Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

UEFA Conference League Last-16 Draw Revealed. The UEFA Europa Conference League last-16 draw has set the stage for an exciting round of fixtures, with teams from across Europe vying for a place in the quarter-finals. The first-leg matches are scheduled for 6 March, while the return legs will take place on 13 March. One of the standout ties features Chelsea, who will face FC Copenhagen. The Blues will travel to Denmark for the first leg before hosting the return fixture at Stamford Bridge. Elsewhere, Panathinaikos will take on Fiorentina in a highly anticipated clash between two historic clubs. …

Europa League Last-16 Draw: Manchester United, Spurs, And Rangers Discover Opponents. The draw for the Europa League last 16 has set up intriguing ties for the remaining British teams, with Manchester United, Tottenham, and Rangers all facing tough challenges as they seek European glory. Manchester United have been drawn against Spanish outfit Real Sociedad, while Tottenham will take on Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. Rangers, meanwhile, face a stern test against José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe. All three sides will play their first-leg matches away from home on Thursday, 6 March, before hosting the return fixtures on 13 March. Should United…

Elumelu Calls For Industry Collaboration To Boost Nigeria’s Oil Production. Chairman of Heirs Energies, Tony Elumelu, has expressed confidence that Nigeria can achieve its target of producing 2.5 million barrels of crude oil per day (bpd) through collective efforts from key industry stakeholders. Speaking at the Leadership Forum 2025, Elumelu highlighted the need for increased investment and collaboration in the oil and gas sector to drive production growth. He revealed that Heirs Energies has successfully expanded its production capacity from 21,000 bpd to 53,000 bpd and aims to reach 100,000 bpd in the near future. “If every company that…

French-Lebanese Architect Lina Ghotmeh To Lead British Museum Gallery Redesign. The British Museum has selected French-Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh to oversee a major redesign of its Western Range galleries, which includes the section housing the highly contested Parthenon Marbles. Announcing the decision on Friday, the museum revealed that Ghotmeh was chosen from over 60 applicants who entered the competition launched last year. The selection panel praised her “deep understanding and sensitivity towards the museum,” with British Museum director Nicholas Cullinan describing her as “an architect of extraordinary grace and gravitas.” Ghotmeh, who grew up in Beirut, has an…

South Africa Calls For Inclusive Talks To End Russia-Ukraine War As Zelensky Prepares Visit. South Africa has reiterated its stance that any negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine must involve all relevant parties, as President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares for a state visit to discuss the matter. President Cyril Ramaphosa extended an invitation to Zelensky following criticism of separate negotiation efforts led by Russia and the United States, which did not include Ukraine or its European allies. The ongoing war was a central topic at South Africa’s inaugural G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, which concluded on Friday. However, the…

No State Creation Request Meets Constitutional Criteria – Deputy Speaker. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has revealed that none of the 31 proposals for state creation have met the constitutional requirements necessary for approval. Speaking at a two-day retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Kalu—who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution—announced that the submission deadline has been extended to 5 March 2025. This extension aims to give applicants more time to fulfil the necessary conditions. “This retreat may further extend the deadline if we…

Hamas Returns Incorrect Body Amid Hostage Exchange, Sparking Israeli Outrage. In a recent development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hamas of a severe breach of the ongoing ceasefire agreement. The contention arose when Hamas returned the body of a Gazan woman instead of the expected remains of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas. Netanyahu expressed profound indignation, stating, “In an unimaginably cynical manner, they did not return Shiri to her small children, the little angels, and instead placed the body of a Gazan woman in a coffin.” He further vowed to ensure that Hamas “pays the full price for this…

Rights Activist Deji Adeyanju Warns Senate President Akpabio Against Harassment Of Female Lawmakers. Prominent rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has issued a stern warning to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging him to cease the alleged harassment of female senators or face potential visa ban advocacy. Adeyanju’s statement comes in response to recent incidents within the Senate that have raised concerns about the treatment of female lawmakers. During a Senate session on Thursday, tensions escalated when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan protested a change in her seating arrangement without prior notice. The situation intensified as she voiced her objections, leading to a…

Champions League Last 16 Draw Sets Stage For Exciting Knockout Battles. The UEFA Champions League knockout stage is set, with the last 16 draw revealing tantalising clashes as teams begin their journey towards the final. With Europe’s elite clubs vying for continental glory, fans can expect high-stakes drama in the weeks ahead. One of the standout ties sees Paris Saint-Germain face six-time winners Liverpool in a heavyweight battle, while record-holders Real Madrid take on city rivals Atlético Madrid in a fiery Madrid derby. Arsenal, returning to the knockout stage, will face Dutch side PSV in a match that promises…

ICPC Reaffirms Ex-Naval Chief And Brigadier-General Remain Wanted. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reaffirmed that former Naval Chief, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (Rtd.), and Brigadier-General Ishaya Bauka remain on its wanted list over allegations of involvement in a N3 billion fraud. Dismissing reports suggesting that amended charges had exonerated the two ex-military officers, the Commission labelled such claims as misleading and baseless. In a statement signed by Demola Bakare, Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, the ICPC clarified that the charges against them had only been amended, not withdrawn. “For the avoidance…

NFF Sets 25th February Deadline For CAF B-License Coaching Course Registration. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that registration for the upcoming CAF B-License Coaching Course will close at midnight on Tuesday, 25th February 2025. The four-month course is scheduled to run from April to August and is aimed at enhancing the capacity of Nigerian coaches. According to NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, the course is open to both male and female coaches and will be delivered in modules. It is part of the federation’s broader strategy to equip coaches across the country with modern coaching skills.…

Spanish Court Finds Luis Rubiales Guilty Of Sexual Assault. Spain’s High Court has found former football federation president Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent. He has been fined over €10,000 but was acquitted of coercion. The ruling, announced on Thursday, also prohibits Rubiales from approaching Hermoso within a 200-metre radius or communicating with her for one year. Rubiales, 47, faced charges following the controversial incident at the 2023 Women’s World Cup awards ceremony in Sydney. Alongside three former football federation officials, he was also accused of pressuring Hermoso to publicly declare…