President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to use the 2026 Lenten and Ramadan fasts to promote unity and stability, and also pray for the security of Nigeria.

Tinubu, in a statement he personally signed, said that for Christians, the Lenten season is a time for fasting, abstinence, and penitence, following Jesus Christ’s example in the wilderness before His crucifixion, which brought salvation to mankind.

According to him, Ramadan, for Muslims, is a hallowed season that reflects total submission to God Almighty and His command of sacrifice, devotion, service, and communal love and giving.

The President noted that occurence of this year’s Lent and Ramadan on the same day is a reminder that as a people of faith, “we share a lot in common and are one people under God”.

“This year, Lent and Ramadan begin on the same day. This is not a common occurrence, and it reminds us that as a people of faith, we share a lot in common and are one people under God.

“For Christians, the Lenten season is a time for fasting, abstinence, and penitence, following Jesus Christ’s example in the wilderness before His crucifixion, which brought salvation to mankind.

“For Muslims, Ramadan is a hallowed season that reflects total submission to God Almighty and His command of sacrifice, devotion, service, and communal love and giving. It marks one of the five pillars of Islam. Beyond the obligatory fasting, Ramadan calls for deep spiritual reflection in obedience to Islam’s injunctions,” he stated.

While urging Nigerians to promote peace, Tinubu said, “As a nation and as a people, I urge us, as we embark on these important observances, to ensure good neighbourliness, promote peace, unity, and stability, and pray for the progress and security of our nation.

“Let us live by the good precepts of our faiths and be honourable in our duty to God and fellow humans. I pray that the lessons, blessings, and joys of these sacred seasons abide with us always.”

Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit has suggested Xabi Alonso would pick Liverpool over Manchester City.

Xabi Alonso and Enzo Maresca are both candidates to replace Pep Guardiola should the Spaniard leave this summer.

Guardiola has been at the club since 2016 and during his decade in charge has won a plethora of trophies, including the Champions League a multiple Premier League titles.

Alonso, who was sacked by Real Madrid after a doomed six-month tenure, has also been linked with a return to Liverpool where he commanded the midfield two decades ago.

Alonso is currently without a club but despite this, Petit spoke to Ignition Casino about how he would turn the side down if the Liverpool job opened up at the end of the season.

“If Xabi Alonso has the chance to come back to Liverpool, even if the door is open at Man City, I’m pretty sure he would join Liverpool.

“He has a connection to Liverpool. He’s been a player over there, and he won trophies over there. He failed at Real Madrid, but that has been the case for many managers over there.

Turkish coaching legend Fatih Terim admits he’s a big fan of Juventus midfielder Kenan Yildiz.

Yildiz and Juve will meet Galatasaray tonight in the first-leg of their Champions League playoff.

Terim told Tuttosport of Yildiz: “A real star, as his last name suggests. I look at him with great pleasure. He is one of the best players not only in Juventus but also in Europe. Some players are born to be stars. Kenan is one of them. I’m glad he extended his contract. I think they needed an icon like him.

“After (Alessandro) Del Piero, which I have enjoyed watching throughout his career, he may be an idol who can meet Juve’s needs in this regard. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but in this period when we change jerseys frequently, I must say that Juve’s position for Kenan is something to be proud of.

“If he continues like this, his career at Juventus could reach Del Piero’s level and become one of the best names in the club’s history, joining legends such as (Michel) Platini, (Zinedine) Zidane, (Gianluigi) Buffon and my dear friend (Pavel) Nedvěd.

“And let’s not forget that he is still very young. He visited me last year and made me very happy. He addressed me as ‘Sir’. I realised that Kenan is not only a good player, but also a very respectful and honest person. I hope he continues to make us proud.”