Author: Tribune Online

As the race for the 2027 gubernatorial ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) heats up, the Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District of Bauchi State, Shehu Buba Umar, on Saturday formally declared his intention to contest for the party’s ticket in the primary election. Shehu Buba Umar made the declaration at his homestead […]

Former Premier League goalkeeper, Shay Given has conveyed his admiration for the attributes of Nigerian winger, Samuel Chukwueze following Fulham’s goalless draw against Brentford on Saturday.

Chukwueze, currently on loan at Fulham from AC Milan, was brought onto the field before the break after his fellow countryman, Alex Iwobi had to leave due to a suspected hamstring injury.

In a discussion on Premier League Productions, Given emphasized Chukwueze’s offensive capabilities and expressed hope regarding his impact on the match.

“Chukwueze has entered the game. I like him as well; he is a genuinely attacking player. You can expect to see similar link-up play in the second half,” Given remarked.

“At the very least, a bit of excitement is needed because the first half has been quite lackluster. Keane Lewis-Potter had a significant opportunity just before half-time to give Brentford the advantage but failed to capitalize on it,” he added.

Despite Chukwueze’s entry, Fulham could not secure a goal, resulting in a draw as they aimed to bounce back from their recent loss to Liverpool.

Since joining Craven Cottage, the Nigerian international has made a notable impact, scoring three goals and providing four assists in 19 league matches.

Chukwueze’s performances have reportedly led the Premier League side contemplating a permanent transfer at the end of the season.

EPL: ‘I like him’ – Ex-England goalkeeper, Shay Given hails Chukwueze

Veteran gospel musician and respected minister, Pastor Joseph Adekunle, popularly known as Baba Ayewa, has revealed that the evergreen gospel song “Amona Tete Má Bọ̀” will officially mark 42 years in November 2026. Baba Ayewa made this known while reflecting on the lasting spiritual and cultural impact of the song, which has remained one of […]

The prize money Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid will receive following the Copa del Rey final has been revealed.

Recall that Real Sociedad defeated Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 draw at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville, Spain, on Saturday night.

Ander Barrenetxea put Real Sociedad in front in the first minute, but Ademola Lookman equalized for Diego Simeone’s side.

Mikel Oyarzabal then gave Sociedad the lead a few minutes later before Julian Alvarez restored parity in the second half.

However, according to the Diaro AS, the Royal Spanish Football Federation will pay the winners, Real Sociedad, around €1,200,000 for winning the trophy.

Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, will receive €1 million for finishing as runner‑up.

Copa del Rey final: Prize money for Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid revealed

Chelsea manager, Liam Rosenior has clarified the choice not to appoint Enzo Fernandez as captain during Reece James’ absence.

Chelsea experienced a 1-0 loss to Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday, with the Argentine donning the captain’s armband.

James is presently sidelined due to a hamstring injury he incurred in March 2026. The England international has been largely unavailable this season due to injuries.

In his absence, Fernandez, who was just returning from a two-match suspension following a controversial interview, temporarily wore the captain’s armband.

However, Rosenior stated that the team already has a designated group of players for leadership roles.

“The decision is that we have a leadership group. I believe that wearing the armband is a privilege for this club,” Rosenior remarked.

“Enzo performed like a captain today. I thought he was outstanding; he exerted himself fully, gave his all, played offensively, and was unfortunate not to score on a few occasions.

“I think that reflects his commitment to the team throughout this period. I am extremely pleased with his performance and with him, even though we did not achieve the result we felt we deserved or needed tonight.”

Rosenior also disclosed that Willian Estevao was in tears at halftime after sustaining a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Estevao experienced discomfort in the first half of the match and required immediate assistance from Chelsea’s medical staff before being substituted by Alejandro Garnacho.

The Brazilian international has already missed six matches this season due to a hamstring problem, and the 18-year-old may now face another extended period on the sidelines.

“He was heartbroken; he was crying at halftime,” Rosenior commented following Chelsea’s defeat.

“I feel really sorry for him; it appears to be a hamstring issue. It happened at a moment when he was breaking through on goal and pulled his hamstring then.”

EPL: ‘Why I can’t name Fernandez Chelsea captain’ – Rosenior

Winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7, Phyna Otabor, has proudly flaunted her banging new body after undergoing a successful Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), making it clear that she owes no one any explanation for her decision. The reality star confidently addressed critics while showing off her slimmer waistline and flat tummy, stressing that she […]

Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes, on Saturday, made history after providing an assist in his side’s Premier League 1-0 win against Chelsea.

Manchester United defeated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge thanks to Matheus Cunha’s only goal of the encounter.

Fernandes provided the assist for Cunha’s first half goal goal against the Blues as the Red Devils claimed all three points.

According to OptaJoe, Fernandes’ assist means the Portuguese is just the fourth player to reach 10 assists in Premier League away games in a season after Muzzy Izzet in 2003-04 (10), Cesc Fabregas in 2014-15 (11) and Mohamed Salah in 2024-25 (11).

Fernandes has been impressive for Man United since moving to Old Trafford from Sporting CP in 2020.

The 31-year-old attacking midfielder will now hope to lead Michael Carrick’s side to victory when they face Brentford on Monday.

EPL: Bruno Fernandes enters history book after Man Utd’s 1-0 win against Chelsea

Iran says it is far off from peace deal with the United States as the two-week ceasefire set to end on Wednesday.

Speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, made this statement in a televised address on Saturday, stating that there are many gaps and some fundamental points remaining.

“We are still far from the final discussion,” said Ghalibaf, who led the Iranian delegation during the first round of talks in Pakistan last Saturday.

According to him, Iran had been victorious in the field during weeks of war and had only agreed to a temporary truce with the United States because its demands had been met.

“If we accepted the ceasefire, it was because they accepted our demands,” he said.

The parliament speaker added that the US had not achieved its goals and Iran controlled the strategic Strait of Hormuz maritime transit route.

Strait of Hormuz: We’re far from peace deal with US – Iran

Senator Ayodele Arise, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State and an aspirant for the Ekiti North senatorial ticket, has raised concerns over the overbearing posture of governors ahead of the party’s primaries to pick its candidates. Taiwo Amodu brings excerpts from an interactive session with him. IN recent times, you […]

The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has said that Nigeria and Türkiye have reached an agreement for the immediate deployment of 200 Nigerian Special Forces for training in Türkiye.

Musa disclosed this in an interview on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2026) in Antalya, Türkiye, on Saturday, following discussions with his Turkish counterpart, Yasar Guler.

The three-day forum, themed: “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties,” which started on Friday, is attended by world leaders, ministers, and diplomats, among others.

The minister explained that following the agreement, Türkiye had allocated a training quota of 200 personnel from Nigeria’s Special Forces, who will be immediately deployed on his return to Nigeria.

“We have a Special Forces training agreement. Türkiye has agreed to give us 200 Special Forces training, so as soon as I return, we are sending them here for training.

“We will continue to do a lot. There will be exercises. The first exercise is coming up later in the year. So, in so many areas of defence we are going to work together,” he said.

The minister also disclosed that Nigeria and Türkiye had both agreed on joint defence equipment production and the transfer of military technology.

Musa said that Nigeria and Türkiye had come a long way, working together over the years, adding that, “since 1960 Türkiye has been like family to Nigeria.”

According to him, Türkiye has a lot of defence experience from which Nigeria could learn through shared experiences.

“I’ve had a meeting with the Turkish Minister of Defence, where we shared a lot of ideas on how to improve on our relationship, defence-wise.

“Türkiye has improved dramatically with regard to the production of military hardware.

“Nigeria is still developing, and we have agreed that we are going to partner together so that we have a co-production of some of these items,” he said.

The minister noted that while Nigeria had been fighting asymmetric warfare against insurgency for about 17 years, Türkiye has had a similar experience of fighting against terrorism for 40 years.

He added: “Because of that, we will move into training, production and improving on our defence, industrial production, and exchange of officers and soldiers.”

The annual event also featured panel discussions and sessions covering a wide range of topics shaped by contemporary global defence and security, political, economic, environmental, and technological dynamics.

Participants from about 150 countries, including 5,000 decision-makers, 20 heads of state and government, 40 foreign ministers, 60 invited foreign media, and diplomats, among others, attended the forum.

Nigeria Seals Deal With Türkiye To Train 200 Elite Troops is first published on The Whistler Newspaper