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The first set of Premier League fixtures after the March international break will be played this weekend.

Chelsea’s clash with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday is obviously the standout match.

But before then, there will be key fixtures that affect both ends of the table and the fight for Europe.

So, which fixtures are we likely to see upsets?

1. Arsenal vs Bournemouth: This is the game that will set the tone for the rest of the weekend. Not only is it the early kick-off on Saturday, but victory for Arsenal will see them open a 12-point gap at the top of the table ahead of Manchester City. But Bournemouth are a potential banana peel for the Gunners, having won at the Emirates last season.

2. Liverpool vs Fulham: It is almost hard to believe that Arne Slot won the Premier League title in his first year. Liverpool’s title defence has been a shambles and they could be mathematically out of the race by the time they kick off against Fulham. The Reds are looking to bounce back from a 2-0 humbling in the hands of PSG in the Champions League in midweek. But the Cottagers could have other plans at Anfield.

3. Man Utd vs Leeds: Under Michael Carrick, United have maintained a perfect record at Old Trafford. But by Monday when they welcome Leeds United, they would have gone 24 days without playing. This means they would be rusty against Daniel Farke’s men, who last weekend booked a place in the FA Cup semi-final. Let’s not forget this will be a clash between two rivals, too.

EPL: Three Fixtures we could see shock results in Game Week 32

There was anger and deep sorrow at the mass burial of eight members of a family who were killed by suspected Fulani militia during an attack on Mbwelle village in Kwatas district, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Friday.

The bandits had invaded the village on Thursday night and staged an attack killing over 20 people and injuring several others.

According to residents, the terrorists had stormed the village at about 10.30pm and shot sporadically for nearly an hour without hindrance as attempts to alert security personnel were futile.

DAILY POST gathered that the gunmen went from house to house in what was believed to be targeted attacks and when they got to the house of one Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, they rounded up the family members who could not escape and slaughtered them in cold blood.

The victims of the massacre were identified as:
Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus (70)
Luck Titus Dakus (38)
Habila Istifanu Dakus (38)
Hassan Istifanus Dakus (31)
Mrs. Hassan Moses Dakus (25)
Wisdom Lucky Dakus (15)
Sunday Gideon Dakus (31)
Innocent Barnabas Makwin (20)

It was, however, a moment of anger during their mass burial as community and youth leaders demanded justice and apprehension of the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

A youth leader in the community, Christopher Luka, who spoke at the funeral service, expressed anger over the lack of security presence during the assault, which lasted for several hours despite the village’s proximity to Bokkos town.

“When I heard the gunshots, I started calling others to find out where the shooting was coming from. Before this, the area had been relatively peaceful.

“There had been no recent incidents of violence, so this attack came as a shock. We strongly condemn both the attack and the absence of security personnel.

“This is a devastating assault on the people of Bokkos and Plateau State as a whole,” he said.

Chairman of the Bokkos chapter of the Plateau Youth Council, PYC, Dakol James, who also spoke at the service, condemned the attack, which he said was unprovoked, and appealed to the government to intervene urgently to end the violence.

“The entire Bokkos youth population is deeply disappointed with the security situation. As of this morning, no security personnel have been deployed to assess the situation.

“It has been about 12 hours, and we have not seen any security presence,” James said.

A community leader, Yunana Amos, lamented the incessant attacks on local communities in Bokkos and blamed the government and security agencies for not doing much to curb violence in the state.

“The gunmen came around 10.30pm and started shooting sporadically. They targeted one family mostly. We have eight confirmed dead, some seriously injured, and others still unaccounted for.

“Our people are angry over the failure of security operatives to protect them and are planning to protest.

“The security forces did not respond despite the proximity of the area to one of their base camps,” Amos lamented.

Sorrow, anger as eight family members killed in Plateau community are buried

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State has refuted claims that it has approved or directed the commencement of zoning arrangements ahead of its primaries and the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released yesterday by the state publicity secretary, Benedict Yawe, the party urged stakeholders to suspend any zoning-related moves currently taking place in some local government areas until an official position is communicated by the state secretariat.

The party also emphasized that political engagements across the 23 local government areas must involve proper consultation with recognised lead pointmen and local government party chairmen, in line with the party’s constitution.

“The State Working Committee of the APC in Benue State wishes to clarify that it has not issued any directive for the commencement of zoning activities in any part of the state.

“The party notes with concern reports of ongoing zoning exercises in some LGAs and states unequivocally that such activities are unauthorized,” the party said.

No zoning directive issued in Benue – APC

The United States of America intelligence has indicated that China is preparing to send weapons, such as air defense systems, to Iran in the coming weeks

According to CNN, which cited three individuals familiar with recent intelligence assessments, US intelligence suggests that China is set to deliver new air defense systems to Iran within the next few weeks.

Reuters also reports that Beijing might be routing shipments of shoulder-fired anti-air missiles, known as MANPADs, through third countries to conceal their origin.

The US State Department, the White House and the Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comments.

President Trump and Pakistani officials have confirmed that China has intervened to encourage Iran to accept a tentative ceasefire.

However, while the Chinese government asserts its support for the ceasefire, it has not yet sought to claim any diplomatic recognition as a security guarantor.

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington simply stated, “As a responsible major power, China will continue to play a constructive role and make efforts to de-escalate tensions,” as quoted by the Guardian UK.

War: China preparing to send MANPADs to Iran

Benue State House of Assembly has passed four key bills aimed at improving infrastructure, strengthening resource management and enhancing regulatory frameworks across the state.

The bills scaled third reading during plenary, which was presided over by the Speaker, Alfred Emberga.

Among them is legislation establishing the Benue State Electricity/Power Management Agency (BESMA).

The new agency is expected to provide a structured system for better electricity management and distribution throughout the state.

Lawmakers also approved a bill focused on road traffic administration, including provisions for traffic control and vehicle inspection.

The measure is intended to improve road safety and enforce proper vehicle standards.

Another bill passed provides for the creation of the Benue State Forestry, Mines and Solid Minerals Management Commission.

The commission will oversee and regulate the exploitation and management of the state’s natural resources.

In addition, the assembly passed a bill establishing the Benue State Road Maintenance Agency (BENROMA), which is expected to enhance road upkeep and drive infrastructure development across the state.

During the session, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Dr Bem Mela, to carry out the third reading of the bills in accordance with legislative procedures.

After the readings, Emberga confirmed that all four bills had met the necessary legislative requirements and were officially passed by the assembly.

Benue Assembly passes four bills to boost infrastructure, regulation

Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has reacted to allegations by the Berom Youth-Moulders Association, BYM, that it had uncovered a plot by the Fulani organization to shield a suspect who was arrested during an attack.

The BYM in a statement on Thursday by its National President, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, had alleged that it had discovered a plan by MACBAN to shield the suspect by obtaining a forged medical report that would claim the suspect is mentally unstable.

In the statement, Mwantiri said the BYM had received credible intelligence from a very reliable source indicating that MACBAN had allegedly perfected the plan and was making desperate efforts to procure a forged medical certificate claiming that the suspect arrested in connection with the attack was mentally retarded and his confessions to security personnel should not be relied on.

But in a counter statement on Friday, the Fulani umbrella body refuted the allegations, saying they were not only misleading but baseless and a “deliberate attempt to incite tension and misinform the public.”

In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, MACBAN expressed surprise at the allegations from the BYM and questioned how they could have been made, given the organization’s reputation for promoting peace and stability.

“The attention of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State chapter, has been drawn to the recent allegations circulated by the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) concerning an alleged plan to shield a suspect linked to the unfortunate incident in Heipang.

“We wish to categorically state that these allegations are baseless, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to incite tension and misinform the public. MACBAN remains a law-abiding organization committed to peace, justice, and the rule of law in Plateau State and beyond.

“At no time has MACBAN engaged in, nor does it support, any act aimed at obstructing justice or shielding individuals involved in criminal activities. We strongly believe that anyone found culpable in any act of violence or criminality should face the full weight of the law, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or organizational affiliation.

“It is important to emphasize that Plateau State has suffered greatly from cycles of misinformation and mutual suspicion. Statements such as those issued by BYM only serve to heighten tensions and undermine ongoing peacebuilding efforts among communities.

“We therefore call on the Berom Youth Moulders Association to refrain from spreading unverified claims and instead collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in promoting dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and unity in Plateau State.

“MACBAN reiterates its commitment to working with security agencies, government authorities, and community leaders to ensure lasting peace and stability.

“We urge the general public to disregard these unfounded allegations and remain calm, as security agencies are fully capable of handling any investigations professionally. Together, we must prioritize peace over provocation and truth over speculation,” the statement reads.

‘Your allegations misleading, baseless’ – MACBAN refutes BYM accusation of shielding attack suspect

Office of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has denounced an X account associated with Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN.

INEC said that Amupitan does not have an X account, describing it as a malicious and orchestrated smear campaign circulating on social media against the INEC boss.

The said X account indicated that Amupitan had previously endorsed a partisan post on the X platform.

The Commission said it wished to assert unequivocally that the allegation was completely unfounded, a total fabrication, and a mere figment of the imagination of those spreading it.

“To clarify, the INEC Chairman does not possess or manage any personal account on X.

“He has never engaged in partisan commentary, nor has he ever aligned himself with any political bias or activity in either his private or public roles,” the statement signed by Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, said.

According to INEC, the fabricated post represents a desperate attempt to tarnish the integrity and impartiality of Amupitan during a crucial time when the Commission is concentrating on electoral reforms and preparations for forthcoming elections.

The statement added, “In addition to this partisan mischief, the Commission is aware that cybercriminals have been active, using fraudulent social media accounts in the Chairman’s name to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians.

“We would like to officially state that numerous such fraudulent accounts have been identified and reported to security agencies in the past. This latest fabrication is simply a continuation of a criminal trend aimed at exploiting the Commission’s reputation for unlawful purposes.”

It said the Commission will not fold its hands while the character of its leadership is being attacked by digital imposters and troublemakers.

“We wish to inform the public that we are collaborating closely with relevant security agencies and cyber-intelligence units to track down and identify the individuals or groups responsible for this identity theft and misinformation,” it stated.

INEC warned that it would take all necessary measures to ensure that the fraudsters are held accountable under the law.

It said, “Those who engage in such activities will be identified and prosecuted, serving as a warning to others who may think that the digital realm is a refuge for unlawful behavior.”

The statement called on the general public to completely disregard the misinformation, adding that the Commission will persist in providing official updates concerning the Chairman’s engagements solely through its authenticated institutional channels and formal press releases.

INEC disowns partisan post credited to Amupitan

Cyriel Dessers will miss the rest of the season after deciding to undergo surgery on an injury sustained during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations early in the year.

Dessers sustained the injury on the eve of Nigeria’s last group game against the Cranes of Uganda.

The former Rangers striker left for Greece to undergo treatment, and was initially expected to be sidelined for around two months.

His Greek club, Panathinaikos, initially opted for rehabilitation rather than immediate surgery.‎‎

According to Sportal Greece, Panathinaikos have now considered immediate surgery after medical examinations confirmed that the injury had not healed adequately.

The 32-year-old is now projected to return to action before the start of next season.

Dessers linked up with Panathinaikos from Scottish Premiership giants, Rangers last summer.

The forward contributed two goals and one assist in just five league appearances.

Dessers ruled out for rest of season after surgery blow

Former presidential media aide, Bashir Ahmad has urged members and supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to stop supporting every shortcoming of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Bashir made the remark in a post on his official X handle on Friday night following the ongoing face-off between the electoral body and the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

DAILY POST reports that APC had backed the controversial decision of the INEC to suspend recognition of the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC

Why the opposition leaders lamented the alleged oppression of President Tinubu’s opponents, the ruling party had declared that heaven would not fall if ADC is not on the ballot in 2027.

Reacting, Bashir said defending the electoral umpire on its shortcomings fuels the allegations that INEC is working for the ruling party ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

He wrote, “I don’t know if it is only me, but I strongly feel that we, as supporters of the APC, should stop defending every shortcoming of INEC or its leadership.

“Doing so only fuels the allegations that the electoral body is working to favor our party in the upcoming elections, which is simply not true”.

ADC: Why APC should stop defending INEC’s shortcomings – Bashir Ahmad

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has strongly condemned the gruesome attack on Nuku village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State by armed bandits, which led to the killing of five forest guards.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki described the incident as “barbaric, senseless, and a painful loss not only to the affected families but to the entire state.”

He expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of the gallant forest guards who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, noting that their sacrifice in defending their community would never be forgotten.

Saraki prayed Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, forgive their shortcomings, and reward their bravery with the highest place in Paradise.

He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Kaiama, the families of the slain guards, and the entire people of the area, urging them to remain steadfast and united in the face of the tragedy.

While commending the efforts of security operatives and local forest guards for their bravery in repelling the attack, Saraki stressed the need for sustained vigilance and stronger collaboration among all security stakeholders to prevent a recurrence.

The former Senate President, further called on relevant authorities to intensify efforts in exposing and bringing the perpetrators of the heinous act to justice.

Saraki also prayed for continued peace, protection, and security across Kwara state and the nation at large.

Saraki condemns killing of forest guards in Kwara community