Nigerian music star Simi opens up on health struggles

Nigerian singer and songwriter Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi has opened up on the health and personal challenges that delayed the release of her song “Where You Dey” featuring Chike.

In a personal statement on her x page on Friday, Simi disclosed that she had hoped to release the track last year after sharing a snippet that generated widespread excitement.

However, she explained that the period was marked by severe physical challenges.

“I was sick and weak and nauseous and tired, and my body just wouldn’t do what I wanted it to,” she said, noting that even during the snippet video shoot, she was unwell but pushed herself to deliver her best.

Simi also spoke highly of Chike, describing her long-standing admiration for his voice and professionalism.

According to her, she knew he was the perfect collaborator for the song.

Although Chike was initially out of town, she said he came to her studio immediately after returning, unaware that she was pregnant and struggling physically at the time.

Reflecting on the studio sessions, Simi admitted she is still surprised by the energy she displayed in the recorded video, given her condition.

She further revealed that she handled the mixing and mastering of the song herself, despite her dislike for mastering, due to the circumstances surrounding the project.

“I hate mastering, so I don’t know what I was thinking.”

The singer expressed disappointment over missing the intended release deadline, especially as fans had already fallen in love with the song and were eager for its official drop.

She explained that her health left her without the strength to promote the record properly or even remember parts of the content creation process.

Addressing long-standing public speculation about her career, Simi added pointedly that the song’s release also serves as a response to critics who claim she gave up her career for marriage.

Nigerian music star Simi opens up on health struggles

AFCON 2025: Teams with most cards, offsides, clean sheets confirmed

The teams with the most cards, offsides and clean sheets during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, tournament in Morocco have been confirmed.

DAILY POST reports that the 2025 AFCON was recently concluded in Morocco last weekend.

Senegal emerged champions following a 1-0 win against Morocco in the AFCON final, thanks to Pape Gueye’s second-half goal.

However, in a post on CAF’s website, the country with the most cards are champions, Senegal.

The Teranga Lions had 17 yellow cards and 1 red card during the tournament in Morocco.

The country with the most offsides is Egypt.

The Pharaohs, who were defeated in the third-place playoff, recorded 15 offsides.

Similarly, the countries with the most clean sheets are Senegal and Morocco. Both teams have 5 clean sheets each.

AFCON 2025: Teams with most cards, offsides, clean sheets confirmed

EPL: Leave Liverpool, you’ve become distraction for Slot – Hamann urges Salah

Former Liverpool player, Didi Hamann has urged winger, Mohamed Salah to consider leaving the club for the Saudi Pro League this summer transfer window.

Hamann expressed concern that Salah has become a source of distraction for manager, Arne Slot and the team at Anfield.

“He had the chance to go to Saudi Arabia last season and he did not. I am not sure he wants to go there,” Hamann told BetGoat (via GOAL) as reported by Sportskeeda.

“If you ask me today, the best solution would be to part ways. It would probably benefit him and the team.

“He came out with statements I didn’t really understand, it lingers around the camp and every time he does not play, the Arne Slot gets asked why, and it becomes a distraction.

“There have been poor performances without Salah as well, so it is unfair to put the blame all on him.”

EPL: Leave Liverpool, you’ve become distraction for Slot – Hamann urges Salah

EPL: We haven’t won many trophies – Arteta dismisses Guardiola’s claim about Arsenal

Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has dismissed Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola’s claims that the Gunners are the best team in the world.

In a pre-match press conference before Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Wolves, Guardiola expressed his belief that Arsenal is the best team in the world.

However, when questioned about Guardiola’s remarks,  Arteta downplayed the compliment, asserting that his team cannot yet be considered the best due to their lack of major trophies.

“I don’t know,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League tie with Manchester United on Sunday when asked about Guardiola’s claims.

“I think we’re the team that wants to be constantly better, that were doing a lot of things right, but we’re far from perfect.

“To be related to that [best team in the world], you’ve to win a lot of things [trophies] and we’ve not.”

EPL: We haven’t won many trophies – Arteta dismisses Guardiola’s claim about Arsenal

AFCON: ‘You made Nigeria proud’ – Birmingham manager hails Osayi-Samuel

Birmingham City’s manager, Chris Davies, has praised Bright Osayi-Samuel, who plays as a fullback for the Super Eagles.

He hailed the player for his performance during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Osayi-Samuel was very important as Nigeria won the bronze medal by beating Egypt 4-2 in the third-place match on penalties.

The former Fenerbahçe player played well on defense and also helped attack, making the Super Eagles one of the most aggressive teams in the tournament.

During his pre-match press conference, Davies praised Osayi-Samuel’s performances for Nigeria,  saying he performed well even though the Super Eagles sadly missed out on  the Afcon title.

Davies told reporters, “He’s back, which is good news, and I congratulated him on his performances and Nigeria for making it to the tournament.

“Although they didn’t win the competition, they made the country proud, and Bright really enjoyed being part of that, so we’re happy to have him back.”

Osayi-Samuel was taken out of the third-place match against Egypt after he hurt his hamstring in the second half.

This made people wonder if he would be prepared for the game at St. Andrew’s Stadium.

The Blues manager shared an update on his fitness, saying the Nigerian player has been checked by the club’s doctors and is ready to play against Stoke City.

“He is available. There was a little issue, but we’ve had him checked out and he’s trained today, so he’s okay,” Davies added.

Osayi-Samuel, 28, has been part of the club’s last nine games and is eager to keep up his good performance against Stoke City on Saturday.

AFCON: ‘You made Nigeria proud’ – Birmingham manager hails Osayi-Samuel

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