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Martinelli’s Late Goal Saves Arsenal in 1-1 Draw With Manchester City
Gabriel Martinelli struck deep into stoppage time to rescue Arsenal with a 1-1 draw against Manchester City in a tense Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Brazilian forward, who came on as a second-half substitute, scored in the 93rd minute after latching onto a pass from Eberechi Eze and chipping the ball past City goalkeeper Ederson. The equalizer came after Arsenal had dominated possession but struggled to find a breakthrough.
City took the lead early when Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the ninth minute. The Norwegian striker pounced on a defensive lapse and calmly slotted home, giving the visitors control in the opening stages.
Despite enjoying 62% of the possession and recording 18 shots, Arsenal failed to capitalize until the closing minutes. Manager Mikel Arteta’s side pushed hard throughout the second half, but Ederson and the City defense held firm until Martinelli’s decisive moment.
The draw means City stay top of the table with 13 points from five matches. Arsenal remain close behind in third place with 11 points. The result keeps both sides unbeaten in the early stages of the season.
Arsenal’s night was dampened by an injury to winger Noni Madueke, who was forced off at halftime with a knee problem. The 22-year-old is set to undergo scans to determine the severity of the issue.
“We showed character and didn’t stop believing,” Arteta said after the game. “Martinelli gave us exactly what we needed at the right moment. Against a team like City, you have to fight for every second.”
City manager Pep Guardiola admitted his side lost control in the later stages. “We had a great start, but Arsenal pressed us very hard,” Guardiola said. “In the end, one small mistake gave them the chance, and they took it.”
The Emirates crowd erupted when Martinelli’s effort hit the back of the net, underlining the importance of the fixture between two title rivals. Arsenal supporters celebrated as though it was a win, while City’s players left the pitch frustrated at dropping two points after leading for most of the match.
The contest reflected the growing rivalry between the clubs, with last season’s title race decided by City’s late surge past Arsenal. Saturday’s game suggested another tight battle may be ahead this season.
Arsenal will face Aston Villa in their next league match, while City host Newcastle United. Both teams will also return to European competition in midweek, with Arsenal in the Champions League and City defending their title.
For Arsenal, the draw may feel like a victory. For City, it was a reminder that even the smallest lapse can change a game at the top level.
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of two medical doctors’ brothers in Auchi, Etsako West LGA.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, Dr. Abu Ibrahim Babatunde and his younger brother, Dr. Tahir Abu Emhoye, were kidnapped on January 2, 2026, around 7:30 p.m. on City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi. While Dr. Tahir, a fresh graduate from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, was killed by the abductors, Dr. Babatunde, a housemanship staff at Edo University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, was released on January 15 after a ₦50 million ransom was paid.
The suspects—Saminu Kawujie, Idris Abubakar, and Sani Abubakar—were apprehended in separate operations. Kawujie was arrested on February 3 at Warrake Forest, Owan East LGA, during a bush-combing operation carried out by police, local hunters, and vigilante groups. Items recovered from him included two knives, two mobile phones, a UBA ATM card, and ₦20,250. Identification parades confirmed him as one of the abductors.
Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar were arrested on February 8 at the Specialist Hospital, Auchi. Both were identified as part of the gang, with Idris specifically linked to receiving the ransom for Dr. Babatunde’s release.
ASP Eno Ikoedem, the police spokesperson, said investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire criminal network responsible for the Auchi kidnappings. Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika assured the public that all kidnapping cases will be pursued to completion, with continued intelligence-led policing and bush-combing operations across the state.
The Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, has been elected Chairman of the Progressive Speakers Conference, a forum of APC House Speakers nationwide.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Dangyatin assumed the position during the conference’s annual congress and executive elections held in Abuja. The body aims to enhance coordination among APC Speakers, promote party ideals, foster unity, and support democracy, peace, and national development.
Other key positions filled include the Ebonyi State Assembly Speaker as Deputy Chairman (South), the Nasarawa State Assembly Speaker as Deputy Chairman (North), and the Ondo State Assembly Speaker as Treasurer. Six zonal vice chairmen were also elected, including Ogun State’s Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide for the South-West zone and Plateau State’s Speaker for the North-Central zone. The new executive members are set to be sworn in on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Jigawa Governor Malam Umar Namadi congratulated Dangyatin, calling the election well deserved and expressing confidence that he would strengthen collaboration among APC members ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Professor Abayomi Fasina has officially stepped down as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking at FUOYE’s 10th Convocation on Saturday, Prof. Fasina highlighted the university’s growth under his leadership, noting that it has become the fourth most sought-after university in Nigeria and has steadily improved in national rankings.
“Our progress is reflected in the 20-point agenda and transformation blueprint we have implemented since I assumed office in 2021,” he said.
He also emphasized the university’s infrastructural development, including what he called the “Blue Roof Revolution,” and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and others for their support during his tenure.
“As a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, you are already part of our success story. I am confident FUOYE will continue to thrive under your leadership,” Fasina added.
A total of 7,684 students graduated at the convocation, including 7,396 undergraduates—with 131 earning First Class honours—and 288 postgraduates.
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