Aston Villa Set to Face Lille Again, Nottingham Forest Draw Midtjylland in Europa League Last 16

Aston Villa will meet Lille for the second time in three seasons after the Europa League last-16 draw on Friday, while Nottingham Forest face a rematch against Denmark’s Midtjylland. Villa, coached by Unai Emery, finished second in this season’s league phase behind Lyon. The first leg against Lille will be in northern France on March 12, with the return in Birmingham scheduled for March 19. Last season, Villa were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals, but in 2024, they overcame Lille on penalties in the Conference League quarter-finals. If Villa advance, they would face the winner of the all-Italian tie between Bologna and Roma in the quarter-finals. Forest reached the last 16 after defeating Fenerbahce in the knockout play-off round. They previously lost 3-2 at home to Midtjylland in the league phase. Midtjylland, currently second in the Danish top tier, finished third in the 36-team league phase. Should Forest progress, they would meet either German Cup holders VfB Stuttgart or two-time Europa League winners FC Porto in the quarter-finals. An all-English semi-final could also occur if both Forest and Villa advance. Other intriguing ties include Lyon against Celta Vigo, Panathinaikos facing Real Betis, Ferencvaros versus Braga, and Freiburg taking on Genk. The Europa League final is set for May 20 at Besiktas’ stadium in Istanbul. Europa League Last-16 Draw: Genk (BEL) vs Freiburg (GER) Bologna (ITA) vs Roma (ITA) Ferencvaros (HUN) vs Braga (POR) Stuttgart (GER) vs Porto (POR) Panathinaikos (GRE) vs Real Betis (ESP) Nottingham Forest (ENG) vs Midtjylland (DEN) Celta Vigo (ESP) vs Lyon (FRA) Lille (FRA) vs Aston Villa (ENG)

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Ooni of Ife Denies WhatsApp Chat with King Mitchy, Calls Message Fake

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has dismissed claims of a WhatsApp conversation with socialite King Mitchy (Mukoro Michelle). Speaking on behalf of the palace, Oba Omotoyosi Bayo Akinyele stated on X that the purported message circulating online is “fake and fabricated.” He further urged the public to “stop engaging these clout chasers on this matter further.” The palace’s statement effectively ends speculation that the revered monarch personally communicated with or praised King Mitchy on WhatsApp, putting the controversy to rest.

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King Mitchy Denies Receiving ₦100 Million from Seyi Tinubu, Slams VeryDarkMan’s Allegation

Influencer King Mitchy has denied claims that she received ₦100 million from Seyi Tinubu, the son of Nigeria’s president, amid a growing online feud with critic VeryDarkMan. The dispute began after VeryDarkMan released a video alleging that Seyi Tinubu had given King Mitchy the large sum of money. In response, the influencer took to Instagram to set the record straight. “Shut up!! Me and Carter planned that so it can trend. He has never given me 100m. Leave me alone!!!!! As you no see way to attack me na cruise talk you use!!! @verydarkblackman,” she wrote, stressing that the claim was false and part of an attempt to target her. The online exchange has sparked widespread discussion on social media, as fans react to the continued feud between King Mitchy and VeryDarkMan.

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Oluremi Tinubu Conferred Utukpa-Oritse of Warri Kingdom for Humanitarian Work and Public Service

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has been conferred with the prestigious title of Utukpa-Oritse of the Warri Kingdom in Delta State, recognising her years of public service and humanitarian work. The honour was bestowed on Thursday during a colourful ceremony hosted by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, in Warri. According to a statement from her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady used the occasion to emphasise the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria. The title Utukpa-Oritse, also known as Ugbone or “Light of God,” symbolises the kingdom’s appreciation for her advocacy for women’s empowerment and social welfare initiatives. With maternal roots in Warri, Senator Tinubu described the recognition as a deeply meaningful call to renewed service. Addressing guests, she urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious, and political divisions and embrace harmony. “The Bible tells us in Psalm 133, verses 1 to 3, that it is pleasant to dwell together in unity, for there is where God commanded blessings,” she said. Through her Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady donated ₦50 million to empower 1,000 petty traders in Warri, further reinforcing her commitment to grassroots economic support. Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who attended the ceremony, praised her compassion and consistent engagement with the state, noting her three visits to Delta and her efforts in women’s empowerment. “She has a large heart, and those visits where she flagged off the women’s petty traders’ empowerment and the launch of the Free to Shine campaign encouraged me to make up my mind. May God continue to empower you to continue to put smiles on the faces of more Nigerians,” he said. The Olu of Warri commended the First Lady for her exemplary leadership and urged citizens to put past grievances aside in the interest of peace and progress. “We are proud of who you are and who you have become. Our women know how to take very good care of their husbands. Thank you for being a very good example to our girls and women,” he stated. The event drew prominent figures, including former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, top government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders. Senator Tinubu has previously received multiple traditional honours, including Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua from the Ooni of Ife in December 2025, Iya Oba of Ikorodu in August 2025, Sarauniyar Yaki (Warrior Queen) by the Akko Emirate in October 2025, and Ugosimba 1 of Enugu in June 2025. She also holds the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). On the international stage, she was recently praised by United States President Donald Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast in February 2026, who described her as a “very respected woman” and acknowledged her dual role as Nigeria’s First Lady and ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu was also honoured in May 2025 by the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council with the title Dike Si Mba Anambra, meaning “Hero from Outside” or “Mighty Warrior,” in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the state.

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Pakistan Declares War Against Afghan Taliban Following Kabul Airstrikes

Pakistan launched airstrikes on Kabul on Friday as part of a broader wave of attacks across Afghanistan, a government official confirmed. The strikes came a day after the Afghan Taliban announced a major offensive targeting Pakistani military positions near the border on Thursday night. In response to escalating tensions, Pakistan’s Prime Minister warned that the country has “the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions,” while the Defence Minister declared an “open war” on the Afghan Taliban. A spokesperson for the Afghan Taliban claimed on X that the group had retaliated with renewed attacks against Pakistani forces, though the post was later deleted.

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Mike Ozekhome Granted N10 Million Bail Over Alleged Property Fraud

A High Court in Maitama, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Friday granted N10 million bail each to Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome and his co-defendant, Ponfa Useni, following their arraignment on a 12-count criminal charge filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF). The defendants pleaded not guilty to allegations including forgery of documents, such as an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, which they were accused of using to claim ownership of a London property allegedly linked to the late General Jeremiah Useni. During the hearing, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) did not oppose the bail applications filed by Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) for Ozekhome and F.R. Onoja (SAN) for Useni. Justice Chizoba Oji granted bail of N10 million for each defendant, with the condition that each provide a surety owning property in the FCT. The court also ordered both defendants to deposit their international passports. The judge added that, since the hearing fell on a Friday, the defendants could return home if they could not immediately meet the bail conditions, but they must comply by Monday, failing which they would be remanded in prison.

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Court Validates PDP 2025 Elective Convention, Confirms Dr. Kabiru Turaki as Chairman

Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, has upheld the legitimacy of the 2025 Elective Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that elected Dr. Kabiru Turaki as the party’s substantive chairman. In a judgment delivered on Friday in Suit No. I/1336/2025, the court validated the amended originating summons filed by Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN) on behalf of the claimant, Folahan Malomo Adelabi. Justice Akintola granted all 13 reliefs sought, ruling that the convention was conducted in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), and other applicable electoral laws. The court also dismissed motions filed by Sunday Ibrahim (SAN) on behalf of Austin Nwachukwu and two others, which sought a stay of proceedings and suspension of the ruling. Earlier, the judge had rejected an application for joinder by the same parties, describing it as lacking merit.

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Peller Laments Family’s Constant Financial Demands, Says He Feels Overwhelmed

Popular Nigerian streamer Peller has expressed frustration over what he described as constant financial pressure from his family following his rise to fame. While speaking during a recent livestream, the content creator complained about being repeatedly approached for money, saying the responsibility has become exhausting. “My family wants to k!ll me. Ever since I made it, they’ve been disturbing me. I’m the one paying my step-sibling’s school fees, what’s my business with them? We’re not even that close. It’s my father who had them, not my mom,” he said. His comments suggest he feels burdened by expectations to provide for relatives, especially step-siblings he says he does not share a close bond with. The remarks have since stirred reactions online, with many debating the challenges that come with sudden wealth and family obligations.

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