Anthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit

British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua recently paid a courtesy visit to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during his trip to Nigeria.

In a heartfelt display of respect for Yoruba culture, Joshua took to social media to share a moment where he fully prostrated to greet the governor, embodying the Yoruba tradition of humility and reverence.

The image quickly went viral, resonating deeply with many Nigerians who admired his pride in his heritage.

Joshua, whose roots trace back to Sagamu in Ogun State, has long celebrated his Nigerian background despite achieving global recognition in the boxing world.

His connection to his heritage has remained a core part of his identity, and this visit further solidified his bond with the country.

READ ALSO:

• Akeredolu’s son rejects Ondo govt naming uncompleted project after father
• LASU accuses Ikeja Electric of extortion, petitions FCCPC
• Court blocks 24 bank accounts linked to terrorism financing

The meeting took place at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, where Governor Abiodun and his team warmly welcomed the boxing champion.

He wrote: “Today, we had the distinct honour of welcoming @anthonyjoshua, the world-acclaimed boxing champion and a proud son of Ogun State, to our office during his courtesy visit.

“Anthony Joshua’s remarkable achievements in the world of boxing continue to inspire not only the people of Ogun State but also millions across the globe. His dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence are values we hold dear as a state.

“This visit is a testament to the bond we share as a people and our collective pride in the success stories that emerge from Ogun State. We remain committed to supporting our talents and creating an environment that nurtures greatness in all spheres of life.

“Together, we celebrate Anthony Joshua’s accomplishments and look forward to more victories as he continues to make Ogun State proud.”

Anthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit

Haaland scores as Man City beat Leicester 2-0

Savinho and Erling Haaland scored to give Manchester City, Man City a much-needed 2-0 victory, in manager Pep Guardiola’s 500th game in charge, over Leicester City at King Power Stadium on Sunday, the champions’ first win in five Premier League games.

Man City’s second win in 14 games across all competitions meant they climbed two spots to fifth place in the standings with 31 points, 11 behind leaders Liverpool who have two games in hand. Leicester remain in the danger zone in 18th place.

Savinho netted his first goal for City in the 21st minute when he pounced on a rebound from Phil Foden’s long shot after Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk pushed the ball into his path. The Brazilian fired into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

READ ALSO:

• Lagos heads to Supreme Court over Olaleye’s sexual assault acquittal
• Nigerian govt urged to intervene in Mozambique post-election violence
• Ex-minister says Nigeria doesn’t need France to destabilise Niger Republic

Haaland, who has just two goals in eight league games in his worst stretch of his Premier League career, doubled City’s lead in the 74th minute when he headed home a looping cross from Savinho, who latched onto a pass from Kevin de Bruyne.

Their victory was far from a walkover, however.

Leicester fans screamed for a penalty early on when Jamie Vardy found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Stefan Ortega from a counter-attack. Ortega brought Vardy down in the box but Man City were saved by the offside flag.

Josko Gvardiol nearly cost Guardiola’s team a first-half goal with a disastrous header back to Ortega that was intercepted. City’s disorganised back line saw Facundo Buonanotte clatter a shot off the bar minutes later.

Leicester had another glorious chance early in the second half when Vardy headed into the box and James Justin got a touch on it that looked headed into the back of the net before Manuel Akanji cleared it off the line.

Haaland scores as Man City beat Leicester 2-0

Nottingham Forest rise to second after 2-0 win at Everton

Nottingham Forest ended the year on a high by beating toothless Everton to move up to second in the Premier League.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s high-flying side are quickly turning into the story of the season with stellar showings that are threatening to disrupt the top-flight’s elite.

With Arsenal not in action until Wednesday, victory at Goodison Park guaranteed finishing the day just a place behind leaders Liverpool, who travel to West Ham later on Sunday (kick-off 17:15 GMT).

Striker Chris Wood was involved in both of his side’s goals, netting a delightful finish for his 11th league goal of a fruitful campaign, before feeding Morgan Gibbs-White for the captain to coolly convert in the second half.

READ ALSO:

• Air Canada flight partially catches fire after rough landing
• 2027: Why PDP shouldn’t field northern presidential candidate – Ex-Atiku campaigner
• Paris-bound businessman excretes 74 wraps of heroin, cocaine at Abuja airport

New Zealander Wood had given the Everton defence a couple of warning signs when he fired a long-range volley wide and flicked a header over, but made no mistake when exchanging headers with Anthony Elanga before producing a lofted finish over the stranded Jordan Pickford.

At the other end, Armando Broja was given his first Toffees start and showed quick feet on the edge of the area but drilled wide, while Ramon Sosa should have doubled Nottingham’s lead before half-time when played through, but the Paraguayan sent his shot the wrong side of the post.

Gibbs-White made sure of the points just after the hour mark, cutting inside and firing home to lift Nottingham up to being Liverpool’s closest title challengers at the halfway stage.

Nottingham Forest rise to second after 2-0 win at Everton