EPL: We can’t lose what we have— Arteta admits Arsenal’s desperation to win title ahead of Man City
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that his players are driven by an intense desire to win as they continue to set the pace in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners were forced to dig deep on Saturday, edging past Brighton 2–1 in a tense encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
Captain Martin Ødegaard opened the scoring in the first half with a low, well-placed strike, before Arsenal doubled their advantage shortly after the restart through an own goal by Georginio Rutter.
Brighton responded with a goal from Diego Gomez, increasing the pressure late on. The visitors came close to equalizing, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a superb save to preserve the lead.
Speaking on the nervy atmosphere that followed Brighton’s goal, Arteta said the tension reflected his team’s hunger for success.
“That’s the willingness to win. We all want to win so badly,” Arteta said.
“At that moment, you don’t want to lose what you have, but we also have to keep playing, keep scoring, and show composure. We should have scored the third goal.
“We had two big chances to make it 3–1, and that would have changed everything. We didn’t take them, so we had to suffer a bit more.”
The win keeps Arsenal top of the Premier League table, maintaining a two-point lead over defending champions Manchester City.
2027: Ignore those shouting—Politics begins on January 1 2026—Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that political activities will officially begin in January 2026 ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike assured his supporters that any agreement reached with them would be fully respected, stressing that his political camp would not be taken for granted or manipulated.
The minister made the remarks on Saturday in Ochigba, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, while addressing stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the area.
The engagement formed part of an end-of-year Thanksgiving service organized by a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, in his hometown, Ochigba.
According to Wike, politics is built on trust and commitment, noting that he believes strongly in keeping agreements once they are made.
“From January next year, let me make it clear that we will begin politics. You know me; I believe that an agreement is an agreement,” he said.
“If there is something you cannot do, do not promise it, and do not enter into such an agreement. Nobody can use us. Whatever you agree to in the morning, you must still agree to at night.”
He also urged his supporters not to be distracted by political noise, assuring them that their mandate would be defended.
“Do not worry about those shouting today. We will stand on our mandate. We spoke out when it truly mattered. If we had not done so then, would they be shouting now?” Wike added.
Reaffirming his political stance, the FCT minister maintained that he has never hidden his position, insisting that Nigerians are aware of his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu.
AFCON: They didn’t concede a goal in WCQ— Chelle Explains Super Eagles’ 3–2 Win over Tunisia
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has explained the key factors behind Nigeria’s 3–2 victory over Tunisia in their AFCON Group C clash on Saturday.
Nigeria secured the win thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman, handing the North Africans their first defeat of the tournament.
The result puts the Super Eagles top of Group C with six points from two matches, ahead of Tunisia in second place, while Tanzania and Uganda occupy third and fourth positions, respectively.
Speaking after the game, Chelle praised his team’s ball control and attacking efficiency, noting that Tunisia had been defensively solid in recent matches.
“Tunisia did not concede a single goal during the World Cup qualifiers,” Chelle told RFI. “Scoring three goals against such a team shows we played a great game. We kept the ball very well for about 70 minutes.”
Nigeria will face Uganda in their next AFCON group fixture in the coming days.
How Auntie Esther Jehovah Witness who refused blood transfusion died in Lagos
A Lagos-based breast cancer patient and member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mensah Omolola, widely known on X as Auntie Esther, has reportedly passed away after declining a medically recommended blood transfusion on religious grounds.
Omolola was receiving care at the Lakeshore Cancer Centre in Lagos before she rejected the procedure in line with her faith.
The news of her death was announced on Saturday by Obi-Dickson, who coordinated a donation drive to support her treatment. Sharing the update on X, he wrote, “It is well. Peaceful rest to her. I really do not know what to say.”
Reports indicate that Omolola turned down the blood transfusion weeks after Nigerians mobilized and raised over N30 million to assist with her medical expenses.
Her case drew nationwide attention in November after a video of her appealing for financial support to begin treatment went viral.
As of the time of filing this report, members of her family had yet to issue an official statement regarding her death.
AFCON: Nigeria thrash Tunisia 3-2 to qualify for Round of 16
Nigeria on Saturday defeated Tunisia 3-2 to qualify for the Round of 16 at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman secured the Super Eagles the victory against 2026 World Cup qualified side Tunisia.
Nigeria currently top Group C with 6 points after winning two matches.
Details later!
EPL: Watkins double stuns Chelsea as Aston Villa claim 2–1 win
Chelsea suffered a shock 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa at Old Stratford in their English Premier League clash on Saturday night.
The Blues went ahead in the 37th minute through J. Pedro and looked set to control the game, but they failed to maintain their advantage after the break.
A brilliant brace from Ollie Watkins turned the match on its head, as the striker struck twice in the second half to seal a dramatic comeback victory for the visitors.
More details to follow!
US resumes surveillance flights over Sambisa Forest after airstrikes against terrorists in Sokoto
The United States has reportedly resumed intelligence and surveillance operations in northern Nigeria, with a renewed focus on the Sambisa Forest in Borno State.
This was disclosed by Sahel-focused terrorism tracker Brant Philip, who shared flight-tracking data showing a US military aircraft operating over the area.
According to the report, the aircraft involved was a Gulfstream V jet, a long-range platform commonly deployed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
In a post on X on Saturday, Philip said the renewed operations were directed at the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, which is believed to be Nigeria’s affiliate of the Islamic State group.
ISWAP is known to operate mainly in Nigeria’s Northeast region and around the Lake Chad basin.
“The United States resumed ISR operations today on ISWAP in the Sambisa Forest, Borno State, in northeast Nigeria, after a one-day pause following the strikes in Sokoto State,” Philip wrote.
EPL table: Arsenal defeat Brighton as Liverpool edge Wolves
Arsenal have defeated Brighton 2-1, and Liverpool secured a 2-1 win over Wolves to maintain their spots at the Premier League table.
Mikel Arteta’s men started the game in second place after Manchester City won 2-1 at Nottingham Forest.
But the Gunners dominated their visitors and took the lead after Martin Odegaard slammed the ball in from the edge of the box.
Arsenal doubled their advantage after the break, thanks to Geoginio Rutter’s own goal.
But they had to hold on for three points after Diego Gomez reacted quickest to poke the ball past David Raya.
The result takes Arsenal up to 42 points, while City has 40, as the league approaches the halfway stage.
On the other hand, Liverpool outpaced Wolves to secure a needed victory.
