Entertainment

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Arsenal striker and ex-Liberian President, George Weah, has faulted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over its decision to withdraw the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title from Senegal and award it to Morocco.

In a statement dated March 18, 2026, Weah argued that the decision contradicts established football rules. He stressed that referees hold ultimate authority during matches and that outcomes decided on the pitch should remain valid.

“In football, the Laws of the Game are clear: the referee on the pitch is the final authority on decisions made during the match. Once play is allowed to continue and the match is completed, the result obtained on the field must stand,” he said.

Weah also cited CAF regulations and FIFA rules to support his position. According to him, both frameworks recognise the referee’s control over match proceedings.

“Under the applicable rules of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), match officials have full authority during the game,” he added.

Quoting the Laws of the Game, he said:
“The referee has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed, and his decisions on facts connected with play are final.”

Weah referred to the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco. He explained that the referee allowed play to continue after Senegal’s walk-off. The match went on to extra time and produced a result on the field.

He noted that the referee’s post-match report recorded a stoppage rather than a forfeiture. The report also recommended sanctions for incidents during the game.

Based on this, Weah maintained that CAF’s later ruling should not override the referee’s authority.

“For this reason, the subsequent decision by CAF committee, taken after the match had already been concluded, should not override the authority exercised by the referee during the game in keeping with the Laws of the Game – Law 5,” he said.

He warned against allowing off-field decisions to determine results after matches have ended.

“Football must be decided on the pitch, not re-decided after the final whistle,” he stated.

Weah further argued that there was no sporting basis to cancel a completed match. He cautioned that such actions could weaken trust in football governance.

“There is therefore no sporting justification to nullify a match that was completed in accordance with the referee’s authority and the Laws of the Game otherwise the beautiful game will head down a slippery slope where committee room officials and not match officials will be making post match rulings to override referees on-field decisions like penalties, offside and red cards.

Where will it end?”

The former Ballon d’Or winner said the decision had damaged the image of African football.

“This decision has further scarred and blemished African football, undermining confidence in the fairness, consistency, and integrity of football on the continent,” he said.

He called on the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and other relevant bodies to take action.

“I call on  the court of Arbitration for Sports(CAS) and other relevant authorities to move decisively so that this travesty does not stand.”

Weah also denied claims circulating on social media that he supported CAF’s disciplinary action against Senegal.

“I also want to use this opportunity to clarify that social media posts widely circulating claiming that I support the decision by CAF Disciplinary Committee against Senegal is blatantly false.

All those circulating my image and attaching same to such fallacious statements are advised to refrain.”

By Hadiza Abdulkadir 

I am speaking out as a concerned sister after my younger brother from Kano, Nigeria, Ismail, was repeatedly contacted on TikTok by individuals claiming to be football agents.

They asked about his football journey and promised trials in another state where “European agents” would scout talented players. However, there was one condition: he had to pay for the registration form.

When I advised Ismail to ask what the form looked like, the so-called agent sent a blurry screenshot of a flashy, unprofessional document with no official logo, no verified organisation, and no connection to recognised bodies like the Nigeria Football Federation or FIFA. That was a big red flag.

According to people with deep knowledge about scouting, real agents do not randomly scout players on TikTok and demand upfront payments. Thankfully, Ismail asked questions before making any decision and did not send any money.

Many young footballers dream of playing professionally, and scammers are exploiting that dream. Parents and players must verify every claim, research every agent, and never pay fees without confirmed legitimacy.

Patience and due diligence can protect young talents from becoming victims. Beware.

Hadiza is Nigerian but writes from Cologne, Germany. She can be contacted via hadiza225@gmail.com.

Arsenal FC strengthened their position at the top of the Premier League table after defeating Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in the North London derby.

Mikel Arteta’s side secured the victory with two goals each from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres, who both delivered outstanding performances.

Tottenham managed to score once through Randal Kolo Muani, but it was not enough to stop Arsenal’s dominance throughout the match.

The result sees Arsenal move five points clear at the top of the table, after Manchester City had earlier reduced the gap to two points following their own win.

Meanwhile, Tottenham remain in danger of slipping into a relegation battle, sitting just four points above the drop zone.

It was an intense encounter, with Arsenal winning both North London derby matches this season by the same 4-1 scoreline.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President, Donald Trump, has openly expressed admiration for American rapper Nicki Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty.

The president spoke during a Black History Month event held in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. The 79-year-old leader commended the 43-year-old music star’s appearance and showered her with compliments.

In a video that circulated widely on Thursday, Mr Trump highlighted the singer’s complexion and her long acrylic nails. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the president recalled noticing her beauty when she previously visited the White House.

He said, “How about Nicki Minaj? Do we love Nicki Minaj? I love Nicki Minaj. She was here a couple of weeks ago. She’s so beautiful, her skin’s so beautiful. I said, ‘Nikki, you’re so beautiful’ Her nails are so long.

“I said, Nikki, are they real? She didn’t want to get into that, but she was so beautiful and so great. And she gets it, more importantly.”

Growing Friendship

Mr Trump’s remarks came two days after Nicki Minaj marked Presidents’ Day by sharing photos that reflected her growing relationship with the president. She posted the images on her account on X with the caption, “Happy President’s Day.”

According to Billboard, the rapper also attended the Trump-backed World Liberty Forum on Wednesday. She appeared as a keynote speaker on a panel titled “Owning the Culture: The Business of Music in a Creator-Led Economy.”

Her first public meeting with Mr Trump took place in January during the Trump Accounts Summit in Washington, D.C. At the gathering, she stood beside the president and voiced strong support for him.

She said, “I am probably the president’s No. 1 fan. And that’s not going to change. What people have to say does not affect me at all. It actually motivates me to support him more. And it’s going to encourage all of us to help him more.

“We’re not going to let them get away with bullying him. And you know, the smear campaigns. It’s not going to work. He has a lot of force behind him, and God is protecting him.”

Backstory To Their Alliance

Reports indicate that Nicki Minaj’s connection with the Trump administration has become more visible during his second term in office.

Premium Times noted that the rapper addressed a press event at the United Nations last November. She spoke on alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria and thanked Mr Trump for what she described as “his leadership on the global stage.”

The invitation came from the United States Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, who asked her to share concerns about what he termed “religious persecution in Nigeria.”

During that speech, the rapper called for freedom for Christians in Nigeria. She said they face attacks, displacement, and killings. She stressed that protecting Christians should unite humanity rather than create division.

Reacting to Mr Trump’s recent compliments, Nicki Minaj reposted the viral video on her X page. She added an AI-generated image that showed a person holding a burning cigarette.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Argentine youngster Gianluca Prestianni has released a public statement after he was accused of directing racist remarks at Vinicius Jr during a recent encounter.

The allegation sparked tension on the pitch and drew reactions from players associated with Real Madrid, leading to widespread debate across football circles and social media.

Responding to the claims, Prestianni denied engaging in any racist conduct. He said the situation stemmed from a misunderstanding.

“I wanna clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr — who has regrettably 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝 what he thought heard from me”. ❌

He insisted that discrimination does not reflect his character or values as a professional footballer.

“I was 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 racist with anyone and I regret the 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬 I received from Real Madrid players”, Prestianni added.

The incident has continued to generate reactions, with many observers calling for calm while awaiting any further clarification or possible review from match authorities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has spoken publicly about the circumstances that led to his controversial departure from Napoli in 2024, alleging disrespect and unfair treatment during his final days at the club.

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Nigerian forward said his relationship with the Italian side deteriorated after videos that mocked him were posted on the club’s TikTok page. He explained that the incident marked the beginning of the crisis between him and the club’s hierarchy.

Osimhen disclosed that he reacted by removing all photos of himself in Napoli colours from his Instagram account. According to him, the club then turned supporters against him.

Speaking on a penalty he missed during a Serie A match at the peak of the controversy, he said, “Anyone can miss a penalty, anyone can be mocked for it. Napoli only did it to me, and with certain innuendos, too. I was the victim of racist insults, and I made my decision: I wanted to leave. I deleted photos of me in a Napoli shirt from my Instagram, and they seized the opportunity to turn the fans against me.”

The striker further revealed that there had been an understanding that he would be allowed to leave the club the following summer. He alleged that the agreement was not respected.

“We had a gentleman’s agreement that I could leave the following summer, but the other side didn’t fully keep their promise.”

Osimhen said the club’s conduct afterward made the situation worse, claiming he was pushed around without regard for his career plans.

“They tried to send me to play everywhere, treating me like a dog. Go here, go there, do this, do that. I worked so hard to advance my career, I couldn’t accept that kind of treatment. I’m not a puppet,” he said.

Following the dispute, Napoli excluded the forward from their squad ahead of the 2024/25 season. He was not registered for Serie A action and was later sent out on loan to Galatasaray. He eventually sealed a permanent exit from the Italian side, completing a €75 million move to his current club last year.

Osimhen’s remarks have reignited debate among fans and analysts over the breakdown in relations between the Nigerian international and his former employers.

By Dahiru Kasimu Adamu

Ahead of Argungu International fishing and cultural festival which was scheduled to hold from 11 February to 14 February 2025 we take a look of some tourist centers to visit in the ancient town of Kabawan Kanta.

Argungu International fishing and cultural festival is a unique  global event previously celebrates annually, it rooted in the pursuit of peace and unity. This extraordinary event showcases the rich historical legacy of the Kabawan Kanta and preserves the invaluable cultural heritage of the Kabawa people.

More than a festival, Argungu is a world-renowned tourism destination, significantly contributing to the socio-economic development of the town, Kebbi State and Nigeria as a whole.

Most people don’t know that, beside the famous fishing festival, there are so many colorful cultural and traditional activities, which are observed concurrently, during the same period. Some of  these activities which are attached to the festival include, 

1. Traditional Boxing, 
2. Durbar, Horse Racing,
3. Motor Rally,
4. Kabanci Display,
5. The Grand Fishing Competition and many more.

Apart from the series activities of the festival, visitors also would have opportunities to visit historical and tourist centers of the town such as; the famous Kanta Museum.

Kanta Museum, is a Historical and cultural Center, which was the Emirs palace between 1831 and 1940, but it was converted to a Museum in 1942 after the European colonialists built the new Emir Palace in Tudun Wada Area of the ancient town of Argungu during the reign of Muhammed Sani.

Since then, the place has been a tourist center for many years. It showcases the true meaning of diversity with different cultures and histories of the Kabawan Kanta on display. It was named after Muhammed Kanta, who founded the Kebbi Kingdom in 1515. The Museum boasts a collation of historical artifacts and a testament to the ancient architectural beauty of the people.

It has eleven sections and contains historical and cultural elements related to the Kabawa and their history, which include the Royal Palace, then the Cultural section, the people and their religion section, the traditional crafts and the music section, the antiques section, a section dedicated to Surame, the first settlement of the Kabi Kingdom, war equipment, (such as spears, swords, woods, stones, bows and arrows and even drums on display) fishing tools section, amongst others.

Many people, including students from different schools and neighboring countries visit the museum at all times, for different purposes including educational and cultural research, although during the festive season about five to seven hundred people visit the Museum a day.

The Matanfada River

Matanfada river is a very special stage of the famous Argungu Fishing Festival competition. Over five hundreds fishermen storm the river for fishing competition. Visiting the river and the scenario give a deeper appreciation of its cultural and historical importance.

Another river site is the Mala River, which is another significant tributary in the Argungu. It forms part of the fertile river system that feeds the farmlands and fishing grounds of Argungu and its stage of Kabanci display.

The Argungu Bridge:

It is a prominent bridge that crosses the river connecting local governments of Argungu Emirate and also a route to Niger republic. It is a central landmark and a prime viewing spot for spectators during the fishing festival, offering a vantage point over the competitions. If you have a chance to be there during the event, try and climb the bridge!

The Argungu Fadama Land is a vast fadama land, which is nourished by the rivers. It is exceptionally fertile and crucial for agricultural activities, producing crops like rice, vegetables and many others, supporting the local economy of the residents.

The Emir’s Palace: Argungu Emir palace which is also known as Kanta Palace is located at Tudun wada Area of Argungu. The palace is the seat of the Emir of Argungu, the overall constituted authority of the Emirate. The palace also showcases historical and administrative system of government of the Kabawa, and it’s many sections reflecting living heritage of the Kabawan Kanta.

For equestrian culture, the Horse Racing Course roars to life during the festival and NSK Polo Ranch hosts the Polo tournaments and fates illustrating the horse sporting in the region.

There are 7 historical gates in Argungu and all are connected to the history and culture of the town, this gates are; Kofar Maicibi, Sagware, Kofar Tudu, Kofar Mala, Kofar Marina, Kofar Dankoji and Kofar tsohi.

Some of the gates such as Kofar Maichibi, Kofar Tudu had been rehabilitated and they serve as a symbolic of Argungu’s past history, marking and signifying old boundaries and stories of the community, its trade, strength and defense.

All these locations are interconnected elements of Argungu’s geography and culture and they are stages for a major cultural event contributing greatly to the socio-cultural development of Kebbi State and Nigeria at large.

See you there, and you will surely thank me for what you get.

Taqdeer (Divine Decree), a 2025 Nigerian Islamic film directed by Ruben Reng, is a captivating tale of love, fate, and cultural heritage. Starring Ibrahim, Sakina, Mustapha, and Zainab as leading characters, this film weaves a narrative that explores the intricacies of human relationships against the backdrop of Nigerian and Hausa traditions.

The film’s plot revolves around themes of destiny, faith, and choices, unfolding a story that keeps viewers engaged. The narrative delves into the lives of its characters, exploring their struggles and triumphs in a way that resonates deeply. 

Watching Taqdeer is a visually immersive experience. The cinematography captures the vibrant essence of Abuja, blending traditional and modern elements harmoniously. The film’s use of Hausa language and Islamic cultural references adds authenticity, making the story feel both personal and universal. The performances by the cast are compelling, bringing depth to their characters.

Taqdeer’s formal techniques, such as its cinematography and sound design, effectively enhance the narrative’s emotional impact. The film’s portrayal of Islamic moral themes and traditions provides a rich context for the story, making it relatable and thought-provoking. The blend of music and story-based sound adds to the film’s atmosphere, drawing viewers into the world it creates.

Analytically, while Taqdeer is strong in many areas, certain scenes linger longer than necessary, which can detract from the story’s overall momentum. Nevertheless, these moments are outweighed by the film’s strength, particularly its moral richness.

In conclusion, Taqdeer is worth watching for its engaging narrative, moral richness, and strong performances. It offers a glimpse into Nigerian Muslim culture and explores universal themes of love and fate, making it a compelling watch for audiences interested in diverse storytelling.  

Reviewed by

Rexford Asamoah Adu

radu@smail.uni-koeln.de

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Confederation of African Football has imposed heavy sanctions on Senegal following the dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, including a five-match suspension and $100,000 fine for coach Pape Thiaw.

Thiaw was penalised for “unsporting conduct” after instructing his players to walk off the pitch during the final. The incident marred Senegal’s championship victory.

Senegalese players Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye have each been banned for two CAF matches for similar misconduct. The Senegalese Football Federation faces a substantial $615,000 fine despite lifting the trophy.

Morocco has also been penalised. CAF handed the runners-up a $315,000 fine for improper conduct, whilst defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension for unsporting actions.

Neither federation has yet announced whether they will appeal the decisions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Sevilla legend Sergio Ramos has reached a preliminary agreement with a reference shareholder group to acquire Sevilla Fútbol Club, marking a major step toward a potential takeover of the Spanish side.

Ramos, who first joined Sevilla in 1996 before returning to the club in 2023, has now entered an exclusivity and due diligence phase with the investment group. This stage will allow both parties to examine the club’s financial position and governance structure ahead of any final decision.

According to a report by Carrusel, Ramos and his partners have a three-month window to assess Sevilla’s finances and overall situation before completing the transaction. Sevilla currently occupy 11th position on the La Liga table.

The development has fueled widespread excitement among supporters, as the former captain’s deep ties to the club strengthen hopes of a successful transition in ownership. With negotiations now progressing into a critical phase, the prospect of Ramos returning to Sevilla in a leadership role appears increasingly realistic.