraine has also reshaped global diplomacy, sidelining NATO allies and pursuing a controversial peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. His stance creates an opening for China, which has moved swiftly to strengthen its geopolitical influence, particularly in Europe and the Global South.

As divisions deepen, the G20 meeting highlights shifting global alliances and the challenges of reaching consensus on critical economic and political issues.

Australia, Papua New Guinea Initiate Talks On Comprehensive Defense Treaty

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Australia and Papua New Guinea have officially begun discussions on establishing a full defense treaty to strengthen military cooperation between the two nations.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles emphasized that while both countries already share a defense cooperation agreement, the proposed treaty aims to enhance operational collaboration between their armed forces.

“This will allow our defense forces to progress toward greater integration and interoperability,” Marles stated during a joint press conference with Papua New Guinea’s Defense Minister, Billy Joseph.

The upcoming treaty is one of several agreements Australia has signed or is planning to negotiate with Papua New Guinea, as China continues to expand its influence in the region.

“We have many friends, and we treat them uniquely at different levels. But with Australia… we are closely tied, like family,” Joseph added.

Atalanta’s Silence: How the Club Mishandled the Gasperini-Lookman Controversy

By
Austin King
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It’s no secret that the football world has gone agog following Gasperini’s comment about his key role player and African best player Ademola Lookman.

“Lookman is the worst penalty taker I’ve ever seen” “He shouldn’t have taken the penalty”

Many would wonder in all this, why is the club Atalanta being dragged for their disposition on the matter, after all it wasn’t Atalanta who disrespected Ademola?

Now permit me to enlighten you on what could have altered the course of this story.

When Gasperini made that statement, the club could have immediately deliberated on it from a PR perspective and know that it’s going to have a bad look for them then in the same breath come out with a statement to douse the situation by highlighting other aspects of the interview or the match that shows Ademola in good light.

Alternatively they could have had Gasperini release a statement shortly afterwards even if it’s only on their social media handles, claiming that his words were taken out of context or he only said that as a joke!

Lastly they could have reached out to Ademola to let him know that what the coach said was unacceptable and they were looking into it. This will inevitably mean that Ademola will need to sheath his sword, but their silence in the hours that followed provided the consent Ademola needed to reply the coach in his lengthy tweet explaining what happened.

By the time Ademola replied that it was over 12hours and it was late cos any of the above moves would have halted him from going to social media to reply his coach too.

These are some of the things the club could have done to avert the situation. Ademola will leave Atalanta by the next window, he’ll probably have verbal agreements with his next employer and we all know once a player’s mind and heart isn’t in for the club it begins to show in his contributions, which inadvertently lowers his stock and his new employer can get him at a giveaway value based on the reality as at the opening of the transfer window, who would know? Or when Ademola hands in transfer request following the managers utterance, is it Gasperini he’s leaving or Atalanta?? That’s where the club went wrong!

In all we wish Ademola all the best in whatever he decides for his future.

Manchester City: Is This The End Of An Era?

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Manchester City, under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola, has been a dominant force in both English and European football over the past decade. However, recent performances have raised questions about whether this era of supremacy is drawing to a close. A significant Champions League defeat and fluctuating Premier League standings have fueled this debate.

Champions League Heartbreak: A Crushing Exit

Manchester City: Is This the End of an Era?

On February 19, 2025, Manchester City faced Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League playoff at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Despite a valiant effort, City suffered a 3-1 defeat, culminating in a 6-3 aggregate loss that ended their European campaign prematurely. The match was dominated by Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, who delivered a stunning hat-trick, showcasing his exceptional talent and leaving City’s defense in disarray. This loss marked the first time in twelve years that City failed to progress beyond the last 16 of the competition, a stark contrast to their previous European exploits.

Pep Guardiola, reflecting on the defeat, acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and the need for introspection. He admitted that City’s era of extraordinary performance might be waning and emphasized the necessity for rebuilding and adaptation. The absence of key striker Erling Haaland due to a knee injury was a significant blow, highlighting the team’s reliance on pivotal players.

Premier League Performance: A Season of Inconsistencies

In the domestic league, Manchester City’s journey has been a rollercoaster. As of February 20, 2025, they sit fourth in the Premier League standings, trailing leaders Liverpool by a considerable margin. Their recent fixtures paint a picture of inconsistency:

  • January 14, 2025: A 2-2 draw against Brentford FC.
  • January 19, 2025: A commanding 6-0 victory over Ipswich Town.
  • January 25, 2025: A solid 3-1 win against Chelsea FC.
  • February 2, 2025: A humbling 5-1 defeat to Arsenal FC.
  • February 15, 2025: A resounding 4-0 triumph over Newcastle United.

This pattern of emphatic wins interspersed with unexpected losses has prevented City from mounting a serious title challenge this season. Their defensive vulnerabilities, as exposed in matches like the heavy defeat to Arsenal, have been a cause for concern among fans and analysts alike.

The Guardiola Era: Time for Reflection and Rebuilding

Pep Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City has been marked by tactical brilliance, domestic success, and a distinctive playing philosophy. However, the recent setbacks in both European and domestic arenas suggest that the team may be at a crossroads. Guardiola himself has hinted at the end of an extraordinary era, emphasizing the need for the team to evolve and adapt to new challenges.

The reliance on key players, such as Erling Haaland, whose absence was felt deeply in the Champions League exit, underscores the necessity for squad depth and versatility. As rivals strengthen and adapt, City must also innovate to maintain their competitive edge.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

While this season has been fraught with challenges, it also presents an opportunity for Manchester City to reassess and rebuild. The FA Cup remains a potential avenue for silverware, offering a chance to salvage the season and provide a morale boost. Moreover, with young talents emerging and the summer transfer window approaching, there is potential to rejuvenate the squad and address the areas of concern.

While recent events have cast doubt on Manchester City’s continued dominance, it is premature to declare the end of an era. Football is cyclical, and with strategic planning, astute signings, and a renewed focus, City can aspire to return to their winning ways and reestablish themselves as a formidable force in both English and European football.

Pen Publishers Hosts Speech Contest on Chastity and Education Reform

By
Henry Williams
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Pen Publishers, in collaboration with Ibiyemi Bookstores and The Relishh Brand, successfully hosted a Speech Giving Contest and Seminar at Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo. Themed “The Power of Purity: How Chastity Can Transform Nigeria’s Future Leaders and the Need to Expunge CSE from School Curriculum,” the event sparked discussions on moral education and student development.

The highlight of the event was a speech contest featuring seven finalists who were selected from a pool of essay submissions by students. Additionally, a Pick & Talk contest was conducted among ten participating schools, each represented by one student.

Prominent speakers at the event included Dr. Mrs. Peter Oluwatoyin and Mr. Abideen Okunade, an advocate for Moral Sexuality Education. They emphasized the role of chastity in shaping responsible leadership and questioned the inclusion of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in school curricula.

The event also witnessed the presence of three judges, the Principal of Ataoja School of Science, the CEO of Rizqah Pharmaceuticals, the Proprietress of Eemaan Foundation School, and a representative from the Permanent Secretary on Education.

The seminar concluded with calls for curriculum reforms that align with moral values and leadership development among students.

EU Imposes New Sanctions on Russia

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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The European Union (EU) announced a new set of sanctions on Russia on Wednesday, as member countries seek to maintain pressure amid US negotiations with Russia. The comprehensive package, which includes a ban on the import of Russian aluminum, is expected to be formally adopted by EU foreign ministers on Monday, coinciding with the third anniversary of the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine.

This marks the EU’s 16th round of sanctions on Russia and comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has undermined support for Ukraine and its European allies by engaging in talks with Russia’s Vladimir Putin aimed at ending the war.

“The EU is clamping down even harder on circumvention by targeting more vessels in Putin’s shadow fleet and imposing new import and export bans,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on X.

“We are committed to keeping up the pressure on the Kremlin.”

In addition to targeting Russia’s lucrative aluminum sector, the new measures focus on the so-called “shadow fleet,” which is used to bypass restrictions on Russian oil exports. As part of the sanctions, 73 more aging vessels will be blacklisted. The EU will also disconnect 13 additional Russian banks from the global SWIFT payment system and ban eight more Russian media outlets from broadcasting in Europe.

The EU is scrambling to respond as Trump has shifted three years of unwavering US support for Kyiv by initiating talks with Moscow. US and Russian officials held their first meeting in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, aiming to set the stage for a potential deal on Ukraine.

European nations are eager to ensure their voices are heard, fearing that a poor agreement could embolden Moscow and allow them to claim victory. The US has acknowledged that the EU will eventually need to play a role in negotiations due to the sanctions it has imposed on Russia.

Bauchi Government Takes Action to Tackle Flooding

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

The Bauchi State Government has initiated steps to address flooding issues in anticipation of the upcoming rainy season.

Hajara Wanka, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, made this announcement on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting focused on sustainable flood disaster management strategies.

Wanka explained that one of the key strategies includes engaging stakeholders, particularly those from areas impacted by floods in 2024.

She noted that the meeting’s theme, “Building Resilience and Collaborative Solutions for Flood-Affected Communities,” is a call to action for all stakeholders to develop strategies that are not only reactive but also proactive and preventive.

She emphasized that the meeting aims to discuss effective flood prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and evacuation methods where necessary.

“This town hall meeting represents a key step in our collective journey toward building resilient communities, mitigating risks, enhancing preparedness, and ensuring effective response and recovery in the face of flood disasters,” she stated.

“Flooding is one of the most recurrent and devastating natural disasters affecting our communities and Bauchi State was the second most hit state in Nigeria after Borno in the year 2024. Many lives were lost, livelihoods destroyed, and significant challenges were posed to our socio-economic development,” Wanka added.

She assured that the engagement was not just about acknowledging the challenges but about finding a path forward that emphasizes sustainability, collaboration, and community-driven solutions.

Additionally, Adamu Neyola, the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency, shared that 16 local government areas were affected by flooding in 2024. He emphasized that the meeting aimed to identify areas not included in earlier assessments and evaluate the depth, density, and severity of the flooding.

“We are also here to hear the depth, density, and severity of flood disasters that happened in those areas as well as the way forward so that we can mitigate, restore, and at least, recover from what we have lost,” Neyola stated.

He further explained that local communities have firsthand knowledge of the causes and impacts of flooding in their areas, and the goal is for them to propose solutions for flood prevention and recovery.

In his remarks, Ibrahim Bashir, the Bauchi State Coordinator of the North-East Development Commission, assured attendees that the commission is committed to addressing any form of disaster impacting the Northeastern region.

Lagos Speaker Mojisola Meranda Denies Resignation Rumors

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has firmly denied rumors circulating about her resignation.

Segun Ajiboye, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, dismissed the claims on Wednesday, stating, “I’m in the office. The speaker is in the office. I don’t know where that is coming from.”

This statement came after an online report emerged suggesting that Meranda had stepped down. Additionally, a circular allegedly issued by Meranda on February 17, 2025, was widely shared over the past two days, stating her resignation.

However, further investigation revealed that the letter, which was circulating on social media, lacked any signatures.

This development comes amid ongoing leadership tensions within the Lagos Assembly, following the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru by a majority of lawmakers.

More details to follow..

Mobo Awards 2025: Ayra Starr Makes History As First African Woman To Win Best International Act

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

Nigerian singer and songwriter, Ayra Starr, has made history as the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards which held Tuesday evening, 18th February.

The 2025 MOBO Awards, celebrated Black music and culture at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, England.

This marked the first time the event was held in Newcastle.

The Nigerian star also took home the Best International Music Act award by beating co-Nigerians Asake and Tems and also South Africa’s Tyla.

She also beat stars like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto in this category.

In her acceptance speech, the visibly emotional singer said: “Okay, this is my first MOBO. And this is the first time I’m winning a MOBO Award—make some noise! I am actually shaking right now. I am actually nervous.
“Thank you so much to everybody who supported me. Thank you to my team—my amazing MOB-STARS.

“My amazing brothers who make music with me—the producers in the studio—my studio partners in crime; my label—MAVINS record, Embryo, my mummy…
“Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs.”

A Look At Ayra Starr’s Awards And Nominations

The Nigerian born artist has got many other feathers to her cap. She won her very first award at the Europe Music Awards in 2024 as the best African Act and has gone ahead to be nominated in many others amongst which is the Grammy.

2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs):
Best African Act (Won)
Best Push (Won)
Best Afrobeats(Nominated)
Best New Artist (Nominated)

2023 Grammy Awards:
Best African Music Performance(Nominated for “Rush”)

2023 Headies Awards:
Best Female Artiste of the Year(Nominated)
Next Rated (Nominated)
Best Collaboration (Nominated)
Best Afrobeats Artiste of the Year(Nominated)

2024 Nigeria Entertainment Awards:
Best Female Artiste of the Year (Nominated)
Best Music Video (Nominated)

2024 Headies Awards:
Best Recording of the Year (Nominated)
Best Female Vocal Performance (Nominated)
Best R&B Single (Nominated)

2024 BET Awards:
Best New Artist (Nominated)
Best International Act (Nominated)
BET Her Award (Nominated)

2025 MOBO Awards:
Best African Music Act
Best International Act

Who Is Ayra Starr?

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe born 14th June 2002 from Kwara state known professionally as Ayra Starr, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.

She was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and growing up, she had an interest in fashion, modelling, and music. In 2018, Ayra was signed by Quove Model Management and had the chance to work with brands such as Mazelle Studio, Viper Magazine, and Esperanza.

She developed her musical skills as a teenager, listening to a variety of genres, including Afrobeat, R&B, and pop.

Ayra Starr studied at the Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Switzerland received a BA degree in international relations and political science. However, she later decided to pursue her passion for music instead of continuing her studies in hotel management, which led her to focus on her musical career.

Her decision to follow her passion for music has certainly paid off, as she has quickly become one of the most prominent figures in Nigerian music.

The singer was raised by her mom not because of her dad was absentee as many people have opined, but because her father passed away untimely.

She has four siblings. She has two brothers, Ade and Dami Aderibigbe, and two sisters, Tolulope and Jesutumise Aderibigbe. Ayra Starr’s brother Dami, is a guitarist, producer, and songwriter, who partly influenced her to become a musician.

Ayra Starr was discovered by Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy. She signed a record deal with the label, marking the beginning of her professional career in the Nigerian music industry.

She released her self-titled EP, Ayra Starr, in January 2020. The project featured hits like “Away” and “Ditrty Secret,” which introduced her distinctive sound, blending Afrobeat, pop, and R&B influences.

Starr achieved mainstream international recognition in 2022, with the release of her song “Rush”. The song charted in several territories, including Switzerland, Ireland and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 24. It earned Starr a nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance.

The entertainer’s net worth is alleged to be approximately between $500 thousand and $1 million, according to Vim Buzz. Her primary source of income is earnings from her thriving music career. She also makes money from modelling and brand endorsements on social

Nigerian British artist, Darkoo, also won the Song of the year , with his favorite girl song feat. Dess Dior, and the best female act.

Others notable winners are Annatoria who won the best gospel act, Bashy, Being Poor Is Expensive as the Album of the year, Odeal as the best newcomer and TSHA who won the best electronic/ dance music act, amongst others.

The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin) is an annual award celebrating the best in music from Black artists and other artists of African and Caribbean descent.

The awards recognize various genres including hip-hop, R&B, soul, grime, reggae, jazz, and more. The ceremony was founded in 1996 by Kanya King and Andy Ruffell and has become a significant event in the UK music scene, honoring both established and emerging talent.

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