News
Jota Double Sends Liverpool into EFL Cup Final
Liverpool reached their first Wembley final for six years as a double from Diogo Jota set up a Wembley date with Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
Jota brilliantly filled the gaps left by Mo Salah and Sadio Mane – away at the Africa Cup Of Nations – as his lethal finishing wrecked Arsenal’s trophy hopes for this season after a goalless semi-final first leg at Anfield.
Arsenal started impressively, Alexandre Lacazette hitting the woodwork from a free-kick, but Liverpool struck after 19 minutes when Jota’s scuffed shot after a fine run beat scrambling Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Lacazette missed Arsenal’s best chance after the break, shooting over when clean through, but Liverpool had chances of their own and sealed their first final in this competition since the 2016 loss to Manchester City when Jota ran onto Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pass and lofted a precise finish over Ramsdale with 13 minutes left, the goal given by VAR after initially being disallowed for offside.
Arsenal’s misery was complete when Thomas Partey, on as a substitute after returning from Afcon at midday, received a second yellow card for a senseless late challenge on Fabinho.
Jota fills the breach
The absence of Salah and Mane was bemoaned when Liverpool drew a blank against Arsenal’s defiant 10 men in the semi-final first leg at Anfield – but there were no such complaints here, with Jota the match-winner.
When he arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a £45m deal before the start of last season, the Portuguese was seen as the safety net behind the big three of Roberto Firmino, Mane and Salah.
Instead, he has proved a wonderfully consistent addition when measured by goals and performances and this was a superb individual display that more than compensated for the absence of the Reds’ world-class duo.
Jota’s first goal carried a little good fortune as the shot was half-hit but the driving run that set it up was a sign of his threat.
The second was a masterpiece of clinical composure, lifting the ball over Ramsdale, with VAR confirming that the timing of his run onto Alexander-Arnold’s pass was perfection.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was elated at the final whistle, with his various mix and match selections throughout this competition having resulted in a big Wembley meeting with Chelsea.
Mane and Salah will be back for that in late February – but how can he even contemplate leaving Jota out after this?
Arsenal miss big chance
The banks of empty seats at Emirates Stadium told the story of the bitter disappointment of the Arsenal fans as their night of big expectation fizzled out.
The Gunners started at a high tempo but struggled to regain their rhythm after Jota’s early strike and now a place in the top four in the Premier League is their only aim this season.
There is lots of youthful promise in this Arsenal side but the shock FA Cup loss at Championship side Nottingham Forest and now this defeat will be a deflating experience.
The cancellation of the first leg meant Arsenal had the psychological advantage of the second leg at home and hopes were high after a brilliant backs-to-the-wall performance at Anfield.
Instead, they lost their way and Arsenal’s big chance came and went when Lacazette’s poor finish when clean through wasted their chance of an equaliser.
Liverpool pounced and Arsenal once more showed that strain of indiscipline when Partey, with the game over, lunged into a nonsensical challenge on Fabinho to bring their night to a thoroughly abject conclusion.
East Ham, East London — 8 August 2026: The vibrant Igbo community in the UK came together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, culture and social connection at Igbotic Game Night, one of the biggest social gatherings celebrating the Igbo community in the United Kingdom.
Among the night’s standout moments was an electrifying performance by Afrobeats artist Obeena, who took the stage and immediately captured the attention of the crowd.
Obeena delivered performances of two of his hit songs, “Wara Wara” and “Banging,” bringing his energetic sound and distinctive stage presence to the event. From the opening moments of his set, fans responded with excitement, singing along, dancing and enthusiastically supporting the artist.
His performance of “Wara Wara” created an instant connection with the audience, while “Banging” took the energy to another level. Obeena’s ability to engage the crowd transformed his set into one of the most memorable entertainment moments of the evening.
Held in East Ham, East London, on 8 August 2026, Igbotic Game Night provided a unique platform for members of the Igbo community to celebrate their heritage while enjoying music, games and social interaction. Events such as this continue to play an important role in bringing together Nigerians and the wider African diaspora in the UK.
For Obeena, the performance was another opportunity to showcase his growing artistry and connect directly with fans. His energetic delivery, stage confidence and ability to command the audience demonstrated why his live performances continue to attract attention.
By the end of his set, Obeena had left the crowd amazed and added another memorable chapter to his journey as an Afrobeats artist. His appearance at Igbotic Game Night was not simply a performance—it was a celebration of Nigerian music, culture and community.
With performances like this, Obeena continues to demonstrate his ambition to take his sound beyond the studio and onto major stages, connecting with audiences through music, energy and an unmistakable African identity.
Igbotic Game Night brought the Igbo community together. Obeena gave them a performance to remember.
Audio
KenryWhite Releases “Kilometers” & “The King” A Powerful Double Release Celebrating Faith, Purpose, and the Journey to Greatness
Nigerian Afrofusion artist KenryWhite unveils his compelling two-track release, “Kilometers & The King,” a project that explores the realities of life’s journey while affirming identity, faith, and purpose.
Leading the release is “Kilometers,” an uplifting anthem that reflects on the distance between dreams and fulfillment. Through heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies, and vibrant Afrobeats production, KenryWhite encourages listeners to embrace the process, remain resilient, and keep moving forward despite life’s challenges.
Complementing the project is “The King,” featuring Wonder J. The record is a bold declaration of confidence, royalty, and divine purpose, blending infectious Afrobeats rhythms with inspiring lyricism. Together, the duo delivers a record that celebrates self-belief, leadership, and the mindset required to overcome every obstacle.
With rich storytelling, memorable melodies, and contemporary African sounds, “Kilometers & The King” showcases KenryWhite’s artistic growth while delivering music that inspires, motivates, and connects with audiences across the globe.
Now available on all major streaming platforms, “Kilometers & The King” invites listeners to embrace the journey, recognize their worth, and walk confidently into their purpose.
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