Arsenal Held 0-0 By Nottingham Forest But Retain Seven-Point Premier League Lead

Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday, but the point was enough for the Gunners to maintain their seven-point lead atop the Premier League. The London side had a chance to stretch their advantage to nine points after Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United earlier in the day. However, Arsenal struggled to break down Forest’s organised defence in the first half, failing to register a single shot on target as the hosts looked to boost their survival hopes. In response, manager Mikel Arteta made several second-half changes, bringing on Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Jesus in an effort to unlock Forest’s backline. Saka came closest with a looping header from Declan Rice’s cross, only for goalkeeper Matz Sels to make a stunning save, while Merino also failed to convert a free-kick delivery from Rice. Despite the lack of goals, Arsenal’s defence remained solid, recording their 11th clean sheet in 22 league matches and keeping the team firmly on track as they aim to end a 22-year wait for a Premier League title.

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Oriyomi Hamzat Declares 2027 Governorship Bid Under Accord Party

Oyo State media personality and Agidigbo FM founder, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, has officially announced his bid for the 2027 governorship election under the Accord Party. During a public declaration, Hamzat emphasized his decision to focus solely on his own political ambitions. He stated, “I am publicly declaring today that in 2027. I will not campaign for anyone or mobilise crowds for anyone. I will contest in the gubernatorial election under the Accord Party.” The announcement underscores Hamzat’s commitment to stepping away from supporting other candidates as he positions himself for the top political seat in Oyo State. Known for his influential role in the media and grassroots engagement, Hamzat’s entry into the governorship race is expected to have a significant impact on the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Tinubu Returns to Abuja After Abu Dhabi Trip

President Bola Tinubu has arrived back in Abuja after attending the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates concluded a major trade agreement aimed at strengthening economic ties between both countries. The President’s return was confirmed on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who issued a statement on the completion of the trip. Tinubu had left Nigeria on December 28, 2025, travelling to Paris to complete the remaining part of his annual leave before heading to Abu Dhabi for the summit, which took place from January 11 to 15. The President also attended the same global gathering in 2025. While in Abu Dhabi, Nigeria and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement designed to expand bilateral trade and investment. The agreement allows duty-free entry for thousands of Nigerian products into the UAE market and is expected to deepen cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, renewable energy, and technology transfer. The agreement was signed on Nigeria’s behalf by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, while UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, signed for the Emirates. President Tinubu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing. Speaking after the ceremony, Oduwole said the deal would open new global market opportunities for Nigerian exporters. She explained that Nigerian businesses would be able to establish offices and subsidiaries in the UAE, with business owners permitted to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 12-month period. During his address at the summit, Tinubu announced that Nigeria plans to mobilise up to $30bn annually in climate and green industrial financing to support energy transition reforms and expand electricity access nationwide. He revealed that the Climate Investment Platform is targeting $500m for climate-resilient infrastructure, while the National Climate Change Fund is seeking a $2bn capital base. The President also disclosed plans to host a joint Nigeria-UAE Investopia summit in Lagos in February, expected to attract investors, policymakers, innovators, and business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is an annual global initiative organised by the UAE to promote dialogue on sustainability, climate action, and energy transition. The 2026 edition, themed “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” focused on coordinated efforts across finance, technology, energy, and human capital to drive sustainable development.

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Super Eagles Beat Egypt On Penalties To Win AFCON 2025 Bronze Medal

Nigeria’s Super Eagles wrapped up their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a bronze medal after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties in a dramatic third-place playoff on Saturday night in Casablanca. The encounter at the Stade Mohammed V finished goalless at the end of regulation time, with both teams struggling to find a breakthrough in a tightly contested affair. With no extra time played, the match went straight to penalties, where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero once again. Nwabali produced two crucial saves in the shootout, denying Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush, as Nigeria claimed their ninth third-place finish in AFCON history and continued their impressive record in bronze medal matches. Interim coach shuffled his squad for the playoff, leaving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman among the substitutes. Nwabali started in goal behind a back four of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi. In midfield, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru partnered Raphael Onyedika, while Moses Simon captained the side from the wing alongside Samuel Chukwueze. Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams led the attack. Nigeria showed early intent and nearly took the lead in the 13th minute when Adams’ shot was deflected wide by an Egyptian defender. The tempo soon dropped, however, with both sides cancelling each other out in midfield and limiting clear-cut chances. The Super Eagles thought they had broken the deadlock in the 36th minute after Adams nodded home a powerful header, but the goal was overturned following a VAR check that ruled Paul Onuachu had fouled a defender in the build-up. Onuachu was booked for the incident. The teams went into halftime still level, and Lookman was introduced at the start of the second half. He made an immediate impact by putting the ball in the net shortly after the restart, only for the assistant referee’s flag to rule the effort offside. As the game wore on, Nigeria pushed for a winner, with Alex Iwobi coming on for Osayi-Samuel to add creativity. Despite their efforts, chances remained scarce, and the final whistle confirmed penalties would decide the outcome. The shootout began nervously for Nigeria when Dele-Bashiru missed the opening kick, but Nwabali quickly turned the tide by saving Salah’s attempt. Adams converted his penalty before the Nigerian goalkeeper denied Marmoush to give the Eagles the advantage. Simon and Iwobi calmly dispatched their kicks, and although Mahmud Sabir scored for Egypt, Lookman stepped up to convert the decisive penalty and seal victory. Nigeria had dropped into the playoff after suffering a painful semi-final defeat to tournament hosts Morocco on penalties, while Egypt reached the match following a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal in the last four. The Super Eagles topped Group C with wins over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda before overcoming Mozambique and Algeria in the knockout rounds. Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, advanced from Group B and eliminated Benin and Ivory Coast prior to their semi-final exit. Saturday’s win brought Nigeria’s AFCON journey to a positive close, offering consolation after missing out on a place in the final and underlining their consistency on the continental stage.

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Seun Kuti and Mr P Reconcile After 2023 Election Dispute

Seun Kuti and Peter Okoye, also known as Mr P of the former P-Square duo, have ended their public feud. Their disagreement erupted during the 2023 elections over Labour Party candidate Peter Obi. Kuti had described Obi as an “opportunist,” while Peter questioned Kuti’s relevance and achievements in music, leading to a heated social media exchange. The tension has now eased, with the pair recently spotted embracing at a Lagos club. “We are artistes, we can’t be fighting over politicians,” Kuti told Okoye, who agreed and shook his hand. “We are artistes, we can’t be fighting over politicians.” Seun Kuti to Mr. P pic.twitter.com/Hp6t5qOtMB — @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) January 16, 2026

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Manchester United Start Carrick Era With 2-0 Manchester Derby Win Over City

Manchester United kicked off the Michael Carrick era in style, showing renewed confidence and a performance that had fans smiling from start to finish. The Reds defeated cross-town rivals Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday, delivering a statement win to start the Premier League weekend. Carrick set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bryan Mbeumo leading the attack, Bruno Fernandes in his preferred No. 10 role, and Amad and Patrick Dorgu operating on the wings. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo anchored the midfield, while Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, and Harry Maguire formed the backline in front of goalkeeper Senne Lammens. City dominated possession for much of the game but struggled to create clear-cut chances, registering just one shot on target in the first half. United, by contrast, looked sharp on the counter, twice seeing goals ruled out by tight offside calls. The second half belonged to United. The Reds grew increasingly confident going forward, creating six meaningful chances and converting two of them. The breakthrough came from Mbeumo, who finished a textbook counterattack after Bruno fed him a perfectly timed pass into space, slotting past Gianluigi Donnarumma for 1-0. United kept the pressure on, and Carrick’s decision to bring on Matheus Cunha paid off. The substitute made an immediate impact, driving into the right channel and delivering a pinpoint cross for Dorgu to double the lead. A late goal from Mason Mount was disallowed for a tight offside, but it did little to dampen the celebrations. The result delivered a morale-boosting derby win and a refreshing display of attacking intent. United now turn their attention to a challenging trip to league leaders Arsenal next weekend.

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Uganda Confirms Yoweri Museveni As Winner Of 2026 Presidential Election

Uganda has confirmed President Yoweri Museveni as the victor of the 2026 presidential election, securing his leadership for over 37 years amid a vote that faced an internet shutdown and restrictions on civil society groups. Simon Byabakama, chair of the Electoral Commission, announced that Museveni received more than 7.9 million votes, the highest among all candidates. The commission confirmed that he surpassed the required majority, winning over 50 per cent of the valid votes cast. “Having obtained the highest number of votes in the election and the votes cast in his favour being more than 50 per cent of the total valid votes cast at the election, the Commission hereby declares Candidate Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the election,” Byabakama said. The official turnout for Thursday’s election was 11.4 million voters, representing 52.5 per cent of registered citizens.

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248 Passengers Escape Death As Qatar Airways Plane Makes Emergency Landing In Lagos

At least 248 passengers narrowly avoided a disaster on Friday night when a Qatar Airways flight experienced a technical fault mid-air and was forced to make an emergency landing at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that the aircraft, carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members, sent out distress signals while flying within Nigerian airspace, prompting an immediate emergency response. According to a preliminary LASEMA report, the agency activated its emergency response plan after receiving alerts through its 767/112 toll-free emergency lines. Emergency landings occur when unexpected technical problems arise, with pilots communicating directly with air traffic control to safely guide the plane to the runway. “Following distress alerts received at the Command and Control Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency promptly activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans,” the report said. Eyewitnesses described tense moments as emergency personnel lined the runway while passengers braced for the unplanned landing. On arrival, LASEMA’s Lagos Response Team confirmed that the aircraft had safely touched down despite the technical fault. The report credited the pilot for successfully executing the landing under pressure. “The pilot executed a safe landing on the runway at Murtala Muhammed International Airport with LASEMA response teams and other emergency responders on standby,” it said. After the landing, the aircraft was checked by the pilot and engineering crew before being moved to the apron for a more detailed inspection and repairs. All passengers were safely evacuated, and no injuries were recorded. LASEMA noted that the plane sustained no major damage and that recovery operations had been completed. “The aircraft has been secured on the apron, recovery activities have been completed, and the rescue operation has been safely concluded,” the agency said. Emergency teams on site included LASEMA’s Command and Control Centre, LASAMBUS, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the incident, with spokesperson Michael Achimugu stating, “I can confirm that there was an air return. Details will be communicated later.” Qatar Airways had not responded to requests for comment sent to its country manager, Ken Chirchir, as of the time of reporting.

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