By: Balogun Ibrahim

Ademola Lookman is on the brink of a major career milestone as Atlético Madrid face Real Sociedad in the 2026 Copa del Rey final at the Estadio de la Cartuja, with the Nigerian forward chasing his first major domestic trophy in Spain.

Atlético Madrid enter the final aiming for a record 11th Copa del Rey title, while Real Sociedad are targeting only their fourth, with both sides arriving in Seville in contrasting form.

Diego Simeone’s men reached the Champions League semi-finals despite a 2–1 second-leg defeat to FC Barcelona, progressing 3–2 on aggregate. However, their domestic form has dipped, with five defeats in their last six matches, leaving them fourth in La Liga and well behind league leaders Barcelona.

Despite recent struggles, Atlético remain in contention for silverware, having last won the Copa del Rey in the 2012/13 season after defeating Real Madrid in the final.

They also carry a mixed recent record against Real Sociedad in the competition, including defeats in previous Copa del Rey meetings.

For Lookman, attention is focused on his rapid impact since joining Atlético Madrid from Atalanta BC in February 2026. He has quickly become a key figure in cup competitions, particularly during the semi-final run.

He scored and provided an assist in Atlético’s commanding 4–0 first-leg win over Barcelona, a performance that helped secure their place in the final despite a 3–0 second-leg defeat.

That influence places him on the verge of history, as he aims to become only the second Nigerian player to win the Copa del Rey, after Emmanuel Amuneke, who achieved the feat with Barcelona in 1997.

Although Real Sociedad do not currently have a Nigerian player in their squad, striker Sadiq Umar contributed earlier in their cup run before his departure to Valencia, and remains eligible for a winner’s medal under competition rules.

With Atlético chasing long-awaited domestic glory and Real Sociedad seeking an upset, the final also offers Lookman the chance to crown his swift rise in Spanish football with a major trophy.

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The post ADEMOLA LOOKMAN ON BRINK OF FIRST SPANISH TROPHY IN COPA DEL REY FINAL appeared first on Hotjist.

By: Balogun Ibrahim

Alex Iwobi has weighed into the long-running debate over football’s greatest player, placing Lionel Messi ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo based on his personal experiences of playing against both stars.

Speaking on the Beast Mode podcast hosted by Adebayo Akinfenwa, the Super Eagles midfielder said the decision was difficult but ultimately influenced by how both players felt on the pitch during their meetings.

Iwobi recalled facing Ronaldo during his time in the Premier League, describing the Portuguese forward as highly efficient and clinical, especially in the latter stages of his career. He noted that Ronaldo’s game was centred on direct impact and goal-scoring rather than flair, with a strong presence in decisive moments.

He said Ronaldo still carried a significant aura during their encounters, but operated more as a focused finisher when he received the ball.

Iwobi faced Ronaldo multiple times while playing for Everton against Manchester United, including a memorable 2–1 match at Goodison Park in October 2022, where Ronaldo scored his 700th club goal. They also met in earlier Premier League fixtures at Old Trafford in 2021 and 2022.

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EXPLOSION AT PLATEAU FILLING STATION CLAIMS TWO LIVES

Despite his admiration for Ronaldo, Iwobi said his experience against Messi left a stronger impression, particularly during his first UEFA Champions League start for Arsenal FC against FC Barcelona at Camp Nou in 2016.

He described the atmosphere as overwhelming, noting the presence of Barcelona’s star-studded squad and the constant focus on Messi whenever he touched the ball.

Iwobi added that Messi’s ability to operate in tight spaces and dictate the rhythm of play stood out, saying opponents found it extremely difficult to even approach him when he was in possession.

He also referenced Barcelona’s famous attacking trio of Messi, Neymar Jr. and Luis Suárez, describing the experience as one of the most memorable of his career despite the defeat.

Iwobi also faced Messi at international level during Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup clash against Argentina, where Messi scored in a 2–1 victory.

Reflecting on both encounters, Iwobi said the contrast in their playing styles ultimately shaped his preference, with Messi’s influence at Camp Nou leaving the most lasting impression in his assessment of football’s greatest player.

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The post IWOBI EXPLAINS WHY MESSI TOPS RONALDO IN HIS GOAT RANKING appeared first on Hotjist.

By: Balogun Ibrahim

An explosion at a filling station in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Friday has killed two welders and left three others injured.

Residents of Bokkos town, including the Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in the area, Kefas Mallai, confirmed the incident to City Round in Jos.

Mallai said the blast occurred at a fuel station in Daffo community during maintenance work on an underground storage tank.

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IWOBI EXPLAINS WHY MESSI TOPS RONALDO IN HIS GOAT RANKING

According to him, the incident happened on Friday, April 17, 2026, when a leaking underground tank at Natty Filling Station was being repaired.

He explained that the two victims, a welder and his assistant, were carrying out welding work on the tank, which they believed to be empty.

However, shortly after they began repairs, the tank reportedly exploded and burst into flames, killing both men instantly.

Mallai added that three other persons who were standing nearby observing the repair work sustained injuries from the blast and were rushed to a hospital for treatment.

He further noted that the victims had not yet been buried at the time of reporting.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while the identities of those affected have not been confirmed.

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By: Balogun Ibrahim 

Two Nigerian men, Akinade Raheem and Abayomi Eletu, are facing up to 50 years in prison each over an alleged large-scale tax fraud scheme involving stolen identities and attempts to defraud the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS of more than $100 million.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Justice, the defendants allegedly worked with accomplices to impersonate taxpayers and accountants in order to file fraudulent tax refund claims.

They are accused of submitting over 300 false tax returns, seeking refunds exceeding $100 million, and engaging in offences including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, and other related crimes.

Prosecutors said Raheem, 43, and Eletu, 42 residing in the United States and the United Kingdom respectively, illegally obtained personal information of taxpayers and tax professionals between 2018 and 2023.

The information reportedly included names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, which they allegedly used to create online IRS accounts and access confidential taxpayer data.

Both men have been charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

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LAGOS FREES FOUR POLICEMEN, DEVELOPER ACCUSED OF KILLING SIX TRADERS

In addition, Eletu faces multiple counts including mail fraud, wire fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft, while Raheem is charged with several counts of access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

The Justice Department noted that the defendants face severe penalties, including up to 20 years for fraud-related conspiracy, 20 years for money laundering, 10 years for access device fraud, and a mandatory minimum of two years for aggravated identity theft.

Indictments related to the case were unsealed in the Northern District of Georgia and the Western District of Texas.

Authorities allege that the suspects also altered victims’ mailing addresses to those controlled by co-conspirators, ensuring that IRS correspondence was diverted away from the real taxpayers.

Funds obtained from the scheme were reportedly laundered through money orders purchased in small amounts to avoid reporting thresholds, and later used to buy prepaid debit cards, vehicles from auction houses some of which were shipped to Nigeria as well as luxury goods.

Eletu has reportedly been arrested in the United Kingdom following a request by U.S. authorities.

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The post US CHARGES TWO NIGERIANS OVER $100M TAX REFUND FRAUD PLOT appeared first on Hotjist.

By: Balogun Ibrahim

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has released four police officers and a developer, Abiodun Ariori, who were accused of the killing of six traders in the Owode Onirin area of Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos State.

The Media gathered that the suspects were freed following a legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which concluded that the officers acted in self-defence during the incident.

The legal opinion, signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Babajide Martins, and obtained by The Media, also faulted investigators for failing to provide sufficient evidence to support manslaughter charges.

The police officers involved were identified as Musa Bala, Ahmed Abass, Ibrahim Kasimu, and Ibrahim Garba.

The incident reportedly occurred when the officers, brought in from Nasarawa by Ariori to enforce an alleged court order over a disputed land, encountered resistance from traders occupying the area.

Ariori was said to be acting on behalf of a Lagos family claiming ownership of the land. The confrontation escalated into violence, resulting in the death of six traders.

The deceased were identified as Adeoye Taiwo, Akinloye Seyi, Wale Adebayo, Abraham Idowu, Dare Salaudeen, and Adeoye Akeem.

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US CHARGES TWO NIGERIANS OVER $100M TAX REFUND FRAUD PLOT

Following the incident, the officers and Ariori were arrested and detained at the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department before the case was later transferred to Abuja. They were subsequently granted bail.

Although charges were initially filed after public outcry, the DPP later ruled that there was no prima facie case against the suspects.

Martins stated that the officers acted in self-defence, noting that they were attacked by a mob during the operation, with one officer injured and another allegedly disarmed.

He also said Ariori was not present at the scene when the killings occurred.

The DPP further explained that investigators failed to provide key forensic evidence, including autopsy results, ballistic analysis, and weapons examination reports, which would have linked the suspects to the deaths.

He concluded that there was no sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspects and formally withdrew the charges against them.

However, the Lagos State Police Command disagreed with the decision, insisting that there was enough evidence to prosecute.

In a letter from the State Criminal Investigation Department, the police cited autopsy and ballistic reports allegedly linking the suspects to the killings, arguing that all the accused persons were culpable.

The police urged the DPP to reconsider its legal advice and allow the matter to proceed to trial.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who represents the families of the victims, also rejected the decision, insisting that the case was not closed.

He said his team would provide additional evidence to the DPP and pursue both criminal and civil actions to seek justice and compensation for the deceased traders’ families.

The DPP declined further comment on the matter when contacted.

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The post LAGOS FREES FOUR POLICEMEN, DEVELOPER ACCUSED OF KILLING SIX TRADERS appeared first on Hotjist.

By: Balogun Ibrahim

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has dismissed reports alleging widespread delays in student loan disbursement for beneficiaries of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), describing the claims as misleading.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the agency said contrary to reports that over 15,000 approved students had not received payments, LAUTECH had only recently submitted 5,237 students for processing under the current disbursement cycle.

NELFUND explained that the figure represents the first verified batch received from the institution and confirmed that processing is already at an advanced stage.

It stated that the submitted applications have been processed and approved and are now undergoing final administrative procedures before payment is completed.

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CARRICK REFUSES TO RULE OUT RASHFORD RETURN TO MAN UTD

According to the agency, the final stages include audit and finance checks, which are part of standard procedures designed to ensure transparency, accuracy, and accountability in the management of public funds.

The Fund further clarified that approval does not automatically result in immediate payment, noting that each application must pass through verification and financial screening before disbursement.

It added that the approved batch amounts to a total of ₦1.57 billion, which forms part of its broader effort to expand access to tertiary education through student financing.

NELFUND also urged institutions to ensure accurate communication regarding loan processes, warning that incorrect information could cause unnecessary concern among students.

It stressed that misleading reports could undermine public confidence in the scheme, which it said is already delivering measurable results.

Reaffirming its commitment, the agency said it remains focused on ensuring timely and transparent disbursement of verified student loans while continuing to work closely with tertiary institutions nationwide.

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Agency Report

Michael Carrick has refused to rule out the prospect of Marcus Rashford returning to Manchester United once his loan spell with Barcelona comes to an end.

England forward Rashford has not played for United since December 2024 and ended last season on loan at Aston Villa before joining Barca for the current campaign.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a solid season with the La Liga leaders, but it has emerged that Barcelona are unsure about activating a reported £26.1 million ($35.2 million) clause to make the move permanent.

That could throw Rashford’s future into an uncertain period ahead of a summer he hopes to spend with England at the World Cup in North America.

READ MORE

NELFUND DENIES DELAY IN LAUTECH STUDENT LOAN DISBURSEMENT CLAIMS

Rashford still has two years left on a lucrative contract that will be subject to a reported 25 percent rise next season if United qualify for the Champions League.

Asked about Rashford potentially returning to Old Trafford, United interim boss Carrick told reporters on Friday: “I just think there are decisions to be made in time, really, on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation.

“But at this point in time, nothing’s been decided. And it will be, because it has to be at a certain point, but at this stage, there’s nothing to say.”

Third-placed United can move a step closer to sealing a place in next season’s Champions League if they win at sixth-placed Chelsea on Saturday.

United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could return from injury at Stamford Bridge, having become a key player under Carrick.

Like Rashford, the 20-year-old Mainoo’s future looked in jeopardy under former United boss Ruben Amorim.

United defender Harry Maguire is another whose revival under Carrick could offer Rashford hope of a return to his boyhood club.

“Certainly from my perspective, whoever’s here, I want to work with, make the best out of and help them improve,” Carrick said.

“So at the moment, it’s this squad of players, and there’s obviously players on loan, and whatever happens with that later on will happen with that later on.”

AFP

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

A suspected bandit attack has led to the death of a farmer, identified as Amos, in Wodata community via Zambufu in Kwara State.

According to The Media, the incident occurred around the time of Friday Jummat prayers.

A community source, Hassan, said the victim and his brother were working on their cassava farm when the attackers struck.

He explained that Amos was on a tractor while others were loading cassava when the bandits were sighted, prompting workers on the ground to flee.

Before he could escape, Amos was reportedly shot in the abdomen.

He was rushed to a nearby health facility and later referred to Ilorin for further treatment but was confirmed dead on the way due to severe blood loss.

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DELTA POLICE ARREST FIVE KIDNAPPERS, RESCUE VICTIMS IN MAJOR OPERATION

A local source, Nupeko Lafiagi TV, said the community has raised concerns over the poor state of healthcare services in the area, noting that the only available facility is a primary health centre in Zambufu, which lacks the capacity to handle emergencies.

The incident, which reportedly occurred less than a kilometre from Wodata village, has renewed fears over the safety of rural farming communities in the region.

Efforts to obtain confirmation from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of filing the report, as the spokesperson said she had not been briefed on the incident.

The killing comes just days after suspected bandits attacked Nuku village in Kaiama Local Government Area, where five forest guards were reportedly killed, further heightening insecurity concerns in Kwara North.

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

The Delta State Police Command has made significant progress in its investigation into a kidnapping incident that occurred on February 1, 2026, with the arrest of five suspected kidnappers and the successful rescue of the victims.

According to a statement issued on Friday in Warri by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, firearms and live ammunition were also recovered from the suspects.

The incident took place around 8 p.m. along the Warri–Sapele Road near Adeje Community, where armed men ambushed a group of travellers and abducted them.

Edafe explained that the matter was reported on February 4 after two victims managed to escape and alert authorities.

He said the kidnappers, who were heavily armed, forced the victims into a nearby bush. The escape of two victims triggered a joint response involving the police, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilantes.

Sustained pressure from the security team compelled the suspects to abandon the remaining captives, who were later rescued unharmed.

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SUSPECTED BANDITS KILL FARMER IN KWARA COMMUNITY ATTACK

Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Orerokpe Division arrested a suspect, Dafiaga Timothy, on February 4 while he was attempting to withdraw money using one of the victims’ ATM cards at a POS location in Adeje.

The case was subsequently transferred to the CP-Special Assignment Team for further investigation.

Follow-up operations led to the arrest of more suspects. On March 31, operatives apprehended Samuel Omonigho (31) in Kokori Community, Ethiope East Local Government Area, and Henry Christmas (22) in Adeje Community, Okpe Local Government Area.

Further arrests were made on April 5, when Ovo Wilson Junior, also known as “Sheboy” (24), was apprehended in Mereje Community, and Emakpo Ubiaro Abel (36) was arrested in Ughwagba Community, both in Okpe Local Government Area. Investigations revealed that Abel worked as a tricycle rider, transporting members of the gang to and from their operations.

A follow-up raid on April 13 at a hideout in Oka Junction, Agbarho, led to the recovery of a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with three rounds of live ammunition, as well as a locally made gun with seven live cartridges.

Police said the syndicate is linked to multiple kidnapping and armed robbery incidents across Warri, Sapele, Agbarho, Ughelli, and surrounding communities.

The State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, praised the collaboration between security agencies and the support of local residents, noting that their combined efforts were key to the success of the operation.

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

Hervé Renard has revealed he has been dismissed as head coach of Saudi Arabia national football team, less than two months before the start of the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking to AFP on Friday, the 57-year-old confirmed his departure, marking the end of his second stint in charge after returning to the role in late 2024. Renard previously led Saudi Arabia at the last World Cup in Qatar, where they recorded a memorable group-stage victory over eventual champions Argentina national football team.

Reflecting on his time with the team, Renard acknowledged the achievements under his leadership, noting that Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice during his tenure.

He also highlighted his unique record of guiding the team through both the qualification process and the tournament itself in 2022, saying it remains a point of pride.

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CAICEDO COMMITS LONG-TERM FUTURE TO CHELSEA UNTIL 2033

Renard, a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner with Zambia and Ivory Coast, first managed Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2023 before being succeeded by Roberto Mancini.

He later took charge of the France women’s national football team, leading them to the quarter-finals of both the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games.

After Mancini’s disappointing 14-month spell, Renard was reappointed, but his second tenure has now ended abruptly.

Reports indicate that Georgios Donis, a former Greece international, is being considered as his replacement, with discussions ongoing between the Saudi football federation and Al Khaleej Club, where Donis is currently in charge.

Saudi Arabia are set to compete in Group H at the upcoming World Cup, alongside Spain national football team, Uruguay national football team, and Cape Verde national football team.

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