Chris Paul has officially brought the curtain down on one of the most distinguished careers in NBA history, announcing his retirement after 21 seasons that cemented his legacy as one of basketball’s greatest point guards.
The 12-time All-Star confirmed his decision after a career defined by elite playmaking, leadership and consistency at the highest level. Reflecting on his journey, Paul said he leaves the game with a sense of fulfilment and peace about what lies ahead.
“I’m actually at peace with everything,” Paul said. “More than anything, I’m excited about being around and getting a chance to play a small role in whatever anything looks like next.”
Paul’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player widely regarded as the floor general of his generation. Known as the “Point God,” he finishes his career among the NBA’s all-time leaders in assists and steals, having played for the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers in his final stint.
Despite never capturing an NBA championship, Paul came closest in 2021 when he led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals. His influence, however, extended far beyond titles, with teammates and coaches consistently praising his leadership, basketball IQ and competitive drive.
Over two decades, Paul earned multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive selections and played a pivotal role in transforming franchises, most notably helping turn the Clippers into perennial contenders during the “Lob City” era. His impact also stretched off the court, where he served as president of the National Basketball Players Association and was a leading voice for player welfare and social issues.
At 40, Paul said his focus is shifting toward family and life beyond the game, having previously spoken about missing many of his children’s milestones during his long career.
The announcement immediately sparked tributes across the basketball world, with players, teams and fans celebrating a career that redefined the modern point guard position. A future Hall of Famer, Paul exits the sport as one of the most respected and influential figures of his era.
Team USA endured a stern test of nerves at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, holding off a spirited Denmark side to secure a hard-fought victory in their Winter Olympics 2026 men’s hockey clash and maintain momentum in the tournament.
The Americans were pushed far harder than expected as Denmark delivered one of the standout performances of the competition, racing into an early lead and repeatedly threatening to turn the contest into a major upset. However, the United States responded with composure and firepower, eventually pulling away to claim a 6–3 win after a tense and dramatic encounter.
Denmark stunned the favourites with a fast start, scoring twice in the opening period and exposing defensive lapses that briefly put the Americans on the back foot. But Team USA regrouped quickly, dominating possession and piling up pressure, finishing the game with a commanding 47 shots on goal compared to Denmark’s 21.
The turning point came in the second period, when the United States struck three times to flip the match on its head. With momentum firmly restored, the Americans added two more goals in the final period to secure breathing space, even as Denmark continued to battle and refused to fade quietly.
The result keeps the United States firmly on track in the Olympic campaign, but the performance also served as a warning about the growing competitiveness of emerging hockey nations. Denmark’s pace, organisation and resilience drew praise from observers, underlining their progress on the international stage.
For Team USA, the focus now shifts to tightening defensive discipline and maintaining the attacking efficiency that ultimately rescued the game. With the knockout stages approaching, the Americans know that sterner challenges lie ahead—and that any lapse similar to the early scare against Denmark could prove far more costly.
The victory keeps their medal ambitions intact, but after surviving a night of unexpected turbulence, Team USA will advance with renewed caution as the Olympic men’s hockey tournament intensifies.
Karolina Muchova produced a composed and clinical performance to defeat teenage rising star Victoria Mboko and lift the Qatar Open title, capping an impressive week in Doha with one of the biggest trophies of her career.
The Czech world No. 14 held her nerve in key moments to overcome the fearless challenge of the young Canadian, whose breakthrough run to the final had captured attention across the tournament. Muchova’s experience ultimately proved decisive as she controlled the tempo, absorbed Mboko’s aggressive bursts and delivered under pressure to secure the victory.
Speaking after the match, Muchova praised her opponent’s fearless display and the level she was forced to produce to come through. “She played incredible tennis this week,” Muchova said, acknowledging the teenager’s rapid rise and fighting spirit. “I had to stay focused and patient because she was going for everything.”
The triumph marks a significant milestone for Muchova, who has battled injuries in recent seasons but showed throughout the tournament that she is rediscovering the form that once took her deep into Grand Slam contention. Her run in Doha included wins over higher-ranked opponents and was achieved without dropping a set in several rounds, underlining her consistency and physical resilience.
For Mboko, the defeat did little to diminish what has been a breakthrough campaign. The teenager’s run to a WTA 1000 final signals her arrival on the big stage, and she remained upbeat despite falling short at the final hurdle. “This week means a lot to me,” Mboko said. “I learned so much playing against the best, and I’ll come back stronger.”
Muchova’s title also reshapes the early-season narrative on the women’s tour, positioning her as a serious contender heading into the upcoming hard-court swing. After years of promise disrupted by injuries, the Doha triumph represents both a reward for persistence and a warning to the rest of the field that the Czech star is once again a major threat
Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced that he has withdrawn his legal battle over the custody of his daughter, Imade, saying the prolonged dispute had taken a toll and ultimately left the child at the center of the conflict.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the singer clarified that his intention from the outset was never to seek sole custody. “I never asked for full custody … I asked for joint custody,” he wrote, addressing widespread public reactions to the case.
Davido expressed disappointment at the celebratory tone adopted by some observers following the development, insisting that the situation represented no victory for any party. “Nobody won, nobody lost but Imade … so I don’t know why some people are celebrating. There’s nothing to celebrate,” he stated.
The award-winning artist explained that his decision to discontinue the case was influenced by developments during court proceedings, which he described as emotionally distressing. According to him, the situation escalated when a personal family tragedy was introduced during arguments. “I’ve decided to drop the case because… she brought out her last card! MY DECEASED SON! THAT’S A NO NO! Lowest blow!” he wrote.
Despite stepping away from the legal fight, Davido maintained that his actions were driven by a desire to remain present in his daughter’s life. He emphasized that his priority was ensuring that Imade would understand his commitment to her as she grows older. “My daughter will grow up knowing I fought for her … let’s move on. One love!” he added.
The custody dispute, which had drawn significant public attention due to the singer’s celebrity status, has been the subject of intense debate on social media and in entertainment circles. Davido’s latest statement signals an attempt to de-escalate tensions and shift focus toward co-parenting and the child’s wellbeing.
The development comes amid a period of renewed public visibility for the singer, who has remained active musically and professionally, even as personal matters continue to attract widespread interest.
A Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced Kannywood actress Saadatu Mohammed Inuwa, popularly known as Samha, to six months imprisonment for abusing and mutilating the Nigerian currency.
Justice S.M. Shuaibu delivered the judgment on Friday, February 13, 2026, after the actress pleaded guilty to a one-count charge bordering on the tampering and defacement of the naira, an offence punishable under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007.
The charge against her stated: “That you Saadatu Mohammed Inuwa sometime in 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court tampered with Naira currency in the sum of N1000 (One Thousand Naira) note issued by Central Bank of Nigeria by soiling same using your nose and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 21 (1) of the CBN Act, 2007.”
Following her guilty plea, prosecuting counsel Musa Isah reviewed the facts of the case and urged the court to convict and sentence the defendant in accordance with the law. The court subsequently found her guilty as charged.
In her plea for leniency, Inuwa told the court she was a first-time offender and expressed remorse over her actions, asking the judge to temper justice with mercy.
In his ruling, Justice Shuaibu sentenced the actress to six months imprisonment, with an option of a fine of N200,000.
The conviction comes amid increased enforcement of laws against the abuse of the naira, as authorities continue to warn Nigerians against acts such as spraying, defacing or mutilating the national currency, which are considered offences under the CBN Act.
Arsenal’s Premier League title charge hit a speed bump at the Gtech Community Stadium, where a resilient Brentford side fought back to secure a 1-1 draw on February 12, 2026, slicing the Gunners’ lead over Manchester City to just four points in a chaotic clash that exposed vulnerabilities in Mikel Arteta’s otherwise dominant squad.
Noni Madueke’s looping header in the 61st minute seemed to have sealed a hard-fought victory for the visitors, but Keane Lewis-Potter’s diving equalizer nine minutes later ensured the spoils were shared, leaving Arsenal frustrated despite extending their unbeaten run.
The match unfolded as a tale of two halves, with Arsenal struggling to impose themselves early on amid Brentford’s high-pressing intensity and physicality.
Marinelli tries to beat Brentford goalkeeper Kelleher
The Gunners managed just one shot in the opening 45 minutes—their lowest tally in a first half since a 5-0 drubbing by Manchester City in August 2021—highlighting a lack of creativity that prompted Arteta to hook Eberechi Eze at the break in favor of captain Martin Odegaard.
Brentford, under Keith Andrews, looked the more threatening side initially, with Igor Thiago forcing a stunning point-blank save from David Raya after a midfield mix-up involving Declan Rice.
The hosts outshot Arsenal 12-7 overall, registering three big chances to the visitors’ one, underscoring their dominance in key moments.
Odegaard’s introduction injected life into Arsenal’s attack, and they capitalized when Piero Hincapie’s hooked cross from the left found Madueke, who arched back to guide a clever header past a wrong-footed Caoimhin Kelleher for his 15th league goal of the season and Arsenal’s first shot on target.
The lead, however, proved fleeting as Brentford’s set-piece prowess shone through; a long throw from Michael Kayode was flicked on by Sepp van den Berg, allowing Lewis-Potter to plunge forward and nod home the leveler in the 70th minute.
The frantic finale saw Thiago blaze over from close range after Cristhian Mosquera’s desperate block, while Kelleher thwarted Gabriel Martinelli in a one-on-one during stoppage time, preserving the draw in a helter-skelter encounter that could have swung either way.
Arteta, reflecting on the result, acknowledged the challenges posed by Brentford’s style while lamenting his team’s loss of composure after taking the lead. “The game had moments,” he told BBC Sport. “We started without the control and dominance we wanted, but after that, we got the rhythm and had situations to score. We started the second half really well, the first 20-25 minutes. They score the goal and from there we lacked more composure to maintain the goal better, play in the right areas, to instill more discipline. Because we started to give a lot of unnecessary free-kicks away and bad clearances and allow the ball in the channels and they start to generate set-pieces – and they are really good at it, so credit to them as well.”
He added on the title implications, “We have to do our job and come to all these places like the rest of the teams. You have to be at your best every game and have the luck as well you need in games to conquer the three points each week.”
Addressing Eze’s underwhelming performance and halftime substitution, Arteta had previously emphasized the need for impact, stating, “Yes, you have to impact the game consistently throughout 96 minutes at this level. Any phase, any action is the most important action and on top of that, you have to be able to add other values. In his case, he is very, very good and unique at creating those magic moments. So that is the demand of each player.”
Brentford boss Keith Andrews, meanwhile, hailed his team’s resilience and tactical execution against the league leaders. “I thought we were excellent, brilliant in most aspects for most of the game against a top, top team with brilliant individuals,” he said. “First half, the way we approached it, got control of the game, created better opportunities. Second half, Odegaard coming on changed the dynamics and how they play. They had control for 15-20 minutes but I thought we were excellent for the last 30 minutes and looked the team more likely to win.”
Andrews also praised his side’s set-piece threat, noting, “There’s a lot made of Arsenal’s set-pieces… we’re not so bad ourselves. Inside the box today, I was really happy with our movement, with our body language.”
Goalkeeper David Raya echoed the disappointment in the Arsenal camp, telling TNT Sports, “Disappointed with just a point. We stick together. It’s a tough place to come, but we just have to stick together, and we are still in a great position, and we go again.”
As of February 13, 2026, the fallout from the match centers on Arsenal’s recent form, with the draw marking the second time this season they’ve failed to hold a lead after scoring first in 17 such games.
Brentford, unbeaten in their last five home league games, continue their impressive campaign, sitting seventh and having lost only two of their past 11 outings.
No fresh injury concerns have emerged, though Arsenal remain without William Saliba due to suspension, and Bukayo Saka’s return is eyed for upcoming fixtures.
The result sets up a tense title race, with Arsenal next facing Wolves in a double gameweek, while Brentford aim to build on their point against a faltering Tottenham.
Lookman celebrates with Alvarez during the game. Credit: YahooSports
Ademola Lookman’s electrifying goal and pinpoint assist became the catalyst for Atletico Madrid’s ruthless dismantling of Barcelona, as the Colchoneros unleashed a first-half barrage to claim a commanding 4-0 victory in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Thursday.
The Nigerian forward, who has quickly become a sensation since his move to Atletico, drilled home the third goal in the 33rd minute after a slick buildup involving Giuliano Simeone and Julian Alvarez, showcasing his clinical finishing in front of a roaring Riyadh Air Metropolitano crowd.
Moments later, Lookman turned provider, flicking a clever first-time pass to Alvarez, who thumped in the fourth in stoppage time to cap a devastating opening period that left the reigning champions reeling.
The nightmare for Barcelona began early, just six minutes in, when a calamitous backpass from Eric Garcia to goalkeeper Joan Garcia slipped over the line for an own goal, despite Garcia’s desperate swipe to clear it—though Lookman was on hand to bundle it in, ensuring the opener stood amid the chaos.
Atletico, under Diego Simeone’s tactical mastery, capitalized relentlessly, with Antoine Griezmann curling in a fine finish in the 14th minute after Nahuel Molina’s assist to double the lead and expose Barcelona’s fragile defense.
Barcelona’s backline, stretched and disorganized, crumbled under the pressure, allowing Atletico to carve open opportunities at will in a half that saw the hosts fire off multiple threats, including Alvarez’s shot hooked off the line by Jules Kounde and Griezmann blazing over.
The second half offered little respite for Hansi Flick’s side, who steadied somewhat but failed to mount a meaningful comeback. Barcelona thought they had clawed one back early on when Pau Cubarsi bundled in from a set-piece, but a marathon VAR review—lasting nearly eight minutes—ruled it out for offside, preserving Atletico’s clean sheet.
Tensions boiled over in the 85th minute when Eric Garcia, already at fault for the opener, received a red card for a rash challenge, reducing Barcelona to 10 men and compounding their woes ahead of the return leg.
Atletico managed the closing stages with composure, threatening to extend the margin further but settling for the four-goal cushion. Post-match reactions highlighted the shockwave of the result, with Simeone praising his team’s belief despite the odds. “I’m not a wizard but I did believe that the team could play like this,” the Atletico boss said, adding that the performance “will remain in the memory however the tie ends.”
He emphasized caution, noting the job is far from done. On the other side, Flick acknowledged the humbling defeat as a potential turning point. Vowing to fight back, he described it as a “great lesson” that might prove helpful, outlining a bold plan for the second leg: “2-0 in each half.”
As of February 13, 2026, no major developments have emerged from the fallout, with both camps focusing on recovery and preparation for the return fixture on March 3 at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Barcelona, sitting atop La Liga, now face an enormous uphill battle to salvage their title defense, while Atletico edge closer to their first Copa final in over a decade. Lookman’s heroics, marking his second goal in as many games for his new club and underscoring his growing influence, have positioned Simeone’s men firmly on course for Seville’s showpiece in April.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, was sharply questioned by members of Congress on Wednesday over the handling of sensitive documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, in a hearing that devolved into a heated exchange between lawmakers and the embattled official. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse and their supporters packed the hearing room, pressing for transparency and accountability as frustrations with the Department of Justice’s redaction decisions boiled over.
Bondi, who served as Florida’s attorney general before joining Trump’s inner circle, has faced criticism for her role in overseeing or defending decisions tied to the release of more than three million pages of documents connected to Epstein’s network and trafficking operations. The uproar centers on what critics describe as improper redactions that obscured names of key figures and, conversely, left victims’ identities exposed.
In the tense exchange, Bondi defended the administration’s efforts, pointing to the sheer volume of documents released and placing responsibility on the law signed by Trump. “This Administration released over 3M pages of documents…Trump signed that law to release all of those documents,” Bondi said, accusing Democrats of selective outrage by noting that her critics had not pressed former Attorney General Merrick Garland on the same subject during his tenure.
The response drew swift rebukes from members of the House Judiciary Committee, particularly Representative Jamie Raskin, who directly challenged Bondi’s characterization of the Department’s conduct. “You redacted the names of abusers, enablers, accomplices, and co-conspirators, to spare them embarrassment and disgrace, which is the exact opposite of what the law ordered you to do,” Raskin said, asserting that the redactions undermined the purpose of the statutory release. He went further to criticise Bondi for the department’s failure to shield victims’ identities as required, saying: “Even worse, you shockingly failed to redact many of the victims’ names, which is what you were ordered to do by Congress.”
The confrontation underscored deep partisan divisions over the handling of justice in the Epstein case and broader concerns about government transparency. Survivors and advocates watching the hearing reacted emotionally to the back-and-forth, with several interrupting to demand more direct answers and clearer commitments to victim privacy and accountability for powerful figures allegedly implicated in Epstein’s circle.
Bondi’s tenure has been closely associated with her loyalty to Trump, and her defenders in the Republican majority reiterated her attempts to follow the law as enacted. However, critics on both sides of the aisle expressed dissatisfaction with the disclosures, with some lawmakers suggesting further investigation or legal remedies to address perceived lapses in compliance.
As the hearing concluded, lawmakers signaled that the matter is far from resolved, with potential for additional oversight actions or legislative tweaks to ensure that future releases of sensitive materials protect victims while holding accountable those involved in wrongdoing. The emotional testimony from survivors and the contentious exchanges between Bondi and lawmakers are likely to prolong public and political scrutiny over how the U.S. government manages transparency in high-stakes criminal cases.
A group of Republican lawmakers in the United States Congress has taken the unprecedented step of naming former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and organisations described as “Fulani-ethnic militias” in proposed legislation that could lead to targeted sanctions, visa bans and asset freezes. The move, outlined in the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, has stirred fresh controversy in diplomatic and political circles both in Washington and Abuja.
The bill, introduced on February 11 by Representatives Riley Moore of West Virginia and Chris Smith of New Jersey alongside four other lawmakers, directs the U.S. Department of State and Treasury to consider imposing punitive measures under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on individuals and entities it says are responsible for “severe religious freedom violations” in Nigeria. The legislation further calls on the Secretary of State to determine whether certain Fulani militia groups qualify for designation as foreign terrorist organisations.
US Congressman Riley Moore. Credit: rileymoore.house.gov
In a post on the social media platform X, Congressman Riley Moore explained the intent behind the bill, saying, “Today, I am proud to introduce the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 with Rep. Chris Smith. The U.S. is a Christian nation. As such, we must stand with persecuted Christians around the world.” Moore’s remarks reflect the overarching theme of the legislation, which sponsors argue is aimed at addressing a long-standing pattern of violence affecting religious communities in Nigeria.
Representative Chris Smith, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, has emphasised that the absence of robust prosecutions of jihadist and militia actors in Nigeria has contributed to ongoing insecurity, including attacks on Christian communities. “The Nigerian government’s blatant denial of the religious persecution occurring within its borders has only enabled the religious-based violence in the country to fester,” Smith said, stressing that greater accountability is needed.
The proposed sanctions list includes Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and two prominent Fulani pastoralist organisations, MACBAN and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, as well as “Fulani-ethnic nomad militias.” If enacted, the legislation would require periodic reporting to Congress on U.S. efforts to address the alleged violations and could trigger diplomatic and economic penalties.
Reactions in Nigeria have been swift. The NNPP issued a statement rejecting the bill and the allegations against Kwankwaso, describing them as “contrived and unfair” and alleging international hypocrisy in singling out Nigerian actors for scrutiny. The party’s spokesman argued that the measures misrepresent complex security challenges facing the country.
Similarly, the leadership of MACBAN has previously disputed any association with terror activities. In a press statement issued last year, the group’s president said MACBAN “does not support, condone, harbour, finance, or protect any form of criminality, extremism, or violence,” and urged U.S. lawmakers to remove its name from any sanctions list.
The bill’s introduction comes against the backdrop of heightened U.S. concern over religious violence in Nigeria. In late 2025, the United States re-designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom violations, a decision that drew criticism from Nigerian authorities, who maintain that its security issues are multi-faceted and not solely defined by religious persecution.
The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 must still pass both chambers of the U.S. Congress before becoming law. If approved, its sanctions provisions could significantly impact U.S.–Nigeria relations, prompting discussions on accountability, human rights and the appropriate balance of diplomatic pressure in addressing internal security challenges.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by N25 per litre, a move expected to intensify competition in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market and potentially ease pump prices across the country.
The refinery announced that the ex-depot price has been lowered from N799 to N774 per litre, with the new rate taking immediate effect nationwide. The price adjustment was communicated to marketers on Tuesday, signalling the company’s continued strategy to strengthen the position of locally refined fuel against imported products.
In its official notice to industry stakeholders, the refinery stated: “This is to notify you of a change in our PMS gantry price from N799 per litre to N774 per litre.”
Industry observers say the reduction could influence retail prices in the coming days, depending on distribution costs and marketers’ margins. The move also widens the competitive gap between locally refined fuel and imported supplies.
According to the refinery, the current landing cost of imported PMS through regional supply routes, including Lome, stands at about N793 per litre, significantly higher than the new ex-depot rate of N774. The company noted that the adjustment is aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of domestic refining and reducing reliance on imports.
The latest price cut comes as the Dangote Refinery continues to expand its footprint in Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, positioning itself as a major price-setter in the deregulated market.
