Author: Vanguard News

Pep Guardiola insisted Manchester City must respect Arsenal when they face the Premier League leaders in a seismic title showdown next weekend.

Guardiola’s side closed the gap on Arsenal to just six points with an emphatic 3-0 win at Chelsea on Sunday.

Second-half goals from Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi and Jeremy Doku ensured City capitalised on Arsenal’s shock 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth 24 hours earlier.

They have a game in hand on Arsenal and victory in their crucial clash at the Etihad Stadium on April 19 would seize the momentum in a gripping title race.

City, six-time champions under Guardiola, are hitting peak form at just the right time, while Arsenal appear to be cracking under the pressure of chasing their first English title since 2004.

But Guardiola is well aware of the threat posed by Arsenal despite their recent run of three defeats in four matches in all competitions, including a 2-0 loss to City in the League Cup final.

“The respect I have for Arsenal, what they have done the last few years. I know the manager, the players, the quality, how they compete in every circumstance, that’s the biggest job we have. There is a tactical issue, maybe we will adjust something,” Guardiola said.

“They have been the best team in this country, in Europe, so far. Beating Arsenal once is so difficult, imagine beating them twice in a few weeks. We have to rest.

“I would like to say to my fans: respect Arsenal a lot, they are an extraordinary team. Come to join us from minute one because the players will do the maximum.”

– ‘Extraordinary’ Cherki –

Guardiola believes City were underestimated going into the League Cup final, a feeling which his players were able to use as motivation.

Keen to ensure City keep that feeling, he said: “We are going to play against a team that in 49 games lost three games, in the Champions League didn’t lose once this season.

“In the League Cup final we were complete underdogs. There is not one person in this country that would bet £1 that we would be much better.

“It’s important to beat Arsenal because we are six points behind them. If they beat us it’s over, if we draw also.”

Arsenal have twice blown substantial leads to City in the title race in 2023 and 2024.

Ominously for the Gunners, City have a well-earned track record for peaking at the business end of the season.

When playing within their final 10 games across the last five Premier League seasons since 2021-22, City have lost just one of 43 matches, winning 32 times.

They have lost just one of their last 19 league games this season and are unbeaten in their last nine.

“We are growing. We have long weeks now we are out of Champions League. We are more fresh, in training, everyone knows exactly what they have to do,” Guardiola said.

One of the keys to City’s surge has been Rayan Cherki’s inspired form.

The France playmaker provided the cross for O’Reilly’s opener and a sublime pass for Guehi to net the second.

He now has 10 assists in the league in his debut season with City, prompting Guardiola to say: “Rayan is an extraordinary talent.

“He is so young, his impact in Premier League in first season, he is already an extraordinary player.

“He has the desire to be even better. That will be good for City and him.”

Vanguard News

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The Federal Government has made good its promise to improve power generation in the country. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during a media parley in Abuja last month, said the government would do all it can to improve power supply across the country, following the shortage of gas to supply thermal plants that generate […]

Rivers United returned to the summit in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, courtesy of 1-0 home victory over Plateau United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Wisdom Samuel’s 11th minute strike separated both teams on the night.

Finidi George’s side top the standings with 58 points from 34 matches.

At the Bako Kotangora Stadium, Minna, Rangers were held to a 0-0 draw by Niger Tornadoes.

Rangers now sit in second position with 56 points.

Wikki Tourists recorded the only away win of the day, beating Bayelsa United 1-0 at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

Imamu Bala netted the winner for the the visitors in the 67th minute.

Full Results
3SC 0-0 Kwara Utd
Barau 2-1 Remo Stars
Tornadoes 0-0 Rangers
Enyimba 3-0 Katsina Utd
Bayelsa Utd 0-1 Wikki
Ikorodu City 3-0 Kano Pillars
Rivers Utd 1-0 Plateau Utd
Kun Khalifat 3-0 Wolves

NPFL: Rivers United return to summit, Wikki Tourists win away

By Anayo Okoli | Enugu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has dismissed reports suggesting internal crisis and mass resignation of members, insisting that the party remains united and focused ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said its members are working in harmony to secure strong electoral outcomes for both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah in the next elections.

In a statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Chief Uche Obute (JP), the APC described the allegations of crisis as false, misleading, and aimed at creating division within the party.

Obute said claims of non-payment of stipends to delegates at the party’s national convention were “completely fabricated,” adding that the report was based on anonymous and unverified sources.

“The APC in Enugu State wishes to state categorically that there is no crisis, nor has there been any agitation of the nature described. The allegations are nothing but a failed attempt to sow discord,” the statement read.

The party also dismissed reports of mass resignation, describing them as “baseless and unfounded,” insisting that its structure in the state remains intact and fully functional.

It argued that contrary to claims of marginalisation, the party has recorded significant political consolidation under Governor Peter Mbah, whom it credited with strengthening APC’s presence in the state.

According to the statement, all National Assembly members, local government chairmen, and councillors in the state are aligned with the party, alongside other key political stakeholders.

The APC further stated that both old and new party members are fully integrated into its structure at all levels, from wards to the state executive.

It also pointed to key party positions occupied by members of the old APC bloc in the South-East, including the Zonal Woman Leader and the Deputy National Chairman (South), as evidence of inclusiveness.

Under the leadership of State Chairman Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, the party said it remains united, focused, and determined to consolidate its growing political strength in Enugu State, stressing that no amount of propaganda would derail its progress.

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Economist, banker, and former presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has joined the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Former presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing worsening economic hardship and insecurity in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Sunday by his media office, Hayatu-Deen said his decision was driven by growing concerns over the rising cost of living and what he described as a decline in the country’s democratic space.

“Like many Nigerians, I want a safer and more prosperous future, but the nation faces fundamental problems that are being ignored,” he said.

He noted that the hopes of many Nigerians have not been met in recent years.
“Every day I hear from people across the country that they want a government focused on fixing problems, reducing the cost of living, and creating jobs,” he said.

Hayatu-Deen also raised concerns about the state of democracy, warning that voices are being stifled, institutions are under strain, and the space for credible opposition is shrinking.

According to him, “I am also deeply concerned about the increasing shrinkage of our democratic space. Voices are being stifled, institutions are under strain, and the space for credible opposition and real choice is being systematically closed. Democracy must offer Nigerians genuine options. This gives me an even greater impetus to be involved in the political process.”

The former presidential aspirant said he believes the ADC offers a credible alternative, stressing that this is not just a change of party, but a step towards building a better future for Nigerians.

He pledged to campaign actively with the party ahead of the 2027 elections, saying, “From this day onwards until the 2027 elections, I will campaign relentlessly as a party member, to help the ADC win the elections and deliver the better future Nigeria desperately deserves.”

Hayatu-Deen joins ADC, cites economic hardship, democratic decline

Amnesty International has condemned a military airstrike on a market along the Borno–Yobe border.

Several civilians were reportedly killed and injured in the strike, which occurred on Saturday at Jilli Market between Gubio and Geidam local government areas of Yobe and Borno states.

The airstrike was said to have taken place during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents in the area.

In a statement on Sunday, the organisation said witnesses reported that three military jets bombed the market, killing over 100 people.

Amnesty added that the emergency unit of Geidam General Hospital had received at least 35 people with severe injuries following the incident.

The group criticised the use of air power in a civilian setting and questioned the legality of the operation.

“Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone’s standard,” the statement read.

“Such reckless use of deadly force is unlawful, outrageous and lays bare the Nigerian military’s disregard for civilian lives.”

The organisation called on authorities to take urgent steps to establish accountability and prevent a recurrence.

“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and impartially investigate the incident and ensure that suspected perpetrators are held to account,” it said.

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The United States has commended the Nigerian government for accelerating the prosecution of terrorism-related cases, describing the recent conviction of 386 Islamist militants as a significant milestone in the country’s justice system.

The praise was conveyed in a statement posted on Sunday via X by a Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs at the United States Department of State.

According to the US official, the convictions mark an important step toward accountability, particularly in cases that had previously been delayed in Nigerian courts.

The statement emphasized that timely and transparent legal processes are essential in addressing extremism and strengthening public confidence in judicial institutions.

The US also reiterated its support for Nigeria’s efforts to enhance judicial efficiency and fairness, noting that adherence to the rule of law is critical to ensuring long-term security, stability, and safety across the country.

“The United States commends the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes.

“We welcome the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in the courts, and we recognize this as an important step toward accountability and justice,” part of the statement read.

Trump administration hails Nigeria’s mass conviction of 386 Islamist militants

By Ndahi Marama | Maiduguri

The Medical Director of the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, Shehu Muhammad, has raised alarm over a severe shortage of blood following the admission of victims linked to the recent air operations in Jilli village.

Muhammad said on Sunday that the hospital urgently requires blood donations as it struggles to manage increasing cases brought in after the incident.

He disclosed that 21 persons have so far been admitted for treatment, many of whom require immediate blood transfusion to survive.

According to him, medical personnel are doing their best to stabilise the patients, but the lack of adequate blood supply remains a major challenge.

“We need people to donate blood, as most of the victims brought in from Jilli need blood transfusion with immediate effect,” he said.

The hospital has called on residents and voluntary donors to assist in replenishing its blood bank to support ongoing emergency care efforts.

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A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has defected to the African Democratic Congress, citing urgent national concerns and shifting political realities.

The former presidential aspirant, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, linked his decision to worsening insecurity, rising living costs, and what he described as a shrinking democratic space.

Hayatu-Deen, who contested the 2022 PDP presidential primaries, said national challenges compelled him to seek a credible alternative focused on security, economic stability, and job creation.

He cautioned that democratic institutions were under strain, stressing that the space for genuine opposition was narrowing and that Nigerians deserved real and meaningful political choices.

While pledging to deploy decades of experience in business and economic reform, he said he would campaign actively with ADC, ahead of the 2027 elections.

Hayatu-Deen, who reflected on his political journey, said his 2022 ambition was driven by hope, adding, however, that Nigerians’ expectations had been met with disappointment and unfulfilled promises.

He expressed concern about what he called the shrinking of civic space, stating that democracy must provide genuine options for Nigerians.

The former presidential aspirant vowed to leverage his experience in business, reforms, and philanthropy to support job creation and deliver a more prosperous Nigeria.

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