Nottingham Forest began a new chapter under manager Sean Dyche with an impressive 2-0 victory over FC Porto in the Europa League on Thursday night at the City Ground.

The win marked Forest’s first European triumph since the 1995/96 season, ending a decade-long wait for continental glory.

Morgan Gibbs-White opened the scoring in the 19th minute from the penalty spot after a handball in the area, while Brazilian forward Igor Jesus sealed the result with another spot-kick in the 77th minute.

The disciplined performance also saw Forest earn their first clean sheet since April, signaling an immediate impact from Dyche’s trademark defensive organization.

READ ALSO: Nottingham Forest Appoint Sean Dyche as Head Coach Until 2027

The hosts, who had gone 10 games without a win prior to Dyche’s arrival following Ange Postecoglou’s sacking, frustrated a Porto side that entered the fixture unbeaten in 11 matches across all competitions. Dyche’s compact 4-4-2 setup neutralized Porto’s attacking threat, with goalkeeper Matt Turner rarely tested throughout the encounter.

The victory lifts Forest into a promising position in their Europa League group and gives fans renewed optimism for the rest of the campaign. Dyche hailed the result as “a foundation to build on” as he looks to restore stability and resilience to the side.

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Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore was reportedly arrested on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja shortly after meeting the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Eyewitnesses said Sowore was whisked away by security operatives on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, moments after leaving the courtroom where he had exchanged greetings with Kanu.

The activist, known for his outspoken stance on governance and civil rights, had earlier shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) confirming his meeting with Kanu, describing him as “powerful and unrelenting.”

Reacting to the arrest, prominent human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong condemned the incident on X, calling it “preposterous” and a violation of judicial integrity.

Effiong wrote:

“The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous.
The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system.
He should be freed immediately.
Stop the shenanigans.”

As of press time, the reason for Sowore’s arrest remains unclear, and authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the incident.

A video circulating online shows the moment the activist was surrounded by police officers before being taken away from the court premises.

This development comes just hours after Nnamdi Kanu told the court he would be representing himself following the withdrawal of his legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

A tragic plane crash in Venezuela has claimed two lives and left two others injured after a Piper Cheyenne I aircraft erupted into flames shortly after takeoff on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

The incident occurred at Paramillo Airport in Táchira State, with the aircraft crashing within the vicinity of San Cristóbal National Park moments after takeoff.

A shocking video circulating online shows the aircraft struggling to gain altitude before tilting sharply, striking one of its wings on the ground, and exploding into a massive fireball.

Witnesses nearby can be heard screaming in horror as the plane hit the ground and burst into flames.

According to Mail Online, local authorities identified the deceased as Toni Bortone and Juan Maldonado, while two other passengers survived but sustained serious injuries.

Preliminary reports suggest the pilot may have lost control after one of the aircraft’s tires exploded during takeoff.

Emergency services, including firefighters, Táchira Civil Protection, and the Bolivarian National Police (PNB), responded swiftly to the crash site around noon, battling the blaze and rescuing survivors from the wreckage.

Officials confirmed that the aircraft was being used for government logistics operations, although further details about its mission remain under investigation.

The ill-fated plane, identified as a Piper Cheyenne I (PA-31T1), is a twin-engine turboprop model manufactured by Piper Aircraft in the late 1970s. The aircraft type is widely used in both civilian and governmental operations due to its reliability and performance.

Aviation authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, focusing on potential mechanical failure or maintenance issues.

This latest tragedy follows another aviation accident in Venezuela last month. In September 2025, a Learjet 55 crashed near Simón Bolívar International Airport outside Caracas during takeoff amid adverse weather conditions, leaving two passengers injured.

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The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday informed the Federal High Court that he would be representing himself in his ongoing trial after his legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), withdrew from the case.

Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, told the court that the entire defence team was stepping down, explaining that the defendant had decided to personally take over the conduct of his case.

“All counsel in the defence have agreed to withdraw as the defendant has chosen to represent himself,” Agabi announced before the presiding judge.

Confirming the development in open court, Kanu stated that he had opted to handle his own defence “for now,” though he might reconsider that decision at a later stage. When asked by the judge whether he wanted the court to assign him another lawyer, Kanu declined, insisting he would proceed on his own terms.

In his brief oral argument, the IPOB leader maintained that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him, reiterating his long-standing position on the matter.

Meanwhile, confirming Kanu’s presence in court, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore shared an update on his X (formerly Twitter) account, saying he met with the separatist leader in person.

Sowore wrote:

“Finally, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and I met at the Federal High Court today. The man is powerful and unrelenting. We greeted and hugged and the bond is strong!”

Thursday’s proceedings mark another dramatic twist in the long-running legal battle between the Nigerian government and Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody facing charges related to treasonable felony and separatist activities.

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Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali have been nominated for top honours at the 2025 CAF Awards, even as Nigeria’s national team failed to make the shortlist for the National Team of the Year category.

CAF unveiled the nominations on Wednesday, confirming Osimhen’s place among the final ten-man shortlist for the Men’s Player of the Year award. The Galatasaray striker will face stiff competition from some of Africa’s biggest names, including Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Achraf Hakimi and Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), Fiston Mayele (Congo), Frank Anguissa (Cameroon), Denis Bouanga (Gabon), and Senegalese duo Illimane Ndiaye and Pape Sarr.

Osimhen, who previously won the award in 2023, enjoyed another spectacular campaign in Turkey, scoring 26 league goals to fire Galatasaray to the Super Lig title. His performances also earned him a record-breaking €75 million transfer from Napoli, setting a new benchmark as the most expensive signing in Turkish football history.

In the goalkeeping category, Stanley Nwabali was recognised for his remarkable consistency at both club and international levels, earning a spot among the nominees for Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year. The Chippa United shot-stopper will contest the award with Yassine Bounou (Morocco), Ronwen Williams (South Africa), and Andre Onana (Cameroon).

Nigeria’s strong representation continues with Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi, who made the shortlist for the Young Player of the Year award after an impressive season leading the national U-20 side.

On the women’s front, Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo have both been nominated for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, highlighting Nigeria’s continued presence among Africa’s football elite.

However, the Super Eagles were notably snubbed in the National Team of the Year category despite their encouraging performances during the 2025 World Cup qualifiers a decision that has drawn mixed reactions from fans and analysts.

The 2025 CAF Awards ceremony is expected to take place later this year, celebrating the continent’s best footballers, coaches, and teams for their achievements over the past season.

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