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Iheanacho will love Celtic, says Rodgers

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes new signing Kelechi Iheanacho will thrive at the club and endear himself to supporters after signing the Nigeria striker on a free transfer, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 28-year-old agreed a one-year deal with the Scottish champions after parting ways with Sevilla just a day earlier. His arrival came hours before the Europa League signing deadline and followed criticism from fans over the club’s failure to bring in a striker on transfer deadline day.

Rodgers, who previously worked with Iheanacho during their time together at Leicester City, backed the forward to make an immediate impact.

“He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate,” Rodgers told Celtic’s website.

“He has great experience and he is right in his peak years, so he can be a great signing for us. I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team.”

The move also came against the backdrop of discontent from the Affiliation of Celtic Supporters Clubs, who condemned the decision to sell Adam Idah to Swansea City without lining up a replacement. The group accused the club hierarchy of “failure to strengthen the squad” and “disarray witnessed on the final evening of the transfer window”.

Rodgers, however, was adamant that Iheanacho represents the quality required to strengthen his attack. “He will love being at Celtic and I believe our fans will love what he brings,” he added.

Iheanacho began his professional career at Manchester City, where he won the League Cup, before making more than 200 appearances for Leicester, helping the Foxes lift the FA Cup in 2021.

He was part of the Nigeria squad that finished runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has been capped 59 times by his country.

After leaving Leicester last summer, the forward joined Sevilla but ended last season on loan at Middlesbrough in the English Championship. (Punch)

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Italian fashion icon Giorgio Armani dies at 91

Italian fashion legend Giorgio Armani, king of a high-end lifestyle empire, has died at the age of 91, “surrounded by his loved ones”, his company said on Thursday.

“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” it said in a statement.

The best-known contemporary designer, Armani, opened his fashion house in Milan in 1975, quickly rising to the top of the industry and going on to dress the stars.

His funeral will be private, the group said, but well-wishers can pay respects beforehand at a funeral chamber open on Saturday and Sunday in Milan.

“Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones,” the company said.

“Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects,” the company said.

Armani had cancelled his menswear show in Milan this year due to health reasons. He also missed the Paris Armani Prive show on doctors’ orders.

“My doctors advised more rest, even though I felt ready.”

He added that he had “followed and overseen every aspect of the show remotely”, stressing: “I approved and signed off on everything you will see.”

The Italian icon was credited with inventing red-carpet fashion, but also moved into a younger and less expensive range through Emporio Armani, and opened luxury hotels.

His death came just weeks ahead of celebrations marking 50 years of his eponymous label.

Italy’s Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli led the tributes, paying homage to “a leading figure in Italian culture, who was able to transform elegance into a universal language”.

“His understated and innovative style redefined the relationship between fashion, cinema, and society, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary culture,” he said.

“He was not only a master of fashion, but also a recognised ambassador of Italian identity around the world.” (Punch)

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Veteran actress Peju Ogunmola loses son, colleagues mourn

Veteran Nollywood actress, Peju Ogunmola, has lost her son, Ayomikun Oluwanisola.

The news of his death surfaced on Tuesday, with tributes pouring in from industry colleagues and fans.

Announcing his demise in an Instagram post on Tuesday, actress, Biola Adebayo, described the loss as devastating.

“This is a big loss. This is devastating and heartbreaking. This is tragic. May God almighty comfort Mummy Peju Ogunmola who just lost her only child.

“May God Almighty be with the family and loved ones at this tough time,” she wrote.

Actor, Odunlade Adekola, also mourned in an Instagram post saying, “This is a big loss. God will console you ma …… and the whole family. E le yi po oo.”

Sharing his pain, Kunle Afod commented, “Hmmmm. My heart has been very heavy.”

Actor, Femi Adebayo, also described the loss as one too heavy for words, stating, “Life has written a line too heavy for the stage… Today, we mourn with our dear elder, a thespian whose heart now carries the weight no mother should bear.

“My thoughts and prayers are with you ma. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”

Also reacting, actor, Ibrahim Yekini, poluparly known as Itele D Icon prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved actress, writing, “A mother’s pain in losing her child is beyond words. Olorun ma fi ina omo jo gbogbo abiamo.”

“Subuhanalah This is pain! My heart goes to the entire family in this dark hour. May the Almighty strengthen you during this tough time ma,” actor, Adedimeji Lateef, wrote on Instagram.

Actor, Muyiwa Ademola, also wrote, “This is sad! It is such a sad news!! It broke the heart. No accurate words of condolences. The words are not coming. Not even sure if this is right or wrong. Just felt I should do something.

“The only one to console you is God! May the Almighty be with you, Aunty. This is too much to shoulder, too much to bear. It is well.”

Ogunmola is the wife of the veteran actor Sunday Omobolanle also called Papi Luwe or Aluwe, and has featured in numerous Yoruba films spanning decades.

The news of her son’s death comes just weeks before his birthday on October 12. (Punch)

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US suspends most visas for Palestinian passport-holders, reports say

US officials have further restricted visitor visas for Palestinians, by denying them to almost all applicants who use a Palestinian passport, media reports say.

The development comes days after 80 Palestinian officials were denied visas ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Earlier in August, visitor visas were paused for people hoping to travel from the Palestinian territory of Gaza. This newly-reported decree would affect a wider group – including people living in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The Department of State did not explicitly confirm the move but said it was “taking concrete steps in compliance with US law and our national security”.

The decision was issued in a diplomatic cable dated 18 August, the New York Times and CNN reported.

US consular officers were told to refuse non-immigrant visas to “all otherwise eligible Palestinian Authority passport holders”, the communication was quoted as saying.

That would apply to Palestinians hoping to come to the US for a range of purposes, including for business, study or medical treatment.

The move meant that officials would be required to perform a further review of each applicant, which amounted to a blanket ban on issuing visas to Palestinians, the New York Times added in its report.

Palestinians who are able to make visa applications using other passports were said to be unaffected.

It is not clear what prompted the reported move, though the Trump administration has been steadfast in its support for Israel’s military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.

The news also follows last month’s announcements by a number of other US allies – including the UK, Canada and France – that they would recognise a Palestinian state on certain conditions. US Vice-President JD Vance has said Washington has “no plans” to follow suit.

The Trump administration has also cracked down on pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses.

The move represents a further toughening of the president’s stance on visas, following two earlier measures.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was among a group of dozens of Palestinian officials who were recently blocked from attending the UN General Assembly session in New York later this month, after US officials revoked his visa and accused the Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), both of which Abbas leads, of undermining peace efforts.

And the Department of State said on 16 August it had paused approvals of visitor visas for Palestinians from Gaza specifically, so that a review could take place.

Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist group by the US, governed Gaza when hundreds of its armed fighters attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. The attack triggered a massive and ongoing Israeli military offensive, in which at least 63,459 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The US visa policy has effectively been extended now to include people from the West Bank and wider Palestinian diaspora.

Asked about the latest move, a Department of State spokesperson’s statement said: “The Trump administration is taking concrete steps in compliance with US law and our national security in regards to announced visa restrictions and revocations for PA (Palestinian Authority) passport holders. We refer you to those public announcements for more information on those restrictions and revocations.

“Every visa decision is a national security decision, and the State Department is vetting and adjudicating visa decisions for PA passport holders accordingly.” (BBC)

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Morocco win record third CHAN title

Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui scored a spectacular strike in the 80th minute to give the Atlas Lions a 3-2 victory over Madagascar in the final of the 2024 African Nations Championship at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

The final was a thrilling encounter, with Madagascar providing spirited resistance against heavy favorites Morocco.

Felicite “Fely” Manohantsoa gave Madagascar an early lead with a splendid strike from distance in the 9th minute. However, Morocco regained composure and equalized through Youssef Mehri’s towering header in the 27th minute.

Morocco snatched the lead just before halftime courtesy of Lamlioui, who poked the ball past Toldo after collecting a deflected cross.

Madagascar equalized in the 68th minute through Toky Rakotondraibe, who made no mistake with a sharp first touch and finish.

Lamlioui stole the spotlight with his incredible finish from 50 yards out in the 80th minute, catching Madagascar goalkeeper Michel “Toldo” Ramandimbisoa off his line.

The goal sealed Morocco’s record third CHAN title, while Madagascar came up just short in their first-ever final appearance at an African tournament. (Punch)

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Ex-IG Ehindero, group eulogise late Arase

A former Inspector-General of Police, Sunday Ehindero, and the Benin Consultative Forum have paid glowing tributes to the late ex-IGP Solomon Arase, who died on Sunday in Abuja at the age of 69.

Ehindero, in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, described Arase as a unique Principal Staff Officer, whose exceptional qualities made him indispensable to successive police chiefs.

“There are PSOs and there are PSOs. Solomon was a unique PSO. Ordinarily, when an officer served an incumbent IG, his successor would opt for a new aide. However, Solomon was so outstanding that he served my boss, Tafa Balogun, me, and part of the tenure of Mr. Mike Okiro. He was my PSO from 2005 to 2007 when I was the IGP,” Ehindero said.

He described Arase as humble, loyal, courageous, and fair-minded, noting that his enduring legacies in policing were reflected in his writings and reforms.

“He was an impartial arbiter in matters assigned to him, a man of conviction, and an emblem of principled action. His reputation for excellence and his many publications remain testament to his impact on policing,” Ehindero added.

The former police chief also praised Arase’s role as a mentor and philanthropist, citing his generosity through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation and his de-tribalised approach to leadership.

“Solomon was a remarkable officer from Owan West in Edo State who, through his energy and effort, rose to become the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police. He epitomised hard work, integrity, honesty, and benevolence. We will indeed miss him in this earthly realm,” he said.

Consoling the family, Ehindero wrote: “Solomon has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. At sunrise and sunset, we will always remember him. Adieu, my able PSO.”

Similarly, the Benin Consultative Forum described the late Arase as a towering figure who modernised the Nigerian Police Force through innovative policies and scholarship.

In a statement signed by its Vice President, Samson Osagie, and Secretary-General, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, the group said Arase was “an acknowledged intelligence cop within the global security network” whose contributions extended beyond policing to law enforcement reforms and internal security scholarship.

“His life of service also included scholarly enterprise as he strove to put his years of experience in the security and civil relations sectors to the benefit of society with his books, which bore prescriptions of how to advance Nigeria’s internal security and electoral management,” the statement read.

The group noted that Arase’s membership of the Body of Benchers confirmed his unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, the rule of law and service to humanity.

Until his death, Arase was the immediate past Chairman of the Police Service Commission, where he introduced fresh ideas into police management. He served as the 18th Inspector-General of Police and was widely celebrated for his role in modernising the force. (Punch)

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CDS hails Finnish Court verdict on Simon Ekpa

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has welcomed the judgment of the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, which on Monday sentenced Simon Ekpa to six years’ imprisonment for terrorism-related offences.

General Musa described the ruling as a landmark victory in the global fight against terrorism and violent extremism, stressing that it demonstrates that those who incite violence or fund terrorism will be held accountable, irrespective of their location.

In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the CDS said:

“This judgment sends a strong message that there is no safe haven for individuals or groups who sponsor or encourage acts of terror against Nigeria or any other sovereign state. The Armed Forces of Nigeria commend the Finnish authorities for their diligence in ensuring justice is served.”

The CDS also expressed appreciation to Nigerian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies, as well as the country’s diplomats, for their collaboration in providing actionable evidence that contributed to Ekpa’s conviction.

He noted that the outcome underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational threats.

General Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ resolve to continue working with global partners to dismantle terrorist networks, while assuring Nigerians of sustained efforts to secure peace across the country.

He further urged citizens to remain vigilant and support security agencies in the ongoing fight against insurgency and violent separatist movements. (Vanguard)

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Leverkusen sack Ten Hag after two league games

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been sacked by Bayer Leverkusen after just two league matches in charge, reports the BBC. Ten Hag, 55, was only appointed by the German club in the summer, having been fired by United in October.
 
The Dutchman is the third former United boss to be sacked in a week – after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was dismissed by Besiktas on Thursday, and Jose Mourinho exited Fenerbahce on Friday.

“Nobody wanted to take this step,” Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes told the club websit
 
“However, the past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this set-up is not feasible.” Ten Hag’s sacking is the fastest in Bundesliga history, breaking the previous record of five matches.

Leverkusen have earned one point from their first two league games. They let a one-goal lead slip to lose 2-1 at home to Hoffenheim and on Saturday conceded two late goals against 10-man Werder Bremen to draw 3-3, having led 2-0 and 3-1.
 
Ten Hag’s first game in charge was a 4-0 German Cup win over fourth-tier side SG Sonnenhof Grossaspach on August 15. He signed a two-year contract to succeed Xabi Alonso as head coach in May after the Spaniard, who led Leverkusen to a league and cup double in 2023-24, was appointed Real Madrid boss. (Guardian)
 

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Tinubu mourns ex-IGP Arase, says he served meritoriously

President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over the death of the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, who died on Sunday at 69.

President Tinubu commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the highly resourceful officer. Arase’s reforms as IGP and later as Chairman of the Police Service Commission brought lasting changes to the force.

The President acknowledged the dedication of the former IGP to enhancing security in the country, through initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols.

Reflecting on Arase’s laudable service to the country, President Tinubu remarked, “Arase served the police force meritoriously from 1981 to 2016. During his career, he led tactical, operational, and intelligence units, including United Nations Peacekeeping in Namibia, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, and the Principal Staff Officer to three IGPs.

“He was Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department.

“After retirement, he continued to serve the nation in various public roles, including as Chairman of the Police Service Commission and as head of the Task Force on implementing the Edo State Anti-Community Development Association Law.

“His expertise extended to consultancy roles with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the European Centre for Electoral Support, the Human Rights Centre at the University of Oslo, and as a member of the Committee on Prevention of Torture in Geneva, Switzerland.”

“I pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of this dedicated security expert, whose experience and contributions will be deeply missed by our nation”. (Vanguard)

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Nigeria, Colombia entering new era of cooperation – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the visit of his Colombian counterpart, Francia Márquez, marks the beginning of a new era in relations between Nigeria and Colombia.

Márquez, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday for a three-day official visit, was accompanied by her spouse, Mr. Rafael Yerney Pinillo Ocoró, cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and business leaders.

The delegation is expected to engage Nigerian counterparts in discussions across key sectors to strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation.

Speaking at a gala dinner held on Sunday night at the Presidential Villa in honour of the Colombian Vice President, Shettima said the visit was proof that both nations were set to enter a union that would foster deeper political cooperation and bolder economic ventures.

The vice president said Márquez’s visit to Nigeria is expected to deepen diplomatic and strategic relations between Nigeria and Colombia and enhance collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including governance, trade, agriculture, energy, education, and security, among others.

He said, “The visit is proof that Nigeria and Colombia are about to enter an era of fraternal union that would create deeper political cooperation, bolder economic ventures, and richer people-to-people exchanges.” (Punch)