Categories
Sport News

Lookman, Ekong, Oshoala, Onuachu Make Shortlist For FIFA Best Awards 2024 (Full List)

Nigerian footballers like Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, Asisat Oshoala, and Paul Onuachu have made the list of the FIFA Best Awards for 2024.
The list was released on Friday by the World Football governing body.
It shows that Lookman, who plays for Atalanta in the Italian Serie A, was nominated in the Best Attacker category. He will battle it out with the impressive Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal, Bukayo Saka, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo among other high-profile players.
The Nigerian who had an impeccable showing last season, leading Atalanta to the Europa League crown, has also started this season’s campaign in fine form. He helped the Super Eagles reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) where they lost narrowly to hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
Lookman is also in pole position to be crowned the CAF Player of the Year for 2024 when the awards ceremony takes place next month.
Nigeria’s stand-in captain Troost-Ekong was named in the Best Defender category alongside Arsenal’s William Saliba, Manuel Akanji, Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, and others.
Oshoala, who has won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year crown for a record number of times was listed in the newly-introduced Marta Award. The prize is for the best goal in women’s football. She got into contention for that category for her acrobatic goal (while in Barcelona Femeni) against Benfica in the Women’s Champions League in November 2024.
Her compatriot and Southampton forward Onuachu earned a place for the male version – the Puskas. His deft flick in Trabzonspor’s 2-1 win over Konyaspor on November 10, 2023, was enough to put him in contention for the best goal gong in men’s football.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi headlined the men’s best player nominees. The Inter Miami forward’s inclusion has sparked debates among football fans. The Argentine will vie for the prize alongside Ballon d’Or winner Rodri; Vinicius Junior; Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Toni Kroos, and Federico Valverde.
Fans and an expert panel are expected to vote for the 2024 FIFA Best Awards. Fans can vote on the FIFA website up until December 2024.
FIFA Best Awards Nominees
The Best FIFA Men’s Player nominees
Dani Carvajal (Spain), Real Madrid
Erling Haaland (Norway), Manchester City
Federico Valverde (Uruguay), Real Madrid
Florian Wirtz (Germany), Bayer Leverkusen
Jude Bellingham (England), Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe (France), Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid
Lamine Yamal (Spain), Barcelona
Lionel Messi (Argentina), Inter Miami
Rodri (Spain), Manchester City
Toni Kroos (Germany), Real Madrid (now retired)
Vinicius Jr (Brazil), Real Madrid
The Best FIFA Women’s Player nominees
Aitana Bonmati (Spain), Barcelona
Barbra Banda (Zambia), Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride
Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway), Barcelona
Keira Walsh (England), Barcelona
Khadija Shaw (Jamaica), Manchester City
Lauren Hemp (England), Manchester City
Lindsey Horan (USA), Olympique Lyonnais
Lucy Bronze (England), Barcelona/Chelsea
Mallory Swanson (USA), Chicago Red Stars
Mariona Caldentey (Spain), Barcelona/Arsenal
Naomi Girma (USA), San Diego Wave
Ona Batlle (Spain), Barcelona
Salma Paralluelo (Spain), Barcelona
Sophia Smith (USA), Portland Thorns
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi), Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique Lyonnais
Trinity Rodman (USA), Washington Spirit
The Best FIFA Women’s Coach nominees
Arthur Elias (Brazil), Brazil
Elena Sadiku (Sweden), Celtic
Emma Hayes (England), Chelsea/USA
Futoshi Ikeda (Japan), Japan
Gareth Taylor (England), Manchester City
Jonatan Giraldez (Spain), Barcelona/Washington Spirit
Sandrine Soubeyrand (France), Paris FC
Sonia Bompastor (France), Olympique Lyonnais/Chelsea
The Best FIFA Men’s Coach nominees
Carlo Ancelotti (Italy), Real Madrid
Lionel Scaloni (Argentina), Argentina
Luis de la Fuente (Spain), Spain
Pep Guardiola (Spain), Manchester City
Xabi Alonso (Spain), Bayer Leverkusen
The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper nominees
Alyssa Naeher (USA), Chicago Red Stars
Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany), Chelsea/NJ/NY Gotham
Ayaka Yamashita (Japan), INAC Kobe Leonessa/Manchester City
Cata Coll (Spain), Barcelona
Mary Earps (England), Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain
The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper nominees
Andriy Lunin (Ukraine), Real Madrid
David Raya (Spain), Arsenal
Ederson (Brazil), Manchester City
Emiliano Martinez (Argentina), Aston Villa
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Paris Saint-Germain
Mike Maignan (France), AC Milan
Unai Simon (Spain), Athletic Club
Categories
Entertainment News

Your Unresolved Trauma Has Turned You Into A Manipulative And Toxic Person, I Pray You Find Peace – Iyabo Ojo Slams VDM

Nigerian actress, Iyabo Ojo has lambasted social media critic, Martins Otse aka VeryDarkMan after he made damning allegations against her in a viral video, including claims of infidelity and accepting bribes.

In a lengthy Instagram post, Iyabo Ojo expressed sympathy for VDM’s troubled childhood, which she believes has contributed to his toxic behavior.

She noted that VDM’s parents failed to provide him with a stable and loving environment, leading to unresolved anger and pain.

Iyabo Ojo questioned VDM’s mother’s parenting decisions, wondering why she allowed her child to fend for himself at a young age.

She also accused VDM’s mother of being dependent on her ex-husband and failing to provide for her children.

The actress urged VDM to forgive his parents and find peace, rather than directing his anger towards innocent people.

Iyabo Ojo’s response comes after VDM made several allegations against her, including claims that she had a threesome with her daughter and accepted N65 million to seek justice for the late singer Mohbad.

She wrote:

“Vincent, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of your behavior, and it’s quite sad. It seems like your upbringing lacked love, care, and stability. Your toxic narcissistic behavior stems from unresolved anger and pain caused by your parents’ failure to provide a nurturing environment.

“Instead of directing your anger toward those responsible, you’ve chosen to attack successful men and women. Listening to your story, it’s clear that you faced a lot of hardships, including stealing food to survive and almost being lynched as a child. Why would your mother let that happen? Mama Vincent, why didn’t you do more to provide stability for your child?

“Vincent, your unresolved trauma has turned you into a manipulative, deceitful, and toxic person who tarnishes reputations for relevance. Your anger is misplaced—your parents are to blame, not Paulo, Mama Festus, Priscilla, or me.

“Your obsession with me shows that my name lives rent-free in your head. If it helps you sleep better, continue. But I urge you to forgive your parents and free your heart from hate. Only then will you find peace.”

Categories
Entertainment News

Larry Gaga and Kenyan Partner Reportedly Welcome First Child

Nigerian singer and record producer, Larry Gaga has reportedly welcomed his first child with Kenyan girlfriend.
This is according to reports by entertainment gossip blogger, Cutie Juls.
Sharing the post on Instagram, Cutie Juls, wrote: “Congratulations to Larry Gaga as him and his Kenyan girlfriend just welcome their first child together 🙏❤️❤️”.
Fans and colleagues have been sending congratulatory messages to the musician and his lover.
See the post below:
Categories
Entertainment News

Actress Aisha Lawal Celebrates Daughter As She Turns 6

Popular Nollywood actress, Aisha Lawal is celebrating her daughter, Zee as she turns 6.

Taking to her Instagram, she prayed for her daughter to continue to increase in knowledge and understanding.

She wrote;

”WE ARE 6 TODAYYYY 💃💃💃BIG 6 💃💃💃💃💃❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️THANK YOU GOD FOR THE LIFE OF ZEE, I AM SUPER GRATEFUL FOR HER LIFE 🙏 AND I PRAY ZEE WILL CONTINUE TO BE A SOURCE OF JOY,LIGHT AND HAPPINESS TO US ALL.HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BABY GIRL MAY YOU CONTINUE TO INCREASE IN KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING, WISDOM AND GOOD HEALTH 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️

PLEASE PRAY FOR HER🙏NO EVIL EYE WILL CAST ON HER.

NB 🤣🤣🤣CONTINUE TO MANAGE OUR OLD PICTURES OOOO”

Categories
Entertainment News

Wizkid’s Album, ‘Morayo’ Records 48 Million Streams On Spotify In First Week

The latest album of Grammy-winning singer, Wizkid has achieved a major feat for an African album on Spotify.

In just six days, ”Morayo” has amassed 48 million streams, surpassing the previous record of 46.4 million streams set by Tyla’s album in a full week.

This achievement underscores Wizkid’s continued global influence, as Morayo has not only dominated Spotify’s African charts but also broken records for individual tracks.

Among the standout moments, Kese (Dance) set the record for the highest opening-day streams on Spotify Nigeria, and Piece of My Heart also saw impressive first-day numbers.

The album’s success further cements Wizkid’s status as a major international artist, with Morayo serving as a heartfelt tribute to his late mother​​​​.

Categories
Sport News

Pride of Africa: Who Will Win The CAF Awards?

On December 16, the best African footballers of 2024 will be announced at the CAF Awards ceremony in Morocco. The best sports betting site 1xBet discusses the prestigious award and those who may make their mark in the history of African football.

African Player of the Year

The award for the best footballer on the continent has existed since 1970, when it was first presented by France Football magazine. Since 1992, the Confederation of
African Football, an official partner of global betting company 1xBet, has organized the ceremony. The record holders for the most awards are Cameroonian forward Samuel Eto’o and Ivorian midfielder Yaya Touré, both of whom have won the title 4 times.
In 2024, five footballers will compete for the CAF African Player of the Year title: Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria/Atalanta), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast/Brighton), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns).

African Goalkeeper of the Year

The Best Goalkeeper Award was introduced in 2002 but was given for only 4 years. Last year, the Confederation of African Football brought back the award to highlight the key role goalkeepers play in their teams’ successes.
This year, the candidates for the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award are André Onana (Cameroon/Manchester United), Yahia Fofana (Ivory Coast/Angers), Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir (Egypt/Al Ahly Cairo), Stanley Nwabali (Nigeria/Chippa United), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns).

Analysis of nominees and prediction

In May, Ademola Lookman scored 3 goals against Bayer in the Europa League final and had previously helped the Nigeria national team reach the Africa Cup of Nations final. The forward has been in excellent shape in the new season, scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists in 13 matches. Lookman’s performances for Atalanta in 2024 earned him a spot in the list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or.
Serhou Guirassy also had an outstanding season last year. Scoring 30 goals in 30 matches for Stuttgart helped him secure a move to Borussia Dortmund, who were finalists in the previous Champions League edition. In his new team, he has already scored 10 goals.
Achraf Hakimi helped the Morocco national team win its first Olympic medal and secured 3 trophies with Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, Simon Adingra of Brighton deserves praise for his outstanding role in leading the Ivory Coast national team to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations.
South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is the only keeper among the nominees for the African Player of the Year award. He earned his spot in the list thanks to his consistent performances throughout the year and his heroic display in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal. Williams saved four penalties in the post-match shootout of the South Africa vs Cape Verde game, helping Bafana Bafana reach the tournament’s semifinals for the first time since 2000.
Ronwen Williams is also competing for the Goalkeeper of the Year award. His main rival is Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana. The past season was challenging for the Cameroonian, but in the new campaign, he has consistently showcased his quality with incredible saves.
According to our experts, the CAF African Player of the Year award should go to Ademola Lookman, while the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award should be given to Ronwen Williams.
Follow the performances of the best African footballers, make predictions on the best sports betting site 1xBet, and win alongside your idols!
Categories
Entertainment News

Chioma Has Been My Girlfriend For 12 Years – Davido

Afrobeats singer Davido has revealed his long standing friendship with his wife, Chioma.
According to him, they have been friends for 12 years.

The singer revealed this during his latest interview on ‘The Baller Alert’ show in the United States.

Davido in a now trending video was asked to shout-out to Chioma.
The singer said: “Shout out to my wife and the mother of my beautiful twins, Mrs chioma Adeleke. She has been my girl for almost 12 years. I love you and I got you for life.”
Recall that Davido tied the knot with Chioma in Lagos State on June 25, 2024, after the arrival of their twins.
Categories
Entertainment News

Burna Boy: Police Has Refused to Release Singer Speed Darlington On Bail – Lawyer

Activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju has called out the Nigerian police.
He accused the police of refusing to grant his client, singer, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington bail.

Recall that the singer was rearrested by the police on Tuesday during his show in Owerri, the Imo State capital for allegedly cyberstalking his colleague, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy.
In an update shared on his official Facebook page on Wednesday night, his lawyer, Adeyanju said the police refused to release the singer on bail.
He wrote, “The Nigerian police brought our client Speed Darlington to Abuja from Owerri this evening and I just met him.
 
“They have refused to release him on bail over defamation of Burna Boy. Burna Boy, the Ojuelegba Fela sings about oppression but oppresses Akpi with the police”.
Categories
Entertainment News

2024 Has Been The Most Transformative Year Of My Adult Life – Tonto Dikeh

Popular actress cum politician, Tonto Dikeh has stated that 2024 was her most transformative year.

Taking to her Instagram page, she revealed that she experienced significant personal growth this year.

The politician said the year has been the most transformative period of her adult life, marked by growth, love, and moments that brought her immense joy.

In her heartfelt post, Tonto expressed gratitude for the valuable lessons she learned, the accomplishments she achieved, and the progress she made in various areas of her life.

“2024 has been the most transformative year of my adult life—filled with growth in every area of my life, love, and moments that made my soul truly come alive. Grateful for every lesson, every joy, and every step forward”, she wrote.

Categories
Entertainment News

I Was A Lawyer By Day, Rapper By Night – Falz

Singer Falz has revealed that being a lawyer and rapper was not an easy thing.
This is as he opened up about his two careers.
According to him, he was a lawyer by day and a rapper by night.
Falz in an episode of the Madam Joyce podcast, explained that there was a legal rule prohibiting lawyers from engaging in other activities while practicing law.

“There was a time I was in court, and living a double life at the time as well. Lawyer by day, rapper by night.

 
“So when I announced my appearance ‘With profound respect my lord, the name is Folarin the Falana, appearing for the plaintiff’ and the judge lowered his glasses and said ‘counsel, are you not the one doing something else on the side?’
 
“There is an unspoken rule of professional conduct within the legal practice where you are not supposed to do other things,” he said.