Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Mali Enacts Harsh Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation. In a significant shift in its legal stance, Mali’s transitional government has passed a new law criminalising same-sex relationships, with penalties including up to seven years in prison. This development has been confirmed through multiple sources, highlighting an alarming clampdown on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in the West African nation. The law, which was ratified on 31 October 2024 by Mali’s Transitional National Council, not only punishes those engaging in same-sex relations but also bans any form of advocacy for or promotion of homosexuality. According to the new penal code, individuals…

Arsenal’s Title Hopes Dented As Late Goal Disallowed In Villa Draw. Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title suffered a significant blow as they were pegged back from a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners thought they had clinched a dramatic victory in the dying minutes when Kai Havertz converted what seemed to be the winner, but it was disallowed after video assistant referee (VAR) review showed he had handled the ball. The match started with promise for the home side, with Gabriel Martinelli capitalising on a defensive lapse by Villa’s…

Liverpool Prove Their Prowess In Brentford Clash. Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium has been a battleground for some of the Premier League’s top teams this month, with the Bees hosting Arsenal, Manchester City, and most recently, Liverpool. Despite commendable performances against the league’s elite, Brentford couldn’t hold off a late surge from Liverpool, culminating in a defeat that underscores the Reds’ title credentials. The Bees had shown resilience and character in their previous encounters, losing narrowly to Arsenal 3-1 and staging a remarkable comeback to draw 2-2 with Manchester City. However, it was Liverpool who would prove too much in…

Barcelona Stumble Again In La Liga Draw Against Getafe. Barcelona’s recent La Liga woes continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez on Saturday. The result marks the fourth consecutive league game where Hansi Flick’s squad have failed to secure all three points, despite their impressive run in cup competitions. Coming off the back of four straight wins in the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, Barcelona supporters had hoped for a return to form in the league. However, the team’s recent domestic performances have been lacklustre, having previously…

Dele Alli Signs For Como In Serie A Coup. Serie A’s Como have successfully secured the signature of former Tottenham and England star Dele Alli. The agreement, which comes into effect immediately, marks a significant return for Alli to top-flight football after a period of absence due to injury and personal challenges. Alli, who has been out of competitive football since February 2023, will put pen to paper on a contract that runs until June 2026. The deal also includes an option for an additional season, contingent on his performance and availability, offering a clear incentive for the midfielder…

Assassination At Iran’s Supreme Court: Two Senior Judges Killed. In a shocking act of violence, two senior judges of Iran’s Supreme Court, Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghiseh, were assassinated within the court premises in Tehran on Saturday morning. The incident has sent ripples of concern through the judicial and political spheres of the country. According to reports from Mizan, the judiciary’s news website, the attack took place when an armed assailant entered the court and opened fire. The gunman subsequently took his own life while attempting to escape the scene. A bodyguard sustained injuries during the altercation. The judiciary’s…

Russian Air Strikes Claim Lives In Kyiv Amidst Escalating Conflict. Four individuals tragically lost their lives in an overnight Russian air strike on Kyiv, as confirmed by local officials. The assault came shortly after the conclusion of a previous air raid, with another activation at 06:00 local time (04:00 GMT), prompting urgent warnings about a ballistic missile threat. Residents were advised to seek immediate shelter. The central Shevchenkivskyi district of Kyiv bore the brunt of the attack, with windows shattered across various locations, including at a metro station. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported a fire in a non-residential building. The…

TikTok Set To “Go Dark” In The US Amid Supreme Court Ruling. TikTok has announced it will be forced to suspend its operations in the United States this Sunday, unless the government intervenes to clarify its position on a looming ban. In a statement issued late Friday, the social media giant expressed that the White House and the Department of Justice have “failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers that are integral to maintaining TikTok’s availability”. The company stated categorically that without immediate government assurance against punishment for breaching the ban, TikTok would be…

Curfew Imposed In South Sudan Following Deadly Revenge Attacks On Sudanese. In a bid to quell escalating violence, South Sudan has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew after a series of revenge attacks targeting Sudanese nationals in the capital, Juba, and the north-western town of Aweil. The attacks, which have left three dead and seven injured, were a response to footage circulating online allegedly showing Sudanese soldiers killing South Sudanese civilians in Wad Madani, Sudan. President Salva Kiir has urged calm, appealing to citizens not to take the law into their own hands. “We must not allow our grief to…

Gaza Ceasefire To Commence Sunday Morning. In a significant development heralding potential peace in the region, mediators in Qatar have announced that the Gaza ceasefire will begin at 08:30 local time (06:30 GMT) on Sunday morning. This comes after Israel’s government formally approved the deal late on Friday, setting the stage for the initial exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The historic agreement, which our correspondent in Jerusalem describes as a hard-fought battle to secure, will see an initial release of three Israeli hostages, with further groups expected to be freed over the next six weeks. In return, Israel has…

Erling Haaland Signs Record-Breaking Deal With Manchester City Until 2034. In what can only be described as a seismic move in the world of football, Erling Haaland, the Norwegian sensation, has put pen to paper on an extraordinary contract extension with Manchester City, securing his future at the club until June 2034. This monumental deal, which spans an impressive 9.5 years, was initially revealed by the reputable football journalist, David Ornstein. Haaland, who has already etched his name into the annals of Premier League history with his goal-scoring prowess, is set to earn what sources describe as a record…

Rookie Teams Set To Shine In Lagos FA Cup Opener. Football fever is about to grip Lagos as 28 rookie teams prepare to ignite the pitch in the opening round of the Lagos State Challenge Cup, widely known as the Lagos FA Cup. The tournament, set to commence on January 22, 2025, will unfold across various venues in what promises to be the state’s largest football spectacle of the year. A total of 80 teams have registered for the men’s division, showcasing the depth of talent and enthusiasm for football in Lagos. Meanwhile, the women’s category will feature four…