Slot’s squad selection for Wednesday’s EFL Cup defeat by Crystal Palace sparked huge debate.
He made 10 changes from Liverpool’s last outing, handing out two debuts and naming three teenagers in his starting line-up, plus a further five among his substitutes.
The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike were all absent as the Reds made a tame exit in a competition they have won twice in the past four seasons.
Liverpool fan Abigail Rudkin told BBC Sport she is disappointed by Slot’s decision-making.
“Walking to the game last night, me and my dad got the team sheet and we were like ‘he’s sacrificed this’,” she said. “I understand we are losing games at the moment but you need to try and get a winning mentality back.
“We are losing patience. I think there are two different sides of the fanbase at the minute.
“There are those on social media that are calling on him to lose his job, and there are the people I see at the ground, like me, who are losing patience going to these games and not enjoying it as much with losing the games, but they also want to stay patient with him because we are very grateful to him for what we’ve had from last season when we thought it would all fall apart without Jurgen Klopp.”
Winning the title in his maiden season is a double-edged sword for Slot according to supporter Richard.
“The problem is Slot won the Premier League with Jurgen Klopp’s team,” he said. “This was amazing. However, now he has spent hundreds of millions of pounds to improve and put his stamp on the team and club, it is all going wrong.
“When you watch him on the touchline, he doesn’t seem to know how to fix things when they go wrong. We have stopped pressing and terrorising opponents. For some reason, we now play at training-game pace, and only really bring the hammer in the last 15 minutes or so when we’re behind and chasing the game. This is not Liverpool at all.”
Fellow fan Ryan said it’s “way too soon” to be talking about getting rid of Slot, but said players need to take responsibility and shoulder some of the blame too.
“We don’t turn into a bad team overnight,” he said. “But Slot doesn’t help himself with some of his decisions – and that is what he can control.
“Liverpool operate differently and I can’t see us cutting Slot and his staff so soon. However, results are what count, ultimately, and if things don’t improve – and quickly – then we all know how the road ends.
“The players have to step up too, by the way – it shouldn’t all be on the manager. Some have been way, way below an acceptable standard for Liverpool.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says he has “no regrets” after making 10 changes to his team for their Carabao Cup fixture against Crystal Palace, a match they went on to lose 3-0 at Anfield.
Although Liverpool’s starting 11 included 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha and 18-year-old midfielders Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison, the line-up also included seven full internationals.
Slot opted for three central defenders, with Scotland’s Andy Robertson on the left, England’s Joe Gomez in the middle and Japan’s Wataru Endo on the right.
Both full-backs have also represented their country too, with left-back Milos Kerkez a regular for Hungary, while Calvin Ramsay has played for Scotland.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner felt it was “disrespectful” to suggest Liverpool had fielded a weakened team and believed his side deserved all the credit.
“It was Arne Slot’s decision and we never care what other teams are doing,” said the Eagles boss. “I’ve seen Joe Gomez play for England, win the Champions League, seen Wataru Endo I don’t know how many games for Japan, I’ve seen Alexis Mac Allister, he won the World Cup as a starter, Kerkez moved for £40m, [Federico] Chiesa plays for the [Italy] national team, Ngumoha has shown he can score goals in the Premier League.
“It was still a good team and everyone is a member of the Liverpool squad. I was never good enough to be in the Liverpool squad. Maybe it was not the strongest team, but still a very good Liverpool side.”
For Slot, this match will be forgotten about if they can get positive results against Villa, Real and Manchester City.
“If they beat Villa and Real Madrid, and they start to turn a corner, then yes it will have paid off,” added Warnock. “If it isn’t and things continue, then Liverpool fans will get disgruntled.
“Managers don’t make changes for no reason. But when you need a victory, this was the ideal time to get it.”
As Slot pointed out, Liverpool’s recent poor run was unacceptable and he will be demanding, and hoping, for an immediate improvement in performances and results to relieve the pressure.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot reveals he withdrew Alexander Isak at half-time against Eintracht Frankfurt because the striker had felt discomfort in his groin.
Arne Slot says he is concerned about Liverpool’s recent run of results after they suffered their fourth loss in a row with a 2-1 defeat by Manchester United.
“I don’t see where Wirtz gets into the team,” ex-England captain Wayne Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show. “I think it was a lot of money. I think Wirtz actually damages the balance of Liverpool and how they play.
“He’s a top player and I’m sure he will get better – but he’s had a slow start and I think there’s no denying that.”
Wirtz’s current struggles are not down to a shortage of endeavour. He attempted more dribbles or shots on goal than anyone else for Liverpool in Istanbul. He will hope his hard work is rewarded soon.
Liverpool statistics also back up the theory they are now easier to get at, needing late goals against Bournemouth, Newcastle , Arsenal, Burnley, Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and Southampton in the Carabao Cup. They also conceded two-goal leads against Bournemouth, Newcastle and Atletico.
And, again, you can compare the start of this season to the beginning of last – they have had only two clean sheets in 10 games this season having kept six in their first 10 last season.
“Right now they’re not there yet,” said ex-Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge on Amazon Prime. “When you look at the way they’re playing right now they’re not the same team as last year. You can see the chemistry is not right at this present moment in this time – but they have plenty of time to get it right. It’s not panic stations.”
Slot, perfectly understandably, delivered measured perspective as he said: “We are not so far off the level shown last season. This is sometimes what the schedule can bring, Galatasaray is not a simple game. We now play Chelsea away, a difficult game.
“The margins are small and they were last season. For the second time in a row we are on the wrong side.
“I saw a lot of things in the first half, but the second half was much less. I don’t think in the second half there was a lot of playing time, their striker was on the floor four or five times. It was difficult to get momentum in the game.”
For all that, however, the sense of calm control and composure that was the hallmark of Liverpool’s title win has been lost – and was missing again the fierce surroundings of Istanbul.
On a night when Liverpool celebrated the goalscoring arrival of their record signing Alexander Isak, a moment of madness has proved costly for their other in-form forward.
Hugo Ekitike scored the winner in Tuesday’s 2-1 victory against Southampton to progress to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
But, caught up in the moment of his 85th-minute goal, striker Ekitike removed his shirt and held it up to the Liverpool fans in celebration.
He most likely knew he would get booked for that and was happy it was a price worth paying, but what he had seemingly forgotten is that he had already been shown a yellow card.
Ekitike went on social media on Tuesday night to apologise, saying: “I was so excited to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match.
“The emotion got the better of me. My apologies to all the Red family. Thanks to the fans who always support us and to my team-mates for this victory!”
But, speaking just after the game, his manager Arne Slot was left bemused by the incident.
“It is not [stupid] because it was his second [yellow] – it’s stupid even if you haven’t had a yellow card yet,” he said.
“Maybe I’m a bit old-fashioned but I did score a few goals – not at his level but I did – and if I went past three players and put it in the top corner then maybe you can say ‘this is all about me’.
“But if I scored a goal like he did tonight, I would turn to Chiesa and say ‘it’s about you Federico – great assist, great run and I didn’t have to do a lot’. Maybe that’s me being old-school.
“It was stupid, not smart in every sense. The good thing is that his team-mates helped him to get the win over the line, but the thing is he is now suspended for Saturday and that is far from ideal.”
MORE than a few eyebrows were raised at the Emirates when Arsenal’s starting line-up was announced.
In particular the midfield three of Mikel Merino, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
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Declan Rice started in a three-man midfield against Manchester CityCredit: Getty
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Martin Zubimendi joined Rice in the midfieldCredit: Reuters
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Mikel Merino was a more surprising name in the Gunners midfieldCredit: AP
It was a defensive-minded decision by Arteta to put pressure on City’s Rodri and limit his influence from deep while keeping things tight until he found the courage to fling on his attacking game-changers at the right moment.
It backfired massively.
Those who criticised Arteta for playing not to lose instead of going for the win at Liverpool last month – eventually losing 1-0 – have even more fuel to chuck on the now-blazing fire.
He had a fully-fit Eze on the bench, and yet kept the handbrake on with a safety-first approach. The question remains: does Arteta have the bravery to win a league title?
The sort of midfield that would have been Jose Mourinho-approved, but one that Arteta must NEVER start again in a title-defining game again if Arsenal are to compete for the Prem.
That trio had no pace, no drive, no attacking intent – and Arsenal have no hope of glory come May should they combine from the off again.
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Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011Credit: Getty – Contributor
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Liverpool boss Arne Slot and GuardiolaCredit: Reuters
MARTINELLI MORE THAN JUST A ‘FINISHER’
MIKEL Arteta made it clear after Arsenal’s Champions League opener just how much it pains him to leave Gabriel Martinelli on the bench.
The Brazilian came on away at Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday night and after 36 seconds he netted before creating another for Leandro Trossard.
It was not enough for Arteta to reward Martinelli with a first start for nearly a month against Manchester City, revealing that he prefers to call his subs “finishers” to give them more meaning and motivation.
But after yet another late goal to snatch points, there is now a dilemma for Arteta: continue using him as a super-sub – or super-finisher – or recall him to that left-winger spot.
Martinelli would admit himself that he has not been in good form over the last 18 months with just 18 goals in all competitions over the past two seasons.
But he is certainly knocking on the door. Is this the start of his North London renaissance?
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Gabriel Martinelli rescued a point for ArsenalCredit: Getty
EZE SHINING IN GOOD COMPANY
WITH England boss Thomas Tuchel watching on, Eberechi Eze proved why he is so special and belongs on the biggest of stages.
Eze would have been more than frustrated to be left on the bench for this one, desperate to build some momentum in an Arsenal shirt with next summer’s World Cup looming.
But boy did he deliver when he was thrown on at half-time with Mikel Arteta desperate for some magic after playing it safe for the first 45 minutes.
His beautifully-crafted long ball over the top to put in Gabriel Martinelli for a late, late equaliser is exactly why Arteta snatched him from Crystal Palace, lured from the grasps of rivals Tottenham at the last minute.
Once again for large parts, the Gunners struggled to break down a low block, just like they did last season, but Eze is the player with the key to unlock the most stubborn of defences – if he is given the chance.
It cannot be clearer now – Arteta must start Eze as much as possible between now and the end of the campaign if Arsenal are going to claw the Prem title away from Liverpool.
Slot felt Liverpool “did great business”, given all eight of their signings are aged 25 or under, and the club “should get praise” for the strategy it has adopted.
“I think it is only a compliment that people tell everyone we have spent so much because that tells you the players we brought in are seen as very good players,” explained the Dutchman.
“Some other teams prefer to bring in 27-year-olds because they are ready, but we think we have brought in players who are 21, 22 [and] who are ready.
“I think all the money we have spent we generated ourselves by selling, and by winning the league after we didn’t buy anyone at all.”
Isak did not feature in Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Burnley on Sunday – the first match since he joined the Reds – because he is still short of match fitness.
The 25-year-old trained alone at former club Newcastle, in a bid to force through his switch to Anfield, and needs extra work to get up to speed after missing pre-season.
Isak’s only appearance this season came for Sweden in an 18-minute cameo from the bench in a 2-0 defeat by Kosovo last week.
Slot said he is “100% sure” Isak will not play 90 minutes against Atletico but indicated he will play a part against the La Liga side.
“He [Isak] is part of the squad, so it’s already a Champions League game to look forward to, but if people look forward to his playing time, that could mean that could happen tomorrow as well,” Slot added.
“So the moment he is fit, match fit, [he] can play 90, and then the next step is playing three times in a week 90 minutes.
“And that is what he has to do; scoring goals and doing special things in attack is something he will 100% do. The main challenge he has is to become so fit that he’s first of all ready to do what he did last season.”
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Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
About the author
Katrina Vasey – Bingo Editor, The Sun
After graduating from Southampton University with a degree in English Literature, Katrina Vasey worked as a Content Editor for Law Business Research’s publication the International Law Office. Katrina joined The Sun in 2022 as the Bingo Editor, covering the four gaming platforms: Sun Bingo, Fabulous Bingo, Sun Vegas and Fabulous Vegas.
THE SLOTS section of any online casino is always the busiest area of the platform, and that highlights the popularity of these games. There is always a vast choice, and although there are new releases regularly, some established titles continue to attract interest.
Released in 2006, Mega Moolah remains hugely popular, and that’s largely due to its jackpot potential. This Mega Moolah slot review will look at possible payouts along with all the other aspects of this game in closer detail.
Mega Moolah slot quick overview
Here’s a quick summary of what Mega Moolah offers:
👨💻 Software Provider
NetEnt
🎰 Slot Type
Games Global
💫 Reels
5×3
💰 Paylines
25
💸 RTP
88.12%
🔥 Volatility
Medium
🤑 Max Win Potential
Progressive jackpot
🎞️ Theme
Cartoon Animals
🎉 Bonus Features
Free spins, four progressive jackpots
📉 Min Bet
£0.26
📈 Max Bet
£6.25
📅 Release Date
November 2006
Mega Moolah slot features overview
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Since its release in 2006, Mega Moolah has captured more media attention than most slot games. It has provided some of the biggest wins, and while it should be remembered that the big prizes are extremely rare, this is clearly a big part of its appeal.
Despite its low RTP, Mega Moolah has a medium variance, so wins can be more frequent than in other jackpot games. It can suit all players, but it’s largely one of the best online slots for experienced players whose main goal is to target jackpots.
👍 Pros
Four progressive jackpots
Free spins round
Medium variance
👎 Cons:
Low RTP
High minimum stake
Mega Moolah slot graphics, sound & gameplay mechanics
4
This game was released in 2006, so we shouldn’t expect to see state-of-the-art graphics. The game reflects the type of design that was in place back then, but it’s a colourful game, and the cartoon animals offer charming imagery.
The soundtrack aims to conjure the feel of an African safari, and it certainly hits the mark. It has been updated to work on mobile, so there should be no loss of functionality if you switch from a static device to playing on the go.
How to play Mega Moolah slot
Follow these steps if you want to play Mega Moolah at the best online slots sites in the UK:
Find a casino that hosts the game: All of the best online slots sites host this title, so it shouldn’t take long to find an outlet.
Set your preferred stake: The game may default to a high stake, so use the tool to change it if you prefer.
Press spin to play: The spin button will be clearly marked.
Look for high-paying combinations: Check our Mega Moolah slot review and follow the paytable for high-paying combos.
Bonus rounds: These will activate automatically when triggered.
Monitor your bankroll: Play responsibly and don’t use all your bankroll in one session. Ideally, play with up to a maximum of 10% of your balance.
Mega Moolah slot symbols
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Mega Moolah features a range of themed symbols split into high- and low-paying categories. The high-paying symbols include safari animals such as elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and antelope, each offering bigger rewards when landing in combinations. The low-paying symbols are the classic playing cards from A to 10, which appear more frequently but offer smaller payouts.
The lion is the wild symbol – it substitutes for all regular symbols and doubles the payout when part of a winning combination. The monkey serves as the scatter, and landing three or more triggers 15 free spins, where all wins are boosted by a 3x multiplier. These special symbols bring extra value to the base game and create opportunities for bigger wins during regular spins.
Mega Moolah slot RTP, payout & volatility
The RTP of 88.12% is low and means that, on average, £88.12 will be paid out for every £100 wagered, over time. Results between players will vary, but those independently verified stats are worth keeping in mind.
For players who get involved with Mega Moolah, it’s all about aiming for the jackpot. It’s rare to land the truly big payouts, but it’s that possibility that keeps players engaged. The slot has a medium volatility, and in general, payouts will be less frequent but they may be higher when they come in.
Mega Moolah bonus features & free spins
4
We’ve already seen that the lion is the wild symbol and the monkey is the scatter in Mega Moolah. The lion is a conventional wild icon that replicates all others as it looks to find a matching combination. If it does find a winning match, it will double any payout.
To activate the free spins section, at least three of the monkey scatters must fall into view. When this happens, players are rewarded with 15 additional spins.
The progressive jackpotscan be triggered at random at any point. There are no special symbols to look out for, and the four jackpots in question are labelled Mini, Minor, Major and Mega. Any of these can be activated randomly during the base game.
Where to play Mega Moolah slot in the UK
As one of the most popular games online, the best UK online casinos all host Mega Moolah. Use the search bar at your favourite casino to check, but it’s almost certain that it will be on the listing.
Two recommended options for players in the UK are Dream Vegas and bet365. Both are well-known brands, but more importantly, they are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, they promote responsible gambling, and both offer a good choice of secure funding providers.
If you are looking for one of the best online slots sites, you need to find a platform that covers all of those points.
Another trusted option is Casumo. This has customer support around the clock, as well as secure payment options and a mobile-friendly casino interface.
Key takeaway
Undoubtedly, it’s those progressive jackpots that have made Mega Moolah so popular with slots players over the years. The game is among the titles with the biggest payouts in history, and it continues to attract attention for that reason alone.
That said, those wins are rare, and it’s always important to play responsibly. With its straightforward gameplay, familiar safari theme and the chance to land life-changing prizes, Mega Moolah is a solid pick for UK players who enjoy classic slots with big potential. Try it out at a trusted, UK-licensed online casino.
🔎 More slot reviews
About the author
James Anderson
James Anderson is a Betting & Gaming Writer at The Sun. He is an expert in sports betting and online casinos, and joined the company in November 2020 to work closely with leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to curate content in all areas of sports betting. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter and Head of Live Blogs/Events at the Daily Express and Daily Star, covering football, cricket, snooker, F1 and horse racing.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma, Reds manager Arne Slot has revealed.
The centre-half has been a key target for Slot and is now set to move to Anfield in a deal worth in the region of £26m.
The Italy Under-19s international began his career at Padova and had a short spell at Sampdoria before joining Parma last summer.
He enjoyed a breakthrough Serie A campaign last season, making 17 appearances as Parma finished 16th, five points above the relegation zone.
“The clubs have agreed a deal but he has not signed for us yet. The moment he does, I can go into more detail,” Slot said.
The Reds boss refused to comment when asked about a potential move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
“He’s not our player. Unfortunately, he was the captain of the team who we lost to last Sunday. If you want to have any talks about him you should go to Palace and [manager Oliver] Glasner and ask him about it,” Slot said.
FA Cup winners Palace are believed to want £40m for their captain, who only has 12 months left on his contract, but Liverpool want to pay less than that.
Eagles chairman Steve Parish said earlier this week Guehi might be sold to avoid him moving on a free transfer next summer.
If the clubs do agree a deal, the level of playing time he would be afforded at Liverpool will be a crucial consideration for Guehi in a World Cup year.
The Reds have already spent about £270m this summer, though they have recouped about £170m through player sales.
LIVERPOOL have announced the arrival of new striker Hugo Ekitike in a £79million deal from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Frenchman’s arrival comes after months of the Reds courting him and his camp, with an end-of-season meeting with Arne Slot proving crucial in turning his head.
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Liverpool have announced the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: Getty
Eiktike, 23, becomes Liverpool’s latest big-money addition this summer after splashing out on the like of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Florian Wirtz – taking their total spend to just under £300m.
The striker has penned a six-year deal on Merseyside, tying his future down with the champions after his impressive campaign in the Bundesliga last term.
Ekitike scored 15 goals and registered eight assists in his 33 Bundesliga appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, earning himself a spot in the league’s Team of the Season.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool beat a number of their Premier League rivals to Ekitike’s signature.
Chelsea are said to have explored a move, Manchester United considered a late bid and Newcastle were well-known to have had an offer knocked back by Frankfurt.
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After Zahra Usman* quit a job she described as toxic in a law firm that overworked and underpaid her, affecting her mental health, she found herself searching for a job for over a year. She applied for every opportunity she was qualified for, and that was how she came across one that promised a role at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in the United Nations in 2024.
“My friend sent the flyer to me. It looked like a legit job application. The job had different roles, including legal assistants, and that was the role I applied for,” she says, recalling having no doubts at first, as she submitted her cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV) to the provided email address.
She did not receive an acknowledgement email and eventually forgot about it, as it was common not to hear back after applying for a job. However, in April 2024, they sent an email claiming they were recruiting again. Since she had already applied for the other role, they said they reached out because she met the requirements for the current position.
“They asked me to confirm my interest, reply to the email before the deadline, and send in an updated CV,” she recalled. They even offered an estimated salary of $2,ooo and links to calculate the tax requirements. They also said that due to the high level of applications, they couldn’t reply to individual queries.
After sending the CV, she didn’t hear back from them until May, when they informed her that she had gotten the job. They asked her to return the signed appointment letter, do a BSAFE assessment (a mandatory online security awareness training for all UN personnel), and submit the certificate. It took her almost the whole day to process the certificate, which required taking short courses and tests for each segment. The final test required answering 80 per cent of the questions correctly. Even though the process was stressful, Zahra still ensured she did it on time.
They also requested a Quantifiable Emotional Intelligence, Racial and National Diversity, Inclusion, and Validation Certificate (QREDIV). Still, when she followed the link, she discovered a payment of $99, which was about ₦160,000 at the time. At first, she wanted to borrow the money from a friend, but she became suspicious.
Employment scams were ranked as the second most serious type globally in 2023. Scammers exploit the economic crisis and high unemployment rates by promising lucrative opportunities with reputable companies. This includes fake job postings, phishing emails, and fraudulent job advertisements, many of which go unreported in the country. There is a lack of proper structures in place to trace and address these cases, and feelings of shame often prevent victims from speaking out. Additionally, some of these scams involve fake interviews designed to lure victims into situations where they could be kidnapped for ransom demands from their families.
“I entered the third-party website, and the whole thing made me suspicious. That was why I started to conduct proper research, to be sure, as it felt weird that the UN was expecting me to pay for any course. I searched for James Hall, who signed off all the emails on LinkedIn, but I couldn’t find him, and that was when I started to get more suspicious,” Zahra said.
The 29-year-old trusted her gut and decided to dig even deeper. She searched on Google to find out if the UN requires payment for courses, which led her to the Naija forum, an online platform where Nigerians shared their experiences. The search also led her to a disclaimer by the UN that they don’t charge a fee at any stage of the application process.
“Everything seemed so genuine. I even tried to run the links on ChatGPT, which confirmed they were legitimate. If people feel stupid for falling for this, they should know that it is not their fault; everything initially seemed legit. I later discovered that the first test I did was a requirement for UN workers,” Zahra added. She is currently job-searching while working at a friend’s law firm. Her near-scam experience has made her more vigilant; she now double-checks every opportunity before applying.
A successful extortion
In 2024, Fadila Mahmoud*’s cousin called to tell her about a job opportunity at Mentor Mothers, an initiative working towards preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission, and she was ecstatic to apply.
The initiative was under the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), which has an office at the Kaduna Ministry of Health in the country’s northwestern region. The only catch was that the job ‘required’ a payment before processing. She and her sister didn’t hesitate to raise the money.
“I called the man supposed to be in charge, and he assured me of a job opportunity. All I had to do was pay ₦150,000 in instalments, and the job was mine,” she recounted. However, the requirements didn’t end there; a percentage of their salary was expected every month.
Before starting the job, she and her sister paid an initial fee of ₦75,000. They were then expected to pay the balance within the first three months. A monthly deduction of ₦15,000 from their salary was also required. This included ₦5,000 labelled as ‘miscellaneous’ fees, which was deposited into the team leader’s account, and ₦10,000 that went to a coworker’s account, allegedly the sister of the person who referred them for the job. This arrangement made it difficult to identify the actual beneficiaries of these payments.
HumAngle examined the bank statements and confirmed records of the transfers that were made within those months.
Nigeria, which is said to have one of the highest misery indices globally, has seen an unemployment and inflation rate from 30.5 per cent in the third quarter of 2023 to 36.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2024. This situation is a serious concern, especially considering that the World Bank estimated in 2023 that 87 million Nigerians lived below the poverty line. Additionally, the removal of the fuel subsidy and the resultant cost of living crisis have further exacerbated this crisis.
“Since we needed the job, we agreed to the terms and got the job after a month of payment,” the 23-year-old explained. They signed a contract for the job, but it said nothing about the payment arrangements.
Her responsibility was to orient HIV-positive pregnant women and guide them to the hospital to obtain their medication during community outreach programmes. Each team is assigned to a specific hospital. “We attend antenatal days, sometimes twice a week,” she told HumAngle.
Things changed, however, when the company announced a salary increase from ₦75,000 to ₦120,000. The man who offered them the job demanded that they increase the monthly payment to ₦20,000, making a total of ₦25,000 monthly. HumAngle saw a record of the text that communicated this to her.
“The work was supposed to be contract-based; they assured us that we would be retained for two and a half years and our contract would be renewed for another two and a half years.”
Seven months later, however, Fadila said the head of the Kaduna Mentor Mothers branch called five of them to his office and explained that he had been contacted by the Abuja headquarters that the project they were hired for had been ‘put on hold’ for now. His explanation did not convince them. He also didn’t reference the monetary arrangement, suggesting he knew nothing about the unofficial contract.
“We thought that what they said was not true, and they had other reasons for doing so. At first, we suspected they might want to sell the job slots to others,” she said. Fadila also claimed three of the five people whose contracts were ‘terminated’ had purchased their job slots.
However, HumAngle found that the reason was unlikely. Mentor Mothers had to downsize as a result of funding cuts, according to a senior employee, who asked to be anonymous. HumAngle contacted the NEPWHAN Coordinator in Kaduna State, Bala Sama’ila, for his response to the allegations. We followed up for over three weeks but received no tangible response from him. When we reached out to inform him that we would go ahead with the story, he threatened a lawsuit, distancing himself from the allegations, without offering any explanation as promised.
He also asked HumAngle to share the identities of our sources with him, a request that goes against journalistic ethics and the principle of source confidentiality. “As far as I am concerned, I want to distance myself from all the allegations. Finally, I am not aware of the allegations,” he said in a snappy message sent to HumAngle.
The system is complex
A conversation with a colleague also made Fadila realise that there could be more at play, as she learned that the job slots were ideally intended for HIV patients rather than healthy workers.
Mentor Mothers was initially designed as an empowerment programme for women living with HIV to provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to educate and emotionally support other mothers living with the virus.
HIV patients experience economic hardships due to medical expenses, loss of income, and an inability to work. A study conducted in Oyo State, South West Nigeria, reveals that female HIV patients are more likely to lose employment opportunities, with a ratio of 24.3 per cent of women affected compared to 9.5 per cent of men. Assigning jobs intended for HIV patients to healthy individuals further exacerbates this disparity.
“Normally, they would tell you not to speak about the monetary arrangement to others to keep it ‘under wraps’ and one of the coworkers even claimed to my sister that the money she was paying them was higher than what we were paying,” Fadila explained.
She felt betrayed and deceived over her job loss. However, she is not the only one being scammed by a seemingly legitimate job.
Habiba Shehu* also faced a similar experience with Mentor Mothers. She paid for a slot, but it did not lead to a job offer. It took several months before she received her money back. At 28 years old, she was waiting for her National Youth Service posting in 2024 when she received a job offer.
“My cousin called me about a job opportunity that her in-laws had sent her. However, they mentioned that I needed to pay ₦75,000 for it. I borrowed the money from others and managed to gather it on time,” Habiba told HumAngle.
The man assured her about the job, providing the requirements he had previously given to Fadila and her sister. They sent her an appointment letter shortly afterwards, with the man claiming that Habiba had taken someone else’s slot because of the high demand. However, after three months, he called her to say that while others had gotten the job, she was unfortunately no longer on the list.
“I asked for a refund of my money. He asked for a one-week extension and then two more weeks. But when he did send in the money, he sent only half of it and asked for more time,” she said.
After he began to evade them, they resorted to calling and threatening him. He became scared when they threatened to take him to court and refunded the full amount. Currently, Habiba is completing her NYSC, and she hopes the labour market will be much kinder by the time she finishes.
File: A National Youth Service Corps at the orientation camp in Kubwa, Abuja, on March 18, 2020. Photo: Kola Sulaimon/AFP.
Eunice Thompson, a corporate lawyer and expert in HR and compliance, sheds light on the legal implications of these schemes.
“The Advanced Fee Fraud Act states that everyone who collects money for something they can’t deliver can be jailed for up to seven years,” Eunice noted that people can sue the individuals and organisations responsible for this scam. The ICPC Act for public service jobs also counts asking someone to pay for a job slot as an act of corruption, which can lead to prosecution. But this also means that the people paying for the jobs are also taking part in the illegal system.”
The lawyer adds that people who have been scammed can get justice by gathering evidence and acting swiftly. She encourages people to collect documentation of every conversation they have with the person, including screenshots and other forms of documenting interactions.
“There are Ministries of Labour and employment offices in many states where these issues can be reported. If money has been collected, it becomes a criminal case, which can involve the police and the EFCC. In case you need legal aid in terms of resources, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria or National Human Rights Commission or other nonprofit organisations can help,” she explained.
Hope beyond the shores
Haruna Shuaibu*, who has done jobs throughout his adult life, is another victim of the exploitative system.
After graduating from secondary school in Zamfara, things stagnated for him. He didn’t have the means to continue his education and was desperate for better opportunities. His desperation made him move to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, hoping to get a better chance at life. However, things didn’t go as planned, and he had to work other menial jobs to survive.
His first business in this new city was borehole repair, and he also sold carrots on the side. Eventually, these jobs were not sustainable enough to keep him in town, so he relocated to Kaduna State in 2012. With little to sustain himself, he started to hawk sugarcane in a wheelbarrow, but soon after, his brother-in-law employed him to work as a tiler under his business, where they got contracts to fix tiles in people’s homes.
“I worked with him for three years, but realised in 2015 that I could enter the tricycle business (locally known as Keke Napep). This has been the job that has sustained me for many years, during which I was able to start my own family,” Haruna said.
File: Tricycles at Gate junction, Ibadan, South West Nigeria. Photo: Adebayo Abdul Rahman/HumAngle
For the past few years, Haruna has used 23 tricycles, most of which he rented from others. He pays the owner ₦3,000 from his daily proceeds in his current arrangement. He also manages the tricycle’s daily maintenance while the owner handles significant repairs.
This job does come with its challenges. The tricycle is constantly at risk of being stolen, as it has happened to him before. However, this business has also introduced Haruna to what he believes could be a pathway to a better life.
A kind encounter with a passenger led to his employment as a driver for a family. This connection is what introduced him to the possibility of leaving the country.
“I worked with them for a few years. Before I learned that her husband helps process job opportunities for people abroad, I had received another job offer,” he recalls. Haruna had never considered leaving for greener pastures. Still, after an incident rendered his tricycle unusable, preventing him from working for almost four months in 2023, he had to explore other possibilities.
“My friend encouraged me to consider leaving with him as he tried to get opportunities out of the country. Someone connected us with a woman who was said to have connections. We were made to process our international passports and undergo a health screening,” he recounts.
However, the plan fell through due to financial constraints; the agents expected them to pay almost a million naira. They tried negotiating the terms, hoping to pay when they reached there, but they disagreed.
The opportunity was said to be in Baghdad. The woman collected their passports for a while, claiming she would help them process the jobs to the best of her abilities. “When we discovered that it wasn’t going to work out because the woman herself was leaving the country, we simply collected our passports back, ” he says.
Along the way, Haruna received other opportunities to work in Libya but refused after hearing the horror stories about such trips. Human traffickers have been operating in Libya since 2014, facilitating the smuggling of undocumented migrants across the Mediterranean Sea and causing many to lose their lives. This situation frightened Haruna, making him wary of such opportunities. Shortly after, the woman he worked for learned about his attempts to travel. She then informed him that her husband had connections with individuals who handled these opportunities.
“They said that the problem was that you have to pay first, due to previous bad experiences, where people switched jobs and secretly left the company they were assigned to, without paying their debts to the people who processed the opportunities. This had forced them to start a strict payment before service policy,” he tells HumAngle.
The husband in question later contacted him in 2024 and said they had an opening for a bike delivery man in a factory in Qatar. They thought he would be a perfect match for the job since it was similar to the one he was already doing. But he still wasn’t financially able to pay for it.
Haruna has been saving up for the next opportunity. He recently started the procedure for a potential job in Saudi Arabia, but he is invited to an interview in Lagos State before everything is set. This opportunity required a ₦500,000 processing fee, which he managed to save up.
The term “Japa,” which comes from the Yoruba language and means “to flee,” is commonly used to describe the mass outmigration of Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad. Research indicates that various socio-cultural, political, and religious factors, such as high unemployment rates, insecurity, and poverty, fuel the Japa phenomenon. This trend has resulted in a significant loss of talented individuals. For example, Nigeria’s medical system has experienced a substantial drain of doctors, leading to a troubling doctor-to-patient ratio of approximately one doctor for every 30,000 patients in certain regions.
Illustration: Akila Jibrin/HumAngle
“I am not sure which kind of job it is, but I know it involves working in a factory,” Haruna says. There weren’t a lot of details given to him about the job in question; the agents claimed that he would get more information when he went for the interview and medical screening in Lagos. The person he is communicating with informs him in Hausa that his potential job is at a ‘waya’ factory, which could translate to either a phone factory or a factory dealing with cables and wires, leaving him unsure of what the job description entails.
The job opportunity is said to last two years. “In those two years, you are expected to pay the company a certain agreed-upon amount from your salary. When the time expires, you can choose whether you want to leave or stay,” he explains. The details of the payment plan have not yet been communicated to him.
The company informed them that their potential monthly salary may be up to ₦800,000. There are many risks to irregular migration such as kidnaping and theft, exploitation and abuse, physical abuse, rape, torture, deportation from the countries, and enslavement.
HumAngle found that most of the supposed opportunities are for drivers or delivery men, who usually go to men, with occasional opportunities more suitable for women. The agents, who mostly work as middlemen, require a down payment before travelling, with a few exceptions.
Bashir Abba*, an agent between job seekers and companies, claimed, “There are many challenges. Sometimes, we get opportunities for people who refuse to pay back after getting the job. Other times, people ask for favours, and when we get them opportunities, they disappear and leave us to bear the cost.” This, among other reasons, is why he is reconsidering leaving that career path.
For Haruna, the reasons for leaving are massive. “I have many reasons for wanting to leave. I wouldn’t even go anywhere if I got tangible start-up money for my business. I would rather stay here and start a business instead. I am pretty sure there would be something I can do.”
Haruna expects to travel before the year ends, hoping to make enough money there. However, he is still sceptical, mainly due to the unclear details. He hopes that if he does travel, he will get a chance to change his financial status in Nigeria when he returns.
A BBC documentary released in April highlighted how scammers steal thousands from unsuspecting people under the guise of job opportunities and fail to deliver on those opportunities. Kelvin Alaneme, a popular Nigerian medical practitioner, who claimed to have helped 5,000 migrants relocate to the UK, was at the centre of this scheme. One of his victims claimed to have paid him £14,000 (₦29 million), after which the job didn’t materialise.
Payment made, refund denied
The extortionate job slot system thrives because many young Nigerians are desperate, as in the case of Ahmad Hassan*, who expected to get a job immediately after graduating from Ahmadu Bello University in 2015, especially with his skill set. However, 10 years later, like many other young Nigerians, he struggles to find footing.
Ahmad found himself constantly filling out job applications and delivering his CV to many who promised to help, but his hopes were crushed continuously as none of these opportunities materialised. “I had to find other ways to survive, so I ventured into selling clothing and jewellery. But that business soon went under as people always took things on credit,” he laments. The situation made it difficult for the 34-year-old architect to sustain his business. With few other opportunities in the saturated architectural field, Ahmad believed that buying a job slot or opportunity was his best alternative.
In 2022, his friend connected him to someone who was said to have a connection to the government and was offering a Central Bank job. Before that, Ahmad had tried to buy a Prisons Service job slot for ₦200,000 in 2021. He didn’t get the job, nor did he get his money back. He said the CBN opportunity came from a more ‘trustworthy’ source, and the total amount to be paid was ₦3.5 million with an initial deposit of ₦1.5 million, after which a balance of ₦2 million would be paid upon documentation.
“I did my due diligence by making inquiries about the process, people involved, duration of time it takes for the appointment to be ready and any other thing I was aware of. After I was satisfied with my inquiry and the assurance I got from those involved in finding a government civil service job, I made the payment.”
The initial contract also specified that payments would be refunded three months after they were made if the job did not succeed. However, Ahmad’s hopes were once again dashed when the opportunity he struggled to get money for didn’t manifest. He was left to keep asking for his money back, but the people kept requesting time extensions to source the funds.
Recruitment fraud in Nigeria has evolved into a multi-million naira industry with thousands falling victim to the schemes, leading to financial losses and mental distress. Earlier this year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested a scammer who posed as a staff member at a house and defrauded job seekers of an estimated ₦22 million. Besides fake job advertisements, these scammers request an upfront payment or pose as agents from reputable organisations.
Eunice, the lawyer, explained that selling jobs is illegal especially government jobs which violates the Civil Service Rules, ICPC Act, as well as the Nigerian Constitution, and people who are caught can either be jailed, released from service or forced to pay money back- and as for private sectors, this also violates the Labor Act, the Advance Fee Fraud Act, and the Anti-money Laundering Act. She believes that the lack of access to information on the dangers of buying jobs, as well as the desperation that pushes many job seekers to make that decision, further perpetuates the circle.
Illustration: Akila Jibrin/HumAngle
“I got ₦700,000 back in 2023, and only got the rest back last year in two instalments, ₦500,000 and then later on ₦300,000 was returned to me. I was even among the lucky ones to get their money back, as some people got nothing in return,” Ahmad said.
Ahmad felt he had few options despite the challenges and risks, as other businesses he ventured into eventually failed for one reason or another. Sometimes, he gets the occasional architectural gigs that bring in some cash. Then, a friend informed him that there was an opening for a job with the National Drug Law Enforcement (NDLEA), with an initial deposit of ₦100,000 required. However, even paying the money on time did not guarantee getting the job; he still struggles to get his money back.
“They only refunded me ₦50,000 in 2023, and I still haven’t gotten the rest back. When you don’t have options, you have to crawl your way up, and I know people who got jobs in the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through this process,” he added.
Another challenge he encounters is age limitations, which are a barrier to opportunities for which he is qualified. In 2023, Nigerian senator Patrick Abba Moro called for the dismissal of age limits, which serve as a discriminatory factor in the employment system. This limit has led to desperate Nigerians falsifying birth dates to meet this criterion. Chapter 4, Section 4 (2) of the Nigerian Constitution states that all citizens have the right to be free from Discrimination.
Ahmad has not given up on finding new business ventures or applying for job opportunities. He is not unwilling to try finding a job through this process, especially since he has seen it materialise for others, and other alternatives don’t seem to be working.
Like Ahmad, who almost tore his pocket to pay for non-existent job slots, Linda Joseph can never forget the man who taught her mother for a few years in secondary school. Now, his identity has become the man who defrauded her family with a fake job offer at the Ikeja Airport, Lagos State, southwestern Nigeria. His history with her mother was likely why her parents trusted him and didn’t scrutinise his offer deeply.
Illustration: Akila Jibrin/HumAngle
Lagos is known as Nigeria’s commercial capital. Illustration: Akila Jibrin/HumAngle
“He told my mum he worked at the Ikeja Airport and had an open position, but his boss requested a ₦100,000 fee. My mum paid in two tranches, and the last we heard from him was after the second payment landed in his account,” she says, noting that from 2019 till date, the man was nowhere to be found and no job materialised.
When this happened, Linda worked in a privately owned organisation in Lagos. Although she loved her job, she was usually up working in the middle of the night, which affected her sleep schedule.
“I won’t say I was searching for other opportunities heavily at that time, but the lack of sleep bothered me and my parents,” she explains.
After graduating from the university in 2014, Linda endured the treacherous job market. The 30-year-old has worked in the private sector and now works at a nonprofit, where her passion lies. Over the years, she has volunteered, interned, worked as a consultant, learned baking, and worked as a writer for a short while.
“In retrospect, I do not think he worked in any airport. My mum has since ‘left it to God’ in her usual manner, but I? He better hope I don’t see him anywhere on the streets because he will vomit my 100k.”
In the meantime, she is learning a skill pertinent to her career and hopes it will open up room for bigger opportunities.
Eunice pointed out that the problem with Nigerian laws is in implementation. Sections 23 to 24 of the Labour Act particularly seem good on paper. “There is a law that every recruitment organisation must first be licensed by the Ministry of Labour, but a lot of them operate illegally without registration. A lot of our processes and systems also use paper trails, making it difficult to trace,” she noted. “If enforcement is tightened, the bodies responsible can identify the people running these scams. For instance, in Ghana, the board department publishes a list of licensed employment private agencies online.”
The lawyer believes this would help curb some of the employment scams many desperate job seekers fall victim to. She also thinks in the adoption of a National Job Portal for public service jobs, which is currently being done in other countries like Kenya, as well as public awareness, with national orientation to educate people on these scams, especially using already existing schemes such as NYSC, can help put an end to these issues.
UK players love slot games, and Eye of Horus is up there with the best. It’s a standout classic.
Originally, it was released by Merkur Gaming but was later adopted by Blueprint. Eye of Horus has gained a loyal following. Players love its simplicity and expanding symbol feature.
In this Eye of Horus slot review, we cover the key mechanics, payout potential and where to play in the UK.
Book of Dead slot quick overview
👨💻 Software Provider
Blueprint Gaming/Merkur Gaming
🎰 Slot Type
Video slot
💫 Reels
5
💰 Paylines
10
💸 RTP
96.31%
🔥 Volatility
Medium
🤑 Max Win Potential
10,000x
🎞️ Theme
Ancient Egypt
🎉 Bonus Features
Free spins, expanding wilds, symbol upgrades
📉 Min Bet
0.10
📈 Max Bet
100
📅 Release Date
2016
Eye of Horus slot features overview
4
Eye of Horus keeps things simple but does it well. The standout mechanic here is the expanding wild. This covers the full reel and substitutes for all symbols except scatter. During free spins, the wild also upgrades high-paying symbols. You get better win potential!
The bonus round requires three scatters. You can also retrigger it up to five times. No complicated multipliers here, or mini games. The appeal is the streamlined action and symbol upgrades.
This game is great if you’re a casual player. Or someone who prefers a medium volatility slot with frequent bonus triggers and classic mechanics.
👍 Pros
Expanding wilds. Great visual impact and potential win boosts.
Free spins can be retriggered multiple times.
Symbol upgrade mechanic keeps it engaging.
Simple layout suits mobile play.
Clear win structure. Not overly complicated.
👎 Cons:
No multipliers or bonus mini games.
Visuals may feel dated compared to newer slots.
Max win lower than other high-volatility games.
Eye of Horus slot graphics, sound & gameplay mechanics
4
Eye of Horus uses a classic ancient Egypt theme. The visuals are simple but bold. The symbols are clear and the reel setup is uncluttered. The background features stone pillars and hieroglyphs. It sets the tone without distracting the player.
The sound design is minimal. Reels spin with retro arcade-style clicks. Bonus triggers bring in a short Egyptian-style jingle. It’s functional rather than immersive.
Gameplay is smooth on both desktop and mobile. Touchscreen controls are responsive. All features are accessible across devices. The stripped-back style suits mobile play, especially for players who like a no-frills experience.
How to play Eye of Horus slot
Interested in trying it out? Here’s how:
Open the game at a licensed UK casino, such as Casimba, or take your pick among the best online casinos, as most of them have the classic Eye of Horus slot.
Set your stake using the control panel.
Press the spin button.
Look out for winning combinations.
Land three scatter symbols to trigger free spins.
Keep track of your balance and play responsibly.
Eye of Horus slot symbols
Eye of Horus uses a classic pay structure. Low-paying symbols are traditional card values from 10 to Ace. Higher-paying symbols are based on the theme. These are scarabs, ankhs and falcons, as well as others.
The Horus symbol acts as a wild. It can expand to cover the reel and substitute for all standard symbols. Three Temple Door symbols trigger the free spins round – the scatters, as it were.
4
During free spins, each wild upgrade increases the value of mid-tier symbols. This adds extra win potential and variety.
Eye of Horus slot RTP, payout and volatility
Eye of Horus has an RTP of 96.31%. This means that for every £100 wagered, around £96.31 is expected to be paid back over time. It’s a theoretical value, not a guarantee – and not per player.
The game runs on medium volatility. Wins can occur at a steady pace but they tend to be moderate. This suits players looking for balanced risk and reward.
The maximum win is 10,000x your stake. There is no jackpot feature. However, the bonus round upgrades can help increase overall payout potential, particularly during longer sessions.
Eye of Horus bonus features and free spins
4
The main feature in Eye of Horus is its free spins round. It’s triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols. These are represented by the temple doorway. They can be anywhere on the reels. This awards 12 free spins.
During the bonus round, you want wild symbols (the Horus icon). Each time one appears, one of the higher-value symbols is upgraded to the next level. You win potential increases. The wild also expands to cover the full reel. It means your chances of landing winning combinations are better.
Additional free spins can be retriggered. Two wilds during the round award three extra spins. Three wilds grant five more. This can continue until the maximum number of free spins is reached.
No multipliers or jackpots are featured. However, the upgrade mechanic provides good bonus potential, especially with frequent wilds.
Where to play Eye of Horus slot in the UK
Eye of Horus can be played at several trusted, UK-licensed casinos. All the best online slot site platforms like MrQ and Casimba have it. It’s offered alongside secure payment options and full access to responsible gambling tools, of course.
All recommended operators hold a licence from the UK Gambling Commission. That means player protection, fair gameplay and support. Mobile compatibility is also strong across both platforms.
Key takeaway
Eye of Horus is simple. It’s a retro-style slot with timeless appeal. The bonus round offers decent win potential, particularly for players who like symbol upgrade mechanics. The gameplay may feel repetitive to some but its classic structure makes it ideal for fans of traditional slots.
Eye of Horus Slot is a great pick for UK players who enjoy straightforward gameplay with nostalgic charm. Try it out at a trusted, UK-licensed online casino.
About the author
James Anderson
James Anderson is a Betting & Gaming Writer at The Sun. He is an expert in sports betting and online casinos, and joined the company in November 2020 to work closely with leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to curate content in all areas of sports betting. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter and Head of Live Blogs/Events at the Daily Express and Daily Star, covering football, cricket, snooker, F1 and horse racing.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
“I want to be in my Sasha Fierce era, the top of my game with still a long way to go – but I want to reach my prime and never leave it.”
Back then, it felt like a bold claim.
The Florida-born rapper and singer had scored a couple of viral hits – most notably Persuasive, an ode to marijuana that ended up on Barack Obama’s summer playlist – but nothing that had crossed over to the mainstream charts.
But jump-cut to 2025 and Doechii is a Grammy Award-winning “woman of the year“, who’s about to play one of the most hotly-anticipated sets at Glastonbury Festival.
With her hair carefully braided to her backing dancers, she delivered a meticulously-choreographed performance of Boiled Peanuts and Denial Is a River – a cartoonish character piece, in which she confides to her therapist that her boyfriend’s been cheating on her with another man.
CBS
Doechii’s performance on late night US TV lit a rocket under her career
Others pinpoint her Tiny Desk Concert, released on YouTube two days later. The 15-minute set bursts with joie de vivre, simultaneously soulful and fiery, as the star rattles through jazzy, full-band recreations of her mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal.
She won even more fans at the Grammys in March, where she won best rap album, making her just the third female artist to win in the category.
In her speech, she spoke directly to young, black, queer women like her: “Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you, to tell you that you can’t be here, that you’re too dark or that you’re not smart enough or that you’re too dramatic or you’re too loud.”
She capped off her win with an ultra-physical performance that referenced Michael Jackson, Missy Elliott and Bob Fosse – and ended with her pulling the splits while being held aloft by five male dancers.
With three “star-is-born” performances in just four months, Doechii became the most talked-about new rapper of her generation… just like she planned.
So where did it all start?
Getty Images
The star’s Grammy Award performance was named the best of the night by USA Today and Rolling Stone magazine
Doechii was born Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon in Tampa, Florida and raised in a “heavily Christian” single-parent household by her mother, Celesia Moore.
A studious kid who loved writing poetry, she invented her alter-ego at the age of 11, after being viciously bullied in school.
Doechii was raised by her mother, alongside her twin sisters
As a teenager, she spent four years at Tampa’s Howard W. Blake School of the Arts, after winning a place on the choral programme by performing Etta James’ At Last.
The school unlocked her creativity, allowing her to take classes in everything from nail design and hair, to ballet, tap, cheerleading and stage production. However, it was gymnastics that left the biggest impression.
“The way that gymnasts train is really, really tough. It’s brutal and hard and difficult,” she told Gay Times.
“But at some point in my gymnastic career I learnt how to embrace and really love pain. To view pain as me getting stronger and better. That caused a deep discipline that has never left me.”
The school also helped the teenager accept her sexuality.
“Even though I was aware [that I was queer], I didn’t feel as comfortable until I started surrounding myself with more gay friends at my school.
“Once I had gay friends it was like, ‘OK, I can be myself, I’m good, I can feel safe, this is normal, I’m fine.’ I have those same friends today and will have them for life.”
That’s not all they gave her: Those same friends convinced Doechii to give up her ambitions of becoming a chorister, and start writing and releasing her own music.
Doechii
The artwork to Doechii’s debut single, Girls, highlighted her irreverent sense of humour
Initially called iamdoechii, she uploaded her first song to Soundcloud in 2016, and released her debut single Girls two years later.
It already bore the hallmarks of her best work: Rhythmically and lyrically dextrous, and chock full of personality.
“Taking nudes / None of them for you,” she chided over a mellow electric piano, before the beat switched up and her rapping became more frenetic. By the closing bars, she barely had time catch breath as she listed her accomplishments.
“Making money from my phone, huh / Doechii finally in her zone.”
The lines were more prophecy than reality. Doechii had a solid following on YouTube, but she was still working at Zara to make ends meet.
In 2019, she was booked for a showcase in New York City and hopped on a bus – without the money for her return trip.
“And then I had to call one of my mom’s friends… and, like, beg her to let me sleep at her house. And I ended up living there until I got back on my feet.”
‘Drowning in vices’
Things started to turn around with the release of 2020’s Yucky Blucky Fruitcake, named after Junie B. Jones’s children’s book, in which Doechii sketched out her own childhood.
According to the lyrics, she was precocious (“I try to act smart ’cause I want a lot of friends“), competitive (“I get a little violent when I play the game of tag“) and frequently broke (“My momma used stamps ’cause she need a little help“).
The song marked a breakthrough in her writing.
“I was lacking this sense of vulnerability and honesty in my music,” she told Billboard, until “I learned accuracy and just saying exactly what it is, like on Lucky Blucky Fruitcake”.
The song went viral, winning her a record deal with Top Dawg Entertainment – the label that launched Kendrick Lamar and SZA.
She followed it up with the effortlessly hooky Persuasive, earning praise from SZA (who jumped on a remix) and former President Barack Obama.
“I can’t imagine Obama just jamming my song,” she exclaimed. “I just don’t believe it, but if he really does – that’s crazy.”
Reuters
The singer won her first Grammy Award at this year’s ceremony
Doechii next collaborated with Kodak Black on the 2023 single What It Is (Block Boy), earning her first Top 40 hit.
Then, everything stalled.
Subsequent singles flopped, and Doechii was, as she later wrote on social media, “drowning in my own vices, battling differences with my label and a creative numbness that broke me”.
Initially, her Alligator Bites Never Heal mixtape looked set to repeat the pattern. Released last August, it entered the US charts at number 117 and vanished a week later.
But reviews were ecstatic.
Critics loved the acerbic, funny lyrics, that saw Doechii unpack the trials and tribulations of the last two years; and heaped praise on bars that recalled greats such as Q-Tip, Lauryn Hill and Slick Rick, while keeping pace with contemporaries like Kendrick Lamar.
After a period dominated by the mumbled bars of Souncloud rap, her precision was a breath of fresh air.
“One of the year’s most fully-realized breakout albums,” wrote Rolling Stone. “If this is the sound of Doechii pushing against constraints, a little friction might not be the worst thing,” added Pitchfork.
Getty Images
The singer turned heads with her dramatic and theatrical outfits at Paris Fashion Week and the Met Gala (pictured) this Spring.
As word spread, she was booked to play the Colbert show and Tiny Desk. Those performances lit a rocket under her career. By April, Alligator had chomped into the US Top 10, and the UK Top 40.
Around the same time, she bowed to fan pressure by releasing her 2019 YouTube song, Anxiety, a pop-rap crossover based on a sample of Gotye’s Somebody That I Used To Know.
With an eye-catching video that recreated a full-on panic attack, it hit number three in the UK, and even earned Doechii a citation in medical journal Psychology Today.
“The song and accompanying video work so well in showing exactly how anxiety feels in our bodies and minds,” wrote Professor Sandra Chafouleas.
“Think about quick and short breaths, racing thoughts, and worrying about things that haven’t happened yet. Anxiety feels like ‘Anxiety’ sounds, with brilliant mirroring of how the experience can hijack us.”
Since then, Doechii’s been hard at work on her debut album. There’d been rumours she’d release it in time for her Glastonbury slot on Saturday night, but perfectionists have got to perfect. At the time of writing, she’s still in the studio.
Speaking to Dazed, she dropped a few hints of what’s in store.
“In Alligator Bites Never Heals, the archetype was a student of hip-hop. For this next project, I’m thinking about how this student develops.
“Who does she develop into? What has she learned? I’m still unpacking how that character develops into this next project.”
Despite the delay, Doechii’s headline set remains one of Glastonbury’s biggest draws.
She might only be performing for 45 minutes, but she’ll make every one of them count.
As the star boasted on her single Nosebleeds: “Will she ever lose? Man, I guess we’ll never know.“
FLORIAN WIRTZ reportedly chose Liverpool over Bayern Munich after being given an irresistible promise by Arne Slot.
The highly-rated German star was courted by both clubs but in the end the guarantee of the No10 role tipped the scales in the Reds’ favour.
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Florian Wirtz is a man in demand but Liverpool are closing in on himCredit: AFP
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Bayern Munich are also interested in the Bayer Leverkusen starCredit: Getty
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Wirtz has made it clear he wants to join LiverpoolCredit: Getty
According to Caughtoffside, Wirtz revealed that the decision was ultimately made after Slot assured him he would be THE playmaker in his Liverpool team.
While Bayern offered him the prospect of competing in their world-class side, the path to regular first-team football was far from clear.
Jamal Musiala’s rapid rise at the Allianz Arena and the presence of more established players such as Joshua Kimmich meant that Wirtz would have had to fight for his place in the midfield.
But at Liverpool, it is a different story – he would be the main man at Anfield.
The creative hub of the team, controlling the game from midfield and leading Liverpool’s attack.
Slot promised Wirtz full control of the No10 role, a position that would be his alone.
This clear-cut offer of a starring role was a far cry from the uncertainty Bayern offered.
In the end Wirtz made his choice opting for the chance to be Liverpool’s attacking leader.
The fact that Liverpool have won the Premier League in Slot’s first season is also contributing factor as it has highlighted the manager’s ability to bring the best out of young players.
The Dutch manager has been able to get the best out of both old and new faces with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk enjoying stellar campaign as well as Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo
Thousands of people line streets for Liverpool’s Premier League title parade as iconic DJ drafted in as special guest
How close are Liverpool to a deal?
The Premier League champions have submitted a second improved bid for the Germany midfielder.
Arne Slot thanked “the wider football community” for its support following the incident at Liverpool’s title parade as he was named manager of the year and Premier League manager of the year at the League Managers Association (LMA) awards.
About 50 people – including four children – were injured on Monday when a car rammed into crowds in central Liverpool.
Slot was honoured with the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy at the annual LMA ceremony in London – which he did not attend.
After replacing Jurgen Klopp last summer, the 46-year-old only signed one player – forward Federico Chiesa – but still delivered Liverpool’s second Premier League title, winning the league by 10 points from Arsenal.
“I have had to withdraw from the event out of solidarity with all affected,” he said., external
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly but it is one that I feel is absolutely right given the seriousness of the situation.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the wider football community, including the LMA itself, the Premier League and many clubs for the support we have received over the last 24 hours.
MO SALAH and Arne Slot made the secret pact that took Liverpool to the title and made him Player of the Year.
The campaign began with Anfield shrouded in doubts – especially over whether Salah would sign a new deal and how Slot might handle the strain of being Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
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Mo Salah and Arne Slot made a pact at the start of the seasonCredit: EPA
But Salah revealed how he was certain he could make the Dutchman a Prem champ in exchange for a pledge from the new manager.
Slot kept his word and so did the Kop’s Egyptian king as he reveals how over a series of discussions between the pair he declared: “I was very honest.
“I told him: ‘with me, you are going to win the Premier League but I have to feel really comfortable with the way we play.’
“He was very honest with me, we had a few honest conversations and he said to me: ‘OK, I will get the best out of you. I will put you in a situation where you feel comfortable but I need you to provide the numbers’.”
Provide those numbers Salah, just crowned the Football Writers Association’s player of the year for a third time, certainly did.
In what became a cruise to the crown he has set a new Prem high for a 38 – game season of 28 goals and 18 assists.
He needs two more goal involvements in tomorrow’s last game of the season against Crystal Palace to claim history by overtaking the joint record of 47 held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole set over 42 matches.
What’s more Salah will spend at least two more seasons with Liverpool having agreed a near – £400,000 a week new deal when he admits that the one pre – season doubt he did have was whether the club would come up with the numbers to make him stay.
Part of his concern was over the fact that owners Fenway Sports Group had always made age a number for older players.
Cheeky Mo Salah reveals Liverpool’s Premier League title felt way better without Klopp, Mane and Firmino
He explained: “There is always a time either now or later when it is going to happen (Salah leaving) but I love this club.
“I always wanted to stay but I know my value and I was waiting for the club to arrive to the right point where me and the club are both going to be happy so that’s why the contracts took so long.
“Based on the club history, because the club treated players of 30 or 31 in different ways I wasn’t clear in my head that I was going to stay 100 percent.”
Salah, who has equalled Thierry Henry’s record of three FWA awards, couldn’t be happier with the way it has all worked out for him – and for the former Feyenoord manager.
His content is based not only on his own personal pride over what he says was a “crazy season, a crazy year” but also on the warm respect he has developed for Slot.
The 32-year-old stresses: “It’s so special, I have a good relationship with him and I am very respectful towards him and his staff because we all work really hard.
“At the beginning, we had that conversation, he asked me for stuff he wanted me to do.
“I asked him and put me in the positions and situations where I can really provide numbers and our relationship is very good and it’s working well.
“And he has improved me, absolutely. Now he will have to deal with me a bit longer!
“I’ve always believed there’s always room to improve and I think he did it very well and you see the numbers this year and I feel very happy about it.
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Salah has been incredible this seasonCredit: Reuters
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He is set to win the Premier League Golden Boot yet againCredit: Reuters
“I would give him half the credit and the other half to my teammates because they always help me in the situations to give me the ball or be at the right spot so they can pass the ball and I score.”
Salah also speaks warmly of the bond he has always had with the fans, even throughout a campaign of questions over whether he would go, or like skipper Virgil van Dijk, also sign on for another two years.
He says: “My relationship with the fans, I see it as very special.
“They see me as an honest guy and they could see that straight away.
“I think that’s why our relationship is special and that’s why they love me. I don’t hide the stuff, I always share.”
He has improved me, absolutely. Now he will have to deal with me a bit longer!
Mo Salah on Arne Slot
Having picked up the FWA prize at an awards dinner on Thursday night he can now look forward to an even brighter future with Slot – and makes another vow.
He says: “One game to go, I broke the record for 38 games so I am going to go fully focused for the last game and hopefully I can get two goals or assists.
The daddy of them all throughout Liverpool’s Prem history insists: “People need to realise that in the last five or ten years players start hitting their peak when they are 30 and upwards.
“When they have more experience and can manage their emotions and can provide big numbers.
“Football has changed now, people take care of themselves, if you try to do everything right you are going to play until you decide it’s time to retire.
“I said the other day I will probably play until I’m 39, 40 … until the kids tell you: ‘It’s OK, you leave football now and you stay with us!”
