LIVE
Home Blog Page 57

Gabriel Martinelli Rescues Arsenal With Late Goal Against Manchester City

Kwaghza Asema Cephas
-
2
Gabriel Martinelli Rescues Arsenal With Late Goal Against Manchester City

Gabriel Martinelli struck from the bench for the second time in five days, producing a superb stoppage-time lob to rescue a 1-1 draw for Arsenal against Manchester City.

Erling Haaland had given City an early lead at the Emirates with a clinical ninth-minute finish, and Pep Guardiola’s side looked set to hand Mikel Arteta’s men a sobering defeat with a disciplined defensive display. But Martinelli, introduced late on, latched onto Eberechi Eze’s lofted pass in the third minute of added time and coolly beat Gianluigi Donnarumma, ensuring Arsenal avoided defeat.

The result leaves Arsenal five points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have won all five of their matches so far, while City sit eight points off the pace. Before kick-off, Arsenal could boast the league’s best defensive record, having yet to concede from open play. That statistic was erased within nine minutes.

Haaland, who has made a habit of tormenting Arsenal, did so again with his 13th goal of the season for club and country and his fifth in seven league appearances against the Gunners. Collecting the ball after Gabriel was shrugged aside, the Norwegian exchanged passes with Tijjani Reijnders before finishing calmly with his second touch.

City celebrated by posting “Finisher” on “X”a pointed response to Arteta’s recent comments about Arsenal’s impact substitutes but they would be made to eat their words.

The visitors controlled much of the first half, threatening again when Reijnders tested David Raya after Haaland had forced a turnover in midfield. Arsenal struggled to find rhythm, though Noni Madueke did draw a sharp save from Donnarumma just before the break.

Arteta reacted at half-time, bringing on Bukayo Saka back from a month out with a hamstring problem along with Eze. The changes injected energy, with Zubimendi and Eze both going close early in the second half. City remained dangerous on the counter, however, with Haaland denied by Raya after being played through by Jeremy Doku.

As the game wore on, Arsenal pressed for an equaliser. Rúben Dias made a crucial interception to prevent Viktor Gyökeres from converting Leandro Trossard’s low cross, before Martinelli entered the fray with nine minutes left.

With seven minutes of stoppage time signalled, the Emirates crowd sensed one last chance and Martinelli delivered. Chasing Eze’s perfectly weighted ball over the top, the Brazilian lifted his finish over Donnarumma to spark jubilant celebrations.

It may yet prove a vital moment in Arsenal’s pursuit of a first Premier League crown in 22 years.

South Sudan’s Ex-VP Riek Machar On Trial For Treason

Olaosun Rebecca
-
1
South Sudan’s Ex-VP Riek Machar On Trial For Treason

‎South Sudan’s opposition leader and former vice president, Riek Machar, appeared in court on Monday to face charges of crimes against humanity and treason, according to state media.
‎
‎The fragile power-sharing arrangement between President Salva Kiir and his longtime rival, Riek Machar, has been breaking down for months, raising fears of a return to the civil war that claimed 400,000 lives in the 2010s.
‎
‎Earlier this month, Machar was indicted on counts of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity, and was removed from his role as first vice-president in the unity government after spending several months under house arrest.
‎
‎Authorities accuse him of ordering an ethnic militia to attack a military base in March, an assault the government says left more than 250 soldiers dead.
‎
‎Machar’s camp rejects the allegations, insisting they are part of Kiir’s plan to sideline the opposition and tighten his grip on power.
‎
‎“His Excellency Dr Riek Machar should not be tried by this incompetent court, which lacks jurisdiction,” his lawyer told the court on Monday, during Machar’s first hearing alongside several other defendants.
‎
‎Failed Transition
‎
‎South Sudan became independent from Sudan in 2011 but quickly descended into a brutal conflict between Kiir and Machar from 2013 to 2018.
‎
‎Efforts by the international community to sustain the peace process and secure a democratic transition have largely fallen short.
‎
‎Elections scheduled for December 2024 were pushed back to 2026, and the rival forces have yet to be integrated into a single army.
‎
‎Last week, the United Nations released a report accusing the government of embezzling billions of dollars in oil revenue since independence while delivering almost nothing in essential sectors like health and education.
‎
‎Supporters of Machar argue that the charges prove the collapse of the power-sharing deal and have called for armed mobilisation to achieve “regime change.”
‎
‎Edmund Yakani, a prominent civil society activist in Juba, told AFP earlier this month that while charges against Machar were anticipated, their severity was “shocking.”
‎
‎He argued that accusing him of crimes against humanity was “politically motivated,” and “legally… not justifiable” since such a charge is not recognised under South Sudanese law.
‎
‎The case is linked to a March assault on a military base in Upper Nile State, a Machar stronghold, carried out by fighters from his Nuer ethnic group known as the White Army.
‎
‎Machar’s allies deny he was behind the attack.
‎
‎With Machar “being forced to appear before a kangaroo court and imposing charges against him, (it) is a clear indication that the SPLM-IG has chosen instability over peace,” a spokesman told AFP last week.
‎

US Deportees Take Legal Action Against Ghana Over ‘Unlawful’ Detention

Ohiomoje Margaret
-
6
US Deportees Take Legal Action Against Ghana Over ‘Unlawful’ Detention

A group of eleven individuals deported from the United States and subsequently detained in Ghana have filed a lawsuit against the Ghanaian government, their lawyer has revealed.

Legal representative Oliver-Barker Vormawor argued that the deportees had not broken any Ghanaian law and that keeping them in custody at a military facility amounts to an illegal detention. He has asked the authorities to present them before a court and explain the justification for their confinement.

While the government is yet to respond to the case, it has earlier indicated plans to receive another 40 deportees. Opposition lawmakers, however, are calling for a suspension of the arrangement, insisting parliamentary approval is required before such a deal can be enforced under Ghanaian law.

Just last week, President John Mahama announced that 14 West Africans had arrived under an agreement with Washington. He claimed they had all been returned to their home countries, but Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa offered a conflicting account, saying only most had been sent back.

Court filings submitted by Vormawor counter both accounts, stating that 11 deportees remain in custody. The documents allege that the group was first held in a US detention center, shackled, and then flown to Ghana aboard a military cargo plane.

The deportations come amid President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown, under which his administration has pledged unprecedented levels of removals of undocumented migrants.

Commenting on the issue earlier, Ghana’s Foreign Minister stressed that the country’s decision to take in deportees was rooted in compassion: “This should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of the immigration policies of the Trump administration,” he told reporters, citing “humanitarian principle and pan-African empathy.”

Meanwhile, five of those affected—including three Nigerians and two Gambians—have also initiated legal action against the US government. They argue that a court order protected them from removal and that their deportation should never have taken place.

Maryamu Idris Appointed As Nigeria’s OPEC representative

Olaosun Rebecca
-
4
Maryamu Idris Appointed As Nigeria’s OPEC representative

‎The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has revealed that Maryamu Idris, the managing director of NNPC Trading Limited, has been named Nigeria’s representative to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
‎
‎In a statement released on Wednesday, the company said Idris, who will also retain her current role, will play a key part in influencing both domestic and global energy policies.
‎
‎NNPC added that as Nigeria’s OPEC national representative, Idris “will act as the country’s principal technical liaison within the Organization.”
‎
‎The company explained that she has also joined OPEC’s Economic Commission Board (ECB), where she will contribute to technical discussions and policy recommendations.
‎
‎She is expected to collaborate closely with Nigeria’s OPEC governor and other key stakeholders, such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
‎
‎According to NNPC, Idris will help ensure that “Nigeria’s energy interests are effectively represented and harmonised with OPEC’s overall objectives.”
‎
‎The statement also emphasized her career achievements, “Maryamu’s extensive experience in the energy sector includes leading Pricing and Valuation efforts within NNPC’s Crude Oil Marketing Division and serving as a Technical Advisor to Nigeria’s OPEC Delegation.
‎
‎She also played a foundational role in Nigeria’s engagement with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and contributed to Oil Sector Reforms through her work with the Bureau of Public Enterprises and the Oil and Gas Implementation Committee (OGIC).”
‎
‎It further outlined her academic background, noting: “She holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Economics from the University of Abuja, Nigeria and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Energy Economics from the University of Dundee in Scotland, United Kingdom.”
‎
‎NNPC congratulated Idris on her appointment and voiced confidence in her ability to represent Nigeria strongly at OPEC.
‎

FCT Doctors Suspend Strike After Senate Intervention

Enyosa Favour
-
7
FCT Doctors Suspend Strike After Senate Intervention

The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), has announced the suspension of its indefinite strike, confirming that members will return to work on Monday by 8 a.m.

Speaking with our correspondent on Friday, the President of the association, Dr. George Ebong, explained that the decision to temporarily halt the strike came after the intervention of the Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, chaired by David Jimkuta. He, however, stressed that none of the doctors’ demands have been met so far.

The ARD-FCTA is made up of doctors working across 14 district and general hospitals, as well as the Department of Public Health under the FCTA. The strike, which began last Monday, was embarked upon after months of unsuccessful negotiations with the FCTA over several unresolved issues.

The doctors are demanding the payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months owed to members employed since 2023. They are also calling for the immediate recruitment of new staff to address manpower shortages, the settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and the payment of arrears resulting from the 25–35 percent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

In addition, they are seeking clear timelines for completing skipping and conversion processes for members, along with the settlement of all accumulated arrears.

The association is also urging the FCTA to address continuous erroneous deductions from members’ salaries and fix the irregular and erratic salary payment pattern. They further demand the conversion of post-Part II Fellows to the Consultant cadre within six months of passing, as well as documented timelines for promotion exercises with full arrears paid.

Other issues include the payment of wage award arrears, renovation and proper equipping of FCTA hospitals to meet world-class standards, payment of outstanding hazard allowance arrears, and settlement of salary arrears owed to newly employed external residents who are currently owed three to four months’ pay.

Announcing the temporary suspension of the strike, Dr. Ebong stated:

“We are suspending the strike to begin work at 8 a.m. Monday morning.

The Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, chaired by David Jimkuta, intervened. Even though none of our demands have been met yet, they assured us that they will talk to the minister, and the Congress has decided to believe what the Senate has said. We also appreciate the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for his interventions.

The Congress will reassemble to reassess the interventions within the agreed timeframe, and if nothing is done, the Congress will take the next line of action.”

The suspension of the strike provides temporary relief to patients and healthcare facilities across the FCT, but the doctors have warned that industrial action may resume if their grievances are not addressed within the agreed period.

US Vetoes UN Security Council Gaza Ceasefire Resolution For Sixth Time

Ohiomoje Margaret
-
6
US Vetoes UN Security Council Gaza Ceasefire Resolution For Sixth Time

For the sixth occasion, the United States has blocked a draft resolution at the UN Security Council that sought to enforce an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza alongside the release of hostages.

Deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus defended Washington’s decision, arguing that the proposed text fell short of explicitly condemning Hamas or acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself.

The move left the US standing alone, as all 14 other Council members supported the resolution. The draft described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “catastrophic” and pressed Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian assistance.

Meanwhile, the UN’s humanitarian office has raised alarm over the dire situation in Gaza City, warning that the last remaining lifelines for civilians are breaking down as Israel widens its military campaign.

Despite the near-unanimous vote, Ortagus stressed before the ballot that America’s position should “come as no surprise”.

“It fails to condemn Hamas or recognise Israel’s right to defend itself, and it wrongly legitimises the false narratives benefitting Hamas, which have sadly found currency in this council,” she said.

Following the decision, numerous UN representatives voiced disappointment. Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour called the veto “deeply regrettable and painful”, saying it had stopped the Security Council from “playing its rightful role in the face of these atrocities”.

Pakistan’s envoy Asim Ahmad described the outcome as “a dark moment in this chamber,” adding, “The world is watching. The cries of children should pierce our hearts.”

Algeria’s Ambassador Amar Bendjama expressed remorse, addressing Palestinians directly: “Palestinian brothers, Palestinian sisters, forgive us. Forgive us, because the world speaks of rights, but denies them to Palestinians. Forgive us because our efforts, our sincere efforts, shattered against this wall of rejection.”

This latest vote comes just days before the UN General Assembly, where Gaza is expected to dominate discussions and several key US allies, including the UK, are preparing to formally recognise a Palestinian state.

On the ground, thousands of civilians continue to flee amid intensifying bombardments, with Israeli tanks and troops pressing forward on the third day of a ground assault.

Olga Cherevko, a spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office, described conditions in Gaza City as “nothing short of cataclysmic.”

Israel’s offensive follows the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage.

Since then, Gaza’s health ministry reports that at least 65,141 people have been killed in Israeli strikes. The ministry also attributes a further 435 deaths to hunger and malnutrition, including four within the past 24 hours.

UCL: Haaland Hits Record 50th Goal as City Shines

Kwaghza Asema Cephas
-
2
UCL: Haaland Hits Record 50th Goal as City Shines

Manchester City exacted revenge, exploiting Napoli’s early red card (Giovanni Di Lorenzo sent off) and kept up a commanding performance. Erling Haaland smashed his 50th Champions League goal in record-breaking fashion,he did it faster than anyone in the competition’s history. Jeremy Doku added a second to seal a composed City performance.

Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 Galatasaray

A stunning night in Frankfurt. Despite conceding early via Yunus Akgün, Frankfurt turned the script around in ruthless style. An own goal opened the comeback, then debutant Can Uzun struck before halftime. Jonathan Burkardt bagged two headers and Ansgar Knauff capped it off. Galatasaray were left shell-shocked.

Barcelona 2-1 Newcastle United

Marcus Rashford starred for Barcelona with a brace in the second half. First a header, then a scorching long-range strike, both beyond Newcastle’s reach. Anthony Gordon pulled one back very late, but Barça held on. It was a smooth return to Champions League action for Barca despite missing some regulars.

Sporting CP 4-1 Kairat Almaty

Sporting dominated their opener, especially after halftime. Francisco Trincão opened the scoring just before the break. Then in a blistering four-minute burst in the second half, they added three more: Trincão again, Alisson Santos, and Geovany Quenda. Kairat got a consolation late, but Sporting were in complete control.

Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 Copenhagen

Drama in Denmark. Copenhagen struck early through Jordan Larsson; Leverkusen pulled one back late via a free kick from Alejandro Grimaldo. Copenhagen then retook the lead through a header from Robert. But just when it looked over, an own goal in stoppage time from Pantelis Hatzidiakos rescued a point for Leverkusen.

NIS Expands Passport Output, Moves From 300 To 5,000 Daily

Ohiomoje Margaret
-
12
NIS Expands Passport Output, Moves From 300 To 5,000 Daily

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has significantly increased its daily passport production, scaling up from roughly 300 to 5,000, after unveiling a newly established Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre in Abuja.

Interior Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed this improvement on Thursday during his visit to the NIS headquarters, describing it as a landmark achievement in the nation’s six decades of issuing passports.

He explained that the previously used decentralised process depended on outdated machines that could only deliver about 250 to 300 passports per day. With the new centralised approach, however, the system can now produce between 4,500 and 5,000 passports in just four to five hours of work.

“This is a game-changer for passport processing in Nigeria. We promised two-week delivery, and we’re now pushing for one week. Automation and optimisation are crucial for keeping this promise to Nigerians,” Tunji-Ojo said.

Highlighting the importance of the reform, the minister noted that this is the first time since the creation of the NIS in 1963 that Nigeria has operated a centralised passport system, bringing the country closer to international best practices. He stressed that the initiative would strengthen efficiency, ensure consistency, and enhance the credibility of Nigerian passports worldwide.

He also stated that the move was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s wider reform drive aimed at improving public service and restoring citizens’ trust in government institutions.

“This development is about driving efficiency and building a passport system Nigerians can be proud of,” he added.

SSCE: NECO Probes Mass Cheating In 13 States

Olaosun Rebecca
-
16
SSCE: NECO Probes Mass Cheating In 13 States

‎The National Examinations Council (NECO) has launched investigations into mass cheating involving 38 schools across 13 states during the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE internal).
‎
‎Registrar of the council, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Minna, Niger State, while announcing the release of the 2025 results. He said the affected schools would be summoned to the council for discussions before sanctions are imposed.
‎
‎According to him, the cases form part of 3,878 instances of malpractice recorded this year, a significant drop from the 10,094 cases documented in 2024.
‎
‎“During the conduct of the 2025 SSCE, 38 schools were found to have been involved in whole-school (mass) cheating in 13 states. They will be invited to the council for discussion, after which appropriate sanctions will be applied,” Wushishi stated.
‎
‎Nine supervisors were also recommended for blacklisting over misconduct ranging from aiding malpractice to poor supervision. They include three from Rivers, one from Niger, three from the FCT, one from Kano, and one from Osun State.
‎
‎Wushishi further highlighted a disruption in Adamawa State, where communal clashes in Lamorde Local Government affected eight schools between July 7 and 25. The crisis halted examinations in 13 subjects and 29 papers. He said talks are ongoing with the state government to reconduct the exams for the affected schools.
‎
‎Despite the malpractice concerns, NECO recorded encouraging performance figures. Out of 1,367,210 registered candidates, a total of 1,358,339 sat for the exams. Of these, 818,492 candidates, representing 60.26 per cent, obtained five credits and above, including Mathematics and English.
‎
‎A higher 1,144,496 candidates, representing 84.26 per cent, secured five credits and above irrespective of the two core subjects.
‎
‎The results also showed Kano State leading the performance chart with 68,159 candidates (5.02 per cent) earning five credits including English and Mathematics.
‎
‎Lagos followed with 67,007 (4.93 per cent), while Oyo placed third with 48,742. At the other extreme, Gabon, one of NECO’s foreign centres, recorded no candidate with five credits including the core subjects.
‎
‎Wushishi revealed that the council would henceforth conduct SSCE on 38 subjects only, in line with the revised national curriculum. The adjustment, he explained, would shorten the examination period and reduce the waiting time for results.
‎
‎He stressed that NECO remained committed to transparency and strict supervision, noting that the decline in malpractice cases this year was proof of the council’s efforts to safeguard the integrity of its examinations.
‎
‎“We will not hesitate to sanction any school or official found culpable in malpractice or negligence,” he warned.
‎
‎
‎
‎

Super Eagles Slip Again In FIFA Rankings, Now 45th Globally

Kwaghza Asema Cephas
-
8
Super Eagles Slip Again In FIFA Rankings, Now 45th Globally

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have dropped one place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, sliding from 44th to 45th worldwide while holding on to sixth spot in Africa. The latest update, announced via FIFA’s official X handle on Thursday, underscores the team’s struggles under Coach Eric Chelle as their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign continues to stutter.

This marks a second consecutive decline after falling from 43rd to 44th in August, a slump that also pushed Nigeria out of Africa’s top five following a string of disappointing results in recent international matches.

Elsewhere, several African teams made gains. Morocco remains the continent’s top-ranked side at 11th globally after winning eight of their last nine matches. Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Côte d’Ivoire complete Africa’s top five.

Lesotho fell to 153rd, while Nigeria’s next opponents, Benin Republic, climbed to 93rd. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, who forced Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in June, improved to 55th, bolstering their World Cup qualification hopes. Zimbabwe endured the steepest fall, dropping nine places to 125th.

The rankings reflect Nigeria’s struggle to find momentum while rivals surge ahead. On the women’s side, the Super Falcons remain 36th in the world, as Spain overtook the USA at the top of the women’s rankings.

1...565758...2,555Page 57 of 2,555
Kingschat

© 2025 LN247. All Rights Reserved