Arsenal Host Chelsea in High-Stakes Carabao Cup Semi-Final

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February 3, 2026

As reported by The Express, Arsenal is set to welcome Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium tonight for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. The Gunners currently hold a narrow 3-2 aggregate lead, but the London rivalry remains on a knife-edge as the “away goals” rule is not in effect for this competition, meaning any one-goal win for Chelsea would force extra time.

Mikel Arteta’s side is looking to reach their first Carabao Cup final in eight years, while Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior is aiming to overturn the first-leg deficit to continue his impressive start at Stamford Bridge. The match is expected to be a tactical battle, with both teams likely to field strong lineups given the proximity to a Wembley final.

Recent Premier League form suggests a tight contest; while Arsenal leads the table, Chelsea has shown resilience under Rosenior, recently coming back from 2-0 down to win in league play. The atmosphere at the Emirates will be electric as fans expect a “red-hot” London derby under the lights.

* Arsenal.com: “Mikel Arteta says: ‘Tomorrow we are going to have people who really need to create the atmosphere… that we are going to do it.'”

* The Guardian: “Liam Rosenior admits ‘Arsenal are favourites for the tie’ but remains confident in Chelsea’s resurgent form.”

Echotitbits take:

This is a defining moment for Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea project. If he can knock out the league leaders on their own turf, it signals that Chelsea is officially “back.” For Arsenal, failure to progress with a home advantage and a lead would be a massive psychological blow to their quadruple ambitions.

Source: The Express — https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/2166067/arsenal-chelsea-carabao-cup-rules February 3, 2026

Photo Credit: The Express

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Davido Opens Up on Wife Chioma’s Support After Grammy Snub

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Bob Echols’s

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February 3, 2026

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In a post shared by Punch Newspapers, Afrobeat superstar Davido has recounted the touching words of encouragement he received from his wife, Chioma, following his recent Grammy loss. Despite the disappointment of not securing a win at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, Davido revealed that Chioma’s resilience and perspective were what motivated him to attend the high-profile after-parties.

The singer noted that his wife reminded him of his global impact and the love of his fans, which far outweighs a single trophy. This public display of affection and mutual support has further solidified the couple’s status as a fan favorite in the Nigerian entertainment scene, especially after a taxing award season.

Davido’s vulnerability about the loss has sparked a wider conversation about the Grammys’ relationship with Afrobeats. While he remains optimistic, the singer is clearly leaning into his “30BG” family and personal support system to navigate the mixed emotions following the Los Angeles ceremony.

* Daily Post Nigeria: “Davido reveals his hit song ‘With You’ almost didn’t make his album, but Chioma’s words after the Grammy loss were what truly ‘made them attend the after-party.'”

* The Nation: “Fans react to Davido’s Grammy loss as the singer credits Chioma for keeping his spirits high during the LA trip.”

Echotitbits take:

Davido’s decision to share this intimate moment is a strategic PR move to control the “loser” narrative. By pivoting the focus to his marriage and internal strength, he maintains his “001” status and keeps the fans emotionally invested. Watch for a potential “revenge” single or a new album announcement as he channels this energy back into the studio.

Source: Vanguard — vanguardngr.com/2026/02/what-my-wife-told-me-after-i-lost-grammy-davido/ February 3, 2026

Photo Credit: Vanguard

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Veekee James Confirms First Pregnancy With Emotional Reveal

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February 3, 2026

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According to Daily Post Nigeria, celebrity fashion designer Veekee James has officially confirmed she is expecting her first child with husband Femi Atere. The fashion icon took to her social media to share the milestone, posting a serene video that prominently featured her baby bump, ending weeks of intense online speculation regarding her physical appearance.

The announcement marks a significant personal chapter for the entrepreneur, who married Atere in a series of high-profile ceremonies in early 2024. Fans and industry colleagues have flooded her comment sections with celebratory messages, noting that the “two shall become three” caption signifies her transition into motherhood.

Prior to this official confirmation, the designer had remained silent despite various gossip blogs circulating “bump watch” theories. The reveal was timed perfectly with her latest brand activities, blending her personal joy with her professional image as one of Africa’s most prominent bridal and red-carpet stylists.

* Vanguard Nigeria: “Veekee James and Femi Atere are set to welcome their first child, as the designer shared a heartwarming clip captioned ‘Indeed, this is what only God can do.'”

* Legit.ng: “The fashion world celebrates as Veekee James debuts her pregnancy glow in a new video, confirming rumors that had been trailing her for months.”

Echotitbits take: Veekee James has built a brand on transparency and “soft life” aesthetics, so a grand reveal was always expected. This move likely signals a shift toward maternity fashion content, which is a massive market. Expect her to dominate the “stylish mother-to-be” niche in Nollywood circles over the coming months.

Source: Daily Post Nigeria — https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/03/celebrity-designer-veekee-james-husband-announce-pregnancy-flaunt-baby-bump/ February 3, 2026

Photo Credit: Daily Post Nigeria

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Nigerian Stars Face Grammy Heartbreak as International Competitors Sweep Awards

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February 3, 2026

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According to reporting by The Punch, the Nigerian music industry is reeling from a disappointing night at the 68th Grammy Awards, where several top Afrobeats stars failed to secure wins in their respective categories. Despite a record number of nominations for Nigerian artists, the “Global Music” categories were dominated by performers from other regions, sparking a heated debate on social media about the Grammys’ evolving criteria for African music.

The “Grammy heartbreak” has dominated conversations in Lagos and London, with fans questioning why the global commercial success of Afrobeats is not translating into more trophies from the Recording Academy. Nevertheless, industry insiders argue that the sheer volume of nominations proves that Nigerian music remains at the forefront of the global cultural zeitgeist, regardless of the final winners.

The event was also detailed by Daily Post and Channels TV. Daily Post noted that “Afrobeats fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent their frustrations,” while Channels TV featured an interview with a music critic who noted, “The Grammys are just one platform; the real win is the $1 billion in revenue Afrobeats generated last year.”

Echotitbits take: This “snub” might actually be a blessing in disguise for the local industry, fueling the push for the “Afrobeats Grammys” or a more robust African-led awards system. The focus should remain on streaming dominance and global touring, which provide more sustainable income than a golden gramophone.

Source: TribuneOnline – https://tribuneonlineng.com/nigerians-react-as-davido-others-lose-grammy-award-to-tyla/, February 3, 2026

Photo credit: TribuneOnline

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High Interest Rates Stifle Private Sector Lending to Five-Year Low

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February 3, 2026

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Figures cited by The Guardian show that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s aggressive monetary tightening has successfully reined in inflation but at a heavy cost to business expansion. Lending growth to the private sector has plummeted to its lowest level since 2020, as deposit money banks become increasingly wary of high-risk loans in a high-interest-rate environment. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are bearing the brunt of the credit crunch.

Data from the apex bank indicates that credit growth fell sharply to under 1% in the last quarter, a stark contrast to the double-digit growth seen in previous years. While the CBN maintains that high rates are necessary to stabilize the Naira, business groups warn that the lack of affordable credit is forcing many local manufacturers to scale down operations or halt expansion plans entirely.

Vanguard and The Nation also reported on the credit slowdown. Vanguard highlighted that “banks are prioritizing government securities over private loans,” while The Nation quoted a Lagos Chamber of Commerce official who said, “At 30% plus interest, no legitimate business can survive a bank loan in this climate.”

Echotitbits take: The CBN is in a “catch-22” situation—keep rates high to fight inflation and protect the Naira, or lower them to save the real sector. Expect the pressure on the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to mount as manufacturers begin to report shrinking margins in their Q1 results.

Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/business-economy/article/high-interest-rates-push-lending-growth-to-five-year-low/, February 3, 2026

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Benin Republic Shifts Trade Strategy Toward Nigeria Amid Sahel Instability

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February 3, 2026

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In a report published by Premium Times, the CEO of the Benin Republic Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEx) has indicated a strategic pivot toward the Nigerian market. With traditional trade routes in the Sahel region disrupted by coups and regional upheaval, Benin is increasingly looking to its eastern neighbor as its primary economic anchor. The move signifies a deepening of bilateral ties and a recognition of Nigeria’s dominance in the West African trade corridor.

The shift is expected to increase the volume of transit goods through the Cotonou-Lagos axis, potentially boosting customs revenue for both nations. Analysts suggest that this forced realignment could lead to a more formalized trade relationship, reducing the reliance on smuggling that has historically characterized the border. Benin’s authorities are reportedly seeking joint infrastructure projects to facilitate smoother cross-border logistics.

The trade shift was also covered by The Punch and ThisDay. The Punch noted that “Benin’s refocus on Nigeria is a survival strategy,” while ThisDay cited a West African trade expert who remarked, “The Sahel crisis is reshaping ECOWAS trade maps in favor of the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.”

Echotitbits take: This is a golden opportunity for Nigeria to exert more economic influence over Benin and finally resolve the perennial border disputes. If Nigeria can improve the efficiency of the Seme border, it could become the undisputed transit hub for the entire sub-region.

Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/politics/foiled-benin-coup-how-nigerias-intervention-secured-key-trade-route-regional-supply-chain/, February 3, 2026

Photo credit: The Guardian

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Presidency Targets 10 Million Citizens for Nationwide Financial Literacy Drive

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February 3, 2026

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Reporting by the State House Press Office indicates that Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially launched a massive initiative to train 10 million Nigerians in financial inclusion and digital skills. The program, executed through the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), involves a partnership with six major professional bodies, including ICAN and CIBN. The goal is to equip women and youth with the tools needed to navigate the modern digital economy.

The Vice President emphasized that Nigeria can only reap its “demographic dividend” if the population is financially literate and ethically grounded. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding with these professional institutions, the government intends to create certification pathways and mentorship platforms that will bridge the gap between rural populations and formal banking services.

The initiative was further validated by Leadership Newspaper and Tribune Online. Leadership noted that the program is a response to “visible improvements in the economy,” while Tribune Online quoted the CEO of technical partner WAWU Africa, who stated, “We are ready to provide the digital platform to ensure no Nigerian is left behind in this wealth creation journey.”

Echotitbits take: Financial literacy is a pre-requisite for the success of the government’s student loan and MSME credit schemes. If successful, this could significantly reduce the 40% unbanked rate in Nigeria. The challenge, as always, will be reaching the “last mile” in rural areas with poor internet connectivity.

Source: Arise – https://www.arise.tv/fg-signs-mou-with-ican-cibn-others-to-train-10m-nigerians-on-financial-literacy/, February 3, 2026

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Federal Authorities Arraign Nine Suspects Over Deadly Benue State Massacre

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February 3, 2026

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Figures cited by Daily Post reveal that nine individuals allegedly involved in a horrific attack that claimed over 150 lives in Benue State have finally faced a federal court in Abuja. The defendants were slammed with 57 counts of terrorism-related charges following the June 2025 massacre in the Yelewata community. The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry potential sentences of life imprisonment or the death penalty.

The trial comes amid heightened pressure on the Federal Government to curb the persistent farmer-herder clashes and banditry that have plagued north-central Nigeria. Legal representatives for the state argued that the prosecution has gathered substantial evidence to link the suspects to the planning and execution of the coordinated assault. The presiding judge has ordered the defendants to be remanded in a maximum-security facility pending the commencement of the trial.

Additional coverage from Channels TV and The Guardian confirms the start of the judicial proceedings. Channels TV reported that “the arraignment signals a renewed commitment to justice for victims of rural violence,” while The Guardian quoted a community leader from Yelewata who said, “We are watching this trial closely to see if the government truly values our lives.”

Echotitbits take: High-profile arraignments in Nigeria often suffer from “trial fatigue” and endless adjournments. To restore faith in the security apparatus, the government needs a swift and transparent conviction. This case is a litmus test for the effectiveness of the new counter-terrorism legal framework.

Source: LMTonline – https://www.lmtonline.com/news/world/article/nine-arraigned-for-deadly-attack-in-nigeria-that-21329076.php, February 3, 2026

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First Bank Parent Company Slashes Bad Loans to Secure Long-Term Stability

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February 3, 2026

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In an update published by BusinessDay, FBN Holdings Plc, the parent entity of First Bank of Nigeria, witnessed its shares undergo the sharpest single-day decline in three months following a strategic decision to “clean” its books. The financial giant reported a significant impairment loss of N748 billion for the 2025 financial year, a move designed to write off legacy non-performing loans and align with stricter regulatory demands from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Despite the immediate hit to profitability, the bank’s leadership maintains that the gesture is a necessary “one-time pain” for long-term health. The chairman of the group noted that the underlying business remains robust, generating trillions in interest income, but admitted that the transparency regarding old bad debts was overdue. The market reaction has created a rare entry point for investors looking to buy into the country’s oldest commercial lender at a discount.

The development was also extensively tracked by The ICIR and Premium Times. The ICIR highlighted the scale of the write-off, quoting an industry analyst who remarked, “You do not impair N748 billion in one year unless you are closing a messy chapter of the past.” Premium Times added that the move follows intense pressure from the apex bank, reporting that “the CBN is pushing banks to stop kicking problems down the road.”

Echotitbits take: This “big bath” accounting strategy is a bold move by Femi Otedola’s leadership to de-risk the bank once and for all. While it hurts the current share price, it makes First Bank a much leaner and more transparent institution for future foreign investment. Expect other Tier-1 banks to follow suit if they have lingering legacy debts.

Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/why-firstbank-wrote-off-n748bn-bad-loan-otedola/#google_vignette, February 3, 2026

Photo credit: Vanguard

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Nigeria Projected to Reach 5.5% GDP Growth as Economic Reforms Gain Traction

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February 3, 2026

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According to reporting by The Nation Newspaper, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has released a bullish forecast for the 2026 fiscal year, predicting a 5.5% expansion in the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. The group attributes this optimistic outlook to the maturation of bold policy shifts, including the stabilization of the foreign exchange market and a steady decline in headline inflation. This projection suggests that the “crisis conditions” which characterized the previous two years are finally giving way to a more sustainable growth trajectory.

The NESG’s assessment emphasizes that while the macroeconomic indicators are turning green, the government must prioritize the institutionalization of these reforms to ensure they translate into tangible improvements in the welfare of citizens. The report highlights that the private sector is regaining confidence, which is expected to drive investment in critical sectors like manufacturing and agriculture throughout the year.

Validation of this positive trend is found in reports from Vanguard News and S&P Global. Vanguard notes that PwC experts also see a brightening outlook for 2026, though they caution that “the gains remain fragile and highly exposed to oil market volatility.” Meanwhile, S&P Global’s latest analysis supports the growth narrative, stating, “We forecast Nigeria’s real GDP growth will average 3.7% to 5.5% over 2025-2026, supported by both the non-oil and oil sectors.”

Echotitbits take: The 5.5% growth target is ambitious but achievable if the current exchange rate stability holds. However, the disconnect between GDP growth and the cost of living remains a significant political risk for the administration. Watch for the Q1 2026 productivity data to see if the manufacturing sector actually picks up the slack as predicted.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/impi-projects-nigerias-gdp-to-hit-5-5/ , February 3, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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