Author: Opalim Lifted

James Maddison scored the winner on his return from injury as Tottenham beat fellow Premier League strugglers Manchester United. Maddison, who has missed nearly four weeks with a calf injury, was the only player following in after United keeper Andre Onana parried Lucas Bergvall’s shot and completed an easy tap-in in the 13th minute. The visitors did have chances to level, with Alejandro Garnacho lofting an effort over the bar when through on goal in the first half – but this was ultimately another uninspired United display. Tottenham earned their first win in three games – after cup losses to…

Mohamed Salah continued his hot scoring streak as a nervy Liverpool dispatched Wolves to move seven points clear at the top of the Premier League. The Egypt forward converted from the penalty spot to make it five goals in four league games with boss Arne Slot watching on from the bench. Reds boss Slot was given a red card in the aftermath of Liverpool’s Merseyside derby draw with Everton but the Dutchman has until Wednesday to respond to a Football Association charge. Putting Everton’s 98th-minute mid-week equaliser behind them, the Reds started well at Anfield and opened the scoring after…

Barcelona are focusing on producing strong performances rather than looking at the LaLiga standings with a long way to go in the title race, coach Hansi Flick said on Sunday. Barca have the opportunity to return to the top when they host sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano at the Olympic Stadium on Monday, after both their main rivals dropped points on Saturday. Leaders Real Madrid drew 1-1 at Osasuna and Atletico Madrid were held 1-1 at home by Celta Vigo. Real have 51 points from 24 matches, a point ahead of Atletico, and Barca are third on 48 with a game in…

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, on his 65th birthday. Tinubu commended el-Rufai for his “endeavours for democracy and meritorious service to the nation”. In a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, Tinubu commended the former Kaduna governor for his role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC). “President Tinubu celebrates Mallam El-Rufai on this occasion and commends his endeavours for democracy; his meritorious service to the nation, and mentorship of the younger generation,” the statement reads. “The President acknowledges Mallam El-Rufai’s role in the dialogues leading up to the…

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has denied reports claiming that the national grid collapsed twice in 2025. In a recent statement on its official X handle, TCN said it is mischievous and misleading. “It is pertinent to note that the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) is regulated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and governed by industry documents,” TCN said. “The documents reserve for the National Control Centre System Operator or her designated back-up, the National Supplementary Control Centre (SNCC) the exclusive right to provide information to the public about events and status of the grid.” The company…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Central Bank of Nigeria a 48-hour ultimatum to reverse the newly announced hike in Automated Teller Machine transaction fees, calling it “unlawful, unfair, unreasonable, and unjust.” In an open letter dated February 15, 2025, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso to immediately reverse the policy. The organisation argued that it would worsen the financial hardship faced by Nigerians, particularly low-income earners. Details of this letter were issued in a press release titled, “SERAP gives CBN 48 hours to withdraw ‘unlawful, unfair hike…

Tigran Gambaryan, the Binance executive, insists Nigerian officials demanded bribe from him despite the denial of the federal government. Gambaryan, who serves as Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, was detained in Nigeria from February to October 2024. According to the federal government, his arrest was part of a broader investigation into alleged money laundering and economic destabilisation attributed to Binance’s activities in Nigeria. Recounting his experience in a post on , Gambaryan alleged that certain Nigerian lawmakers demanded substantial bribes in cryptocurrency. He accused three lawmakers of soliciting a $150 million bribe. Additionally, he claimed that Nuhu Ribadu, the…

In a world filled with uncertainty, Oladapo Aborowa said that one security agency has consistently demonstrated its commitment to protecting lives and property, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). As we go about our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the selfless efforts of the NSCDC personnel who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our safety. Since its inception, the NSCDC has been at the forefront of national security, providing critical support to the military, police, and other security agencies. From counter-terrorism operations to disaster response, the corps has consistently demonstrated its versatility and bravery. A statement…

The federal government has initiated a plan to revolutionise tourism and hospitality education at Nigerian universities. The initiative was led by Dr. Abisoye Fagade, Director-General/CEO of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), in collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC), as both institutions agreed to align university programs with global industry standards. The NUC said it strongly supports the initiative, emphasising the need for standardised training, certification, and industry relevance in Nigeria’s growing touristry sector. Both NIHOTOUR and NUC agreed to collaborate on key areas of accreditation and curriculum development, certification and licensing of university graduates, continuous professional…

Philip Agbese, a member of the house of representatives, has denied a bribery allegation against him by Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Limited. In a post published on X on Friday, Gambaryan recounted his experiences in the hands of some Nigerian lawmakers. Gambaryan claimed three lawmakers, including Peter Akpanke, and Philip Agbese demanded a $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency payment into their personal wallets. Gambaryan was detained by the Nigerian government from February 2024 to October 2024 over the activities of Binance in the country. The house of representatives committee on financial crimes also investigated the cryptocurrency firm.…