Fola Badmus

PFN President Bishop Wale Oke Calls for National Prayer Says There is Light for Nigeria

The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has called on spiritual leaders across the country to unite in prayer for divine intervention amid Nigeria’s deepening economic and security crises. Speaking in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the ongoing PFN retreat commemorating the body’s 40th anniversary, Bishop Oke emphasized that the nation is in urgent need of God’s healing. “Nigeria needs divine intervention and such can only come from God Almighty,” Bishop Oke declared. “As Christian leaders, we are entrusted with the spiritual burden to deliver this nation through prayer and righteousness.” While acknowledging the efforts of the federal government to tackle national challenges, the cleric insisted that only God can provide lasting solutions. He expressed optimism that Nigeria is approaching a turning point, encouraging citizens to remain hopeful. “Nigeria will be better,” he assured. “Let us join hands, seek the face of God, and believe in His promises. He will heal our land.” Speaking on the theme of the retreat, “PFN Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” the bishop explained that the gathering reflects on God’s faithfulness to the country and the Church over the years. He reiterated that PFN is committed to building a better Nigeria through spiritual engagement, moral living, and the propagation of righteousness. “Violent killings, banditry, and kidnappings are the works of darkness. But we are here to shine the light of God. The Bible says when light shines in darkness, darkness cannot overcome it. There is light for Nigeria,” he declared.

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Arsenal’s Trophy Drought Continues After Champions League Exit: What’s Next for Arteta’s Gunners?

Arsenal’s 2024–25 campaign ended in heartbreak as they were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals by Paris Saint-Germain, losing 3-1 on aggregate. The result extends the Gunners’ trophy drought under Mikel Arteta, who last lifted silverware with the club in the 2020 FA Cup. Despite dominating large parts of the tie, Arsenal were undone by clinical finishing from PSG and a heroic performance from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Arteta, however, praised his team’s effort, stating, “I don’t think there’s been a better team than us in the competition, but we are out.” The exit has reignited debate over Arteta’s future. While critics question the lack of trophies, many supporters point to the club’s steady progress and tactical development under his leadership. Arsenal remain a competitive force in both domestic and European competitions, but are yet to turn their promise into tangible success. With the summer transfer window approaching, Arsenal now face a pivotal moment. Reinforcements, particularly in attack, will be essential if the team hopes to take the final step and finally break their silverware drought. The club’s board appears committed to Arteta’s long-term vision, signaling continued backing for the Spanish manager. As the Gunners look ahead to the 2025–26 season, the challenge is clear: convert potential into trophies and reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.

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Egypt 2025: South Africa’s Amajita Condemn Flying Eagles to Third Place Match

Nigeria failed to reach the final of the 18th Africa U20 Cup of Nations as a calm and composed Amajita soaked up all the pressure and intensity from the Flying Eagles, and then landed the sucker punch midway into the second half to win by the odd goal and condemn the seven-time champions to Sunday’s third-place match. The Flying Eagles started with so much intensity and muscle-flexing, butcould have done with a lot more coordination and composure in the final third as the opportunities came and went without any one being utilized. Forward Kparobo Arierhi could not get his head to a teasing cross byClinton Jephta in the 22nd minute, and then missed target from six yardswith only the goalkeeper to beat on the half-hour. Three minutes later, Thabang Mahlangu could have profited from Amajita’s first real incursion upfront when goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt missed an inswinger, but captain Daniel Bameyi spirited the ball away from goal. Arierhi, always with the chances, bundled over the bar another cross byJephta in the 37th minute, and two minutes later, after turning his marker, saw his shot diverted away from goal. On the hour mark, Nigeria lost the dependable goalkeeper Harcourt toinjury, and one minute later, substitute goalkeeper Ajia Yakub cameclose to bungling a simple cross with Kgomotso Madiba waiting for aslip. The slip came five minutes later, as Yakub again miscalculated the ballfrom a pull-out and defender Tylon Smith rose above him to head into the net. Opportunities fell to substitute Mendos Rickson and Auwal Ibrahim lateron, but the Flying Eagles could not find parity and must now play the loser of the second semi-final (between hosts Egypt and Morocco) for the bronze medals on Sunday.

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Controversial Influencer VeryDarkMan Re-Arraigned for Cyberbullying Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, Others

Controversial social media figure Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was re-arraigned on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge bordering on cyberbullying and defamation against several public figures The Nigeria Police accused the outspoken activist of publishing offensive and defamatory content on his Instagram handle targeting celebrities including Nollywood stars Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, and music producer Samuel Oguachuba (a.k.a. Samklef). The charges also include alleged derogatory comments aimed at senior police officers and lawmakers. VDM pleaded not guilty to all charges before Justice Musa Liman, who now presides over the case following the transfer of Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon to another division. Otse had previously been arraigned on the same charges in May 2024 and was granted ₦10 million bail with stringent conditions. According to court documents (Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024), VDM is alleged to have: VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the previously granted bail terms be retained. The prosecution did not object, and Justice Liman upheld the earlier bail conditions. The case was adjourned to July 24, 2025, for trial. The charges fall under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which criminalizes online harassment and the spread of harmful content.

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Ola Aina: Offside Flag Could Have Prevented Awoniyi Injury

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has said the injury that saw teammate Taiwo Awoniyi placed in an induced coma could have been avoided if the the offside flag had gone up in time. The incident in question took place in the closing stages of Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City, where Awoniyi clattered against the post. The forward finished the game despite being in significant pain and sources told ESPN he later underwent “urgent” surgery on an abdominal injury and was placed in a coma to aid recovery. Awoniyi collided with the post in an attempt to get on the end of a cross from Anthony Elanga. The winger had strayed offside in the buildup but as per protocol, the assistant referee only raised his flag once the play was done. “Anthony was miles offside. The whole world could see and so could I from where I was,” Aina told the Daily Mail. “You think ‘offside’ straight away. Surely you could just lift the flag up? Personally I liked how it was back in the day when for offside they just put it up straight away. “A simple decision and get on with the game. Having to see it out and then just see this happen … well none of this would have happened to T [Awoniyi] if the flag had just gone up would it?” In the aftermath of the game, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed onto the pitch and remonstrated with manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Forest later released a statement explaining that the owner’s emotional reaction was due to seeing Awoniyi in immense pain and his frustration at the medical staff for letting him continue the game.

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Nottingham Forest to Review Taiwo Awoniyi Injury

Nottingham Forest are said to be preparing to launch an internal investigation into Sunday’s incident involving Taiwo Awoniyi. The Reds striker sustained a serious abdominal injury when he collided with a post in the closing stages of the 2-2 draw with Leicester City at the City Ground. He received treatment before returning to the pitch for the final minutes of the match. Awoniyi was taken to hospital on Monday and underwent surgery, then was placed into an induced coma before undergoing another operation on Wednesday. It is understood he was woken from the induced coma on Wednesday evening. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo had been given the thumbs up by Forest’s medical team for Awoniyi to continue playing against Leicester. Owner Evangelos Marinakis was unhappy about the situation, calling it a “misjudgement” from the medical staff in a statement on Sunday night. According to The BBC , Forest are set to open an internal review into the incident to determine why Awoniyi was allowed to continue playing. Nottingham Forest have not confirmed or denied that there will be an internal investigation.

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Labour Party Chairman Abure Dares Peter Obi, Others to Prove Corruption Claims:

Labour Party Chairman Abure Dares Peter Obi Others to Prove Corruption Claims

Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, has publicly challenged Peter Obi and other former presidential aspirants to present evidence of any funds allegedly given to him or the party during the 2023 general elections. In a video shared by Symfoni on Tuesday, Abure firmly denied receiving money from any candidate for personal use, including Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer. He warned that if provoked further, he would expose certain individuals in the party, claiming their reputations would be tarnished “like rotten eggs.” Addressing party members in Abuja, Abure said, “Let any of them—Peter Obi and others who contested—come out and say what they personally gave me or the party. Enough of hiding and alleging corruption. If they have evidence, let them present it. If not, they should remain silent forever.” He also hinted at convening a world press conference to address the allegations, saying he has stayed quiet out of respect and a hope for reconciliation. Speaking further, Abure criticized Abia State Governor Alex Otti, claiming the party received no money from him either. “He asked me what he could do for me. I said, ‘Nothing. Use your money for the election,’” Abure stated. “The party doesn’t have N1,000 from him or any other elected officials, except a few.” Amid growing internal rifts and accusations of financial misconduct, Abure maintained that the Labour Party leadership rejected bribes and resisted political pressure during and after the elections.

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Taiwo Awoniyi Out of Coma After Abdominal Injury

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has woken from an induced coma after he underwent surgery to repair a serious abdominal injury. The Nigerian was brought on as a late substitute when his side faced Leicester City in the Premier League last Sunday, but after colliding with the post in the closing minutes, the forward suffered a ruptured intestine. Despite the serious nature of the injury and footage showing the 27-year-old in discomfort, he played on for the remainder of the match, though he was later taken to hospital. Awoniyi had the first part of the surgery on Monday and spent Tuesday in an induced coma, before the second stage of the operation was completed on Wednesday. The striker was subsequently woken from the induced coma in the early evening after the second stage of the surgery, and Nottingham Forest will reportedly look to establish the key details around why Awoniyi was allowed back on to the field of play. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was criticised for coming onto the pitch against Leicester following the full-time whistle, but he later clarified that he only did so to express concern to manager Nuno Espirito Santo over how Awoniyi’s injury was handled. The injury that Awoniyi suffered is extremely serious, with mortality rates even in the event of surgery standing at 9%, so it is perhaps understandable that Marinakis was deeply concerned. Officials have faced criticism for allowing the passage of play that led up to Awoniyi’s injury to occur given Anthony Elanga was in a clear offside position in the buildup. The rules regarding offsides state that when a clear goalscoring opportunity is likely, assistant referees must delay raising their flag until the phase of play has concluded. While the rule would in principle prevent players from missing out on golden chances in the final third, many pundits have suggested that allowing such passages of play to develop and relying on the intervention of VAR could lead to serious injury. Perhaps the serious nature of Awoniyi’s injury will cause football’s lawmakers to reconsider their stance on when officials should flag for offside.

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