Nigerian Afrobeats singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has pulled out of his joint Tottenham Hotspur Stadium concert with American stars 50 Cent and Mary J Blige.

Davido announced on Saturday via his Instagram story that he has withdrawn from the concert scheduled for 3rd July, 2025 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.

He explained that his withdrawal was due to the failure of the curators of Iconic Presents to resolve issues “concerning key elements required to uphold the integrity and quality” of his performance.

Davido also hinted at the issue of discrimination, demanding respect for African creatives.

He promised his London fans a show in the summer for the Europe stop of his 5Alive tour.

The singer clarified that the event would proceed as scheduled but without him.

Recall that Nigerian musicians, Burna Boy and Wizkid have singlehandedly sold out Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the past.

Gennaro Gattuso was named Italy’s new coach on Sunday and will be tasked with helping the Azzurri qualify for the 2026 World Cup after replacing Luciano Spalletti.

The 47-year-old was part of the 2006 World Cup-winning side and won 73 caps for the national team as a player.

The Italian football federation (FIGC) said Gattuso would be presented to the media on Thursday.

“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football,” said FIGC president Gabriele Gravina.

“The blue shirt is like a second skin for him. His motivation, his professionalism and his experience will be essential.

“(He is) Aware of the importance of the objective we want to achieve. I thank him for the total dedication with which he has accepted this challenge.”

Four-time champions Italy have failed to qualify for the past two World Cups and started their bid to reach next year’s tournament in North America with a 3-0 loss to Norway last week.

Gattuso is an experienced coach and was last in charge of Croatian club Hajduk Split, helping them qualify for next season’s UEFA Conference League.

His other former clubs include AC Milan, for whom he made 468 appearances as a player, Napoli, Valencia and Marseille.

Italy are next in action in Group I of qualifying with games against Estonia and Israel in September.

Spalletti was sacked after the Norway defeat, and Monday’s win over Moldova was his last match in charge.

Italy missed out on the 2018 World Cup in Russia after losing a play-off to Sweden and then also failed to qualify for the 2022 finals in Qatar, suffering a shock exit from the play-offs at the hands of North Macedonia.

Gattuso has had a mixed coaching career since retiring as a player in 2013.

His only major trophy as a head coach was the 2019/20 Italian Cup with Napoli.

He lasted only 22 and 24 matches in charge of Valencia and Marseille respectively, while an announced deal with Fiorentina was rescinded just two weeks before his contract was due to begin in 2021.

According to Italian media, former Italy defenders Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci will join his coaching staff.

Former boss Cesare Prandelli is expected to take over the youth teams.

The FIGC had been turned down by both Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli before appointing Gattuso.

AFP

At least five Nigerian players will be at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.


This edition will see the number of teams increased to 32.

And due to this, there will be at least three African clubs competing with the best teams around the world.


One of those teams, Esperance, have Onuche Ogbelu in their squad.

Ogbelu is a 22-year-old striker and will be looking to get the Tunisian club the goals.

Saudi Pro League side, Al Ain, has three Nigerians on their books.


They are Rilwanu Haliru Sarki (left winger), Joshua Udoh (forward) and Hassan Sani Mohammed (goalkeeper).

A Super Eagles defender, Zaidu Sanusi, will be at the Club World Cup at FC Porto.

The Club World Cup will start June 14 and end July 15