Archive September 3, 2025

Spence hopes to inspire as first Muslim England player

By in News, Sports News
Images courtesy of Getty
Tom Mallows
journalist for BBC Sport
Emma Smith
journalist for BBC Sport

If Djed Spence becomes the first Muslim player to play for the senior England men’s team, he hopes to inspire future generations.

The Tottenham full-back, who has six caps for the England Under-21s, was the first to play in the senior squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

The former Middlesbrough player, who was sent out on loan three times by Spurs to Rennes, Leeds, and Genoa before establishing himself in the first team last year, has undergone a turnaround in his fortunes.

Spence may become the first Muslim player to join the England squad, despite the Football Association’s policy of keeping a player’s religion a secret.

It’s “a blessing,” or “just amazing.” The 25-year-old said, “I don’t really have the words.”

I give God praise and thanks frequently. I’ve always believed that God has always been by my side in the toughest and darkest times of my life. My faith and I are deeply affected by this.

England travels to Belgrade on Tuesday to face Serbia in the first game of the season, starting with Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday.

Spence claims that his religion prevents him from carrying any extra weight, but that he hopes others will benefit from his story.

“I don’t really feel the pressure to do certain things,” she said. He continued, “I just play football with a smile on my face, be happy, and the rest will take care of you”; he continued.

Spence’s call-up process: how did it get started?

Djed Spence in England training kit during a session at St George's ParkImages courtesy of Getty

Spence had only played 64 Premier League games between 2024 and 2025 before December 15 of last year.

He started 19 of Spurs’ subsequent 22 league games and played 90 minutes of those games after that date.

The change was dramatic. Spence was so far down the pecking order that Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou didn’t even make the Europa League group stage squad.

He played 180 minutes in the team’s final-16 victory over AZ Alkmaar despite only entering the knockout stage.

Spurs won their first major trophy in 17 years, beating Manchester United in the final, earning them the title of Champions League qualifying.

Given how far Spence has advanced last season, it was speculated that Spence might play for Thomas Tuchel’s first England team in March.

Spence missed out on the call-up for the left-back role despite the Spurs man recording more Premier League tackles, interceptions, clearances, blocks, and defensive headers at that time of the campaign with Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly instead.

Spence, however, remained in the team, and he was given a senior squad call-up after playing every minute for Spurs this year.

Spence remarked, “It’s undoubtedly a big deal to play for England 100%.

“Everyone here has made me feel comfortable,” according to the manager. I’ve also played under-21s, which gives me a little more knowledge. However, I haven’t done it before at the senior level. I feel at ease and welcomed by the boys.

Lee Carsley made his Under-21 England debut against Albania in March 2022.

Spence was hoping to represent England at the European Under-21 Championship in 2023, but a broken ankle caused the defender to miss the competition.

Spence’s rise to fame is not surprising to Carsley.

“I adore Djed. He is a great player, Carsley claimed earlier this year to BBC Sport. “A quiet but humble man, so exciting, so attacking, athletic, and.

related subjects

  • Football
  • Men’s football teams from England

Jack Osbourne breaks down in tears as he reveals how he found out Ozzy had died

By in Entertainment News, News

Ozzy Osbourne’s death has shocked Jack Osbourne, who he revealed the moment he learned the devastating news. Just weeks after his massive charity concert in his hometown of Birmingham, the rock legend’s passing shocked the world in July.

Jack has now shared his tragic reaction to the news that he received at home in Los Angeles. Jack, 39, spent a week with his family after being by his father’s side during the Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park.

Unfortunately, it would turn out to be the last time his legendary father would be alive. Six weeks after Ozzy’s passing, he described in a heartfelt YouTube video how he was back in LA when the doorbell rang on July 22.

Jack Obsourne
As he delivered his speech, Jack could tell that he was feeling emotional.

He emotionally explained to the audience that he had to leave the UK on July 13 to go home. He remarked, “My dad was great. He was happy because he was in good spirits.

Around 3.45 am, I knocked on my home door when I woke up in Los Angeles. When I looked through my window and realized it was someone who had been working for my family for about 30 years, I knew something bad had happened.

Jack continued, “I was informed that my father had passed. He paused and said, “He immediately felt pain and sadness.

He said, “There are so many thoughts.” There was a feeling that he wasn’t struggling, okay. He is no longer suffering. And that is significant. I’m aware that I wish he was still here. I wish he was still with us all, but I believe people saw that during the performance.

Ozzy Osbourne and Jack Osbourne posing for a photo together in 2016.
In a 2016 photo shoot with Ozzy and his son Jack (Getty Images).

However, his father admitted that his death was not on the family’s ” radar because he was ill and his father was ill.” He continued, dispelling any notions that it was a “euthanized”death and claimed that his father was anticipating the future.

Ozzy’s death was linked to an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, an acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and autonomic dysfunction (joint causes) in his family. On his death certificate, it was said that he was a “rock legend, songwriter, and performer.”

Jack said he immediately booked a flight back to England after learning of his father’s tragic passing. And he later revealed how he addressed the mourners at the Prince of Darkness’s funeral.

“Jack said, “I actually shared this at my father’s funeral. Keanu Reeves is in an interview. What do you think happens when you die, asks the man on a nighttime talk show or whatever?

Jack, Sharon and Kelly Osbourne at Ozzy Osbourne's Birmingham procession following his death
Ozzy Osbourne’s Birmingham funeral procession took place on April 6, 2005, with Kelly, Sharon, and Jack Osbourne (PA).

“And Keanu Reeves said, “I don’t know what happens when you die, but the people who love you miss you the most””?

“I felt that enormously,” Jack said with emotion. To me, he was more than just a father. He was a coworker. We had a lot of roles to play together.

I recently moved; there was a time when I had to move back in with him while he was between houses. He was also my housemate when I was in my late 30s, which was awesome. Here were the children and me. Just a friend, a text buddy, and a joker.

Jack also described the “great relationship” he and his father had in his 16-minute speech as expressing his gratitude and joy at having him in his life. He said, “You know, he was very complicated.

He was funny, and he was also odd, awkward, awkward, awkward, just hilarious, and insightful. He acknowledged that his father, who had a smile on his face, was aware of what was happening and how people perceived him, and said that he was very aware of what was happening.

He also acknowledged that he thought his father’s demise had a hint of “perfectionism” to it as well. Before the full stop, “Jack said, there was so much accomplished.”

Jack also acknowledged that “more tales of his dad’s final days will come” when the time comes, “confessing he was shocked by how much love was elicited from the public and the showbiz world.”

And he revealed that “we saw it all” as he thanked everyone for their actions in the days following Ozzy’s passing.

When I see this, I declare, “I speak for the family.” We are so appreciative of that, and it meant a lot to us. “It was valid because I knew we weren’t the only ones.”

Jack reaffirmed that his father’s legacy will continue and not end simply because his life is over. We are all able to see the exploding space he is causing. I’ll just say thank you for this, so I’ll just end it, you know.

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NIWA Commends NSEMA’s Rescue Efforts, Warns Against Overloading

By in News, Nigeria News

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has been praised by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for its prompt response to the recent boat accident in the Niger State’s Borgu Local Government Area.

The Authority’s Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama, stated in a statement that the team’s swift rescue efforts saved the lives of at least 50 passengers aboard the awry wooden boat.

When the incident occurred, the boat was carrying passengers from a condolence visit to the Dugga community, according to preliminary investigations.

The incident, according to NIWA, underscored how crucial safety awareness is for boat owners and passengers who traverse the country’s waterways.

Also read: Niger Boat Accident: 27 People Dead

50 passengers were saved while search and rescue operations are still ongoing for potential missing persons, according to the statement.

In addition, the Authority made further disclosures as to how aggressively the agency is conducting ongoing inquiries into the boat operator.

While lauding NSEMA’s cooperation, NIWA cautioned boat operators against overloading, arguing that strict safety standards and capacity limits are still essential to preventing accidents on the waterways.

The statement read, “NIWA reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety of all passengers and users of Nigeria’s waterways at all times.”

In the accident, 27 people were confirmed to have died.

The NIWA rescue team arrived at the scene about two hours later, according to eyewitnesses, and the incident occurred on Tuesday.

The wooden boat reportedly had 138 passengers and capsized along Kainji Lake’s Shagunu–Dunga axis. With the aid of life jackets, 46 men, 58 women, and an undisclosed number of children were saved during the NIWA-led rescue operations.

Sadly, there have already been 19 bodies recovered on Tuesday and 8 on Monday.

India cuts consumption taxes to boost demand after Trump’s tariff blow

By in News, World News

In response to the negative effects of US President Donald Trump’s punishing tariffs, India has announced tax cuts on hundreds of consumer goods, including those that range from soap to small cars.

The measures come as the US tariffs, which have already been in effect, have sparked concerns about a slowdown in the economy.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) had been updated to make the country’s complicated four-tier system simpler by splitting the GST into two slabs and reducing levies across sectors, some of which by more than half.

A panel, which examined the GST reforms, approved cuts on consumer goods like toothpaste and shampoo from 18% to 18% and those for small cars, air conditioners, and televisions from 18% to 28 percent, according to Sitharaman.

Instead of the currently four rates, the panel, led by Sitharaman, approved the two-rate structure of 5 and 18 percent.

Insurance premiums, including those for life and health, are exempt from taxation under the new tax law.

The finance minister argued that the “tariff turmoil” was not the result of the GST cuts, claiming that they were intended as part of long-planned reforms.

According to estimates, federal and state governments will lose 480 billion Indian rupees ($5.49 billion) as a result of the budget cuts starting on September 22 during the Hindu festival of Navratri.

The GST has been updated to make it simpler for India’s complicated four-tier system.

Super luxury and sin products are subject to a 40% tax.

The South Asian nation’s economy, whose economy increased unexpectedly higher by 7.8% in the quarter to June, is expected to benefit from the GST reductions, which were announced in February.

Any potential revenue impact will be more than offset by the consumption boost, according to Soumya Kanti Ghosh, SBI’s chief economist.

“The fiscal deficit will experience a nearly unintended or even positive impact.”

The minister said the panel approved a 40 percent tax on “super luxury” and “sin” goods like cigarettes, cars with engines larger than 1,500 cubic meters (91. 5 cu inches) and carbonated beverages.

Sales of fast-moving consumer goods companies like Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and Sony are anticipated to increase as a result of the move.

Toyota, Suzuki, and Maruti are expected to be significant success. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s demand for greater independence in India led to the rush to lower the tax, which would have previously been pledged to lower the GST by October in response to US tariffs of up to 50%.

Bopara’s 45-ball ton helps Northants stun Surrey

By in News, Sports News
Images courtesy of Getty
Phil Cartwright
journalist for BBC Sport
  • 196 Comments

The Kia Oval, The Vitality Blast quarter-final

Northants 154-4 (14 overs): Bopara 105*, Clark 3-13

Surrey 147-6 (14 overs): S Curran 69*, Pope 41, Scrimshaw 3-34

Northants won by seven runs, with the match being reduced to 14 overs per side.

In a rain-shortened T20 Blast quarter-final at The Oval, Ravi Bopara resurrects the past with a stunning 45-ball century as Northamptonshire defeated Surrey by seven runs.

After the opener Ricardo Vasconcelos was dismissed first-ball and led Northants’ recovery from 1-2 to 154-4, the 40-year-old Bopara, a former England all-rounder, came in at number three.

Bopara reached his third T20 century with a boundary kick off the final ball of the innings, ending 105 not out of 46 balls, with 12 fours and five sixes.

Surrey maintained the required run-rate for protracted chase periods, but they also frequently lost wickets.

Northants will participate in Finals Day on September 13 for the first time since 2016, the year they most recently won the contest.

Surrey missed out on a third consecutive Finals Day appearance at Edgbaston despite winning 11 of their 14 matches and finishing top of the South Group. Their quest continues.

A delay of one hour and 20 minutes was caused by persistent rain earlier on Wednesday, which had reduced the number of overs per side by six.

Bopara genius propels Edgbaston to Northants.

Ravi Bopara battingImages courtesy of Getty

Bopara has played in every year since the 2003 debut of England’s domestic T20 tournament, and with his 221 innings in total, it is impossible to imagine that he has ever had a better batting display.

In Jordan Clark’s first start, Northants, who had contributed to three of the four group goals, quickly grouped, lost Vasconcelos and captain David Willey for ducks.

Surrey’s bowlers, who were split up by Clark and Chris Jordan (11-22), felt Bopara’s full force. Curran and his older brother Tom combined for five overs to score 74 runs, while England’s paceman Gus Atkinson scored 18 runs from his one over.

Northants were in a great position thanks to Bopara’s skill, but Surrey, with their batting line-up littered with internationals, were far from finished.

Ollie Pope, an England Test batsman, added 74 for the third wicket with his skipper before being dismissed by George Scrimshaw (3-34), who removed Dan Lawrence in the same over and then the dangerous Laurie Evans, who was also in the same over.

What are the remaining blast components?

Friday, September 5th,

Saturday, 6 September

Saturday, September 13th,

related subjects

  • Northamptonshire
  • Surrey
  • County cricket
  • Cricket

Tinubu Not A Political ‘Orphan’ In Northern Nigeria — Jibrin

By in News, Nigeria News

Abdulmumin Jibrin, a member of the House of Representatives, refutes claims that President Bola Tinubu enjoys strong support in the north, arguing that he still has a loyal following.

The NNPP leader asserted on Channels Television’s Political Program that it would be “dangerous calculation” to assume the president had no support in the North, stressing that while some people are against him, many still firmly support him.

In the north, Tinubu is not an orphan. In the north, he has residents. He has people, even if they may not be talking as much as they should. So you also have those who want him in, just like you do for people who want him out.

And as events continue to unfold, there will be both opposition and support for him in the coming days. In the north, I don’t believe he is an orphan. According to Jibrin, it would be a risky for someone to believe Tinubu lacks support in the north of the nation.

Abdulmumin Jibrin

North Not Short-changed,

The federal lawmaker disputed claims that the North had been “politically” stifled,” noting that the region had a longer history of dominance than the South.

He exhorted the North to “tell itself the truth” and stop deceiving its own representatives.

Nothing Can Prevent Tinubu from winning 2027 elections, says Jibrin.

Jibrin disclosed that discussions about joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are still ongoing in relation to NPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso’s (NNPP) future.

He has always maintained that his doors are open and that our doors are open for discussion as far as [joining APC] is concerned. He asserted that everything is a possibility.

However, he made the point that Kano politics may be stifling the move.

You might encounter a situation where some vested interests, perhaps because of their own interests, a governor’s wishlist, or whatever else, won’t want us to join, he said.

Jibrin argued that it was necessary to allow the South to finish its eight years in power.

He stated, “I actually think the South should finish the last four years.”

Tinubu Is Not To Blame For North’s Uncertainty

The lawmaker, who represents the NNPP’s Bebeji/Kiru Federal Constituency in Kano State, refrained from suggesting that Tinubu should be held accountable for the region’s worsening insecurity.

It’s false to blame Tinubu for the security problems in the north and in Nigeria. Let’s face it, he argued.

Jibrin said there are groups opposed to Tinubu’s administration in the North, but Jibrin said there are also other groups.

There are people in the north who want him out, in fact. In addition, there will be residents of the southern region who want him ex. However, he continued, “you will have people who want him in.”

Jibrin, a long-time ally of President Tinubu, reiterated his hope for a second term.

I have no idea what will prevent him from winning the 2027 elections. There are no two ways to go about it. I identify as Tinubu. He and I both like each other. It’s been a great relationship, he said, regardless of party affiliation.

His remarks come as political maneuvers are being made ahead of the general election in 2027.

However, the opposition has proposed a coalition with Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Dino Melaye with less than two years left.

COMBO images of Kwankwaso, Tinubu, Obi, and Atiku

In the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu secured 8, 794, 726 votes nationwide, defeating Atiku, who polled 6, 984, 520 and Obi with 6, 101, 533. Kano State was largely dominated by Kwankwaso, who came in a distant fourth overall with 1, 496 and 687 votes.