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Arsenal maintains title belief despite losing top spot to Manchester City
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Mikel Arteta states that Arsenal still believes they can win the Premier League title, even after Manchester City's 1-0 victory over Burnley on Wednesday moved City into first place. Arsenal is currently level on points with City but trails on goals scored. They have an opportunity to reclaim the top position by avoiding defeat against Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Less than two weeks ago, Arsenal held a nine-point lead over City, but recent losses to Bournemouth and City have shifted the title's destiny out of their hands. Arteta expressed confidence in his team, emphasizing the importance of winning their upcoming match against Newcastle. He highlighted that the team's energy and belief are high, with five games remaining in the season. Arsenal will also see the return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori from injury for the Newcastle match. City's recent win put them at the top of the league for the first time since August 2025, while Arsenal has secured only one win in their last six matches across all competitions. Arteta recalled his experience of winning the Scottish Premiership with Rangers on goal difference in 2003, underscoring the special feeling of such a victory.
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Must ReadTunde Ayeni, former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc and a businessman, has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC in Abuja. He is being held at the commission's facility in connection with alleged money laundering, misappropriation, and diversion of funds totaling N36.54 billion and $30 million. The arrest follows an EFCC investigation into the alleged misappropriation and diversion of funds obtained from Polaris Bank through various entities linked to Ayeni. These funds were reportedly secured as loans for specific investment projects, including marine security activities, an electricity distribution contract, and estate development. However, investigations indicate that the loans were allegedly diverted to the NITEL/MTEL asset acquisition via a NATCOM account. The EFCC is currently investigating 12 companies reportedly linked to Ayeni, which were allegedly used to obtain these loans from Polaris Bank. An EFCC source stated that these loans, described as depositors' funds, were fraudulently obtained and used for various purposes. Ayeni is expected to be arraigned following the conclusion of investigations. EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest but did not provide further details.
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Must ReadThe Oyo State Government has confirmed five cases of Lassa fever, resulting in one death, and has activated emergency response measures to contain the outbreak. Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the state Commissioner for Health, announced that confirmed cases are being managed at designated isolation and treatment facilities, including the state Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo, and the University College Hospital isolation unit. The government has initiated a coordinated multi-sectoral intervention in line with national and global guidelines, activating the Incident Management System and Emergency Operations Centre. A multi-sectoral response team comprising officials from health, environment, agriculture, and information sectors has been established. Surveillance has been intensified, including active case searches and monitoring of over 200 identified contacts. Isolation centers are operational, and essential drugs like Ribavirin have been prepositioned. Infection prevention and control measures have been strengthened, with personal protective equipment provided and safe burial protocols implemented. Environmental sanitation, fumigation, and decontamination of affected areas are ongoing, alongside continuous training for healthcare workers. Residents are urged to adhere to preventive measures such as proper food storage, maintaining clean environments, avoiding contact with rodents, and seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms. Suspected cases should be reported immediately
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