🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Paul Pogba suggests Bruno Fernandes would be a Ballon d'Or contender at Manchester City
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Monaco midfielder Paul Pogba stated that Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes would be a Ballon d'Or winner if he played for a dominant team like Manchester City. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Pogba praised Fernandes' quality, suggesting his reputation would be higher in a more consistently successful team. Pogba argued that Fernandes' performance level would lead to global individual recognition if he were in a more dominant system. Fernandes has been a standout performer for United this season, with 18 Premier League assists, nearing the single-season record. He also contributed a key assist in United's recent win over Chelsea. Pogba emphasized that individual awards are often linked to team success, stating, "When you don't win, we don't think about you." Fernandes joined United from Sporting CP in 2020 for £47 million, making over 300 appearances and scoring more than 100 goals. He chose to remain at Old Trafford despite interest from Saudi Pro League clubs and is under contract until 2027. Pogba's comments have reignited debate on the influence of team success on major individual awards like the Ballon d'Or.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra is set to launch in Nigeria, aiming to redefine the premium smartphone market, particularly for business professionals. The device features a design influenced by the Italian design house Pininfarina, known for shaping Ferrari vehicles, incorporating a unibody aluminum frame and a "uni-chassis" camera system. It is equipped with a 4nm-class processor for multitasking and efficiency, a 7000mAh battery with ultra-fast charging, and advanced cooling systems. A key feature is its two-way satellite communication capability, extending connectivity beyond traditional cellular networks, which is presented as a business continuity tool for sectors like oil and gas, logistics, and infrastructure development in Nigeria. The smartphone also includes a 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HPE imaging system, intended for high-quality presentations, real-time documentation, and brand storytelling. The NOTE 60 Ultra positions itself by combining design authority, functional superiority, and relevance to local usage conditions, offering a device that reflects status, enables productivity, and adapts to Nigerian challenges.
Must ReadThe Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the leadership disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and the African Democratic Congress ADC, creating uncertainty for both parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. A five-member panel, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, did not set a date for judgment after hearing arguments on appeals challenging lower court decisions. The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has set May 10 as the deadline for parties to submit membership registers, with presidential and national assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state houses of assembly elections for February 6, 2027. Party primaries are slated for April 23, 2026, to May 30, 2026. The ongoing litigations and looming INEC deadlines have disrupted the parties' ability to stabilize and organize activities, affecting aspirants. The PDP remains divided into two factions: one led by Tanimu Turaki SAN, supported by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, and another led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The court reserved judgment on two appeals from the Turaki-led faction seeking to validate a national convention held in Ibadan. The ADC also faces a leadership crisis with multiple factions, including one led by former Senate President David Mark, another by Nafiu Gombe, and a third aligned with 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu. The Supreme Court re
Must ReadSenator Nenadi Usman, the Labour Party’s interim national chairman, stated that Peter Obi, the party's 2023 presidential candidate, would be legally unable to contest the 2027 election on the Labour Party platform. Usman explained in an interview with Arise TV that the Electoral Act mandates the party's register to close 21 days before primaries, after which it is submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, making late registration impossible. Usman acknowledged Obi's significant role in the party's 2023 success, noting that he had persuaded her and many others to join the Labour Party from the Peoples Democratic Party due to a belief in equity and fair play, particularly after the PDP failed to zone its presidential ticket to the south. The Labour Party has been experiencing a leadership crisis, with Usman's caretaker committee and the faction of former national chairman Julius Abure both claiming legitimacy. The Supreme Court ruled in April 2025 that Abure's tenure had expired, and a Federal High Court in Abuja subsequently ordered INEC to recognize Usman's committee. The Court of Appeal in Abuja recently affirmed Usman as interim chairman, though Abure plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. This internal conflict has led to defections, a reduced National Assembly presence, and a weakened grassroots structure for the party. Obi cited this turmoil as a reason for his departure. Usman's faction has since initiated membership revalidation and zoned the party's 2
Must ReadPresident Bola Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with the extended leadership of the Senate at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The high-level engagement addressed matters described as being of urgent national importance, with far-reaching decisions on key national issues reportedly reached. The Senate delegation was led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and included Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro. Other lawmakers present were Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Adamu Aliero, Senator Danjuma Goje, and Senator Abdul Ningi. Details of the resolutions were not immediately disclosed.