Champions League Round of 16 Draw confirmed [Full Fixtures]

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February 27, 2026

The draw for this season’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 was conducted on Friday, producing several mouthwatering fixtures as Europe’s elite clubs prepare for the knockout phase.

The headline encounter will see Chelsea face Paris Saint-Germain in a high-profile clash, a repeat of last year’s Club World Cup final.

In another blockbuster tie, Real Madrid will battle Manchester City, while Arsenal has been paired with Bayer Leverkusen.

All Round of 16 matches will be played over two legs on March 10–11 and March 17–18.

Full Fixtures:

Sporting CP vs Bodø/Glimt

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Arsenal

Real Madrid vs. Manchester City

Atalanta vs Bayern Munich

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Chelsea

Atlético Madrid vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Newcastle United vs. FC Barcelona

Galatasaray vs. Liverpool FC

The ties are expected to deliver thrilling contests as teams battle for a place in the quarter-finals.

Tiger Base report: Probe extrajudicial killings in Owerri now—Aloy Ejimakor tells IGP Disu

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February 27, 2026

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Aloy Ejimakor, legal consultant to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has called on the new Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to urgently address allegations contained in a recent report by Amnesty International concerning human rights abuses in Imo State.

In a statement on Thursday on X, Ejimakor urged the police authorities to respond to claims that operatives of Operation Tiger Base, a police tactical squad based in Owerri, were implicated in extrajudicial killings, torture of suspects, unlawful arrests, and acts allegedly aimed at extortion.

According to him, the report raised serious concerns about the conduct of officers attached to the unit, stressing that the allegations, if left unaddressed, could further erode public confidence in law enforcement operations in the state.

“I hereby call on IGP Disu to address the Amnesty International report implicating Tiger Base for the extrajudicial killings and torture of scores of suspects, as well as unlawful arrests geared towards extortion and other unwholesome motives,” Ejimakor stated.

He emphasized the need for a transparent investigation into the allegations and urged the police leadership to take decisive steps to uphold accountability and the rule of law.

Ejimakor also called on Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other relevant stakeholders to take interest in the matter, noting that the protection of fundamental human rights remains paramount in any security operation.

The Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue an official response to the claims at the time of filing this report.

2027: ‘You’re opposition of Jokers’—Rufai Oseni slams Peter Obi, Atiku, Amaechi,

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February 27, 2026

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Anchor of Arise Television Morning Show, Rufai Oseni, has criticized prominent opposition figures over their reaction to the newly signed Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing them as a “coalition of jokers.”

Speaking on Friday during the program, Oseni faulted leaders such as Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi for what he called a delayed and ineffective response to the bill before it was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

“I call them an opposition of jokers. Is the morning just breaking? Eight days after the president signed this bill into law, they are now speaking,” Oseni said.

He questioned why opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly did not take firmer action while the bill was under consideration.

“The question we should ask them is, what did they do about the process when it started? They have members in the National Assembly. Did they call all their members and say, “Ensure you stand your ground”? And kudos to those members that did stand their ground, but did they call them together?” he asked.

Oseni also criticized what he described as symbolic protests after the legislation had already taken effect.

“Is it by going to take turns in protest in front of the National Assembly that that was the case? What did they do extra after the thing had been signed into law? Now you are coming out and saying, ‘We reject this for democracy,’ and you were looking when they were doing it,” he said.

The television host argued that Nigeria currently lacks a strong opposition capable of holding the government accountable.

“We don’t have opposition. There is no opposition. We have a coalition of jokers. We have a coalition of people that are so entitled. They believe power is their birthright. They just barely left government, and they are not used to being out of government for so long,” Oseni stated.

While acknowledging that the opposition made valid points regarding mandatory electronic transmission of results, he maintained that their overall response reflected “docility.”

“Yes, they made a very good point as regards the mandatory transmission. We all know that the government and the APC are lying as regards it. The facts are overwhelming, but the opposition’s docility is equally a big problem. That’s why, with respect, I call them a coalition of jokers,” he added.

Oseni further argued that objections to provisions such as indirect primaries and other contentious clauses should have been forcefully pursued during the legislative process rather than after presidential assent, insisting that the delayed reaction weakens democratic accountability ahead of the 2027 elections.

Adawawa Gov Fintiri Dumps PDP for APC

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February 27, 2026

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Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statewide broadcast on Friday, the governor announced that he was leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that members of his cabinet and other party officials in the state are joining him in the move.

Fintiri said the decision was taken in the overall developmental interest of the people of Adamawa State.

Nigerian Newssphere reports that Adamawa is the state of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is among the opposition leaders under the African Democratic Congress.

Naira to Dollar exchange rate extend depreciation

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February 27, 2026

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The Nigerian naira on Thursday extended its slide against the United States dollar at the official foreign exchange market, according to fresh figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Data released by the apex bank showed that the local currency weakened to N1,359.82 per dollar, compared to N1,356.11 recorded on Wednesday. This represents a day-on-day depreciation of N3.70 at the official market.

However, at the parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market, the naira remained unchanged at N1,375 per dollar, the same rate as the previous day.

The latest development means the naira has maintained a downward trend against the dollar at the official window over the past four days.

The depreciation comes despite a continued rise in Nigeria’s foreign reserves. Figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria show that external reserves increased to $49.51 billion as of February 25, 2026, up from $49.39 billion recorded a day earlier.

I regret removing Goodluck Jonathan-Atiku berates Tinubu

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February 27, 2026

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed regret over his involvement in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014, lamenting that Nigeria’s condition has deteriorated under the current administration.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Atiku recounted how opposition figures united over a decade ago to establish a common political platform aimed at addressing what they saw as deepening problems during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to him, the coalition was formed out of concerns that democracy was under threat at the time. However, he noted that the country now faces even more severe challenges than those that prompted the alliance.

“We came together and formed APC because we believed democracy was faltering, only for us to find ourselves in an even worse situation than in 2014,” he said.

Atiku explained that insecurity and economic instability were the dominant issues at the time but argued that both areas have since deteriorated further.

“In 2014, the major challenges were insecurity and the economy. Today, the situation is even worse than what we set out to confront,” he added.

The former vice president stressed the importance of drawing lessons from past political alignments, cautioning that any new coalition must remain committed to rebuilding what he described as genuine democratic governance in the country.

“We must ensure that this time, we succeed in restoring true democracy to Nigeria,” he said.

His remarks came during a broader opposition gathering in Abuja on Thursday, where several prominent political figures convened for a press conference themed “Urgent Call to Save Nigeria’s Democracy.”

US offers $5m for Sinaloa cartel figures after El Mencho killing

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February 27, 2026

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The United States government has announced a reward of up to $5 million each for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of two senior figures of the Sinaloa Cartel, René Arzate-García, also known as “La Rana,” and his brother, Alfonso Arzate-García, alias “Aquiles.”

The reward offer is part of a joint manhunt coordinated by the San Diego Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.

According to the DEA, the Arzate-García brothers have overseen the Tijuana Plaza on behalf of the cartel for approximately 15 years, allegedly maintaining control through violence, alliances, and influence that included political and law enforcement corruption. Authorities accuse them of playing key roles in trafficking fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States while sustaining cartel operations in Tijuana, Baja California.

In 2014, both men were separately indicted in the Southern District of California on drug trafficking charges and have remained fugitives since then.

On August 9, 2023, the brothers were sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control under Executive Order 14059 for their alleged involvement in the global illicit drug trade.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice has filed further charges against René Arzate-García, including narcoterrorism, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and international drug distribution conspiracy involving methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana, as well as money laundering.

The bounty, announced by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, follows a similar reward offer for another Sinaloa Cartel figure, Juan José Ponce Félix, also known as “El Ruso.”

The development comes months after the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). He was killed on February 22 following injuries sustained during a confrontation with Mexican special forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco.

At the time, the U.S. government had placed a $15 million reward on Oseguera Cervantes, classifying him as a top target of the DEA. His death reportedly sparked widespread unrest across more than 15 Mexican states, with coordinated attacks on businesses, vehicles, and security personnel.

Founded around 2009, the CJNG rose to prominence as one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal groups, rivaling the Sinaloa Cartel. Reports indicate that U.S. intelligence support contributed to the Mexican-led operation that resulted in Oseguera Cervantes’ death.

‘Abi you smoke Igbo’—Charly Boy blasts Monday Okpebholo over assassination attempt on Peter Obi

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February 27, 2026

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Popular entertainer, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has criticised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over the recent attack on former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, in Benin City.

Nigerian Newssphere recalls that suspected political thugs reportedly attacked Obi and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during an event in Edo State.

The incident occurred less than a year after the governor allegedly warned Obi against visiting the state without prior notice. During the attack, gunshots were said to have been fired, and two vehicles belonging to Obi and his team were damaged.

Reacting via his X handle, Charly Boy questioned how such an incident could happen under the governor’s watch. Writing in Pidgin English, he reminded the governor of his earlier warning to Obi and suggested that such comments had fueled public suspicion.

He warned that any harm to Obi would have negatively impacted the image of Edo State and its government. The singer also accused political loyalists of failing to offer honest advice and stressed that democracy thrives on healthy opposition.

Charly Boy further dismissed claims that an internal crisis within the ADC was responsible for the attack, arguing that many Nigerians were unconvinced by the explanation. He added that when opposition figures are previously threatened, the public would naturally raise questions if violence follows.

“People still remember say you openly warn Peter Obi say if him enter Edo without your permission him security no go guarantee.

“Which kin yeye talk be dat, abi you dey smoke igbo? If anything bad for happen to am, e for stain Edo name and your government forever, however what do I even expect when riffraffs and sumbags don take over.

“Can you handle the consequences of ur action, or ur mind dey tell you say you get monopoly of violence?

“The way things dey look outside Edo no too good. Your supporters no go tell you truth because of stomach infrastructure. Wetin be democracy without opposition.

He cautioned that any leader who foments political tension for advantage could eventually face the consequences of such actions.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has condemned the attack and called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

Seyi Law makes U-turn, apologizes for saying Nigeria safer under Tinubu than 10 years ago [VIDEO]

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February 27, 2026

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Popular Nigerian comedian Seyi Law has apologized for his recent remarks on the state of security in the country, admitting that his comments were insensitive.

Seyi Law, who has been vocal in his support for President Bola Tinubu, had earlier stated that Nigeria is safer now than it was 10 years ago. The comment, made during an appearance on the Honest Bunch podcast, triggered widespread backlash amid ongoing concerns over terrorism and kidnapping across the country.

Many Nigerians took to social media to criticize the comedian, accusing him of downplaying the security challenges due to his affiliation with the ruling party.

Responding to the outrage, Seyi Law released an apology video on Instagram, acknowledging that his statement failed to consider the pain of victims and their families.

“My fellow Nigerians, I owe you this and more. I’m sincerely sorry for such an insensitive statement that I made on the Honest Bunch podcast. I’m not someone who would be too proud or insensitive to apologize when I make mistakes,” he said.

He admitted that upon reflection, he realized the remark was hurtful, particularly to families affected by kidnapping and violence.

“I had looked at that statement, and I think it is quite insensitive to those who have had issues with kidnapping, relatives being killed, and all that. I want to sincerely and unreservedly tender an apology to those whom that statement has hurt. I believe that statement is very insensitive,” he added.

The comedian also called on President Tinubu to take the security of Nigerians more seriously, stressing the need for urgent and decisive action to address the country’s security challenges.