During the week, videos of legendary singer, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2baba, and Edo State House of Assembly member, Natasha Osawaru’s traditional wedding surfaced online, showcasing vibrant cultural moments, with stunning traditional attire on display. Expectedly, the ceremony—rich in love, music, dance, and Benin cultural heritage—has become a trending topic on social media, sparking a wave of diverse reactions. While some fans celebrated with the singer, others expressed reservations, with some even questioning his divorce status and legal eligibility for a new marriage. The singer had taken to social media in January 2025 to announce the end of his highly publicised marriage to actress, Annie Macaulay. Immediately after, he announced that he was in another relationship with Osawaru. He went on to propose to her shortly after. However, in an interview with Saturday Beats, a lawyer and legal expert, Oluwatodimu Ige, popularly known as Oga TheLawyer, stated that unless a man was properly divorced according to the law, he could not enter into another legally-sanctioned marital union. Ige said, “According to the law, if you are married under the Marriage Act—commonly referred to as a court wedding, where you are issued a marriage certificate—that marriage must be formally dissolved by a competent court before either party can remarry. This type of marriage can be conducted either at the marriage registry, which is superior to the local government registry, or at a licensed place of worship such as a church or mosque. Some churches are licensed to conduct such weddings, so couples don’t necessarily have to go to the registry. “Once a marriage certificate is issued, the marriage is considered valid under the Act. Therefore, any attempt to remarry without first obtaining a legal dissolution from a high court amounts to bigamy, which is a criminal offence. “However, if the marriage was conducted under traditional law, some customs permit a man to have more than one wife. In such cases, as long as it aligns with the relevant customs, it may be allowed. But if the marriage falls under the Act, the existing marriage must be legally dissolved before entering into another one.” Speaking further on the consequences, the lawyer added that if a marriage is not legally dissolved, any other marriage contracted is null and void. Echoing Ige’s statements, a respected professor of Law at the University of Lagos, Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), noted that unless a divorce had been finalised, neither party could enter into another legal union. He however explained that a couple can have an “introduction ceremony” without running afoul of the law. He said, “An introduction is not the same as a marriage. Under customary law, there are three key components of a valid customary marriage: first is the introduction, where both families are formally introduced; second is the payment of the bride price or dowry; and third is the formal handing over of the bride by her parents to the groom’s family. “All three steps must be completed for the marriage to be considered valid. If only one or two of these occur, there is no legal marriage; what exists is merely cohabitation or an intention to marry, but not an actual marriage.”

Former Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson has died at the age of 36. He was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in April last year, five years after he retired from playing. Thompson was found to have stage four lymphoma - a type of blood cancer - which had spread to his lungs after twice recovering from the disease during his playing career. The Bath-born player began and finished his career with Rochdale, and had three spells with the club. Rochdale said they were "devastated" and that he had passed away peacefully at home on Thursday with his family by his side. "We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality," Rochdale said., external "He faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch. His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story. "Above all of that, Joe was a loving husband to Chantelle and an incredible father to Thailula and Athena Rae. "Our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this incredibly sad time." Thompson was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013 and again in 2017. But, after twice being given the all-clear, he notably went on to score the goal which saw Rochdale avoid relegation from League One in 2018. He retired from playing in 2019 after making 203 appearances for Rochdale and saying he had "pushed his body to the absolute limit". Thompson's wife Chantelle said during his illness he had "walked every step with courage and pride". "Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against the odds," she said. "I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy." Thompson came through Manchester United's academy from the age of nine before going on to join Dale, where he spent the majority of his 13-year career. He also played for Tranmere Rovers, Carlisle United, Southport and Bury. He was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma while at Tranmere in 2013 and was given the all-clear the following year. After being diagnosed with cancer again in March 2017 during his third spell with Dale, he was able to return to football during the 2017-18 season after being told he was in "complete remission". In his finest moment for Rochdale, Thompson scored against Charlton Athletic to secure their place in League One for another season, describing his goal as "written in the stars, fate, destiny". Following the end of his playing career, Thompson worked in the media as a pundit as well as mentoring and as a motivational speaker. In October 2024, he took part in a 21-mile fundraising walk in order to raise awareness of cancer treatments following his third diagnosis. About 300 people took part in the walk from Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium to Rochdale's Crown Oil Arena home. Tributes to Thompson poured in following news of his passing. Manchester United described him as "a man who epitomised our club's values," before adding: "We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away. "A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time." Tranmere and Carlisle both sent their condolences to Thompson's family and said they would be holding a minute's applause at their home games on Friday. "Joe was an inspiration to all those who knew him," both clubs said. Bury added: "Our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this sad time. RIP Joe - Once A Shaker Always A Shaker." Southport said: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of former player Joe Thompson. We send our deepest condolences to all of Joe's friends and family at this tough time." In 2019, Thompson received the Sir Tom Finney award at the annual EFL awards ceremony, an honour presented to a player who has had an outstanding career and contributed an exception amount to the Football League and game in general. The EFL described Thompson as "an inspiration to so many" and added: "The EFL is deeply saddened by the passing of Joe Thompson. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former clubs at this very difficult time."

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca supports Reece James' criticism of his team-mates, saying it is "absolutely" the sort of leadership he wants to see from the Blues captain. James, 25, was critical of Chelsea's "poor performance" in the 2-1 defeat by Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge on Thursday. Though the Blues progressed to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League 4-2 on aggregate, James said the side had shown "disrespect" to the competition with their display. Asked if James showed his leadership qualities with his comments, Maresca said: "Absolutely, absolutely, yes. He's in charge of that, he's one of the captains. "I think probably in part he was right in terms of, because of the first result, we tried to manage [the game] in the wrong way. "Probably he's right in what he said. He sort of takes us inside the changing room." Maresca criticised James' lack of leadership skills earlier this season, saying he "expected more" from the England right-back in his role as captain. "I complained a little bit with him in terms of leadership," continued Maresca. "But my target was just this one, to try to get more from him. And now he's doing well also in terms of leadership." Chelsea were booed off at Stamford Bridge, despite sealing a place in the final four. The Blues are sixth in the Premier League, behind fifth-placed Manchester City on goal difference. Despite murmurs of discontent within the fanbase, Maresca says he still feels "unwavering support" from the board and will stick to his principles. "We are in a semi-final of a European competition. So why now we need to change something?" said Maresca. "I think I don't have any doubt about what we are doing, in the way we are doing, and for different reasons. "In the last two years, Chelsea has been zero times top four, top five. This season we spent all season, almost all season, top four, top five, in the Champions League spots." Cole Palmer's goal drought stretched to 15 matches as the England playmaker failed to get on the scoresheet against Legia Warsaw. The 22-year-old's last goal came on 14 January, in a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth. The former Leicester City boss says Chelsea cannot finish in the top five this season without Palmer and Senegal forward Nicolas Jackson, 23, rediscovering their form. "They have scored goals. It's just a moment that they need to turn a little bit that moment," said Palmer. "Cole scored 14 goals in 20 Premier League games, so he scored goals. Nico was the same before the injury. "Now, unfortunately, Nico was out for two months [with a hamstring injury], so probably physically needs a little bit more. And this is the same for Cole."

It was an evening of celebration and glitz as Nigerian Breweries Plc rolled out the red carpet to honour the Super Falcons for their historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title. Held on Wednesday, June 30, 2025, at the prestigious Eko Hotels Sky Lounge, the night kicked off in style with a show-stopping dance performance that set the celebratory tone for the evening. The event was hosted by popular media personality and comedienne, KieKie, who kept the energy high with humour and engaging interactions. One of the highlights of the evening was a fun-filled music game that had guests and players excited. In a heartwarming moment, each player, alongside the team’s medical crew and administrative staff, were called out and specially recognised for their contributions to the team’s success. Also present at the event was the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, who applauded the Super Falcons for their outstanding performance, resilience, and dedication that earned Nigeria another continental trophy. To round off the evening, the team was serenaded by Mavin Records star, Johnny Drille, whose soulful performance had the players and guests on their feet. The celebration continued with an energetic after party, hyped by the ever vibrant media personality, Do2dtun. Earlier in the day, the Falcons had been received at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, with traditional drummers, dancers, and jubilant well-wishers lining the courtyard. From there, they were hosted at the Nigerian Breweries Plc headquarters in Iganmu, Lagos, before heading to the grand dinner.