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  • Highest-paid goalkeepers in Europe [Top 10]

    Highest-paid goalkeepers in Europe [Top 10]

    The list of the highest-paid goalkeepers in European football has been revealed.

    Transfermarkt on Monday compiled the top 10 highest-paid goalkeepers in Europe this season.

    Manuel Neuer from Bayern Munich is ranked first with 11.1 million euros.

    The 40-year-old is ahead of Ederson, who currently plays for Fenerbahce and also Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid.

    Highest-paid goalkeepers in Europe (annual salaries):

    1. Neuer (Bayern Munich) – 11.1 million euros

    2. Ederson (Fenerbahce) – 11 million euros

    3. Oblak (Atletico Madrid) – 10 million euros

    4. Gianluigi Donnarumma – (Manchester City) – 8.2 million euros

    5. Ter Stegen – (Barcelona, on loan to Girona) – 7.5 million euros

    6. Thibaut Courtois – (Real Madrid) – 7.2 million euros

    7. Mike Maignan (Milan) – 5 million euros

    8. Emi Martinez (Aston Villa) – 4.9 million euros

    9. Alisson Becker (Liverpool) – 4.9 million euros

    10. Jordan Pickford (Everton) – 4.9 million euros.

    Highest-paid goalkeepers in Europe [Top 10]

  • Ticket Refund: FCCPC Floors Air Peace At High Court

    Ticket Refund: FCCPC Floors Air Peace At High Court

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) notes the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, 20 April 2026, dismissing the suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the Commission’s authority to investigate consumer complaints and issue summons in the exercise of its statutory mandate.

    The judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, affirms the Commission’s powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 (FCCPA) to receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.

    Welcoming the decision, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, said the judgment provides useful clarity on the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumers and promoting fair market practices.

    He noted that the matter arose from complaints relating to unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.

    Mr Bello reiterated that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.

    He further emphasised that investigation is an administrative process intended to establish facts and determine whether further action is warranted. It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing.

    According to him, the Commission is committed to engaging all market participants in a fair, professional, and transparent manner, while ensuring due process at every stage of its proceedings.

    He encouraged businesses operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory processes and to maintain effective complaint resolution systems that address consumer issues promptly and fairly.

    The FCCPC will continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and strengthen confidence in essential service sectors, including aviation.

  • Rose Agrees To Succeed Iraola As Bournemouth Coach

    Rose Agrees To Succeed Iraola As Bournemouth Coach

    Marco Rose has agreed to take over as Bournemouth manager on a three-year contract when Andoni Iraola leaves at the end of the season.

    Bournemouth announced last Tuesday that Iraola, 43, would not be signing a new deal at Vitality Stadium.

    German manager Rose was one of three candidates considered by the Cherries, along with Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna and Rayo Vallecano’s Inigo Perez.

    The 49-year-old has been without a club since he was sacked by RB Leipzig in March 2025 and has never previously managed in England.

    “Everyone at AFC Bournemouth looks forward to welcoming Marco to Vitality Stadium as he begins his role as head coach in the summer,” Bournemouth said.

    “The club’s immediate focus remains firmly on finishing the current campaign as strongly as possible, with the players and staff continuing to show full commitment to achieving positive results and building on the current 13-game unbeaten run.”

    Rose began his managerial career in 2012 with Lokomotive Leipzig and has spent time in charge of Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Monchengladbach and RB Leipzig.

    He led Red Bull Salzburg to two Austrian Bundesliga titles and the Austrian Cup, and won the DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup with Leipzig.

    Rose was also one of the candidates considered by Tottenham Hotspur following the sacking of Thomas Frank in February.

    When Rose takes charge of Bournemouth, they will be preparing for their fifth successive season in the Premier League and could also be planning for a first campaign in Europe.

    Bournemouth are currently eighth in the Premier League following Saturday’s win at Newcastle and they only trail sixth-placed Chelsea on goal difference.

    Rose Agrees To Succeed Iraola As Bournemouth Coach is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

  • How motor insurance works in Nigeria, as NEM leads market share

    How motor insurance works in Nigeria, as NEM leads market share

    The Nigerian insurance industry has reached a watershed moment, recording N2.30 trillion in Gross Premium Written (GPW) at the close of the fourth quarter of 2025. According to the latest performance bulletin released by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), the sector achieved a 47.3 per cent year-on-year growth rate, with motor insurance emerging as a critical driver of this expansion, accounting N252.8 billion, 16.1 per cent of the non-life segment’s premium.

    Vehicle ownership in Nigeria requires a focus on financial safety. Motor insurance provides the necessary shield against road risks such as accidents, theft, fire, and flood, as well as third-party liabilities, riots, strikes, and civil commotion.
    This legal contract ensures an owner avoids massive out-of-pocket expenses after an incident.

    The Nigeria Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 (specifically Section 84) mandates specific insurance levels for every car on public roads.

    Motor insurance functions through risk sharing; a vehicle owner pays a premium into a large pool managed by an insurance company. When an accident occurs, the insurer uses these funds to cover repairs or replacements.

    The contract commences on the date indicated in the policy certificate, following the issuance of a policy document outlining the duties of both the insurer and the insured.

    The Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 makes motor insurance compulsory in Nigeria, requiring every vehicle to have at least Third Party coverage.

    Law enforcement officers verify these certificates during routine stops, and driving without valid cover leads to fines or vehicle impoundment.

    The Nigerian Insurance Industry Database (NIID) serves as the central hub for verifying certificates. Genuine policies appear on this platform (www.askniid.org) immediately, providing a digital verification system that prevents the use of fake documents across all states.

    A data obtained from the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) revealed that NEM Insurance Plc has solidified its position as the market leader in the motor category.

    According to the Q4 2025 bulletin, motor insurance recorded an outstanding claims settlement ratio of 88.5 per cent, reflecting high underwriting quality.

    NEM Insurance, which has maintained a presence in Nigeria since 1948, according to data obtained from its website, sits as the top motor insurance provider with a reported revenue of N35.53 billion in this category for 2025. During that period, the company paid over N13.00 billion in motor claims. By December 2025, the company’s insurance revenue stood at over N146 billion; total assets exceeded N178.59 billion.

    This financial strength earned the company the Almond General Business Insurance of the Year award for 2025.

    Insurance providers offer various plans tailored to budget and risk tolerance:

    Third Party Motor Insurance: The minimum legal requirement. It handles damage to others, including medical bills and compensation for accident victims, but does not cover the insured’s own vehicle.

    Third Party Fire and Theft: Adds coverage for the insured’s vehicle in cases of fire or theft.

    NEM Enhanced Third Party Policy: A tailored product designed by NEM Insurance Plc to provide third-party liability cover alongside limited benefits for the insured’s own damage, bridging the gap for those who cannot afford full comprehensive rates.

    Comprehensive Motor Insurance: The highest security level, covering third-party liabilities as well as accidental damage, fire, theft, flood, and vandalism for the insured’s vehicle.

    Premium Calculation and Claims Process. Premiums are generally calculated based on the market value of the vehicle.

    Standard rates for comprehensive insurance often sit at five per cent of the car’s value (e.g., N500,000 for a vehicle worth N10,000,000).

    The Claims Process: Notification: Inform the insurer within 24 hours of the incident.

    Documentation: Capture photos of the damage.

    Submission: Fill out the claim form with repair estimates.

    Inspection & Settlement: A surveyor examines the car before the company pays the repair shop or reimburses the owner.

    At NEM Insurance Plc, policyholders benefit from a structure where they are not burdened with an “excess” (the portion the owner pays before the insurer takes over) if specific conditions are met.

    Digital access via the NEM e-insurance portal ensures that Nigerians can purchase and manage policies instantly, securing their assets and maintaining peace of mind on the road.

    Official Contact Information: NEM Insurance Plc is located at 199, Ikorodu Road, Obanikoro, Lagos.

    E-mail: nemsupport@nem-insurance.com; Support: 234-02-014489570 | Claims: +234-8117935563.

    How motor insurance works in Nigeria, as NEM leads market share

  • EPL: Shearer picks game that cost Arsenal title before Man City defeat

    EPL: Shearer picks game that cost Arsenal title before Man City defeat

    Former Newcastle striker, Alan Shearer, has claimed that Arsenal’s defeat to Bournemouth could actually be the game that costs them the Premier League.

    Shearer was reacting to the Gunners’ 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.

    The result saw City close the gap to three points, thanks to Erling Haaland’s winner.

    City can now topple Arsenal if they win at bottom club Burnley on Wednesday night.

    Shearer said: “Where was this last weekend against Bournemouth?

    “Where was this energy and where was this performance and where was this forward-thinking Arsenal against Bournemouth last weekend?

    “Because I think that’s the result that might cost them the league rather than this weekend.”

    EPL: Shearer picks game that cost Arsenal title before Man City defeat

  • UN, EU Estimate Over $71bn Needed To Rebuild Gaza

    UN, EU Estimate Over $71bn Needed To Rebuild Gaza

    The United Nations and the European Union have jointly estimated that approximately $71.4 billion will be required over the next decade to rebuild Gaza and support its recovery following nearly two years of devastating conflict.

    According to the final Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) released by the UN and EU in coordination with the World Bank, $26.3 billion is urgently needed within the first 18 months to restore essential services, rebuild critical infrastructure, and kick-start economic recovery.

    The assessment breaks down the total figure into $35.2 billion for physical infrastructure damages and $22.7 billion in economic and social losses. Gaza’s economy has shrunk by 84 per cent, while human development indicators have been set back by an estimated 77 years due to severe deprivation in living conditions, income, food security, gender equality, and social inclusion.

    The UN and EU, in a joint statement, described the situation as having caused “unprecedented loss of life and a catastrophic humanitarian crisis” after more than two years of war in the Palestinian territory.

    The conflict was triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,221 people, mostly civilians, and led to the abduction of 251 hostages, according to official Israeli figures.
    In the ensuing Israeli military offensive, more than 72,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians have been killed, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

    The United Nations considers these figures reliable.
    The destruction has left much of Gaza in ruins, with 371,888 housing units destroyed or damaged. More than 50 per cent of hospitals are now non-functional, and nearly all schools have been destroyed or severely damaged.

    Nearly the entire population of 1.9 million people has been displaced, often multiple times, with over 60 per cent losing their homes.
    Gaza is currently under a fragile ceasefire that was agreed in October last year.

    The assessment underscores the massive scale of reconstruction required across housing, health, education, and broader economic sectors to help the territory recover from the crisis.

    UN, EU Estimate Over $71bn Needed To Rebuild Gaza is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

  • PDP crisis: Wike calls for inauguration of committee on reconciliation

    PDP crisis: Wike calls for inauguration of committee on reconciliation

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has again drummed reconciliation, calling for a committee to

  • Reps Aspirant Distributes Rams To FCT Chiefs Ahead Of Sallah

    Reps Aspirant Distributes Rams To FCT Chiefs Ahead Of Sallah

    An aspirant for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sarah Ivie Adidi, has distributed rams to newly elevated first-class traditional rulers in the territory as a mark of honour and appreciation for their unifying roles in their domains.

    Adidi said the gesture was aimed at recognising the vital role of royal fathers in fostering peaceful coexistence and unity among residents within their respective communities in the nation’s capital.

    She noted that traditional rulers have continued to provide leadership and guidance at the grassroots level, contributing significantly to stability and community development in the FCT.

    Speaking during the presentation, Adidi described the donation as a demonstration of her deep appreciation for the traditional institution, which she said remains a stabilising force in the territory.

    She added that traditional rulers play indispensable roles in conflict resolution, community leadership, and the preservation of cultural values.

    According to her, the initiative was also aimed at ensuring that the royal fathers feel recognised and appreciated, especially as the Sallah celebration approaches.

    She said, “Our traditional rulers are the custodians of our heritage and the bridge between government and the people at the grassroots.

    “This small gesture is a way of appreciating their fatherly roles and their continuous efforts in maintaining peaceful coexistence among diverse communities in the FCT.”

    Adidi further stressed the need for sustained collaboration between political leaders and traditional institutions to strengthen governance and enhance development outcomes, especially at the community level.

    She reiterated her commitment to inclusive representation, promising to prioritise policies and programmes that would promote unity, security, and socio-economic advancement across AMAC and Bwari Area Councils if elected into the House of Representatives.

    Some of the beneficiaries include His Royal Highness, Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro II, Sarkin Bwari; His Royal Highness, Dr Usman Nga Kupi, Sa’peyi of Garki; and His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ismaila Mohammed, Sarki Karshi.

    In their responses, the traditional rulers commended the aspirant for the thoughtful gesture, describing it as timely and symbolic, particularly as Muslims prepare for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

    They noted that such acts of recognition would further strengthen the relationship between political actors and traditional institutions, while also encouraging continued efforts toward peacebuilding and community development in the FCT.

    The distribution of rams ahead of Sallah is a longstanding tradition in many parts of the country, often seen as a way of supporting Muslim faithful and community leaders during one of the most significant religious festivals in Islam.

    Reps Aspirant Distributes Rams To FCT Chiefs Ahead Of Sallah is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

  • Kano North Stakeholders Back Barau, Slam Gwarzo’s Senate Bid

    Kano North Stakeholders Back Barau, Slam Gwarzo’s Senate Bid

    Political stakeholders in the Kano North Senatorial District have moved swiftly to shut down what they describe as a growing wave of external interference in the district’s politics, throwing their full weight behind Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and dismissing the senatorial ambition of former Minister of State for Housing, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, as lacking genuine grassroots support.

    The stakeholders, speaking through the Kano North Political Stakeholders Forum, said their position followed wide consultations across the constituency aimed at assessing the prevailing political mood ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Aliyu Abbas Gumawa Gabasawa, who chairs the forum, said Gwarzo’s recent declaration ceremony in Kano was dominated by political figures with little or no electoral footprint within Kano North, describing the event as a telling reflection of the candidate’s disconnect from the people he seeks to represent.

    “The event was attended largely by individuals outside the immediate constituency,” Gabasawa said on Sunday.

    “It cannot be used as a measure of popular support.”

    Beyond Gwarzo’s declaration, the stakeholders expressed alarm at what they characterised as a sustained pattern of outside actors attempting to shape the district’s political direction without regard for the wishes of its people.

    They warned that such interference, if unchecked, risked destabilising a constituency that has maintained a consistent tradition of backing credible and effective representation.

    On Barau, the verdict was unequivocal. The stakeholders described the three-term senator as a tested and result-oriented representative whose legislative record, accessibility, and contributions to national development had earned him acceptance that cuts across party lines within the district.

    “Kano North is not available for political experimentation or imposed candidacies,” Gabasawa said.

    “Any ambition built on external influence or personal negotiation interests will not resonate with the people.”

    The statement is the first organised institutional pushback against Gwarzo’s bid since he publicly declared his intention to contest the seat, and signals that Barau’s political machinery in the district has been activated well ahead of the formal campaign season.

    Kano North Stakeholders Back Barau, Slam Gwarzo’s Senate Bid is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

  • Ambassador announces agenda to boost Nigeria-Israel trade ties

    Ambassador announces agenda to boost Nigeria-Israel trade ties

    Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel, Amb. Nkechi Ufochukwu, has said efforts are underway to deepen the trade agreement between Nigeria and Israel as part of a broader plan to boost bilateral relations and economic cooperation.

    Speaking over the weekend in Abuja at a forum, the envoy said strengthening trade ties between both countries remains a top priority of her diplomatic agenda.

    “My main point and plan are to strengthen the trade agreement between the two countries, to strengthen the bilateral trade agreement between the two countries,” she said.

    Ufochukwu noted that beyond trade, her focus would include promoting Nigeria’s culture, agriculture, and investments, as well as facilitating training in cybersecurity and information technology.

    She assured stakeholders of her commitment to delivering on her mandate and working collaboratively with partners to achieve results.

    “I will put in my best in what is required of me to do the work which has been given to me; let us keep communication open and get the work done.” she said

    Stakeholders at the forum stressed the need for Nigeria to address structural challenges hindering business growth, drawing comparisons with Israel’s innovation-driven economy.

    A member of the forum, Pastor Henry Opara, emphasized the need for formal bilateral agreements, noting that existing engagements are largely informal and driven by individual relationships.

    “What we have now is more of a person-to-person business relationships, which is not ideal. With proper bilateral agreements, it becomes government-to-government engagement guided by laid-down rules,” he said.

    Also speaking, the National Coordinator of NIBF, Mrs Florence Osuji, called for renewed official trade agreements between Nigeria and Israel, noting that existing arrangements have lapsed and current trade lacks formal backing.

    Ambassador announces agenda to boost Nigeria-Israel trade ties