Osimhen Fires Galatasaray Reaches to Turkish Cup Final

Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen delivered a stellar performance for Galatasaray, scoring one goal and providing an assist in their emphatic 5-1 victory over Konyaspor in the Turkish Cup semifinal clash at the Konya Buyuksehir Belediye Stadium. Osimhen, who has been a key figure for Galatasaray this season, spearheaded their attack as they aimed to secure a coveted spot in the Turkish Cup final. The 26-year-old forward wasted no time in making his mark, opening the scoring in the 26th minute. He demonstrated his aerial prowess by rising highest to meet a well-delivered cross from teammate Dries Mertens, powerfully heading the ball into the net to give Galatasaray a 1-0 lead. Osimhen had another opportunity to extend the lead in the 32nd minute, but Konyaspor goalkeeper Deniz Ertas pulled off a fine save to deny the Nigerian. However, Ertas was unable to prevent Lucas Torreira from doubling Galatasaray’s advantage just before halftime, with the Uruguayan midfielder finding the back of the net in the 43rd minute to make it 2-0. Galatasaray continued their dominance after the break, and just two minutes into the second half, Osimhen turned provider. He displayed excellent vision and technique to play a precise pass to Roland Sallai, whose subsequent shot took a deflection before finding the back of the net, extending Galatasaray’s lead to 3-0. Konyaspor briefly offered a glimmer of hope when Pedrinho pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute, reducing the deficit to 3-1. However, Galatasaray quickly extinguished any hopes of a comeback, striking twice more through Sallai and Yusuf Demir to seal a comprehensive 5-1 victory. Osimhen’s overall contribution to Galatasaray’s dominant performance was significant. Throughout the match, he registered an impressive three successful dribbles, had six attempts on goal, created two key passes for his teammates, and won seven of his eleven duels. Galatasaray now await the outcome of the other Turkish Cup semifinal between Trabzonspor and Goztepe on Thursday to discover their opponents in the final. While the Lions may harbor hopes of facing Goztepe, perceived as potentially easier opposition, Victor Osimhen’s consistent form suggests he will be a crucial asset for Galatasaray regardless of who they face. Having not lifted the Turkish Cup trophy since 2018, Galatasaray will be determined to go all the way this season, and with Osimhen leading their attack, their chances of success look promising.

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Delta Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori Decamps to APC

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has reportedly dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He was said to have defected alongside his commissioners. This was revealed after a high-level, closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday evening. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Festus Ahon, said the decision came after “wide consultations with political stakeholders and in the interest of Delta’s long-term development.” Oborevwori was elected in 2023 under the PDP platform. Senator James Manager, who addressed the press after a meeting of the PDP stakeholders in Government House, said a formal declaration would be made on Monday. He said that the governor’s defection to the ruling party was in the interest and the overall development of Delta state. Mr Manager said the entire PDP structure in the state had collapsed to the APC. Present at the briefing were Governor Oborevwori, the immediate past governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guor and other PDP stalwarts.

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**Governor Alia Appoints Music Star 2Baba as Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach**

Governor Alia Appoints Music Star 2Baba as Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach

The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music icon, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach, News360 Nigeria reports., The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the veteran singer to the governor’s office. Governor Alia commended 2Baba for his continuous support towards the state government and expressed confidence in his capacity to further contribute to the administration’s efforts in entertainment and community development. “In addition to the good work you’ve been doing, we believe you can do even more. On behalf of the government and the people of Benue State, we are pleased to appoint you as Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach,” Governor Alia stated. In another development, 2Baba has formally introduced his fiancée, Honourable Natasha Osawaru, to the traditional leadership of the Idoma nation and his hometown community. The introduction ceremony took place on Monday, April 21, 2025, during the Idoma Nation Peace and Unity Symposium held at the Och’Idoma Palace in Otukpo. Dressed in full traditional Idoma attire, 2Baba presented Natasha, a serving lawmaker and former Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, to His Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma V, and gathered elders. Following the palace event, the couple visited Okpokwu, 2Baba’s ancestral hometown, where they met with community elders and sought their blessings.

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Governor Bago Clarifies Stance: Dreadlocks Not Banned in Niger State

Governor Bago Makes U-turn; Says Dreadlocks Not Banned in Niger

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has reversed his earlier directive ordering the arrest and fining of individuals with dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital. During a stakeholders’ security meeting on Tuesday, Bago had instructed security operatives to apprehend anyone wearing dreadlocks, shave off their hair, and impose fines, stating, “Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna.” However, the governor’s comments sparked widespread backlash from Nigerians, prompting him to clarify his stance the following day. In a statement on Wednesday, Bago distanced himself from the controversial order, saying his remarks were misunderstood and that the government has no issue with people wearing dreadlocks. He explained that the target of his earlier directive was not individuals with dreadlocks generally, but rather criminal groups allegedly associated with that appearance. “We don’t have a problem with dreadlocks but we have a problem with the cult here with dreadlocks,” he said. Bago went on to encourage investors and business owners, including those with dreadlocks, to feel welcome in Niger State, calling the controversy “media propaganda

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Transfer Window Heats Up: Major Moves Brewing Across Europe

Manchester United have drawn up a two-man wishlist of Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as they aim to strengthen in midfield, TEAMtalk reports. Bruno, who scored in Newcastle’s 4-1 win over Man United earlier this month, has a contract at St James’ Park that runs until 2028, while Wharton is committed to Selhurst Park for a further year. Christian Eriksen is expected to leave Old Trafford in the summer, but the Red Devils could struggle to offload Casemiro due to the Brazilian’s large wages. Arsenal and Aston Villa are among the clubs that have held exploratory talks about Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha, reports Sky Sports, who add that Saudi Arabian clubs are also willing to trigger the 25-year-old’s release clause. They also reference interest from Manchester United who, sources have told ESPN, are exploring the possibility of triggering Cunha’s release clause. Real Madrid’s defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League has shifted their focus to the transfer window, reports AS. As such, Los Blancos are looking at AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen at centre-back and Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi in midfield. Both players being worth €60m complicates things — as does Bayer Leverkusen wanting €150m for Florian Wirtz — and Real Madrid could have to offload players to make a move and prefer to focus on players whose contracts are coming to an end. Real Madrid will announce a contract extension for Vinícius Júnior at the end of this season, according to Cadena SER. The Brazil international’s deal — which currently runs until 2027 — will be extended by another two or three years, the radio station reported on Tuesday. Interest from Saudi Arabia was not, in the end, tempting for Vinícius, according to SER, with the player having doubts over moving to the Saudi Pro League on a five-year deal. He would only have considered a switch to Saudi for two years, at the most. Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García — who’s been LaLiga’s standout keeper this season — has offers from the Premier League, the Bundesliga, and other LaLiga clubs, Cadena COPE reports, although he hasn’t received an approach from Real Madrid. García, 23, will be available on a €25m release clause this summer, or 15 million if Espanyol are relegated, which now looks unlikely. According to COPE, García’s agents are waiting to see if an offer arrives from Madrid before taking a decision on where his future lies.

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Senator Neda Imasuen Set to Defect to APC Senator Neda Imasuen Set to Defect to APC

Senator Neda Imasuen Set to Defect to APC

STRONG indications emerged on Wednesday that the Labour Party (LP) in Edo State would soon be hit by another defection as its member representing Edo South Senatorial District in the Senate, Senator Neda Imasuen, may soon defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as members of the APC are believed to be mounting pressure on the Chairman, Senate Committee and Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges to leave the LP. The lawmaker recently said that the Supreme Court decision on the crisis in the LP may have come too late as much damage has been done to the party that has led to many defections. Imasuen enjoys good relationship with notable leaders of the APC in the state and he has been severally in public functions with some of them in addition to the fact that he was a senior legislative to his predecessor in office, Sen. Matthew Uroghide now in the APC and he was the Director General APC Campaign Council ahead of the September 21st governorship election in the state. Giving credence to the speculation and his imminent defection, it was gathered that the Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Political Mobilisation and Engagement, Hon Eugene Utubor, Tuesday night visited the LP Senator in a bid to convince him to join Okpebholo in his developmental agenda. It was reliably gathered that the meeting, which lasted for several hours, centred on discussions on having the LP National Assembly member join the party. A source privy to the meeting described it as fruitful. Imasuen was said to have expressed gratitude for the visit and commended the efforts of Governor Monday Okpebholo in driving development in the state. He was quoted as saying, “The Governor has done remarkably well in such a short time. “It is crucial that we come together to ensure the success of his vision for our people. Every well-meaning Edo citizen is encouraged to rally around the Governor as he works diligently for our collective progress

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President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa, warning that such actions threaten the democratic progress and stability the region has painstakingly achieved. Speaking at the official launch of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday, Tinubu—represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu—reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles, good governance, and regional unity. He emphasized that the resurgence of military coups, which have gripped parts of the region since 2021, undermines the fundamental values of democracy, rule of law, and peace. Between 2020 and 2024, West and Central Africa witnessed nine coup attempts, with Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger falling under military rule. ECOWAS responded by suspending the affected countries and imposing sanctions in a bid to restore civilian governance, but tensions eventually led to the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the bloc. Despite the strain, President Tinubu used the occasion to advocate for reconciliation and reintegration of the estranged member states. He stressed that this milestone anniversary should be a time to renew unity and shared responsibility. “It is a time to strengthen the bonds that tie us together through shared values, collective responsibility, and a common vision for a prosperous region,” he said. Calling for constructive engagement, Tinubu urged ECOWAS to remain open to dialogue with the junta-led countries while implementing sweeping reforms to enhance the bloc’s credibility and institutional strength. “There is an urgent need to implement bold, comprehensive reforms that will enhance our institutions’ effectiveness, relevance, and credibility to meet the challenges of today and the future,” he concluded.

Tinubu Warns Against Coup Resurgence in West Africa Calls for Reconciliation

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa, warning that such actions threaten the democratic progress and stability the region has painstakingly achieved. Speaking at the official launch of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday, Tinubu—represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu—reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles, good governance, and regional unity. He emphasized that the resurgence of military coups, which have gripped parts of the region since 2021, undermines the fundamental values of democracy, rule of law, and peace. Between 2020 and 2024, West and Central Africa witnessed nine coup attempts, with Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger falling under military rule. ECOWAS responded by suspending the affected countries and imposing sanctions in a bid to restore civilian governance, but tensions eventually led to the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the bloc. Despite the strain, President Tinubu used the occasion to advocate for reconciliation and reintegration of the estranged member states. He stressed that this milestone anniversary should be a time to renew unity and shared responsibility. “It is a time to strengthen the bonds that tie us together through shared values, collective responsibility, and a common vision for a prosperous region,” he said. Calling for constructive engagement, Tinubu urged ECOWAS to remain open to dialogue with the junta-led countries while implementing sweeping reforms to enhance the bloc’s credibility and institutional strength. “There is an urgent need to implement bold, comprehensive reforms that will enhance our institutions’ effectiveness, relevance, and credibility to meet the challenges of today and the future,” he concluded.

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NSA Ribadu: Tinubu Inherited ‘Extremely Bad Government’, Urges Support Amid Benue Killings

NSA Ribadu: Tinubu Inherited Extremely Bad Government Urges Support Amid Benue Killings

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited a deeply troubled government, especially in terms of insecurity. Ribadu made the remarks on Tuesday during a visit to Benue State, where he sympathized with the government and people following the recent killings of over 72 individuals by suspected herdsmen. Condemning the attacks, Ribadu urged residents of Benue to support the Tinubu administration and avoid politicizing the crisis, noting that cooperation would enable the federal government to restore peace in the region. “Our Armed Forces are doing well, but it’s impossible to deploy soldiers or police to every hamlet,” he said. “We inherited an extremely bad government. Things have improved, and we’re working to address these lingering issues. Give us a chance and stop politicizing the killings.” In response, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, described the situation as tragic, saying the state has suffered continuous attacks and devastating loss of lives since 2011. According to reports, Benue and Plateau States have witnessed a surge in deadly violence in recent weeks. In the latest attack, gunmen stormed Afia community in Ukum LGA on Tuesday, killing 11 people and injuring many others.

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