KingsMen Begin 2025 NBPL Playoffs With Statement Win Over Hoops and Read

Reigning champions Rivers Hoopers launched their 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League Final Eight Playoffs campaign with a commanding 73-50 victory over Hoops & Read, thanks to an explosive first-quarter performance which helped the KingsMen lead from start to finish. The defending champions started hot, opening up a 12-0 lead inside the first four minutes, thanks to four consecutive shots from deep courtesy of Mustapha Oyebanji and Isaiah Williams. That twelve-point lead grew to eighteen at the end of the first quarter as the score stood at 29-11. Speaking after the game, Rivers Hoopers Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu said his team’s strong start was crucial in determining the outcome of the game. “We started off really strong, and I think that determined the direction that the game was going to go. Even though the guys took their foot off the pedal at some point in the game and almost let the opponents come back. It’s something I’m going to have to address going forward.” Hoops & Read tried to find a way back into the game but could only reduce the deficit by two points at halftime, as the hosts took a 41-25 lead into the break. Both teams seemed to have gone cold following the break, as they could only manage ten points apiece in a combative third quarter, before the KingsMen wrapped up the win with an improved fourth-quarter showing. Despite the twenty-three-point demolition of their opponents, for coach Odaudu, picking up a vital win to start the playoffs was what really mattered. “For us, it doesn’t matter the number of points we win by; just a win is good for us. We’ll take a one-point lead; we’ll take a half-point lead; a win is a win. “We’re happy with how it ended,” he emphasised. Overall, it was an all-round team performance from the defending champions, as ten out of the eleven KingsMen who made the matchday roster scored points, with thirty-five (35) points coming from the bench. Captain Victor Anthony Koko alongside Oyebanji led the KingsMen with eleven (11) points apiece, while the energetic Victor Sunday dropped ten (10) points along with five rebounds and five steals. Isaiah Williams scored nine (9) points on his Rivers Hoopers debut, as Peter Olisemeka recorded a game-high twelve (12) rebounds. Kelvin Amayo, who was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2024 NBPL Finals, scored nine (9) points on his return to basketball in Nigeria and relished the support of the Port Harcourt crowd, which cheered on the team to victory. “To be honest, playing in PH (Port Harcourt) is always the best to me. The fans always do a great job; they love watching us play. I’m just happy to be here and be able to showcase what we’ve been working [on] throughout the season and off-season, to come here and give them a show,” he revealed. Rivers Hoopers will next be in action by 5pm on Tuesday, 28th October, 2025, as they take on Kano Pillars in a matchday two encounter. Day 2 – Tuesday, 28th October 11:00am: Kwara Falcons vs Lagos Legends 1:00pm: Nigeria Customs vs Gboko City Chiefs 3:00pm: Nile University vs Hoops & Read 5:00pm: Kano Pillars vs Rivers Hoopers All games will be played at the Basketball Stadium, #59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

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NDLEA Operatives Burst Drug Party, Arrest Over 100 Fun Seekers

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned night club operators and fun seekers about the creeping culture of organising, hosting and attending drug parties, a disturbing fad within social circles, which is a blatant illegality under the Nigerian law.   ​The Agency’s warning comes on the heels of a raid carried out by its operatives at a drug party, which held on the night of Saturday 25th October into the early hours of Sunday 26th October 2025, at Proxy Night Club located at 7 Akin Adesola street, Victoria Island Lagos where over 100 attendees were arrested along with the owner of the facility, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu alias Pretty Mike and his manager Joachin Millary.   ​According to the Agency, “any gathering organised for the purpose of consuming, distributing, or abusing illicit substances is an act of criminality. These ‘drug parties’ contravene the explicit provisions of the NDLEA Act and will be treated as serious narcotic offences. In the case of the drug party at Proxy night club, organisers went above board and had the audacity to produce and circulate flyers inviting fun seekers to come together to commit crime, an act that not only constitutes an incitement to commit crime but equally an affront to the law enforcement capabilities of the country if condoned.   ​“Nigeria is currently grappling with a very high prevalence rate of drug abuse, particularly among our youths. These illicit drug parties do not only fuel the drug scourge but equally serve as hubs for new recruitment into drug addiction and actively undermine our current national efforts to safeguard public health and security.   “In the recent case, the NDLEA was meticulous and professional throughout the processes leading to the raid and during the operation. Following intelligence on the party, our undercover agents conducted surveillance on the facility, made pre-purchases of illicit drugs from within the club and for four hours between 11pm on Saturday and 3am on Sunday during the party, our operatives observed and recorded drug transactions and abuse going on before we eventually disrupted the brazen public display of illegality and made arrests.   “All attendees initially arrested were later profiled, addressed, counselled and released within hours in custody, in line with best global practices while the two principal suspects: Pretty Mike and his manager, Joachin Millary remain in custody following the seizure of 384.882 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis and other substances from the club’s store.   “While the Agency will intensify surveillance and apply the full force of the law against perpetrators, owners of properties, hotels, and event centres found to be knowingly hosting such illegal activities risk the confiscation and forfeiture of their assets to the Federal Government. Those held in custody in the ongoing case will face prosecution while we will file for forfeiture of the property, Proxy Night Club, in which the drugs were found.”   ​The Agency urged all patriotic Nigerians, parents, religious and community leaders, as well as concerned citizens to be vigilant, report such activities, and partner with the NDLEA in combating this threat to national well-being.  

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Nigerian Singer J Martins Escapes Deadly Car Accident

Nigerian Singer J Martins Escapes Deadly Car Accident

Nigerian singer and Senior Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Tourism and Entertainment, Martins Okechukwu Justice, popularly known as J Martins, narrowly survived a car crash on Monday. The incident happened along the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt expressway when his car reportedly suffered brake failure, causing it to veer off the road and crash into thick bush. Speaking about the ordeal, J Martins described the experience as “terrible” but expressed gratitude to God for his safety. “I thank God for protecting me. I was able to get out of the car without any injuries,” he said, relieved that the accident did not cause harm.

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Carabao Cup Fourth Round: Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City in Action

Football fans are in for a midweek treat as the Carabao Cup fourth round kicks off this week, with some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs — including Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Tottenham Hotspur — all set to feature. The matches take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, promising plenty of drama, upsets, and memorable moments. On Tuesday, Grimsby Town continue their fairytale run as they host Brentford after knocking out Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday in the earlier rounds. Fulham travel to League One side Wycombe Wanderers, while Welsh rivals Wrexham and Cardiff City meet in an all-Wales clash that’s sure to ignite passions. Wednesday’s fixtures see Arsenal welcome Brighton to the Emirates, while Liverpool face Crystal Palace at Anfield for the third time this season. Palace have beaten the Reds twice already — once on penalties in the Community Shield and again in the Premier League. Elsewhere, Swansea City take on reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, Wolves host Chelsea at Molineux, and defending Carabao Cup holders Newcastle United face Tottenham in one of the round’s standout ties. The draw for the fifth round will follow the conclusion of the Newcastle vs Tottenham clash on Wednesday night. Every match of the Carabao Cup fourth round promises high stakes, fierce competition, and the chance for lower-league sides to make history against top-flight opposition.

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APC Demands Plateau Governor Mutfwang Reveal Who Pressured Him to Join Party

The Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to disclose the individuals allegedly pressuring him to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC. Mutfwang, speaking over the weekend at the Government House banquet hall in Jos, said several APC members had approached him to join their party. He, however, emphasized that only God and the electorate who voted for him could influence such a decision. “It is not a lie that they are putting pressure on me. But I told them that only two people would authorise me to change my party: one is the God of heaven, and the other is you, the people. Those who are rejecting me for what I did not seek are only hiding their desires. The truth is that 60 to 70 per cent of APC members in the state would be glad to have us in their party. They are just biting their fingers because they know I won’t join them,” the governor said. Reacting on Monday in Jos, APC acting state publicity secretary Shittu Bamaiyi dismissed the governor’s remarks as “self-denial” and accused him of attempting to distract the public from perceived failures of his administration. Bamaiyi argued that if Mutfwang had genuinely delivered for the people of Plateau, there would be no talk of political defection. “If he truly cared for his supporters and the state, he should have named those pressuring him and explained why,” Bamaiyi said. “Regardless, it is a serious mark against a sitting governor when the opposition openly objects to his joining their ranks, even when their goal is to win future elections.”

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Liverpool in Crisis as Arne Slot’s Side Suffers Four Consecutive Premier League Defeats

Liverpool in Crisis as Arne Slot’s Side Suffers Four Consecutive Premier League Defeats

Liverpool’s Premier League title defence is in tatters after a fourth straight league defeat left the reigning champions seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal and languishing in seventh place. Arne Slot’s men were beaten 3-2 by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, in a result that has intensified scrutiny on the Dutchman’s tactics and team balance. The loss means Liverpool have now suffered as many league defeats as they did across their entire title-winning campaign. Long-ball vulnerability Slot has publicly admitted that Liverpool struggle against long-ball tactics — an admission Brentford ruthlessly exploited. The hosts launched 64 direct passes, including a 40-yard assist from Mikkel Damsgaard for Kevin Schade’s goal, as Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were repeatedly caught out. “Too many duels were lost, too many second balls weren’t won,” Slot later conceded. Fragile defensive structure Under former manager Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool were known for their relentless pressing. Under Slot, however, the system appears fractured. The midfield trio has struggled to shield the back line, leaving the Reds vulnerable to fast breaks — they currently have the Premier League’s fourth-highest expected goals (xG) conceded from counter-attacks. Brentford registered 17 shots and created seven big chances, the most Liverpool have faced this season. Lack of physicality Injury to Ryan Gravenberch has exposed Liverpool’s physical shortcomings. Slot’s midfield, built around technicians like Florian Wirtz and Curtis Jones, often loses aerial duels and second balls. Dominik Szoboszlai, who won 11 duels against Brentford, has been forced to carry an unsustainable workload. Integration issues Liverpool’s summer overhaul — including high-profile attacking signings — has yet to gel. The departures of Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez, combined with the emotional toll of Diogo Jota’s passing, have left the team unbalanced. Defensive depth remains thin, and key signings like Wirtz have struggled to adapt to Slot’s system. Slow starts, poor finishes Liverpool have conceded first in six consecutive matches, shipping at least two goals in each of their last four league games. Their defensive frailty has turned every match into a recovery mission, and they now share an identical points tally to newly promoted Sunderland since last season’s title triumph — despite playing four games more. Title defence in jeopardy Opta’s projections now place Liverpool third by season’s end, with Arsenal predicted to lift the title. Yet, given their current form, even that outcome seems optimistic. Only Nottingham Forest and West Ham have conceded more goals from set-pieces this season. Liverpool’s immediate focus turns to the Carabao Cup, where they face Crystal Palace on Wednesday at Selhurst Park — the same venue where their losing streak began. With Aston Villa awaiting at the weekend, Slot faces a critical week to stop the slide and salvage the Reds’ season.

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19-Year-Old Bride Dies By Suicide After Wedding Dress Criticism

19-Year-Old Commits Suicide After Wedding Gown Criticism

Lyaman Mammadli, a 19-year-old bride from Mingachevir, Azerbaijan, reportedly took her own life after her husband’s family criticized her wedding dress as “too revealing” and “provocative.” Her father, Murad Bayramov, said Mammadli was accused of looking “n*ked” because her shoulders were uncovered. The confrontation left her distraught, and she later died by suicide in her parents’ garden. “My daughter’s groom and his parents caused a fight in my home over her wedding dress,” Bayramov said. “She couldn’t bear it and took her own life.” While Azerbaijan is a Muslim-majority country, the family has not specified Mammadli’s personal religion. Bayramov also denied media claims that his daughter was pressured into marrying her 33-year-old husband, Elnur Mamedli. “After the celebration, Elnur came to our home with his parents and started a big argument. They said, ‘What a disgrace. How could you let your daughter wear such a shameful, revealing wedding dress?’ We explained it was a normal gown, the kind many brides wear, but they refused to calm down,” he said. The dispute continued the following day, with the groom’s parents accusing Mammadli of “disgracing their son and family.” “In her emotional turmoil, she couldn’t endure it and ended her life,” her father said. He added that although her husband attended the funeral, he “refused to let them stay” and had them leave. Police are investigating whether a criminal case should be opened over the alleged bullying that led to the bride’s tragic death.

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Michael Blackson Apologizes to Fiancee After Welcoming Child With Another Woman

Comedian Michael Blackson has issued a public apology to his fiancee, Rada, after welcoming a child with another woman just weeks after the birth of their own son. Blackson and Rada’s son, Mikey, was born on June 17, 2025, while his second son, King Kweku Blackson, arrived on August 6, 2025, with a female friend he has known for over five years. In an Instagram post, he apologized for the situation but emphasized that he loves both of his new sons equally. He revealed that his older twin sons and even his mother only recently learned about the second child. Blackson also disclosed that Rada has left him and pleaded for her forgiveness, writing: “Two months after Rada gave birth to little Mikey, a female friend I’ve known for over five years also gave birth to my son King Kweku Blackson. My two boys have brought so much joy to my life but also caused me to lose my fiancée Rada. My older twin boys, who are now 18, didn’t find out until last night, and my mom didn’t even know. My apologies to Rada and I hope she forgives me for the pain I’ve caused. I’m going to be the best loving father in the world.” He added with humor: “To avoid turning into Nick Cannon or Elon Musk, I’m only dating women that ran out of period or had a hysterectomy.” Earlier, Rada had opened up about struggling with postpartum depression and raising their son alone. Blackson responded, stating that his responsibility was to fund their son’s lifestyle. The comedian also missed Mikey’s birth while briefly stepping out to get coffee, a moment both later joked about, saying it reduced stress and spared him from seeing the delivery directly. Blackson’s apology highlights the personal and public challenges he now faces, as he seeks to mend his relationship with Rada while embracing fatherhood for his two newest sons.

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