Saudi Arabian football officials are increasingly frustrated with Cristiano Ronaldo as the Al Nassr forward considers extending his personal protest by sitting out a second consecutive match, despite being declared fully fit and actively training with his teammates.
Sources close to the situation say senior figures within Saudi football circles are unhappy that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is contemplating another absence, viewing the move as damaging to both team momentum and the league’s image. Ronaldo, who has not been sidelined by injury, has reportedly made it clear that his continued non-participation is a deliberate decision rather than a fitness issue.
“There is growing concern that this situation is becoming unnecessary and counterproductive,” a Saudi football official said. “Cristiano is fit, he is training well, and the expectation is that senior players lead on the pitch, especially at critical moments.”
Ronaldo’s absence from the previous fixture sparked intense debate among fans and pundits, with speculation ranging from dissatisfaction over officiating to broader disagreements behind the scenes. While neither Al Nassr nor the Saudi Pro League has issued an official statement explaining his decision, officials are said to be keen to draw a line under the episode swiftly.
Another source familiar with discussions at league level said patience is “not unlimited,” stressing that while Ronaldo remains a global icon and a key figure in Saudi football’s international profile, discipline and commitment apply to all players. “No individual is bigger than the competition,” the source added.
Despite the tension, Ronaldo has continued to train normally with his teammates, suggesting that a return to action could still be imminent. For now, however, uncertainty hangs over his availability, with Saudi football authorities watching closely and hoping the standoff does not escalate further.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following a deadly overnight attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists on the community of Worro, where several villagers were killed.
The President said the new military formation would spearhead Operation Savannah Shield, a security operation aimed at flushing out the attackers, preventing further violence and protecting vulnerable rural communities in the area.
Condemning the assault in strong terms, Tinubu described the attackers as “cowardly and heartless,” accusing them of deliberately targeting defenceless civilians in what he called a failed campaign of terror. According to the President, the gunmen struck after residents rejected attempts to indoctrinate them into extremist ideology.
“It is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue,” Tinubu said, while expressing anger over the killing of villagers who chose to practise a form of Islam that rejects extremism and bloodshed.
The President stressed that the attack underscored the urgent need for decisive and coordinated action against terrorism, directing federal and state security agencies to work closely in restoring calm and ensuring justice for the victims.
He also called for immediate humanitarian support for the affected families, urging relevant authorities to provide relief and assistance to those displaced or bereaved by the violence. “Those who carried out these atrocities must not be allowed to go scot-free,” Tinubu said.
While mourning the victims, the President prayed for the repose of their souls and extended his condolences to grieving families. He also sympathised with the people and government of Kwara State, assuring them of the Federal Government’s full commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Security sources said troops were already being positioned in and around Kaiama as part of the new operation, amid heightened surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks in the area.
In a landmark victory for Nigeria’s anti-corruption crusade, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and hefty sentencing of Robert Orya, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), over a fraud scheme involving approximately N2.4 billion.
Justice F.E. Messiri of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja delivered the judgment on Thursday, finding Orya guilty on all 49 counts of fraud and related charges. The court sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment on each count, resulting in a cumulative term of 490 years. The prosecution was led by EFCC counsel Samuel Ugwuegbulam.
The case stems from Orya’s tenure as NEXIM Managing Director between 2011 and 2016, during which investigators alleged he fraudulently diverted substantial funds from the export-import financing institution.
NEXIM, a development finance bank focused on promoting non-oil exports, had seen Orya credited earlier in his leadership with efforts to reposition the bank amid financial difficulties. However, those years later became overshadowed by allegations of misappropriation and abuse of office.
Announcing the outcome, the EFCC stated: “The EFCC, today, February 5, 2026, secured the conviction of Robert Orya, a former Managing Director, Nigerian Import Export Bank, NEXIM (2011-2016), for a fraud of about N2.4 Billion. Orya who was prosecuted by EFCC’s Samuel Ugwuegbulam, was convicted by Justice F.E. Messiri of the FCT High court, Abuja and sentenced to ten years imprisonment on each of the 49 count charge.”
The conviction caps a prolonged legal battle that began several years ago, with initial charges linked to similar allegations of misappropriation and impersonation dating back to 2021. Thursday’s ruling underscores the EFCC’s determination to pursue high-profile financial crimes to finality, sending a stark message that no former official is beyond accountability.
Public reaction on social media has been swift, with many Nigerians hailing the outcome as a step toward stronger enforcement against corruption in public institutions. Some users expressed hope that the judgment would spur faster resolution in other high-profile cases involving public fund mismanagement.
Orya, a Benue-born banker who also served as honorary president of the Global Network of Export-Import Banks and Development Finance Institutions, now faces the prospect of decades behind bars as the anti-graft agency continues its crackdown on economic and financial crimes.
All public and private schools in Kogi State have been ordered to proceed on an immediate mid-term break as security concerns heighten across the state, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed.
The emergency directive, which takes effect from Wednesday, February 4, applies to all categories of schools and comes without a resumption date. Authorities have also warned school owners and administrators against announcing any return date, stressing that the security situation remains uncertain.
The order was communicated through an urgent notice issued by the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Kogi State chapter. The statement, signed by the association’s State Chairman, Pastor Reuben Jimoh, underscored the compulsory nature of the directive and the penalties attached to non-compliance.
“This is an important information and announcement from the Executive Governor of Kogi State,” the notice read. “All schools in Kogi State must go on emergency midterm break Wednesday, being 4/02/2026. Don’t announce the resumption because we don’t know yet what will happen before Monday. Please strictly comply with this directive, if not your approval will be revoked from you.”
The notice further clarified that the decision was taken “due to security issues,” pointing to ongoing threats that prompted the state government to act swiftly in order to safeguard students, teachers and school personnel.
Although the Kogi State Government has not released detailed information on the nature of the security threats, the suddenness of the directive and the absence of a resumption timeline highlight the seriousness of the situation. Education authorities have advised school administrators to fully comply while awaiting further instructions from the government.
Parents and guardians have been urged to remain calm and to rely solely on official communication channels for updates on when schools will reopen. School proprietors, particularly in the private sector, have also been cautioned that failure to comply with the governor’s order could lead to the withdrawal of their operating approvals.
Armed bandits have struck Abande community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, killing a police officer and four residents in a violent assault that has triggered a major security operation in the area.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the attack on Tuesday, describing it as a coordinated assault by suspected armed herder bandits who invaded the community in large numbers. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, said the attack targeted both police personnel and members of the local population.
According to the police, the Divisional Police Officer in Jato-Aka received a distress call reporting that the assailants had launched an attack on officers deployed to Abande community as well as civilians. Police operatives responding to the emergency call were immediately engaged in a confrontation with the attackers.
“In the course of the attack, one Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the 13 Police Mobile Force, Makurdi, who was on special duty at Abande community, sustained fatal injuries,” DSP Udeme said. “Sadly, four members of the community were also killed by the armed bandits.”
Following the deadly incident, security agencies moved swiftly to stabilise the area. A combined team of police operatives and other security forces was deployed to Abande to secure the community, carry out search operations and prevent any further breakdown of law and order. The bodies of the victims have since been recovered and deposited at a mortuary.
Reacting to the attack, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, ordered an immediate reinforcement of security in the affected area. He directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to proceed to Jato-Aka with additional Mobile Police Force personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers to intensify operations.
“The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, has been instructed to coordinate aggressive manhunts to track down the perpetrators and ensure they are arrested and brought to justice,” DSP Udeme said, quoting the commissioner.
The police command assured residents that decisive steps are being taken to restore peace and safeguard lives and property in Kwande Local Government Area. Authorities also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with VP Kashim Shettima received a delegation from the World Bank led by the Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, in the State House, Abuja. Tuesday.
Nigeria has emerged as a global reference point for steady and credible reform leadership, the World Bank has said, in a strong endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda.
The World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, made the remark on Tuesday during a high-level meeting with President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House in Abuja. Bjerde led a delegation of senior World Bank officials to the meeting, where she praised Nigeria’s reform trajectory over the past two years.
According to Bjerde, Nigeria is increasingly cited internationally as an example of a country that has shown consistency and resolve in implementing difficult but necessary reforms. She said the government’s determination to stay the course despite short-term challenges has begun to yield tangible results and rebuild confidence among investors, policymakers and the private sector.
“Nigeria is now frequently referenced globally as an example of steady, credible reform leadership,” Bjerde said. “This consistency and the clear evidence of positive results have strengthened confidence across the board.”
The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso (left) and the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, when the latter led a delegation of the World Bank to a strategic meeting at the CBN Head Office, Abuja, on Tuesday.
She disclosed that the World Bank’s forthcoming Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria would be firmly aligned with the country’s own development priorities, particularly the ambition to grow the economy to a $1 trillion GDP and achieve a sustained growth rate of seven percent.
President Tinubu, in his response, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the reform agenda, describing it as challenging but necessary for long-term stability and prosperity. He stressed that there would be no reversal of key policies already implemented.
“There will be no turning back,” the President said, acknowledging that the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates initially triggered inflationary pressures. He noted, however, that inflation has eased significantly in recent months and the naira has stabilised, helping to restore investor confidence and improve the ease of doing business.
President Tinubu said the reforms are rooted in transparency, accountability and policy stability, adding that rebuilding trust in the economy was central to the government’s strategy.
The President also highlighted agriculture as a major pillar of his administration’s economic plan, outlining steps taken to transform the sector and boost productivity. He pointed to investments in zonal mechanisation centres, improved seed development and fertiliser availability, supported by the growing petrochemical industry, as part of efforts to move farmers from subsistence farming into viable cooperatives.
“Nigeria is the heart of the continent, and we must do what’s necessary to strengthen the economy, particularly when you look at the young population of this country and the vast area of arable land,” Tinubu said. “How do we employ mechanisation and make agriculture easier? I have embarked upon that. We have created zonal mechanisation centres to help the farmers.”
He called on the World Bank to deepen its partnership with Nigeria by accelerating access to financing, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, sharing successful development models, managing risks more effectively and investing in local capacity building to fast-track inclusive growth.
In her remarks, Bjerde underscored the importance of expanding access to finance for businesses of all sizes, particularly mid-sized firms, which she described as critical engines of job creation. She also commended Nigeria’s focus on early childhood development, noting its long-term impact on productivity and human capital.
“Many countries around the world, including middle-income and upper-middle-income countries, are again seeing rising levels of stunting,” she said. “Here, we’ve identified early childhood development as a strong entry point. All of this is to say we’re looking forward to a new country partnership framework.”
Bjerde reaffirmed the World Bank Group’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s reform agenda through a coordinated programme involving its key institutions, including the International Development Association, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Finance Corporation.
Atletico Madrid have officially unveiled Ademola Lookman as their latest signing, completing a high-profile €40 million transfer from Atalanta on the final day of the January window. The 28-year-old Nigerian forward, fresh from a stellar spell in Serie A, arrived in Madrid earlier this week, underwent his medical, and put pen to paper on a long-term deal running until June 2030.
Lookman, who touched down in the Spanish capital amid intense speculation, expressed his delight at the move. “I’m very happy to be here,” he said upon arrival. “I’m looking forward to it.” The versatile attacker, capable of operating as a second striker or on either wing, passed his medical checks at the Vithas-Invictum High-Performance Sports Medicine Centre before being greeted by Atletico CEO Miguel Ángel Gil at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano offices, where he signed his contract and posed in the famous red-and-white stripes for the first time.
The transfer marks a significant statement of intent from Diego Simeone’s side, who currently sit third in La Liga and are keen to bolster their attacking options.
Atalanta confirmed the permanent move, thanking Lookman for his contributions over three-and-a-half seasons in Bergamo. “The Percassi family, the Pagliuca family, and the entire Club bid farewell to Ademola, thanking him and wishing him every success in the future,” the Italian club stated.
Lookman responded with an emotional farewell on social media, writing: “To the Atalanta family, after nearly four years, the time has come for me to say goodbye. From the moment I arrived in Bergamo, you welcomed me like one of your own and pushed me to be the best version of myself. Together, we made history.”
Indeed, Lookman’s time at Atalanta was transformative. Since joining in the summer of 2022, he made 137 appearances, scoring 55 goals and providing 27 assists. His crowning moment came in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, where he scored a historic hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, securing the club’s first-ever European trophy. Born in London to Nigerian parents, Lookman began his career at Charlton Athletic, making his senior debut in 2015 before spells at Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Leicester City. He switched international allegiance to Nigeria in 2022, earning 41 caps and scoring 11 goals for the Super Eagles.
Atletico’s announcement highlighted his dynamism and versatility: “A versatile and dynamic right-footed player… he is capable of playing both as a second striker and as a winger on either flank, making the most of his pace and dribbling ability.” The deal edges out interest from Fenerbahce and follows a busy window for both clubs, including Atalanta’s earlier acquisition of Giacomo Raspadori from Madrid.
Lookman’s arrival adds firepower and creativity to Simeone’s squad as they chase silverware on multiple fronts. With his medical completed and contract signed, the former Atalanta star is now set to make his eagerly anticipated debut in Atletico colors. Welcome to Madrid, Ademola.
Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo has officially completed a deadline-day loan move to Leicester City from Southampton, the two English clubs confirmed on the final day of the winter transfer window. The deal brings the Nigerian international to the King Power Stadium for the remainder of the 2025/26 season, as Leicester look to bolster their midfield options amid a crucial phase of the campaign.
Aribo’s switch comes after a period of speculation linking him with a January exit from Southampton, where he had found regular opportunities harder to come by following the club’s relegation to the Championship last season. Leicester City, currently pushing for promotion back to the Premier League under manager Enzo Maresca, moved swiftly to secure the 28-year-old’s services before the 11pm transfer deadline.
“I’m very happy to be here,” Aribo said upon completing the move. “Leicester City is a club with huge ambitions, and I’m ready to give everything to help the team achieve its goals. I want to contribute with energy, experience and passion. I’ve always loved a challenge, and this is a big one.”
The ex-Rangers and Southampton playmaker brings valuable top-flight experience to Leicester’s midfield, combining box-to-box dynamism with creativity and tactical discipline. His arrival adds another dimension to Maresca’s squad as the Foxes aim to maintain a strong promotion push and stabilize their league position.
Leicester’s sporting director welcomed Aribo’s arrival, highlighting the midfielder’s versatility and leadership qualities. “Joe is a player we have admired for some time,” he said. “He brings Premier League and international experience, and his work rate, technical ability and character will be a great asset to us as we fight for our objectives this season.”
Aribo has also been a regular presence for the Super Eagles, earning plaudits for his tenacity and intelligence in midfield for Nigeria. His international pedigree was seen as a key factor in Leicester’s pursuit, with the club prioritising players capable of adapting quickly and contributing immediately.
Southampton’s head of football acknowledged Aribo’s professionalism and wished him well in his next chapter. “Joe has been a respected member of our squad, and we thank him for his efforts,” the club statement read. “We wish him all the best at Leicester City for the remainder of the season.”
Leicester fans greeted the news with excitement on social media, hopeful that Aribo’s addition will inject fresh impetus into the side’s midfield. Supporters have noted his energy, passing range and ability to influence all phases of play as qualities that could be crucial during the club’s demanding schedule.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards delivered a night of creativity, milestones and record-breaking achievements as music’s biggest night unfolded at the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, with Tyler, The Creator, Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga and others etching their names into Grammy history.
In a standout moment, Tyler, The Creator won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Album Cover for his visually striking CHROMAKOPIA, marking a milestone in the awards’ evolution and celebrating the artistry behind one of the year’s most imaginative visual releases. The Best Album Cover category was introduced in 2026 to honour excellence in album artwork and design, elevating recognition for visual impact in music packaging alongside traditional sonic achievements. Tyler’s CHROMAKOPIA cover, designed in collaboration with Shaun Llewellyn and Luis “Panch” Perez, stood out in a field that included Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos and Perfume Genius’ Glory.
“This is beyond art,” Tyler said upon accepting the accolade. “It’s about how music and visuals meet — and I’m truly grateful to the art directors and teams who helped bring this vision to life.” His win reflected the Grammy’s growing embrace of innovation not only in sound but in the broader cultural aesthetics of music.
The night also belonged to Kendrick Lamar, who continued his dominance in hip-hop with multiple wins and record-setting achievements. Lamar, who led the Grammy nominations with nine nods, added several awards to his tally, including Best Rap Song for “TV Off” and Best Melodic Rap Performance with “Luther,” a collaboration with SZA that captivated critics and fans alike.
Lamar’s remarkable run this year included a historic recognition: he became the first solo artist ever nominated for Album of the Year for five consecutive studio albums, a testament to his consistency, influence and evolution in a genre that continues to shape global music.
Among other major winners, Bad Bunny took home Record of the Year for his chart-topping track DtMF, while Lady Gaga secured Best Dance-Pop Recording for her hit Abracadabra, underlining her sustained relevance and versatility in pop music. Sabrina Carpenter earned accolades for her soulful performance on “Manchild,” bringing wider attention to her emotional and introspective songwriting.
In R&B categories, Leon Thomas triumphed with Best R&B Album for Mutt, while Kehlani’s Folded earned Best R&B Song, highlighting a vibrant and exploratory landscape in contemporary rhythm and blues. The ceremony also saw standout wins for rock and alternative acts such as Turnstile and The Cure, the latter taking Best Alternative Music Album for Songs of a Lost World in a career-defining moment.
The night was hosted by Trevor Noah in what was widely billed as his final time at the helm of the Grammy ceremony, adding an emotional undertone to a night filled with spectacle and achievement.
South African sensation Tyla has made history at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, winning the Best African Music Performance award for her viral hit “Push 2 Start.” The victory at the 2026 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles marks another major milestone in her rapidly rising global career and highlights Africa’s continued impact on the world music stage.
Tyla’s win saw her edge out a competitive field that included some of the continent’s biggest stars — among them Nigerian heavyweights Davido, Burna Boy and Ayra Starr — whose entries were also nominated in the same category. Her triumph with “Push 2 Start” cements her place as one of African music’s most exciting voices, following a breakout year that included multiple award wins and chart success.
Speaking after her win, Tyla described the moment as “incredible and humbling,” reflecting on the journey that took her from Johannesburg to the Grammy stage. “This is for Africa,” she said, beaming as she held up her trophy. “To be recognised on this global platform with so many amazing artists nominated alongside me — including Davido and others I respect deeply — is truly special.”
Davido, who was nominated for his collaborative single “With You” featuring Omah Lay, delivered a strong performance this awards season and continues to be a key figure in the global Afrobeats movement. Although he did not take home the Grammy this time, his presence at the ceremony — alongside other Nigerian stars — underscores the country’s dominance in the Best African Music Performance category, which featured multiple nominations for acts from Nigeria.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the awards, Davido had expressed gratitude for the nomination and pride in what African artists are achieving internationally. “Just to be nominated among such incredible talent — Tyla, Burna, Ayra — that in itself is a win for us and for African music,” he said. “We’re all pushing our sound to the world.”
The Best African Music Performance category at the Grammys has quickly become one of the most watched and celebrated segments of the awards, showcasing Africa’s rich musical diversity and global relevance. Tyla’s “Push 2 Start,” a fusion of amapiano, pop and Afro-influenced rhythms, captured both popular and critical acclaim, debuting on international charts and becoming a fixture on dance floors worldwide.
