Saudi Pro League Warns Ronaldo Amid Al-Nassr Future Uncertainty

Saudi Pro League Warns Ronaldo Amid Al-Nassr Future Uncertainty

The Saudi Pro League has issued a firm response amid growing uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr, stressing that no single player has authority over league-wide decisions beyond their own club. The warning comes after the 41-year-old Portugal captain was left out of Al-Nassr’s squad for Monday’s league fixture against Al-Riyadh, fuelling speculation about internal tensions. Reports from Portuguese outlet A Bola claimed Ronaldo refused to play, citing frustration with how the club is being managed under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Sources told BBC Sport that Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction was largely triggered by Karim Benzema’s high-profile switch from Al-Ittihad to league leaders Al-Hilal earlier this week. The former Real Madrid striker made an immediate impact, scoring a hat-trick on his debut in a 6–0 victory over Al-Okhdood. Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are among the clubs backed by the PIF, which has also invested heavily in Newcastle United. However, the Saudi Pro League insists each club operates independently. In a statement to BBC Sport, a league spokesperson explained that recruitment, spending and strategic decisions are made solely by individual clubs within an approved financial framework designed to maintain balance and sustainability. While acknowledging Ronaldo’s influence since joining Al-Nassr in 2022, the league emphasised that even players of his stature do not dictate decisions outside their club. “Cristiano has been fully committed to Al-Nassr and has played a key role in its ambition,” the spokesperson said. “Like all elite competitors, he wants success — but no individual determines decisions beyond their own team.” Ronaldo later posted images of himself back in training, though officials remain uncertain whether he will feature in Friday’s clash against Al-Ittihad. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who earns a reported £177 million annually, signed a new two-year deal in June 2025 after earlier speculation linked him with a possible move to Al-Hilal. Despite his star power, Ronaldo has so far lifted only the Arab Club Champions Cup with Al-Nassr. Al-Hilal currently top the league with 50 points from 20 matches, while Al-Nassr sit third, four points adrift but with a game in hand.

Read More

Judge Allows New Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Diddy to Proceed

A Los Angeles judge has ruled that a new sexual assault lawsuit against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs can move forward, rejecting attempts to have the case dismissed. The decision clears the way for claims brought by music producer Jonathan Hay, who alleges that Combs assaulted him during a studio session in 2020. Court filings indicate that the judge found sufficient grounds for the allegations to be examined in court. Speaking to The New York Post following the ruling, Hay described the decision as a significant moment in what he called a deeply troubling chapter of his life. According to the lawsuit, Hay claims he was given drugs during studio sessions before being subjected to a non-consensual and degrading encounter involving Combs. The suit further alleges that the incident involved a personal item once owned by late rap icon The Notorious B.I.G., adding to what Hay described as the humiliation surrounding the alleged assault. The legal action also names the estate of The Notorious B.I.G. and his son, Christopher “CJ” Wallace, as co-defendants. Hay claims they were aware of Combs’ alleged behaviour and that Wallace played a role in drawing him into the situation. Los Angeles authorities confirmed that a criminal investigation into the alleged incident was opened last year. Hay said he had initially been eager to participate in the project because of his admiration for The Notorious B.I.G., who was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles in 1997. “I’m a huge fan — that’s why I agreed to the project,” Hay said. “It was an honour to work with the estate. Then Sean Combs came along and changed everything.” Combs, who is currently in custody on unrelated matters, has not publicly responded to the latest ruling.

Read More
Trump Hails Remi Tinubu at U.S. National Prayer Breakfast

“A Respected Woman” – Trump Hails Remi Tinubu at U.S. National Prayer Breakfast

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday met with United States President Donald Trump at the 74th Annual National Prayer Breakfast held on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. The high-profile gathering saw President Trump publicly acknowledge Mrs Tinubu, describing her as a “very respected woman” while addressing the audience. During his speech, Trump invited the Nigerian First Lady to stand as he recognised her presence, drawing warm applause from attendees. Introducing her, the U.S. president highlighted her role beyond public office, noting that she is also a Christian pastor at what he described as the largest church in Nigeria. “We’re honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. A very respected woman,” Trump said. Mrs Tinubu attended the event as part of global faith and political leaders invited to the annual prayer breakfast, which brings together policymakers, diplomats and religious figures from around the world.

Read More
Chelsea Boss Rosenior Slams Arsenal Over “Disrespectful” Warm-Up Incident Before Carabao Cup Clash

Chelsea Boss Rosenior Slams Arsenal Over “Disrespectful” Warm-Up Incident Before Carabao Cup Clash

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has accused Arsenal of showing a lack of respect during the warm-up ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg clash at the Emirates Stadium. Rosenior was visibly angry before kick-off and was caught on Sky Sports cameras confronting members of the Arsenal camp, shouting: “That’s your half – that’s your ******* half. ******* stay there.” Chelsea later exited the competition, losing 4–2 on aggregate. Broadcast footage showed a member of Arsenal’s coaching staff entering Chelsea’s half of the pitch during the warm-up, an action Rosenior admitted disrupted his team’s preparations. Speaking on Thursday via Sky Sports, the Chelsea boss clarified that his frustration was not aimed at Arsenal’s players but at what he described as a clear breach of football etiquette. “It wasn’t the players,” Rosenior said. “I’m respectful. When you warm up, you have your half and the other team has theirs. I’ve never asked my team or my coaches to encroach on the opposition’s territory.” He explained that Arsenal’s presence interfered with Chelsea’s routine. “In that moment, I didn’t think it was right where they were operating. They were affecting my lads’ and staff’s warm-up. I asked them, maybe not politely, to stay in their half.” Rosenior dismissed suggestions of mind games, insisting his reaction was purely about respect. “I’m not here for mind games. It’s just about what I think is right. There are certain etiquettes in football, and I always try to be as respectful as possible.” Despite the heated exchange, Rosenior played down any lingering issues with Arsenal and praised their manager, Mikel Arteta. “I don’t have any problem with anyone at Arsenal. They have a fantastic manager. Mikel Arteta is someone I have a lot of respect for.” He concluded by reiterating his stance: “It was just that, in that moment, I didn’t feel that respect was shown to my team.”

Read More
North Korea Executes Citizens for Watching ‘Squid Game’

North Korea Executes Citizens for Watching ‘Squid Game’

People caught consuming South Korean entertainment in North Korea are facing brutal punishments, including public execution, according to a new report by Amnesty International. The human rights organisation revealed that North Korean authorities have executed citizens for watching popular South Korean TV shows such as Squid Game, listening to K-pop stars like BTS, or accessing any foreign media labelled “reactionary.” The report notes that even children are not spared from punishment. Testimonies from defectors indicate that schoolchildren are sometimes forced to witness executions as a deterrent against engaging with banned content. While individuals from wealthy or politically connected families may bribe officials to escape severe penalties, poorer citizens reportedly bear the full weight of the law. Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director, Sarah Brooks, described the situation as extreme repression. “Watching a South Korean TV show can cost you your life, unless you can afford to pay,” she said. Brooks added that the system not only suppresses access to information but also fuels corruption. “The authorities criminalise access to information in violation of international law, then allow officials to profit off those fearing punishment. This repression, layered with corruption, disproportionately harms those without wealth or connections,” she stated. Despite the risks, South Korean media continues to circulate underground in North Korea. Popular dramas such as Crash Landing on You are reportedly watched in secret across the country. Amnesty cited accounts claiming that individuals caught watching Squid Game or listening to K-pop have been executed. One widely reported case from 2021 involved a student who smuggled Squid Game into the country from China and was sentenced to death by firing squad. Radio Free Asia also reported that the student sold copies of the series to classmates. One buyer reportedly received a life sentence, while others were sent to hard labour camps for several years. Analysts say the themes explored in Squid Game—economic inequality, debt, and survival under harsh systems—deeply resonate with people living under the rule of Kim Jong Un. The crackdown is enforced through North Korea’s “Law on the Elimination of Reactionary Thought and Culture,” introduced in 2020, which targets foreign books, films, and music, particularly content from South Korea. Amnesty warned that the law has effectively transformed the country into an “ideological cage,” where access to outside information is treated as a capital offence rather than a fundamental human right.

Read More
Former NEXIM MD Robert Orya Sentenced to 490 Years for ₦2.4bn Fraud

Former NEXIM MD Robert Orya Sentenced to 490 Years for ₦2.4bn Fraud

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Managing Director of the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Robert Orya, to a cumulative 490 years in prison over a ₦2.4 billion fraud case. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the conviction in a statement shared on its official X handle on Thursday, February 5. According to the commission, Justice F.E. Messiri found Orya guilty on all 49 counts brought against him. Orya, who headed NEXIM between 2011 and 2016, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the 49 counts, following successful prosecution by EFCC counsel, Samuel Ugwuegbulam. “The EFCC, today, February 5, 2026, secured the conviction of Robert Orya, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (2011–2016), for a fraud of about ₦2.4 billion,” the statement said. Justice Messiri’s ruling marked the conclusion of a long-running trial, with the court holding that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Read More

Men must ejaculate 21 times monthly to reduce prostate cancer risk – Daddy Freeze

Popular media personality, Ifedayo Olarinde, also known as Daddy Freeze, has claimed that men must ejaculate 21 times monthly to reduce prostate cancer risk The veteran radio host made the claim during a recent livestream with Caterefe. “I won’t encourage masturbation, but if a man doesn’t ejaculate up to 21 times monthly, he could be setting himself up for possible prostrate cancer,” he claimed. Daddy Freeze’s claim sparked a debate on social media after a clip from the interview went viral, with many refuting his claim. Read some of the reactions below Pharm. Greatman wrote, “The claim that men must ejaculate 21 times a month to avoid prostate cancer is not true. “There is no fixed number that guarantees protection. Some studies suggest that more frequent ejaculation may be linked to a slightly lower risk, but this is only an association, not a rule or treatment.” Rhine_sto said, “Turning nuanced research into a numeric command is how misinformation spreads. There’re studies suggesting a correlation between frequent ejaculation and a lower risk of prostate cancer, but it’s not a medical prescription and 21 times a month is not a rule doctors give patients.” Hunter_Guide1 commented, “Daddy Freeze said men should ejaculate 21+ times a month to lower prostate cancer risk, and he’s not totally wrong. “A big 2016 Harvard study (32,000+ men) found guys who release that often had ~20-31% lower risk than those doing it only 4–7 times a month. “It’s correlation, not a guarantee. Age, genes, family history, and lifestyle matter way more. Still, frequent release might help flush things out and reduce inflammation nice bonus if you’re already active. Real prevention: eat well, exercise, don’t smoke, get checked when it’s time

Read More
Peter Obi Can Never Be President, Opposition Is Power – Fayose

Peter Obi Can Never Be President, Opposition Is Power – Fayose

Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, has voiced strong disappointment over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, describing the opposition as weak and ineffective. In a video shared on X, Fayose criticised what he called the collapse of the country’s political and electoral systems, arguing that genuine democratic competition no longer exists. According to him, emerging political platforms stand little chance of success, insisting that leadership outcomes are now determined by selection rather than popular vote. “ADC is dead on arrival. Peter Obi can never be president. Nobody can be president again unless they select you,” he said. Fayose faulted the Senate’s refusal to approve key electoral reforms, as well as what he described as the erosion of judicial independence, warning that these factors have stripped Nigerians of any meaningful opposition. “Electoral reform is gone. Even the initiatives that Jonathan started have been thrown into the dustbin. No more BVAS,” he lamented. Describing the situation as both a personal and national tragedy, Fayose said the current state of affairs reflects a generational failure. “This is the saddest day of my life. Our generation were unable to change this. We lost the country,” he stated. He also decried the deterioration of public services, including healthcare, policing, and customs operations, blaming political leadership for the widespread dysfunction. Urging Nigerians to accept the political reality, Fayose added, “We lost it. We lost Nigeria. Nigeria is gone. Just fighting is just stressing yourself at this juncture.” His comments come amid public reactions to the Senate’s passage of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill 2026. The upper chamber declined to approve an amendment that would have made electronic transmission of election results mandatory. In response to the backlash, Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified that lawmakers did not scrap electronic transmission entirely but only rejected making real-time transmission compulsory, leaving the provision optional under the law.

Read More