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Arsenal will end the year top of Premier League after 4-1 statement win over Villa


Arsenal ensured it will end the year top of the Premier League after beating Aston Villa 4-1 at home in a powerful statement win on Tuesday with all goals scored in the second half.

The fourth goal, scored by substitute Gabriel Jesus one minute after coming on, highlighted the depth of Arsenal’s bench this season and coach Mikel Arteta jubilantly high-fived his assistants at the final whistle.

Victory moved Arsenal five points ahead of Manchester City, which plays at Sunderland on New Year’s Day, and six points clear of third-place Villa.

“It is a beautiful evening. That was a very tough match, as we knew it would be, because they are a top opponent to play against,” Arteta told broadcaster Sky Sports. “The way we started the second half was amazing, we really turned things up and were efficient in everything that we did.”

Arsenal has not won the Premier League since 2004 and the pressure is on Arteta to deliver.

“In 2026, we know what we want,” Arteta said.

Elsewhere, Chelsea drew 2-2 at home to Bournemouth; Newcastle won 3-1 at lowly Burnley; and Manchester United was held 1-1 at home to rock-bottom Wolverhampton.

Struggling West Ham drew 2-2 with visiting Brighton, and Everton won 2-0 at Nottingham Forest.

No Arsenal player is near the top of the scorers’ charts this season, yet sharing the goals around might just be the team’s strength.

Defender Gabriel Magalhães headed home early in the second half following a corner for set-piece specialist Arsenal, and midfielder Martín Zubimendi netted in the 52nd minute.

Winger Leandro Trossard curled in a fine third from the edge of the penalty area in the 69th and was involved in the fourth goal, curled into the same corner from almost the same spot in the 78th minute by Jesus after Arsenal had launched a superb counterattack from deep.

The win was even more impressive considering Arsenal was missing key midfielder Declan Rice with a knee injury and Villa was playing on the back of 11 straight victories in all competitions.

Gabriel nodded in from close range and was deemed not to have impeded Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez with his elbow.

Zubimendi finished confidently after captain Martin Ødegaard expertly won the ball in midfield and advanced before threading a perfect ball behind Villa’s defense. (JapanToday)

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Nigeria beat Uganda 3-1 to head into AFCON last 16 with perfect record

Raphael Onyedika has scored twice, and Paul Onuachu has netted his first international goal in four years as already-qualified Nigeria overcame 10-man Uganda 3-1 to maintain a 100 percent record after the group stage and send the East African side home.

Nigeria ‍finished ⁠top of Group C on Tuesday with nine points, followed by Tunisia in second with four and Tanzania, who reached the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed ​sides after their 1-1 ‌draw with Tunisia, also on Tuesday.

It was a dominant performance from Nigeria despite resting several regulars, having already been assured of the top spot ‍in the group.

After Onuachu missed a simple chance midway through the first half, ​he found the back of the net after 28 minutes.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru ‌showed quick feet on the left, and his pass in to Onuachu was perfect for the big forward to finish. The goal was the striker’s first for Nigeria since 2021.

Uganda were reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute ‌when substitute goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola used his hands about 9 metres (10 yards) outside his area to stop a Victor Osimhen shot.

Magoola had been ‌a halftime replacement for injured starter Denis Onyango, so Uganda ⁠had to use their third goalkeeper in the game as Nafian Alionzi was brought on for midfielder Baba Alhassan.

Nigeria scored their second goal in the 62nd minute when Onyedika took Samuel Chukwueze’s pass and drilled his shot low through the legs of Alionzi.

Onyedika ‌netted his second five minutes later with a side-footed finish, Chukwueze again the provider with a pass from the right.

Uganda got a consolation goal with 15 minutes left as the Nigerian ‍defence momentarily went to sleep and Rogers Mato had time and space from Allan Okello’s pass to lift the ball over the keeper and into the net.

Nevertheless, Nigeria have impressed in the group stage, having been losing finalists two years ago and following the shock of missing out on 2026 World Cup qualification.

Meanwhile, Tanzania reached the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, 45 years after their maiden appearance, by coming from behind to draw 1-1 with fellow qualifiers Tunisia in Rabat.

Feisal Salum’s ‌powerful shot three minutes into the second half was enough to secure ‌the draw after Tunisia had been ‌ahead with a ⁠43rd-minute penalty converted by Ismael Gharbi.

It ‍was only ⁠Tanzania’s second point of the tournament but proved enough for them to advance as one of the four best ​third-placed finishers.

Tanzania have been trying since 1980 to advance beyond the group stage and have still to win a match in four appearances. (AlJazeera)

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Marital unions are pillars of national development —Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday described marital unions as fundamental pillars of Nigeria’s social strength and long-term national development, saying strong families nurture the values essential for national cohesion, stability and progress.

Shettima, according to a statement titled “Marital Unions Are Pillars of Long-term National Development,” issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, spoke in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the wedding ceremony between Miss Deborah Ershima and Mr Samuel Aondoakura, son of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Earlier, the Vice President arrived in Benue State to grace the wedding reception, where he was received by the SGF and the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, alongside other top government officials.

Upon arrival, Shettima observed a Guard of Honour mounted in his honour before proceeding to the venue of the ceremony.

Speaking at the solemnization, the Vice President said marriage was not merely a personal milestone but a vital social institution that strengthens society and supports long-term national development.

“There are moments in life an event quietly writes itself into memory. Today is one of those moments. We have come together not merely to witness a wedding, but to stand at the intersection of two stories choosing to become one,” he said.

Shettima noted that strong family unions contribute directly to national cohesion, adding that the institution of marriage reflects values that are “deeply Nigerian and deeply human.”

He commended the families of the couple for raising children grounded in discipline, faith and character, stressing that strong homes are built intentionally and not by chance.

“A home is not built by vows alone. It is built by everyday choices. By the decision to return kindness for impatience. By the courage to apologise even when you feel justified,” the Vice President said.

According to him, successful marriages thrive on patience, humility and alignment, noting that everyday acts such as listening, forgiveness and mutual support sustain families long after wedding ceremonies.

Drawing a link between family life and nation-building, Shettima said unity and commitment at the household level mirror Nigeria’s resilience and capacity to overcome challenges. He urged parents, relatives and society to support married couples with counsel and goodwill rather than undue pressure.

While praying for the couple, the Vice President said, “May your home be anchored in trust and sustained by faith. May your laughter outlast your disagreements. May your unity be stronger than any season of challenge.”

Earlier, the SGF, Senator Akume, paid tribute to President Tinubu for what he described as transformative leadership since assuming office in May 2023.

“I have to pay a very big tribute to our President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for honouring this invitation. The quality of representation here is massive and fundamental,” Akume said. (Punch)

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LASTMA bans illegal parking for Lagos cross-over night

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has officially banned all forms of indiscriminate parking and road obstruction as the state prepares for the massive influx of commuters during the upcoming 2025 – 2026 Cross-Over Night celebrations.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, the agency revealed a “zero-tolerance” stance against motorists who convert public roads into parking lots or event spaces.

Addressing the expected surge in activities at worship centers, nightclubs, and event venues, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, warned that the agency is ready to enforce traffic laws strictly.

“LASTMA strongly condemns the abuse of public road infrastructure through its conversion into improvised parking spaces or informal event venues, describing such acts as egregious violations of traffic regulations with far-reaching implications for public safety, emergency response and urban mobility”, Bakare-Oki said.

To manage the “exponential increase” in movements, Bakare-Oki disclosed that a specialised enforcement framework has been activated.

This, according to him, includes the recently inaugurated ‘LASTMA 24-Hour Night Gangs’, a dedicated unit of trained officers and surveillance teams tasked with clearing flashpoints across the state.

The agency further appealed to the leadership of religious institutions and social hubs to take responsibility for their guests’ vehicles, rather than allowing them to spill onto major carriageways.

Bakare-Oki stressed that the success of the night depends on mutual cooperation between the public and enforcement officers.

“Collective compliance remains indispensable to the realisation of a peaceful, orderly and seamlessly managed cross-over night across Lagos State”, he said.

LASTMA urged residents to remain patient and cooperative as the agency works to maintain order.

In the event of traffic-related emergencies, members of the public are advised to contact the LASTMA toll-free hotline at 0800 005 27862 for real-time intervention. (Punch)

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Nine arrested in Italy for allegedly raising millions for Hamas

Italian police have arrested nine people accused of raising around €7m (£6m) for Hamas over more than two years.

The money was ostensibly collected as humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, a police statement said, but was instead sent to the militant group via a “complex fundraising system”.

Alongside the arrests, police say they have seized more than €8m (£7m) in assets as part of the investigation.

Police say the suspects are “specifically accused of carrying out financing operations believed to have contributed to terrorist activities”.

The arrests were made as part of a joint initiative between Italy’s counter-terror police and financial police.

The investigation began after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack in southern Israel.

Police say they analysed “a series of reports of suspicious financial transactions” involving some of the suspects in the lead up to the attack.

Investigators uncovered a “complex” system of fundraising, which was headquartered in Genoa with branches in Milan, the statement adds.

“The suspects collected donations intended for the civilian population of Gaza, however, it emerged that over 71% of these funds were diverted to Hamas’s coffers to finance its military wing and support the families of suicide bombers or those detained for terrorism,” the police statement says.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said the most well-known of the arrested suspects was Mohammad Hannoun, the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy.

Piantedosi thanked police for their work in a post on X, but also noted that “the presumption of innocence… must always be recognised at this stage”.

Mr Hannoun said that he is “neither closely nor remotely” related to Hamas but has always supported them.

“I have always declared with utmost transparency that I am a Palestinian citizen and publicly support the legitimate resistance of the Palestinian people,” he told reporters. (BBC)

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Anthony Joshua stable in Lagos hospital after fatal crash

The Ogun and Lagos State governments have confirmed that British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, and another survivor of Monday’s road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway are currently receiving medical care at a specialised hospital in Lagos.

In a joint statement issued by Commissioner, Information, Lagos State, Gbenga Omotosho, and Special Adviser, Information, Ogun State, Kayode Akinmade, on Monday, the two state governments said the accident involved a vehicle conveying Joshua and three others, which collided with a stationary truck, resulting in two fatalities.

“The vehicle conveying the team of four ran into a stationary truck, resulting in two fatalities,” the statement said.

The governments expressed sympathy with the families of those who lost their lives in the incident and assured the public that investigations were underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

“We sympathise with the families of those involved in the accident, and pray that God will grant them the strength to go through this difficult time,” the statement added.

According to the statement, Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated from the scene to a specialised medical facility in Lagos, where they underwent several clinical assessments.

“Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised facility in Lagos.

“Doctors have conducted several clinical assessments and have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency interventions at this time,” the governments said.

It added that a comprehensive medical team had been convened to closely monitor their condition.

“Anthony Joshua has since been relating well with his family,” the statement noted.

The governments of both states said they were closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the injured persons receive optimal medical attention.

“The governments of Ogun and Lagos are keenly monitoring the situation and will ensure that the two persons receive the best medical care,” the statement said, while also noting that investigations into the crash had commenced.

The authorities also appealed for privacy for the boxer and his family. “We appreciate the public’s concern and ask for privacy for Anthony Joshua and his family during this time,” the statement said.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the accident occurred shortly after 11am on Monday at Makun, Ogun State, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. (Punch)

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Tyler Perry sued for sexual assault by ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween’ actor seeking $77 million

Tyler Perry was sued for sexual assault by an actor who appeared in “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” marking the second lawsuit in recent months accusing the filmmaker and studio mogul of leveraging his power in Hollywood to make sexual advances.

Mario Rodriguez filed the lawsuit Thursday in California, alleging Perry subjected him to repeated unwanted sexual advances over several years, including sexual battery and assault at Perry’s Los Angeles home. Rodriguez is seeking at least $77 million in damages and also has sued Lionsgate, which distributed the 2016 film, accusing the studio of turning a blind eye to Perry’s alleged misconduct.

Lionsgate did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

In a statement, Perry’s lawyer denied the allegations.

According to the complaint, Rodriguez was approached in 2014 by a trainer at an Equinox gym in Los Angeles who said Perry wanted his phone number to discuss an acting role. Perry later encouraged Rodriguez to audition for “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” telling him, “I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner,” the lawsuit claims.

After Rodriguez was cast, he was invited to Perry’s home, where Perry allegedly touched him inappropriately while they watched a movie. The lawsuit describes additional alleged incidents in 2016, 2018 and 2019, including one encounter in which Perry allegedly attempted to unbuckle Rodriguez’s pants and another in which Perry placed Rodriguez’s hand on his genitals. The complaint says Perry gave Rodriguez $5,000 on multiple occasions following the encounters.

Rodriguez says he resisted the advances and ultimately decided to file suit after learning of similar allegations made by another actor, Derek Dixon.

Dixon sued Perry in June, alleging the filmmaker groped him while Dixon worked on Perry’s television series “The Oval” and “Ruthless.” That lawsuit, which was originally filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, has reportedly since been moved to federal court in Georgia, where Perry’s studio is based.

Rodriguez’s lawsuit includes claims of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. (JapanToday)

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Mali coach launches stinging attack on FIFA-led AFCON changes

Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has launched a stinging attack on the Confederation of African Football’s decision to reschedule the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), insisting that it’s a decision taken by UEFA, European clubs and FIFA, but which does not have the continent’s sporting interests at heart.

The decision to make the biennial AFCON a quadrennial tournament was announced by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe in a press conference on Saturday, with the football administrator announcing the decision alongside the launch of a new African Nations League, that would take place annually.

The announcement has prompted mixed reactions across the continent, with Mali’s Saintfiet, speaking ahead of his team’s AFCON fixture with hosts Morocco on Friday, outlining his disgust with a decision that he believes disrespects African football.

“I’m shocked with it, very disappointed,” he told ESPN on Thursday. “It’s all instructed by the big people in UEFA, the big clubs from the five leagues, and also by FIFA…and that makes me so sad.

“We fight so long to get respected in Africa, for African people and Africa’s own identity to get respected, but then to listen to Europe to change your history, a 68-year history, for financial reasons…I think we disrespect [Africa] by going to four years.

“I’m sad about that, and I hope the love for Africa would win out over the pressure of Europe.”

Motsepe blamed the need to change the schedule, which will begin after the 2028 Nations Cup, on the ongoing club-vs-country rows, which take place every time the AFCON is organised during the European football season, among other reasons.

The 63-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns owner also used the need to generate extra revenue as a reason for reducing the volume of AFCONs, although presence of FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafstrom sitting alongside him for the announcement, reinforced the suspicion that it’s the world football governing body’s interests which are best being served by the changes.

“[We are changing] for the pressure of the clubs, who are giving the load on the players as an excuse for the change,” Saintfiet continued, “but who have created a Club World Cup for teams, a World Cup with 40 teams, a Champions League without champions.

“If you want to respect players, you should play the Champions League with only champions, don’t create new leagues which put more load on players, and then they can still play in a competition [the AFCON] which has existed for 60 years, on a two-year basis.”

The vagueness of CAF’s announcement and the lack of clarity about competition logistics has created much uncertainty around the specifics of the future vision for African football, with the continent’s governing body yet to outline what this reorganisation and the regional Nations League means for World Cup or AFCON qualification, or existing regional competitions as well as the African Nations Championship for domestic players.

Similarly, even though the AFCON has been moved to every four years, it may not solve the club-vs-country debates if some editions of the competition are held within the European season, a necessity given the climate conditions across much of sub-Saharan Africa.

“Africa is the world’s biggest football continent, given the passion of the players, the quality of the players, the big African stars in Europe,” Saintfiet concluded. “1957 was the first AFCON, and since that period, every two years there’s been one.

“It’s the pride of African football, the best players from Africa, the best players in Europe come together, and it’s a celebration of fans.

‘It’s the honour and the glory of African football, but to take it away and go to four years…I could understand if it was a question from Africa, a request from Africa, if, for whatever reason, it was needed by African players, the federations, or CAF,” Saintfiet said. (ESPN)

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Chukwuma calls on President Tinubu to force entire NFF Board to resign

Not satisfied with inability of the Super Eagles to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup after similarly missing out of the last edition in Qatar in 2022, a former Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Gabriel Chukwuma, asked for the resignation of the entire board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Ibrahim Gusau.

Although the NFF has petition FIFA to disqualify DR Congo who defeated Super Eagles in shootouts of the final match of the African Playoffs in Morocco last month for fielding nine players that Nigeria consider  ineligible”, Chukwuma stressed that seeking to get into the Intercontinental playoffs through the boardroom was beneath the three-time continental champions.

“The NFF board should resign because if they had gotten their acts together earlier, the Super Eagles would have qualified  with ease without depending on play-offs or boardroom points now.”

The former proprietor of Gabros FC of Nnewi who is one of the highest stakeholders in Nigerian football, having managed a football club for 22 years from amateur to professional rank, said that apart from not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, the current board rendered all male national teams powerless.

“The board has through cluelessness reduced our male teams to minnows of African football, beaten easily by unpopular or unknown names in football,” he noted with sadness.

Chukwuma recalled: “Since last year, I have been telling them to contact  me  so that I can assist in contributing money and  can  possibly  engage some of my friends to assist, if money was their problem. 

“Now, they have failed, there is nothing they can do. They should stop deceiving President Bola Tinubu that there is still hope for Super Eagles to Reach the World Cup to be hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico. 

“Just because our president is a listening president, they go to him and deceive him. They forget that Nigerians like football. They hardly eat or sleep when Nigerian teams are playing as they are always ready to watch them. 

“The federal government gave NFF tax payers’ money, including my money and they swallowed it. Nigeria have the crop of best legs  in the whole world. But the problem is that those who manage our football dont know what to do, they are only interested in doing players’ agent. 

He decried the situation where everyone in football administration will wants his or her players to be in the teams to play  matches. 

“Football is either you get results or you get rich. As long as you want to enrich yourself you cannot get results. I said this many months ago that Nigeria cannot qualify for the World Cup. Not that I was wishing the country bad luck but just to challenge those managing our football to qualify for the World Cup.”

Chukwuma reiterated, ” Let me say it again, all NFF board members should resign from their positions to allow young managers take over the management of football in the country and prepare for the 2030 World Cup. 

“It is shameful that some countries that are not up to Lagos qualified easily.  And now, I am hearing  that these same people who have dragged our football into the abyss are preparing to return for another term. 

“It is an insult to the whole nation. If President Tinubu allows them to go for anothet term, we have accepted defeat and should say goodbye to ever qualifying for the World Cup. And if they are not resigning, I am ready to go to court to force them out, for capable people to take over. “ (ThisDay)

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Third ‘Avatar’ film stays atop North American box office rankings

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” retained the top spot at the North American box office after it debuted the week before, reeling in $64 million during the weekend after Christmas, industry estimates showed Sunday.

The third installment in director James Cameron’s blockbuster series stars Zoe Saldana as Na’vi warrior Neytiri and Sam Worthington as ex-Marine Jake Sully, who must battle a new foe threatening their family’s life on the planet Pandora.

The film grossed $217.6 million at the box office worldwide during the current weekend, according to estimates.

“Zootopia 2,” Disney’s feel-good animated film and an Oscar contender, rose to number 2 from 5 in the rankings, bringing in $20 million, according to weekend estimates.

“Marty Supreme,” a period sports drama starring Timothee Chalamet, soared to third place in the rankings from the number 10 spot the previous week, bringing in $17.5 million, weekend estimates showed.

“This is an excellent opening for a sports drama,” according to David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.

“Critics’ reviews are sensational, with an excellent audience score (a B+ CinemaScore). The film is going to get a lift from holiday moviegoing this week — all of the releases are going to benefit now,” he said.

Dropping one notch to fourth place was “The Housemaid,” a thriller from Lionsgate films starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, which earned $15.4 million, according to estimates.

“Anaconda,” the new comedy action movie starring Paul Rudd and Jack Black, placed fifth in the rankings after making its debut. Distributed by Sony, the film brought in $14.5 million, according to estimates.

“This is a solid opening for a horror remake. The three-day figure is roughly average for the genre, and it’s a bit better start than the previous ‘Anaconda’ opening in 2004,” Gross said.

Rounding out the top 10 are:

“David” ($12.6 million)

“The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” ($11.2 million)

“Song Sung Blue” ($7.6 million)

“Wicked: For Good” ($5.2 million)

“Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” ($4.4 million) (JapanToday)