The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

EPL: Newcastle edge Leeds 4-3 in seven-goal thriller

Newcastle United forward Harvey Barnes scored an incredible 102nd-minute winner as his side ended Leeds United’s unbeaten run in an all-time Premier League classic.

It looked like the teams were going to share the spoils after Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes scored a penalty to make it 3-3 in the final minute of normal time at St James’ Park.

But there was still time for one final twist in a topsy-turvy game as Barnes fired home through a crowd of bodies in stoppage time to send the stadium into raptures.

It was an emotional night as Newcastle supporters repeatedly sang the name of club legend Kevin Keegan, who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Keegan is one of the most transformational figures in the club’s history, who left his mark as a player and manager, not least as the mastermind behind the Entertainers, who challenged for the Premier League title in 1996.

Read Also: EPL: Man Utd draw 2-2 with Burnley as Sesko shines with double

So it was rather fitting that this breathless game was packed with goals, drama and some cavalier defending after Leeds eventually broke the deadlock following an error from Malick Thiaw.

Thiaw slipped under pressure from Dominic Calvert-Lewin deep in Newcastle’s half and the Leeds forward threaded the ball through to Brenden Aaronson, who clinically picked out the bottom corner from outside the box in the 32nd minute.

The goal served as a jolt for sleepy Newcastle, and the hosts quickly drew level thanks to a sidefooted finish from Barnes after Nick Woltemade deftly laid the ball off to his team-mate inside the box.

But Leeds were gifted the chance to restore their lead in first-half stoppage time after the tormented Thiaw handled the ball inside the area in a tussle with Calvert-Lewin.

Calvert-Lewin coolly sent goalkeeper Nick Pope the wrong way to put the visitors back in front with his ninth goal of an impressive season.

But Newcastle came roaring back after the break and Joelinton headed his side level following a clever assist from captain Guimaraes with the outside of his boot.

Aaronson then put Leeds back ahead once again in the 79th minute with an angled finish after Ilia Gruev pounced on a misplaced pass from Yoane Wissa to set up his team-mate.

But there was still time for Guimaraes to score a penalty before Barnes struck to send Newcastle up to sixth, while Leeds remain in 16th.

BBC

January 7, 2026
EPL: Man Utd draw 2-2 with Burnley as Sesko shines with double

Manchester United were denied victory in their first game since the sacking of head coach Ruben Amorim as relegation-threatened Burnley fought back to claim only their third point in 12 games.

The visitors were on track to claim a comeback victory when striker Benjamin Sesko doubled his tally for the season with two goals in a 10-minute spell at the start of the second half – both thanks to precise first-time finishes.

Ayden Heaven’s own goal had put Burnley in front at the break, and just as it looked as though they were heading for yet another defeat after Sesko’s goals, Jaidon Anthony equalised.

Read Also: EPL: Haaland nets 150th goal as Man City draw 1-1 with Brighton

That made it a frustrating night for interim United boss Darren Fletcher, who ditched Amorim’s formation – including three central defenders and wing-backs – and saw his side carve out numerous chances.

Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu both had goalbound efforts cleared off the line, Lisandro Martinez had a goal disallowed for a debatable push on ex-Manchester City defender Kyle Walker, Sesko wasted a couple of chances to complete his hat-trick, and teenage substitute Shea Lacey curled a superb effort against the bar.

The visiting fans had made their feelings known about the club’s hierarchy before the game when they raised a banner bearing a message condemning minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. They also sang a vicious song about co-chairman Joel Glazer.

However, they also sang loudly in support of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick – the two frontrunners to take over as caretaker boss until the end of the season.

BBC

January 7, 2026
Defections: I’ll laugh last, says Kwankwaso

Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has boasted he will laugh at last in the ensuing defection crisis between him and Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Yusuf, who was elected on the platform of Kwankwaso’s NNPP, has decided to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

But Kwankwaso, an ex- Governor of the state, has disapproved the move, insisting that the Governor should relinquish his position if he must defect.

The disagreement between the two gladiators has polarised the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement –the umbrella body of all NNPP members in the country.

As the crack deepens in the NNPP, Kwankwaso, in a viral video, called on his loyalists to engage in massive mobilisation of people from all nooks and cranny of Kano State to join the Movement.

Kwankwaso, who has reportedly opened a loyalty register, stated this while addressing visiting support groups from various local government areas still loyal to the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

Read Also: Why I carried out labour reforms – Obasanjo

While urging supporters to go back to the grassroots and mobilise people, Kwankwaso noted: “This is the most important thing before you as some people are defecting.”

Kwankwaso, who is being speculated to be interested in joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC), lamented that some people were mocking him and calling him a dying politician, citing the current gale of defections.

He however, assured his followers that he would laugh at last.

He said: “As leaders and representatives of the people, when you go back home, ensure you meet with our supporters and let them know what is before us.

“I have heard some people mocking at me, calling me a child in politics. I want to assure them that they will see the work of the child soon when the time comes.

“We have so far received about 21 organisations from across the state and there are others that are going to join us soon. Therefore, you go back home and receive them.”

Governor Yusuf, who insists defection is his political right based on consultation with the electorate and party stakeholders, returned to the state after his birthday celebration in Abuja, to formally register and obtain his APC membership card.

Before then, Yusuf will meet with the power bloc of the Kano chapter of the party, led by immediate past Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, it was learnt.

Already, Ganduje has sent an official invite to Yusuf, assuring him of maximum cooperation.

January 12 has been fixed for the much talked-about defection ceremony -a strategic decision expected to strengthen the APC’s position while weakening the NNPP in Kano State and striping it of its only governorship seat and potentially reducing its influence and viability as a national party ahead of 2027 general polls.

January 7, 2026
Tinubu celebrates Issa Aremu at 65

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Comrade Issa Obalowu Aremu, Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), on his 65th birthday, describing him as a distinguished labour leader and a steadfast advocate of good governance, peace and justice.

In a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu hailed Aremu’s four decades of activism in defence of workers’ rights, noting his enduring commitment to democracy and sustainable national industrial development.

Read Also: Why I carried out labour reforms – Obasanjo

The President recalled Aremu’s long service within the labour movement, including his tenure as General Secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) and role as an executive member of the Nigeria Labour Congress from 2008 to 2020.

Tinubu joined the Aremu family, friends and the broader labour community in celebrating the milestone, commending the former journalist for what he described as courageous and principled leadership in championing the rights of workers and other Nigerians.

He also praised Aremu as a prolific writer and author, thanking him for his continued support, and prayed that the new chapter of his life would bring “good tidings, sound health and strength” as he continues to serve the nation.

January 7, 2026
EPL: Haaland nets 150th goal as Man City draw 1-1 with Brighton

Erling Haaland returned to scoring form with his 150th Manchester City goal – but his side’s Premier League title challenge is falling apart, with Brighton holding them to a third consecutive draw.

Pep Guardiola’s men have endured an underwhelming start to the year, with poor results and injuries to key players handing the initiative to Arsenal, who could go eight points clear at the top if they beat Liverpool on Thursday.

Brighton were looking to capitalise on City’s makeshift backline and Pascal Gross found room to thump a header at goal which was clawed out by Gianluigi Donnarumma, with the German unable to convert the follow-up.

Georginio Rutter then released Ferdi Kadioglu with a pass from the halfway line, but the Turkey international could only shoot straight at the towering Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma.

The Seagulls were exploiting gaps in the opposition defence – Rutter ran clear himself to bear down on goal but was denied by Abdukodir Khusanov’s brilliant, last-ditch challenge.

Read Also: EPL: Wilson stuns Chelsea as Fulham claim 2-1 win under Rosenior

But Brighton failed the most of their chances and paid for that as City took a 41st-minute lead.

Star man Haaland converted a penalty, and scored the Premier League 35,000th goal since its 1992 inception, after Jeremy Doku was brought down in the box by Diego Gomez – the referee only awarding the spot-kick after reviewing it on the pitchside monitor.

Captain Bernardo Silva clipped the post in the second half as the hosts looked to stretch their lead, but Fabian Hurzeler’s men hit back through Kaoru Mitoma’s lovely finish from the edge of the area.

Gomez incredibly missed when picked out by Mitoma a couple of yards from goal, and both sides had to settle for a point.

BBC

January 7, 2026
EPL: Wilson stuns Chelsea as Fulham claim 2-1 win under Rosenior

New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior watched from the stands as Harry Wilson’s strike condemned his team to defeat against west London rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Rosenior was not appointed in time to take charge but took a watching brief and may have feared the worst when Marc Cucurella was sent off early on.

Chelsea fell behind to Raul Jimenez’s header after 55 minutes, but Rory Delap levelled after the ball rebounded off the post from a corner routine.

With nine minutes remaining, Wilson beat Jorrel Hato with a smart touch just inside the penalty area before half-volleying the ball into the left corner beyond Robert Sanchez.

Read Also: EPL: Bournemouth beat Tottenham 3-2 with Semenyo’s last-minute strike

However, under caretaker manager Calum McFarlane, Chelsea had been left with a mountain to climb from the 22nd minute when Cucurella pulled down Wilson and was shown the red card for a professional foul.

It was Chelsea’s eighth dismissal of the season, including one for former boss Enzo Maresca who was deemed to be over-celebrating in October after a last-minute winner against Liverpool.

There was anger in the away end, with a ‘BlueCo out’ banner displayed and chants against the ownership as they watched on alongside their new appointment Rosenior.

Defeat means Chelsea fall to seventh place in the Premier League, below Brentford, while Fulham join them on 31 points from 21 games.

BBC

January 7, 2026
EPL: Bournemouth beat Tottenham 3-2 with Semenyo’s last-minute strike

Antoine Semenyo struck a stunning late winner in what is likely his final game for Bournemouth as they beat Tottenham in dramatic fashion at Vitality Stadium.

With the game finely poised at 2-2, Semenyo, who is expected to join Manchester City this week, struck from outside the box to beat Djordje Petrovic and end the Cherries’ 11-game winless run in style.

Mathys Tel had struck inside five minutes to give Spurs the perfect start.

Picking up a backheel pass from the returning Xavi Simons near the left touchline, the French winger drove past James Hill into the box and neatly finished low past Petrovic into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.

But their lead only lasted 17 minutes as Evanilson headed home from a Marcus Tavernier cross to lift the mood at the Vitality.

Read Also: AFCON 2025: CBN handling direct payment of Super Eagles’ allowances-NFF

Bournemouth turned the game on its head when Tavernier was afforded space again on the right to cross and Marcos Senesi cut the ball back for Eli Junior Kroupi to score his seventh goal of the season in the 36th minute.

Second-half substitute Richarlison saw his header strike the woodwork following a corner, before referee Darren England pointed to the penalty spot after Micky van de Ven’s marauding run from his own half.

However, the decision was overturned after a video assistant referee (VAR) intervention, with Hill’s contact on the Spurs centre-back deemed not enough to warrant a spot-kick.

The visitors then found the leveller in the 78th minute when Senesi’s defensive header from a corner fell to Palhinha to produce a stunning overhead kick past Petrovic.

But Semenyo had the final say in his farewell game with an emotional winner in the 95th minute.

Bournemouth have 27 points after 21 games following their sixth win of the season and are only one point behind Spurs.

BBC

January 7, 2026
Police recover remains of forest guards in Oyo, deploy intelligence, tactical teams

Oyo State Police Command has recovered the remains of five Forest Rangers killed at the National Park Service Office, Oloka, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The remains, according to the Command’s Spokesman, Ayanlade Olayinka, were recovered on Wednesday while the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP Femi Haruna led other security chiefs for an on-the spot assessment of the scene.

The CP, it was gathered, was accompanied by heads of sister security agencies and the Commandant of the National Forest Rangers.

The police also said tactical teams including Mobile Police Force officer of the NPF and EOD have been deployed to the affected area, on the orders of the CP to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Painting a picture of how the crime was committed, Olayinka said preliminary reports indicate that the attackers, numbering about 12, emerged from adjoining bushes, opened sporadic gunfire on the Rangers’ Office and fled the scene.

He said investigation had commenced and credible evidence already yielding promising leads to aid the identification, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible.

The Nation reports that suspected gunmen attacked the facility on Tuesday, leaving five officers dead.

Olayinka said contrary to some media reports, the attack was solely directed at the National Forest Rangers’ Office but the swift, proactive deployment of police personnel prevented any further escalation in the surrounding community.

Read Also: Court okays interim forfeiture of N213.2b 57 assets by Malami, sons

He also pointed out that the site has been forensically swept to collect all available evidence.

He said during the visit of the CP to assess the security situation of the facility, he also held an interactive session with community leaders of Oloka Community, where he expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives and reassured them of the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

He noted that immediately upon receiving information about the attack, the CP deployed all available operatives and operational assets to the area, preventing further attack by the assailants and averting a potential breakdown of law and order.

January 7, 2026
Why I carried out labour reforms – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday explained why he decided to reform the labour movement during his tenure as a military Head of State.

Obasanjo said he wanted to ensure an independent and nationally controlled workers’ union.

The former President spoke Obasanjo in Abuja at the 85th birthday celebration and book presentation in honour of former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Hassan Summonu.

He claimed that prior to the reforms the Soviet-KGB and the CIA were funding the two labour groups in the country.

He said this prompted him to initiate reforms aimed at establishing a single Nigerian labour movement that would be organised, funded, and controlled internally.

“I have a few stories to tell about him, which I believe I should tell, because I may not have any other occasion to tell it.

“Hassan, do you remember, when Goodluck was leading one of the two major labour unions? These two labour organisations are Nigerian labour organisations, but they were not being financed or funded by Nigeria. I don’t know if you know that, but that was the reality. One was being financed by KGB. That is the truth. And the other one was being financed by CIA. I think Hassan belonged to the one being financed by KGB.

“And then I came on the scene. I needed for Nigeria, a Nigerian labour union, organised by Nigeria, controlled by Nigeria, financed by Nigeria. So I decided there was going to be a labour union reform. And I think the man I put in charge is Justice Adebiyi.”

Read Also: Court okays interim forfeiture of N213.2b 57 assets by Malami, sons

He said Justice Adebiyi was appointed to lead the reform process, which ultimately resulted in the establishment of the Nigeria Labour Congress as the unified national labour body with Summonu emerging as its first elected leader.

“And Hassan was one of those who was in the forefront to ask, what do I know about labour that I’m asking for reform? What is my business? And of course, I don’t know anything about labour, but I know that I wanted a Nigerian labour organisation organised by Nigeria, headed by Nigeria, and funded by Nigeria.

“And Justice Adebiyi finished his job and we reformed the labour without government’s hand, they elected their leader. And Hassan became the first leader they elected. I don’t know how Hassan felt at that time but I felt comfortable,” Obasanjo said.

The former President said the reforms ensured an improvement in Labour and government relations.

He praised Summonu for strengthening labour leadership in Nigeria and expanding its influence across Africa and globally.

The former President also revealed that he wrote the foreword to Summonu’s new book, in which he highlighted the labour leader’s contributions to national development.

Former NLC President Senator Adams Oshiomhole urged labour leaders to actively challenge policies they consider unjust rather than merely complain.

Oshiomhole who was reacting to Joe Ajaero said “I listened to the NLC president, Ajaero now, I’m sorry Ajaero, you were agonising. You were agonising that minimum wage workers are asked to pay taxes. You think if you are crying for here till tomorrow will stop? You can find out who made the law, who is wicked, who is kind, who is generous. But the lesson from Summonu is, if it is wrong, fight it. If you know it is wrong, fight it, don’t admit it.

“I was not taught to lament. On the floor of the Senate, I always say I didn’t go there to lament imperfection. And I believe so.

“Because what the people need is not our tears, is not emotional suffering. Those who do bad things, don’t do it out of ignorance. And those who enjoy a particular order, won’t give up. You have to fight them to give up.

“The other thing you taught us, sir, was that we work better when we stand side by side with the progressive segment of civil society. The other, which I did say, and I am happy that we were here, that we were charged in Abuja because he joined us to organise the fight.”

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, called for the review of new tax law.

Ajaero’s argued that since workers’ were not included in the process, it cannot protect its interest.

The Labour leader also urged the government to fully constitute the PENCOM Board and engage labour unions more on policies affecting workers.

January 7, 2026
Ibadan indigenes in UK launch books

The Oluyole Progressive Union, United Kingdom chapter, has launched two new books during it’s 2025 end-of-year gathering in London.

The union reaffirmed commitment towards preservation of Ibadan history, culture and collective progress.

The books, “Giant Strides” and “Ibadan Hegemony”, authored by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, were unveiled at a well-attended ceremony at the Denmark Hill Community Hall, Camberwell, London.

The event attracted Ibadan indigenes, traditional leaders and professionals in the diaspora.

President of the Union, Alhaji Akeem Akinborode, described the book launch as significant contribution to the documentation and promotion of Ibadan’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

He said the union deliberately aligned the launch with its annual celebration to show the importance of intellectual engagement and cultural consciousness among Ibadan sons and daughters abroad.

Read Also: Court okays interim forfeiture of N213.2b 57 assets by Malami, sons

According to Akinborode, the Oluyole Progressive Union exists not only as a social platform but also as a vehicle for unity, identity and development among Ibadan indigenes in the diaspora, while maintaining strong ties with the homeland.

Chief Launcher of the books, Alhaji Sulaiman Ajayi, commended the author for chronicling Ibadan’s leadership evolution and influence, noting that such works would serve as reference materials for future generations.

The event, which also doubled as the union’s end-of-year party, featured cultural displays, networking, donations and a raffle draw, reflecting the communal spirit that defines Ibadan people.

Founded in 2000 and affiliated with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the Oluyole Progressive Union has continued to promote the welfare of Ibadan indigenes at home and in the diaspora.

The association is also known for its humanitarian interventions, including regular donations to Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Ibadan.

January 7, 2026