Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you? (Joshua 18:3). The book of Joshua opens up a very important period in the Israelites’ journey. Remember that it was Moses who brought them out of Egypt, but it was Joshua who took them into the Promised Land. After many years of fighting and defeating 31 kings, Joshua brought the children of Israel into their place of inheritance. The Bible says, “And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them” (Joshua 18:1). The land was subdued before them, and they were at rest. They moved in happily and even set up church in Shiloh. The next verse, however, reveals that more than half of the tribes hadn’t taken over their inheritance even though it had been divided for them: “And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance” (Joshua 18:2). Joshua, at his old age, was concerned and asked, “…How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?” (Joshua 18:3). The Israelites knew where the land was because God had described it to them. Rather than possess it, they were content with squatting with their brethren and enjoying the peace. God has given us the nations of the world, and it’s important we don’t delay in possessing what already belongs to us. He said in Psalm 2:8, “Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” We’ve asked and we’ve received. Don’t wait for some special occasion to win souls. You’re in that occasion now. God has given you the land, thatplace where you are; what are you doing about it? Where are your outreaches? Where are the souls you’ve won to the Lord? It’s time to take evangelism to the next level. Whatever you want to do by way of winning souls, if you work with the Spirit, He’ll do mighty things with and through you. There’s no country or city whose doors could be closed against us. When we move into a place, regardless of how small we start, the Word of God spreads and prevails. Hallelujah! CONFESSIONI proclaim the Gospel everywhere with boldness and urgency, knowing that the Lord has given us all nations. No door can be closed against me for the Lord is mightily at work in me to declare His truth to the nations in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Hallelujah! FURTHER STUDYJohn 9:4 KJVI must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 2 Timothy 4:17 KJV Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. Deuteronomy 1:8 KJVBehold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them. Numbers 33:53 NIVTake possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess. DAILY SCRIPTURE READING1-Year Bible Reading Plan2 Corinthians 11:16-33 & Ecclesiastes 1-2 2-Year Bible Reading PlanLuke 22:35-43 & 1 Samuel 31 DAILY AFFIRMATIONS: I flourish exceedingly every day, everywhere, and at all times. I walk in health, victory, and triumph because I function in the Name of Jesus. My life is for glory and excellence. I manifest God’s bountiful blessings of success, prosperity, health, and joy, so that all may see and glorify Him. My life is exuberant with joy and I walk in the manifestations of God’s righteousness. I have received the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. I reign as a king in life by the Lord Jesus Christ. I am kinging and reigning in life. I reign over sin, death, disease, and infirmity. I have absolute dominion. I am righteousness conscious. Righteousness gives me dominion. I live above Satan and his vices. I have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ, I refuse to be subject to the elements of this world. Instead, I reign and I rule over them. The whole world is subdued before me. I have mastery over circumstances, demons, and their manipulations. I have victory in my health, finances, and in every situation. I am of God. I belong to Him and my origin is from God. I have overcome the world. I have defeated satan and the cohorts of darkness because Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world. I refuse to fear sickness or any device of the devil. I am not ordinary. I am like the Lord Jesus. As He is, so am I in this world. I already have victory over Satan, death, hell, and the world. I am fearless. I have no sense of lack. I live in absolute mastery and dominion over all things. The same Holy Spirit that worked in Jesus is at work in me today, causing me to shine in health, peace with prosperity, and unstoppable success. Through me, Christ – the perfection of beauty – shines. God made me perfect; there is nothing in me that should not be there, and there is nothing that should be in me that isn’t there. I unleash health, prosperity, and victory in my life. I walk in victory and dominion over Satan, as well as the world and its systems. Whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world. I am born of God; therefore, I have overcome
Chelsea Football Club has been hit with 74 charges by the English Football Association (FA) over alleged violations linked to agent regulations and third-party ownership deals. According to a report by Sky Sports, the ongoing probe focuses on questionable transactions involving high-profile signings such as Eden Hazard, Samuel Eto’o, and Willian. The FA revealed that these alleged breaches cover a wide timeline between 2009 and 2022, during the ownership reign of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. However, the investigation specifically narrows down to activities that took place between the 2010/11 and 2015/16 Premier League seasons. The accusations primarily center around irregular payments to intermediaries and agents as well as investments linked to third-party player ownership, which is strictly prohibited under football governance rules. Interestingly, Chelsea themselves self-reported these irregularities, showing a level of compliance by cooperating with FA officials throughout the inquiry. This case is particularly significant because it underscores ongoing concerns in football regarding financial transparency, fair play, and compliance with FIFA and FA regulatory standards. If found guilty, Chelsea could face potential sanctions ranging from fines to more severe punishments, depending on the gravity of the offenses confirmed during the investigation. For Chelsea fans, the developments serve as a reminder of the club’s controversial past financial dealings under Abramovich, despite the undeniable success he brought to Stamford Bridge during his tenure. The football world is closely watching how this matter unfolds and whether it will impact Chelsea’s future both on and off the pitch.
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Former Arsenal defender, Gael Clichy, has openly criticized his former club and their current manager, Mikel Arteta, claiming that the Gunners are showing signs of lacking true ambition in the ongoing English Premier League title race. The Frenchman, who played under Arsene Wenger, expressed disappointment, insisting that Arsenal has lost the trademark identity they once had during Wenger’s reign. According to Clichy, the team under Arteta has become more defensive-minded, relying heavily on set-piece strategies instead of attacking football and creativity from open play. Speaking with Metro, Clichy said: “Arsenal is slowly moving away from the identity Arsene Wenger created. The attractive football, fluid passing, and attacking dominance are hardly visible anymore. These days, people talk less about how well Arsenal plays and more about how tough they are to break down or how strong they look at set pieces.” Clichy emphasized that while it is clear Arteta is attempting to implement his own style, it comes with a concerning drawback — the perceived lack of ambition. He highlighted Arsenal’s recent match against Liverpool, pointing out that the team appeared more focused on avoiding defeat rather than pushing aggressively for victory. He added: “That kind of mentality shows a massive difference. For a club competing at the highest level, especially in the Premier League title race, settling not to lose instead of striving to win reflects a worrying lack of ambition. Hopefully, with the quality of players Arsenal currently has, things will shift in a more positive direction.” Clichy’s comments echo the sentiments of some Arsenal fans who believe that while Arteta has tightened the team defensively, the club’s attacking philosophy — once the hallmark of Arsenal under Wenger — has diminished. The debate continues among fans and pundits about whether Arteta’s pragmatic approach will eventually deliver long-term success or if it has cost the club its true identity.
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Raymond Hack, a well-known attorney and sports administrator, has expressed his concern about FIFA’s delay in ruling against South Africa for allegedly fielding an ineligible player during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. Hack noted that FIFA might be hesitating to penalize South Africa because Lesotho, the nation directly affected, did not officially lodge a protest. According to him, this lack of immediate objection could influence FIFA’s disciplinary process and potentially allow the case to drag on without a clear resolution. FIFA’s Silence Sparks Reactions The incident has generated confusion among football fans and other Group C nations, who are baffled by FIFA’s reluctance to issue a ruling. Supporters argue that the governing body must urgently clarify the eligibility issue surrounding South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena. Mokoena was suspended after accumulating multiple yellow cards but controversially played in South Africa’s March qualifier against Lesotho, which they won. This sparked debate about whether the win should stand or be overturned. If FIFA decides to dock South Africa three points, it could drastically alter the Group C standings in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The group features competitive teams such as Nigeria, Benin Republic, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho. Any shift in points could reshape qualification hopes for these nations. Hack’s Legal Perspective Speaking on SuperSport, Hack highlighted the possible consequences of using an ineligible player: Hack explained: “The allegation is that the player was ineligible to play, so he played for Bafana Bafana against Lesotho. If a player is suspended but still takes part, the rules are clear—the team must forfeit the three points, the result changes to a 3–0 defeat, and there’s an additional fine.” However, Hack pointed out that FIFA’s silence remains unusual. He argued that two possible scenarios might explain the delay: Hack compared the case to legal proceedings, noting: “It’s like committing a crime but not being caught immediately. Even if you’re discovered later, the law still applies, and you can be punished.” Comparisons to Other Football Cases Hack recalled a recent English football case between Manchester United and Grimsby, where an ineligible player was involved. FIFA made a decision within four days, proving that such cases can be resolved quickly. This, according to Hack, makes FIFA’s delay in South Africa’s situation appear even more questionable. What It Means for Group C and African Football With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers heating up, the uncertainty has left Group C nations in suspense. Should South Africa lose points, teams like Nigeria and Benin Republic could benefit significantly in the race for qualification. Football analysts argue that FIFA must act swiftly to preserve fairness and transparency in international competitions. Any delay, they say, risks undermining the credibility of the qualifiers.
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Super Falcons’ star goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has described her historic nomination for the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or as nothing short of a miracle, according to a report by LMSINT MEDIA. The 24-year-old shot-stopper has made history as the first African female goalkeeper to ever be shortlisted for the highly prestigious global football award, a recognition that celebrates excellence at the very top of world football. Nnadozie’s nomination comes as a reward for her remarkable performances for both her former club, Paris FC, and the Nigerian women’s national team. Her brilliance between the posts and unmatched resilience have put her in the spotlight, not just in Africa, but across international football. During her time with Paris FC, she was instrumental in guiding the club to victory in the Coupe de France Féminine, cementing her legacy before leaving the French side in May 2024. Her outstanding form continued with Nigeria as she played a crucial part in helping the Super Falcons secure their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco. Her consistency and leadership earned her the Best Goalkeeper Award of the tournament, a testament to her class and commitment. Speaking with BBC Sport, Nnadozie expressed deep gratitude for her achievement: “It is a miracle for me. It shows that all the hard work, dedication and everything I’ve been doing in the past, has been worth it.” This recognition not only highlights her incredible talent but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring young goalkeepers across Africa who dream of making their mark on the global stage. For more updates on women’s football and Nigerian sports achievements, you can also check out BBC Sport for reliable coverage.
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The Imo State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Professor James Okoroma, has strongly accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the recent violent attack on the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. Speaking in an interview with Arise News on Thursday, Okoroma claimed that the incident was not a random act of violence but a carefully planned assault allegedly funded and executed by APC loyalists. He emphasized that such actions are a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy and national stability. According to Okoroma, the disruption that took place during an event attended by El-Rufai was carried out by individuals who were allegedly paid and mobilized in hired buses to execute the attack. “I cannot categorically tell you the specific figures behind this, but based on our independent investigations, the attack bears the clear signature of the APC. The ruling party feels threatened by the growing political relevance of the African Democratic Congress,” he said. Okoroma further explained that the attackers were not ordinary protesters but organized groups whose logistics, placards, and equipment were allegedly sponsored. “From what we gathered, the hoodlums were paid. I was present at the event. Buses were rented to convey them. Someone financed the transportation, funded the materials, and sponsored the placards they carried. Everything indicated a well-organized setup,” he added. The ADC leader described the development as a dangerous extension of political violence in Nigeria, noting that similar incidents have been reported in other states. He warned that targeting El-Rufai, who is now an influential figure within the ADC coalition, could potentially destabilize the country if such attacks persist. Professor Okoroma urged the APC-led government to redirect its focus toward addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including economic hardship, high poverty rates, and poor infrastructure, instead of allegedly sponsoring acts of intimidation against opposition leaders.
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Nobel Laureate and globally celebrated writer, Wole Soyinka, has shared a shocking personal experience of being kidnapped and robbed in Bucharest, Romania. The revered playwright had traveled to Romania for the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, one of the world’s most prominent performing arts gatherings, where he was to be specially honoured for his immense contribution to literature and theatre. According to Soyinka, he landed in Bucharest Airport after midnight and boarded what appeared to be a legitimate taxi, supposedly heading to his booked accommodation at the Novotel Hotel. However, the journey took a frightening turn. Speaking during an interview with TheNews in Lagos, Soyinka disclosed that midway to the hotel, the driver suddenly diverted from the main route and drove into a deserted, poorly lit area. At about 1:00 a.m., the driver halted the car and shockingly produced a POS machine, ordering the Nobel Laureate to input his bank PIN. Soyinka recounted: “He kept covering the POS screen, preventing me from seeing the amount I was expected to confirm. For nearly half an hour, I intentionally keyed in the wrong digits, hoping that within that time, a passerby or hotel staff might come to my rescue. But the environment was completely deserted.” This frightening encounter led to a tense standoff between the renowned playwright and the driver. Despite Soyinka’s attempt to resist, the attacker insisted until finally abandoning him near the vicinity of his hotel. Unfortunately, the robbery left him dispossessed of his money. Reflecting on the incident, Soyinka said: “It’s not just about the money. While I dislike losing money, for me this experience was far deeper. It represents an attack not only on me as an individual but also on the entire community.” This disturbing ordeal highlights the risks international travelers sometimes face, even when they rely on what seems like official airport taxis. Security experts often advise travelers to verify taxi credentials or use reputable ride-hailing services. For further context, BBC News and other global outlets have reported similar security issues in Eastern Europe, underscoring the importance of vigilance.
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The Lagos State Government has once again reaffirmed its strong determination to eliminate malaria, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledging that the fight against the disease will continue until it is completely eradicated. Speaking during the Mid-Term Review of the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination in Lagos State, held at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, the governor emphasized that malaria will no longer have a place in Lagos if the current progress is sustained. The review meeting brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including national policymakers, international development partners, and private sector leaders. The aim was to assess the progress made through the Impact Project and the digital malaria monitoring system introduced earlier in March. Lagos’ Progress in Malaria Reduction Governor Sanwo-Olu revealed that malaria prevalence in Lagos has been reduced to approximately one percent, which he described as a remarkable milestone proving that the state is firmly on track towards total elimination. “When we initiated this journey in March, our vision was simple yet ambitious — to shift Lagos from being a malaria-burdened state to one on the brink of elimination. The most recent data now shows that we are much closer to achieving this goal. Lagos will not rest until malaria becomes history, not only for us but as a model for Nigeria and the rest of Africa,” Sanwo-Olu stated. The Role of Digital Surveillance The governor also highlighted the significance of the newly launched digital malaria surveillance platform. This system effectively connects public hospitals, private clinics, pharmacies, and patent medicine vendors, allowing real-time monitoring and reporting of malaria cases across Lagos. “For the first time, we have a technology-driven system that makes malaria truly visible throughout the state. Every Lagos resident must have access to rapid diagnostic testing and effective treatment immediately when needed. No single case should be ignored or left untreated,” he emphasized. Community Responsibility in Malaria Prevention Sanwo-Olu called on Lagos residents to take responsibility by playing their part in the fight against malaria. He encouraged them to: By combining government efforts with community participation, the governor expressed optimism that Lagos will serve as a shining example in the global drive to eliminate malaria.
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The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has emphasized that the frequent disputes and perceived rivalries among prominent Yoruba monarchs are not truly instigated by the royal fathers themselves but rather by their loyalists and followers. Oba Ladoja made this remark on Thursday at his Bodija residence in Ibadan while receiving the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, alongside his wife, during a courtesy visit. The Olubadan-designate dismissed speculations surrounding supremacy battles among Yoruba kings, particularly between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade. According to him, most of the tension originates from followers who rely on contested and conflicting historical narratives. “I have consistently said that neither the Ooni of Ife nor the Alaafin of Oyo is responsible for disunity. Rather, their supporters fuel the rivalry by defending different historical accounts, forgetting that history is often subjective and open to interpretation,” Oba Ladoja stated. He called on the Yoruba people to set aside divisive debates rooted in history and instead pursue peace, unity, and collective development. The monarch further explained that each traditional ruler has their domain and responsibilities, stressing the futility of unnecessary competition. “The Alaafin cannot abandon Oyo to rule in Ile-Ife, just as the Ooni cannot leave Ile-Ife to govern Oyo. Every king has his own designated kingdom,” he added. Using a global analogy, Oba Ladoja compared the situation to Britain’s colonial relationship with America. “The historical arguments used by supporters are like Britain colonising America—events of the past. Today, the relationship between both nations is one of mutual respect, where if America sneezes, Britain catches a cold,” he explained. Reflecting on Ibadan’s strategic position in Yoruba history, the Olubadan-designate acknowledged the city’s influential role. “Without Ibadan’s remarkable role, many Yoruba kings would have been left with titles resembling those of ‘Emirs’. What we must prioritize now is modernizing Ibadanland and strengthening the legacy of the Ibadan Empire, not merely dwelling on history,” Oba Ladoja noted. In response, Oba Francis Alao congratulated the Olubadan-designate on his emergence as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. He described the ascension as an outstanding milestone, not only for Ibadan but also for Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
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Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has once again emphasized his administration’s dedication to strengthening grassroots governance. He expressed strong backing for a newly proposed bill that aims to grant complete autonomy to local government councils across the state. This commitment was revealed in an official statement released by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Friday. Governor Yusuf made the declaration during the 31st Executive Council meeting, which was held at the Government House Annex in Kwankwasiyya City. During the session, the council officially approved the transmission of the bill to the Kano State House of Assembly for further legislative debate and consideration. According to the governor, the proposed legislation will ensure that all 44 local government councils in Kano State receive both administrative and financial independence. By doing so, councils will be able to: Governor Yusuf highlighted that this reform is not just a political move but a crucial foundation for good governance, transparency, and accountability at the grassroots. He stressed that full local government autonomy is vital for accelerating rural development and ensuring democratic participation across the state. He further expressed optimism that members of the Kano State House of Assembly would fully support the bill, noting that it is in alignment with the aspirations and overall interests of the people of Kano. The governor described the initiative as a major step in deepening democracy and giving power back to the people at the community level. This proposed reform mirrors broader national conversations around restructuring and the empowerment of local government councils in Nigeria, which many analysts believe could unlock development at the grassroots level if effectively implemented.
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The Dangote Refinery has officially announced a nationwide reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), widely known as petrol. This development comes as the company also confirmed that its long-awaited direct fuel distribution initiative will commence on Monday, September 15, 2025. The initiative, initially scheduled for August 15, 2025, is a critical step in the company’s strategy to transform petroleum product delivery in Nigeria. With the new plan, the $20 billion mega-refinery will leverage 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks to distribute petrol and diesel directly to consumers across the country at zero logistics cost. New Price Template Announced According to Dangote Refinery, the latest price update sets the gantry price at ₦820 per litre, consistent with last month’s announcement. However, retail prices vary across states: This adjustment translates to a ₦19 reduction in the South-West and a ₦34 reduction across Abuja, the North Central, and South-South regions. Implementation and Impact The company emphasized that the new price template and direct distribution scheme will take effect nationwide on September 15, 2025. By removing logistics costs and bypassing traditional middlemen, the refinery aims to make petrol more affordable and accessible for Nigerians. LMSINT Media can confirm that the revised template is not compulsory for independent petroleum marketers. However, it remains binding on Dangote Refinery’s major partners, including MRS Oil and other official distributors. Labour Union Response Meanwhile, tensions persist between Dangote Group and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). The union recently hinted at the possibility of resuming strike action, accusing Dangote of failing to uphold certain agreements. In response, Dangote Group reiterated its commitment to fair labour practices, stressing that it respects the voluntary membership of unions by its employees. The announcement has sparked mixed reactions nationwide, with many Nigerians hopeful that the initiative will bring lasting relief to fuel costs and reduce the frequent challenges associated with fuel scarcity and inflated prices.
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Legendary midfielder and former Chelsea star Michael Ballack has shared his thoughts on the top contenders for this season’s UEFA Champions League trophy. According to the ex-Germany international, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Barcelona stand out as the strongest favourites to lift Europe’s most prestigious club football title. In his interview with Sport Bild, reported by GOAL, Ballack highlighted the strength of Barcelona, pointing to their rising talent and strong tactical direction under coach Hansi Flick. He particularly mentioned young sensation Lamine Yamal, describing him as an “outstanding difference-maker” capable of changing the outcome of matches. Ballack emphasized that Flick’s coaching style makes him an ideal fit for the Catalan side as they push for Champions League glory. “Of course, FC Barcelona. The team is strong. They have an outstanding difference-maker [Yamal] in their ranks and in Hansi Flick, a coach who’s a perfect fit,” Ballack stated. The former German midfielder also placed defending champions Paris Saint-Germain among the leading candidates, stressing that their current form and squad depth put them at the top of the favourites list. “You’ve to count Paris Saint-Germain, as defending champions, among the top favorites.” However, Ballack was clear in dismissing other European giants such as Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Real Madrid from the conversation. While he still considered Bayern Munich a strong side, he categorized them as challengers rather than leading favourites for the title. “Bayern are not among the absolute top favourites for me, but rather a challenger. I also don’t count Manchester City and Real Madrid.” Ballack’s statement is bound to spark debate among fans and analysts, given that Manchester City and Real Madrid have been among the most consistent performers in European football over recent years. Still, his firm backing of PSG and Barcelona as the frontrunners underscores his belief in their balance of youthful talent and strong leadership.
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Football fans are buzzing as two Premier League icons, Roy Keane and Ian Wright, have voiced their thoughts on the highly anticipated Manchester Derby between Manchester City and Manchester United. The clash is set to take place this Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, with City hosting their local rivals. The stakes are high as both clubs are looking to climb the Premier League table. Currently, Pep Guardiola’s side are positioned 13th after three matches, while Ruben Amorim’s United sit in 9th place. During the latest episode of The Overlap Podcast, the former Manchester United captain, Roy Keane, gave a cautious prediction. He believes the derby will be a hard-fought battle ending in a 1-1 draw. Keane was straightforward in his view, simply stating: “1-1 draw.” On the other hand, Arsenal legend Ian Wright was more confident in United’s chances. He boldly predicted that Manchester United would defeat City on their home ground at the Etihad. According to Wright: “Manchester United would win Man City.” Heading into the derby, City are under pressure after their 2-1 loss to Brighton, while United will look to capitalize on their momentum following a 3-2 victory over Burnley in their previous outing. This clash promises not just bragging rights but could also set the tone for both clubs’ season progress. With mixed expert predictions, the Manchester Derby remains one of the most exciting fixtures in the Premier League calendar.
