Author: Daily Post Nigeria

The stage is set for the Premier League match of the weekend as Liverpool hosts Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

The kick-off for the Premier League match is at 12.30 pm, Nigerian time.

Both teams head to the game after losing their last matches in the Premier League.

Liverpool lost 3-2 against Manchester United, while Chelsea lost 3-1 against Nottingham Forest.

The Reds currently sit in fourth position on the Premier League table with 58 points from 35 games, while the Blues occupy the 9th position with 48 points from 35 games

However, if Chelsea loses to Liverpool, they risk dropping to 12th place on the Premier League table, effectively killing their hopes of qualifying for the top-five Champions League spots.

Conversely, a win for Liverpool would secure their spot in the Champions League, allowing them to consolidate a top-four finish as they edge toward the end of the season.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot will welcome back Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in his squad as both players are in contention to play.

Liverpool’s third goalkeeper, Freddie Woodman, is expected to play as Alison Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili are both injured.

Mohamad Salah remains out as well. Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, and Wataru Endo are also out due to various long-term injuries.

Chelsea, on the other hand, will be without Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho as both players are still dealing with knocks.

Jamie Gittens and Estêvão are both dealing with longer-term injuries.

EPL: Liverpool aim to end Chelsea’s Champions League hope in epic clash

Manchester United icon, Nicky Butt has told Mikel Arteta to exclude Arsenal striker, Viktor Gyokeres from the lineup for the Champions League final against PSG.

The Gunners have reached the Champions League final for only the second time in their history and the first time in two decades, having defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals.

PSG are considered strong favorites to defend their title as European champions after overcoming Bayern Munich 6-5 over two legs in the other semi-final. Butt expresses skepticism about Arteta’s squad being able to overcome Luis Enrique’s team.

In a conversation with Paddy Power via Goal, Butt pointed out the Premier League leaders’ deficiency in counter-attacking capabilities as the primary reason for their lack of prospects against PSG.

He stated, “I don’t see anyone defeating PSG. Arsenal lacks any counter-attacking threat; they do not possess anyone who can do that with speed.”

Butt said that the Ligue 1 giants have a 70 percent probability of winning the trophy in Budapest. 

He acknowledged that Arsenal must adopt a defensive posture and play conservatively to have a chance on the counter. Nevertheless, Butt emphasized that Gyokeres should be substituted for Leandro Trossard for this strategy to be effective.

He added, “I would consider PSG to be significant favorites, 70-30. When they find their rhythm, no one can stop them. I can envision Arsenal’s game plan – to sit back, play tightly, and defend well. 

“However, they will need to utilize Leandro Trossard because he is the only player with pace. If they opt for Viktor Gyokeres, he lacks the ability to counter-attack, which will lead to difficulties.”

Gyokeres has been performing exceptionally well lately. He netted a goal in the first leg against Atletico Madrid and scored twice against Fulham last weekend.

The Sweden international will be eager to participate in the prestigious European final after transferring from Sporting in a £64 million deal last summer.

UCL final: Nicky Butt names player Arteta should drop, predicts winner of Arsenal vs PSG

Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Fani-Kayode, and Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Omokri, have said power can’t return to the North in 2027.

In a statement on Saturday, both ambassador-desigantes said the North enjoyed two full uninterrupted terms under former President Muhammadu Buhari, with southern support, hence the South South be allowed to continue till 2031.

They said the South’s stay in power is not incidental but deliberate.

The statement reads partly: “We further affirm that, having completed and made full and unfettered use of two terms of four years, under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, Northern Nigeria, with the support of patriots from Southern Nigeria, had its full, uninterrupted, and undisturbed tenure in this power rotation arrangement.

“We view it as unpatriotic and inimical to the unity, equilibrium, and progress of Nigeria for anyone to even conceive of power returning to Northern Nigeria after only one term of four years, during which it was domiciled in Southern Nigeria.

“Not just in Southern Nigeria, but in the specific hands of the man who was the chief architect for the return of power to the North in 2015.”

Backing the second term of Tinubu, they said: “In view of recent political events, it has become necessary and expedient for us, Ambassadors Designate Chief Femi Fani-Kayode and Bemigho Reno Omokri, to state categorically that we believe it is in the best interest of the stability, unity, and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and in keeping with the Gentleman’s Agreement, which ushered in our Fourth Republic in 1999, after sixteen years of turbulence and political instability, for there to be a balanced and orderly rotation of power in Nigeria, between the North and the South.”

Tinubu: Fani-Kayode, Omokri reject power return to North in 2027

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with United States Vice President J.D. Vance and the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio in Washington.

The meeting was held at the residence of Vance.

According to a statement by Secure Nigeria, a social media platform focused on security issues, the discussions centered on strengthening cooperation between both countries in the fight against terrorism in West Africa, including threats by Boko Haram and ISIS amid ongoing attacks.

“This week, Nigeria’s National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu (@NuhuRibadu), met with Vice President J.D. Vance (@JDVance) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (@SecRubio), reinforcing a decisive U.S.-Nigeria partnership to confront terrorism in West Africa.

“@officiaLABAT is grateful for @realDonaldTrump’s partnership and continued U.S. training and intelligence support as Nigerian forces intensify operations to dismantle terrorist networks, protect Nigerian Christians, and defend all vulnerable communities.

“Africa’s largest democracy isn’t wavering. Nigeria stands as a frontline U.S. partner against ISIS, Boko Haram, and rising terror threats across the Sahel.

“This fight is winnable and together the U.S. and Nigeria intend to finish it,” it reads.

NSA Ribadu meets United States VP Vance, Rubio in Washington

Former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Friday received the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in Abuja, where both men discussed the state of the nation and the outlook for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The meeting, according to a statement issued by Mohammed Hayatu-Deen Media Office on Saturday, reflected the longstanding relationship between the two men, who previously worked together during Jonathan’s administration.

Hayatu-Deen had served as a member of the National Council on Privatization and chaired the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) when Jonathan was Vice President. He also later served on the Presidential Advisory Committee during Jonathan’s tenure as Acting President and subsequently as President.

The statement noted that Hayatu-Deen recently obtained his ADC presidential nomination form from the party’s national secretariat and formally informed Jonathan of his decision to seek the presidency in 2027.

During the visit, Hayatu-Deen praised Jonathan’s contributions to democratic governance and electoral integrity across Africa, describing the former president as a respected statesman on the continent.

Jonathan, in response, warmly welcomed the ADC aspirant and wished him success in his political journey.

Hayatu-Deen’s media office described the economist and banker as a seasoned public and private sector professional whose four-decade career has contributed to job creation and institutional reforms across the country.

The statement added that Hayatu-Deen intends to leverage his experience to address insecurity, reduce the rising cost of living and create employment opportunities for Nigerians if elected president.

Jonathan receives ADC presidential aspirant, Hayatu-Deen

African champions, Super Falcons of Nigeria will embark on a training tour in the United Kingdom later this month, DAILY POST reports.

The training tour will serve as part of the Super Falcons preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The 10-time African champions will engage in one friendly during the camping exercise which will hold from May 23 to 28, according to Savid News.

Head coach Justine Madugu will use the opportunity to assess new players, with majority of the key stars expected to miss out due to club commitments.

The Super Falcons were due to face Cape Verde in double header friendlies at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne last month.

The fixtures were, however, called off after Cape Verde announced they would not honour them.

Madugu’s side are expected to engage in friendlies during the next FIFA international window scheduled for June 7 to 14.

WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons to embark on UK tour 

The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, has enforced the suspension of Wikki Tourists defender, Abubakar Aliyu.

Aliyu has accumulated five yellow cards the season, the latest was in the 3-1 defeat against Ikorodu City on Tuesday.

The defender will now miss the Bauchi Elephants matchday 37 encounter against Rivers United on Sunday.

The league body backed the center referee Joseph Ogabor for his decision despite criticism from Wikki Tourists.

The punishment was communicated to Wikki Tourists in a statement signed for the Chief Operating Officer by x Stanley Ike-Richard.

The league body reminded Wikki Tourists that the referee has full authority to enforcing the laws of the game in connection with the match appointed for.

NPFL: Wikki Tourists’ Aliyu suspended for Rivers United clash 

 Nigeria National League, NNL, Chairman, George Aluo has commended the organization and quality of the 2025-26 Super Four playoff.

 Aluo said the event marked a significant upgrade for the second-tier league.

DAILY POST reports that the tournament took place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

“The ambiance is excellent. This stadium is world-class outside of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, it’s the best in the country,” Aluo stated to the media.

“The pitch is fantastic, and the teams are playing good, competitive football.

“The referees have done a great job, officiating in a relaxed but professional atmosphere. Everything has come together well, and I’m really impressed.”

Sporting Lagos were crowned the champions of the competition.

NNL: Aluo praises standard of 2026 Super Four playoff

The equities market bounced back from its bearish trend on Friday, ending the week on a bullish note as investors raked in N3.24 trillion in gains. 

Accordingly, the All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 5,041.22 points, or 2.10 percent, to settle at 244,775.83, up from 239,734.61 posted in the previous trading session.

Consequently, the year-to-date return rose to 57.30 percent, while market breadth closed positive as well, recording 45 gainers against 31 losers.

On the gainers chart, Dangote Cement, Cadbury, Mecure, Neimeth, and Livingtrust Mortgage led by 10 percent each, settling at N1,088, N72.60, N72.60, N9.90, and N3.52 per share, respectively.

On the flip side, UACN and Industrial and Medical Gases led the losers’ chart by 10 percent each, finishing at N171 and N42.30 per share, respectively.

In the same vein, Eterna fell by 9.93 percent, closing at N33.55; Learn Africa dipped by 9.89 percent, ending the session at N8.20; and Deap Capital Management shed 9.69 percent, settling at N5.50 per share.

Further analysis showed that market activity declined for the day, as total volume traded fell by 36.89 percent to 1.16 billion shares valued at N59.80 billion in 72,733 deals.

Access Corporation emerged as the most traded stock by volume, with 104.43 million shares exchanged, accounting for 9.04 percent of the day’s total volume.

MTN Nigeria led in value terms with transactions worth N7.39 billion, representing 12.35 percent of the total value traded. 

Nigerian stock market bounces back, investors record massive N3.24tn gains

Former Big Brother Naija All Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, has sparked widespread concern among fans after appearing in an emotional live video in the early hours of Saturday, allegedly showing her being assaulted by unidentified men.

In the video, which has since circulated widely across social media platforms, the reality TV star was seen visibly distressed, crying, and repeatedly pleading for help while showing noticeable swelling on her face.

During the livestream, Ilebaye called on people around her to assist her as the disturbing situation unfolded.

“Come and open the door, I want to be going,” she was heard saying, while at other moments she screamed, “Please come and help me.”

As of the time of filing this report, the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged assault remain unclear, and it has not been officially confirmed whether the incident was reported to law enforcement authorities.

The viral footage has sparked widespread reactions online, with fans, supporters, and social media users expressing deep concern for her well-being while calling for a full investigation into the incident.

Neither Ilebaye nor her management team has issued an official statement clarifying the events or providing additional details regarding the situation.

BBNaija Star Goes Live Pleading For Help Over Alleged Attack is first published on The Whistler Newspaper