UCL: Salah in Tears as Liverpool Fall to PSG in Penalty Shootout

Liverpool’s Champions League journey ended in heartbreak as Paris Saint-Germain won 4-1 on penalties after a tense 1-1 aggregate draw at Anfield.  

Ousmane Dembélé made the most of a defensive mistake in the 12th minute, firing PSG level on aggregate and silencing the home crowd.  

Both teams created chances throughout the match, but poor finishing and solid goalkeeping kept the score level. Despite Liverpool’s late push, they couldn’t find a breakthrough, sending the match into a penalty shootout.  

Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones missed their penalties, while PSG confidently converted all four of theirs, sealing their spot in the quarter-finals.

As the final whistle blew, Mohamed Salah was overcome with emotion, unable to hold back tears as Liverpool’s treble hopes were shattered in front of their home fans.

Bayer Leverkusen Crash Out of Champions League in 5-0 Aggregate Loss to Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich have secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a dominant 5-0 aggregate win over Bayer Leverkusen, finishing the job with a 2-0 victory in the second leg at the BayArena.  

Leverkusen, missing key playmaker Florian Wirtz, struggled to create chances despite showing more energy than in the first leg. They stayed organized defensively early on, but as halftime neared, their hopes of a comeback faded.  

The second half started badly for Xabi Alonso’s side as Harry Kane took advantage of a defensive mistake to score from a set-piece.  

With the tie already decided, Leverkusen tried to respond, but Alphonso Davies put the game to bed with a well-executed team goal, exposing their defensive weaknesses once more.  

Over both legs, Leverkusen’s struggles were clear, with most of Bayern’s goals coming from costly errors.

Barcelona Cruise Past Benfica to Reach Champions League Quarter-Finals

 

Barcelona have secured their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 4-1 aggregate victory over Benfica after a dominant display at the Estadi Olímpic.  

Raphinha, who scored in the first leg, put Barcelona ahead in the 11th minute, finishing off a great pass from Lamine Yamal.  

Benfica responded quickly as Nicolás Otamendi equalized just two minutes later, giving the visitors a brief moment of hope.  

However, Barcelona regained control when Yamal, showing his incredible talent, beat two defenders and curled a stunning shot into the far corner.

Raphinha added his second goal just before halftime, capitalizing on Alejandro Balde’s fast run. VAR initially ruled the goal offside but later overturned the decision.  

With a comfortable 3-1 lead on the night, Barcelona controlled the second half without much trouble, sealing their place in the next round.  

Hansi Flick’s side now awaits their quarter-final opponent, which will be either Lille or Borussia Dortmund, who face off in their second leg on Wednesday.

Over 7 Million Small Businesses Closed in Two Years – NESG

 The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has reported that nearly 30% of small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria shut down between 2023 and 2024 due to tough economic conditions.

This means about 7.2 million businesses out of the 24 million registered MSMEs in the country stopped operations within two years.

NESG’s Chief Economist and Director of Research, Dr. Segun Omisakin, shared this during the launch of the 2025 Private Sector Outlook. He explained that Nigeria lost an estimated N94 trillion during this period due to business closures and multinational companies leaving the country.

“Between 2023 and 2024, business shutdowns and multinational exits caused an estimated N94 trillion economic loss. Also, 30% of MSMEs closed down, showing the country’s economic struggles,” Omisakin said.

Currency Drop and Economic Growth

Even though some policy changes helped improve foreign exchange, the value of the Naira continued to fall. In 2024, the official exchange rate averaged 1,479.9 Naira per US dollar, making it more expensive for businesses to import goods.

At the same time, Nigeria’s economy grew by 3.4% in 2024, which was the highest since 2021. But this growth was not enough to solve major problems like low productivity, inflation, and unstable policies.

NESG Board Director, Mrs. Wonu Adetayo, said the private sector must play a bigger role in stabilizing the economy and attracting investments. She stressed that businesses need a stable environment to grow and create jobs.

Businesses Should Be Involved in Government Policies

Speakers at the event said private businesses should have a say in government policies. They pointed out that investors are more concerned about stable policies than exchange rate fluctuations.

Groups like the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) were encouraged to take part in shaping economic policies.

The President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Oye, urged the government to support businesses rather than compete with them.

“The government should focus on creating policies that help businesses grow. Business groups should be involved in important decisions so that policies benefit everyone,” he said.

African Development Bank’s $230 Million Support for Small Businesses

To help small and medium-sized businesses, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has arranged a $230 million trade finance package through Access Bank Plc.

The funding is meant to:

Improve access to foreign exchange

Stabilize trade and business operations

Provide financial support for struggling businesses

The package includes:

$170 million Trade Finance Line of Credit (TFLoC): This will help businesses get the foreign exchange they need for imports.

$60 million Transaction Guarantee (TG): This will protect banks from risks in trade transactions and make business operations smoother.

However, before the funds can be used, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) must approve the project to ensure it follows local foreign exchange rules.

Expected Impact

This financial support is expected to help small businesses recover from economic challenges. It will:

Support business growth

Help women entrepreneurs access funding

Improve the supply of important goods

With better policies and financial support, Nigerian businesses can survive tough economic conditions and continue to grow.

Here are 10 of the most powerful kings in Nigeria and their titles

Nigeria is a land of diverse cultures, each with its own system of governance and traditional leadership. 

Different ethnic groups have unique titles for their kings, and while these rulers no longer hold formal political power, they continue to play vital roles in governance, conflict resolution, and community development.

Here’s a look at some of the most powerful kings in Nigeria, their titles, and their current rulers.

1. The Ooni of Ife (Ile-Ife, Osun State)

The Ooni of Ife is the spiritual leader of the Yoruba people and the custodian of Yoruba culture and traditions. Ile-Ife is believed to be the cradle of Yoruba civilization, making this title one of the most respected in Nigeria.  

The current Ooni of Ife is Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), who ascended the throne in 2015. He plays a vital role in uniting the Yoruba people and promoting Yoruba culture globally.  

2. The Alaafin of Oyo (Oyo, Oyo State)

The Alaafin of Oyo was once one of the most powerful rulers in Yoruba land, leading the great Oyo Empire. Even though the empire no longer exists, the title still holds great influence.

Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade became the new Alaafin of Oyo in January 2025 after the Oyomesi, the traditional council of Oyo Kingdom, carried out consultations and divinations to select him.

The Oba of Benin (Benin Kingdom, Edo State)

The Oba of Benin is one of the most respected kings in Nigeria, ruling over the Benin Kingdom, which is known for its rich history, art, and traditional system of governance.

The current Oba of Benin is Oba Ewuare II, who ascended the throne in 2016. The Benin Kingdom has existed for over 1,000 years, and the Oba plays a key role in preserving Edo culture and traditions.

The kingdom is also famous for the Benin Bronzes, ancient artworks that are now displayed in museums around the world.

The Sultan of Sokoto (Sokoto Caliphate, Sokoto State)

The Sultan of Sokoto is the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria and the head of the Sokoto Caliphate, which was once a powerful Islamic empire ruling much of northern Nigeria.  

The current Sultan of Sokoto is Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who ascended the throne in 2006. As the most influential Islamic leader in the country, he plays a key role in religious affairs, conflict resolution, and promoting national peace.  

5. The Emir of Kano (Kano, Kano State)

The Emir of Kano is one of the most respected traditional rulers in northern Nigeria. For centuries, Kano has been an important center for trade and politics.  

The current Emir of Kano is Aminu Ado Bayero, who ascended the throne in 2020. He plays a major role in Islamic leadership, cultural preservation, and governance in northern Nigeria.  

6. The Olu of Warri (Itsekiri Kingdom, Delta State)

The Olu of Warri is the ruler of the Itsekiri people in Delta State. The Warri Kingdom has a long history of trade and cultural exchange, dating back to the 15th century.  

The current Olu of Warri is Ogiame Atuwatse III, who ascended the throne in 2021. He plays a key role in promoting peace, development, and preserving Itsekiri culture.  

7. The Obi of Onitsha (Anambra)

The Obi of Onitsha is the traditional ruler of Onitsha, a historic city in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. The title "Obi" represents the highest authority and the custodian of Onitsha's cultural heritage.  

The current Obi of Onitsha is Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, who ascended the throne on May 14, 2002. As the 21st Obi of Onitsha, he has played a key role in combining traditional leadership with modern governance, focusing on cultural preservation, education, and community development.  

8. Oba of Lagos

The Oba of Lagos, also known as the Eleko of Eko, is the traditional ruler of Lagos, Nigeria's largest city and commercial hub. While the role is mostly ceremonial, the Oba holds great cultural influence and is seen as a guardian of Yoruba traditions in Lagos.  

The current Oba of Lagos is Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, who ascended the throne on May 24, 2003. Despite not having formal political power, he plays an important role in cultural and community affairs and is often consulted by politicians on key issues.  

9. Obi of Nnewi

Nnewi is often called the "Japan of Africa" because of its strong industrial base and wealth. The Obi of Nnewi is not only a cultural leader but also an important figure in business and governance.  

Igwe Kenneth Orizu III is the longest-serving monarch in Anambra State. He is highly respected for his contributions to economic growth, education, and governance. His influence goes beyond cultural matters, playing a key role in business and entrepreneurship.  

10. The Obong of Calabar (Efik Kingdom, Cross River State)

The Obong of Calabar is a highly respected traditional ruler in Southern Nigeria and beyond, due to Calabar’s historical significance in trade and early Christianity. The Efik culture, especially through the Ekpe Society and the famous Calabar Carnival, has gained widespread recognition.

The current Obong of Calabar is Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, who was reinstated in 2023. He is known for his efforts in preserving Efik traditions and promoting cultural heritage.