Cole Palmer Makes EPL History as Chelsea Triumph; Arsenal Secures Big Win and Other Results

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer made Premier League history by becoming the first player to score four goals in the first half of a match, leading his team to a dominant 4-2 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge. Brighton initially took the lead in the 7th minute through Georginio Rutter’s header, capitalizing on a misstep by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.

Palmer equalized for Chelsea in the 21st minute, marking his first goal at Stamford Bridge this season. He then converted a penalty in the 28th minute after Jadon Sancho was fouled in the box, pushing the score to 2-1. Three minutes later, Palmer added another with a brilliant free-kick, making it 3-1. Brighton responded quickly when Sánchez’s error allowed Carlos Baleba to pull one back.

Palmer completed his historic first-half performance with a fourth goal in the 41st minute, assisted by Sancho, putting Chelsea firmly in control. Despite a quieter second half with no further goals, Chelsea’s 4-2 win moved them to 3rd place in the league, just one point behind Manchester City and Arsenal.

Other Premier League results saw Arsenal beating Leicester City 4-2 at the Emirates, Everton overcoming Crystal Palace 2-1, Fulham edging Nottingham Forest 1-0, and Brentford drawing 1-1 with West Ham.

Patrick Doyle Criticizes Rolls Royce Gift to Bishop Oyedepo, Calls for Sensitivity During Hard Times

Veteran actor Patrick Doyle has expressed his disapproval of gifting Rolls Royce cars to religious leaders during a period when many Nigerians are struggling to meet basic needs. His comments follow the recent gifting of two Rolls Royce Cullinan vehicles to Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church, in celebration of his 70th birthday.

Doyle, sharing his views on social media, argued that the funds used for such extravagant gifts could be better directed toward public projects that benefit society. He warned that the display of wealth amidst widespread hardship could fuel unrest.

He remarked, “At a time when so many Nigerians are suffering, it is crucial to be sensitive about how we celebrate. A gesture that could truly honor someone in such times would be building community resources, not showcasing affluence with luxury vehicles.”

Doyle suggested that instead of lavish gifts, congregations could honor their leaders through initiatives like scholarships or vocational training centers. He also expressed concern that public perceptions of excessive wealth within the church might alienate leaders from the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

NPFL Updates: Ikorodu City’s ThankGod Sidelined, Nasarawa United Seek Redemption in Lagos

Ikorodu City FC will be without their key forward, Chilaka ThankGod, for their upcoming NPFL match against Nasarawa United due to illness. The Lagos-based club will face Nasarawa United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan today at 3 p.m. Ikorodu City is still searching for their first win of the season after managing only one point from three games.

Meanwhile, Nasarawa United’s captain, King Osanga, has promised an improved performance as his team also seeks their first win of the season. After a disappointing outing against El-Kanemi Warriors, Osanga stated that the team has identified areas for improvement and is ready to give their all in the match.

Abia Warriors head coach, Imama Amakpakabo, also expressed concerns ahead of their clash with Kano Pillars, acknowledging the strength of the opponent, who will be determined to recover from a recent home loss. He stressed the importance of respecting their opponents while also expecting the same in return.

Nasarawa United’s Technical Director, Kabiru Dogo, urged his players to focus on their match against Ikorodu City, emphasizing the need to bounce back from their previous defeat and deliver a strong performance for their fans.

Pep Guardiola Declares “War” on Arsenal After Intense Draw

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has escalated the rivalry with Arsenal following their dramatic 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium last weekend. After City players John Stones and Kyle Walker accused Arsenal of using “dark arts” to defend their 2-1 lead during the match, Arsenal defender Gabriel vowed that his team would be ready for City’s return visit to the Emirates on February 1, 2025.

During a pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Newcastle United, Guardiola responded to the growing tension, stating, “You want a war? Now we war. Gabriel said it perfectly, so this is a war.”

The Spanish coach also addressed the incident involving City’s striker Erling Haaland, who threw the ball at Gabriel after the match, explaining that emotions were running high. Guardiola acknowledged that Haaland may not be proud of his actions but expressed understanding given the intensity of the match against Arsenal.

As the rivalry heats up, both teams seem set for an even more fiery rematch in February.

Finidi George Predicts Tough Clash Against Former Team Enyimba

Rivers United coach, Finidi George, is gearing up for a challenging encounter as his team faces Enyimba in one of the high-profile fixtures of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season on Saturday. The match, a South-South derby, also sees Finidi taking on his former assistant, Yemi Olanrewaju, in what has been dubbed a “master vs. apprentice” showdown.

Both teams are undefeated this season, raising the stakes even higher. Reflecting on the upcoming clash, Finidi acknowledged the challenge, stating, “We are playing against Enyimba; it’s going to be a difficult game, but we will take it one at a time,” following Rivers United’s recent 1-0 victory over Nasarawa United.

Finidi had previously appointed Olanrewaju as his assistant when he took charge of Enyimba in September 2022, guiding them to a record-breaking ninth Nigeria Premier League title in 2023. Finidi later left to coach the Super Eagles, with Olanrewaju succeeding him as head coach of the People’s Elephants.

Under Finidi, Rivers United have secured seven points from three games, while Olanrewaju’s Enyimba have won two matches, including an away victory against Heartland. The derby promises to be a closely contested battle as both coaches aim to maintain their unbeaten streaks.

President Tinubu Submits Nine Appointments for North West Development Commission Board

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated nine individuals for the inaugural Governing Board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC). Their names were submitted to the Senate for confirmation, as revealed in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

This development follows Tinubu’s signing of the North West Development Commission Bill into law on July 24, 2024. The NWDC is tasked with driving economic growth and social development in the North-West region.

The nominees, who are expected to bring a wealth of experience to the board, are as follows:

  • Chairman: Ambassador Haruna Ginsau (Jigawa)
  • MD/CEO: Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji (Kano)

Board Members:

  • Dr. Yahaya Umar Namahe (Sokoto)
  • Hon. Aminu Suleiman (Kebbi)
  • Senator Tijani Yahaya Kaura (Zamfara)
  • Hon. Abdulkadir S. Usman (Kaduna)
  • Hon. Engr. Muhammad Ali Wudil (Kano)
  • Shamsu Sule (Katsina)
  • Nasidi Ali (Jigawa)

The Commission aims to spearhead economic empowerment and sustainable development in the North-West region of Nigeria.

FIFA Suspends Argentina Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for Two Matches Due to Misconduct

Argentinian football star Emiliano Martinez has been handed a two-match suspension by FIFA for unsportsmanlike behavior. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that the 32-year-old Aston Villa goalkeeper faced disciplinary action for violating fair play rules in two separate incidents.

Martinez first came under scrutiny after displaying a replica of the Copa America trophy in an inappropriate manner following Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Chile in a World Cup qualifier on September 5. This is not the first time Martinez has exhibited such behavior—he had similarly drawn criticism for his actions after winning the Golden Glove at the 2022 World Cup.

FIFA also sanctioned Martinez for an altercation after Argentina’s 2-1 loss to Colombia on September 10, where he allegedly hit a TV cameraman with his gloves.

In response, the AFA expressed its dissatisfaction with FIFA’s ruling, releasing a statement: “The Argentine Football Association expresses its absolute disagreement with the decision taken by the FIFA disciplinary committee.”

Martinez’s suspension means he will miss two crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 15. Argentina currently leads the South American qualifiers with 18 points after eight games, just ahead of Colombia by two points.

Engr Akemokue crowned Okpella king, resigns politics

The newly appointed king to the revered throne of Okpella kingdom, Engr Lukman Akemokue, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella has tendered his resignation from partisan politics and from the Editorial Board of the Bullets of the Harmless Rabbit. This, he said was a bid to ensure unity, progress and dedication to all sons and daughters of Okpella.

In a statement dated September 28th, 2024, personally signed and made available to newsmen in Benin City, the Monarch said though the decision was not taken lightly, but it has become necessary as he assumes pivotal role as the Royal Father of Okpella Clan.

According to the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, the role as Okpella King, forbids him from discriminating any Okpellan on the basis of politics or any other affiliation.

The Monarch affirms his dedication to serve as a unifying figure for all his people and have wholeheartedly committed himself to the upliftment and betterment of a beloved Okpellan Clan and it’s wonderful sons and daughters.

The newly appointed king therefore enjoined all Okpella sons and daughters to join him, as his focus now is on fostering unity, progress and prosperity for a better community.

Access Holdings Donates ₦1 Billion for Maiduguri Flood Relief and Infrastructure Restoration

Access Holdings Plc has announced a donation of over ₦1 billion to aid relief and recovery efforts in Maiduguri following devastating floods. The donation, made through Access Bank Plc, includes ₦500 million in cash for the Borno State government’s immediate response and another ₦500 million for restoring critical infrastructure damaged by the flood.

The announcement was made during a visit by the Group’s delegates, led by Acting Group CEO Bolaji Agbede, to the Borno State Government House. Agbede emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting affected communities and contributing to long-term resilience.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, expressed his gratitude, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the private sector and government in aiding local communities during challenging times. The funds will support hospital restoration and food relief for vulnerable individuals affected by the disaster.

Germany and Turkey Dispute Alleged Migrant Deportation Agreement

Germany announced on Friday that it had reached a plan with Turkey to expedite the deportation of failed Turkish asylum seekers. According to German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, this agreement would allow for faster deportations, with Turkey accepting its citizens who are not permitted to remain in Germany. However, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry swiftly denied the existence of any such deal.

German reports suggested that Turkey had agreed to take back up to 500 citizens per week on special flights, in exchange for eased visa regulations for Turkish visitors to Germany. The German Interior Ministry did not confirm these details, and Turkey emphasized that no mass deportation of Turkish citizens had been authorized.

This comes amid growing pressure in Germany to address irregular immigration, as asylum applications from Turkish citizens, particularly Kurds, have risen significantly in recent years.