Super Eagles assistant coach Benjamin James is confident the new backroom staff can build one of the strongest national teams in the world.
The former Shooting Stars player was part of the new Super Eagles technical crew unveiled by the Nigeria Football Federation last week.
James will combine the role with his job at Bundesliga club, Hoffenheim.
The 53-year-old stated that he will combine with head coach Finidi George and Daniel Amokachi to build a solid team.
“I have gathered some experience to believe that if I Finidi and Amokachi sit down in the same room, we’ll come out with something good,” he told Brila FM.
“The pattern to be played will be discussed by the three of us. The players present in the squad currently are good, it’s just about putting them in the right place.
“Finidi is a cool headed person, I’m not so familiar with Amokachi, but I believe he’s also a cool headed person and I believe we can rub minds together and come up with the best.”
The new technical crew’s first official assignment will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against South Africa.
Following the conclusion of this year’s UEFA Europa League on Wednesday, below are the top scorers in the competition.
Recall that Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final, thanks to Ademola Lookman’s hat-trick.
Marseille’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang finished as the top scorer in the Europa League this season with 10 goals.
The former Arsenal captain is ahead of AS Roma’s Romelu Lukaku, who has seven goals to his name.
Europa League top scorers after Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen in the final:
10 goals – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
7 goals – Romelu Lukaku
6 goals – João Pedro (Brighton), Scamacca (Atalanta).
5 goals – Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting), Michael Gregoritsch (Freiburg), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Mohammed Kudus (West Ham), Darwin Núñez (Liverpool), Juninhodos Santos Júnior (Qarabag)
Enyimba Football Club has made a significant announcement regarding their coaching staff, revealing that Yemi Olanrewaju will assume the role of head coach for the remainder of the season, replacing Finidi George. This decision comes after Finidi’s departure from the club last month following his appointment as the head coach of Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles.
Olanrewaju’s promotion to the head coach position is a testament to his dedication and contribution to the club, having previously served as an assistant to Finidi. Enyimba expressed confidence in Olanrewaju’s capabilities, citing his commitment, expertise, and leadership qualities demonstrated throughout his tenure with the coaching staff.
It’s notable that Olanrewaju is currently pursuing his UEFA B license in Scotland, indicating his commitment to furthering his coaching qualifications and skills. His background includes previous roles as an assistant coach with MFM FC, a Nigerian club, and with Nigeria’s U-17 national team, the Golden Eaglets. These experiences have likely equipped him with valuable insights and tactical knowledge that he can bring to his new role as head coach of Enyimba.
Enyimba’s decision to appoint Olanrewaju reflects their confidence in his ability to lead the team effectively for the remainder of the season. As the head coach, Olanrewaju will be tasked with guiding Enyimba through their upcoming matches and competitions, with the aim of achieving success on the pitch. His promotion marks a new chapter for Enyimba, and fans will be eager to see how the team performs under his leadership.
Jorge Mendes, a prominent football agent, has recommended Sergio Conceicao, the current manager of Porto, as a potential successor to Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea. This recommendation comes in the wake of Chelsea’s announcement that they have mutually parted ways with Pochettino after just one season, despite him initially signing a two-year contract with an option for a third year.
According to The Mirror, Mendes has put forward Conceicao’s name for the managerial position at Chelsea, despite the Portuguese manager being under contract with Porto until 2028. The report suggests that Conceicao’s contract, signed under former Porto president Pinto da Costa, could potentially be revoked, allowing him to join Chelsea without a transfer fee.
Conceicao has been with Porto since 2017 and has achieved notable success during his tenure, winning 10 trophies. This track record makes him the second-most successful manager in Portuguese football. Additionally, Conceicao has attracted interest from other clubs, including AC Milan and Marseille, indicating his reputation as a highly regarded managerial prospect.
Mendes’s recommendation of Conceicao to Chelsea underscores the agent’s influence in football circles and suggests that Chelsea may be considering their options for a new manager following Pochettino’s departure. It also highlights the competitive nature of managerial appointments in top football clubs, with managers like Conceicao being sought after for their proven track record of success.
Jamie Carragher, a legendary figure in Liverpool’s football history, asserts his belief that Pep Guardiola is the premier manager in the history of the English Premier League. Carragher’s endorsement of Guardiola comes after the Manchester City manager’s remarkable success in the league, having won six titles in the last seven years.
Guardiola’s arrival in England in 2016 was met with challenges, including a difficult first season. However, since then, he has demonstrated his managerial prowess by securing the league title in almost every subsequent season, with the exception of the 2019/2020 campaign when Liverpool claimed the crown.
Carragher’s evaluation of Guardiola’s achievements places significant emphasis on his remarkable success rate within a relatively short period. Guardiola’s dominance in the league, winning six titles in just eight years, is particularly noteworthy, especially considering the competitiveness of the Premier League.
While Carragher acknowledges the legendary status of Sir Alex Ferguson, particularly for his achievements at Aberdeen, he argues that Guardiola’s impact and success in the Premier League place him above Ferguson in terms of managerial excellence within the league context.
Overall, Carragher’s declaration reflects the widespread recognition of Guardiola’s managerial brilliance and the significant impact he has had on the English football landscape during his tenure in the Premier League.
Kenneth Omeruo, a Nigerian defender, is advocating for his compatriot Ademola Lookman to be awarded the 2024 CAF Player of the Year title. Omeruo’s endorsement of Lookman comes in the wake of Lookman’s outstanding performance in the UEFA Europa League final, where he played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
Lookman’s exceptional display in the final saw him score a hat-trick, making him the first African player to achieve such a feat in the final of a major European competition. This historic achievement further solidified Lookman’s status as a top talent in football.
Additionally, Omeruo highlights Lookman’s contributions to the Nigerian national team, particularly his role in helping Nigeria secure a second-place finish in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Lookman’s three goals in seven appearances during the tournament showcased his prowess on the international stage.
Omeruo’s endorsement of Lookman for the CAF Player of the Year award underscores the recognition of Lookman’s outstanding performances and impact on the game. By expressing his support for Lookman on social media, Omeruo adds his voice to the growing chorus of praise for Lookman’s achievements.
Overall, Omeruo’s statement reflects the admiration and respect within the Nigerian football community for Lookman’s talents and contributions, as well as the belief that he deserves recognition as one of Africa’s top players in 2024.
Ray Parlour, a former Arsenal star, has highlighted the significance of Casemiro’s performance for Manchester United in their upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City. Parlour’s comments suggest that he believes Casemiro will play a pivotal role in determining United’s chances of success in the highly-anticipated match.
Parlour’s remarks come as Manchester United prepares to face their Premier League rivals, Manchester City, in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium. His analysis reflects the broader sentiment surrounding the match, with many observers expecting a fiercely contested encounter between two top-tier teams.
Parlour expresses skepticism about Manchester United’s ability to overcome Manchester City, acknowledging City’s prowess and their success in clinching the Premier League title. However, he also emphasizes the importance of individual performances, particularly highlighting Casemiro’s role.
Casemiro, known for his defensive prowess and ability to control the midfield, is identified by Parlour as a key player for Manchester United. Parlour suggests that Casemiro will need to deliver a standout performance if United hopes to secure victory in the FA Cup final. He emphasizes the need for Casemiro to “step up” and demonstrate his capabilities on the big stage, implying that his contributions will be crucial to United’s chances of success.
Overall, Parlour’s analysis underscores the anticipation and significance of the FA Cup final clash between Manchester United and Manchester City, while also spotlighting the pivotal role that individual players like Casemiro can play in shaping the outcome of such high-stakes encounters.
Bethel Oji, the head coach of Abia Warriors, is expressing his commitment to further enhancing the team’s performance following their successful qualification for the next round of the President Federation Cup. Abia Warriors, a football club based in Abia State, Nigeria, secured a 1-0 victory over Sporting Supreme in the Round of 32 match, with Megwo Sunday scoring the decisive goal.
Coach Oji acknowledges the challenges of facing opponents perceived as smaller teams but emphasizes the importance of securing the win. His statement reflects a pragmatic approach to the game, recognizing the difficulties inherent in football matchups regardless of the opponent’s stature.
Oji’s assurance that Abia Warriors will take each remaining match seriously underscores the team’s dedication to advancing in the competition. By committing to refining their game plans before each fixture, he demonstrates a proactive and strategic mindset aimed at maximizing the team’s chances of success.
Overall, Oji’s remarks convey a sense of optimism and determination within the Abia Warriors camp. They highlight the coach’s focus on continuous improvement and meticulous preparation as the team progresses further in the President Federation Cup, aiming to achieve even greater success in the subsequent rounds.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the recruitment of at least three hundred and thirty-eight individuals into the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA). This confirmation was provided by the OYRTMA Chairman, Major Adesagba Adekoya, as relayed in a statement issued and signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the capital city.
Adekoya highlighted that the recruitment aims to bolster road traffic management and regulation throughout the state. At the screening, held at the OYRTMA operational headquarters in Sanyo, Ibadan, Adekoya disclosed that they received approximately 2,450 applications from eligible candidates.
He underscored that this screening aligns with Governor Makinde’s dedication to responsive governance, as reflected in the decision to augment OYRTMA’s workforce with the addition of 338 officers. Adekoya clarified that this approval stemmed from a revalidated approval policy enacted in 2021.
“We have individuals from various regions within the state competing for positions in OYRTMA,” he stated. “This recruitment collaboration involves the state Civil Service Commission and Ministry of Establishment and Training, encompassing registration, accreditation, physical tests, and medical examinations.”
He further explained that successful candidates in the initial stage would progress through subsequent stages leading up to the interview session, which will be conducted by the Civil Service Commission and the Ministry of Establishment and Training.
Earlier remarks from the chairman of the Civil Service Commission, represented by the senior administrative officer on recruitment (SEO), Adelowo Oadapo, commended the state government for addressing unemployment concerns.
The director of recruitment and service matters at the Ministry of Establishment and Training, Olusola Oyelabi, hailed the exercise as a positive stride in enhancing road traffic enforcement and compliance with regulations.
Tems’ manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi, faced criticism for his remarks perceived as demeaning towards Nigerian music consumers. On May 23, 2024, Awoniyi, also known as Donawon, sparked controversy on X (formerly Twitter) when he shared a post that appeared patronizing to Nigerians. In the post, believed to be aimed at Nigerian consumers, Awoniyi stated, “We are not here to entertain you. You only happened to be entertained.”
Furthermore, Awoniyi, known for his outspoken Christian beliefs, went on to suggest that regardless of their opinions, spectators would still witness and appreciate the work of a divine entity.
God.
The post appears to be a response to recent criticism Tems faced following her performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, with many observers labeling it as lackluster, despite her Grammy win.
Awoniyi’s post was seen as demeaning towards Nigerians, prompting criticism from observers who admonished him for talking down on Nigerian fans.
Since Tems gained global recognition through her remarkable contribution to Wizkid’s hit song ‘Essence’, her manager’s recent social media comment has reignited discussions about the importance of Nigerian music consumers to her success and career. Tems is set to release her debut LP titled ‘Born In The Wild’ in June 2024, and ahead of the release, she has dropped three singles, the latest being ‘Love Me Jeje’.
Having been nominated in two categories for the 2024 BET Awards, Tems stated that her debut LP is a culmination of all the experiences that shaped her into the artist she is today.
He argues that society has transitioned from merely caring about people’s opinions to being dominated by them. Nigerian singer and politician Banky W imparted words of wisdom regarding handling the quest for validation on social media. Banky W shared his insights during a recent appearance on the Who’s In My House show, hosted by Hawa Magaji. During the interview, he was questioned about how he and his wife Adesua Etomi-Wellington maintain their privacy. In response, the singer highlighted their approach of not allowing themselves to be swayed by public opinions.
He stressed the importance of avoiding seeking validation from others, stating, “Don’t derive your validation from the comments section, which is particularly challenging in today’s era.”
“This is because when you post something you immediately want to go and see how many likes and comments. The lesson is to not get the validation from the comment section. You can get the humour from there.”
Banky W elaborated that while it’s natural for humans to care about others’ opinions, it’s important not to allow those opinions to dictate one’s actions.
“It’s unrealistic to completely disregard what others say because inevitably, you will care about their opinions. The reason why you take care of your appearance, grooming, and dress to impress is because you care about how others perceive you,” he explained.
“It’s healthy to care, but it becomes problematic when you allow those opinions to control you. We’ve reached a critical juncture in society where we’ve transitioned from simply caring about others’ opinions to being dominated by them. Nowadays, people do things solely for the sake of gaining attention or becoming viral, even if it means fabricating stories. This is something that Susu and I constantly remind ourselves of, striving to maintain our authenticity and integrity in navigating the current landscape,” he concluded.
Media and music industry figures converged to preview Ayra Starr’s forthcoming second album. On May 22, 2024, Spotify hosted a gathering of guests from Nigeria’s music scene for a listening session featuring Ayra Starr, the acclaimed Nigerian international artist. Held in Victoria Island, Lagos, attendees were granted an exclusive preview of tracks from Ayra Starr’s upcoming album, titled ‘The Year I Turned 21’.
The event was graced by Ayra Starr herself, who shared insights into the album’s creation, describing it as both challenging and rewarding, with contributions from every member of her team.
team.
In the question and answer session hosted by On Air Personality Ope, Ayra Starr gave a breakdown of the creation process of all the tracks in the album.
Also in attendance at the event are Mavin founder and CEO DonJazzy, COO TegaOghenejobo, Ayra Starr label mates Crayon and Bayyani.
Other guests include dancer & artist PocoLee, OAPs D0TUN for Cool FM, SheyeBanks ofSoundCity, Realskillz & Cera of Max FM, content creator, and OAP Jay On Air, and TurnTable Charts co-founder AyomideOriowo.
Ahead of the release of her sophomore album Ayra Starr has released three singles ‘Rhythm & Blues’, ‘Comma’, and recently ‘Bad Vibes’ featuring SeyiVibez.
‘The Year I Turned 21’ will feature guest appearances from Asake, Giveon, CocoJones, Aniita, and Ayra Starr‘s younger brother Milar.
According to AyraStarr who recently earned three nominations for the 2024 BET Awards, her sophomore album is crafted from the perspective of a 21-year-old while still appealing to listeners across all demographics.
Robert Lewandowski, the Barcelona striker, remains unperturbed by the looming transfer of Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid. Mbappé, the highly sought-after French forward, is anticipated to join Real Madrid following the conclusion of the Champions League final.
Despite Barcelona trailing Real Madrid by 12 points in La Liga standings and having suffered defeats in both Clásico encounters this season, Lewandowski expresses confidence in Barcelona’s ability to remain competitive, even with the addition of Mbappé to Real Madrid’s squad.
Lewandowski acknowledges Mbappé’s exceptional talent and recognizes that his arrival at Real Madrid would bolster the team’s strength. However, he emphasizes Barcelona’s collective mindset and determination, asserting that they are not intimidated by the prospect of facing formidable opponents. Instead, Lewandowski believes in Barcelona’s potential to challenge and compete against any team, regardless of individual star power.
By highlighting Barcelona’s resilience and unity as a team, Lewandowski underscores the importance of teamwork and a strong mentality in overcoming challenges on the field. His remarks convey a sense of determination and optimism within the Barcelona camp, despite their current standings and the potential reinforcement of their arch-rivals with a world-class talent like Mbappé.
Certainly! The headline captures the sentiments expressed by Wikki Tourists’ head coach, Azeez Audu, following his team’s impressive victory over defending champions Bendel Insurance in the Round of 32 of the President Federation Cup.
In his remarks, Coach Audu commends his players for their disciplined execution of tactics during the match. He emphasizes the significance of their performance, highlighting it as a result of prayer and dedication. Audu’s words reflect a sense of gratitude and optimism, as he expresses hope that the team will continue to excel in the competition and ultimately lift the trophy.
The coach’s statement underscores his belief in the team’s capabilities and his commitment to maintaining their high standards throughout the tournament. His acknowledgment of the players’ adherence to instructions indicates a cohesive team dynamic and effective communication within the squad.
Looking ahead, Wikki Tourists are set to face EFCC FC in the Round of 16. With Audu’s motivational words and the team’s recent success, they appear poised to approach the upcoming matches with determination and confidence, aiming to advance further in the President Federation Cup.
Veteran Nigerian singer, John Odafe Asiemo, popularly known as Daddy Showkey, shared the story of how he found his musical talent. On ‘The Honest Bunch’ podcast, the ‘Ghetto Soldier’ revealed that he stumbled upon his musical path when someone suggested it to him while he was working at a motor park.
Initially hesitant about the idea, Daddy Showkey eventually gave singing a try, and to his surprise, he found that many people enjoyed his music. Recalling his journey, he said, “I was working in the motor park as a ticketer when someone told me I have a good voice and that I should consider becoming a musician. At first, I was sceptical because I didn’t know how to sing but when I attempted it, I discovered that everyone liked it so that was how I became a musician.”
Addressing the issue of young artists neglecting to recognize the contributions of music legends to their own success, Daddy Showkey expressed his disinterest in seeking acknowledgment for paving the way. Instead, he believes it’s up to the younger generation of artists who have benefited from his legacy to acknowledge and appreciate his influence.
Robin van Persie, the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker, is expressing confidence in Arne Slot’s ability to thrive as the new manager of Liverpool Football Club, succeeding Jurgen Klopp. The announcement of Slot’s appointment as Liverpool’s new manager occurred recently, marking a significant change in leadership for the club.
Arne Slot, a 45-year-old Dutchman, previously served as the manager of Feyenoord for a three-year stint before accepting the role at Liverpool. Van Persie’s endorsement of Slot’s suitability for the job comes from his belief that Slot’s tactical approach aligns well with Klopp’s established style of play at Liverpool. This alignment suggests a smoother transition for the team under Slot’s leadership.
Van Persie’s optimism about Slot’s tenure stems from his understanding of Liverpool’s footballing philosophy and the club’s culture. He emphasizes that Liverpool is one of the premier clubs in England, having had the privilege of playing for two other esteemed English clubs himself (Manchester United and Arsenal). This endorsement from a respected figure like Van Persie adds weight to the expectations surrounding Slot’s appointment and Liverpool’s future performance under his management.
The Instagram blogger known as The Tattle Room has caused a stir on the internet by revealing the woman allegedly responsible for the breakdown of comedian Basketmouth and his wife Elsie Okpocha’s marriage.
According to the blogger, Victoria Eze, popularly known as Miz Vick, who is a writer, storyteller, and TV host, is purportedly the reason behind the collapse of Basketmouth’s 12-year marriage to Elsie Okpocha. The blogger claims that Basketmouth and Miz Vick have been involved in a romantic relationship, which allegedly continues even after his separation from his wife and the mother of his children.
A netizen named See Places With Ada highlighted that Basketmouth and Miz Vick are currently collaborating on a project together. In response, the blogger revealed that the project they are working on is actually a movie based on their love story.
Further investigation by Kemi Filani revealed that in November 2023, Basketmouth publicly praised Miz Vick, acknowledging her as one of the most creative minds behind his projects, including “Basketmouth Unprovoked,” his advertisements, and his upcoming ventures. He expressed gratitude for her contributions to him and his brand.
See some comments below,
One Sweetjlo24 wrote, “Just imagine after building with a man
One Steph Jennyek wrote, “So he left big yansh for bone na wa
One Official Queen Cassy wrote, “Person wey him wife fine pass
One Okoro Obedisi wrote, “The cane wey he take cane first dey top of the door
One Mz Kings wrote, “Heard his wife was always fighting him because of a particular lady, that Baba refused to leave the girl
One Cherry Food wrote, “I thought they said men cheat without emotion? So married man fall in love?
One Mees Rammy alleged that Elsie had also collected Basketmouth from the mother of his first child. She wrote, “Even his ex-wife collected Oga from his first babe, the mother of his first child, Ada
One Dainty Things Lingerie wrote, “She looks like his wife in a certain kind of way”.
One Ally Travels and Tour wrote, “It’s sad how marriages of years together just ends in minutes
In 2022, Basketmouth surprised many by announcing the end of his marriage with Elsie, his lovely wife, via an Instagram post. He pledged to co-parent peacefully and appealed for privacy.
After their split, Nigerians unearthed old videos where the couple adamantly opposed divorce, affirming their love. Basketmouth once boasted that no solid marriage ends in divorce, but time proved otherwise.
Last year, Elsie hinted at the reason behind their breakup, addressing women with unfaithful partners. She emphasized that a woman’s beauty and virtues couldn’t prevent infidelity, urging them not to blame themselves or starve for validation.
Elsie also defended unmarried women against societal judgment. In May, she responded to critics pressuring her to reconcile, asserting that no one enters marriage planning to leave. She stressed that divorce follows exhaustive efforts to salvage the relationship and warned against meddling, emphasizing that failed marriages aren’t due to lack of effort.
Following their downfall in the music industry due to the death of Mohbad, Nigerian singer Naira Marley has experienced a significant decline in his popularity.
Once poised to headline the prestigious O2 Arena in London, Naira Marley has now become a subject of ridicule on social media, as he struggles to secure any performance opportunities. A recent video circulating on Twitter, formerly known as X, captured Naira Marley and his associate, Sam Larry, at a street party. It’s worth noting that Naira Marley and Sam Larry lost the respect of Nigerians when a video emerged showing Sam assaulting the late Mohbad.
This incident triggered widespread condemnation online and resulted in the cancellation of Naira Marley’s bookings and contracts.
Both individuals were subsequently arrested and detained by the police for over five weeks, finally being released on November 17th after meeting bail conditions. Since their release, the singer and his associate have been involved in various charitable activities in an attempt to regain the favor of the Nigerian public.
A few weeks ago, a video surfaced showing an Imam coercing Naira Marley and Sam Larry to pray for the perpetrators of Mohbad’s death, causing significant controversy.
The Imam later clarified the situation, stating that Naira Marley and Sam Larry had confessed their innocence to him and had requested the prayer for Mohbad’s killers.
More recently, Sam Larry faced embarrassment at a club when a patron confronted him about Mohbad’s death, leading to a heated confrontation captured on video as Sam Larry vented his frustrations.
SEE SOME REACTION S BELOW
One Caleb wrote, “Na beer parlor nawa o
One JB IG Dolphin wrote, “Mohbad’s spirit strong no worry
One Flimzzy wrote, “Next stop, Street carnivals
One No Evil No Evil wrote, “Na inter house sport remain
One Akinyemi James wrote, “E remain principals cup
One Melanin Blush wrote, “Nobody wan stain he name na with rubbish
One No Evil No Evil wrote, “Na inter house sport remain
It appears that Yul Edochie’s decision to forgive his late colleague, Junior Pope, has sparked some controversy. Despite the hurt he experienced due to the alleged betrayal, Edochie has chosen to extend forgiveness. This illustrates the complexity of human relationships and the challenges of navigating interpersonal conflicts, especially within the public eye. It’s understandable that his choice to speak openly about his feelings and forgiveness has generated both support and criticism. Ultimately, forgiveness can be a powerful tool for healing and moving forward, even in difficult circumstances.
“Daddy Showkey Recounts Discovery of Musical Talent at Motor Park”
In a recent episode of ‘The Honest Bunch’ podcast, veteran Nigerian singer Daddy Showkey opened up about the origins of his musical journey, revealing that he first discovered his talent while working in a motor park.
The renowned ‘Ghetto Soldier’ artist recalled his early days as a ticketer in the motor park when someone recognized his vocal abilities and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Initially hesitant due to his lack of formal training, Daddy Showkey decided to give singing a try, and to his surprise, he received positive feedback from those around him.
Reflecting on the controversy surrounding young artists denying the contributions of music legends to their careers, Daddy Showkey expressed his disinterest in seeking accolades for paving the way for emerging talents. He emphasized that it is up to the younger generation, who have benefited from the legacies of artists like himself, to acknowledge and appreciate their influence.
Daddy Showkey’s candid reflections shed light on the grassroots beginnings of his musical journey and his humility regarding his impact on the Nigerian music industry.
