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Rooney Backs VAR After West Ham Goal Ruled Out In Arsenal Win.

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Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has backed the decision to disallow West Ham United’s stoppage-time equaliser against Arsenal, saying match officials handled the situation correctly in a key Premier League clash.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

West Ham thought they had earned a dramatic late point when Callum Wilson found the net in added time. The goal would have dented Arsenal’s title push and boosted West Ham’s survival hopes.

However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out due to a foul by Pablo Fornals on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

Arsenal went on to secure a narrow 1-0 victory, extending their lead at the top of the table to five points over Manchester City, while West Ham stayed in 18th position, just behind Tottenham Hotspur.

Reacting on The Wayne Rooney Show, as reported by BBC Sport, Rooney said he agreed with the decision despite the controversy surrounding it.

He explained that the contact on the goalkeeper was clear and had a direct impact on the play.

“It’s a clear foul. You’re going to obviously get a lot of people saying they think it should have stood because it’s controversial… but I think it’s the right decision,” he said.

Rooney added that the arm across Raya’s face clearly affected his ability to contest the ball.

He also praised VAR for intervening in such a high-stakes moment, calling it an example of the system working properly in a major match.

“It’s the one time I actually think VAR has done a really good job in such an important game,” he noted.

The former striker also commented on what he sees as long-standing protection given to goalkeepers by referees.

He said he has often been frustrated during his playing days by how easily fouls are awarded in their favour.

Rooney argued that goalkeepers benefit from physical advantages in aerial duels and are often awarded free-kicks even in minimal contact situations, making the rules difficult for attackers.

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2027 Election: Sowore’s AAC Writes Tinubu, Demands Aso Rock Venue, Food, Drinks.

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The African Action Congress (AAC) has written to President Bola Tinubu, requesting permission to use the Presidential Villa in Abuja for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The party has also asked the Presidency to provide food, drinks and other logistical support for participants at the ceremony scheduled for November 11, 2026.

The requests were contained in a letter dated October 21, 2026, and signed by the AAC National Secretary, Oshiokhai Ikpeminioghena, Naija News reports.

In the letter addressed to Tinubu, the party explained that the proposed event was part of its preparations for the 2027 general elections.

“On behalf of the African Action Congress (AAC), I respectfully write to request approval to hold the inauguration ceremony of our Presidential Campaign Council on the 11th of November 2026 at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja, in preparation for the 2027 general elections,” the letter stated.

The party said its request was motivated by the need to promote multiparty democracy, political inclusion and equal treatment of political parties.

It also called on the Presidency to provide refreshments and other logistical assistance, citing arrangements it claimed had reportedly been extended to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during a similar political engagement.

“In the spirit of multiparty democracy, political inclusiveness, and equal treatment of political parties, we also request the provision of food, drinks, and other logistical support for participants at the event, consistent with the arrangements reportedly extended to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for a similar political engagement,” the party said.

The AAC maintained that approving its requests would demonstrate the Presidency’s commitment to fairness and equal treatment of political parties, irrespective of their affiliation with the ruling party or the opposition.

“We believe that granting this request would demonstrate the Presidency’s commitment to fairness, equal access, and the principle that public institutions must serve all Nigerians without partisan discrimination,” the letter added.

The party further expressed hope that Tinubu would approve its requests and asked the Presidency to communicate the relevant procedures and conditions for securing authorisation.

“We look forward to your favourable consideration of this request and would appreciate information on the applicable procedures and conditions for its approval,” the letter stated.

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Breaking: Military Pension Board Chairman Sacked After Dramatic Clash With Retired Officers

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The Chairman of the Military Pension Board, Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, has reportedly been removed from his position following a dispute between the board’s management and retired military officers over pension payments.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The development came barely a week after retired military personnel staged a protest over alleged errors in the calculation of their pensions and other entitlements, Naija News reports.

According to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Daily Trust, the incident was considered an embarrassment to the military high command and President Bola Tinubu, who serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The disagreement reportedly escalated last Tuesday when a meeting between the board’s management and the retired officers ended in a heated exchange, with both sides failing to reach an agreement.

The meeting followed a protest by the veterans, who blocked the main entrance to the board’s headquarters to express their dissatisfaction with what they described as incorrect calculations of their pension payments and other benefits.

Led by retired Lieutenant-Colonel Innocent Azubuike, the protesters reportedly arrived at the headquarters around 8:30 a.m. and appealed to President Tinubu to intervene in the matter.

They accused the board of introducing unnecessary disparities in pension structures and payment arrangements, insisting that their grievances required urgent attention.

However, subsequent efforts to resolve the disagreement reportedly yielded no positive results.

A source quoted by the newspaper said the incident had also placed the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), and the Chief of Defence Staff in an embarrassing position.

Further findings on Wednesday indicated that Abdulraheem had been directed to step aside and hand over responsibilities to another officer who would take charge of the board.

A senior military officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, reportedly disclosed that the handover was expected to take place on Wednesday.

The source attributed the decision to the controversy surrounding the veterans’ protest.

“That last week protest by the veterans really embarrassed the Presidency and the military. I think that is the reason the Chairman is being asked to step aside,” the source said.

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Breaking: Oyebanji Appoints Four New Aides In Fresh Government Shake-Up.

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Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has appointed four officials to key positions covering power infrastructure, road development, airport affairs and transportation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The appointments were announced in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday evening by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode.

The development came hours after Oyebanji swore in the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, and the Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo, for another term in office.

Those appointed include Philip Atere, who will serve as Technical Adviser on Power Infrastructure, and Tope Fatukasi, appointed Technical Adviser on Road Infrastructure.

The governor also named retired Air Vice Marshal Sunday Makinde as Technical Adviser on Airport Matters, while Tajudeen Alingbolu was appointed Director-General of the Ekiti State Transport Agency.

According to the state government, the appointments take immediate effect and are aimed at strengthening the administration’s efforts to improve critical sectors of the state’s economy.

Meanwhile, during the swearing-in ceremony for Adubiaro and Adebayo, Oyebanji urged both officials to draw on the experience they gained during his first administration as they resume their responsibilities.

The governor stressed that his second term would demand greater commitment, discipline and accountability from public officials.

He also warned that he would not tolerate poor performance, urging members of his administration to demonstrate dedication to delivering on the government’s promises.

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