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Fola Badmus

Fabio Wardley: Give Oleksandr Usyk Directions to Ipswich — Bring His Belts and Let’s Get This On

Fola Badmus020 mins

Fabio Wardley: ‘Give Oleksandr Usyk Directions to Ipswich — Bring His Belts and Let’s Get This On!’ Fabio Wardley has called out undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk after stunning Joseph Parker with an 11th-round stoppage victory at The O2 Arena in London on Saturday night. The dramatic win — one of the biggest upsets in recent British boxing history — makes the Ipswich-born fighter the mandatory challenger for Usyk’s WBO title, one of four belts currently held by the Ukrainian star. Wardley, who began his career as a white-collar boxer with no amateur background, has defied expectations to rise through the ranks unbeaten. Now, after dethroning Parker, he is set for the biggest opportunity of his life. “I haven’t sat down and dissected him yet, but that’s a job for next year,” Wardley said after the fight. “It’s a wild one when you piece it all together, but I’m the next one up. I’ve got big broad shoulders, so that’s fine by me — I’ll carry the pressure. But I’m something different. We’ve thrown all the usual guys at him, our top dogs. Let me have a crack and see where we end up.” Wardley’s performance against Parker shocked many, as he weathered early pressure before finishing strongly to claim the WBO Interim title and earn a shot at Usyk. The 30-year-old previously sparred with Usyk in Ukraine and now believes the full-circle moment has arrived. “That’s been the goal for years — the dream fight,” Wardley said. “One of the best to ever do it, all the marbles on the line. I’m not planning on going there to say, ‘Thanks for having me.’ When that bell goes, Usyk’s going to have to work for it.” Wardley is hopeful the fight can take place in early 2026, whether in the UK or abroad. But if he has his way, Usyk won’t have to travel far. “Tell Usyk to turn up — give him the directions to Ipswich!” Wardley joked. “I’ll give him my postcode. He can find me in the garden; I don’t care. Just bring the belts and let’s get this on!” The victory cements Wardley’s remarkable rise from the small halls of Suffolk to world title contention. Reflecting on his journey, he credited his setbacks for shaping him into the fighter he is today. “All the bumps in the road built me,” he said. “People said I was just a white-collar guy who wouldn’t make it. But that built resilience. When I’m in that ring, I believe in me. It’s been a wild ride — and it’s nowhere near finished.” With his victory over Parker, Wardley has positioned himself on the doorstep of boxing greatness. The only question now is whether Usyk will defend his belts against the hungry Brit — or vacate the WBO title to avoid him.Fabio Wardley: ‘Give Oleksandr Usyk Directions to Ipswich — Bring His Belts and Let’s Get This On!’ By John Dennen | Sunday, October 26, 2025 | London, UK Fabio Wardley has called out undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk after stunning Joseph Parker with an 11th-round stoppage victory at The O2 Arena in London on Saturday night. The dramatic win — one of the biggest upsets in recent British boxing history — makes the Ipswich-born fighter the mandatory challenger for Usyk’s WBO title, one of four belts currently held by the Ukrainian star. Wardley, who began his career as a white-collar boxer with no amateur background, has defied expectations to rise through the ranks unbeaten. Now, after dethroning Parker, he is set for the biggest opportunity of his life. “I haven’t sat down and dissected him yet, but that’s a job for next year,” Wardley said after the fight. “It’s a wild one when you piece it all together, but I’m the next one up. I’ve got big broad shoulders, so that’s fine by me — I’ll carry the pressure. But I’m something different. We’ve thrown all the usual guys at him, our top dogs. Let me have a crack and see where we end up.” Wardley’s performance against Parker shocked many, as he weathered early pressure before finishing strongly to claim the WBO Interim title and earn a shot at Usyk. The 30-year-old previously sparred with Usyk in Ukraine and now believes the full-circle moment has arrived. “That’s been the goal for years — the dream fight,” Wardley said. “One of the best to ever do it, all the marbles on the line. I’m not planning on going there to say, ‘Thanks for having me.’ When that bell goes, Usyk’s going to have to work for it.” Wardley is hopeful the fight can take place in early 2026, whether in the UK or abroad. But if he has his way, Usyk won’t have to travel far. “Tell Usyk to turn up — give him the directions to Ipswich!” Wardley joked. “I’ll give him my postcode. He can find me in the garden; I don’t care. Just bring the belts and let’s get this on!” The victory cements Wardley’s remarkable rise from the small halls of Suffolk to world title contention. Reflecting on his journey, he credited his setbacks for shaping him into the fighter he is today. “All the bumps in the road built me,” he said. “People said I was just a white-collar guy who wouldn’t make it. But that built resilience. When I’m in that ring, I believe in me. It’s been a wild ride — and it’s nowhere near finished.” With his victory over Parker, Wardley has positioned himself on the doorstep of boxing greatness. The only question now is whether Usyk will defend his belts against the hungry Brit — or vacate the WBO title to avoid him.Fabio Wardley: ‘Give Oleksandr Usyk Directions to Ipswich — Bring His Belts and Let’s Get This On!’ By John Dennen | Sunday, October 26, 2025 | London, UK Fabio Wardley has called out undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk after stunning Joseph Parker with an 11th-round…

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Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Admits Reds Have ‘No Answer’ to Long Balls After Brentford Defeat

Fola Badmus04 mins

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has conceded that his side are still struggling to cope with teams deploying long-ball tactics and low defensive blocks, following a 3-2 defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. The loss marked Liverpool’s fourth consecutive Premier League defeat, leaving them in sixth place and piling further pressure on Slot just months into his first season in charge. Brentford executed their game plan to perfection on Saturday evening, completing 62 long passes — their highest total of the season — as they overpowered the Reds with their direct style of play. Dango Ouattara opened the scoring from a long throw by Michael Kayode, a scenario Liverpool had specifically trained for on Friday. Kevin Schade then doubled Brentford’s lead on the counter-attack before halftime, exposing the Reds’ vulnerabilities in transition once again. “It is definitely that teams have a certain playing style against us; it is a very good strategy to play,” Slot said in his post-match press conference.“We have not found an answer yet. Going 1-0 down after five minutes does not help, and while we can still score goals, we are conceding far too many. That is not just on the defence — it’s about all 11 players.” Liverpool did manage to find the net twice, but defensive lapses continued to undermine their efforts. The defeat means the Reds have now lost as many league games this season as in the entirety of last season. Slot also pointed to the club’s record-breaking £446 million summer spending spree — which brought six new signings to Anfield — as a factor in their inconsistent performances. “It has something to do with when you change a lot in the summer,” he admitted. “I did not expect it to go with four losses in a row.” Despite intensive preparation for Brentford’s long throws and counter-attacks, Slot lamented his team’s inability to execute the basics. “Today, I don’t think we did the basics right,” he said. “Too many duels were lost, too many second balls weren’t won. That was the main thing we have to improve. Every time, a different problem has cost us the game.” With Liverpool looking a shadow of their former selves, Slot now faces the difficult task of restoring confidence and defensive solidity before their next Premier League fixture.

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2026 WAFCON Race: Ihezuo, Okoronkwo Earn Falcons Win Over Bénin’s Amazons

Fola Badmus03 mins

Forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo aand Esther Okoronkwo scored first-half goals to give reigning African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons a 2-0 win over their Bénin Republic counterparts in the first leg of their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, first leg in Lome, Togo. ‎ ‎   The Super Falcons started strongly with Rasheedat Ajibade’s 6th minute lob over the Amazons’ goalkeeper Ogoun which was denied by the woodwork, while Folashade Ijamilusi’s strike two minutes later was parried away by Ogoun. ‎ ‎The Beninise couldn’t hold on tight to their low block game plan as Deborah Abiodun weaved open a congested midfield with a pass to Chiwendu Ihezuo who excellently put the ball beyond the reach of the Beninise goalkeeper to give Nigeria the lead in the 23rd minute. ‎   ‎With the Super Falcons enjoying long spells of possession, dominating every department of the game, the Amazons had their first sight of Nigerian goal in the 36th minute when Moumouni connected to a pass on the byline and managed to get past Osinachi Ohale to strike at goal, only to be denied by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. ‎ ‎   Deborah Abiodun was, once more, in her elements as she picked out Esther Okoronkwo with a defence-splitting pass, with the latter slotting home to double the lead for Nigeria before the stroke of halftime. The Super Falcons were lucky not to concede in the closing stages of the first half, as Moumouni’s shot against the run of play struck the frame of the post to end the half 2-0 in favour of Nigeria. ‎ ‎   The second half proved tough for both teams following tactical adjustments and a number of substitutions. However, Nigeria soaked the pressure better, containing the pace of the Amazon wingers who stepped up with high intensity in their search for goals. ‎ ‎An in-swinger in the 90th minute unsettled the Nigerian defence, leaving Sadikou with a chance to head into the net but her effort was denied by Nnadozie.‎   ‎The scoreline gives Nigeria the advantage ahead of the return leg billed for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta on Tuesday. ‎

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Pat Utomi, Others Set for CITN UK District Ceremony

Fola Badmus02 mins

By Bunmi Ogunyale Nigerian professor of political economy and management expert, Pat Utomi will deliver the keynote address as Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) UK District holds its investiture ceremony in London, United Kingdom on Saturday. Utomi, who is the founder for Values in Leadership, Nigeria, alongside Barrister Gerardine Omamuli and Professor Ezekiel Williams, Managing Partner, Egoheads Group of Professionals will deliver address at the epoch making event. Utomi is a professor at Lagos Business School and has served in senior positions in government, as an adviser to the president of Nigeria, the private sector, as Chief Operating Officer at Volkswagen Nigeria. The theme of the event is; Taxation and accountability. Honourable Lanre Okunola, Member, House of Representatives, Nigeria and Honourable Frank Esenwa, Member, Delta State House of Assembly, Nigeria are also billed to grace the occasion as special guests of honour. Mr. Innocent Ohagwa, the 17th President of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, the chief host will present at the inauguration of Barrister Lawrence Okolie as the Second Chairman of the CITN UK District and the 2025 to 2027 Executive Committee. Mrs. Oghenerukevbe Sharlyn Wilcox will also be inaugurated as the Pioneer Coordinator of the 2025-2027 Executive Committee.

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Brazil’s President Lula to Seek Fourth Term in 2026

Fola Badmus05 mins

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has announced he will run for re-election next year, seeking a fourth nonconsecutive term. Speaking during a state visit to Indonesia on Thursday, President Lula said he remains energised despite his age. “I’m turning 80, but you can be sure I have the same energy I had when I was 30. And I’m going to run for a fourth term in Brazil,” Lula told reporters in a joint news conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. He then turned to Subianto to deliver a quip: “I’m telling you this because we’re still going to see each other many times.” Brazil’s constitution allows presidents to serve only two consecutive terms. Lula, who served two terms in 2003-2010, returned to office in 2023 after 13 years out of power and thus remains eligible to run again. The Brazilian leader is currently on a diplomatic trip across Asia. After his visit to Indonesia, Lula will head to Malaysia to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit. While in Malaysia, Lula is expected to meet on Sunday with United States President Donald Trump, their first in-person encounter following a conciliatory phone call earlier this month, Brazilian media has reported. The two leaders have clashed over the prosecution of former far-right Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro — an ally of Trump — and international trade. Trump and Lula are expected to discuss the 50-percent trade tariff that Trump imposed on Brazil in August, in protest against the Bolsonaro prosecution. Lula had previously said his 2022 presidential bid would be his final campaign, both because of his age and because he believed the country needed political renewal. That election saw him narrowly defeat Bolsonaro in a run-off. But early in his current term — his third — Lula began hinting that he might run again. In February 2023, the president said he could seek re-election in 2026, adding that his decision would depend on the country’s political context and his health. A dominant figure on Brazil’s left, Lula is the country’s longest-serving president since its return to democracy 40 years ago. Some Brazilian politicians have expressed concern about Lula’s age and recent health issues. He underwent emergency surgery to treat a brain bleed late last year after a fall in the bathroom. Still, Lula frequently insists he remains healthy and energetic, often sharing workout videos on social media. Lula currently leads all polls for the 2026 election, though roughly half of voters say they disapprove of him. Trump’s tariffs reenergised the Brazilian leader and pushed his popularity up. His main political rival, Bolsonaro, has been barred from running for office and was sentenced in September to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup. While no strong opposition candidate has yet emerged, analysts say a viable contender is likely to depend on Bolsonaro’s backing as he serves his sentence under house arrest.

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Showmax Premier League Chat with Conor Bradley on Liverpool’s Difficult Run

Fola Badmus06 mins

Ahead of Liverpool’s crucial game against Brentford this weekend, Showmax Premier League caught up with marauding Reds right back Conor Bradley. This wasn’t just a standard chat – Bradley got candid with us about the team’s “emotional” slump after those tough defeats and what it takes for them to pull out of a difficult moment. Liverpool FC right-back Conor Bradley has opened up about the club’s recent difficult run, emphasising that the team’s only path forward is to “stick together and keep fighting.” The Reds suffered four consecutive defeats across all competitions before securing an emphatic 5-1 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night. Reflecting on the preceding Premier League loss to Manchester United, Bradley admitted the results were hard for everyone at the club. “We’re just trying to recover from it,” Bradley said. “It was a tough setback for Arne Slot and the whole team, but with the group we have, we’re determined to bounce back.” The young defender acknowledged the gravity of the four losses, stressing that the focus must now shift entirely to the upcoming away fixture against Brentford. “I think the focus has to be on beating Brentford. We need to perform on the pitch, that’s the only way.” “Losing four times in a row is never easy, especially for Liverpool – it’s emotional for everyone. But we just have to stick together and keep fighting.” Bradley offered insight into the team’s current struggle, attributing it to collective performance issues. “It’s hard to point fingers. It’s just been a tough period for us. We’re not creating enough chances and we’ve been conceding too many goals,” he explained. “It’s been a difficult spell, but I’m confident we’ll find our rhythm again soon.” Having overcome his own injury setbacks during the pre-season, Bradley spoke about the challenge of finding consistent form. “It’s never easy. When you’re ready to go and then get hit by an injury, it really disrupts your momentum. It’s frustrating, but I’m just trying to get as many games as possible under my belt and help the team wherever I can.” The arrival of several new signings has also brought a period of adjustment to the squad, which Bradley believes requires patience. “Yes, it will definitely take time. Building relationships doesn’t happen overnight, it takes weeks and months,” he said. “But I think the new lads are settling in really well. They’re top players and great people too, so that helps a lot.” He singled out one of the new arrivals, Florian Wirtz, as a player he has best connected with.   “Probably Florian Wirtz. We got to know each other when playing for our national teams against one another crazily enough.” Addressing the frequent comparisons made between himself and fellow right back Jeremy Frimpong, Bradley welcomed the intensity. “Competition is always healthy, it pushes you to be your best. Jeremy’s a great guy and a top player. He’s brought great energy from Germany, and I think that kind of challenge only makes us both stronger.”   “For me, it would be about cementing my place in the team and helping Liverpool win trophies. Whether that’s the Champions League, Premier League, or FA Cup, any silverware would mean a lot. We just have to keep striving, and I believe we can go again even stronger next season.” Watch Liverpool take on Brentford away in the Premier League, LIVE on Showmax Premier League this Saturday at 8pm (WAT). How can fans get Showmax Premier League on their phones? Sign up for the Showmax Premier League mobile plan for N3,600 at www.showmax.com for all the Premier League action.

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MRA Announces Call for Entries for Goodluck Jonathan FOI Awards 2026

Fola Badmus05 mins

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) today announced the formal opening of its Call for Entries for the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Freedom of Information Awards 2026, designed to recognize and celebrate journalistic excellence in promoting transparency and accountability through the effective use of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.   Named in honour of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, who signed the FOI Act into Law on May 28, 2011, the first category of the awards will celebrate a journalist who has made the highest number of information requests under the Act, while the second category will honour a journalist who has made the most outstanding contributions in promoting the Act since its enactment by raising awareness among citizens, government officials and the media about it, including its provisions, how to use it, its benefits, and the rights it grants as well as advocating for its effective implementation.   In a statement announcing the opening of the call, MRA called on all eligible Nigerian journalists working across print, broadcast, online, and multimedia platforms to submit their entries for consideration in two distinct categories as follows:   Category 1: Most Active User of the FOI Act. This award will be given to a journalist who has made the highest verifiable number of information requests under the FOI Act between May 28, 2011, and December 31, 2025. This category aims to celebrate and encourage the active and consistent use of the Act as a tool for journalistic investigation as well as for promoting and ensuring transparency and good governance.   Category 2: Most Outstanding Promoter of the FOI Act. This award will recognize a journalist who has made the most outstanding contributions in promoting the FOI Act since its enactment in 2011. This includes raising public awareness about the Act, its provisions, how to use it, its benefits, and the rights it confers on individuals, as well as advocating for its effective implementation through news stories, feature articles, opinion pieces, or other media outputs.   Applicants must be journalists of Nigerian nationality, working in any print, broadcast, online, or multimedia outlet, and should not be under any legal constraint and must not have been adjudged by an appropriate regulatory or judicial body to be guilty of professional misconduct.   All interested journalists are required to complete an application form and attach relevant, verifiable documentation for their claims, which may include acknowledged copies of FOI requests or copies of published media outputs, depending on the category.   The deadline for all submissions is 23.59 (WAT) on January 31, 2026.   According to MRA, the winner in each category will receive a plaque, a certificate, and a prize. The Awards will be formally presented at a public ceremony to be held in Abuja on May 28, 2026, coinciding with an event to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the enactment of the Act.

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2026 WAFCON Race: Super Falcons Seek Comfortable Win over Bénin’s Amazons

Fola Badmus04 mins

The 25,000 -capacity Stade de Kégué in the Togolese capital, Lomè is venue for Friday’s 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying fixture, first leg match between 10-time champions Nigeria and their Bèninoise counterparts, known as Amazons, with the Cup holders seeking a comfortable win that will render the return leg in Nigeria on Tuesday a mere formality.   Head Coach Justine Madugu has a total of 19 players available for the encounter, and has promised his squad will go all out for the goals that will earn it the ticket to a defence of the title won in Morocco this summer. The Kingdom of Morocco will also host next year’s houseparty, where all semi-finalists will collect automatic qualification tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.   “We have a team that will go out there and make us proud. Yes, we would have loved to have Jennifer (Echegini) but we do not and we can only pray for her to recover quickly.   “On Friday, we will go out and play our game and seek the goals that will put us in a good stead ahead of the return leg.”   With Echegini out, Madugu is likely to opt for US-based impresario Deborah Abiodun to start, alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe in the middle, with Chiamaka Nnadozie (one of the best goalkeepers in the world) marshalling a defence-line of Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Ashley Plumptre.   In the fore, Madugu has Esther Okoronkwo (doubtless one of Nigeria’s impact players at this year’s Women AFCON), the pushful Chinwendu Ihezuo, six-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, new-face Joy Omewa and China-based Folashade Ijamilusi, who was also a delight as Nigeria won a tenth AFCON title in Morocco this summer.   Gambian official Ngum Fatou will be the referee of the encounter that begins at 3pm Togo time (4pm Nigeria time).   SUPER FALCONS TO FACE AMAZONS:   Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)   Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)   Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)   Forwards: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)  

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