Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

FA To Introduce Semi-Automated Offside Technology In FA Cup Fifth Round. Semi-automated offside technology will make its debut in English domestic football during the fifth round of the FA Cup, marking a significant advancement in officiating. The Football Association (FA) announced on Thursday that the technology will be implemented in seven matches taking place at Premier League stadiums. Following its introduction in the Emirates FA Cup, the Premier League is expected to adopt the system later this season. This cutting-edge technology aims to eliminate certain elements of human subjectivity in offside decisions. Traditionally, officials in the Video Assistant…

Munich Car Attack Leaves 28 Injured As Police Investigate Suspect’s Motive. At least 28 people have been injured after an Afghan asylum seeker drove a car into a group of people in Munich, police have confirmed. Authorities are treating the incident as a suspected attack, with the 24-year-old suspect already known to law enforcement for previous theft and drug offences. According to reports, the suspect arrived in Germany in 2016 and had his asylum application rejected. However, his deportation was suspended, allowing him to remain in the country. Witnesses say the vehicle accelerated before colliding with a trade union rally,…

Sanwo-Olu Ends Remote Work For Lagos State Workers. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced the cancellation of the remote work initiative for public servants, with full resumption at offices set to begin on 1 April 2025. The decision, confirmed by the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, was communicated in a statement on Tuesday. The directive ends a policy that had been in place since February 2024. According to Agoro, the move aligns with the implementation of the new minimum wage and other measures aimed at improving the welfare of public servants. He urged all workers to fully…

Chelsea Face Injury Setbacks But Recoveries Offer Hope. Chelsea Football Club have confirmed that striker Nicolas Jackson will be sidelined for the next six to eight weeks due to injury. Manager Enzo Maresca announced the setback, stating, “He’s not going to be available until the end of the international break.” The Blues have also been dealt another blow with Marc Guiu suffering a hamstring injury, ruling him out for an unspecified period. Maresca confirmed the news, saying, “Marc Guiu has suffered a hamstring injury and will be out for a while.” Despite these setbacks, Chelsea have received encouraging…

CBN Introduces New ATM Transaction Fees, Effective March 2025. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a revision of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fees, set to take effect from 1st March 2025. This adjustment aims to enhance efficiency and encourage the deployment of more ATMs across the country. In a statement signed by John S. Onojah, Acting Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, the CBN confirmed that the changes align with Section 10.7 of the CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions, 2020. Breakdown of the New ATM Charges…

MTN Nigeria Increases Data Prices As NCC Approves 50% Tariff Hike. MTN Nigeria has increased the cost of its data subscription plans as telecommunications operators across the country begin implementing the 50% tariff adjustment recently approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).   According to the revised prices as observed by our correspondents,  MTN’s 1.8GB monthly plan now costs ₦1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan, which was priced at ₦1,000. Similarly, the 20GB plan has been adjusted to ₦7,500 from ₦5,500, while the 15GB plan now costs ₦6,500, up from ₦4,500. While other telecom providers—including Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile—have…

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt Warns Of AI Risks, Calls For Regulation. Eric Schmidt, the former chief executive of Google, has expressed concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) could be exploited by terrorists or rogue states to cause harm. Speaking to the BBC’s Today programme, Schmidt described the dangers of AI as an “extreme risk,” highlighting the potential for countries such as North Korea, Iran, or Russia to misuse the technology in the development of biological weapons. “The real fears that I have are not the ones that most people talk about AI – I talk about extreme risk,” Schmidt…

Trump And Putin Agree To Begin Ukraine Peace Negotiations. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to initiate peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine following a “lengthy and highly productive” phone call on Wednesday. In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump announced that both leaders had instructed their respective teams to begin talks immediately and had extended invitations to visit each other’s capitals. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed he had spoken separately with Trump about achieving a “lasting, reliable peace.” The calls come amid growing indications that the US is…

Tems Joins San Diego FC Ownership Group As Club Partner. Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has become a part-owner of Major League Soccer’s San Diego Football Club (SDFC) through her company, The Leading Vibe. This move marks her as the first African female to hold ownership stakes in an MLS club. Tems, a two-time GRAMMY® Award winner and Oscar nominee, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership: “I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community. Football…

Historic Final Merseyside Derby At Goodison Park Ends In Dramatic 2:2 Draw. In an emotionally charged evening, Everton and Liverpool contested the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, culminating in a thrilling 2-2 draw. This match not only marked the end of an era for the historic stadium but also delivered a spectacle befitting the occasion. Match Highlights: – Early Advantage: Everton’s Beto opened the scoring in the 11th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past Alisson Becker. – Rapid Response: Liverpool equalised just five minutes later through Alexis Mac Allister, who headed home a…

Boavista Revamp Squad With Eight New Signings. Boavista FC have strengthened their squad with eight new signings, including experienced internationals Layvin Kurzawa and Marco van Ginkel, as they look to turn their season around. Kurzawa, a French left-back formerly with Paris Saint-Germain, is expected to add defensive stability and attacking prowess. Meanwhile, former Chelsea midfielder Van Ginkel brings valuable experience and versatility to the midfield, despite past injury struggles. These acquisitions mark a significant moment for the Porto-based club, which recently emerged from a FIFA-imposed transfer ban. With the embargo lifted, Boavista wasted no time in bolstering their squad…

Arsenal Sweat Over Kai Havertz Injury As Season Run-In Approaches. Arsenal are facing a fresh injury concern as striker Kai Havertz undergoes assessment following a muscle injury sustained during the team’s training camp in Dubai. There are fears that the 25-year-old may have suffered a hamstring tear, which could rule him out for the remainder of the season. Reports suggest that it remains unclear whether he will require surgery, though early indications point towards a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The club has yet to issue an official statement, and manager Mikel Arteta is expected to address the matter…