Evans Annang

Speaking with Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua, Dangote explained that his focus on completing his refinery project led him to forgo buying the London club when it was valued at around $2 billion.

"I think that time has passed... everything has gone up, and the club too is doing very well," he stated.

Reflecting on the missed opportunity, he added, "Actually, I regret not buying it before... but my money was more needed in completing my project."

Despite his admiration for Arsenal, Dangote emphasised that purchasing the club now, valued at around $4 billion, would no longer make financial sense. However, he remains an ardent supporter of the team.

"I will remain a major supporter of Arsenal but I don’t think it makes sense today to buy Arsenal," he concluded.

<h3>Dangote claims he has no residential property abroad</h3>

During a recent event in Nigeria, Dangote revealed that despite his immense wealth, he does not own any residential property outside Nigeria. His only homes are in Lagos and Kano, with a rented property in Abuja.

“The reason I don’t have a London or America house is solely because I wanted to focus on industrialisation in Nigeria,"&nbsp;he stated.&nbsp;"I am very passionate about the Nigeria dream and apart from my Lagos house, I have another one in my home state, Kano, and a rented one in Abuja."

“If I have houses all over, in America and co, I would not be able to concentrate and build something for my people,”&nbsp;he added.

Dangote has recently been in the spotlight due to the launch of his Dangote Refinery, which is currently producing diesel in Nigeria. This $19 billion investment, inaugurated in May 2023, will eventually have the capacity to produce 650,000 barrels per day. The refinery, spanning an area equivalent to 4,000 football fields, is situated in the Lekki Free Zone near Lagos, Nigeria.

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has expressed regret over missing the opportunity to purchase Arsenal Football Club when its value was significantly lower.

I regret not buying Arsenal at $2 billion; now it’s $4 billion - Dangote

While their achievements, records, and performances are celebrated, it's their stories off the field that sometimes catch the public's eye, revealing the human side of these superstars.

Among such stories, those involving paternity tests stand out, unraveling tales of family, identity, and sometimes, unexpected turns in personal relationships.

In this listicle, we delve into the lives of five former sports icons who turned to DNA testing to confirm the paternity of their children.

1 . Geremi: Former Chelsea and Cameroon midfielder, Geremi Njitap filed for divorce from his wife, Laure Fotso after DNA tests showed his two children were fathered by her ex.

Geremi, 45, said the couple’s twins were born after wife Laure had a fling.

The documents, which were leaked to media in Yaounde, alleged that she “destroyed the harmony” of their marriage “through her abject behaviour” and “repeated lies.”

The twins were born in June 2008, four years before the couple tied the knot, and the court papers added: “No children have been born from this union… [and] the discovery that the children were from her previous partner destroyed the couple’s harmony.”

Geremi said that his wife has “psychologically damaged him” with the revelation causing “a huge emotional shock.” He described the revelation, which came following a paternity test, as a “serious and renewed violation of the duties and obligations of marriage.”

2 . Asamoah Gyan: Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan conducted a DNA test on his 3 children with his ex-wife Gifty.

The former Black Stars captain was then doubting the legitimacy of his three children and therefore requested for a DNA paternity test to be carried out on each of them to ascertain the truth.

After five years of protracted dispute, the court finally ruled on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, that Gyan is the biological father of all three children of Gifty Gyan.

The couple’s marriage made the headlines when Gyan filed for a divorce at the Matrimonial Division of the High Court in Accra in 2018.

3 . Nii Odartey Lamptey: Former Black Stars player Nii Odartey Lamptey found out that all his children with his ex-wife were not his through a DNA test.

"I thought I was the father but upon rumours that they are not my kids, they said I have to do a DNA," he told Accra-based TV3 in an interview.

The former Aston Villa star said his lawyer showed him “where they do the DNA, I got to know that yes, the kids are not mine."

I’ll do whatever to evict my ex-wife from East Legon mansion – Odartey Lamptey

The football world was in shock when Odartey Lamptey opened up that the&nbsp;three children he raised&nbsp;with ex-wife Gloria Appiah, were not his biological children.

4 . Ronaldo: Brazilian footballer Ronaldo announced in 2010 that he is undergoing a DNA test to determine whether he is the father of a five-year-old boy living in Singapore.

"Life is full of suprises. After the sadness over yesterday's game (when his Corinthians team lost a national championship by drawing Sunday against rivals Goias), today I got to know Alex, a beautiful, polite and healthy boy," the 34-year-old player wrote.

"Now we are waiting for the results of the test and will take on the responsibilities and pleasures that the results give us," he said.

5 . Anthony Annan: Former Black Stars midfielder Anthony Annan, in 2018, pursued a divorce with wife Gifty Annan over paternity of his kids.

According to the wife, the former Rosenborg midfielder is pursuing a divorce of their union with Annan pressing for a DNA paternity test regarding their children.

According to the wife, they have resorted to all avenues, to resolve the issue at hand but efforts have failed so far.

“The problem began when I realised he had a child outside our marriage, Anthony Annan claims our kids are not his and wants a DNA Test. We have had several family meetings to resolve the marital issues but to no avail,” Gifty Annan told Happy FM.

Asamoah Gyan, Geremi Sorele and Odartey Lamptey

In the world of sports, the personal lives of athletes often become as captivating as their careers on the field.

Here are 5 ex-players who conducted DNA test on their children

The disgraced former&nbsp;Barcelona&nbsp;star learnt his fate this morning after being driven to the Barcelona court where he was tried earlier this month in a police van.

Alves joins a list of ex-football stars who have found themselves grappling with the law over the years.

Here are ten footballers who found themselves on the wrong side of the law, leading to incarceration.

These stories serve as a reminder of the challenges and pressures that can accompany professional sports careers.

<h3>1. Adam Johnson - England</h3>

Former England international and Sunderland winger, Adam Johnson, was convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a minor in 2016. His career was abruptly halted, and he faced a significant prison sentence.

<h3>2. Bruno Fernandes de Souza - Brazil</h3>

The Brazilian goalkeeper, known as Bruno, was convicted in 2013 for his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of his ex-girlfriend. This shocking case drew widespread attention and ended his football career.

<h3>3. Joey Barton - England</h3>

Joey Barton, known for his time at Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Queens Park Rangers, has had multiple legal issues. He served time in prison in 2008 following an assault in Liverpool.

<h3>4. René Higuita - Colombia</h3>

The legendary Colombian goalkeeper was known for his eccentric playing style and the famous 'Scorpion Kick'. Higuita was incarcerated in 1993 for his involvement in a kidnapping case, which significantly impacted his career.

<h3>5. Tony Adams - England</h3>

Arsenal and England defender Tony Adams was sentenced to prison in 1990 for drink-driving. His incarceration led to a period of reflection, after which he returned to football and spoke openly about his struggles with alcoholism.

<h3>6. George Best - Northern Ireland</h3>

One of football's greatest talents, George Best faced numerous legal issues related to alcohol abuse. He was imprisoned in 1984 for drunk driving, assaulting a police officer, and failing to comply with a bail condition.

<h3>7. Duncan Ferguson - Scotland</h3>

Duncan Ferguson, the former Everton and Scotland striker, served time in prison in the 1990s for an on-field assault against an opponent. This incident is one of the few times a footballer has been jailed for an act committed during a game.

<h3>8. Nile Ranger - England</h3>

Former Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger has had multiple run-ins with the law throughout his career. He was incarcerated in 2017 for online banking fraud, highlighting issues of discipline and conduct off the pitch.

<h3>9. Jan Molby - Denmark</h3>

The Danish midfielder, best known for his time at Liverpool, served a prison sentence in the early 1990s for reckless driving. Molby's case was notable due to his high profile as a Premier League footballer at the time.

<h3>10. Marlon King - Jamaica</h3>

Marlon King, who played for multiple English clubs, faced incarceration for sexual assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in 2009. His career in England was deeply affected by his legal troubles.

Brazilian football superstar Dani Alves has been jailed for four-and-a-half years after being convicted of raping a woman at a Spanish nightclub.

10 footballers whose careers were marked by jail terms

According to Order 63 of the new Standing Orders, Members of Parliament (MPs) will be permitted to utilize any of the local languages, with interpretation and translation provided to ensure understanding by all present.

This initiative is scheduled to commence during the second meeting of the fourth session of the Eighth Parliament.

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has confirmed that necessary arrangements, including the provision of translators and appropriate gadgets, will be made to facilitate a seamless implementation.

The new measure is expected to be implemented following the Easter break.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, said the necessary facilities were to be put in place including translators and the appropriate gadgets for a smooth take-off.

The issue of the use of local languages became topical on the floor of Parliament, yesterday when the Second Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, presented a statement for the promotion and preservation of the Nzema Language.

Mr Buah, who is also the National Democratic Congress MP for Ellembele in the Western Region, said the Nzema language was one of the 11 local languages in the curriculum of the basic and senior high school levels and was examinable.

Parliament upon reconvening on February 6, 2024, began the implementation of its new Standing Orders with the introduction of a daily roll call of members and recitation of the national pledge.

The new Standing Orders replace the old ones, which have been in existence since 2006.

Parliament is set to introduce the use of local languages on the floor of the House as a means to promote Ghanaian culture and safeguard it from potential extinction.

Ghanaian MPs to start using local languages for parliamentary debates

These moments of near triumph are equally part of the fabric of the team's rich history, showcasing both their consistent competitiveness and the fine margins that often define football at the highest level.

Here's a look at the four times Nigeria went to the AFCON final and came away as runners-up:

1. 1984 AFCON Final - Côte d'Ivoire

Opponent: Cameroon

Result: Nigeria 1-3 Cameroon

Summary: The 1984 final in Côte d'Ivoire saw Nigeria facing off against Cameroon. The Super Eagles were outmatched by the Indomitable Lions, who claimed their first AFCON title. Despite Nigeria's efforts, Cameroon's strength and experience prevailed, marking the beginning of a rivalry that would define African football for decades.

2. 1988 AFCON Final - Morocco

Result: Nigeria 0-1 Cameroon

Summary: Nigeria encountered Cameroon again in the 1988 AFCON final in Morocco. The match was a tightly contested affair, decided by a single goal that saw Cameroon retain their title. This final further intensified the rivalry between the two nations, with Nigeria again falling just short of the championship.

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali [Twitter:Oganlamedia]

3. 1990 AFCON Final - Algeria

Opponent: Algeria

Result: Nigeria 0-1 Algeria

Summary: The 1990 final took place in Algeria, with the host nation taking on Nigeria. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Algeria managed to secure a 1-0 victory over the Super Eagles. The narrow defeat was a bitter pill for Nigeria, who had once again come close to the continental crown only to fall at the final hurdle.

4. 2000 AFCON Final - Ghana/Nigeria

Result: Nigeria 2-2 Cameroon (2-4 on penalties)

Summary: In 2000, Nigeria, co-hosting the tournament with Ghana, reached the final where they faced Cameroon for the third time in an AFCON final. The match ended 2-2 after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. Nigeria's dreams of winning on home soil were dashed as Cameroon emerged victorious in the shootout, claiming their third AFCON title. This loss was particularly painful for Nigeria, given the high expectations and the dramatic nature of the defeat.

<ol><li>2023 AFCON Final - Cote D'Ivoire</li></ol>

Opponent: Cote D'Ivoire

Result: Nigeria 1-2 Cote D'Ivoire

Summary: Nigeria faced host nation Cote D'Ivoire in the final of the 2023 AFCON tournament in Abidjan. The Super Eagles took the lead in the first half through their captain William Troos Ekong. The Ivorians equalized through Franck Kessie in the second half and got the winner through Sebastien Haller in the dying minutes of the game.

Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, has a storied history in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), characterized by moments of triumph as well as heartbreak. While they have clinched the title on three occasions, they have also experienced the agony of defeat in the final four times.

Super Eagles: 5 times Nigeria went to the AFCON final and failed to win

The type of cancer has not been revealed - it is not prostate cancer, but was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.

The King began "regular treatments" on Monday and will postpone public duties during it, the Palace said.

The British Royal Family has always been a subject of global fascination. Their lives, steeped in tradition and public duty, often intersect with moments of personal triumph and tragedy, capturing the world's attention.

Here are ten significant happenings within the Royal Family that took over world news:

1. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee (2012)

Celebrating 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, the Diamond Jubilee was a testament to her enduring presence and the respect she commands worldwide. The event was marked by widespread celebrations across the Commonwealth, reflecting her impact on a global scale.

2. The Marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton (2011)

The fairytale wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton was a global spectacle, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. It signified a new era for the British monarchy, introducing a modern royal couple to the world.

Buckingham Palace announced King Charles III has cancer. ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images

3. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding (2018)

The union of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle broke several royal conventions, symbolizing a more inclusive and diverse monarchy. Their wedding was celebrated around the globe and marked by its modern approach to royal traditions.

4. The Birth of Prince George (2013)

The birth of Prince George, the future heir to the British throne, was a moment of national celebration. It marked the continuation of the Windsor lineage and was a joyous occasion for royal enthusiasts everywhere.

5. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Stepping Back (2020)

In a move that shocked the world, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their decision to step back from royal duties. This decision sparked global conversations about media pressure, mental health, and the role of the monarchy in modern society.

6. The Death of Prince Philip (2021)

Prince Philip's passing marked the end of an era. His life, dedicated to public service and supporting the Queen, was commemorated worldwide, reflecting on his contributions to the UK and the Commonwealth.

King Charles and Prince William at a coronation rehearsal.Chris Jackson/Buckingham Palace via Getty Images/Handout via REUTERS

7. Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee (2022)

Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne. This historic milestone highlighted her unparalleled role in British history and her influence on the world stage.

8. Interviews and Public Statements

Revealing interviews and public statements by royal family members have often made headlines, offering insight into the personal lives and challenges they face. Notably, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah Winfrey unveiled struggles within the royal family, sparking worldwide discussion.

9. Charitable Works and Global Initiatives

The Royal Family's involvement in charitable works and global initiatives has had a significant impact, from environmental conservation efforts to mental health advocacy. These activities have highlighted their commitment to public service and global betterment.

10. Changes in the Line of Succession

Adjustments and updates to the line of succession, such as the birth of new heirs or changes in royal protocols, continually intrigue and captivate those following the monarchy, signaling shifts within the traditional structures of the Royal Family.

Members of the royal family at Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018.Anwar Hussein/WireImage

The Buckingham Palace, on February 5, announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with a cancer.

10 happenings inside the Royal Family that took over world news

The Black Stars player has penned down a 1-year deal with the Middle Eastern club with an option to extend.

Afriyie Acquah&nbsp;started his career with Palermo and went on to play for Parma, Sampdoria, Empoli, 1899 Hoffenheim before moving to Yeni Malayatspor.

His last stint was at Al-Batin where he made just 8 appearances for the club. The player enjoyed more playing time at Torino where he made 71 appearances and scored 5 goals in the Serie A.

He also made 39 appearances for the Black Stars and scored one goal. He was part of Ghana’s squad that reached the finals of the AFCON 2015.

Ahead of the transfer deadline today, Black Stars winger Kamaldeen Sulemana is expected to join English Premiership side Southampton.

Afriyie Acquah mistakenly leaked his own sex tape

According to the French newspaper L’Equipe, the former Right to Dream player chose Southampton ahead of fellow Premiership rivals Everton.

The 20-year-old is open to leaving Rennes following a lack of game time this season and he is expected to be in England today ahead of the transfer deadline.

Sulemana enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Ligue 1 last season after joining Rennes from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland.

Ghanaian midfielder Afriyie Acquah has completed his switch to Iraqi club Al-Ouwa Al-Jawiya on a free transfer.

Black Stars midfielder Afriyie Acquah signs for Iraqi club Al-Ouwa Al-Jawiya

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Pulse Uganda

Content Associate at Pulse Ghana with interests in politics and local news.