Amad Diallo’s Stunning Volley Rescues Point for Manchester United in 2-2 Draw at Nottingham Forest

Amad Diallo’s spectacular late volley salvaged a point for Manchester United in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, ending United’s three-game winning streak in the Premier League. With nine minutes remaining and Forest on course for victory, Diallo pounced on a loose header from Nikola Milenkovic to unleash a thunderous left-foot strike into the top corner. The Ivorian winger almost snatched all three points deep into stoppage time, but his effort was blocked on the line by Murillo. United had earlier taken the lead in controversial fashion when Casemiro headed home from a corner that replays showed should not have been awarded. The ball appeared not to have crossed the line before going out of play, prompting widespread frustration among Forest players and supporters. Former Premier League referee Mike Dean weighed in on the incident during Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, saying: “It’s not out. The ball is nowhere near out. It’s just a guess by the referee.” The controversy deepened Forest’s sense of grievance, having conceded a similar goal from an incorrect corner decision against Bournemouth the previous weekend. Spurred by that sense of injustice, Forest came alive after the break. Morgan Gibbs-White levelled with a fine header three minutes into the second half before Nicolo Savona, the player controversially judged unable to keep the ball in play for Casemiro’s opener, bundled in Forest’s second to complete a quickfire turnaround. Bruno Fernandes struck the post as United pushed for an equaliser, but Forest threatened to extend their lead, with Igor Jesus heading wide and Callum Hudson-Odoi flashing a shot just past the post. However, Diallo’s late brilliance ensured Erik ten Hag’s side avoided defeat, though they missed the chance to climb into second place in the Premier League table. United now sit fifth. Forest, still winless under new boss Sean Dyche, showed resilience and attacking intent but remain 18th in the standings, a reminder that while performances are improving, results are still needed to escape the drop zone.

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Travis Kelce ‘Giddy’ Over Engagement to Taylor Swift

Travis Kelce Giddy Over Engagement to Taylor Swift

NFL star Travis Kelce is opening up about his recent engagement to global pop icon Taylor Swift, describing the moment as “exciting” and “awesome.” The couple announced their engagement on August 26, 2025, in a joint Instagram post that quickly went viral, sparking widespread reactions across social media platforms. Kelce, tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, spoke about the engagement during the latest episode of his “New Heights” podcast, co-hosted with his brother and former Philadelphia Eagles center, Jason Kelce. “In case you missed the Instagram post heard ‘round the world, Travis and Taylor are engaged,” Jason said at the top of the show. “Yay!” Travis responded with gratitude, thanking fans and well-wishers. “I appreciate everybody that reached out and sent something and all the excitement that’s been going on,” he said. “It’s been really fun telling everybody who I’m going to be spending the rest of my life with.” The Super Bowl champion also shared details of their first public appearance as an engaged couple, which took place at a Cincinnati Bearcats game last week. “It was my first time introducing Taylor as my fiancée to a few of my teammates,” Kelce said. “So yeah, it was pretty cool.” When Jason asked if he still gets “giddy” saying it, Travis admitted, “Yeah I do. I still get giddy. Exciting times.” Kelce and Swift’s relationship has been a high-profile one since it went public in late 2023. The engagement marks a new chapter for the couple, whose romance has played out in front of millions of fans around the world. No date has yet been announced for the wedding.

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Plans unveiled for 2025 peace achievers international conference

2025 Peace Achievers International Awards Set for November 8 at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, with Honorary Doctorate and Peace Icon Awards

Plans are underway for the highly anticipated 2025 edition of the Peace Achievers International Conference and Awards, scheduled for November 8, 2025, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. The event, organized by the Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation and Peace Ambassador Agency, marks the 15th edition of the annual celebration of peace and social development. This year’s theme, “Peace Building Through Sectoral Partnerships: Public and Private Sector Collaboration”, reflects the ongoing importance of fostering unity and cooperation between both sectors to drive peace-building efforts. The event will also feature the conferment of the Honorary Doctorate Degree from the American Management University, California, USA, and the coveted Peace Icon Award. The Peace Icon Award categories include Brand Company of the Year, Most Influential Personality of the Year, Peace Advocate of the Year, and several other prestigious accolades. In addition, Peace Builders, Emerging Leaders, Community Developers, and Humanitarians will be recognized for their significant contributions to societal change. Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director of the Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation/Peace Ambassador Agency, addressed journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, emphasizing that the 2025 edition is not only a celebration of peace but also a reflection on the past 15 years of promoting national unity and fostering positive change in Nigeria. “This event offers us the opportunity to honor those who have made lasting impacts in Nigeria, irrespective of their ethnic or religious affiliations. We are committed to ensuring that the recipients have made tangible contributions to peace and development in the country,” said Ambassador Amafibe. He further highlighted that the Peace Achievers Awards operate as a non-profit initiative, with a focus on channeling support received from partners into projects that benefit the less privileged. These include initiatives such as the Peace Education Campaign, Health Outreach Schemes, Back to School Campaign, and various capacity enhancement programs designed to aid underserved communities and complement government efforts at all levels. The event will also feature music, comedy, fashion exhibitions, and other exciting attractions, making it an occasion for celebration and reflection. Nominations for the 2025 Peace Achievers International Awards are now open.

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Nigeria Secures Top Italian Coach for 2025 African Fencing Championships

As part of the strategic four-year partnership between the Nigerian Fencing Federation (NFF) and the Italian Fencing Federation (Federazione Italiana Scherma, FIS), a top-tier Italian coach will arrive in Lagos this June to work with the Nigerian team ahead of the 2025 African Senior Fencing Championships, which will take place from June 25 to 29 in Lagos. The partnership, signed in December 2024, aims to accelerate the development of fencing in Nigeria through technical support and knowledge exchange. The deployment of an elite Italian coach is one ofthe key deliverables of this collaboration. Riccardo Bardine, a highly respected figure in the international fencing community, will lead a two-week intensive training program for Nigerian coaches and athletes. Bardine is a certified fencing coach, strength and conditioning expert, and Paralympic sports specialist. He studied Sport Science and completed his fencing education at the prestigious Club Scherma Pisa Antonio Di Ciolo—one of the world’s most renowned fencing institutions. Bardine brings a wealth of experience, having coached at elite clubs such as Circolo Scherma La Spezia and Club Scherma Rapallo. He has also served on the coaching staff of Italy’s U17 National Épée Team and has trained top-level athletes in both foil and épée disciplines. As a former athlete, Bardine boasts an impressive résumé: a bronze medal at the Italian U23 Foil Championships, a silver at the National Team Championships (B Series, promoted to A Series), and two selections for the Junior National Épée Team at World Cups. He is also a certified Olympic weightlifting coach and specializes in physical preparation for both able-bodied and Paralympic athletes. Beyond the training camp, Bardine will lead the technical crew of TeamNigeria during the African Championships in Lagos. President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, expressed his excitement about the development, emphasizing the federation’s commitment to growing the sport and enhancing the capacity of both athletes and coaches. “This is one of the many benefits of our international partnership with a top fencing nation. Bringing a coach of Bardine’s caliber to Nigeria is not only cost-effective but also impactful, as it allows our coaches and athletes, both local and foreign-based, to learn directly from a world-class expert,” Samuel said. “We remain committed to seeking more support from both the private and public sectors as we work toward our ultimate goal: qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles,” Samuel said.

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Lekki Volleyball Club Hosts Thunder Games 2025, 28 Teams to Battle

The Lekki Volleyball Club (LVC) is proud to announce the hosting of the 3rd edition of the Thunder Games, a premier volleyball tournament that promises to bring together the best teams from across Nigeria. The highly anticipated event, scheduled to take place from April 15 to 19, 2025, will feature 28 teams, comprising 18 male and 10 female teams, all vying for the top spot at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos. Volleyball, the fifth most popular sport in the world, has gained immense popularity in Nigeria, with a thriving community of enthusiasts and talented players. The Thunder Games, now in its third edition, has become a highlight of the Nigerian volleyball calendar, showcasing the country’s rich talent and passion for the sport. In the 2023 edition, Lekki Cruisers emerged as the overall champions, winning both the male and female tournaments. This year’s event promises to be even more exciting, with new teams and players expected to make their mark. Some of the top teams expected to participate in the tournament include Legacy Volleyball Club (Lagos), Phoenix (Ogun), Hitters Spikers (Asaba), Harmony Spikers (Kwara), and a host of other top teams from across the country, including the host, Lekki Cruisers. “We are thrilled to host the 3rd edition of the Thunder Games, which has become a flagship event for the Lekki Volleyball Club,” said Odafe Gbagbaje, President of the Lekki Volleyball Club. “We are confident that this year’s tournament will be an exciting and closely contested competition that will showcase the best of Nigerian volleyball. “The Thunder Games is a celebration of the passion and talent that exists in Nigerian volleyball,” added Olusola Aluko, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). “We have put in place all the necessary arrangements to ensure a successful tournament, and we look forward to welcoming teams and spectators from all over the country.” The Thunder Games 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for volleyball enthusiasts, with thrilling matches, exciting performances, and a celebration of the sport’s growth and popularity in Nigeria. Stay tuned for more updates and information on the tournament.

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Seven Doors tops 2025 AMVCA nomination shortlists

The organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards have announced the nominees for the 2025 edition of the annual awards. The nominations, covering film, television, and digital content, recognise works released between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Among the top contenders, Lisabi: The Uprising, Skeleton Coast, House of Ga’a, and Freedom Way secured multiple nominations across various categories, including Best Movie and Best Director. In the acting categories, Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo), Stan Nze (Suspicion), Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors), and Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi: The Uprising) were nominated for Best Lead Actor, while Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors), Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre), and Uche Montana (Thinline) are among those vying for Best Lead Actress. Below is the full list of nominees: Best Digital Content Creator Iyo Prosper Adokiye Maryam Apakagi-Greene Elozonam Ogbolu, Hoviare Freedom, Chiamaka Uzokwe Jide Pounds Ibitoye Ariyiikedimples, Brain Jotter Best Multichoice Talent Factory MovieGone (West Africa) Everything Light Touches (West Africa) The Immersive Alarm (East Africa) Deadbeat (East Africa) Mwananga (Southern Africa) Rivals in Time (Southern Africa) Best Unscripted M-Net Original Nigerian Idol Pastor Wants A Wife (Zambia) Overall Best Husband Material The Queens of Kopala Best Scripted M-Net OriginalUriri All Mine My Fairytale Wedding Italo The Caller Kam U Stay Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) Seven Doors Lisabi: The Uprising Kaka Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Mai Martaba Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa) The Caller Makosa Di Tangu Sabotage Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa)Walvis Tale The Vow Mwizukanji Man of Gold Lukas Best Indigenous M-Net OriginalMai Shayi The Caller Show Me The Way Ebighi Ebi Subterranea Onye Agbata Obim Amoanimaa’s Era Best Short Film Sukari Brukaci What Are You Truly Afraid Of? In Bloom: ‘Afefe’ The Incredible Sensational Fiancee of Seyi Ajayi Best Supporting ActressMeg Otanwa – Inside Life Tina Mba – Suspicion Ireti Doyle – All’s Fair in Love Ini Dima-Okojie – Skeleton Coast Mercy Aigbe – Farmer’s Bride Omoni Oboli – The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3 Darasimi Nnadi – Aburo Best Supporting Actor Gabriel Afolayan – Inside Life Adedayo Adebowale Macaroni – Lisabi: The Uprising Aliu Gafar – Seven Doors Femi Jacobs – Freedom Way Richard Mofe-Damijo – Christmas In Lagos Uzor Arukwe – Suspicion Mike Afolarin – House of Ga’a Efa Iwara – Princess on a Hill Best Lead Actress Chioma Chukwuka – Seven Doors GbugbemI Ejeye – Farmer’s Bride Uzoamaka Onuoha – Agemo Uche Montana – Thinline Uzoamaka Aniunoh – Phoenix Fury Hilda Dokudo – The Uprising: Wives On Strike 3 Bimbo Ademoye – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Best Lead Actor Gideon Okeke – Tokunbo Bucci Franklin – The Weekend Femi Branch – House of Ga’a Thapelo Makoena – Skeleton Coast Bimbo Manuel – Princess On A Hill Stan Nze – Suspicion Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors Adedimeji Lateef – Lisabi: The Uprising Best Editing Inkabi Soft Love Lisabi: The Uprising Princess On A Hill Best Cinematography Yen Ara Asaase Ni (This Is Our Land) Inkabi The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos Skeleton Coast Soft Love Lisabi: The Uprising Agemo Best Sound/Sound Design Inkabi Seven Doors Freedom Way Lisabi: The Uprising Ajakaju: Beast Of Two Worlds Suspicion Best Score/Music Inkabi Freedom Way Seven Doors Soft Love keleton Coast Best Art Direction Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Christmas In Lagos Farmer’s Bride Seven Doors The Man Died Lisabi: The Uprising Best Costume Design Toyin Ogundeji – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Bolanle Austen- Peters, Yolanda Okereke, Juliana Dede, Gloria Oyu – House Of Ga’a Oluwatoyin Balogun, Oyeade Adeimpe Adedimeji – Lisabi: The Uprising Opeyemi Sogeke – Phoenix Fury Adedamola Adeyemi – Christmas In Lagos Best MakeupAnikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Lisabi: The Uprising Seven Doors Farmer’s Bride Clarence Peters’ Inside Life Suspicion Best Writing TV Series Untying Kantai Tuki? Roses & Ivy Cheta’M Seven Doors Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Princess On A Hill Best Writing in a Movie The Weekend Skeleton Coast Freedom Way Phoenix Fury A Ghetto Love Story House of Ga’a Christmas In Lagos Best DocumentaryWalvis Tale Dundun O.Y.O (On Your Own) Women of Salt: The Resilience of Ebonyi’s Women I Will Remember You Best Scripted SeriesClarence Peters’ Inside Life Seven Doors Princess On A Hill Cheta’M Roses & Ivy Best Unscripted Series Style Magnate Skillers The Builders Show) Ebuka Turns Up Africa Wa Milele? (Forever?) Uzoamaka Tries Palmwine Best Director Robert O Peters – Skeleton Coast Norman Maake – Inkabi Bolanle Austen-Peters – House of Ga’a Awam Amkpa – The Man Died Daniel Emeka Oriahi – The Weekend Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani, Tope Adebayo – Seven Doors Best Movie Lisabi: The Uprising Skeleton Coast Suspicion Inkabi House of Ga’a Freedom Way Christmas in Lagos

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Côte d’Ivoire 2025: Flying Eagles to play group phase matches in Korhogo

Seven-time African champions, Nigeria will commence their participation in the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals with a game against the Young Pharaohs of Egypt on Wednesday, 30th April, at the 20,000-capacity Amadou Gon Coulibaly stadium in Korhogo. The encounter is billed to kick off at 5pm CIV time (6pm Nigeria time). The Flying will next take on Morocco’s Young Atlas Lions at the same venue, starting 8pm local time (9pm Nigeria time) on Saturday, 3rd May. Nigeria, who qualified for the finals following a successful defence of their WAFU B U20 Championship title in Lome in October 2024, will then wrap up their group B campaign with a session against South Africa, also in Korhogo on Tuesday, 6th May, starting from 5pm local time (6pm Nigeria time). The Flying Eagles, quarter-finalists at the last edition of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina in 2023, are currently camping in Katsina, courtesy of the State Government, in the first phase of their final preparations for the continental championship. A semi-final spot in Côte d’Ivoire will guarantee the Eagles a spot in this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, 27th September – 19th October.

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NBBF releases programme of activities for 2025

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has released a comprehensive programme of activities for 2025, coming on the heels of its board meeting held earlier in January, 2025. The programmes of basketball activities which was ratified by the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), led by its President Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, has been termed by stakeholders and enthusiasts as ‘Consolidation Time’. Beginning from February 5-9, 2025, the Nigeria Senior Female Basketball team, D’Tigress are expected to feature in a friendly invitational tournament billed for Belarus; February 17-25, 2025, would see the D’Tigers participate in the 2025 FIBA AFRO Basket qualifiers taking place in Tripoli, Libya. Activities for March, 2025, include the 1st Phase of NBBF Divisions 1&2 2024 season; Finals of NBBF Divisions 1&2 2024 season, as well as, the 1st Phase Women Zenith Bank league Division 1. Also, there would be the NBBF Annual General Meeting (AGM) and stakeholders Forum, to hold between February/March at a venue to be decided. April 2025, begins with BAL Season 5, with Nigeria’s representatives Rivers Hoppers competing with other 11 teams in the championship holding respectively in Rabat, Morocco; Dakar, Senegal; Kigali, Rwanda and Pretoria, South Africa. Also in April 2025, there would be refresher courses for Technical Officials, in Lagos and Abuja. The 1st Phase of NBBF Men Premier Basketball League would hold across the country; there also would be the 1st Phase of Zenith Bank Women Premier league in two conferences. Activities for May-June 2025, includes the 1st Phase U19 Girls National camps in Nigeria/USA, for the World championship; followed by the National U16 & U18 Boys and Girls championship; the NBBF Board Meeting would also hold during this period. This period would also have the 2nd Phase of NBBF Men’s Premier Basketball League; 2nd Phase of Zenith Bank Premier Women league; as well as, national camp for U16 boys and girls, and FIBA Zone 3 U16 African Championship qualifiers (Boys & Girls). Between July- August, 2025, D’Tigress would open camp in Nigeria/USA for the FIBA Women’s Afro Basket 2025; followed by the National U19 Girls; And in July 25th – August 3rd, 2025, D’Tigress would be in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire to compete for the FIBA Women’s Afro Basket and Zenith Bank Women’s Premier league Conference finals would also hold. FIBA Men’s Afrobasket 2025, also holds 12th-24th August in Luanda, Angola, there would be also, the NBBF Men’s Premier league Conference finals and the FIBA African U16 championship (Boys & Girls) September, 2025, begins with finals of State preliminaries for Total National Division 2 championship; also in the month, there would be the NBBF Men’s Basketball League Final 8; Zenith Bank National Division 1, female national league eliminations. In October 2025, the NBBF Board Meeting would hold and also the Zenith Bank Women’s Premier league finals. There shall be also the 1st Phase of BAL Qualifiers and FIBA Africa 3 AWBL Qualifiers. November-December, 2025, begins with the Total National Divisions 1&2 league Divisional playoffs; knockout phase of the 2027 FIBA Men’s World Cup. And then in December, 2025, we shall have the Total National Division 2 Conference playoffs; Elite 16 BAL Qualifiers 2025; FIBA AWBL 2025 finals; Total National Division 1&2 league finals; the NBBF AGM and Awards Night and lastly, the NBBF Board Meeting.

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