Daily Headlines from Leading Nigerian Newspapers, August 5, 2025 (Tuesday)
Article Title: Multiple Developments Across Sports, Politics, and Economy in Nigeria
In a series of recent developments, various sectors in Nigeria have seen significant changes.
Football Transfer Saga
Ademola Lookman, the English-Nigerian forward currently playing for Atalanta, has submitted a transfer request to the club, following a rejected bid from Inter Milan, believed to be worth €42 million plus €3 million in add-ons. Lookman's future at Atalanta was already in question, as the club had previously stated that they would allow him to leave if a top club outside Italy sought his signature.
Chelsea Squad Changes
Chelsea have left Raheem Sterling out of their official 31-man first-team squad for the 2025/2026 Premier League season, signalling the club's intention to sell the winger this summer.
Honours for D'Tigress
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on members of Nigeria's women's basketball team, D'Tigress, following their victory at the 2025 FIBA Women's Afrobasket Championship. Each player on the championship-winning team received a cash reward of $100,000 from President Tinubu, and the technical crew received $50,000 each in recognition of their role in the team's success.
Political Developments
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that President Bola Tinubu does not want to extend the emergency rule in Rivers State. Meanwhile, there are allegations that some political actors are lobbying former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Economic Challenges
The ongoing fuel crisis in Nigeria continues to escalate, with motorists in Abuja, Kogi, and Nasarawa states now paying ₦955 per litre for petrol, reflecting a ₦65 increment. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to ₦955 per litre across its retail outlets. This significant hike in fuel prices is attributed to factors such as currency exchange rates, crude oil price fluctuations, pricing issues related to the Dangote Refinery, and increases in depot ex-depot prices.
Protests and Frustration
Retired military personnel have blocked the main entrance of the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, protesting the non-payment of their statutory entitlements, including outstanding gratuities, Security Debarment Allowance (SDA), and parking allowances. Retired Corporal Umar Faruq expressed frustration over the "deliberate neglect" by authorities regarding the retirement benefits of military retirees.
Personal Matters
Uriel Oputa has expressed her intention to keep her relationship private, citing the drama and stress that usually follows public displays of love. Iyabo Ojo has defended her actions against Naira Marley and Sam Larry's alleged involvement in the late singer Mohbad's death, citing disturbing videos and online reports that emerged after Mohbad's passing. Iyabo Ojo also described Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan) as a hypocrite and advised Nigerians to stop taking him seriously.
Royal Nomination
The Olubadan-in-Council has nominated former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The nomination was made during a meeting held at the Oke-Aremo palace of the Olubadan, and all members of the Olubadan-in-Council have signed off on Ladoja's nomination.
Departures from Chelsea
Three of the excluded players from Chelsea's squad list, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Carney Chukwuemeka, are set to leave Stamford Bridge on permanent transfers.
[1] Nigeria fuel price nears N1,000 per litre
[2] Fuel price hits N971 per litre in Abuja, Nasarawa, Kogi
[3] Dangote Refinery resumes fuel sales after suspension, increases ex-depot price to N850 per litre
[4] NNPC increases petrol price to N955 per litre across retail outlets
[5] Some depot operators maintain stable fuel prices amid Dangote Refinery increase
[6] President Tinubu unveils plans for sports-betting regulation in Nigeria
[7] Senate convenes emergency session to discuss rising fuel prices and inflation
[8] Police arrest casino-and-gambling operators in Kano following reports of illegal activities
[9] Nollywood leads call for increased investment in entertainment and creative industries
[10] New Presidential Advisory Committee on Creative Arts and Entertainment (PACE) established
[11] Strike action looms as university lecturers consider industrial action over funding concerns
[12] Leicester City reportedly eye Nigerian player, Kingsley Michael, from Minerva SFC in retail-pro league
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