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Man Utd stumble late in Lyon after Onana’s costly errors

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Man Utd stumble late in Lyon after Onana’s costly errors

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana endured a night to forget as two costly mistakes allowed Lyon to snatch a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.

The Cameroon international allowed Thiago Almada’s soft free-kick to skip past him the day after being called “one of the worst goalkeepers” in United’s history in a pre-match spat involving the club’s former midfielder Nemanja Matic, now with Lyon.

Teenage defender Leny Yoro equalised just before half-time and Joshua Zirkzee’s header in the 88th minute looked to have won the game for United at Groupama Stadium.

But Onana failed to hold Georges Mikautadze’s low shot deep into stoppage time and Rayan Cherki poked home the rebound, leaving the tie in the balance ahead of the return clash at Trafford next week.

United ability to rebuild a squad in danger of the club’s worst top-flight finish since relegation in 1974, likely hinges on sealing a return to the Champions League.

Winning the Europa League is the only way they can qualify for the elite competition. Failure to do so is predicted to cost United at least £100 million ($127.6 million) at a time when the club’s financial headroom is already minimal.

In a measure of how far both clubs, particularly United have fallen, this was their first meeting since the last 16 of the 2007-08 Champions League.

Back then, both were at their peaks. United went on to win their third European crown. Lyon scooped the last of seven consecutive French titles.

Perhaps no player has encapsulated United’s domestic woes this term more than Rasmus Hojlund, whose five goals in Europe outnumber the three he’s managed in the Premier League.

The Denmark striker scuffed an inviting chance horribly wide from Patrick Dorgu’s cut-back as United gradually began to threaten, with Lyon defender Moussa Niakhate getting a key touch to divert a crisp Bruno Fernandes effort over the bar.

Any momentum United had built dissipated when Onana failed to keep out Almada’s free-kick. The goalkeeper was in the spotlight after Matic’s jibe.

The ex-United midfielder’s stinging rebuke came in response to Onana claiming the Red Devils were “way better” than their opponents, comments that manager Ruben Amorim insisted were taken out of context.

Having loudly jeered his every touch, Lyon fans revelled in Onana’s misfortune as he allowed Almada’s curling set-piece to bounce off his gloves and nestle in the far corner.

United equalised at the end of the half as Manuel Ugarte hooked the ball back into the box after Lucas Perri punched away Fernandes’ free-kick, and Yoro glanced home his first goal for the club.

Alexandre Lacazette sliced wide moments after coming on early in the second half following brilliant work from Mikautadze, who weaved past a series of defenders.

Corentin Tolisso pierced the United defence but shot tamely at Onana. Perri had to react sharply to tip over from Garnacho as the Argentine connected with Dorgu’s cross.

Casemiro headed the resulting corner narrowly wide before Lacazette blazed over another good chance for Lyon, but the drama was far from complete.

Zirkzee powered a header past Perri after a brilliant ball in from Fernandes only for United’s joy to be cut short in the fifth minute of added time when Cherki pounced on another Onana handling error to level.

Boko Haram: Borno is losing ground, says Zulum

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Boko Haram: Borno is losing ground, says Zulum

Governor Babagana Zulum has broken his silence, insisting that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost on daily basis without confrontation signalled that Borno State is losing ground.

The governor stated this on Tuesday at a Special Expanded Security Meeting (ESM) attended by the General Officer Commanding 7 Div, Major General Abubakar Haruna, Sector Commanders, Commissioner of Police, heads of other security agencies, Shehu of Borno, Alh. Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, Shehu of Bama, Emirs of Biu, Uba, Askira, Gwoza, while Shehu of Dikwa- and Emir of Shani were in absentia.

He said his administration has been very supportive of the military in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorists leading to relative peace in the last three years.

Zulum, however, lamented that the recent attacks and dislodgement of military formations in Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa local government, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, Izge in Gwoza local government areas among other related killings of innocent civilians and security agencies calls for serious concern and a set back in the fragile state of Borno and the North East region.

In his opening remarks, the governor commended the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for their unwavering support in the fight against Boko Haram.

He noted that more efforts have to be put in place through equipping and deploying of technological warfare to the military to stem the tide of all renewed attacks bedevilling parts of the Sahelian Borno which shares an international border with three African countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

“As I address this important gathering today, it is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost on a daily basis without confrontation signalled that Borno State is losing ground,” he stated.

“As you are all aware my administration has been very supportive of the military and other security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorists leading to relative peace in the last three years, it is disheartening to note the recent attacks and dislodgement of military formations in Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa local government, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, Izge in Gwoza local government areas among other related killing of innocent civilians and security agencies calls for serious concern, and it is a set back in the fragile state of Borno and the North East region.

“In as much as Borno Government under my leadership commend the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies for their unwavering support in the fight against Boko Haram, more efforts have to be put in place through equipping and deploying of technological warfare to the military to stem the tide of all renewed attacks bedevilling parts of the sahelian Borno which shares international border with three African countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon.”

Also contributing on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Shehu of Borno, hailed security agencies in the fight against terrorism, but emphasized that about three local government areas of Guzamala, Marte, Abbadam and some parts of Mobbar are still under the total control of Boko Haram, stressing that, most of these communities are without civil authority.

He also called on the Federal Government to reconstruct the dilapidated and deplorable Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri, Maiduguri-Dikwa-Ngala, Maiduguri-Monguno-Kukawa, and Biu-Damaturu federal roads, among others.

Arteta optimistic Arsenal can upset Real Madrid on ‘biggest night’ of career

Abdulquadir Muritala
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0
Arteta optimistic Arsenal can upset Real Madrid on ‘biggest night’ of career

Mikel Arteta has no doubt that Arsenal can upset Real Madrid on the “biggest night” of his career in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Gunners have never been crowned European champions and face the 15-time winners in a quarter-final at the Emirates on Tuesday with the return leg in Madrid next week.

The two sides have met only twice in European competition, in the last 16 of the 2005/06 Champions League, where Arsenal came out on top.

“It is 100 percent the biggest night of my career,” Arteta, in charge at the Emirates since 2019, told reporters on Monday.

“That’s why I came into football, and that’s why I came into management and especially to this football club.”

The Spaniard, who also captained Arsenal, added: “It’s been 20 years since we had this type of game and for us, it’s a great opportunity to build our own story and this is what we’re here for.

“The excitement around the club, the people, and the magnitude of this match. This is the stage we want to be at, and where Arsenal has to be consistently. We are very proud to be there, and now be very ready tomorrow to deliver.

“At 8:00 pm (1900 GMT) tomorrow night, 11 players, 60,000 fans, I am really super-convinced that we are ready to win and to beat them. That’s the mindset that I want.”

The Champions League represents Arsenal’s best chance of a trophy this season, with the Gunners 11 points adrift of leaders Liverpool in the Premier League.

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Arsenal were beaten at the same stage of the Champions League last season by Bayern Munich.

But Arteta, expected to start Bukayo Saka for the first time in more than three months on Tuesday, said it was time to write a new script.

“There is a massive gap there for so many years when nothing has happened in this football club in relation to European competitions,” he said.

“And we need to change that, and we need to change that quickly. It is just the first leg, but the intention of the team and what we want to achieve tomorrow is very clear. We’re going to go for it.”

Jurrien Timber and Ben White, who played an hour in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Everton on Saturday, are both set to be available, with Jakub Kiwior a possibility to line up alongside William Saliba in the absence of the injured Gabriel.

Kwara shortlists 1,800 for teaching jobs

Abdulquadir Muritala
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0
Kwara shortlists 1,800 for teaching jobs

The Kwara State Teaching Service Commission has shorlisted 1,800 applicants for teaching appointments in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued by the commission’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onile, made available to newsmen in Ilorin.

Onile said that the shortlisted applicants emerged from a screening, which included computer-based test, and interviews spanning over three months.

”The shortlisted comprises 790 (44%) for STEM subjects; 581 for core subjects; 370 for specialised subjects; and 59 for technical subjects.

”They will be assigned to senior secondary schools across the 16 local government areas of the state in line with the needs assessment of the commission,” he said.

Onile advised applicants who appeared for the interviews to check their status on the portal, adding “those shortlisted will undergo a mandatory drug test to ascertain their suitability to teach children.

”The drug test will be carried out by the NDLEA and will be coordinated by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drugs Abuse, Prevention and Control, Hon. Mukail Aileru.

”The test will begin on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, and end on Saturday April 12, 2025. Shortlisted candidates from Baruten, Edu, Kaiama, and Patigi are slated for Wednesday.

“Those from Ekiti, Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin will be tested on Thursday, April 10; Offa, Oke Ero, Oyun, and Moro are slated for Friday, April 11, while the candidates from Asa, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, and Ilorin West are to have theirs on Saturday.

“The drug test certificates will be sent to the commission by the NDLEA as no candidate is allowed to access it on their own to curb altering,” he said.

The official said that successful applicants would also sign a bond not to seek transfer for six years, a policy response to the dearth of teachers in rural areas.

“Shortlisted applicants are to also come with medical certificates from any state government hospital as well as the original copies of their credentials for documentation, during which they will be required to drop photocopies of same for record purposes.

“They will also submit handwritten letters of acceptance of the job offer, while other conditions of service will be spelt out during the documentation process,” Onile added.

PROFILE: Meet the new Alaafin of Oyo Oba Owoade

Abdulquadir Muritala
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PROFILE: Meet the new Alaafin of Oyo Oba Owoade

Oba Abimbola Owoade has been crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

He succeeded the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.

Born 47 years ago to a prominent and royal family of Owoade-Agunloye in Oyo Town, the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, is one of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade, Agure Compound, in the ancient Oyo Town.

Read Also:Atiku denies dumping PDP

Oba Owoade completed his Secondary School education at Baptist High School, Saki.

His father worked with the Oyo North Agricultural Development Programme (ONADEP), helping the Oke-Ogun Community boost its Agricultural Productivity.

Oba Owoade studied Mechanical Engineering at Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State, for his National Diploma from 1994-1997 and Higher National Diploma at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, from 1999-2001.

He did his NYSC with Nigeria Gas Company as a Mechanical Intern/Planner in 2002. He worked with Oceanic Bank International Plc in Warri as a Cashier from 2003-2004.

He attended the University of Sunderland (2008) and Northumbria University(2012), from where he earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering.

He became certified in Project Management in June 2015 (PMP holder). He held a Planning Engineering position at Oil Reach Company, Glasgow, United Kingdom, for some years before moving to Canada.

Oba Owoade 1, until the royal mantle fell on his shoulder, was the Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, Canada, one of the largest electric power and natural gas utility providers in Canada.

He is a Nigerian and Canadian Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and President of Manitoba Limited. and owned a real estate investment and financial services business in Manitoba, Canada.

Education Minister mulls extension of NYSC to two years

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Education Minister mulls extension of NYSC to two years

The Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, has pushed for the extension of the national service scheme from one to two years.

The minister stated this on Saturday when the Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.

Read Also:JAMB opens portal for 2025 UTME-mock exam slip printing

Alausa said the duration of the scheme can be extended with the expansion of NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Training programme content for corps members.

“You have done so well as an organization. Let NYSC give people more opportunity to become job creators that will meet the needs of the country”, he said, according to a statement by NYSC spokesperson, Caroline Embu.

He also hailed the scheme for resolving the lingering issue of ordinary national diploma part-time graduates with full-time higher national diploma who were previously exempted from national service.

He advocated the deployment of more graduate teachers to serve in rural schools, saying this would fill the manpower gap in the schools.

Speaking earlier, NYSC boss called for the establishment of a database of Nigerian youths going abroad to study for degree programmes, adding that this would help the government and other stakeholders in the education sector to have detailed records of Nigerian students studying abroad and also eliminate fake graduates.

“NYSC is ready to comply with policy guidelines as directed by the Federal Government. We are also trying to reform the Scheme to conform with the present national needs,” he said.

Responding, Alausa stated that efforts are on-going in the ministry to digitise the verification of foreign trained graduates of Nigerian origin.

He said the ministry and NYSC would further strengthen their alliance towards the improvement of education for national development.

Spotify royalty payout to Nigerian, South African artists boom in 2024

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Spotify royalty payout to Nigerian, South African artists boom in 2024

Spotify’s royalty payments to artists from Nigeria and South Africa – its two biggest African markets – increased to around $59 million last year.

The audio streaming giant paid out some $10 billion in royalties worldwide in 2024 as performers rode a wave of growing interest in music from the continent.

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And while Africa represents only a small part of its offering, interest in African artists has ballooned, buoyed in part by internationally recognised acts like South African singer Tyla and Nigeria’s Burna Boy.

Nigerian artists received over 58 billion Nigerian naira ($38 million) in royalties last year, more than double the 2023 figure.

Royalties for South African performers reached 400 million rand ($21 million), up 54% year-on-year.

Much of that came from outside their home markets. Nigerian artists have seen a 49% increase in export growth over the past three years, while South Africa saw export growth of 104%.

Around 250 million user-created playlists now feature at least one Nigerian artist, and 220 million contain a South African, the Swedish company said on Thursday.

“What we’re seeing is an excellent evolution around more and more mid-tier or up-and-coming artists making a living,” said Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s managing director for Sub-Saharan Africa.

The number of Nigerian artists earning N10m, meanwhile, doubled year-on-year and has tripled since 2022.

In South Africa, the number of those earning between 100,000 and 500,000 rand has doubled over the past three years.

Atiku denies dumping PDP

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Atiku denies dumping PDP

Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed reports claiming he has resigned from the party, describing them as malicious lies and a calculated political smear campaign.

The rebuttal came through a statement issued on Friday by Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, in response to widespread speculation fueled by a post on a Facebook page known as ‘Adamawa Happenings’.

Read Also:Tinubu appoints Ayo Sotinrin as Bank of Agriculture MD

The post alleged that Atiku had dumped the PDP, prompting concerns among his supporters and the wider public.

Ibe categorically refuted the claim, calling it a “crude, shameless political hatchet job” designed to cause confusion and mislead Nigerians.

“Atiku Abubakar has not — we repeat, has not — resigned from the PDP,” the statement read. “He remains a steadfast, bona fide, and loyal member of the party.”

The statement described the Facebook report as the work of “faceless political operatives” bent on sowing discord within the opposition party and destabilizing Atiku’s support base.

It urged Nigerians and party faithful to ignore what it termed a “malicious fabrication” lacking any credibility or factual basis.

“This is not just fake news – it is a vile, vexatious ploy that deserves nothing but contempt,” Ibe added.

Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007 and has contested for the presidency multiple times, remains one of the PDP’s most prominent figures and a leading voice in opposition politics.

His camp emphasized that he remains firmly committed to the PDP’s ideals and to the democratic aspirations of the Nigerian people.

The false resignation rumour comes amid ongoing political realignments and speculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, where Atiku is widely seen as a potential contender once again.

Tinubu appoints Ayo Sotinrin as Bank of Agriculture MD

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Tinubu appoints Ayo Sotinrin as Bank of Agriculture MD

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr. Ayo Sotinrin as the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), with immediate effect.

The appointment was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Sotinrin, a seasoned finance and agribusiness expert, brings a wealth of experience from both the private and public sectors.

Before his appointment, he served as the Group Chief Executive Officer at SAO Group, where he spearheaded several groundbreaking agricultural projects, including the development of a 20,000-hectare oil palm plantation and large-scale poultry, aquaculture, maize, and cassava operations in Ondo State.

The new BOA MD also has an extensive background in development finance.

As the head of SAO Capital, he facilitated the raising of over $750 million in infrastructure and development funding, including the landmark $200 million Akure Water Supply Project. His expertise spans strategic financial planning and investment mobilization for critical sectors.

Read Also:Circular introducing new ₦5,000, ₦10,000 notes is fake — CBN

In the public sector, Sotinrin previously served as Special Adviser on Environment and Urban Development to the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory from 2011 to 2015. Additionally, he has worked as a consultant for international development agencies such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Department for International Development, and the United States Agency for International Development. His international banking experience includes roles at the Royal Bank of Scotland International, Deutsche Bank, and the UK Environment Agency.

His educational credentials include an Executive MBA from Saïd Business School, Oxford University, an Advanced Diploma in Environmental Conservation, and a Master’s degree in Engineering Business Management from Warwick University.

Tinubu emphasised that Sotinrin’s appointment aligns with his administration’s vision of revitalising Nigeria’s agricultural sector to enhance food security and economic growth.

“Mr. Sotinrin’s proven ability to mobilise capital, innovate in agribusiness, and collaborate across sectors will be instrumental in repositioning the Bank of Agriculture as a catalyst for food security, sovereignty, and rural prosperity,” the President stated.

The Bank of Agriculture plays a critical role in Nigeria’s economic development, particularly in providing financial support to farmers and agribusinesses. The appointment of Sotinrin is expected to strengthen the institution’s capacity to drive investments in modern agriculture, improve access to financing for smallholder farmers, and boost Nigeria’s food production and rural development.

With his background in both private investment and public sector advisory, stakeholders in the agricultural sector anticipate that Sotinrin will bring fresh strategies to reposition BOA for greater impact. His leadership is expected to support the government’s broader economic agenda, which includes leveraging agriculture as a key driver of national prosperity.

Sotinrin’s immediate focus will likely be on implementing policies to improve farmers’ access to affordable credit, enhancing the bank’s operational efficiency, and fostering partnerships with both local and international investors to strengthen Nigeria’s agribusiness ecosystem.

His appointment signals the Tinubu administration’s renewed commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape by leveraging expertise and financial resources to drive sustainable development and economic diversification.

PSG coach Luis Enrique targets unbeaten season

Abdulquadir Muritala
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PSG coach Luis Enrique targets unbeaten season

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique said Friday the prospect of completing the Ligue 1 season undefeated provided extra motivation for his team as they stand on the brink of securing another French title.

PSG are 21 points clear of nearest challengers Monaco with seven games remaining, meaning a draw at home to Angers on Saturday will be enough for them to be confirmed as champions already.

Read Also:Barcelona beat Atletico to set up Clasico copa del rey final

Luis Enrique’s side remain unbeaten after 27 games and therefore on course to become the first in French top-flight history to complete the campaign without losing a single match.

“There are records which did not interest me until today, but from now on I don’t think there is a better source of motivation for us than trying to remain unbeaten for the whole league season,” the Spanish coach told reporters at PSG’s training base outside Paris on Friday.

“We are already virtually champions, and keeping this unbeaten run going will help us to be ready in the French Cup, the final of which takes place at the end of May, and in the Champions League if we manage to get to the semi-finals.”

Even if PSG lose against Angers, they can still be confirmed as title winners on Saturday if Monaco lose at Brest later.

The Parisians are on course to match last season’s achievement of sweeping all the domestic honours after they beat second-tier Dunkerque 4-2 in the French Cup semi-finals in midweek.

They will play top-flight strugglers Reims in the final on May 24.

PSG will also face Aston Villa in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, with the first leg at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

The closest any French side has come to an unbeaten season remains Nantes, who went undefeated through their first 32 games before losing their only game on the way to winning the title in 1994/95.

That was a 38-game season, while PSG will only play 34 matches in this campaign, with the league having recently been reduced from 20 clubs to 18.

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