Napoli manager Antonio Conte has opened up after his team’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, dramatically describing the painful defeat as the “work of the devil.” The Italian coach, who previously managed Chelsea and Inter Milan, admitted that the result at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night left his players and supporters with a bitter feeling. Despite Napoli’s strong start, the evening ended in disappointment following crucial moments that changed the flow of the game. Key Moments of the Match Manchester City secured the victory with goals from Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku, both of whom showcased their attacking brilliance. However, Napoli’s night turned sour as early as the 21st minute when team captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo received a straight red card for a foul on Haaland. Conte explained that the dismissal altered everything: “We were all left with a bitter taste in our mouths. It’s disappointing, because we prepared for the match exactly as we played it in the opening 20 minutes. The sending off changed it. Without that incident, City would have struggled against us.” Conte Blames Misfortune In a candid moment, Conte used a striking metaphor to describe the incident: “Sometimes the devil takes a turn, there’s a cruel twist of fate. Last year we didn’t experience a red card, but today in the Champions League, it happened.” His comments highlighted how uncontrollable circumstances can impact even the best tactical preparation. Message to Napoli Fans Conte also issued an apology to the Napoli supporters who had high hopes for the team’s Champions League run: “I’m sorry, these are games where a sending off ruins them. In such moments, you cannot do the exact right thing. It’s frustrating for everyone.” The manager promised to refocus his squad as Napoli look ahead to future European fixtures, determined to bounce back stronger
Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish has showered praise on Barcelona duo Pedri and Frenkie de Jong following the Spanish side’s UEFA Champions League 2-1 victory against Newcastle United on Thursday night. Barcelona traveled to St. James’ Park and stunned the home crowd by defeating Eddie Howe’s men in a thrilling encounter. The LaLiga giants secured their three points thanks to Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, as he netted both goals for the visitors. Despite Anthony Gordon pulling one back late in the game for Newcastle, the Catalan side showed composure and discipline to seal the win in England. Jack Grealish, who was present at the stadium, expressed his admiration for Barcelona’s midfield maestros Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. Sharing his thoughts on Instagram, the England international posted an image of the game with the caption:“Pedri and De Jong are a joy to watch.” Both midfielders controlled the tempo of the match, displaying excellent vision, composure, and technical brilliance that highlighted why they are regarded among the best young talents in European football. LMSINT Media reports that Pedri and Frenkie de Jong’s dominance in midfield was crucial to Barcelona’s success on the night, as they continuously dictated play and frustrated Newcastle’s attempts to find rhythm. Their link-up play ensured Barcelona maintained control throughout the 90 minutes. This performance once again underlines Barcelona’s reliance on their midfield strength, with Grealish’s remarks showing just how highly respected Pedri and de Jong are by fellow professionals across Europe.
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Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen is expected to be fully fit for his team’s highly anticipated clashes against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League and Besiktas in the Turkish Süper Lig. The update on Osimhen’s recovery was provided by Galatasaray journalist Yakup Çınar, who shared the latest developments regarding the Nigerian striker’s fitness on the Yeni Açık YouTube channel. The 26-year-old attacker recently suffered an ankle ligament injury while representing Nigeria in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda earlier this month. Due to the injury, Osimhen missed several key games, including Galatasaray’s defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League last Thursday. According to Çınar, Osimhen will not be available for the Konyaspor encounter. However, he is likely to feature in the upcoming Alanyaspor fixture, which will serve as a warm-up before being declared fully ready for the Liverpool and Besiktas matches. “Osimhen’s chances of playing against Konyaspor are completely ruled out,” Çınar explained, as quoted by Habersarikirmizi.“The plan is for him to get some minutes against Alanyaspor and then be at 100% fitness level for the Liverpool and Besiktas games. His injury is not severe, but the medical team does not want to take unnecessary risks.” Galatasaray are scheduled to meet Liverpool on Tuesday, September 30, in the Champions League, followed by a heated derby clash against Besiktas on October 4. For fans and supporters, Osimhen’s return is expected to boost Galatasaray’s attacking options, especially given his pace, strength, and goal-scoring ability that have made him a standout performer both for club and country.
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Erling Haaland, the prolific Manchester City forward, has written his name into the history books of the UEFA Champions League by becoming the fastest player to reach 50 goals in the competition. The Norwegian striker accomplished this remarkable milestone on Thursday night, after opening the scoring in Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Napoli at the Etihad Stadium. His precise header marked his 50th goal in just 49 appearances, an achievement that cements his place among football’s elite scorers. Haaland’s record surpasses that of former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who required 62 games to hit the same mark. This statistic underlines Haaland’s clinical finishing and consistency on Europe’s grandest stage. While Haaland now holds the record for the fewest matches needed to reach the 50-goal landmark, Lionel Messi still remains the youngest player ever to achieve the feat. Messi, then captain of Argentina and Barcelona talisman, netted his 50th Champions League goal at the age of 24 years and 284 days. At 25, Haaland has surpassed French forward Kylian Mbappé, who previously held the second spot behind Messi in terms of age. This accomplishment highlights Haaland’s steady rise as one of the most feared strikers in world football today, further strengthening Manchester City’s ambitions in European football. This milestone is yet another reminder of Haaland’s ability to deliver under pressure and his relentless pursuit of success. With City continuing their strong run in the Champions League, fans and analysts alike are left wondering just how far the striker’s scoring record can go.
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Former England international and ex-Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has shared his thoughts ahead of the highly anticipated Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester City this weekend. The Gunners are set to welcome Pep Guardiola’s side to the Emirates Stadium, with hopes of extending their strong run at the beginning of the new season. Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal currently sit in second place on the Premier League table with nine points from their opening four games. That tally gives them a three-point advantage over defending champions Manchester City at this stage of the campaign. Campbell believes that his former club, Arsenal, are showing more consistency and confidence compared to City. He tipped the North London side to edge the tie with a narrow victory. Speaking about the fixture, Campbell said: “I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a 2-1 win for Arsenal. I think they’ve got the bit between their teeth. Hopefully, they’ve learned from their clash with Liverpool and can find that right balance between being solid defensively and taking risks going forward. At the end of the day, you also need to put trust in your defence.” Arsenal fans will be eager to see if Campbell’s prediction comes true as they continue their pursuit of a strong Premier League campaign against one of the toughest opponents in English football.
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Nigerian-British heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, is on the verge of making history as he prepares to step into the ring for the first time on African soil. Joshua, who has long expressed a desire to fight in his home country, may finally see that dream come true in 2026. According to his promoter, Ezekiel Adamu, serious negotiations are already in progress to make the event a reality. Speaking to The Ring, Adamu confirmed that conversations with Joshua’s management team have been encouraging and highly productive. “I spoke directly with him, I spoke with his team, and their response was clear. They told me, ‘If we receive an offer from Nigeria, it would be a dream come true,’” Adamu revealed. The promoter further emphasized that Joshua has always promised to compete in Nigeria before the end of his illustrious career. “We are determined to make this fight happen, and it will be a landmark event for Africa and the global boxing community,” he added. Fight Venue and Possible Opponents Plans are already underway for the contest to take place at the Abuja National Stadium, which boasts a 50,000-seat capacity. The goal is to deliver an electrifying all-African showdown, something that will resonate deeply with boxing fans across the continent. Adamu hinted at potential matchups that could headline this groundbreaking event. Among the names being considered are Tony Yoka, Martin Bakole, and even former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, who also has Nigerian roots and has shown interest in participating in an African bout. “With these names on the table, we want it to be a historic fight — two Africans facing off in front of a passionate home crowd,” Adamu explained. If finalized, this would not only mark Joshua’s first professional appearance in Nigeria but also represent a turning point for African boxing, elevating its recognition on the world stage.
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Popular South African rapper Nasty C has shared deep insights into his past battle with alcohol addiction and the real reason he decided to quit drinking completely. The award-winning rapper, best known for his hit single “Send Me Away”, admitted that alcohol once played a daily role in his life. According to him, he was consuming alcohol everywhere and at every opportunity until he eventually made the life-changing decision to stop. Why Nasty C Stopped Drinking Nasty C, whose real name is Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, explained that he chose to quit because he didn’t want to appear older than his actual age. At 28, the rapper said that the effects of alcohol could make one look much older than they really are, a belief widely shared among South Africans. The rapper pointed out that in South Africa, there is a cultural reference known as “phuza face”. This term is used to describe the premature aging effect linked to excessive alcohol consumption, where individuals can end up looking 10 years older than their real age. His Alcohol Addiction Struggles Speaking in an interview with British-Nigerian media personality Madame Joyce, Nasty C opened up about how severe his drinking habits were. He admitted: Nasty C reflected on how dangerous this tolerance was, noting that it prevented him from realizing when things were going wrong until it was too late. While he reduced vodka consumption at some point, he still indulged in whisky, cognac, tequila, rum, and other strong drinks before deciding to completely give it up. The Turning Point For Nasty C, the turning point came when he realized that alcohol could accelerate aging and alter his physical appearance. He confessed: “I gave up alcohol because I don’t want to get a ‘phuza face.’ There’s a thing in South Africa we call a ‘phuza face’ – when you age really quickly because you drink a lot of alcohol, when you start looking 10 years older than you actually are.” This personal decision highlights how deeply image, health, and longevity influenced his lifestyle change.
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Controversial Nigerian street-hop singer, Portable, has once again sparked reactions after openly declaring that he would support whichever political party offers him money in the 2027 general elections. In a viral Instagram video shared on Thursday, the outspoken entertainer addressed his fans, making it clear that his loyalty lies with whoever meets his financial expectations. Portable stressed that he cannot campaign across the country while going hungry. Speaking directly to his followers, he said: “My fans, I hope your voter’s cards are ready? This election, we are voting for the candidate that gives us money. I cannot be moving around, campaigning, and remain hungry. I am the owner of my life and my voter’s card. Whoever pays first, I will support.” The singer further explained that Nigerians are hungry and need urgent help, emphasizing that money will determine his endorsement. He added: “If APC comes first with the money, they will own me. If PDP brings it first, I will also collect. Even if it is Peter Obi, I will tell you to vote for him. Election is business. Vote for your helper, vote for who gives you money.” Portable’s Past Political Standoff This is not the first time Portable has made controversial political statements. In 2024, he publicly called out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to financially appreciate him despite showing support during the 2023 presidential election. His recent declaration ahead of 2027 has once again stirred mixed reactions, with many Nigerians questioning the ethics of selling endorsements while others view his statements as a reflection of the frustrations of everyday citizens struggling with hunger and poverty. For more stories on Nigerian politics and celebrity controversies, check out our Politics Updates and Entertainment News.
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Renowned American rapper and award-winning music star, Cardi B, has officially confirmed that she is expecting a child with her boyfriend, professional NFL player Stefon Diggs. The announcement came during her recent interview with popular journalist Gayle King on Wednesday, where Cardi B openly expressed her joy about this new phase of her life. “I’m having a baby with my boyfriend, Stefon Diggs. I’m excited,” Cardi B revealed. When asked how she truly felt about the pregnancy, the rapper responded with confidence and excitement: “I feel safe, I feel confident. It makes you feel like you can take over the world.” This revelation comes at a sensitive time, as Cardi B is still embroiled in an ongoing divorce case with her estranged husband, Offset. According to LMSINT MEDIA reports, Cardi B had officially filed for divorce in August 2024, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for their separation. In February 2025, Offset responded to the case by demanding joint custody of their three children, while also insisting that Cardi B’s house should be designated as the primary residence for the children. The divorce case grew even more complex in May 2025, when Offset filed an updated request demanding spousal support from Cardi B as part of the divorce settlement. With Cardi B’s new relationship with Stefon Diggs making headlines and a baby on the way, the situation has sparked major public interest and continues to dominate discussions across social media platforms. Fans are eagerly following the unfolding story of how Cardi B balances her new relationship, pregnancy, and the high-profile legal battle with Offset.
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With the recent announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declaring an end to the emergency rule in Rivers State, public attention has now shifted towards the demand for a thorough probe into the six-month tenure of Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd), who served as the Sole Administrator during this period. LMSINT MEDIA reports that following the presidential directive, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly officially resumed their respective offices on Thursday. It will be recalled that the state of emergency was initially imposed on March 18, 2025, leading to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all lawmakers. The drastic decision by President Tinubu was attributed to the prolonged political unrest that had destabilized peace and governance in the oil-rich state. Background of the Political Crisis in Rivers State The crisis stemmed from a bitter power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Their face-off created political instability, which necessitated federal intervention. During the period of emergency rule, President Tinubu successfully mediated peace talks between the two camps, paving the way for reconciliation. This truce, coupled with the successful conduct of the August 30 local government elections, allowed Tinubu to lift the emergency measures. However, while lawmakers have since reconvened, questions have been raised about the governor’s absence at the time of reporting, further fueling political speculations. Controversies Surrounding Fubara’s Suspension The declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of a democratically elected governor sparked nationwide debates. Critics, including legal experts and political analysts, argued that Tinubu’s decision contradicted Section 305 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended). Concerns were also raised about the Senate’s approval process. Stakeholders pointed out that the two-thirds majority vote of all 469 legislators, which is constitutionally required, was not adhered to. Instead, a voice vote was used—something the Supreme Court of Nigeria had previously ruled as unacceptable when a specific constitutional provision demands numerical voting. Adding to the controversy, leaders of the Ijaw Youth Council (Eastern Zone) took the matter to the ECOWAS Court of Justice, challenging what they described as the unlawful suspension of the Rivers governor. Despite these legal battles, both the Supreme Court and ECOWAS Court are yet to deliver their final judgments. Ibas’s Role and Public Statements During his tenure, Vice Admiral Ibas maintained that his core mandate was to restore stability in Rivers State. At a recent lecture in Port Harcourt themed “Good Governance and Democratic Dividends”, Ibas declared that the nearly two-year political turbulence had finally been brought under control. He credited the cooperation of political stakeholders and the successful execution of local government elections as proof of restored peace. The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), through its spokesperson Ikenga Chibike, also affirmed that peace had indeed returned, urging President Tinubu to officially end the emergency rule—a request that has now been granted. Calls for Probe of Ibas’s Administration Despite the return of stability, opposition parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have intensified calls for a probe into Ibas’s six-month administration. The Chairman of the Rivers ADC, Leader Sampson, demanded transparency and accountability, stressing that Ibas must provide detailed explanations of how the state’s finances were managed. “He needs to explain how much Rivers State generated internally, the federal allocations received, and exactly how these funds were utilized,” Sampson said in an interview. He further insisted that Nigerians deserve to know the specific projects executed and their costs. Resistance Against Probing Ibas On the other hand, PDP chieftain Austin Okai suggested that Governor Fubara might lack the political will to initiate a probe. According to him, investigating Ibas would indirectly mean investigating Nyesom Wike and, by extension, the federal government itself. Okai stated: “Probing Ibas is like probing Wike, and Fubara no longer has the capacity to take such a step. It could also be seen as a direct challenge to the authority of President Tinubu.” Rivers State House of Assembly Steps In Amidst these heated debates, the Rivers State House of Assembly has officially resolved to examine the state’s financial management under Ibas’s administration. Speaker Martins Amaewhule presided over the plenary session held at the temporary legislative quarters, as the main Assembly complex remains under reconstruction. The House has also called on Governor Fubara to submit a list of commissioner nominees for screening, signaling a gradual return to full democratic governance.
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The Nigerian Federal Government has announced a new directive that would require citizens to pay five percent tax on every 10 litres of fuel purchased. While the official commencement date of this policy remains unclear, the pronouncement has ignited widespread anger and debate across the country. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, revealed this policy in Abuja last week. He explained that the 5% surcharge is not a new levy, but rather a provision originally introduced under the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Act of 2007. According to Edun, its inclusion in the 2025 Nigeria Tax Administration Act is simply for “harmonisation and transparency.” He stressed: “This does not imply the introduction of a new tax. The five percent surcharge has existed since 2007. Its integration into the new law is merely for clarity. No immediate implementation order has been issued or is in preparation at the moment.” Despite this clarification, Nigerians remain unconvinced. Many citizens recall similar assurances made during the fuel subsidy removal, which skyrocketed petrol prices from ₦167 per litre to between ₦865 and ₦1,000 per litre, depending on location. For most Nigerians, this new tax proposal seems like another attempt to pile more hardship on the masses. Nigerians React With Outrage The announcement has dominated discussions across social media platforms, with citizens openly criticizing the plan. Fuel attendants also weighed in. Labour Unions, Politicians, and Groups Condemn the Move Organisations such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have strongly opposed the policy. Notably, Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, took to his social media page to voice his concern. He lamented: “This means Nigerians will now pay a five percent tax on fuel at a time when millions cannot even afford transport. The government claimed it has already met its revenue target. Why then impose additional burdens on suffering citizens?” He further criticised the government for failing to deliver on its promise of affordable Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which has increased from ₦230 to ₦450. According to him, subsidies on CNG quietly disappeared, leaving Nigerians stranded. Peter Obi emphasized that true leadership is about easing suffering, not compounding it. He urged the government to suspend the policy until Nigerians begin to experience real improvements in their quality of life. Conclusion The proposed 5% fuel tax has become one of the most controversial government pronouncements in recent times. Nigerians, already burdened by high living costs, view this policy as another blow to their fragile economy. With strong opposition from citizens, labour groups, and political leaders, the government may be forced to reconsider or suspend the policy. What remains clear is that trust between the people and the government continues to erode, especially when economic reforms are introduced without adequate consultation or visible benefits to the masses.
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Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced a groundbreaking achievement by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). For the first time in the nation’s history spanning over six decades, the NIS has developed the capacity to deliver between 4,500 and 5,000 passports within just five hours. This revelation was made on Thursday after the Minister conducted an inspection of the newly constructed Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre located at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja. According to Tunji-Ojo, this milestone marks a huge leap in efficiency compared to the old system, where the agency could only personalise 250 to 300 passports in an entire day. With the cutting-edge infrastructure now in place, the NIS can handle over 1,000 passports every single hour, a record-breaking upgrade for the country’s immigration service. “Earlier today, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, and the Comptroller General of NIS, Kemi Nanna Nandap, I visited the new Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre at the Service’s headquarters. With this modernised investment, which came at no additional cost to the government, NIS can now deliver results faster than ever before,” Tunji-Ojo explained. The Minister further emphasised that this centralised system has officially ended the era of producing Nigerian passports at multiple centres across the globe, which often caused delays, inconsistencies, and inefficiencies. He described the development as a landmark achievement in the 62-year history of the Immigration Service, stressing that the new structure reflects the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public service delivery. With this advancement, Nigerians at home and abroad are expected to benefit from faster passport processing, reduced backlogs, and more reliable service delivery. This move is also in line with global best practices, ensuring Nigeria is taking significant steps toward aligning its immigration processes with modern technology. For more context, efficiency in passport production plays a crucial role in national security, diaspora engagement, and international travel credibility, as highlighted by global institutions like the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
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The National Coordinator of the South-South Elders Forum, Anabs Sara-Igbe, has expressed that the people of Rivers State are filled with excitement following the return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Speaking during an interview on Prime Time, a program aired on Arise Television, Sara-Igbe explained that the entire state had been on hold during the governor’s absence. According to him, Governor Fubara is widely known as “Mr. Project” because of the numerous developmental projects he initiated across all 23 local government areas of Rivers State. Unfortunately, these projects were halted for about six months, leaving the people in a state of uncertainty. LMSINT MEDIA recalls that in March, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state lawmakers, while also declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. This political decision created months of inactivity and uncertainty. Fortunately, the emergency rule was lifted on Wednesday, leading to the reinstatement of Governor Fubara. While reacting to this development, Sara-Igbe noted: “You can see the joy on the faces of Rivers people as they welcome their governor back. Since he was suspended, the state has experienced a complete standstill. If we are talking about ‘Mr. Project,’ Sim Fubara represents that title. Every local government in Rivers State had ongoing projects under his administration, but they were all stopped for the past six months. We don’t even know what the Sole Administrator, Ibok Ekwe Ibas, did with the state’s resources during this period.” The return of Governor Fubara is seen as a beacon of hope for Rivers State citizens who are eager for the continuation of development projects and a return to stable governance.
