Arise News Political Editor, Sumner Sambo, has predicted that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, will seek a second term if he wins the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Sambo made the prediction during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday.

The journalist dismissed claims by some political figures that Obi would serve only one term in office before handing over power to another person.

“Nothing will stop Peter Obi from seeking a second term if he wins. He will betray a one-term pact,” Sambo said.

He argued that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees Obi the right to seek re-election if elected president, adding that no informal agreement could prevent him from exercising that constitutional right.

Sambo further maintained that politicians who secure the presidency generally seek a second term, insisting that Obi would be no exception.

In a related development, former Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has expressed doubts about the willingness of voters in Northern Nigeria to support a presidential ticket featuring Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Baba-Ahmed also cautioned Obi’s supporters, popularly known as Obidients, against attacking him over his position.

The economist made the remarks during an interview with Symfoni TV, explaining that his assessment was informed by his personal experience as Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election.

“First, these people (Obidients) are always eager to attack. I said it is very unlikely that the North will support Peter Obi, very unlikely because I know what I have faced,” he said.

Chijioke Mbaoma gave Rivers United the lead in the 17th minute at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium after taking advantage of a defensive mistake. However, Rangers drew level eight minutes into the second half through Godwin Obaje.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Both sides pressed for a decisive goal but were unable to find the breakthrough, settling for a share of the points.

Speaking after the encounter, Rivers United head coach Finidi George accused Rangers players of deliberately disrupting the flow of the game, particularly towards the closing stages.

“They got a draw, and they should not complain,” Finidi said.

“You saw the way the players were falling as if they were not fit, but I wasn’t pleased with their time-wasting tactics.”

The draw left Rivers United and Enugu Rangers level on points at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings, with the Port Harcourt-based side maintaining first place on goal difference.

Meanwhile, Kano Pillars head coach Daniel Ogunmodede praised his players after they secured a 2-0 victory over Nasarawa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

Ibrahim Yahaya opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Fabian Nworie added a second in the 65th minute to seal maximum points for the hosts.

The victory extended Kano Pillars’ unbeaten run to three matches and moved them to fourth position with 18 points.

Ogunmodede acknowledged the pressure that comes with playing before the club’s demanding supporters but said their high expectations could serve as motivation for the team.

“Most of the time we play with so much pressure here. Obviously we want to win; our fans want us to win every game. We know what it means when we are leading 2-0, and they still want more. But for me that is the kind of hunger I want from the spectators, from the players. The good thing is that we are adapting gradually to it,” he said.

The coach also attributed the victory to his tactical adjustments, explaining that his decision to use inverted wing-backs during the opening 20 minutes unsettled Nasarawa United’s full-backs and opened up spaces in central areas.

After the break, Pillars altered their approach and focused on exploiting the wide areas. The adjustment created several scoring opportunities, although they failed to increase their advantage.

Ogunmodede described the win as significant for the club’s position on the league table, the players’ confidence and the satisfaction of supporters. He also expressed satisfaction with the team’s clean sheet.

In another Matchday 11 encounter, Katsina United technical adviser Azeez Audu Mohammed praised his players following their 2-1 victory over Sporting Lagos at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

Luis Dadong scored twice in the 10th and 28th minutes to put the Chanji Boys 2-0 ahead before Aliyu Baba pulled one back for Sporting Lagos in the 65th minute.

Katsina United, however, held on to secure all three points.

Mohammed said defeating a strong opponent was more important than keeping a clean sheet, highlighting Sporting Lagos’ impressive away record.

“It’s not about a clean sheet. The important thing is that we won against a quality side. In 11 matches, they picked up 10 points away from home, so it’s not a small feat for us to beat them,” he told the NPFL media.

The coach also praised his players for executing their instructions but admitted that the team’s defensive organisation declined in the second half.

“I think my boys did well, aside from conceding. We will continue working hard until we get it right,” he said.

“I think we didn’t defend well in the second half. We are going to talk to the defenders on how to do things right. Overall, they did well and played according to instructions because we faced a very good team. The plan was to stop them from playing, which we did.”

Katsina United will next travel to Ozoro to take on Warri Wolves as they seek to build on their Matchday 11 victory.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has vowed to advise his players to go to ground in future after his side were denied a penalty during their defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, November 1.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The controversial incident occurred in the first half, with Liverpool trailing 1-0 following Kai Havertz’s opening goal.

Alexander Isak appeared to have his shirt pulled by Jurrien Timber as he attempted to connect with a header from Bradley Barcola’s cross.

However, the striker remained on his feet, prompting referee Andy Madley to allow play to continue. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Stuart Attwell subsequently reviewed the incident but upheld the on-field decision, ruling that there was insufficient contact to overturn the referee’s call.

Iraola disagreed with the decision, arguing that Timber’s shirt pull prevented Isak from reaching the ball.

Speaking to Match of the Day, the Spanish manager said: “There is a clear grab of the shirt. Alex [Isak] was just in front of him; he was going to head in front of the goal but couldn’t because he grabbed the shirt.

“If he goes to the floor, they call the penalty 100%. It should be like this, but it is what it is. Next time, the managers should tell Alex to go to the floor, otherwise they won’t call it.”

The Liverpool boss later reiterated his position during an interview with Sky Sports. Asked whether he would instruct Isak to go down in similar situations, Iraola responded: “Yes, definitely.”

He maintained the same stance during his post-match press conference, questioning the consistency of refereeing decisions and arguing that players who try to remain on their feet risk being denied penalties.

“It’s a shame you ask me this question, but honestly, yes, we have to tell them to go down, because they’re not going to call it otherwise. And then referees complain why they go down. Because if you don’t go down, you don’t call it. Then it’s like, no, you are all the time going down,” he said.

“But I think Alex is honest. He tries to go for the ball; everyone can see live straight away that there is a clear, clear pull.”

Iraola also suggested that an apology from Pro Ref, the Premier League’s refereeing body, would do little to address the situation.

Liverpool had another penalty appeal turned down during the match after Cody Gakpo went to ground inside the penalty area under pressure from Christos Tzolis.