Author: Akintayo Adams

Holders Real Madrid will face Liverpool away and host Borussia Dortmund in the new league stage of the revamped UEFA Champions League, replicating matchups from last season’s final. The draw for this season took place on Thursday, August 27, 2024. This season introduces a new format, with 36 teams pooled together into one league rather than being divided into groups. Each team will play eight matches against eight different opponents. Key Dates for the 2024/25 Champions League: League Stage: Knockout Stage: Earlier, it was reported that Cristiano Ronaldo, the UEFA Champions League all-time top scorer was honored with a special…

Football Megastar Cristiano Ronaldo was honored with an award by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin for his outstanding contributions to football during his time in Europe. Ronaldo received this special accolade on Thursday, August 27, 2024, at the live draw of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season. The award recognizes Ronaldo’s achievement as the all-time leading goal-scorer in the Champions League, with 140 goals in 183 matches, a record set across his remarkable career at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. His legacy as the top scorer reflects his unmatched skill, dedication, and drive in the competition. Ronaldo’s accomplishments continue to…

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has left the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) office in Abuja after spending just over an hour with police officials. He had arrived at the IRT command in Guzape at 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, accompanied by renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana. Ajaero had been summoned for questioning over alleged links to terrorism financing, cybercrime, and other charges. Though he did not speak to journalists at the IRT headquarters, he mentioned that he would address the media at the NLC headquarters later. The police invitation, issued last week, required Ajaero to…

Afam Osigwe has officially assumed office as the 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in a ceremony held in Lagos. Osigwe, who was elected in July 2023, took over from Yakubu Maikyau and has pledged to ensure the NBA remains a powerful voice in the country’s democratic process. In his inaugural speech, Osigwe highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law and holding both federal and state governments accountable. He expressed gratitude to the members of the NBA for their trust, committing to advancing the interests of both the legal profession and Nigerian society. “Under my watch,…

Liverpool have completed the signing of Federico Chiesa from Juventus for an initial £10 million. The 26-year-old Italy international winger has signed a four-year deal at Anfield, marking the first outfield signing under new Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Chiesa, who has 51 caps for Italy and featured in Euro 2024, arrives after four seasons and 131 appearances with Juventus. Following his medical and the finalization of a long-term deal, Chiesa expressed his excitement, telling Liverpoolfc.com, “I’m so happy to be a Liverpool player… I know the history of this club, I know what it represents to the fans. So, I’m…

Kylian Mbappe’s X account was hacked early Thursday, leading to a series of controversial tweets that have since been deleted but continue to stir reactions. The posts included insults aimed at Lionel Messi, with one tweet stating, “Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest football player of all time. The midget [Lionel Messi] is NOT my goat.” The hackers also hinted at a transfer to Manchester United and took shots at Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, further fueling speculation and drama on social media. Additionally, the hack is reported to be linked to the ‘MBAPPE’ crypto token, with its value spiking briefly before…

Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has arrived at the Headquarters of the Intelligence Response Team to honor a police invitation on Thursday morning. Ajaero, accompanied by prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and a group of workers, was seen leaving the Labour House in Abuja as they headed to the police station. The police summon follows allegations of terrorism financing, which both Ajaero and the NLC have strongly denied. A video captured the moment Ajaero and his entourage walked out of Labour House, flanked by workers and journalists, en route to the station for questioning.…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has lifted the suspension on banks borrowing from its Standing Lending Facility (SLF), a move aimed at stabilizing liquidity in the financial system. This decision follows the outcomes of the 296th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. In a statement issued by Omolara Duke, Director of the Financial Markets Department, on August 26, 2024, the CBN adjusted the upper corridor of the standing facilities, raising it from 1.00% to 5.00% above the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), effectively setting the lending rate at 31.75%. Authorised dealers can now submit SLF requests via the Scripless Securities Settlement…

A 36-year-old woman, identified as Abiola, tragically passed away while undergoing a buttocks enlargement procedure at a clinic in Lekki-Phase 1, Lagos State. The incident occurred around 3 pm on Monday, as confirmed by authorities. According to sources, Abiola had left her residence in Diamond Estate, Sangotedo, and instructed her driver to take her to the clinic for the procedure. Upon arrival, the clinic owner directed a nurse to administer an injection to her. Shortly after receiving the injection, Abiola reportedly lost consciousness and began gasping for breath. Efforts were made to save her by rushing her to a nearby…

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigerian Communications Commission has announced September 14, 2024, as the final deadline for Nigerians to link their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs). This was contained in a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, on Wednesday. “To ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, the NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024. “Effective September 15, 2024, the commission expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN.…