Hampton and Donnarumma win best keeper awards

This is the award for the best goalkeeper of the past season. This is the first time there is a women’s award. Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps is on stage and says “finally” about the arrival of the women’s trophy.  We are in the sixth year of the men’s trophy, so you can see her point! Here are the nominees for the women’s prize:  These are the nominees for the men’s prize: 

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Sarina Wiegman wins the Johan Cruyff Trophy

The England Women manager has been named the best manager after winning the Euros in Switzerland.  Fabio Capello did slightly mispronounce her name – unless she now goes by Sabrina.  Women Best manager of the season Former England manager Fabio Capello is on stage to announce the winner of the Johan Cruyff award.  Here are the five nominees for the Women’s trophy: 

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Lamine Yamal retains Kopa trophy

Lamine Yamal retains Kopa trophy

The Barcelona teenager wins the best young player award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. He wins it for the second year running.  Was there ever going to be anyone else? Lamine Yamal could well go on to win the main men’s prize tonight.  Ruud Gullit asks him on stage if he is ready for it. All the 18-year-old could say is, “I don’t know”. Gullit says “maybe see you later” as he leaves the stage. Men’s Kopa trophy up first! Here are the nominees for the award given to the best young player:

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NFVCB Approves 139 Films in August 2025, Highlights Surge in English and Yoruba Titles

NFVCB Approves 139 Films in August 2025, Highlights Surge in English and Yoruba Titles

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) approved 139 films in August 2025, according to official statistics released on its website. Out of the total, 63 films were rated 18+, 57 were deemed suitable for viewers aged 15 and above, one was rated 12, another received a Parental Guidance (PG) classification, while one was cleared for General Viewing (G). This wide range of ratings reflects the board’s continued efforts to classify films appropriately and guide audiences on age suitability. English-language films led the approvals, with 92 titles accounting for 66.2% of the total. Yoruba films followed with 23 entries (16.5%), while 12 films were in Igbo (8.6%). Ijaw had 7 approved titles (5%), and Hindi films recorded 5 approvals (3.6%). Notably, no Hausa-language films were classified for the second consecutive month. Several notable productions received clearance during the month. Ovi Studios’ Till Death Do Us Part (69 minutes, rated 15) and Wandering Stranger (102 minutes, rated 15) were among them. WissyBelle Productions also had two films approved: For a Season (132 minutes, rated 15) and Broken Pieces (98 minutes, rated 15). The Big Score by Ray & Ijeoma Ventures (98 minutes, rated 18) made the list as well. Veteran actor Jide Kosoko’s historical drama Esugbayi Eleko (119 minutes, rated 12) was also approved. Other notable entries include Damilola Fasesan’s Ewa (158 minutes, PG) and John Musker’s family-friendly Aladdin (90 minutes, G). These selections reflect the creativity and diversity currently present in the Nigerian film industry. The NFVCB also cleared several foreign titles, including Over the Bridge (Hindi, PG), Son of Sardaar 2 (English, 12A), and Param Sundari (Hindi, 12A), demonstrating its commitment to regulating both local and international film content distributed in Nigeria. Speaking on the board’s role, NFVCB Executive Director and CEO Dr. Shuaib Hussein emphasized the importance of responsible storytelling and accurate classification. “The NFVCB’s leadership is committed to supporting responsible storytelling and ensuring that audiences are properly guided through classifications,” he said. With consistent regulatory efforts, the NFVCB continues to play a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s film industry and ensuring that content aligns with societal standards while encouraging creativity and industry growth.

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John Legend Honoured at Black Music Action Coalition Event

John Legend was honoured with the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award at the Black Music Action Coalition’s annual event, marking the group’s fifth anniversary. The 46-year-old singer praised BMAC for its advocacy work and vowed to continue uplifting under-represented voices in music. “I’m grateful to be honoured with an award named after my friend and mentor, Quincy Jones,” Legend said. “This work is about collaboration and amplifying voices that need to be heard.” Flavor Flav also attended, applauding Legend’s contributions and stressing the importance of recognition for Black artists. BMAC’s president reaffirmed the Coalition’s mission to promote equity and inclusion in the music industry through initiatives like music grants and pipeline programs.

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President Tinubu To Oluremi on Her 65th Birthday

President Tinubu To Oluremi on Her 65th Birthday

As you celebrate your 65th birthday today, I honour not only the love of my life, but also a woman whose quiet strength and enduring grace have been my steadying anchor. Through every season, from the long years of struggle and political exile, to leadership responsibilities, you have stood firmly by my side with dignity, patience, and devotion that words can scarcely express. You are more than my wife. You are my confidant, counsellor, and the steady flame illuminating my path. In you, our children and grandchildren see the example of compassion and faith, and in you, our nation sees the true strength of womanhood; resolute yet tender, humble yet unshakably firm. Nigeria owes you more than many will ever know. In every sacrifice you made quietly, in every burden you carried without complaint, you have served this country as surely as I have, not from the podium, but from the heart of our home. Today, as your husband, I thank God for your life, health, and unwavering love. As your President, I salute you as the First Lady whose warmth and empathy continue to touch millions of lives across our land. And as your lifelong companion, I say that I love you more than ever, and am blessed every day by your presence. Your love is a treasure I hold dear. Happy 65th birthday, Oluremi @SenRemiTinubu. May the years ahead be filled with joy, peace, and the fulfilment you so richly deserve.

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Liverpool 2-1 Everton: Gravenberch Shines as Arne Slot’s Side Maintain Perfect Start

By Kamal Yalwa: Saturday, September 20, 2025 Liverpool continued their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Everton in a fiercely contested Merseyside derby at Anfield. The result extends David Moyes’ winless record at Anfield to 21 Premier League games across four different clubs, as Liverpool made a fast start and held firm under late pressure. Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring in the 10th minute, latching onto a precise delivery from Mohamed Salah to give the hosts an early lead — their fastest home goal in over two years. Gravenberch, who returned to the midfield trio alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, was instrumental throughout. Shortly before halftime, he turned provider with a clever through ball to Hugo Ekitike, who calmly slotted home his fourth goal for Liverpool since joining in the summer. The 2-0 cushion gave Arne Slot’s side firm control going into the break. Alexander Isak made his Premier League debut for Liverpool, coming on for the final 20 minutes, but his presence wasn’t crucial as the hosts had already done the damage. Everton responded in the second half with renewed intent. Idrissa Gueye pulled one back with a powerful volley following an incisive run and cross from Jack Grealish, who was arguably Everton’s standout performer. The visitors pushed for an equaliser, creating a tense finish, but lacked the composure and final product to break through Liverpool’s defence again. Liverpool have now won five straight Premier League matches for the first time under new manager Arne Slot and sit six points clear at the top of the table. Their lead could be reduced depending on the outcome of Sunday’s clash between Arsenal and Manchester City, live on Sky Sports. The result strengthens Liverpool’s title credentials and deepens Everton’s early-season struggles, leaving Moyes and his side still searching for their first win at Anfield in the Premier League era.

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NCAA Condemns Qatar Airways Over Alleged Unlawful Detention of Nigerian Passenger in Doha

NCAA Condemns Qatar Airways Over Alleged Unlawful Detention of Nigerian Passenger in Doha

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has strongly criticized Qatar Airways for what it described as the unfair and unlawful treatment of a Nigerian passenger who was detained in Doha under questionable circumstances. Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, issued a statement via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, outlining the incident and warning of impending sanctions against the airline. According to Achimugu, the passenger — who was traveling to the United States with his wife — was accused by a Qatar Airways cabin crew member of inappropriate conduct during boarding at Lagos airport. The alleged incident, however, was not reported until the couple arrived in Doha for a layover. “A member of this airline’s cabin crew claimed that, while she was wheeling a passenger during boarding, a male passenger travelling with his wife had touched her inappropriately,” Achimugu said. “She did not report this incident in Lagos. On arrival in Doha, she made the allegation, leading to the man’s arrest and detention for about eighteen hours.” During his detention, the passenger’s wife reportedly suffered severe emotional and psychological distress, with no support or assistance provided by the airline. Achimugu noted that the detained passenger was allegedly forced to sign a document written solely in Arabic — a language he could not understand — and was made to pay a hefty fine. “Desperate for freedom to proceed on his journey to the US, the passenger signed a document whose contents he did not understand,” Achimugu stated. Despite complying with these conditions, Qatar Airways reportedly refused to fly the passenger to his final destination, forcing him to purchase a new ticket on another airline — incurring further financial and reputational damage. The NCAA spokesperson also criticized the airline for what he described as consistent disregard for Nigerian passengers and the authority’s regulations. “Qatar Airways has carried on as though Nigerian passengers and the NCAA are not deserving of their respect, dignified treatment, and compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023,” he wrote. Achimugu revealed that the NCAA had summoned Qatar Airways’ country manager for clarification but alleged that the manager frequently avoids such meetings, sending subordinates instead. In addition to this case, the NCAA cited multiple unresolved complaints lodged against Qatar Airways by other Nigerian passengers, accusing the airline of systemic non-compliance and poor customer service. Achimugu warned that the NCAA will no longer tolerate such behavior from any foreign airline operating in Nigeria, stressing that heavy sanctions will be imposed on carriers found in violation of aviation laws and consumer protection guidelines. “All future non-compliance by airlines will be dealt with accordingly,” he concluded.

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