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27/10/2025

Juventus Sack Head Coach Igor Tudor Following Series of Poor Results

Juventus Football Club has announced the departure of Head Coach Igor Tudor and his technical staff following a run of disappointing results in both Serie A and the UEFA Champions League.

In a statement released on Monday, the club confirmed that Tudor has been relieved of his duties alongside his assistants — Ivan Javorcic, Tomislav Rogic, and Riccardo Ragnacci — effective immediately.

“Juventus FC announces that it has today relieved Igor Tudor of his duties as head coach of the men’s first team, along with his staff consisting of Ivan Javorcic, Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci. The club thanks Igor Tudor and his entire staff for their professionalism and dedication over the past few months and wishes them all the best for their future careers,” the statement read.

The decision follows Juventus’ 1–0 defeat to Lazio on Sunday, marking a stretch of five matches in which the club collected just five points. The loss leaves the Bianconeri in eighth place in Serie A, six points behind league leaders Napoli.

Tudor’s short tenure was marked by an inconsistent domestic campaign and a difficult start to European competition. Juventus currently sit 25th out of 36 teams in the Champions League group standings after recording one draw and two losses in their first three matches.

The club confirmed that Massimiliano Brambilla, currently serving as men’s first team coach, will assume responsibility for the senior side on an interim basis and lead the team for Wednesday’s Serie A fixture against Udinese at the Allianz Stadium.

Further announcements regarding the club’s next permanent head coach will be made in due course.

27/10/2025

Court Adjourns Hearing on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Defamation Objection to December 1

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned to December 1, 2025, the hearing of a preliminary objection filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in her ongoing trial over alleged defamation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

Presiding judge, Justice Chizoba Oji, fixed the new date following a request by the prosecution for more time to ensure proper service of its response to the defence team.

During Monday’s sitting, the prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, informed the court that although the prosecution’s counter-affidavit had been filed, it was not successfully served on the defence, as the address used did not correspond to any of the defendant’s counsel.

“It would not be fair for the prosecution to insist that the matter proceed when the defence team has indicated its intention to respond to our counter. We are, therefore, asking for a short adjournment to enable us to effect proper service,”
— David Kaswe, Prosecution Counsel

Defence counsel, Ehighioge West-Idahosa, SAN, confirmed that his client had not received the prosecution’s counter, noting that the team intends to respond once service is properly effected. He further requested a long adjournment, citing the defence team’s planned participation at the upcoming International Bar Association Conference in Canada.

Justice Oji subsequently adjourned the matter to December 1, 2025, for the hearing of the preliminary objection.

The objection, filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, challenges the validity of the three-count charge brought against her by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), describing it as a “threshold jurisdictional matter” and an abuse of prosecutorial powers.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 19, 2025, on allegations of making harmful imputations against Akpabio and Bello, which she allegedly knew could damage their reputations. The lawmaker, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The case, marked FCT/HC/CR/297/25, will continue at the FCT High Court, Maitama, with proceedings resuming on December 1, 2025.

27/10/2025

EPL: Carragher Sounds Alarm, Warns Liverpool ‘In Crisis’

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has voiced strong concern over his former club’s recent poor form, describing the team’s situation as a “crisis moment” following a string of disappointing results in the Premier League.

Speaking on Sky Sports on Monday, Carragher said Liverpool’s recent performances have fallen far below expectations, particularly in light of the club’s heavy summer spending.

“Losing four games in a row for Brentford would be a disaster,” he said. “To see the champions do it with the expenditure in the summer means we’re in a crisis time for Liverpool right now. There will be a lot of serious questions asked in the dressing room between the players, the coaching staff, and those above the manager. When they’ve looked at what they’ve spent, they’ll be looking for a lot more.”

Carragher pointed to Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses, warning that the team lacks the necessary physicality and height to compete effectively at the top level.

“Liverpool have to look at the physicality and height within their team because, right now, I don’t think they have enough,” he added.

Meanwhile, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville drew parallels between Arne Slot’s current Liverpool side and some of United’s past inconsistent teams.

“We went through mad periods where we always looked capable of scoring, but we were all over the place,” Neville said. “One thing you can guarantee with Salah, Ekitike, Wirtz, Isak, Gakpo, and others is they will score goals. But the others are responsible for being solid and not open all the time. When everything is crazy and chaotic, which it is for Liverpool right now, you just have to find a strong foundation.”

Neville advised Slot to simplify Liverpool’s tactical setup, warning that continued exposure in the full-back positions could perpetuate their struggles.

“Maybe it’s time for Arne Slot to simplify things,” he noted. “If he keeps playing Kerkez at left-back and Bradley at right-back and they are exposed in midfield, they will keep on getting the same results.”

Liverpool’s recent run of form has left fans and pundits questioning whether the team can recover quickly enough to remain in contention for major honours this season.

27/10/2025

A United Kingdom court has sentenced two men, Lekan Akinsoji and Sundjata Keita, both aged 27, to life imprisonment for the 2017 murder of 21-year-old Ahmed Deen-Jah in east London. The sentencing followed their conviction on October 9, 2025, at the Old Bailey, after a lengthy trial. On Friday, October 24, the judge handed Akinsoji a minimum term of…...

  A United Kingdom court has sentenced two men, Lekan Akinsoji and Sundjata Keita, both aged 27, to life imprisonment for the 2017 murder of 21-year-old Ahmed Deen-Jah in east London. The sen…

27/10/2025

President Trump Declines Meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Amid Trade Dispute

The White House confirms that President Donald J. Trump will not meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at this time, following recent developments in the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and Canada.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, President Trump reiterated his administration’s position regarding Canada’s recent trade-related actions, stating, “I don’t want to meet with him, no. I’m not going to be meeting with him for a while. One of the most difficult countries to deal with has been Canada, as much as I love Canada itself and the people of Canada.”

The President’s remarks come as his administration announced an additional 10 percent tariff on select Canadian goods and the suspension of all trade negotiations. The decision follows an advertising campaign in Canada that featured excerpts from a 1987 speech by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, criticizing tariff policies. President Trump described the ad as “fake” and “misleading.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Carney, speaking on the sidelines of a regional summit in Malaysia, extended an offer to resume dialogue, noting that Canada “stands ready to sit down with the United States when the U.S. is ready.” Carney also confirmed plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea to discuss bilateral trade relations.

The White House maintains that the administration’s trade policy aims to protect American industries and workers from unfair trade practices. President Trump emphasized that while he values the U.S.–Canada relationship, significant progress must be made on key trade areas, including steel, aluminum, and energy, before talks can resume.

“The United States will continue to prioritize fair trade and reciprocal economic relationships that benefit the American people,” the statement concluded.

27/10/2025

The Abia State Government has commenced full-scale enforcement of its directive relocating mechanics and artisans operating along major streets in Aba to the newly established Ovom Mechanic Cluster. The move follows the expiration of the October 15, 2025 deadline issued to traders and mechanics to vacate the streets and relocate their businesses to the government-approved site. A joint enforcement team, led by the Commissioner for Industry and Small & Medium Enterprises (SME), Mr....

The Abia State Government has commenced full-scale enforcement of its directive relocating mechanics and artisans operating along major streets in Aba to the newly established Ovom Mechanic Cluste…

27/10/2025

Group Commends N’Assembly Committee for Approving Additional State in South East

The Anioma State Creation Movement has hailed the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review for approving the proposal to create an additional state in the South-East geopolitical zone, describing it as a “bold and historic step” toward justice and balance in Nigeria’s federal structure.

The commendation followed reports that the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, endorsed the creation of a new state for the South-East during a two-day retreat held in Lagos over the weekend.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the group’s Media Director, Tonnie Oganah, the movement praised lawmakers for recognising what it called the region’s “legitimate demand for equity and inclusion” in Nigeria’s governance system.

“Anioma people support the proposal as the first step to equalising the Igbo nation in Nigeria,” the statement read.
“Just as Senator Ned Nwoko is working tirelessly to actualise the Anioma State creation this year, some political detractors who claim Anioma descent are attempting to frustrate this noble objective. However, the referendum will ultimately decide whether the majority of Anioma people truly desire their own state.”

The group described Senator Ned Nwoko as the “living convener” of the Anioma cause, crediting him for reviving the long-standing movement originally championed by Nigeria’s first Premier of the Mid-West Region, the late Dennis Osadebe.

It further argued that the creation of Anioma State would enhance political representation, foster economic growth, and ensure fairness across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“For fairness and stability, all six zones of Nigeria should have an equal number of seven states each, just like the Northwest. Anioma State creation should happen this year, along with five other new states,” the statement added.

On concerns about financial sustainability, the group dismissed claims that Nigeria cannot afford new states, insisting that the issue lies in poor resource management, not lack of funds.

“People say there is no money to create new states, but that is not true. The latest federal allocation was over ₦2 trillion. The issue is accountability. If public funds are properly managed for the people’s welfare, Nigeria will thrive,” Oganah said.

The group also reiterated Anioma’s cultural identity as part of the Igbo nation, noting linguistic and traditional similarities.

“Anioma people are largely Igbo. We speak Igbo, observe the four market days, wear the red cap, eat Akpu (cassava fufu), and bear Igbo names. Even though we have lived peacefully in the South-South, our cultural identity remains clear,” the statement concluded.

The movement described the National Assembly’s endorsement as “a renewed sign of hope for fairness, unity, and inclusion” in Nigeria’s political system, saying a balanced federation will strengthen national cohesion and prosperity.

27/10/2025

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Comrade Kenelayefa Stevens, has dismissed as unfounded and misleading the recent comments by the party’s former Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, predicting the APC’s collapse following recent defections. Nabena, in a recent interview, had claimed that the ruling party would implode at both state and national levels due to internal divisions and the defection of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to the APC....

27/10/2025

Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has criticised the legal strategy of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, describing his decision to forgo calling witnesses in his terrorism trial as a “very risky gamble.” Kanu, who is facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja, was expected to open his defence on Monday after the court adjourned the case on October 24....

27/10/2025

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that one person died while 26 others were rescued after a two-storey building collapsed early Monday at Coast Street, Oyingbo, Lagos. The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday afternoon, noting that the agency received a distress call at about 12:11 a.m. and immediately mobilised emergency responders to the scene....

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that one person died while 26 others were rescued after a two-storey building collapsed early Monday at Coast Street, Oyingbo, La…

27/10/2025

JAMB Clears 85 Underage Candidates for Exceptional University Admission

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that 85 underage candidates have successfully passed its rigorous screening for exceptional admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Monday by JAMB’s Head of Media, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Board said the cleared candidates — all under 16 years old as of September 2025 — were found academically qualified after a multi-stage evaluation process.

“After meticulous evaluation, 85 candidates who are adjudged to be qualified have been duly notified to proceed to their respective institutions to complete the admission process and print their individual JAMB admission letters,” the statement read.

Benjamin explained that the policy of exceptional admission aligns with global best practices, allowing rare cases of prodigious or accelerated learners to gain university entry under strict assessment.

According to JAMB, out of 2,031,133 applicants in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), 41,027 applied for consideration under the special category. Of these, 599 met the 80% UTME threshold and underwent further scrutiny of their academic records and post-UTME results.

Following verification, 182 candidates were shortlisted for final interviews, from which 85 were cleared for admission.

The Board also urged any of the shortlisted candidates who missed the final interview to file a formal request via its Support Ticketing System at https://support.jamb.gov.ng
under the category “2025 Underage Complaint.”

“Such complaints will be reviewed individually, and decisions will be made strictly on their own merits,” JAMB said.

Additionally, JAMB reopened a two-day window — ending Wednesday, October 29, 2025 — for candidates who scored 320 and above but were previously disqualified for failing to upload their O-Level results, to rectify the issue.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and academic integrity, stressing that exceptional admissions would remain rare and merit-based.

The development follows a recent policy directive by the Federal Ministry of Education, setting 18 years as the minimum age for tertiary admission — a decision that sparked nationwide debate and a pending court challenge.

27/10/2025

EPL: Gary Neville Tips Arsenal for Premier League Glory

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has backed Arsenal to win the Premier League title this season, describing the Gunners as the most consistent team in the campaign so far.

Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast on Monday, Neville said Mikel Arteta’s side may not need to reach the traditional 90- or 100-point benchmark to secure the championship, citing the competitive balance among the top teams this season.

Following their 1–0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, Arsenal sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League table. They lead Liverpool by seven points and are six ahead of Manchester City, who slipped to defeat against Aston Villa.

“This has got to be them, hasn’t it? This has got to be their year,” Neville said.
“This is the fourth season in a row I’ve backed them to win the league. They’re not much better than before, but they are consistent — and that’s what matters this season.
They don’t need 100 points or even 90 to win the league. A total in the mid or high 80s should be enough, and they can definitely achieve that.”

Neville’s remarks come as Arsenal continue their impressive form, having extended their lead at the summit after Eberechi Eze’s strike sealed a narrow win over his former club, Crystal Palace.