Ancelotti: My Real Madrid Future Could End Tomorrow

Ancelotti: My Real Madrid Future Could End Tomorrow

Following Real Madrid’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by Arsenal, manager Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future at the club. In a post-match interview, Ancelotti stated, “I could be done at Real Madrid tomorrow,” but emphasized his gratitude towards the club regardless of any decision about his tenure. ​Sky Sports Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss at the Santiago Bernabéu resulted in a 3-2 aggregate defeat, marking a significant downturn for a team that has won the competition twice in the last three seasons. Currently, they trail Barcelona by four points in La Liga with seven games remaining. ​ Amidst this backdrop, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is reportedly intensifying efforts to appoint Ancelotti as the national team’s head coach. Sources indicate that Diego Fernandes, a prominent Brazilian businessman, is facilitating discussions between Ancelotti’s representatives and the CBF. ​ Ancelotti, who extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2026, has previously expressed a desire to honor his commitments with the club. However, the recent Champions League exit and ongoing speculation about his future have fueled discussions about a potential move to manage Brazil.​ As Real Madrid faces challenges in both domestic and European competitions, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Ancelotti’s next steps, whether he continues at the helm of Los Blancos or embarks on a new chapter with the Brazilian national team.

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Mikel Arteta Reveals Pep Guardiola Phone Call Before Arsenal Knocked Out Real Madrid

Mikel Arteta Reveals Pep Guardiola Phone Call Before Arsenal Knocked Out Real Madrid

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that he spoke with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola ahead of Arsenal’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Real Madrid, which secured their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years. Arteta, a former assistant to Guardiola at Manchester City, said the phone call took place a day before the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Bukayo Saka’s 68th-minute goal sealed a 3-2 aggregate win for the Gunners. Speaking after the match, Arteta said, “I spoke with Pep yesterday. He’s been here so many times with City, so of course I wanted his perspective. He knows this Madrid team very well and gave me some advice on how to manage the transitions and the pressure moments.” The two managers share a close friendship, with Arteta often crediting Guardiola for shaping his football philosophy during his time at the Etihad. Their clubs could now face each other in the semi-finals if Manchester City overcome Bayern Munich in their own quarter-final tie. Arteta added, “He wished me luck and said, ‘Be brave.’ That stuck with me. We were brave tonight, and I’m proud of the boys for the way they fought.” The win marks a major milestone in Arteta’s managerial career and adds to speculation that Arsenal are emerging as a real European powerhouse under his leadership.

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Arsenal Knock Out Real Madrid, Advance to Champions League Semi-Finals

LONDON – April 16, 2025 — Arsenal have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after a dramatic victory over Real Madrid, eliminating the 14-time champions from the competition. In a high-stakes second-leg clash at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners delivered a confident and composed performance to edge past the Spanish giants, securing a historic result for the North London club. The aggregate score sealed Arsenal’s progression, marking their first semi-final appearance in over a decade. The match was filled with intensity and tactical battles, but Arsenal’s clinical finishing and solid defense ultimately proved decisive. Real Madrid, despite their pedigree and attacking threats, were unable to break through Arsenal’s well-organized back line. Manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s resilience and discipline, stating, “To beat a club like Real Madrid on this stage is a huge moment for us. I’m incredibly proud of the players and the fans who created a special atmosphere tonight.” Arsenal will now prepare for their semi-final matchup, with hopes of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006. More updates to follow as the Gunners continue their European quest

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Gabon Striker Boupendza Dies after 11th Floor Fall

Gabon international striker Aaron Boupendza has died at 28 following a fall from the 11th floor of a building in China, the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) said on Wednesday. Boupendza, who joined Zhejiang FC earlier this year, was in good form with four goals in six matches. “At 28, Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who left a lasting impression at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon (in 2022),” FEGAFOOT said in a statement. “Trained at CF Mounana and Bordeaux in France, the Gabonese striker joined the Chinese league after a brief spell in Romania. “FEGAFOOT and the great family of Gabonese soccer offer his biological family their sincere condolences in this difficult time.” Authorities in China have launched an investigation to find out whether the fall was an accident, suicide, or the result of foul play, media reports in Romania said. There was no official confirmation for the cause of death. Born in Moanda, Boupendza joined French side Bordeaux in 2016, spending most of his time on loan at other French clubs. In 2020 he signed for Turkish side Hatayspor, and was top scorer in the Super Lig in 2020-21 before moving on to Al Arabi, with whom he won the Qatar FA Cup, and Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League. Spells in the USA with FC Cincinnati and Romania’s Rapid Bucharest followed ahead of his move to China in January. “It is with great sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese soccer,” Gabon President Brice Oligui Nguema said. “I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends. May God bless his soul.”

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Davido Unveils Tracklist for Fifth Studio Album ‘5ive’

Grammy-nominated singer Davido has revealed the tracklist for his highly anticipated fourth studio album, “5ive”. The tracklist showcases a diverse range of collaborations with both local and international artists. “Legacy is not what you leave behind, but what you breathe into the future. 72 hours away! Thank you for the love & support,” Davido wrote on Instagram. Nigerian talents like Victony, Odumodublvck, Chike, and Omah Lay are featured on the album, alongside Caribbean stars YG Marley, Shenseea, and 450. Davido has also collaborated with international artists such as Chris Brown, Victoria Monet, and Becky G, for a more global appeal. Other notable features include South African singer Musa Keys, who previously worked with Davido on the Grammy-nominated hit “Unavailable,” and French stars Dadju and Tay C. With 17 tracks set to drop in less than 72 hours, “5ive” promises to be a fusion of Afrobeats and global sounds. The album is set for release, April 18, 2025.

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Security Crisis: Obi Urges President Tinubu to Return Home and Address Domestic Challenges

Security Crisis: Obi Urges President Tinubu to Return Home and Address Domestic Challenges

Amid rising insecurity across Nigeria, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a passionate call on President Bola Tinubu to suspend his ongoing retreat in France and return home to address what he described as an “overwhelming security situation.” Obi, in a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, said the President’s absence comes at a time when the nation is grappling with mounting insecurity and loss of lives, particularly in Plateau and Zamfara states. “In the two weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria,” he stated. “Pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, resurging insurgency in the North-East, and rampant killings and abductions in the South-East all reflect a nation in distress.” The former Anambra State governor criticized the President for remaining abroad while the country faces worsening crises. “The CEO of the troubling company called Nigeria is retreating in a faraway land, while the headquarters is in chaos,” he added. Obi emphasized that the primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property, noting that such a responsibility cannot be outsourced or handled from abroad. He called on President Tinubu to “rush home to take responsibility by addressing these disturbing issues,” stressing that the hope for a better Nigeria depends on leaders being present, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people. “A New Nigeria is POssible,” Obi concluded.

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Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price to N835 per Litre Amid Global Oil Drop

Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price to N835 per Litre Amid Global Oil Drop

In a major development for Nigeria’s downstream oil sector, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced another reduction in the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. The new gantry price is now pegged at N835 per litre, down from N865, representing a 3.5 per cent decrease. The latest adjustment comes on the heels of a steady decline in global crude oil prices, which have fallen from over $70 per barrel to $64 per barrel in recent weeks. This move follows a previous reduction by the refinery from N880 to N865 per litre, a change which oil marketers reportedly failed to reflect in retail prices at the pump. As Africa’s largest oil refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, Dangote Refinery continues to shape Nigeria’s energy landscape, offering a potential solution to the country’s long-standing fuel supply and pricing challenges. The refinery’s consistent pricing adjustments in response to market trends aim to encourage competition and transparency in fuel distribution across the country.

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Plateau Killings: We Will Surprise Those Responsible – IGP Egbetokun

Plateau Killings: We Will Surprise Those Responsible – IGP Egbetokun

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has vowed that those behind the recent massacre in Plateau State will face justice, assuring that the security forces will deliver a decisive response to the violence. Egbetokun gave the assurance on Tuesday during his visit to Plateau State, following the killing of 51 residents in the Zikke community of Bassa Local Government Area. The attack, which occurred early Monday, also left many displaced and homes destroyed, just two weeks after a similar incident in Bokkos LGA that claimed dozens of lives. Condemning the killings in strong terms, the IGP emphasized the gravity of the situation and its impact on farming communities in the state. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms these acts of violence. We recognize the severity of the incident and its negative impact on the local farming communities in Plateau State,” he said. While refraining from disclosing specific operational plans, Egbetokun promised that the perpetrators would soon face the full force of the law. “I don’t want to say much on this, but I would say that this criminal element will soon be surprised because I know that their days are numbered,” he stated. The police chief also urged residents to refrain from profiling criminals based on ethnicity, stressing that crime must not be seen through a tribal lens. “Criminals don’t have tribes. They are just criminals,” he said. “Let us work together to ensure that the criminals in our midst are dealt with as criminals and not on the basis of where they come from.” The IGP’s visit marks his third official trip to Plateau State, underscoring the federal government’s growing concern over the resurgence of violence in the region.

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