2026 World Cup qualifying: Wales v Kazakhstan Venue: Cardiff City Stadium Date: Saturday, 22 March Kick-off: 19:45 GMT Coverage: Watch on BBC One Wales, iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app, plus S4C via iPlayer. Text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app. Listen live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio 5 Sport Extra. Tom Lawrence feared his Wales career was over after falling out with former manager Rob Page – but is now savouring his recall under Craig Bellamy. Lawrence, 31, was frozen out for four years before current head coach Bellamy named him in the squad for Wales' upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia. This is the first time the Rangers attacking midfielder has been involved since winning the most recent of his 23 caps in March 2021. Asked why he had not featured, Lawrence said: "The manager [Page], if I'm being blatantly honest. He had his own way of doing things and I wasn't to be a part of that – for what reason, you'd have to ask him. I asked that same question, he couldn't give me it. "I'm a pretty simple guy. When someone's not honest with me, then I don't have all the respect in the world for them. There were questions I asked that weren't answered and that was the way it went. "I don't think I need to go into it completely. Let's just say we didn't see eye to eye in certain things. Regret on my behalf? Absolutely not. I did everything I could while I was here, while he was the manager." Since making his senior international debut in 2015, Lawrence had featured regularly under former Wales managers Chris Coleman and Ryan Giggs. He played only three times under Giggs' successor Page, prompting the Manchester United youth product to fear he may not have a future in international football. But that changed when Page was sacked last summer and replaced by former Wales captain Bellamy. "Sometimes I thought I wouldn't play for Wales again, but this manager has been brilliant since he came in," Lawrence said. "He rang me when he first got the job and he's kept in contact ever since. It was refreshing to hear him speak about how he wants to play and his philosophy. It was good on that front." Lawrence has not yet played for Wales at a major tournament, having missed Euro 2016 through injury while Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup coincided with his time in the international wilderness. "Last day of training camp [before Euro 2016] we had a game and I did my ankle ligament. So that was a bitter one to swallow. There was a divot in the pitch, I was sprinting and my ankle completely rolled," Lawrence added. "I'd love to be a part of tournaments. It's about looking forward and I think the manager has brought a whole new identity to Wales and it's refreshing to see." Over the course of a well-travelled career, Lawrence has played for the likes of Leicester City, Cardiff City and Derby County. He joined Rangers in 2022 and has scored five goals in 24 appearances across all competitions this season, while he converted his penalty in a shootout win over Fenerbahce earlier this month to help the Scottish giants reach the Europa League quarter-finals. Having spent the early stages of his career as a striker or winger, Lawrence has played centrally recently as an attacking midfielder. Bellamy has praised his versatility, a quality underlined by the fact that Lawrence's most recent appearance for Wales came as a wing-back in a 1-0 friendly win over Mexico four years ago. "I've had I don't know how many conversations with the manager. Each time he's said about different positions so it's exciting," said Lawrence. "I think every player matures more and more. I can play in various positions for Rangers - centre-midfield, number 10, right wing, left wing, false nine - so it adapts. "I've played in a lot of big games, I've been at Rangers and that's only going to help you, especially coming back into the international level, and hopefully I can help the team here."

Rising Nigerian musician and songwriter Boi Heartless, whose real name is Eze Bright Sunday, has officially released his highly anticipated EP titled Mental Vibes. This EP follows his string of successful hits and features a lineup of top-tier producers, including Andre Vibez, the mastermind behind Rema’s smash hit Calm Down. Boi Heartless joins forces with Mikaba Beats, the producer behind Davido’s recent hit Awuke featuring YG Marley. Their collaboration sparked the focus creation of “Dey Your Boy”, a vibrant fusion of Afrobeats, Dance, and Amapiano. The song’s lyrics convey a clear message, celebrating love and honoring the beauty of African women. Known for his captivating fusion of Igbo and English lyrics, Boi Heartless offers listeners a dynamic experience of raw emotion and rhythmic brilliance. Mental Vibes takes fans on a journey through the themes of motivation, resilience, and the complexities of love, solidifying his growing reputation in Nigeria’s vibrant music scene. “This EP is a reflection of my personal experiences and the emotional highs and lows we all go through,” says Boi Heartless. “Through my music, I hope to inspire others to stay strong, embrace love, and keep pushing forward.” The project consists of 7 solid tracks with production credit from Andre Vibez, Mikaba Beatz, Yo X!, Melordee, Benzer Republic and different vibes, The project talks about Love, Friendship, Prayers and Motivation. With Mental Vibes, Boi Heartless demonstrates his versatility as both a songwriter and performer. The EP blends Afrobeat, hip-hop, and contemporary R&B influences, creating a fresh sound that showcases his artistic evolution. The official video for “Angelina” off the EP is now on VEVO. Yo X produced this song!. This project is a must-listen and tastemakers’ choice. Listen on All Streaming platforms: https://boiheartless.fanlink.tv/MentalVibesEP

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has declared that President Bola Tinubu will not suffer the same political fate as former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2027. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Anietie Ekong. The former Akwa Ibom State governor also warned that the Niger Delta region would strongly resist any plot to unseat the incumbent. Speaking at the grand finale of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Niger Delta Development Commission in Port Harcourt, Akpabio declared that the people of the oil-rich region had unanimously resolved to support Tinubu’s re-election bid due to his impactful projects. He said, “They did it before and conspired to remove our son, President Goodluck Jonathan. This time around, the entire Niger Delta region has decided to speak with one voice. “Let those conspiring against President Tinubu hear this loud and clear — on his mandate we stand. No conspiracy formed against this government that has recognised the Niger Delta shall prosper.” Akpabio, who served as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs during the Buhari administration, praised Tinubu for establishing new institutions, including the Environmental Sciences University in Ogoni, a Maritime University in Okerenkoko, and other tertiary institutions focused on agriculture and technology. The Senate President said no President has dedicated more resources and commitment to the Niger Delta than Tinubu has. “This is the region that produces the wealth of the nation. We have the right to choose who manages our resources. People should not think anyone can just become president without consulting the Niger Delta,” he warned. The event, which was held in Rivers State, had in attendance Jonathan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Senator George Akume (representing the President); Rivers State Administrator, Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd); federal lawmakers, ministers, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders from the region. Akpabio also decried the frequent leadership changes in the NDDC, describing it as a major impediment to development. He blamed internal wrangling, political sabotage, and “periwinkle politics” — a reference to petty rivalries and jostling for control — for the agency’s inability to deliver on its mandate for years. “Each new leadership came with fresh ideas, abandoning projects initiated by their predecessors. That’s how we ended up with over 14,700 abandoned projects across the region. “When I became minister, I had to force the completion of the Commission’s headquarters, which had been neglected for over 20 years,” he stated. However, the Senate president commended the current NDDC management under Dr Samuel Ogbuku, praising their adherence to the founding vision of the Commission and their commitment to continuity. “I salute the present management. President Tinubu understands the value of stability and has allowed the current board to serve its full term. This is how to break the cycle of waste and begin to see real impact,” he said. Also speaking at the event, Jonathan lauded the President for sustaining the current board, describing it as a wise move that would help drive sustainable development in the region. In a goodwill message delivered by Akume, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to the development of the Niger Delta, noting that the NDDC remains central to economic growth and social well-being in the region. He listed the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a signature project that will complement the East-West Road and unlock trade, commerce, and connectivity for the people of the region.

A young man posted on social media about how someone cast a spell of death on him but he didn’t die till date. This is the reality with most people. They deal with many curses in their lives but most of them get stalled with those curses and they don’t move on. However, it is important to focus on one’s natural talent and work hard, no matter the curses or spells cast on someone. It is said that if focus is placed on the spiritualities of life, one may be too scared to face the realities. Do you agree? Please listen and share your thoughts.