News
Newcastle Beat Southampton To Reach EFL Cup Final
Newcastle United reached their first cup final since 1999 by overcoming Southampton in the EFL Cup at an ecstatic St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s resurgent side will face either Manchester United or Nottingham Forest at Wembley as the Magpies attempt to win their first major trophy since the Inter Cities’ Fairs Cup in 1969.
Newcastle, who last played in a Wembley showpiece when they were beaten by Manchester United in the 1999 FA Cup final, had a 1-0 advantage from this semi-final first leg, and Sean Longstaff settled any nerves among an expectant Toon Army with two early goals.
The only cloud over Newcastle’s celebrations was a late red card for influential Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes for a challenge on Samuel Edozie, given by referee Paul Tierney after the intervention of VAR.
The hosts had gone in front just four minutes in as Longstaff took advantage of good work from Kieran Trippier to beat Saints keeper Gavin Bazunu, and the goalscorer then crowned a sweeping move with a confident finish in the 21st minute.
Che Adams gave Southampton hope with a fine 25-yard strike on the half-hour that ended Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope’s attempt to keep an 11th clean sheet in succession, but their slow start cost them dearly to leave Howe and his players contemplating that Wembley date on 26 February.
Newcastle’s dream season goes on
When Howe succeeded Steve Bruce in November 2021, Newcastle’s new Saudi Arabian owners were reshaping the club after their takeover.
Newcastle’s fanatical support hoped the new riches would end years of under-achievement and no silverware, but even they must be struggling to take in the scale of the transformation.
As well as a Wembley appearance, Howe’s men are third in the Premier League after a superb start and have lost just once in 20 games – and that only as a result of a goal conceded deep into injury time at Liverpool.
Howe has based Newcastle’s revival on strong defence, with new signings Pope, Trippier, Dan Burn and Sven Botman making outstanding contributions.
Guimaraes, despite his dismissal against Southampton, has provided world-class flourishes in midfield, while £60m striker Alexander Isak has shown his quality despite injury problems.
And watching it all from the stands on Tyneside, wearing a black-and-white scarf, was Newcastle’s latest acquisition – Anthony Gordon, who has signed from Everton in a deal that could eventually be worth £45m.
Gordon must have relished his first experience of match night at St James’ Park as a Newcastle player, able to watch fans who have been starved of success look forward to their first final in this competition since they lost to Manchester City in 1976.
Southampton suffer for slow start
Southampton’s ploy would surely have been to stay in this tie as long as possible and turn the weight of expectation back on Newcastle, playing on any tension that might have created.
Instead, the concession of two early goals – the first particularly cheap and the result of two pieces of carelessness in possession – left them struggling from the start.
Southampton actually created some nerves, especially when Pope had to save at the feet of Adam Armstrong in the second half, but they simply had too much to do.
Manager Nathan Jones will now return to the task of moving Saints up the league after the disappointment of missing out on a Wembley appearance.
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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