Arsenal moved closer to a first Premier League title for 22 years after a 3-0 victory over Sunderland took the Gunners nine points clear at the top of the table.

Martin Zubimendi’s long-range drive just before half-time settled the nerves of the home crowd at the Emirates Stadium before Viktor Gyokeres struck twice to quieten his critics.

Manchester City can reduce the gap at the top back to six points should they end a wait since 2003 to beat Liverpool at Anfield in front of a crowd on Sunday.

But after three consecutive second-placed finishes, it appears a matter of when, not if, Mikel Arteta’s men will finally be crowned champions.

Defeat dented Sunderland’s dream of European football on their first season back in the top flight.

Regis Le Bris’ side showed why they sit eighth with a dogged first-half showing that left the Arsenal crowd again bemoaning a lack of creativity from open play.

However, Zubimendi picked the lock of the Black Cats’ defence with a crisp strike from outside the box that clipped the inside of the post on its way in for the sixth goal of his impressive debut season in English football.

Gyokeres has attracted plenty of criticism for failing to replicate his free-scoring form at Sporting Lisbon in the Premier League.

But the Sweden international is the club’s top scorer and took his tally for the season to 13 in all competitions.

Gyokeres made the points safe when his powerful drive from Kai Havertz’s pass had too much power for Robin Roefs 25 minutes from time.

He was then presented with an open goal by Gabriel Martinelli in stoppage time.

The shine was taken off Arsenal’s day late on when Leandro Trossard was forced off through injury.

Arteta needs as many players available as possible, with Arsenal still competing in four competitions.

Arsenal face City in the League Cup final next month, host Wigan in the fourth round of the FA Cup, and cruised into the Champions League last 16 with eight wins from eight games in the league phase.

 
President Bola Tinubu,  President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and several governors were among the dignitaries who attended the wedding of the children of Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence.

Matawalle celebrated the weddings of his ten children, five daughters and five sons, at the National Mosque, Abuja, on Friday.

The minister gave away his daughters—Maryam, Safiyya, Farida, Nana Firdausi, and Aisha—while his sons—Ibrahim, Abdul Jalal, Surajo, Bello, and Fahad—also tied the knot.

The Islamic ceremony was officiated by Imam Luqman Zakariyah, who prayed for Allah’s blessings on the marriages and for success in the couples’ future lives.

Tinubu received the brides on behalf of the Matawalle family, welcoming them into their new homes.

The high-profile wedding attracted the crème de la crème of Nigerian politics.

Notable dignitaries in attendance included Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Ibrahim Masari, Senior Special Assistant on Political Affairs.

Several governors were also present, including Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, and Nasir Idris of Kebbi.

In a post via X, Matawalle expressed his deep gratitude to Tinubu and Vila Nova for attending the ceremony, describing their presence as a rare and honourable privilege.

He further appreciated all dignitaries, family, friends, and well-wishers who joined physically or in prayers, wishing them safe journeys back to their destinations.

“Today, I am deeply honoured and profoundly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for graciously serving as Wali at the wedding Fātiḥa of my children, held at the National Mosque, Abuja. I remain sincerely honoured by this rare privilege,” he wrote.”

“In addition, the presence of the President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, His Excellency President Carlos Vila Nova, added immense meaning to this joyous occasion, and I deeply appreciated it.

“I also wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who joined us physically and in prayers to share in our joy. Your presence, prayers, and goodwill are truly cherished and deeply appreciated.

“To my esteemed colleagues in the Federal Executive Council, Governors, members of the National Assembly, friends, family members, and well-wishers from across the nation, I am eternally grateful for the overwhelming love and kindness shown to me and my family.

“I also pray that Allah rewards abundantly all those who travelled from far and near to celebrate with us, and I ask Allah to grant you a safe and peaceful journey back to your respective destinations.”

Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, has confirmed her membership in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun state.

Iyabo spoke on Saturday during an interactive programme on Eagle7 Sports Radio 103.7 FM, anchored by Segun Odegbami.

Explaining her return to politics, Iyabo said the decision was driven by sustained pressure from supporters.

“Like I told you, a group of people who I did not bring together, I did not form them into a group, have been working, I think, for two years now,” she said.

“And then they started talking to me about a year ago, saying, ‘Look, we think you are the best candidate. We want you back.’”

She said she could not return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where she previously contested elections, citing internal crises.

“I could not go back to the PDP because of all kinds of turmoil,” she said.

Iyabo disclosed that she also considered the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but said the party was not yet fully organised.

“The ADC was another option, but they don’t have their ducks in a row yet; they’re still working on it,” she said.

According to her, those who encouraged her return to politics are now members of the APC, a factor that influenced her decision after wide consultations.

“So, I think APC is my natural home. I don’t have any animosity towards any individual or any group within the APC,” she said.

“I feel more comfortable with all the actors I know within the APC… I feel more comfortable, actually, than with some of the actors I know in the PDP, and some of them are now in the ADC.

“So I think it’s my natural home. I feel quite confident and happy to have made that decision.

“I have an absolute 100% feeling it’s my natural home.”

Iyabo represented the Ogun central senatorial district between 2007 and 2011. She lost her re-election bid in 2011 to Gbenga Obadara of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

She later relocated to the United States, where she pursued an academic career and rose to the rank of professor. She is also a former commissioner for health in Ogun.