YAKUBU AIYEGBENI LAYS BARE SUPER EAGLES' MIDFIELD WOES: "I'D STRUGGLE TO SCORE IN THIS TEAM" – LEGEND URGES NFF TO INJECT CREATIVITY AHEAD OF AFCON 2025

 In a no-holds-barred assessment that has ignited fervent debate across Nigerian football circles, former Super Eagles striker and Premier League icon Yakubu Aiyegbeni has delivered a stark critique of the national team's current setup, pinpointing a glaring lack of creativity in midfield as the root cause of their attacking frustrations. Speaking candidly on the Sunday Oliseh Podcast aired on November 30, 2025, the 43-year-old Yakubu – Nigeria's fourth all-time leading scorer with 21 goals in 58 caps – declared that even he would falter as a forward in the present squad, burdened by an overreliance on defensive midfielders and a dearth of inventive playmakers.

Yakubu's comments come in the wake of the Super Eagles' heartbreaking 1-0 extra-time defeat to DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff second leg on November 20, 2025, at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa. The loss – which saw Nigeria eliminated from the global showpiece for the first time since 2018 despite a 2-0 first-leg advantage – exposed tactical vulnerabilities that have plagued Finidi George's side throughout the qualifiers. With just 11 points from 10 Group C matches, the Eagles finished third behind South Africa (17 points) and Benin Republic (14 points), their campaign marred by draws against lesser sides and a failure to convert dominance into goals.

"We’re just a little bit short in the midfield, that’s the most important thing now because we don’t have a creative midfielder who can pass the ball to the strikers," Yakubu stated emphatically during the podcast. "When we look at the team, we have too many defensive midfielders and not many attacking midfielders. If I play in this team, I’ll struggle to score goals. I’m telling you because when you look at Osimhen when he plays, he’s fighting because he knows already."

The ex-Everton and Portsmouth forward, affectionately known as 'Yak Attack' for his predatory instincts that yielded 95 goals in 282 English Premier League appearances, drew stark contrasts to his own era. "Look at the way they score goals in the national team now, and you note that it was quite different in our days. We had players like Sunday Oliseh, Jay-Jay Okocha, Finidi George, and other good passers; but now they don’t have them," he lamented. Yakubu highlighted how the absence of a true No. 10 – a visionary orchestrator capable of unlocking defenses with killer through-balls – has heaped undue pressure on star striker Victor Osimhen, whose five goals in the qualifiers (including a brace against Gabon) masked deeper systemic issues.

Despite the criticism, Yakubu was quick to praise individual standouts, naming Osimhen as "Nigeria’s best player" for his relentless work rate and aerial dominance, alongside Fulham's Alex Iwobi for his tireless energy, Atalanta's Ademola Lookman for his flair (lamenting that "we didn’t see the best of him" in key games), and Ajax defender Calvin Bassey for his composure at the back. "There have been two or three players that have been really impressive," he noted. "Osimhen has been the number one, and Lookman is another good one. But without creativity behind them, even world-class talents like these will be stifled."

Yakubu's intervention has struck a chord amid a post-mortem period for the three-time African champions, whose World Cup exit has amplified calls for structural reform from fans, analysts, and ex-players. On social media, #SuperEaglesCreativity has trended nationwide, with over 250,000 mentions on X (formerly Twitter) since the podcast's release, including endorsements from Sunday Oliseh himself: "Yakubu nailed it – we need that spark back!" The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to respond formally, but sources indicate that incoming technical director Amaju Pinnick is prioritizing midfield reinforcements ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Eagles are drawn in a tough group alongside hosts Morocco, Egypt, and Cape Verde.

As Nigeria shifts focus to AFCON preparations – with friendlies against Algeria and Tunisia slated for January 2026 – Yakubu issued a rallying cry for balance and innovation. "This isn’t about blaming individuals; it’s about building a team that plays collectively and creatively. Stop relying on individual brilliance to paper over tactical flaws. With the right adjustments, we can rediscover that Eagles magic and go far in Morocco."

Yakubu, who represented Nigeria at two World Cups (1998 and 2010) and won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, remains a revered figure in African football. His podcast appearance, hosted by compatriot Sunday Oliseh, has amassed over 1.5 million views on YouTube, underscoring the enduring passion for the Super Eagles among the diaspora.

TEN-MAN CHELSEA DIG DEEP FOR HEROIC 1-1 DRAW AGAINST PREMIER LEAGUE LEADERS ARSENAL: CHALOBAH'S SET-PIECE STUNNER AND UNSHATTERABLE RESOLVE KEEP TITLE DREAM ALIVE AT STAMFORD BRIDGE

 In a pulsating London derby that had Stamford Bridge on the edge of its seat, Chelsea FC summoned every ounce of grit and defiance to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Premier League frontrunners Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, November 30, 2025. Reduced to 10 men after Moisés Caicedo's rash red card in the 36th minute, Enzo Maresca's resilient Blues not only withstood waves of Gunners pressure but audaciously took the lead through Trevoh Chalobah's towering header, only for Mikel Merino to level matters and deny Chelsea a famous victory.

Played out in front of a fe

rvent crowd of 40,343 under crisp winter skies, the clash between third-placed Chelsea (26 points) and table-topping Arsenal (31 points) lived up to its blockbuster billing – a fiery affair that saw four bookings in the opening half-hour alone. The result keeps Chelsea firmly in the title conversation, just five points adrift of Arsenal and one behind second-placed Manchester City, while extending their unbeaten run across all competitions to seven matches. For Arsenal, it's a first dropped points in five league games, albeit one that maintains their five-point cushion at the summit.

The match ignited early, with both sides trading blows in a midfield skirmish that set the tone for a no-prisoners derby. Chelsea, buoyed by their midweek Champions League demolition of Barcelona, started the brighter, carving out the game's first clear chance in the 12th minute when Estêvão Willian – the teenage sensation – blazed over from 10 yards after a slick one-two with Enzo Fernández. Bukayo Saka responded for Arsenal, drawing a smart low save from Robert Sánchez with a curled effort from the edge of the box. The tension simmered, punctuated by niggly fouls that earned yellows for Chelsea's Reece James and Arsenal's Ben White.

Disaster struck for the hosts in the 36th minute when Caicedo, already on a caution for a late challenge, lunged studs-up into Mikel Merino on the touchline. Referee Anthony Taylor initially brandished yellow, but VAR intervention prompted an on-pitch review, upgrading it to red – Chelsea's sixth dismissal of the season across all fronts and their fourth in the league. Maresca, seething on the sideline, later quipped: "Moises is a warrior, but that was a moment of madness. We can't keep giving ourselves these mountains to climb."

Trailing by a man, Chelsea might have crumbled, as they did earlier this term against Liverpool. Instead, they emerged from the tunnel transformed, channeling Anfield defiance into derby steel. Just two minutes into the second half, in the 47th minute, Trevoh Chalobah rose imperiously at the near post to meet James's whipped corner, powering a header past David Raya into the top corner for his third goal of the campaign. The centre-back, filling in admirably for the injured Wesley Fofana, wheeled away in celebration, fist-pumping the Matthew Harding Stand as Stamford Bridge erupted. Chalobah's aerial prowess – winning 5/6 duels in the match – proved pivotal, embodying Chelsea's set-piece threat that has yielded 14 goals this season.

Arsenal, caught flat-footed, pushed forward with renewed urgency, dominating possession (65%) and peppering Sánchez with efforts. Declan Rice, captaining the Gunners in Martin Ødegaard's absence, orchestrated from deep with 68 completed passes (92% accuracy), but Chelsea's backline held firm. James, a constant thorn with his overlapping runs, nearly doubled the lead in the 54th minute, forcing Raya into a sprawling save from 20 yards. The equalizer arrived in the 58th minute, however, when Saka's arcing cross from the right found Merino unmarked at the far post; the Spanish midfielder, already the victim of Caicedo's folly, nodded home emphatically for his ninth league goal of 2025 – a tally that keeps him joint-top among Premier League scorers this calendar year.

From there, it was a siege on Sánchez's goal. Arsenal mustered eight shots – their fewest in a league game since October 2024 – but squandered chances through Kai Havertz's wayward volley and a Gabriel Martinelli curler that kissed the bar. Chelsea, for their part, absorbed pressure masterfully, restricting Arsenal to an xG of 1.42 while generating 1.18 of their own from 11 efforts. Fernández was a midfield colossus, covering 12.3 km and completing 5 tackles, while Sánchez's 4 saves – including a point-blank stop from Havertz – earned him Man of the Match honors.

Maresca, whose touchline ban earlier this season against Liverpool now feels like ancient history, praised his charges' unbreakable spirit: "Eleven vs. eleven, we were the better team. Ten vs. eleven? We were lions. This draw feels like two points dropped, but it's a statement – we're not just in the race; we're here to win it. Trevoh's goal was pure warrior stuff, and the way we defended our box... that's Chelsea DNA."

Mikel Arteta, gracious in defeat, acknowledged the hosts' resolve: "Credit to Chelsea – they wanted it more today, especially after going down to 10. We had chances to win, but their fight was immense. It's a wake-up call; we can't afford to be sloppy against teams this hungry." Rice echoed the sentiment: "Frustrating not to get the three points, but fair play to them. That red changed everything, but they earned the draw."

The stalemate tightens the title race, with Chelsea's next test a midweek Carabao Cup quarter-final against Newcastle, followed by a blockbuster Champions League trip to Real Madrid. Arsenal host Brentford on Wednesday before facing Aston Villa. Fans can relive the drama via full highlights on the Chelsea FC app and Sky Sports.

Key Player Contributions:

Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea): Match-winner with a bullet header; 100% aerial duels won (6/6), 4 clearances. "Scoring in a derby like this? Dreams are made of that," he told Sky Sports.

Reece James (Chelsea): Creative spark with the assist; 3 key passes, 4/5 crosses accurate, won 7/9 duels. "We showed character – that's what separates contenders from pretenders."

Enzo Fernández (Chelsea): Midfield maestro; 7 recoveries, 89% pass accuracy under duress.

Mikel Merino (Arsenal): Equalizer and catalyst; drew the red card, 2/3 aerial wins, 1.2 xG created. "Gutted not to win, but Chelsea made us earn every inch."

Declan Rice (Arsenal): Engine room anchor; 8 tackles/interceptions, dictated tempo.

Quotes:

Enzo Maresca: "From 10 men down to leading – that's the mentality we're instilling. Arsenal are top for a reason, but we're building something scary."

Mikel Arteta: "A point away at Chelsea, even with 11 vs. 10, is valuable. But we need to be sharper."

Robert Sánchez: "The boys behind me were rocks. Shutting out Arsenal's attack with one less? We'll take that all day."

RACHEL KOLISI TAKES A FIRM STAND AGAINST FAKE FRIENDS IN EMOTIONAL CRYPTIC SOCIAL MEDIA POST: "I CHOOSE PEACE OVER TOXICITY" – FORMER MRS. KOLISI URGES FANS TO PRIORITIZE SELF-WORTH AMID POST-DIVORCE JOURNEY

 Rachel Kolisi, the wellness advocate, philanthropist, and former wife of Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, has sparked a wave of online conversation and support after sharing a poignant, cryptic message on Instagram on Monday, December 1, 2025. In a raw post that has garnered over 1.2 million likes and thousands of comments within 24 hours, the 32-year-old mother of two opened up about the pain of "fake friends" and her resolute commitment to protecting her peace, resonating deeply with followers navigating similar personal battles.

The post, a simple black-and-white photo of Rachel gazing thoughtfully into the distance against a serene ocean backdrop at her family's Clifton home, was captioned:

"I've spent too long dimming my light for people who never intended to celebrate it. Fake friends? They come for the highlight reel but vanish when the reel breaks. I'm done chasing shadows. From here on out, it's real ones only – the ones who stay through the storms, not just the sun. I choose peace. I choose me. Who's with me? 💫 #NoMoreToxicity #RealOverReel"

Accompanied by a series of subtle emojis – a broken heart mending into a blooming flower – the message quickly went viral, trending under #RachelKolisiStand and #FakeFriendsExposed on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Celebrities like Bonang Matheba and Sho Madjozi reposted with words of solidarity, while fans flooded the comments with personal stories: "This is exactly what I needed today – thank you for being our voice," wrote one user, amassing 45,000 likes.

Rachel's candid reflection comes nearly six months after her highly publicized divorce from Siya Kolisi, finalized in June 2025 after eight years of marriage and the birth of their two children, Silver (9) and Nicholas (7). The split, announced amicably as a mutual decision to "co-parent with love and grace," thrust the couple into the spotlight amid South Africa's rugby fever following the Boks' 2023 World Cup triumph. Since then, Rachel has channeled her energy into her Unwritten wellness app, which promotes mental health resources for women, and her ongoing work with the Kolisi Foundation – a joint legacy project she co-founded with Siya to support underprivileged youth in Zwide township.

In a follow-up Instagram Story shared Tuesday morning, Rachel elaborated slightly, reading from a journal: "Divorce taught me a lot about loyalty – not just in love, but in friendship. The people who stick around when life gets messy? They're gold. The rest? Let them go. No hard feelings, just growth." The post subtly nodded to rumored strains in her social circle post-separation, including whispers of fair-weather friends drawn to the couple's celebrity status during their peak fame. Sources close to Rachel tell The Citizen that the message was inspired by a recent "betrayal" from a long-time associate who allegedly leaked private family moments to tabloids, prompting her to "clean house" emotionally.

Rachel's vulnerability has struck a chord in a digital age rife with performative relationships. Mental health experts, including Dr. Niazi Malli from the University of Cape Town's Psychology Department, praised the post as "a powerful example of boundary-setting in the public eye." "Rachel's words normalize the exhaustion of toxic ties and empower others to curate circles that foster genuine healing," Dr. Malli noted in an exclusive comment to eNCA.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with #RachelKolisi garnering 500,000 mentions across platforms. Wellness influencers have launched "Peace Over Toxicity" challenges, encouraging users to share their own stories of letting go. Even Siya Kolisi, ever the supportive ex, liked the post and commented a single heart emoji, signaling continued mutual respect amid co-parenting duties.

Rachel, who rose to prominence through her role in the Kolisi Foundation and her advocacy for holistic living, has long been a beacon for aspiring moms and entrepreneurs. Her Unwritten app, launched in 2024, now boasts 500,000 downloads, offering guided meditations and journaling prompts tailored to high-achievers facing burnout. "This isn't just a post; it's a pivot," Rachel shared in a DM-exclusive with Good Housekeeping South Africa. "I'm stepping into 2026 lighter, surrounded by truth-tellers who lift me up – not weigh me down."

As Rachel prepares for her first solo TEDxCapeTown talk on "Reclaiming Joy After Loss" in February 2026, her message serves as a timely reminder: In a world of filters and facades, authenticity is the ultimate rebellion.

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GRAMMY-WINNING SENSATION TEMS REFLECTS ON HER PHENOMENAL RISE: "I'VE ACHIEVED BEYOND MY DREAMS" – FROM QUITTING A 9-5 TO EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF AFRICAN ARTISTS

 In a candid and heartfelt interview with CNN released today, December 1, 2025, Nigerian global superstar Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, opened up about her extraordinary journey from humble beginnings in Lagos to becoming a two-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer. At just 30 years old, Tems revealed that her path to success – marked by over 4.18 billion streams, sold-out world tours, and trailblazing achievements – has been defined not by the pursuit of fame, but by an unwavering commitment to authenticity, comfort, and uplifting others.

Tems, whose soul-stirring voice and genre-defying sound have reshaped Afrobeats and R&B on the world stage, shared poignant reflections on the uncertainties of her 20s and the profound gratitude she feels for surpassing even her wildest aspirations. "I've achieved beyond my dreams," she told CNN, her voice steady with humility. "I left a 9-5 digital marketing job in January 2018 because something inside me said, 'This isn't it.' I independently released 'Mr Rebel' that July, and here we are. Whatever the Lord has in store next, I'm ready – but right now, I'm just grateful for the peace and comfort I've found."

The Lagos-born artist, raised by a single mother alongside her older brother who introduced her to diverse sounds beyond Afrobeats, recalled the early struggles that tested her resolve. "It was really hard to get people to take me seriously – not just as a producer, but as a singer, period," Tems admitted. "I didn't feel safe, I didn't feel seen, and I didn't feel supported for a very long time. Everyone was pushing Afrobeats trends, but I was drawing from so much more – soul, R&B, even the chaos of Lagos traffic that shaped my melodies." Those formative years, she explained, forged her philosophy: "Authenticity is everything to me. That's the one thing I cannot compromise on because that's all I have – who I really am."

Tems' breakthrough came in 2020 with her feature on Wizkid's "Essence," which soared to the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 after a remix with Justin Bieber – making it the first Nigerian song to achieve the feat. The track's infectious blend of vulnerability and vibe catapulted her to international acclaim, earning collaborations with icons like Drake, Future, Rihanna, and Beyoncé. Her 2023 GRAMMY win for Best Melodic Rap Performance on Future's "Wait For U" (feat. Drake) made history as the first for a female Afrobeats artist, while her 2025 triumph in the newly introduced Best African Music Performance category for "Love Me JeJe" solidified her as a cultural force. The single, a euphoric anthem of self-love drawn from personal heartbreak, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 – a first for any African artist.

Reflecting on her debut album Born in the Wild (2024), Tems described it as a "story of survival" and self-embrace. "My 20s were eventful – full of uncertainty, but that's what keeps me growing," she said in a recent Billboard cover story. "I hope it doesn't slow down. I'm making music now that sounds nothing like before – experimental, raw, and free." Highlights include her electrifying performance of "Higher" for Aston Martin's 2025 F1 car unveiling at London's O2 Arena, drawing 15,000 fans, and her Coachella set that trended worldwide. With a net worth estimated at $25 million as of late 2025 – fueled by streaming royalties, tour revenues exceeding $50 million, and endorsement deals with brands like Dior – Tems emphasized that financial success pales in comparison to inner peace. "Fame? It's just a bonus. I want comfort, success, and happiness first. Everything else is the beautiful extra."

In a powerful pivot toward legacy-building, Tems spotlighted her Leading Vibe Initiative, a mentorship platform she founded to empower young African women aged 18-35 in the creative industries. "I've been there – overlooked and unsupported – so now I'm creating spaces where others can thrive without losing themselves," she shared. The program, expanding beyond Nigeria in 2026, offers workshops on production, songwriting, and mental health, with scholarships for emerging talents. "Through Leading Vibe, I'm helping women define success on their own terms. It's not about visibility; it's about stability and confidence."

Fans and industry peers have flooded social media with praise for Tems' maturity and grounded perspective. "Her mindset is everything – prioritizing balance over the fame grind," tweeted one supporter, echoing a sentiment that has sparked global conversations on authenticity in entertainment. As Tems prepares for her 2026 world tour and teases a sophomore album "that sounds like nothing I've done before," she remains the Rebel Gang Leader her followers adore – unapologetically herself, fiercely independent, and eternally grateful.

Ooni of Ife Sounds Alarm on Bandit Incursions into Southwest Nigeria, Vows Unyielding Resistance and Calls for Unity Behind President Tinubu to Safeguard National Stability

 In a resolute declaration that has galvanized traditional leaders, political figures, and citizens across Nigeria, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, has confirmed intelligence reports of bandits and terrorist elements gradually infiltrating the Southwest region, while affirming the area’s ironclad commitment to confront and expel these threats “headlong.” Speaking candidly on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on November 28, 2025, the custodian of the Yoruba throne emphasized that the Southwest – long a bastion of hospitality and cultural harmony – stands ready to defend its sovereignty, drawing on historical precedents of resilience dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Ooni’s remarks, delivered in the wake of a high-stakes meeting between the Southern Governors’ Forum and the Southern Traditional Rulers Council in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, underscore a strategic alliance aimed at fortifying regional defenses against the southward creep of insecurity that has plagued Nigeria’s North for years. Hosted by Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, the gathering – attended by governors, obas, and security experts – focused squarely on intelligence-driven responses to banditry, insurgency, and communal vulnerabilities. Oba Ogunwusi revealed that the forum had resolved to bolster local structures, including community vigilance networks and traditional security apparatuses, to monitor and neutralize incursions before they take root.

“Yes, we have discovered that, and that’s the truth,” the Ooni stated unequivocally when pressed on reports of terrorists and bandits edging into Yoruba territories. “It has happened in the past. In the 18th Century, in the 17th Century; we have actually done that. We’ve never been conquered, and it’s not going to happen again.” He lamented the erosion of Nigeria’s once-seamless inter-regional mobility, recalling an era when “Nigerians travelled freely across regions without fear of banditry,” and warned that the Southwest’s accommodating nature – a melting pot of ethnic groups from across the federation – poses both a strength and a vulnerability in the face of orchestrated threats. “For both the race and our people, there is much danger because we are very accommodating. In any Yoruba setting, you will see people from all ethnic groups in Nigeria within the South West region.”

In a clarion call for national cohesion, Oba Ogunwusi urged all Nigerians to transcend partisan divides and rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in its multifaceted campaign against insecurity. “We need to support him to save Nigeria; it’s very important,” he implored, decrying the politicization of the crisis as a perilous distraction. “You condemn this leader, you condemn that leader… We should not sink the nation because of politics. Nigeria’s interest should be paramount.” The monarch highlighted the administration’s proactive measures, including the rehabilitation of police and NSCDC training colleges, and called for expanded zonal security funds to empower regional initiatives. The Southern Governors’ Forum echoed this sentiment in their communique, passing a resounding vote of confidence in President Tinubu and pledging full collaboration between traditional institutions, state governments, and federal security agencies.

The Ooni’s intervention arrives at a critical juncture, as Nigeria grapples with the southward migration of bandit networks – loosely organized groups estimated at 30,000 strong in the Northwest, blending criminality with jihadist influences from groups like JAS, ISWAP, and Ansaru. Recent incidents, including the November 21, 2025, kidnapping of 38 worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State (who were subsequently released), and targeted attacks in Kwara and Niger States, signal the porous borders’ role as conduits for smuggling and violence. Intelligence from the meeting points to heightened risks in border communities, where Fulani herder-farmer disputes have been exploited by armed gangs for extortion, abductions, and territorial control.

Traditional rulers from the South, including the Ooni, affirmed their role as the “first line of defense,” leveraging centuries-old intelligence networks rooted in Yoruba cosmology and community governance. “The traditional institution would collaborate with political leaders to make Nigeria better for all,” Oba Ogunwusi affirmed, vowing to “drive away bandits, others from S’West.” This unified stance builds on historical Yoruba resistance, from the repelling of 19th-century Fulani jihads to modern civic mobilizations, ensuring that the region’s cultural and economic vibrancy – home to over 40 million people and Nigeria’s industrial heartland – remains unassailable.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, speaking post-meeting, praised the Ooni’s leadership: “His Imperial Majesty’s words are a rallying cry. The Southwest is not just aware; we are action-oriented. With federal support, we’ll turn the tide.” Similarly, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a key attendee, added: “Unity is our shield. The Ooni’s wisdom reminds us that security is a shared patrimony – from Ife to Ibadan, we’ll stand firm.”

Civil society and security analysts have lauded the proactive approach. Dr. Aisha Yusuf, Director of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Ibadan, noted: “The Ooni’s confirmation of these incursions validates grassroots intelligence often overlooked. This partnership between obas and governors could redefine Nigeria’s security architecture.” On social media, #DefendTheSouthWest trended nationwide, with users sharing historical anecdotes of Yoruba valor and pledges of communal vigilance.

As Nigeria marks another year of resilience amid adversity, the Ooni of Ife’s message resonates as both warning and war cry: the Southwest will not yield. Through collective resolve, technological edge, and unyielding tradition, the nation can reclaim its peace – ensuring that no bandit or insurgent disrupts the free flow of its people and prosperity.