News - NewsNow Nigeria

19Apr

By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments

Sports

EPL: Chris Sutton’s Defense of Oleksandr Zinchenko EPL: Chris Sutton’s Defense of Oleksandr Zinchenko

Chris Sutton, a former Chelsea star, has stepped forward to support Oleksandr Zinchenko, suggesting that the defender is unfairly shouldering the blame for Arsenal's recent struggles. Despite being on the cusp of a Champions League semi-final spot and being considered title contenders in the Premier League, Arsenal's fortunes took a downturn with an exit from Europe following a defeat to Bayern Munich. They now find themselves trailing Manchester City by two points in the league. After Arsenal's defeat against Aston Villa, Zinchenko faced a wave of criticism from fans and pundits. Sutton, however, believes that this criticism is unjust and reminds Arsenal supporters that their team has delivered a solid season overall. When questioned about the unwarranted scrutiny on Zinchenko, Su...

Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen Praises Physical West Ham United Players in Europa League Clash

19Apr

By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments

Sports

Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen Praises Physical West Ham United Players in Europa League Clash

Following Bayer Leverkusen's triumph over West Ham United in the Europa League quarter-finals, coach Xabi Alonso commended two players from the Premier League team for their performance. In the first leg, Alonso's team secured a 2-0 victory and progressed to the next round with a 3-1 aggregate win, despite a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium. Despite Michail Antonio giving the Hammers an early lead, a late goal from Jeremie Frimpong ensured that the Bundesliga champions escaped defeat. Alonso, in his post-match comments, praised Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta of West Ham, highlighting their incredible skill and physical presence. Speaking to TNT Sports, Alonso acknowledged the strength and energy of West Ham's players, noting the contrast in their performance compared to the previous matc...

Chelsea player expresses wish to leave Pochettino’s team

19Apr

By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments

Sports

Chelsea player expresses wish to leave Pochettino’s team

Rumors suggest that Ian Maatsen from Chelsea has notified the club of his desire to make a permanent move to Borussia Dortmund this upcoming summer. The 19-year-old left-back made a loan switch to Dortmund during the January transfer window and has since become a key player for the German team. In a recent match against Atletico Madrid, Maatsen scored his first-ever goal in the Champions League as Dortmund advanced to the semi-finals, leading Chelsea fans to advocate for his retention at the club. Initially aiming to establish himself as a regular starter at Chelsea before his loan move, Maatsen's aspirations have shifted, and he now aims to secure a permanent deal with Dortmund, according to reports from Metro UK. The Dutch player feels 'very at ease' at his temporary club. Maatsen ...

Expected Arrival of Super Eagles’ New Coach Revealed by Minister of Sports, John Enoh

19Apr

By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments

Sports

Expected Arrival of Super Eagles’ New Coach Revealed by Minister of Sports, John Enoh

Within the next fourteen days, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will be welcoming a new coach as disclosed by the Minister of Sports, John Enoh. Enoh mentioned that he has been actively engaging with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding the appointment of a permanent coach for the national team. It is worth noting that the Super Eagles have been operating without a full-time coach since Jose Peseiro's contract expired following the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in February. Enyimba coach, Finidi George, who previously served as one of Peseiro's assistants, oversaw the team in their recent friendly matches against Ghana and Mali. During an interview on Channels Television Sports, Enoh expressed, "Regrettably, the senior national team currently lacks a coach. The primar...

Eleven Suspected Kidnappers Paraded by Kwara Police Command

19Apr

By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments

Metro

Eleven Suspected Kidnappers Paraded by Kwara Police Command

Over the past six months, the Kwara State police command has apprehended approximately 60 suspected kidnappers, including prominent figures involved in such criminal activities. During a press briefing at the command's headquarters in Ilorin on Thursday, the State Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, shared this information with journalists. Eleven suspects were displayed at the event, each accused of various criminal offenses. Among the recent arrests, 28 individuals linked to cultism in the state capital have been detained at the Oke-Kura Correctional Center in Ilorin following their capture in the last two weeks. The 11 suspects showcased during the parade were allegedly engaged in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, attempted culpable homicide, and phone theft. Law enforcem...

Community in Ondo expresses concern over increasing hoodlum attacks

19Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

Headlines

Community in Ondo expresses concern over increasing hoodlum attacks

The residents of Ìrele community in the Ìrele Local Government Area of Ondo State are alarmed by the growing number of attacks on their community. These attacks have resulted in residents sustaining various injuries and the destruction of farmlands by suspected hoodlums. Speaking to PUNCH Metro in separate phone interviews on Thursday, some residents expressed fear over the frequent attacks on the community, forcing many to relocate to safer areas. The Irele community was previously part of the Ikale Local Government Area with Okitipupa as its headquarters. However, in 1991, the Federal Government's creation of more local governments led to the establishment of Irele Local Government with Irele as the new headquarters. Several videos showing the aftermath of the ...

The entire police force assigned to the absconding former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been recalled by the Inspector General of Police.

19Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

News

The entire police force assigned to the absconding former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been recalled by the Inspector General of Police.

In a recent revelation, it has been disclosed that the withdrawal directive was transmitted via a police wireless message by the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun. As reported by NewsNow on Friday, the official document references the order under the code number: “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34. It states, “IG has ordered the withdrawal of all policemen attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello." The directive concludes by stating, “Acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please, above, for your information and strict compliance.” Prior to this development, the Nigerian Immigration Service had taken steps to place the ex-governor on their watchlist following allegations levied against him by the Econ...

Bayelsa Communities Receive Governor Diri Amid Soldier Killings

19Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

News

Bayelsa Communities Receive Governor Diri Amid Soldier Killings

Emotions ran high as the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, made a visit to the troubled Igbomotoru communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. His visit aimed to express sympathy to the people and assess the extent of damage in the area. Reports had earlier highlighted the invasion of Igbomotoru 1 & 2 communities by the military in search of the culprits behind the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. Allegedly, Nigerian Army troops resorted to raiding the community, resulting in the destruction of homes and the alleged loss of innocent lives. Following the retaliatory attack by the Military, the community has been grappling with fear, starvation, and suffering as their daily activities were di...

The Europa League semi-final matchups are set

19Apr

By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments

Sports

The Europa League semi-final matchups are set

The Europa League semi-final fixtures have been officially confirmed following the conclusion of the quarter-final second legs. One of the semi-final clashes will see Bayer Leverkusen take on Roma. Bayer Leverkusen, who were recently crowned Bundesliga champions, settled for a 1-1 draw against West Ham, advancing with a 2-0 aggregate lead from the first leg. On the other hand, Roma defeated AC Milan 2-1 in their home game, having also won the first leg 1-0 at the San Siro. The second semi-final will feature Atalanta against Marseille. Atalanta secured their spot in the semi-finals with a 3-1 aggregate score despite a 0-1 loss to Liverpool. Marseille, on the other hand, progressed to the next round after a penalty shoot-out victory against Benfica, with the aggregate score tied at 1-1. ...

19Apr

By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments

Metro

Nineteen-year-old arrested for alleged rape of a minor by Kwara NSCDC

An arrest has been made by the Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC. The suspect, a 19-year-old boy named Jamiu Akande, is accused of raping a 9-year-old girl in Pakata Area, Ilorin, the capital city of the state. Reportedly, the case was brought to light on the evening of April 16, 2024, at around 20:30hrs. The report was filed to the gender unit of the command by Alhaja Yusuf Mariam Joke, the Director of Child Ministry of Women Affairs, in response to a distress call from Babareke House, Ipata Oloje Area in Ilorin, as confirmed by the command's spokesperson, Ayoola Michael Shola. After receiving the report, the command acted promptly and was able to apprehend the suspect with diligent efforts from its officers. Investigations indicate that the...