TodayPrice

Author: Chisom OZ

  • I’ve never been in better form before Masters – McIlroy

    I’ve never been in better form before Masters – McIlroy

    Rory McIlroy believes he has never “been in better form” coming into the Masters as he looks to finally land the only major title that has eluded him.

    The 35-year-old Northern Irishman returns to Augusta as one of the favourites to win the Green Jacket this weekend.

    McIlroy, who has earned seven top-10 finishes in his previous 16 Masters appearances, has already claimed two tournament wins in 2025.

    A dominant final round led to a two-shot victory at Pebble Beach in February, before he mentally reset to win The Players Championship at Sawgrass in a play-off showdown on the Monday.

    It is the first time he has won two PGA Tour events before heading to Augusta National.

    “I played great at Pebble Beach. Had to do it the hard way at Sawgrass, coming back on the Monday and playing in tough conditions,” McIlroy told BBC Sport NI.

    “Those are great confidence builders, they are validations of the stuff I worked on at the end of last year and it shows me my game is on the right track.”

    The high level of McIlroy’s game is shown in a number of the key statistics used by the PGA Tour to assess its players.

    As well as the obvious measure of the two titles, McIlroy has the lowest scoring average among the 186 players with 69.281.

    Scottie Scheffler, the standout dominant player and reigning Masters champion, is second behind McIlroy with 69.499, while the tour average is 71.45.

    McIlroy has been solid off the tee and, with getting the better of the devilish Augusta greens crucial, also ranks in the top 10 of the putting stats.

    However, he lags down the list in terms of greens in regulation, which is another vital component for Masters champions.

    “Every year I come back with the goal of winning this tournament and after the start I’ve had this year I don’t feel like I’ve ever been in better form coming into this week,” McIlroy said.

    “I’m happy to be here and I’m excited to get going.”

    A sports psychologist & watching Bridgerton – inside McIlroy’s latest history bid

    Ever since McIlroy claimed the fourth major of his career – almost 11 years ago – there has been fervent discussion about his chances of winning the Masters to secure a rare ‘career Grand Slam’.

    Only five men have completed the full collection of Masters, US PGA Championship, the Open Championship and US Open titles – Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

    Going into the 2015 Masters, McIlroy was the overwhelming favourite to win the Green Jacket.

    He had won back-to-back majors in 2014 at the Open and US PGA – having previously won the 2011 US Open and 2012 PGA.

    McIlroy has made six top-10 finishes at Augusta in the past 10 years but has not won another major since a gripping triumph at Valhalla.

    Before his 11th attempt at golfing immortality, McIlroy insists the “excitement outweighs the burden”.

    “I understand the narrative and the noise,” he said.

    “There is a lot of anticipation and build-up coming into this tournament each and every year, but I just have to keep my head down and focus on my job.”

    McIlroy has been working with sports psychologist Bob Rotella in the build-up to his 17th career appearance at the Masters.

    The pair are talking, he says, about “trying to chase a feeling” on the course, rather than “getting too much into results and outcomes”.

    McIlroy has tried a number of different approach strategies in his bid for the Green Jacket.

    This year he decided to play the Houston Open – where he finished fifth – to bridge the three-week gap after Sawgrass.

    Before that he made a trip to Georgia for a reconnaissance of Augusta National, which has a slightly different look this year after being damaged by Hurricane Helene.

    “Mentally it’s one of the most demanding venues we play all year,” McIlroy told BBC Sport NI.

    “Here and the US Open are probably the two you have to take an extra second or two to think about what you’re doing, make sure you’re making the right decision, playing the right shot.

    “You have to be on the whole time from first tee shot to last putt on Sunday, and I feel like I’ve got better at doing that over the years.”

    Away from the course, McIlroy is hoping some lighter activities can take his mind off his latest tilt.

    That includes binge-watching television series Bridgerton – which he claimed he was talked into by wife Erica – and reading a fictional novel “for the first time in a long time” after picking up John Grisham’s The Reckoning.

    McIlroy is joined in Augusta by Erica and four-year-old daughter Poppy, who has recently shared his triumphant moments on the course.

    The family will take part in the Masters traditional par-three contest on Wednesday alongside McIlroy’s close friends Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood, and their wives and children.

    “It’s a nice way to go into the week, a bit of fun on the par three on Wednesday and the real stuff gets started on the Thursday,” McIlroy added.

  • Which Lionesses helped their Euro 2025 case – and who didn’t?

    Which Lionesses helped their Euro 2025 case – and who didn’t?

    The success of Agyemang and Beever-Jones, as well as further demonstration of Beth Mead’s blossoming partnership with Russo in Bristol, will not have helped Naz’s case.

    The 24-year-old forward has struggled for form at Tottenham this season and was left out of the squad originally by Wiegman.

    With Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, James and Russo all still to return, Naz has a big job to win a Euro 2025 place.

    She is not the only one as Brighton’s Nikita Parris, who earned a recall to the squad after two years in February, did not capitalise on her opportunity to impress.

    Parris earned praise from Wiegman for her hold-up play and her game management skills in slowing playing down during February’s 1-0 win over Spain and was trusted to fill Russo’s shoes in the number nine position against Belgium as a result.

    But Parris came off after an hour, having struggled to implement England’s press and having barely had a sniff at goal.

    While Parris was given an opportunity and did not take it, Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier was again overlooked.

    Despite consistently impressing for United, who have the best defensive record in the WSL this season, it was not Le Tissier who Wiegman turned to when England were being carved open in Belgium.

    Instead, Esme Morgan and Jess Carter came on as half-time substitutes.

    There are still opportunities to impress Wiegman but time is running out – and following this topsy-turvy double header with Belgium, the England manager has plenty to think about.

    The success of Agyemang and Beever-Jones, as well as further demonstration of Beth Mead’s blossoming partnership with Russo in Bristol, will not have helped Naz’s case.

    The 24-year-old forward has struggled for form at Tottenham this season and was left out of the squad originally by Wiegman.

    With Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, James and Russo all still to return, Naz has a big job to win a Euro 2025 place.

    She is not the only one as Brighton’s Nikita Parris, who earned a recall to the squad after two years in February, did not capitalise on her opportunity to impress.

    Parris earned praise from Wiegman for her hold-up play and her game management skills in slowing playing down during February’s 1-0 win over Spain and was trusted to fill Russo’s shoes in the number nine position against Belgium as a result.

    But Parris came off after an hour, having struggled to implement England’s press and having barely had a sniff at goal.

    While Parris was given an opportunity and did not take it, Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier was again overlooked.

    Despite consistently impressing for United, who have the best defensive record in the WSL this season, it was not Le Tissier who Wiegman turned to when England were being carved open in Belgium.

    Instead, Esme Morgan and Jess Carter came on as half-time substitutes.

    There are still opportunities to impress Wiegman but time is running out – and following this topsy-turvy double header with Belgium, the England manager has plenty to think about.

    The success of Agyemang and Beever-Jones, as well as further demonstration of Beth Mead’s blossoming partnership with Russo in Bristol, will not have helped Naz’s case.

    The 24-year-old forward has struggled for form at Tottenham this season and was left out of the squad originally by Wiegman.

    With Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, James and Russo all still to return, Naz has a big job to win a Euro 2025 place.

    She is not the only one as Brighton’s Nikita Parris, who earned a recall to the squad after two years in February, did not capitalise on her opportunity to impress.

    Parris earned praise from Wiegman for her hold-up play and her game management skills in slowing playing down during February’s 1-0 win over Spain and was trusted to fill Russo’s shoes in the number nine position against Belgium as a result.

    But Parris came off after an hour, having struggled to implement England’s press and having barely had a sniff at goal.

    While Parris was given an opportunity and did not take it, Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier was again overlooked.

    Despite consistently impressing for United, who have the best defensive record in the WSL this season, it was not Le Tissier who Wiegman turned to when England were being carved open in Belgium.

    Instead, Esme Morgan and Jess Carter came on as half-time substitutes.

    There are still opportunities to impress Wiegman but time is running out – and following this topsy-turvy double header with Belgium, the England manager has plenty to think about.

  • Grand National horse that collapsed after final fence dies

    Grand National horse that collapsed after final fence dies

    Grand National runner Celebre d’Allen has died following Saturday’s race at Aintree.

    The 13-year-old horse, the oldest of the 34 runners, was pulled up after the final fence and collapsed on the track.

    Following treatment on the course, the gelding was walked into the horse ambulance and taken to the racecourse stables for further assessment.

    But after initially showing signs of recovery, his condition “deteriorated significantly” and he died on Tuesday.

    Jockey Micheal Nolan, Celebre d’Allen’s rider, was handed a 10-day suspension on Saturday after Aintree stewards ruled he had “continued in the race when the horse appeared to have no more to give and was clearly losing ground after the second-last fence”.

    BBC Sport has been told Nolan will not face any further punishment from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

    “To place blame entirely on the jockey is speculative and subjective in terms of being able to prove that,” said BHA chief executive Brant Dunshea.

    Celebre d’Allen was a 125-1 shot at the National, which was won by jockey Patrick Mullins on Nick Rockett.

    On Tuesday, it was also announced that Mullins has been given an eight-day ban after his ride was referred to the Whip Review Committee.

    The amateur jockey, 35, breached the whip rules during the race, using his whip eight times after the final fence when the limit in jump racing is seven.

    He will be suspended for eight separate days including 23 and 25 April.

    What happened to the horse and was he fit to race?

    The BHA said it would analyse the “race and incident in detail” and send the horse for a post-mortem investigation.

    The horse had remained at Aintree on Saturday night before he was taken to a nearby stud farm connected to trainers Philip Hobbs and Johnson White Racing on Sunday “having shown improvement”.

    In a statement, the trainers said: “He received the very best treatment by the veterinary teams and was improving. However, he deteriorated significantly last night and could not be saved. He was a wonderful horse and we will all miss him greatly.”

    The BHA said Celebre d’Allen passed the necessary checks to race at Aintree.

    “As with all runners in the Grand National, Celebre d’Allen was provided with a thorough check by vets at the racecourse,” a BHA statement read.

    “This health check includes a trot up, physical examination of limbs to check for any heat, pain or swelling, and listening to the heart to check for any murmur or rhythm disturbance.

    “This marks the final step in an extensive process of checks to ensure a horse’s suitability to race in the National, which also includes a review of veterinary records and assessment by a panel of experts to consider a horse’s race record and suitability to race.”

    Animal welfare charity the RSPCA posted on X: “We await the British Horseracing Authority’s investigation into these deaths.”

    What will happen to the jockey?

    The BHA said the suspension given to Nolan was in line with the sport’s penalty framework and it would not be revisited.

    The steward’s report said they interviewed Nolan and veterinary officer, and recordings of the incident were viewed before the ban was decided upon.

    Nolan has received a significant volume of abuse since the incident and it now appears he has deleted his social media.

    “It’s important to note that it’s also not possible to attribute the outcome of this incident to the jockey,” said Dunshea.

    “As with humans a collapse and sometimes death can occur in fit and healthy horses of all breeds.”

    He added: “Yes the horse should have been pulled up. The stewards took a dim view of that which is reflected in the penalty applied.

    “Nobody can say for certainty the jockey’s actions have directly led to the outcome.”

    How common is a fatality?

    Celebre d’Allen was the second fatality at the Grand National festival after the Willie Mullins-trained Willy De Houelle sustained a fatal injury when falling in Thursday’s Juvenile Hurdle.

    Broadway Boy, who led the National before suffering a heavy fall, has now returned home.

    The BHA said that prior to Saturday’s race there had been no fatal injuries in the previous nine races run over the Grand National course since the 2023 event.

    The number of runners in the showpiece race was cut from 40 to 34 after the 2023 race, where one horse died, to improve safety.

    At 13, Celebre d’Allen was by far the oldest runner this year, but the BHA said that while there is not a set age limit, it is one of the factors considered by the Grand National Review Panel when determining whether a horse is suitable to race.

    The BHA said there had been 24 13-year-olds since 2000 who have competed in the Grand National, with no fatalities.

    The body cites exercise-associated sudden death, where a horse collapses and dies during or immediately after exercise, happens at an overall rate of 0.04% of runners.

    Although it is not yet clear why the horse died, the BHA stressed what happened to Celebre d’Allen is “even rarer”.

    What has been the reaction?

    Celebre d’Allen’s death prompted criticism from animal rights groups.

    “The blame for his death lies not with any individual, but with the ‘sport’ of horse racing itself,” said Animal Rising spokesperson Ben Newman.

    “Again and again, we see horses pushed far beyond their limits, to the point of injury, collapse and death.”

    Animal Aid campaigns manager Nina Copleston-Hawkens said: “To allow a horse of this age to be ridden to death in the most gruelling race in the country is disgraceful – and the blame for his end lies fairly and squarely with the British Horseracing Authority.”

    World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the death of Celebre d’Allen after last Saturday’s Grand National and our heart goes out to all those who cared for him. Every effort must be made to learn lessons from this very sad outcome.”

    ‘He pulled up as soon as he felt something’

    Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Andrew Thornton, who was a BBC Radio 5 Live pundit for Saturday’s race, said he felt Nolan did “everything in his power to look after horse” and said his 10-day ban is a “severe penalty”.

    “You can lose sight of the fact the horse jumped to the front of the race jumping three fences out, he was enjoying the race, running an absolute belter,” he said.

    “There were three fallers and not one of them was Celebre d’Allen.

    “From the jockey’s perspective he pulled up after the last fence as he felt something went amiss. The horse didn’t collapse immediately. He unsaddled him and was immediately concerned about the horse’s welfare.

    “You can not see what’s going on inside the horse, as soon as he felt it, he has pulled it up. The BHA felt he should have pulled up earlier, in hindsight, it’s easy to say, would that have made a difference? Categorically no. What happened had already happened. If the horse was so bad it would not jumped the last fence. This was a split-second decision.

    “Nolan is a stable jockey, riding for trainers who have over 3,000 winners, he knows horses inside and out. If something were amiss he would have pulled him up earlier. He is one of the kindest men you could come across, wanted to be in and around horses all his life.”

    He added: “It is a fairly major ban, he is self-employed. He will lose rides he would have got and not necessarily get them back.”

  • Cavaliers beat Bulls seal top spot in East

    Cavaliers beat Bulls seal top spot in East

    The Cleveland Cavaliers secured top spot in the Eastern Conference with a 135-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

    Victory means Kenny Atkinson’s side will have home advantage in next week’s play-offs following the completion of the regular season on Sunday.

    Darius Garland top-scored with 38 points as the Cavaliers improved to 63-16 with three regular-season games remaining.

    “You celebrate these moments,” said Atkinson. “I think the guys are super happy in that locker room. We’ve had some ups and downs this past month, but I’m really proud of the guys.

    “It’s hard to win 63 games in this league, and it’s hard to be the first seed. So, great accomplishment. We’re hungry for more.”

    Basketball scores and fixtures

    Elsewhere, Luka Doncic was ejected in the fourth quarter as the Los Angeles Lakers lost 136-120 to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

    Doncic was dismissed for a second technical foul after an official said he was verbally abused by the Slovenian.

    The 26-year-old insisted that he was responding to a courtside fan, but the decision stood.

    “It was nothing to do with the ref, so I didn’t really understand it,” said Doncic. “It was tough, but you know that’s on me too. I can’t let my team down like that.”

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander top-scored with 42 points for the Thunder, who have already secured top spot in the Western Conference.

    The Lakers need two wins from their remaining three regular-season games to guarantee third place.

    Just behind the Lakers in fourth are the LA Clippers, who earned a fifth successive win by beating the San Antonio Spurs 122-117.

    The Clippers have the same 47-32 record as the Denver Nuggets, the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies, but are ahead courtesy of NBA tiebreaker rules.

    The Warriors occupy the final play-off position in sixth after beating the Phoenix Suns 133-95. The Grizzlies are seventh after winning 124-100 at the Charlotte Hornets.A

  • Inter Milan struck late to put themselves in a strong position to advance into the Champions League semi-finals after winning the first leg of their last-eight tie at Bayern Munich.

    Inter Milan struck late to put themselves in a strong position to advance into the Champions League semi-finals after winning the first leg of their last-eight tie at Bayern Munich.

    Inter Milan struck late to put themselves in a strong position to advance into the Champions League semi-finals after winning the first leg of their last-eight tie at Bayern Munich.

    The German hosts dominated the opening half hour with England captain Harry Kane curling an effort against the right-hand post, but they fell behind to Inter’s first shot on target.

    The Serie A leaders scored a fine goal at the end of an excellent team move in the 38th minute.

    Marcus Thuram showed great skill to jump and flick the ball into Lautaro Martinez’s path with the Argentine striker firing his effort with the outside of the boot into the roof of the net.

    However, substitute Thomas Muller levelled in the 85th minute with a goal that looked to have saved Bayern from defeat.

    The 35-year-old announced last week he would be leaving in the summer, ending a 25-year association with the club, and he finished from close range after Konrad Laimer’s low cross.

    But there was to be another twist with just two minutes left.

    Inter quickly broke up field and Carlos Augusto’s cross was converted by substitute Davide Frattesi to ensure the Italians would leave Germany with a crucial advantage.

    Defeat also ended Bayern’s 22-match unbeaten home run in the Champions League, dating back to 2021.

    The second leg at the San Siro takes place on Wednesday, 16 April with the overall winners going on to play either Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund in the two-legged semi-final.

    Bayern’s Allianz Arena will stage the final on 31 May.

    ‘We still feel belief’ – Kompany

    Bayern, who are six points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, will now have to get an excellent result in Italy in eight days’ time to turn the tie around if they are to keep alive their hopes of appearing in that home final.

    And boss Vincent Kompany was confident as he said: “At the end I saw a lot of celebrations [from Inter Milan] but from our side it’s half-time, it’s 2-1 and we’re motivated for the next game.

    “The result is what it is, but it’s still an opportunity for us to win in Milan. It’s great to play at home, but also great to play away and we’re looking forward to the game.

    “We still feel belief we can win there and have no reason to think any different than we can do it – and we will do everything we can.”

    Kompany’s side included two England internationals, Kane and centre-half Eric Dier, in their injury-affected starting line-up and will rue a host of missed chances.

    Having cut inside on his left foot, former Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise had a low shot deflected just wide, while also having a 20-yard effort saved later on.

    Kane looped a header at goal, sent a second headed opportunity wide and was free in the penalty area from Olise’s pass, only to curl a finish against the post.

    That miss proved costly as Inter got back into the match with Carlos Augusto firing into the side-netting, before the well-worked opener as Inter captain Martinez netted his seventh Champions League goal this season.

    Raphael Guerreiro shot over and Kane drilled an effort wide, before Muller, who had come on as a 74th-minute substitute for Leroy Sane, pounced for his 57th goal in the competition for the six-time European champions.

    But a memorable moment for the veteran forward was ruined as Inter, beaten in the 2023 final by Manchester City, rallied again to retake the lead in dramatic fashion and gain a crucial advantage.

  • ‘Sniffles aren’t going to stop me,’ says Scheffler

    ‘Sniffles aren’t going to stop me,’ says Scheffler

    Scottie Scheffler has been in a relaxed and jovial mood throughout the start of a Masters week that could see him win a third title in four years.

    The defending champion played a practice round with his mum on Sunday, then on Tuesday joked about trying to take out the competition with a cookery lesson.

    The 28-year-old American was serving, among other things, ‘Papa Scheff’s’ meatball and ravioli bites as part of his traditional Champions Dinner menu on Tuesday evening and laughed when it was suggested he might ask the players to “make your own ravioli”.

    It was while preparing homemade ravioli, using a wine glass to stamp out the dough, that Scheffler cut his hand on Christmas Day. It was an injury that required stitches and disrupted the start of his year.

    “If I was trying to take out the competition, I would definitely do a demonstration, something along those lines, but yeah, hopefully avoid the injuries,” Scheffler joked.

    “Maybe they’ll cut up my steak for me, I won’t have to use a knife or anything like that. We’ll see.”

    Scheffler has also been dealing with a touch of hayfever, saying the pollen count is “a little worse than normal years”, adding, “but I feel good and ready to roll, sniffles aren’t going to stop me”.

    The world number one is, unsurprisingly, favourite to don the Green Jacket again on Sunday. If he does, he will become just the fourth player after Jack Nicklaus (1965-66), Sir Nick Faldo (1989-1990) and Tiger Woods (2001-2002) to win successive titles.

    He would also equal record six-time champion Nicklaus’ feat of winning three in four years, after claiming his first title in 2022. Not that Scheffler seems too bothered by creating his own bit of history.

    “I really don’t focus a lot on that stuff,” he said.

    “I focus a lot on the preparation and getting ready to play. I try to have a good attitude and approach the shots the right way. And that’s what I define success as.

    “When I step on the first tee on Thursday, I’m going to remind myself that I’ve done what I needed to do to play well, and it’s all about going out and competing.

    “I really try not to look too much into the past. I try not to look too far into the future. I just like to stay in the present and just go one week at a time.”

    And after a slow start to the year, Scheffler feels like he’s hitting form at just the right moment, with one major a month coming up for the next four months.

    He finished joint runner-up in Houston two weeks ago after climbing the leaderboard with a seven-under-par 63 in the final round.

    “This year, coming off an injury, was definitely a different feeling than I’ve had in the past few years,” he said.

    “But this is definitely as prepared as I’ve felt going into any event this year and I’m excited to get the tournament going.”

  • ‘I don’t think it’s going to hit me’ – Rice revels in free-kick magic

    ‘I don’t think it’s going to hit me’ – Rice revels in free-kick magic

    After 338 games in his professional career Declan Rice had never scored a free-kick.

    After 339 he’d scored two.

    He’d only taken 12 free-kicks across his entire career prior to Tuesday’s sensational 3-0 win for Arsenal over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates.

    With the Gunners on top but level at 0-0, the England midfielder stood up and curled round the Madrid wall and past Thibaut Courtois to put his side deservedly ahead after 58 minutes.

    Then 12 minutes later the 26-year-old stepped up and did it again, making him the first player to score two free-kicks in a Champions League knockout match.

    The sensational curling strike into the top corner was that good it left Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and boss Mikel Arteta with their hands on their heads in disbelief.

    Former Real Madrid and Brazil left-back Roberto Carlos – himself a master from a set-piece during his career – was seen looking glum-faced in the stands.

    “I don’t know whether it will ever sink in,” Rice told Amazon Prime after the game.

    “I’ve gone back to my phone then and it’s gone crazy. To score my first free-kick in a game is a special one. And then when I got the second one… I just had the confidence. I’m speechless really.

    “I don’t think it’s going to hit me, what I’ve done tonight. It’s a historic night.”

    Arsenal are a team that have become renowned for their threat at set-pieces, but direct free-kicks are something different.

    Arteta said after the game they hadn’t scored one since September 2021, so to score two in 13 minutes against Real Madrid “showed the beauty of whoever invented this sport”.

    Arsenal’s free-kicks are usually taken by Bukayo Saka or Odegaard, but Rice said that he saw the space around the Madrid wall for the first goal and told Saka he was confident.

    The England winger responded “if you feel it, go for it” – and he’ll be glad he did.

    “It didn’t make sense from that angle to cross the ball [which Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover was signalling to do on the touchline]. It would have to be a delicate pass,” Rice added.

    “I’m happy I took it because it was magic.”

    It didn’t stop Jover wheeling off in celebration and Rice said afterwards the coach was “claiming it”.

    Arteta added: “He can claim it if he wants, it doesn’t matter. It’s incredible.”

    The opener was the goal that Arsenal deserved for their dominance, but the best was yet to come.

    Alan Shearer said it was “absolutely incredible” and former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf said “not even Superman would get it”.

    “It looks far out, you don’t even realise. We were going to touch and set it – me and Martin [Odegaard], but Mbappe was kind of stood too close.

    “But then I thought, I’ve got the keeper’s side, I practice this so much – I was going to go for it. I had the confidence from the first one. If it went over the bar it wouldn’t matter.

    “It’s not going to hit me now because there’s another leg to go. I’m excited, I’m happy, I’m over the moon.

    “It’s been in the locker, but I’ve hit the wall too many times or it’s gone over the bar.

    “But in a few years time this will really hit me that what I’ve done tonight was really special.”

    For Rice this was his biggest moment so far in an Arsenal shirt, but Arteta and midfielder Mikel Merino – who scored the third goal – were not surprised by how the former West Ham man stood up.

    “If there’s a player who can do it, how clean he strikes it, it’s Declan,” said Arteta.

    “But you have to execute it at the highest level. And against one of the best keeper’s in the world as well. It’s amazing.

    “He’s been very determined because we have been talking the last few months. He has done it tonight.”

    Merino added: “He has one of the best shooting abilities that I’ve seen in my career. I’m not surprised, maybe you are. Hopefully more will come in the future.”

    Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live it was “a night to remember” for Rice and he had “single-handedly made the difference”.

    ‘At the Bernabeu, special things happen for them.’

    The 3-0 win puts Arsenal in a dominant position for the return leg at the Bernabeu on 16 April.

    There are plenty of good omens, too.

    Their first-leg win is the 12th time an English side has won by three-plus goals in the first leg of a Champions League knockout stage tie, with each of the 11 previous instances seeing that team progress.

    However, Real Madrid is a different beast at the Bernabeu and will only need to look back to 2022 when they overturned a 5-3 aggregate score in the final minutes against Manchester City.

    “To beat Real Madrid in this competition – it’s a big night for us,” said Rice.

    “But even if we’re 3-0 up, the individual quality they have is scary.

    “At the Bernabeu, special things happen for them.

    “We want to win this competition, but we have to take it one game at a time.”

  • Tinubu, Obasanjo, Obi, MTN, others mourn business icon, Paschal Dozie

    Tinubu, Obasanjo, Obi, MTN, others mourn business icon, Paschal Dozie

    PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Dozie family, the business community and all Nigerians, on the passing of Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie, an elder statesman, entrepreneur and banker. He was 85.

    Pascal Dozie was a visionary whose contributions to Nigeria’s economic architecture left an enduring legacy. As the founder of Diamond Bank and the pioneer Chairman of MTN Nigeria, he was at the forefront of two of the most transformative sectors in Nigeria’s development journey — banking and telecommunications.

    Dozie, a steadfast believer in Nigeria’s vast potential, was pivotal in shaping the financial services industry and expanding access to mobile connectivity nationwide. His influential leadership extended well beyond corporate boardrooms.

    In addition to his business acumen, Dozie served as a former director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, dedicating decades of service to national policy formulation, private sector development, and youth empowerment.

    President Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, lauded Dozie as “a rare breed business leader whose wisdom, humility, and pioneering efforts laid a foundation upon which many continue to build. His passing is a profound loss to the private sector and Nigeria.”

    The President prayed for the peaceful repose of Dozie’s soul and extends his condolences to his wife, children, and extended family.

    Obasanjo mourns, as Pascal Dozie dies at 85

    Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late Padcal Dozie as one of the nation’s most intrepid entrepreneurs.

    Late Paschal Dozie died, early yesterday, the passing Obasanjo said was received with mixed feelings of sadness and gratitude to God.

    In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President said he was “sad because we will miss his contribution to the building of a new Nigeria of his dream but I am grateful to God for such a life well spent in the service of our fatherland.

    “We thank God for his life. He lived to the ripe age of 85 and in the course of this, he was able to make impact, not just at the family level but also within the community and his profession.

    In his tribute, Obasanjo said the late Dozie was “a serial entrepreneur who rose to become one of the major figures and icons in the Nigerian business and entrepreneurial community in the 20th and 21st centuries in Nigeria. He was former Chairman of the MTN Foundation, former Board Member of the African Capital Alliance, founder and the main inspiration behind the defunct Diamond Bank, former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, among others. I am impressed by his humility and his humanism. He was a great man!

    “My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time as they mourn the passing of this illustrious son of Africa.

    “On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, I express sincere condolences and pray God to grant them all the grace to bear this great loss.

    “May the gentle soul of the dear departed rest in perfect peace.

    Obi mourns Diamond Bank founder, Dozie

    In his remark, Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, on Tuesday mourned Dr Pascal Dozie, Founder of Diamond Bank and a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business morgul.

    Obi a former governor of Anambra, in his condolence message posted on his X handle, expressed his sadness over the demise of the business mogul.

    The elder statesman, entrepreneur, and banker died at the age of 85.

    According to Obi, I am deeply saddened this morning by the news of the passing of Dr Pascal Dozie, a man I held in high esteem.

    “I met him during the formation of Diamond Bank and later MTN Nigeria, and throughout our collaboration, I came to know him as a true gentleman and a teacher who always sought the good of all.

    “His legacy as a banker and an entrepreneur stands as a testament to his vision, leadership and commitment to excellence which inspired countless individuals and businesses.”

    Obi prayed that God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest and grant his family and all who mourn him the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss.

    ”May God Almighty bless his family always,” he added.

    A business icon and technocrat par excellence —Former CIS President

    Olatunde Amolegbe, former President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, said: “His footprint will remain in the business landscape in Nigeria for a long time to come. His most enduring legacy will probably be the mentorship of other people that have gone on do great things or head great institutions. May his soul rest in peace.”

    Pascal Dozie wasn’t just a businessman

    Commenting, Clifford Egbomeade, economic analysts and Communication expert, said: “Dr. Pascal Dozie wasn’t just a businessman — he was a builder of dreams, of institutions, and of people.

    “From founding Diamond Bank to laying the foundation for what MTN Nigeria has become today, he showed us what it means to lead with vision, courage, and grace. The impact of his life’s work continues to shape Nigeria’s financial and telecom sectors in profound ways. But beyond the boardroom, those who knew him speak of his humility, wisdom, and deep love for Nigeria.Losing someone like Dr. Dozie is more than the passing of an icon; it’s the loss of a national treasure. Yet, in our grief, we are comforted by the incredible legacy he leaves behind. A legacy that will continue to light the path for generations of leaders and innovators.”

    MTN Nigeria mourns Dozie, says he’s a steady hand with enduring legacy

    MTN Nigeria yesterday regretted the passing of its founding Chairman Dr. Pascal Dozie, saying he brought insight, experience, and leadership to the company at a time when bold vision was essential.

    In a statement signed by the CEO, Mr Karl Toriola, MTN described Dozie as a steady hand, with and enduring legacy.

    The company said Dozie was a quiet revolutionary, who could ease tensions with grace and consistently led with clarity and conviction, even as he was warm, principled, and deeply respected by all who encountered him.

    Part of the statement read: “We are saddened by the passing of our founding Chairman, Dr Paschal Gabriel Dozie. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

    “A pioneer, statesman, and titan of industry, Dr. Dozie played a pivotal role in the emergence of mobile telephony in Nigeria and in shaping the MTN Nigeria story. He brought insight, experience, and leadership at a time when bold vision was essential. He was instrumental in securing the early support and investment that brought the Y’ello dream to life. On May 16, 2001, he made the first call on the MTN network, a historic moment in Nigeria’s telecommunications journey.”

    “For 18 years, from 2001 to 2019, Dr. Dozie served as Chairman, leading with strength and conviction. His presence on the Board was unifying. He championed good governance, corporate responsibility, and long-term value, deeply committed to the greater good. In challenging times, he remained a stabilising force.

    “His unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential and his dedication to its development were truly inspiring. His leadership at MTN Nigeria laid the foundation for our success, and his legacy will continue to guide us in the years to come”.

    The company listed part of his landmark contributions to the company, to include, incorporation of the MTN Nigeria Foundation in 2004 and commitment to dedicating a percentage of profit after tax to social investments.

    He was also credited to spearheading the launch of one of Africa’s largest switching centres in 2010; playing significant role in 2015 during critical conversations around the regulatory fine and its resolution; introduction of Africa’s first 3G feature phone in 2018; as well as MTN Nigeria’s listing in 2019 on the premium board of the Nigerian Exchange.

    President & CEO, MTN Group, Ralph Mupita also added that “Dr. Dozie was instrumental in MTN Group’s expansion into Nigeria, providing visionary leadership that has left an indelible mark on our company’s history. His commitment to excellence and integrity set a standard that we continue to uphold”.

  • Demolition: Confusion as govt agents shut Banana Island gate

    Demolition: Confusion as govt agents shut Banana Island gate

    LAGOS —BARELY seven days after the Independence Bridge closure saga, there was a similar gridlock, yesterday, following the closure of the entry and exit gates of Banana Island, located in the Ikoyi Area of Lagos State.

    The closure carried out by government agents led to a lockdown on the Lekki-Ajah axis, Park View Estate, Foreshore and some other parts of Ikoyi as motorists spent several hours on the road.

    Residents and visitors were prevented from entering or leaving as well.

    It was gathered that the shutdown was due to the proposed demolition of the Banana Club House.

    In a viral video, motorists were seen stranded in the estate, with some men manning the gate to the estate.

    However, there were contradictory claims about the government agencies responsible for the development.

    While some attributed it to agencies of the Federal Government, others said agencies of the state government were responsible.

    When contacted, officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LABCA, debunked involvement in the operation.

    When contacted, the Public Affairs Officer, LABSCA, Adu Ademuyiwa, said the agency was unaware of any operation in the Banana Island area.

    Ademuyiwa said: “It is not true. Our men are not there. And we have not stopped any residents or visitors from entering their estate on Banana Island.

    “When the time for the demolition of the illegal buildings in the area is done, we will communicate it appropriately to the public.”

    He, however, reiterated the state government’s commitment to enforcing urban planning laws.

    Afemuyiwa added that the agency’s General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, had maintained that structures found violating building codes, including those under high-tension power lines and within restricted shoreline areas, would be identified and subsequently demolished.

    Also, the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem denied knowledge of any operation of the agency at Banana Island.

    Abdulraheem said: “The agency did not carry out any operation at Banana Island today (yesterday). The agency only gives backup to agencies for operations. But I can tell you that our men did not carry out enforcement at Banana Island and its environs.”

    Recall that the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, had urged owners of Federal Government lands and houses in Lagos State to remit their ground rent to the government’s coffer.

    Dangiwa at a recent stakeholder-citizens’ engagement on land administration and a physical assessment of Banana Island, Osborne Phase One and Two, Park View/Foreshore estates and shoreline., had said: “The Ministry is resolved to ensure strict adherence to the provisions of the law regarding the control and administration of its assets to maintain order.”

  • FG-backed wholesale drug centre in Anambra to be completed in 18 months — CPAPWL

    FG-backed wholesale drug centre in Anambra to be completed in 18 months — CPAPWL

    The Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) for pharmaceutical products in Anambra State will be completed within the next 18 months, the Central Pharmaceutical and Allied Products Wholesale Limited (CPAPWL) has announced.

    During an inspection of the project site at Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area, the Board of Directors of CPAPWL, which is overseeing the development, confirmed that all major bottlenecks delaying the project have been resolved. The board also expressed renewed unity among key stakeholders to ensure timely completion.

    The CWC in Anambra is one of four pilot centres selected by the Federal Government under a regulatory reform initiative led by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), an agency under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The initiative aims to relocate open drug markets to properly regulated centres, in accordance with Nigeria’s constitutional provisions which place drug regulation on the exclusive legislative list.

    The four pilot states—Kano, Lagos, Anambra, and Abia—were selected to host the initial centres. While Kano’s facility is already operational, Anambra’s construction is ongoing, with an ambitious expansion underway to make it the largest of its kind in the country.

    Speaking during the inspection, CPAPWL Board Chairman, Uche Eze, disclosed that over ₦9 billion has already been invested in the Anambra project. He noted that delays were caused by difficulties in resolving land encumbrances through AMCON and in securing buy-in from stakeholders, including banks, developers, and pharmaceutical traders.

    “Initially, the site was 25 hectares, but we have expanded it to 50 hectares to create the biggest Coordinated Wholesale Centre in Nigeria,” Eze said. He added that the project’s shift away from its original mortgage financing model was necessary due to rising costs and economic realities.

    The board praised the Anambra State Government, particularly Governor Charles Soludo, for providing critical infrastructure such as access roads at the site. The board also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the Registrar of the PCN, Pharmacist Ibrahim Ahmed, for their support and vision in conceiving the project.

    In a joint statement titled “Inspection of the Ongoing CWC, Oba Project: Work in Progress,” signed by Board Chairman Uche Eze and Secretary Pharmacist Victor Okwuosa, CPAPWL acknowledged the economic challenges that have affected materials and contractual obligations but emphasized their determination to move forward.

    Project consultant and engineer, Ofodile Anieto, assured that the centre will be delivered within the 18-month timeline, in line with both engineering standards and PCN specifications. He also confirmed that funding for the project has remained consistent.

    Once completed, the Anambra CWC is expected to significantly enhance the regulation of drug distribution in the region, eliminate the reputational damage caused by open drug markets, and ensure safer access to pharmaceuticals for Nigerians.