Ademola Lookman is set to join Atletico Madrid from Atalanta in a deal worth €40 million ($41.5 million), with the Nigerian international already in Madrid to undergo medical tests and finalize his contract. The 28-year-old forward, who has scored 55 goals in all competitions for Atalanta since joining in 2022, will bolster Diego Simeone's side as they prepare for a two-legged Champions League knockout playoff against Club Brugge.  Lookman, a versatile attacker, has been instrumental in Atalanta's success, including their 2024 Europa League triumph over Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored a hat-trick. He outmaneuvered Turkish giants Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray to secure the move to La Liga.

Ifunanya Nwangene, a talented 26-year-old Nigerian singer, passed away after being bitten by a snake at her Abuja home. She gained fame on The Voice Nigeria in 2021, showcasing her unique blend of jazz, opera, classical music, and soul. Friends and fans are mourning her loss, remembering her as a humble, intelligent, and talented artist.  The snake, identified as a cobra, was removed from her apartment by a handler. Nwangene initially sought help at a nearby clinic but was referred to a hospital due to lack of antivenom. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to severe neurotoxic complications. Her death has sparked concerns about healthcare quality and access to life-saving treatments in Nigeria. Ifunanya Nwangene, a 26-year-old aspiring Nigerian singer and trained architect, passed away after being bitten by a snake at her home in Abuja. She had been planning her first solo concert later this year and was known for her powerful voice, blending jazz, opera, classic...

Senegal Coach Pape Thiaw has rejected fan donations to settle his fine imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the AFCON final fallout. Thiaw was fined $100,000 and banned for five matches for bringing the game into disrepute. The CAF also fined Senegal $615,000 for unsporting conduct by players and technical staff.  Thiaw urged fans to redirect donations to more urgent causes, saying "I humbly ask you not to organize fundraising campaigns in my name". 

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the one and only Chinaza, aka Assent! 🎂 This guy's vibes are everything and more! As you celebrate another year of life, we're wishing you nothing but the best - mad success, love, and non-stop fun! 🎊 You're a rockstar, a legend in the making, and we're honored to call you our own.  May this year bring you breakthroughs, adventures, and unforgettable memories! 🎈 Keep slayin' and stay lit, Assent! 🥳  #HappyBirthdayChinaza #AssentVibes #BirthdayGoals"

Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria's former Minister of Petroleum Resources, allegedly went on extravagant spending sprees at high-end London stores like Harrods, using money from bribes by industry insiders. The court heard that over £2 million was spent at Harrods alone, with purchases including luxury rugs and furniture. Alison-Madueke, who served from 2010 to 2015, denies five counts of accepting bribes and a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery.  Prosecutors claim she was provided with a life of luxury, including multimillion-pound properties, private jet travel, and £100,000 in cash. Her driver recalled collecting her and former President Goodluck Jonathan from the same address, and she had a personal shopper at Harrods, a service reserved for top-tier members who spend over £10,000 annually. The trial, expected to last 12 weeks, continues at Southwark Crown Court in London.

Aston Villa has signed striker Tammy Abraham from Besiktas for £18.25 million.  The 28-year-old England international returns to Villa Park after a successful loan spell in 2018/19, where he scored 26 goals in 40 appearances, helping the club earn promotion to the Premier League.  Abraham has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Villa, who are currently third in the Premier League table, four points behind leaders Arsenal.