Saturday, April 18, 2026

Frequent Ejaculation May Improve Sperm Quality, New Study Suggests

By
Agency Report
-

A new scientific analysis is challenging long-standing assumptions about male fertility, suggesting that ejaculating more frequently could improve sperm quality and potentially increase the chances of conception.

The research highlighted in a recent report published by The Conversation indicates that sperm stored for long periods in the male reproductive system may accumulate damage, including oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation, which can reduce fertility potential. Scientists say this means shorter intervals between ejaculations may help release “fresher” sperm with better biological integrity.

The findings are based on a large review of studies involving tens of thousands of men, alongside evidence from research on multiple animal species. Researchers observed that sperm quality tends to decline the longer it remains stored in the body, regardless of a man’s age. One of the study’s authors, biologist Dr. Krish Sanghvi of the University of Oxford, said the effects observed were significant, noting that “the negative effects… on sperm DNA damage and oxidative damage were large-ish,” adding that the team considers the findings biologically meaningful.

For decades, medical guidelines such as those from the World Health Organization have typically advised men to abstain from ejaculation for two to seven days before providing sperm samples for fertility testing or treatment. Those recommendations were designed mainly to maximise sperm count rather than quality. The new evidence suggests the balance between quantity and quality may need closer consideration, especially during assisted reproduction procedures.

Researchers point to clinical data that reinforce the argument. In one study involving couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF), pregnancy rates were higher when men abstained for less than 48 hours compared with those who followed longer abstinence periods recommended by traditional guidelines. The results suggest that fresher sperm may play a more important role in successful fertilisation than previously assumed.

Other scientific literature also supports the emerging view that frequent ejaculation can improve key sperm parameters such as motility and DNA integrity. While longer abstinence can increase semen volume and total sperm count, extended storage may lead to reduced motility and higher DNA fragmentation, factors that can affect fertility outcomes.

Experts caution, however, that male fertility is influenced by a wide range of factors, including age, overall health, lifestyle habits, and underlying medical conditions. As a result, doctors stress that recommendations on ejaculation frequency should be tailored to individual circumstances, particularly for couples undergoing fertility treatment.

Still, the latest findings are contributing to a growing reassessment of long-standing clinical advice and may influence how fertility specialists counsel men trying to conceive, whether naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies.

Wizkid Extends MOBO Dominance as Ayra Starr Wins Again at Star-Studded 30th Anniversary Awards

By
Justice Oladapo
-

Nigerian music icon Wizkid reinforced his legendary status on the global stage after clinching the Best African Music Act at the 2026 MOBO Awards, extending his record as the most decorated African artist in the history of the awards.

The milestone victory came on a landmark night that also saw fellow Nigerian star Ayra Starr secure back-to-back wins in the Best International Act category, underlining the continued global rise of Afrobeats. While Starr did not deliver a quoted acceptance speech in immediate reports, her consecutive triumph further cemented her position as one of the genre’s fastest-growing international exports.

The 30th anniversary edition of the MOBO Awards made history of its own, taking place for the first time in Manchester at the Co-op Live arena, where a packed audience witnessed a celebration of Black music and culture across genres. The event was streamed live on Twitch via Amazon Music, reflecting its expanding global reach.

Despite the international spotlight, British talent dominated the night’s major categories. Singer Olivia Dean emerged as the biggest winner, taking home three awards, including Best Female Act, Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, and Song of the Year for “Man I Need.” Accepting her first award, Dean told the audience, “Hi everyone! It’s such an honour to be here. I just feel so proud to be a black British female artist,” before dedicating the win to her family. Later, while receiving Album of the Year, she added, “This album was really just born from me wanting to write something about love,” dedicating the project to “bell hooks and all the black feminists who inspired me to love better.”

Elsewhere, rising star Jim Legxacy claimed Best Male Act, while Central Cee took home Best Hip-Hop Act. Chip won Best Grime Act, and Twin S secured Best Drill Act. R&B trio Flo won Best R&B/Soul Act, while Nova Twins triumphed in the alternative category.

Emotional moments punctuated the ceremony, with DC3 winning both Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act, visibly moved as he accepted his awards. Raye was honoured with Video of the Year for “Where Is My Husband!”, while jazz collective Ezra Collective and electronic artist Sherelle also secured wins in their respective categories. Producer P2J was named Best Producer.

Beyond music, media personality Niko Omilana was recognised, while actor Stephen Graham won Best Performance in a TV Show/Film for Adolescence, telling the audience, “This recognition for me means the world. I’d like to give love and respect for my fellow nominees. This is just as much theirs as it is mine.”

Special honours added further prestige to the evening. Dancehall star Vybz Kartel won Best Caribbean Music Act, hip-hop legend Slick Rick received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Pharrell Williams was presented with the Global Songwriter Award.

Hosted by Eve and Eddie Kadi, the ceremony featured electrifying performances from Aitch, Flo, Myles Smith, Olivia Dean, Estelle, Tiwa Savage, and Slick Rick.

Full list of winners:

Best male act – Jim Legxacy

Best female act – Olivia Dean

Album of the year – Olivia Dean, The Art of Loving

Song of the year – Olivia Dean, Man I Need

Best newcomer – DC3

Video of the year – Raye , Where Is My Husband! (directed by The Reids)

Best R&B/soul act – Flo

Best alternative music act – Nova Twins

Best grime act – Chip

Best hip-hop act – Central Cee

Best drill act – Twin S

Best international act – Ayra Starr

Best media personality – Niko Omilana

Best performance in a TV show/film – Stephen Graham, Adolescence

Best African music act – Wizkid

Best Caribbean music act – Vybz Kartel

Best jazz act – Ezra Collective

Best electronic/dance act – Sherelle

Best gospel act – DC3

Best producer – P2J

Mobo global songwriter award – Pharrell Williams

Mobo lifetime achievement award – Slick Rick

FG Moves to Scrap Common Entrance Exams, Introduces Learner ID System

By
Justice Oladapo
-
Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to phase out the long-standing Common Entrance Examination, replacing it with a nationwide Learner Identification Number system designed to track pupils’ academic progress from early schooling through their educational journey.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who said the reform is part of a broader strategy to modernise Nigeria’s education system and improve learning outcomes through data-driven monitoring.

Under the proposed framework, every pupil will be assigned a unique Learner Identification Number (LIN), which will function as a centralised academic record capturing each child’s performance, progression, and educational history over time. The system is expected to follow students across schools, ensuring continuity in assessment even when they transfer between institutions.

Speaking on the reform, Alausa said, “This is a decisive shift from reliance on a single examination to a more comprehensive evaluation of a child’s learning journey,” underscoring the government’s intent to move away from high-stakes testing toward continuous assessment.

The Common Entrance Examination, which has historically determined admission into secondary schools, has come under sustained criticism for placing undue pressure on pupils and focusing narrowly on one-off performance rather than overall academic development. Education stakeholders have also argued that the system fails to capture a student’s full capabilities.

With the introduction of the LIN system, assessment will instead be based on continuous evaluation, incorporating classroom performance, participation, and skills development over time. The approach is aimed at providing a more holistic measure of learning while promoting fairness and inclusivity.

The minister noted that the reform would also strengthen education data management, enabling authorities to better monitor student outcomes and address systemic challenges such as dropout rates. “This is about creating an education system that works for every Nigerian child, one that is efficient, transparent, and focused on long-term development,” he said.

Iran Bans Sports Teams from ‘Hostile’ Countries Amid Escalating Security Fears

By
Agency Report
-
Players of the Iran football team. Photo: AP

Iran has announced a sweeping ban preventing its national and club sports teams from traveling to countries it deems “hostile,” citing growing security concerns for athletes amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

The directive, issued by Iran’s Ministry of Sports, states that participation in events hosted in such countries is “prohibited until further notice,” particularly where authorities are deemed unable to guarantee the safety of Iranian athletes and officials.

The move comes against the backdrop of intensifying regional conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which has already disrupted sporting activities across the Middle East. Officials have framed the decision as a precautionary measure rather than a political boycott, though it carries significant implications for international competitions.

The policy has immediate consequences for club football, including fixtures in continental tournaments. Iranian authorities specifically referenced a scheduled Asian club competition involving Tractor FC, which was due to be played in Saudi Arabia, indicating that such matches may now be relocated to neutral venues.

Iran’s football federation and relevant sporting bodies have reportedly been instructed to liaise with continental organisers to arrange alternative venues for affected fixtures, reflecting the practical challenges the ban introduces to tournament logistics.

Beyond club competitions, the decision has also cast uncertainty over Iran’s participation in major global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While Iran has already qualified, officials have raised concerns about playing matches in the United States due to ongoing hostilities, with discussions reportedly underway about relocating fixtures to safer venues.

Despite the restrictions, Iranian authorities have not formally withdrawn from international competitions, signalling that participation remains possible under revised conditions that address security concerns.

IOC Bars Transgender Women from Female Olympic Events

By
Agency Report
-
IOC President Kirsty Coventry

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved a sweeping new policy on gender eligibility, effectively barring transgender women from competing in female categories at future Olympic Games, in a move that marks one of the most significant shifts in global sports governance.

The decision, finalised after months of review, introduces stricter eligibility criteria aimed at what the IOC describes as protecting “fairness, safety and integrity” in women’s competition. Under the new framework, eligibility for female events will be determined through biological classification, including a one-time genetic screening process.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry defended the policy, emphasising the competitive realities of elite sport. “At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat,” she said, adding that “it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category.”

The new rules are expected to take effect ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, aligning the IOC more closely with a growing number of international sports federations that have already adopted stricter eligibility standards. The policy will apply across all Olympic sports, replacing the previous system in which individual federations set their own rules, often resulting in inconsistent approaches.

The IOC has framed the move as “evidence-based and expert-informed,” pointing to scientific research suggesting that athletes who have undergone male puberty may retain physical advantages in strength, endurance, and power.

However, the decision is likely to intensify an already polarised global debate. Advocacy groups and human rights organisations have raised concerns about exclusion and discrimination, arguing that transgender athletes should not be denied the opportunity to compete at the highest level. On the other hand, supporters of the policy maintain that it is necessary to preserve competitive balance and fairness in women’s sport.

The IOC has sought to strike a balance by reiterating that access to sport remains a fundamental right at grassroots and recreational levels, even as it tightens eligibility criteria for elite competition.

Mbappé Leads France Past Brazil 2-1 in World Cup Warm-Up Thriller

By
Agency Report
-
France's Desire Doue (left) is tackled by Brazil's Bremer in their friendly match on Thursday. Photo: AP

Kylian Mbappé delivered a statement performance as France national football team defeated Brazil national football team 2-1 in a high-profile international friendly, reinforcing their credentials ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The France captain, returning from a recent knee injury, showed no signs of discomfort as he opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, finishing clinically after breaking clear of the Brazilian defence. His goal set the tone for a composed French display against one of football’s traditional powerhouses.

France doubled their advantage in the second half through Hugo Ekitike, who converted from close range to make it 2-0 and put Didier Deschamps’ side firmly in control of proceedings. Despite being reduced to 10 men following Dayot Upamecano’s red card, the French side maintained their structure and discipline.

Brazil responded late in the game when defender Bremer pulled one back in the 78th minute, setting up a tense finish. However, the Seleção were unable to find an equaliser, with France holding on to secure victory in front of a crowd of over 66,000 at Gillette Stadium.

Mbappé’s performance was particularly significant given recent concerns over his fitness. The forward had downplayed fears ahead of the match, stating earlier in the week that his injury was “truly behind me,” and he backed up those words with a decisive display on the pitch.

The encounter forms part of the “Road to 2026” series of friendlies, designed to prepare top national teams for the upcoming World Cup in North America. For France, the win extends their strong run of form and underscores their attacking depth and resilience under pressure.

EFCC Denies Role in Kwara Poly Protest, Confirms Arrest of 30 Suspected Internet Fraudsters

By
Fortune Temitope
-

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has denied any connection between its recent enforcement operation in Ilorin and protests reportedly staged by students of Kwara State Polytechnic, insisting that its activities did not involve the institution.

In a statement issued by its Ilorin Zonal Directorate, the anti-graft agency confirmed that operatives carried out a sting operation on March 24, 2026, targeting two buildings in the Agbede community suspected to be hubs for internet-related fraud. The operation led to the arrest of 30 suspects, including six identified as students of Kwara State Polytechnic.

According to the commission, preliminary profiling of the six students indicated that they were “actively involved in internet fraud,” adding that the arrests were based on intelligence and carried out within the confines of the identified locations.

The EFCC stressed that the operation was strictly limited to the targeted buildings and did not extend to the polytechnic campus. “The sting operation was not remotely connected to the Polytechnic. No entrance was made into the premises of the Institution and there was no disruption of any activity of the school,” the statement said.

The agency also pushed back against circulating claims linking the arrests to student unrest, describing such narratives as misleading. “It is untenable to link any protest by some students of the Polytechnic to the lawful operation of the EFCC. Any video in circulation linking students’ protest with the operation of the Commission is contrived and outright misrepresentation of the operation,” it stated.

Items recovered during the raid include eight vehicles suspected to be proceeds of crime, as well as mobile phones and laptops believed to have been used in fraudulent activities. The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to face further investigation.

Reaffirming its stance, the commission maintained that its operations are guided by professionalism and due process. It also reiterated that channels remain open for reporting any alleged misconduct by its personnel, underscoring its commitment to accountability.

The EFCC added that it will continue to pursue its mandate of combating financial crimes while acting “in the overall interests of Nigerians,” amid growing scrutiny of enforcement actions and their wider social implications.

Dangote Refinery Dismisses IPO Reports, Warns Against ‘Unauthorised’ Market Speculation

By
Kazeem Busari
-

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals (DPRP) has formally dismissed widespread reports suggesting it is preparing for an imminent Initial Public Offering (IPO), describing such claims as unauthorised and inaccurate.

In a statement issued by its management, the company said it had “noted with concern the recent circulation of unauthorised information across various media and social platforms regarding a potential Initial Public Offering (IPO),” cautioning the public against relying on unverified reports.

The refinery stressed that several online platforms and unofficial sources had published “unverified, and in some instances inaccurate, information” about a possible listing, adding that such reports “do not originate from DPRP and should be treated with caution.”

The clarification comes amid heightened speculation in financial and investment circles following earlier indications that the refinery — one of Africa’s largest industrial assets — could eventually open up to public investment. Analysts have previously suggested that any eventual listing could rank among the largest in Africa, with potential valuations running into tens of billions of dollars.

However, DPRP emphasised that no official decision has been communicated and reaffirmed that any updates on a potential transaction would only be disclosed through formal and authorised channels.

“All official updates regarding any potential transaction will be communicated strictly through DPRP’s formal public disclosures and announcements issued by its appointed advisers, in line with applicable laws and regulatory requirements,” the statement said.

The company further urged investors and the wider public to disregard speculative commentary and rely solely on verified communications, noting that responsible dissemination of information is critical in maintaining market integrity.

“Accordingly, the public, investors, and all market participants are strongly advised to disregard speculative commentary and rely solely on verified information formally issued by DPRP or its authorised representatives,” the management added.

DPRP also underscored its commitment to transparency, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance, stating that any future transaction would follow due process, including regulatory filings and coordinated disclosures.

“This communication is for information purposes only and does not constitute, or form part of, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities,” the statement clarified, reinforcing that any such move would be conducted strictly in line with legal and regulatory frameworks.

Nwaiwu Replace Injured Bassey Against Iran, Jordan

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Chibuike Nwaiwu

Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming international friendlies have suffered a setback after defender Calvin Bassey withdrew from the squad due to injury, prompting the call-up of Chibuike Nwaiwu as his replacement.

Bassey, a key figure in the Super Eagles defensive setup, has been ruled out of the fixtures against Iran and Jordan after sustaining a back injury. His absence is expected to test Nigeria’s defensive depth as the team continues to fine-tune preparations ahead of future competitive matches.

The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that Nwaiwu, who currently plays for Trabzonspor, has been drafted into the squad to fill the void left by Bassey’s withdrawal. The call-up represents a significant opportunity for the defender to stake a claim for a regular place in the national team.

Bassey’s withdrawal comes at a crucial time for the Super Eagles, who are using the friendlies to assess tactical options and squad depth. His absence removes an experienced and versatile option from the backline, particularly given his ability to operate both as a centre-back and full-back.

For Nwaiwu, the late inclusion offers a chance to impress the coaching crew and integrate into the national team setup.

The Super Eagles had their first training on Wednesday ahead of their Friday encounter against Iran. They face Jordan on Tuesday in the second friendly game.

Arteta, Raya Earn Premier League March Award Nominations

By
Justice Oladapo
-
Arteta

Arsenal’s impressive run of form has been further recognised with manager Mikel Arteta and goalkeeper David Raya both shortlisted for the Premier League’s March awards, underlining the club’s growing momentum in the title race.

The nominations come on the back of a strong sequence of results that has seen Arsenal maintain pressure at the top end of the table, with Arteta’s tactical consistency and Raya’s performances between the posts playing pivotal roles.

Raya

Arteta’s inclusion in the Manager of the Month shortlist reflects Arsenal’s ability to deliver results in a crucial phase of the season, with the Spaniard continuing to refine a system that blends attacking fluidity with defensive discipline. His side’s performances throughout March have reinforced their credentials as genuine contenders, particularly as the campaign approaches its decisive stretch.

Meanwhile, Raya’s nomination for the Player of the Month award highlights his growing influence as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper. The Spain international has delivered a series of assured displays, contributing crucial saves and maintaining composure under pressure as the stakes continue to rise.

The Premier League confirmed the nominations as part of its monthly recognition of standout individual contributions, with winners to be decided through a combination of public voting and expert panels.

1...678...47Page 7 of 47

EDITOR PICKS

Recent Posts

© 2026 Metro-Standard