Nigeria, Tunisia Strengthen Cultural Ties Ahead of FITA2025 Summit

In a move to foster stronger bilateral ties through cultural diplomacy and creative collaboration, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq., on Wednesday, received the Ambassador of Tunisia to Nigeria, H.E. Mohsen Antit, on a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The high-level engagement, held at the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, focused on enhancing cooperation in cultural exchange, tourism development, and Nigeria’s strategic participation in the upcoming FITA 2025 Summit (Financing Investment and Trade in Africa), scheduled to take place in Tunis from 6 to 7 May.

#image_title

Describing the visit as “timely and symbolic,” Musawa highlighted the importance of culture and creativity in advancing African unity, innovation, and economic prosperity.

“This meeting is a testament to the power of arts and culture in driving continental cohesion.”

“Nigeria and Tunisia share a common belief in the power of heritage and creative enterprise to strengthen diplomatic relations and foster inclusive growth across Africa,” she said.

Ambassador Antit commended Nigeria’s efforts in promoting cultural inclusion and innovation, expressing Tunisia’s interest in deeper collaboration, particularly as the continent prepares for the FITA2025 Summit, a flagship event that connects African governments, investors, and industry leaders to discuss trade, innovation, and sustainable development.

#image_title

“We see Nigeria not only as a cultural powerhouse but as a vital partner in shaping Africa’s creative future,” the ambassador said.

“Our shared values in heritage, tourism, and artistic innovation form a strong foundation for mutual advancement.”

Both parties discussed potential joint initiatives that would see increased artistic collaboration, cross-cultural festivals, creative industry partnerships, and capacity-building for young talents across the continent.

The meeting also aligns with the Ministry’s broader vision under the Motherland 2025 Project—an initiative aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a global destination for cultural reconnection, diaspora engagement, and investment in the creative economy.

Musawa reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening pan-African ties through soft power diplomacy, noting that the upcoming summit presents an ideal platform to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural assets and promote intra-African solidarity.

“We are intentional about placing culture at the heart of diplomacy and development. Our participation in FITA2025 will reflect the strength and resilience of Nigeria’s creative sector and its role in shaping Africa’s narrative on a global scale,” she added.

Nigeria and Tunisia have pledged to work closely on initiatives that reinforce artistic freedom, promote cultural sustainability, and advance the creative economy as a core engine of African transformation.

Arteta’s Arsenal Aim To Make Champions League History

Arsenal have not made it past the UEFA Champions League semi-finals since 2009, but manager Mikel Arteta wants his side to write its own history when they host Real Madrid for the first leg of their quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Madrid, the record 15-time European champions, have won six UEFA Champions League titles since 2009 while Arsenal continue their hunt for a first crown.

Arteta, whose team last year bowed out of the competition after a quarter-final loss to German side Bayern Munich, urged his side to back themselves.

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta.

“It’s a club (Madrid) that has set new standards in world football. This is where we want to be, where we want to belong,” Arteta told reporters on Monday. “It’s part of their history. We have to write our own history. We have to focus on our thing. They can hurt us a lot but we can too.”

“With a lot of hope that we can get a result, that we can do it. We need to be convinced that we can do it. We need to just enjoy it. It will be just the first leg, the intention is clear for tomorrow. We’re going to go for it.”

Winger Bukayo Saka did not start in Arsenal’s 1-1 Premier League draw at 15th-placed Everton on Saturday, only coming on in the 46th minute.

The 23-year-old England international, who has scored 10 goals and provided 14 assists in 26 matches in all competitions for Arsenal this season, had only made his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury on Tuesday.

Arteta said Saka was in a much better place now.

“We have built his minutes and he’s coped with that really well,” the Spaniard added.

Tobi Sangotola

Team Nigeria Confident Ahead Of World Junior Fencing Championships

Team Nigeria’s 6-man squad is brimming with confidence as they head to the 2025 World Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships, scheduled to take place from April 7th – 15th in Wuxi, China.

The squad comprises four boys and two girls, led by 17-year-old Inkosi Brou, the country’s highest-ranked fencer. Brou, the grandson of the former Director-General of NAFDAC, is Nigeria’s most active fencer, having competed in over five tournaments this year.

He is also the first Nigerian fencer to win a medal in an international event. The athlete aims to improve his world ranking ahead of the 2025 African Senior Championships in Lagos in June.

Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer, Inkosi Brou.

“My target is to make the top 16 in the junior men’s Sabre individual event, improve my junior FIE rank, and perform better than I did last year at the Junior/Cadet World Championships in Saudi Arabia,” Brou said.

The squad also includes the Idongesit siblings, all making their international debut for Nigeria in China.

The 18-year-old Mahathir Idongesit, aims to finish in the top eight in his first world junior championship.

“My target in China is to make it to the top eight. I also hope to give my best no matter the outcome,” he said.

The 14-year-old Mahadi Idongesit, is resolute in his ambition to reach the podium.

“My target is to get on the podium and finish among the top three. I will give it my all to achieve this,” he stated. “I expect to give my best no matter who I face in China.”

13-year-old Sara Idongesit is looking to gain valuable experience in her maiden international outing.

“My target in China is to reach the top 16 and give it everything I have. I see this as a valuable opportunity to learn and grow. No matter who I fence against, I’ll give it my all,” she said.

Other African countries competing in China include Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, South Africa, Togo and Tunisia.

The World Cadets and Juniors Fencing Championships is an annual international competition hosted by the International Fencing Federation (FIE).

VON

Information Minister Leads Delegates to Broadcasters Conference in Las Vegas

The Nigerian Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has led a delegation of government information agency leadership to the 2025 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Conference and Workshop in Las Vegas, USA, to strengthen broadcast collaborations and form strategic alliances.

The NAB event, running from April 5 to 9, carries the theme “The Technology, The Trend, The Future” and covers a range of topics, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud visualization, the creator economy, and sports production and streaming.

The Minister is joined by the  Directors-General and CEOs of Nigerian broadcasting agencies, including  Mallam Baba Jubrin Ndace, Director General,Voice of Nigeria, Comrade Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, Director-General/CEO of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA); Mr. Ali Muhammed Ali, Managing Director/CEO of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN); Charles Ebuebu, Director-General/CEO of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).

Exploring New Partnerships

The NAB Conference, which attracts thousands of industry leaders from around the world, offers a unique opportunity for the Nigerian delegation to explore new partnerships, engage in content-sharing initiatives, and gain valuable insights into emerging trends and technological innovations.

These efforts aim to strengthen Nigeria’s broadcasting sector by fostering greater collaboration, advancing training programs, and driving technological progress across the industry.

VON

Fulham Beats Liverpool, Southampton Suffers Earliest-Ever Relegation

Liverpool endured a rare stumble in their march to the title after a 3-2 loss at Fulham on Sunday, while Southampton suffered the earliest relegation in Premier League history when they were beaten 3-1 at Tottenham Hotspur.

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister gave Liverpool an early lead before the Reds conceded three goals in 14 minutes. However, Fulham were determined to fight its wats back into the game

Forward Ryan Sessegnon then rifled home a superb first-time volley, after Curtis Jones failed to clear a cross to equalise for Fulham.

Forward Ryan Sessegnon (C) scores goal against Liverpool.

The host continued to push forward and were rewarded after a fine piece of play.

A series of mistakes from Andy Robertson allowed Super Eagles of Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi to score for Fulham as the league leaders were stunned.

Super Eagles of Nigeria and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi (L) celebrates goal with teammate and countryman Calvin Bassey (R).

Rodrigo Muniz completed the turnaround, winning a second ball with a lovely first touch ahead of Virgil van Dijk, then producing a sublime finish through Caoimhin Kelleher’s legs. 3-1!!!

Liverpool substitute Luis Diaz poked home with nearly 20 minutes to play but Fulham held on for the victory and moved up to eighth with 48 points.

“It’s not often we concede three goals let alone in one game or 15 minutes. We could have prevented it… Conceding three goals like we did is not of the standards of Liverpool,” Slot said.

Fulham enjoyed a deserved win over Liverpool, capitalising on dreadful defending to boost their push for European football next season.

“Great win for us,” Fulham manager Marco Silva told Sky Sports. “Our first half was very, very good, in all aspects of the game.”

VON

NPFL: Rivers United Defeats Remo Stars, Cuts Lead

Rivers United closed the gap on Nigeria Premier League Football (NPFL) leaders Remo Stars, after a crucial 1-0 victory in their Match Day 32 encounter, at the at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

Before the match, Remo Stars who are targeting its first-ever NPFL title were leading the table with 60 points with Rivers United trailing in second position with 52 points.

However, Boluwaji David Sholumade scored the only goal in the 84th minute for Rivers United to cut Remo Stars’ lead to five points, igniting hopes of the ‘Pride of Rivers’ to overtake the Ikenne side in case of more future slip-ups.

With the win, Finidi George’s men have reduced Remo Stars points gap to five points with six games to the end of the season. However, Remo Stars have a game more in hand against Lobi Stars yet to be played.

Rivers United are on 55 points while Remo Stars have 60 points.

Sunday’s NPFL results

Plateau United 0-0 Kwara United

Rivers United 1-0 Remo Stars

Lobi Stars 1-1 Sunshine Stars

Katsina United 1-1 Bayelsa United

Niger Tornadoes 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors

Nasarawa United 2-0 Akwa United

Enyimba FC 2-1 Abia Warriors

Shooting Stars 0-0 Ikorodu City.

VON

Nottingham Forest Stun Man Utd, Saka Shines in Arsenal Comeback

Nottingham Forest beat Manchester United 1-0 to close in on Champions League football next season as Bukayo Saka scored in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham on his return from injury on Tuesday.

Former United winger Anthony Elanga came back to haunt his former club with a stunning solo effort after just five minutes at the City Ground to earn all three points for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Third-placed Forest extend their lead over Newcastle in sixth to 10 points.

Thanks to the strong performance of English sides in European competitions this season, the top five will almost certainly qualify for the Champions League.

Forest are two-time European champions but have not played in the continent’s elite competition since they were holders in 1980.

Elanga was discarded by United in 2023 after a bright start to his career at Old Trafford, but is one of many Forest success stories fulfilling his potential under Nuno.

The Swedish international collected possession deep inside his own half but showed blistering pace to burst into the United box before firing low past Andre Onana.

Just a year after battling to narrowly avoid relegation, Forest are enjoying an unexpected fairytale season that also includes progressing to the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.

They had been forced through 120 minutes and penalties to beat Brighton in Saturday’s quarter-final and were also without top scorer Chris Wood due to injury.

Forest fatigued in the second half, but United were undone by a familiar lack of cutting edge going forward.

Ruben Amorim resorted to sending on centre-back Harry Maguire as a makeshift striker in the closing stages and he nearly grabbed an equaliser in stoppage time when his shot was cleared off the line by Murillo.

United remain without two consecutive Premier League wins all season with the Red Devils languishing down in 13th.

Arsenal lose Gabriel

Arsenal maintained some pressure on leaders Liverpool by cutting the gap at the top to nine points.

Saka stole the headlines by coming off the bench to head in on his first appearance since December 21.

Mikel Merino’s deflected effort had given Arsenal a first-half lead.

However, victory came at a cost as key defender Gabriel Magalhaes limped off injured.

Rodrigo Muniz pulled a goal back in stoppage time, but defeat is a blow to Fulham’s ambitions of European football next season.

Just one week away from the Gunners’ Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Real Madrid, the sight of Gabriel pulling up with a hamstring problem added to Mikel Arteta’s injury woes.

Arsenal are already without forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus due to season-ending injuries.

But Merino has proved an able deputy as a stand-in striker.

The Spanish midfielder took his tally to five goals in eight games in his new role, albeit with the aid of a big deflection to open the scoring on 37 minutes.

Saka’s introduction was greeted with the biggest cheer of the night until that point at the Emirates Stadium when he replaced Ethan Nwaneri 25 minutes from time.

The England international took just eight minutes to net his 10th goal of the season.

Saka was in the right place to head in from close range after Gabriel Martinelli flicked on Merino’s cross.

At the bottom of the table, Wolves pulled ever closer to survival with a 1-0 win over West Ham.

Jorgen Strand Larsen scored the only goal at Molineux as Wolves moved 12 points clear of the relegation zone.

AllAfrica/Trendznigeria