By Abigail David

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has emerged as the Premier League’s leading pre-season goalscorer, while Arsenal signing Christos Tzolis finished top of the assists chart ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Joao Pedro scored seven goals during Chelsea’s pre-season preparations, including a nine-minute hat-trick against Western Sydney Wanderers and braces against AC Milan and Real Sociedad.

Aston Villa teenager Brian Madjo followed with five goals, while Nottingham Forest’s Igor Jesus and Crystal Palace’s Matheus Franca scored four each.

Several players recorded three goals, including Bournemouth’s Evanilson and Justin Kluivert, Brentford’s Igor Thiago, Crystal Palace’s Eddie Nketiah and Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo.

Tzolis tops assists chart

Tzolis provided six assists during Arsenal’s pre-season campaign. He also registered two assists in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City and earned a Fantasy assist after winning a penalty against Borussia Dortmund.

Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo finished second with five assists, while Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia recorded four.

Top pre-season goalscorers

Top pre-season assisters

The new Premier League season is scheduled to begin on August 21, with the pre-season figures providing an early indication of players who could make an impact.

By Abigail David

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says the political crisis in Rivers State prevented Governor Siminalayi Fubara from pursuing a second term, blaming the situation on what he described as poor political advice and the influence of external interests.

Speaking during his monthly media chat aired on Tuesday, Wike said he repeatedly advised Fubara to preserve the political structure that supported his emergence as governor rather than distance himself from it.

The former Rivers State governor said he expected his successor to build on the foundation laid by his administration, adding that continuity would have benefited the state.

Wike also claimed that individuals who initially opposed Fubara’s governorship later became his close associates and encouraged him to challenge those who supported his rise to office.

According to the minister, the political fallout ultimately affected Fubara’s chances of seeking another term in office.

He disclosed that attempts were made to reconcile both camps but said political considerations prevented a lasting resolution.

Wike further alleged that some external interests sought to influence political developments in Rivers State for personal gain, accusing them of giving the governor advice that deepened the crisis.

Despite the disagreement, Wike said his support for Fubara at the time of his election reflected the confidence he had in him.

The political dispute between Wike and Fubara began shortly after the governor assumed office in 2023 and later escalated into a prolonged crisis involving the Rivers State House of Assembly. The conflict eventually drew federal intervention before political tensions eased.

By Abigail David

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Team Nigeria for its outstanding performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where the country won 24 medals.

Nigeria concluded the competition with 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals, finishing among the top-performing nations at the Games.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the athletes for their resilience, discipline and determination, describing their achievements as a reflection of the Nigerian spirit.

Tinubu said the medal haul was a reward for the athletes’ hard work and commitment, adding that they represented the country with honour and made Nigerians proud.

The President noted that the experience gained during the Games would serve as a strong foundation for future international competitions while inspiring more young Nigerians to embrace dedication, discipline and national service.

He also commended the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the National Sports Commission for their roles in supporting the athletes and promoting sports development in the country.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in sports by strengthening sporting institutions, improving training facilities and creating more opportunities for Nigerian athletes to compete successfully at continental and global events.

Team Nigeria excelled in events including athletics, weightlifting, wrestling, boxing and para-sports, extending the country’s strong record at the Commonwealth Games and reinforcing its position among Africa’s leading sporting nations.