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Haaland's strike gives Manchester City edge over Arsenal in Premier League title race
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2-1 on Sunday, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal, significantly impacting the Premier League title race. This victory brings Pep Guardiola's team within three points of the leaders, with a game in hand, as Arsenal's pursuit of their first league title in 22 years faces challenges. Mikel Arteta's squad has experienced a downturn in form, securing only one win in their last six games across all competitions, including four consecutive domestic defeats, since losing to City in the League Cup final last month. City could potentially top the league for the first time this year with a win against Burnley on Wednesday. Arsenal, having finished second for the past three seasons, risks missing another opportunity to end their long wait for a championship. The match saw Arsenal hit the post twice, once before and once after Haaland's winning goal. Rayan Cherki opened the scoring with a solo effort, but City equalized when Kai Havertz charged down Gianluigi Donnarumma's attempted clearance. Haaland scored his 34th goal of the season 25 minutes from time. Arsenal had a chance to equalize in stoppage time, but Havertz headed over. Donnarumma made a crucial save against Havertz, and Matheus Nunes cleared Martin Odegaard's follow-up off the line. Eberechi Eze also hit the post for Arsenal. Haaland's goal came after he outmuscled Gabriel to meet Nico O'Reilly's cross. Gabriel's header also hit the post, and Havertz missed the rebound. Gabriel rece
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The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has directed the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, to initiate broad consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to address the increasing insecurity in the region. This directive, issued in a statement by Ademola Adeniyi, the Director of Culture and Public Relations for Oba Owoade, aims to establish community-driven support systems that will enhance formal security structures, particularly in intelligence sharing and early warning mechanisms. The monarch emphasized that these measures must align with the Nigerian constitution and lawful security operations. The call for action follows recent security incidents, including the killing of five National Park Service officers at Old Oyo National Park on January 6, 2026, the deaths of four farmers in Igboho, and the abduction of a nursing mother and her child in Ondo State. The Alaafin also urged authorities to maintain transparent communication with affected communities to prevent panic, build trust, and strengthen coordinated responses. The palace reiterated its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to restore safety and stability across affected areas.
Sam Adeyemi, Senior Pastor of DayStar Christian Centre, has urged Nigerians to advocate for a national discussion focused on economic growth. In a statement issued in Lagos, Adeyemi emphasized that a properly convened national dialogue would enable citizens, leaders, and stakeholders to agree on a common vision for building a functional and developed economy. He stressed that electoral processes alone cannot guarantee meaningful development without alignment with long-term national goals, warning that recurring elections without clear direction would continue to fall short of expectations. Adeyemi highlighted that while elections are important, they must be supported by strong institutional frameworks and clearly articulated objectives. He described Nigeria's current condition as troubling, citing hardship and insecurity as indicators of deeper structural failures. He also noted that without a shared national direction, changes in leadership alone would not produce different results. Adeyemi pointed to the potential contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora, suggesting their exposure to working systems abroad could offer practical insights for national development. He also cautioned against "cultural cowardice," urging citizens to reject limiting beliefs and embrace responsibility in shaping the country's future. Adeyemi called for comprehensive reforms, including a review of foundational governance frameworks, stating that national development is a shared responsibility whe
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB to reschedule examinations for eight UTME candidates who were among 15 passengers kidnapped last Wednesday night. The governor made this appeal while hosting the rescued victims at Government House, Makurdi, describing them as "victims of circumstance." The abduction occurred between Taraku and Otukpo in Gwer East and Otukpo Local Government Areas. All 13 remaining kidnapped victims have since been rescued by security agents. Governor Alia directed the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, to ensure the victims receive medical examination and treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. He also commended the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and other security agencies for their efforts, confirming that seven suspects have been arrested. One of the kidnapped UTME candidates, Jessica Akor, recounted her ordeal, stating that the abductors demanded a N10 million ransom per person and threatened to kill them if it was not paid. Akor's account contradicts a previous statement from JAMB denying that any of its candidates were among those abducted. She detailed how the bus was intercepted by armed men near Otukpo around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, and they were taken into the bush, subjected to long walks, and given gari mixed with salt when hungry. The state Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the rescue, stating that the
Must ReadThe Joint Revenue Board JRB, led by Executive Secretary Mr Segun Adesokan, has announced a partnership with the Nigerian Police Force to tackle illegal tax collection and dismantle unauthorized roadblocks used for this purpose nationwide. Mr Adesokan highlighted the JRB's mandate to ensure uniform, transparent, and efficient revenue administration, aligning with President Bola Tinubu's tax reforms aimed at promoting fairness and economic growth. These reforms prohibit illegal tax practices that burden businesses and citizens, particularly along transport routes. The JRB had previously banned roadblocks for tax collection and the use of unauthorized tax stickers in December 2023. A Model Harmonised Taxes and Levies Act, passed by 15 State Houses of Assembly, criminalizes cash-based tax collection, illegal roadblocks, and the involvement of non-state actors in revenue collection on public roads. Mr Adesokan stated that these unlawful practices harass citizens and increase the cost of goods and services. To address this, the JRB proposes a joint national task force with the Nigerian Police Force to identify, dismantle, and prosecute illegal tax operators across all states. Mr Mohammed Abdul Suleiman, mni/DIG Finance and Administration, representing the Inspector General of Police, welcomed the initiative, affirming the Police Force's commitment to supporting the JRB and ensuring Commissioners of Police collaborate to eliminate this issue. Both institutions will develop an implem