Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer has maintained that the club can continue to enjoy commercial success even without winning major trophies, a position that could further upset supporters unhappy with the team’s recent performances.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The 66-year-old American businessman made the remarks at Deutsche Bank’s inaugural Sports Investment Conference in London, where he discussed the connection between a football club’s performances on the pitch and its financial value.

According to The Athletic, Glazer argued that Manchester United’s commercial strength is not necessarily dependent on winning silverware.

He reportedly cited American sports franchises such as the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys, which have retained their global commercial appeal despite going through lengthy periods without winning major trophies.

Glazer, who has been involved in Manchester United’s ownership since 2003, believes the club can continue generating significant revenue even when its performances on the pitch fail to meet expectations.

His position is similar to comments previously made by former United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, who told investors in May 2018 that the team’s performances had little meaningful impact on the club’s commercial operations.

Despite their recent difficulties, Manchester United remain the third most valuable football club in the world, according to Forbes, behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Glazer’s comments come amid growing frustration among United supporters over the club’s ownership and performances. Fans have repeatedly staged protests against the Glazer family, including during the club’s recent Champions League encounter with Roma.

United ended a nine-match winless run with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over the Italian side. Matias Soule and Donyell Malen had put Roma ahead before Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty and Matheus Cunha scored twice to complete the turnaround.

However, Cunha was sent off during stoppage time and needed an escort off the pitch after the final whistle.

Despite the European victory, Manchester United remain close to the Premier League relegation zone, with only goal difference separating them from the bottom three.

Manager Michael Carrick is under increasing pressure to improve the team’s results, with United scheduled to host Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied reports that the Federal Government reached a ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) or other criminal groups operating across the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The denial follows a report alleging that the Federal Government entered into a secret peace deal with the faction of Boko Haram led by Bakura Doro. The report claimed the alleged agreement was responsible for the relative calm recorded in parts of the North-East over the past three months.

However, speaking during a joint security briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, dismissed the claims, insisting that no ceasefire arrangement existed with the terrorists.

Uba maintained that military operations against insurgents, kidnappers and other armed criminal groups would continue nationwide.

He said, “On the issue of whether there is a ceasefire with Boko Haram, I want to make it clear that there is nothing like a ceasefire.

“Considering the terrorists neutralised, suspects arrested, victims rescued and other successes recorded across our operations, it is clear that we are not relenting.

“We will continue to sustain pressure on these criminal elements.”

The defence spokesman explained that the military’s operations were not limited to Boko Haram and ISWAP but also covered kidnappers and other armed groups threatening the lives and security of Nigerians.

“Our operations are not limited to Boko Haram or ISWAP. They also target kidnappers and other criminal elements who take up arms against innocent citizens,” he stated.

He warned that anyone involved in criminal activities would face lawful military action or be brought before the courts.

“Anyone involved in criminal activities that threaten the lives and security of Nigerians will either be eliminated through lawful military operations or brought to justice,” Uba added.

Addressing reports that insurgents were moving into areas where they had previously been less active, Uba described the development as an indication of the impact of ongoing military operations.

He, however, stressed that the Armed Forces were not taking the situation lightly, adding that efforts were underway to identify locations where the insurgents might have relocated to prevent them from establishing new bases.

“The fact that some of them are leaving their former locations is a testimony to the successes of our operations. However, I assure you that we are not taking the situation lightly,” he said.

Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has argued that despite the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, the cost of living in Nigeria remains lower than in the United States.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Oshiomhole made the assertion on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

The former Edo State governor claimed that ₦2,000 could still buy a meal at a local Nigerian restaurant popularly known as a “mama put”, whereas one dollar would hardly purchase anything in the United States.

He also dismissed opposition claims that Tinubu’s economic policies had worsened the living conditions of Nigerians, arguing that the cost comparison between both countries showed that living expenses remained relatively lower in Nigeria.

According to the lawmaker, the President’s major reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange rates, were difficult but necessary measures to prevent the economy from collapsing.

Oshiomhole said, “In Nigeria, N2,000 can get you something from mama put, but $1-something cannot buy you anything in the US.”

He further explained that before Tinubu assumed office, a significant portion of the country’s revenue was being spent on fuel subsidy payments and debt servicing, leaving limited funds for development projects.

The senator maintained that Tinubu took the decision to remove the subsidy on his first day in office to redirect government resources towards critical sectors such as infrastructure, education and healthcare, as well as the student loan scheme.

He appealed to Nigerians to remain patient with the administration, expressing confidence that the positive effects of the reforms would become more evident over time.