Benzema

Karim Benzema Completes Shock Free Transfer From Al Ittihad to Al Hilal

Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has completed a deadline-day free transfer from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal, a move that has sent shockwaves through the Saudi Pro League. Benzema, 38, joined Al Ittihad in 2023 but was entering the final six months of his contract and was reportedly unhappy with the renewal terms offered by the club. Confirming the move in a statement, Al Hilal said: “Al Hilal signed French star Karim Benzema on a free transfer to represent the football team for one and a half years.” The Ballon d’Or winner, who led Al Ittihad to a league and cup double in 2025, also took to X to bid farewell to the club. “This journey gave me a lot, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colors and of everything we shared,” Benzema wrote. Meanwhile, the transfer is said to have sparked tension elsewhere in the league. Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly reacted angrily to Benzema’s switch and subsequently sat out Al Nassr’s 1–0 victory over Al Riyadh. The club has not explained his absence, and Ronaldo has made no public comment. Portuguese reports claim the 40-year-old feels Al Nassr has not received sufficient backing from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Al Nassr alongside rivals Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli. According to A Bola, Ronaldo believes the other PIF-owned clubs have benefited from stronger financial support. Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus also admitted dissatisfaction with the club’s activity in the January transfer window, despite adding Iraqi prospect Hayder Abdulkareem to his squad. “The financial situation at Al Nassr is not good and doesn’t allow it,” Jesus said. “I hope that one or two, maybe three players can join us.” Al Nassr boast several high-profile stars including Sadio Mané, João Félix, and Kingsley Coman, while Jhon Durán, signed for $75 million last January, remains on loan at Fenerbahçe. Benzema’s move to Al Hilal further intensifies rivalry at the top of Saudi football as the season reaches a critical stage.

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BREAKING: DSS Arraigns Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami, Son Over Terrorism Financing Allegations

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations bordering on terrorism financing. The duo appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a five-count charge, where they both pleaded not guilty to all allegations. According to the DSS, Malami allegedly aided and abetted the financing of terrorism by failing, during his tenure as AGF, to initiate prosecution against suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly submitted to his office. The agency further accused Malami and his son of engaging in preparatory acts linked to terrorism, including the unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition without the required licence. Items listed in the charge include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5.20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges of the same brand. The court was also informed that Malami had previously been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with separate allegations of fraud and money laundering. Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to a later date for further proceedings.

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Infantino

FIFA President Infantino Apologises Over British Fans Comment

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has apologised for remarks he made about British football supporters while speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month. Infantino previously said that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was special because it was “the first time in history no Brit was arrested,” a comment that drew sharp criticism from fan groups and police leaders in the UK, who described it as a “cheap joke” and “neither helpful nor accurate.” In an interview with Sky News, Infantino said he regretted offending fans and clarified that his comment was intended to highlight how peacefully the Qatar tournament unfolded. “I need first to apologise,” he said, explaining that the remark was meant to show that the World Cup was a celebration where “everyone came together in a peaceful way.” He also spoke warmly about English supporters who travel to matches and cheer on their teams. The apology came alongside Infantino’s defence of other controversial decisions, including awarding U.S. President Donald Trump the first-ever FIFA peace prize — a move he said was justified because of Trump’s role in facilitating high-level peace talks — and rejecting calls for a boycott of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Infantino also reiterated his view that football can help unite people across political divides, and discussed the possibility of lifting Russia’s ban from international competition, a topic that has drawn criticism from officials in Ukraine and elsewhere. Overall, the apology reflects an attempt by FIFA’s president to smooth relations with fans ahead of the next World Cup, even as debates continue over the organisation’s broader political and sporting decisions.

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Veekee James

Veekee James Expecting First Child with Husband Femi Atere

Popular Nigerian fashion designer Veekee James has officially announced that she is expecting her first child with her husband, Femi Atere. The designer shared the joyful news on Wednesday morning via her Instagram page, posting a heartwarming video of herself and her husband as she proudly showed off her baby bump. Announcing the pregnancy, Veekee James wrote: “And two shall become three… Indeed, this is what only God can do.” The calm and intimate clip quickly went viral, drawing massive attention across social media platforms. Fans, celebrities, and colleagues flooded her comment section with congratulatory messages and prayers shortly after the post. Although she had not previously confirmed the rumours, speculation about her pregnancy had been circulating online in recent weeks, sparked by reports from a popular gossip blog and subtle hints noticed by observant fans. Her latest announcement has now put all speculation to rest. Veekee James and Femi Atere made their relationship public in October 2023. The couple went on to celebrate their traditional wedding in Akwa Ibom State in February 2024, followed by a vintage-themed white wedding ceremony in Lagos. With the pregnancy now confirmed, many admirers are excited to see Veekee James step into motherhood while continuing to excel in her thriving fashion career.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by VEEKEE JAMES ATERE (@veekee_james)

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INEC Confirms David Mark as National Chairman of ADC Amid Party Restructuring

Nigerians Suffering More Under APC Government — ADC Chairman David Mark

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has stated that Nigerians are experiencing greater hardship under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government than under any previous administration. Mark made the remarks on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of the ADC’s policy and manifesto committee. He attributed the worsening poverty situation in the country to policies implemented by the APC government. According to him, the economic realities facing citizens have intensified, leaving many Nigerians in urgent need of credible alternatives that can improve their present conditions and secure a better future. “Nigerians are suffering today perhaps more than any other time in our history,” Mark said. “Poverty stares us in the face. Yes, poverty and hardship have always existed, but the hardship and poverty that Nigerians are experiencing under the APC administration has gotten worse.” He added that the current situation has heightened public demand for new ideas, decisive actions, and policies capable of addressing the nation’s economic challenges and restoring hope among the populace.

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Wike Says He’s Closely Monitoring PDP Crisis in Oyo State

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he is paying close attention to developments within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, stressing that his interest is driven by concern for the party’s survival and future. Wike made the remarks on Monday in Abuja while addressing party leaders and members at the PDP’s 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. According to the former Rivers State governor, his focus on the situation in Oyo State reflects his commitment to ensuring the PDP remains strong, noting that the party once governed at the federal level and must not be allowed to weaken further. “Let me declare my interest clearly: I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in all the happenings in Oyo State PDP. That is all I am interested in,” Wike said. He also dismissed claims that members of the party were being intimidated, arguing that recent court rulings had settled the matter. “Who will intimidate us to the end? Some of us, by the grace of God, do not see what anyone can threaten us with. “The legal battle has collapsed. They have no option but to recognise the Caretaker Committee,” he added. Wike’s comments come against the backdrop of a growing rift between him and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, his former ally. Both politicians are now aligned with opposing factions within the PDP. The crisis deepened in November last year when a faction led by Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed held a national convention, which was later nullified by the Federal High Court in Oyo State, further intensifying internal tensions within the party.

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FIFA President, Infantino Defends Awarding FIFA Peace Prize to Trump, Dismisses World Cup Boycott Calls

FIFA President, Infantino Defends Awarding FIFA Peace Prize to Trump, Dismisses World Cup Boycott Calls

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended his decision to award United States President Donald Trump a FIFA peace prize, dismissing criticism over the move and rejecting calls for a boycott of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Infantino came under heavy scrutiny after presenting Trump with the honour during the 2026 World Cup draw held in Washington, DC, in December. The award sparked backlash amid renewed controversy surrounding US foreign policy decisions and Trump’s comments on global security. However, speaking to Sky News on Monday, February 2, Infantino stood by the decision, insisting the US president deserved FIFA’s inaugural peace prize. “Objectively, he deserves it,” Infantino said. “Whatever we can do to help peace in the world, we should be doing it. For some time, we have been thinking about rewarding people who contribute in this direction.” The FIFA president also dismissed suggestions that the 2026 World Cup—scheduled to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19—could be boycotted over policies linked to the Trump administration. He argued that political disagreements have never led to widespread commercial boycotts of countries and questioned why football should be treated differently. “In our divided and aggressive world, we need occasions where people can come together and meet around a shared passion,” Infantino said. Responding to concerns over unrest in parts of the United States related to immigration enforcement, Infantino maintained that football should serve as a unifying force rather than a platform for political division. He also revealed that FIFA would need to hold discussions on the possible return of Russia to international football competitions. Russia has been suspended since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, although recent guidance from the International Olympic Committee has encouraged sports federations to allow Russian teams to participate at youth level. “We have to look at readmitting Russia. Definitely,” Infantino said. “This ban has not achieved anything. It has only created more frustration and hatred. Allowing girls and boys from Russia to play football in other parts of Europe would help.” The comments add to ongoing debates over the intersection of politics and global sport ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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Ademola Lookman Joins Atletico Madrid

Nigeria international Ademola Lookman has officially joined Atletico Madrid from Atalanta.   Lookman has joined Atletico Madrid from Atalanta, as the two clubs confirmed with official statements on Monday.   Lookman had travelled to the Spanish capital to undergo medical tests on Sunday and has now completed a permanent transfer to the Wanda Metropolitano.   Atletico Madrid said Lookman had signed a contract until June 2030.   Lookman scored 55 goals in 137 games with Atalanta, including a historic hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League Final, which allowed La Dea to beat Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 and claim their first UEFA trophy.   Lookman spent the last three and a half years at Atalanta.   “The Percassi family, the Pagliuca family, and the entire Club bid farewell to Ademola, thanking him and wishing him every success in the future,” said the Serie A side.   Lookman had recently returned to Atalanta from Nigeria international duty for AFCON.   He scored three goals and provided two assists in 19 appearances with La Dea this season.   According to several sources, Atalanta have earned €35m plus potential €5m add-ons from Lookman’s transfer, while the striker will earn €7m per season at his new club.   Atalanta and Atletico Madrid practically swapped strikers in the January window as La Dea had previously signed Giacomo Raspadori from the Colchoneros.  

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