Author: David Great

Barcelona came from an early goal down to beat Real Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, scoring four goals in a dominant first half and surviving having their goalkeeper sent off to clinch a record-extending 15th trophy. Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Alejandro Balde were all on target before halftime, after French forward Kylian Mbappe put Real in front in the fifth minute. Raphinha grabbed another in the second half while Rodrygo scored for Real. Barcelona put in a clinical display to lift their first trophy in more than a year, having no silverware to…

The Police Command in Ogun has expressed alarm regarding a notable rise in the number of reports concerning missing persons within the state. CSP Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the Command, made this announcement in a statement issued in Abeokuta, the state capital. She stated that the Command had observed an unusual increase in the number of missing persons spanning all age groups. Odutola observed that merely a small portion of the individuals had been located, with many unfortunately not making it back home. The police spokesperson encouraged residents to stay alert and enhance their awareness of security, placing a…

• Sanwo-Olu charges new Permanent Secretaries on highest standards of professionalism, effective implementation of policies Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Friday, swore in the chairman and members of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), charging them to use their professional knowledge, expertise and wealth of experience to uphold the integrity and credibility of the electoral process in the State. Governor Sanwo-Olu, while reiterating his administration’s unwavering commitment to democracy, accountability, and the rule of law, said, “Credible elections are the bedrock of sustainable development, and we will continue to support LASIEC in fulfilling its mandate.” The members…

Nigeria and the United States entered into an agreement on Friday to repatriate approximately $52.88 million in assets that were forfeited by former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and her associates. The agreement paves the way for the initial repatriation to Nigeria of assets associated with Alison-Madueke that are located outside the West African nation. Attorney General of Nigeria and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi said the agreement with the US enables “the repatriation of approximately $52.88 million arising from the forfeiture of the Galactica assets, linked to the former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and her associates.” The agreement comes…

Real Madrid will chase a record-equalling 14th Spanish Super Cup title in the final against Barcelona after second-half goals by Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo helped them to a 3-0 win over Mallorca in the semi-finals on Thursday. England midfielder Bellingham broke the deadlock after the hour mark with a low shot into the middle of the goal before Mallorca defender Martin Valjent’s own goal doubled the lead in stoppage time followed by a Rodrygo strike from close range. Spanish champions Real will play Barcelona for the Super Cup trophy on Sunday after goals by Gavi and Lamine Yamal earned Barca…

Manager Rob Edwards has left Luton Town by mutual consent after two years in charge of the The Hatters, the Championship side said on Thursday. Edwards, who took over in November 2022, led Luton to promotion to the Premier League in his debut season. The club, however, were relegated back to the second-tier Championship last year, and currently sit 20th in the league, two points above the relegation zone. “The current campaign back in the Championship has clearly not progressed as anticipated, and after holding amicable talks following Monday’s defeat at QPR, the board and Rob Edwards have agreed to…

Everton have sacked Sean Dyche as head coach, the Premier League club said on Thursday, hours before their third round FA Cup home tie against Peterborough. With his backroom staff also leaving, Everton said under-18s head coach Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman would take charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis. “Everton Football Club can confirm that Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as senior men’s first team manager with immediate effect,” the club said in a statement. “Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard and Billy Mercer have also left the club. The process to…

West Ham United have sacked head coach Julen Lopetegui, the Premier League club said on Wednesday, with the London side 14th in the standings after 20 matches. “The first half of the 2024-25 season has not aligned with the club’s ambitions and the club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives,” West Ham said in a statement. “The Board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future. The process of appointing a replacement is underway,” the West Ham statement said.…

Residents and a local traditional ruler reported on Tuesday that gunmen kidnapped at least 46 persons, including women and children, during an assault on Gana town in northwest Zamfara state, Nigeria. At around 2200 GMT on Sunday, dozens of gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on the neighbourhood, setting fire to multiple homes and businesses, according to locals. The attack comes after a similar mass kidnapping in the state last month. Zamfara police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar was not available for comment when he was contacted. Attempts to reach him via text message and phone call failed. Armed gangs, referred to as…

Alexander Isak scored his 50th goal for Newcastle United as Eddie Howe’s side took a huge step towards the League Cup final with a 2-0 victory at Arsenal on Tuesday. Isak struck shortly before halftime in the first leg of the semi-final at a chilly Emirates Stadium and then had a big role in Newcastle’s second scored by Anthony Gordon after the break. Arsenal were left to rue their failure to convert several good chances with Gabriel Martinelli denied by the woodwork in the first half and Kai Havertz missing a golden opportunity. In-form Newcastle, who have not won a…