Author: News Room

South Africa defender Ime Okon has firmly shut down suggestions that he was courted by Nigeria, insisting that his commitment to Bafana Bafana was never in doubt despite being eligible to represent the Super Eagles. The Hannover centre-back, who qualifies for both South Africa and Nigeria, is currently representing Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, where he continues to establish himself as one of the country’s emerging defensive leaders. Okon played the full 90 minutes as South Africa battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic, a result that…

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced its gantry price for aviation turbine kerosene (ATK), commonly known as jet fuel, to N1,450 per litre. A source at the refinery confirmed the development on Friday, saying the price was reduced from N1,550 per litre to N1,450 per litre. According to the source, the adjustment took effect on Tuesday. The latest reduction comes less than two weeks after the refinery lowered the ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, by N75 per litre. In a circular to oil marketers, the refinery said the petrol price adjustment, which took effect…

Kenneth Okonkwo In Greek mythology, there is the fascinating story of Pygmalion, a gifted sculptor from the island of Cyprus. Disillusioned by the women around him, Pygmalion resolved never to marry and instead devoted himself to his art. From ivory, he carved a woman of such extraordinary beauty and perfection that no mortal could compare with her. The statue embodied everything he admired, namely; grace, purity, and elegance. As he labored over his masterpiece, Pygmalion became increasingly enamored with his creation. He dressed it in fine garments, adorned it with jewels, spoke to it, and brought it gifts. Though he…

Nigerian-rooted forward Folarin Balogun delivered another influential performance as the United States became one of the first teams to book a place in the knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over Australia. Balogun, who switched allegiance from England to the United States despite his Nigerian heritage, led the American attack with a tireless display in Seattle. The striker recorded 33 touches, completed nine passes, won three duels and registered two shots as the hosts secured a second consecutive victory in Group D. The result confirmed the United States’ place in the Round of…

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has accused United Kingdom authorities of destroying her reputation through a failed corruption prosecution that lasted more than a decade. Alison-Madueke, who was acquitted on Wednesday by a jury at Southwark Crown Court in London, made the remarks during an interview with BBC on Friday. The former minister had faced five counts of accepting bribes and conspiracy to commit bribery following a 13-year investigation by the UK’s National Crime Agency. Speaking after her acquittal, Alison-Madueke described the investigation and prosecution as “painful and traumatic.” “I’ve not been allowed to travel. I’ve not been…

Former Zamfara State Governor, has distanced himself from a planned protest against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Yari’s Chief of Staff, Abdullahi Tsafe, in a statement on Friday, dismissed reports alleging that the senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District was sponsoring or financing anti-government protests. Tsafe described the allegation as “false, mischievous, politically motivated,” maintaining that Yari had no connection whatsoever with any planned protest against the Tinubu administration. He said, “Let it be stated categorically and without ambiguity that Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari has no connection whatsoever with any planned protest against the administration of President Bola Ahmed…

EIB Global, the development branch of the European Investment Bank, has announced a €170m financial partnership with the Lagos State Waterways Authority to develop sustainable and efficient water transport in Lagos. The partnership, which is the first collaboration between LASWA and EIB, the largest funder of the Omi Eko Project, was announced on Friday in Ikoyi, Lagos, and was witnessed by the EIB Vice-President, Ambroise Fayolle, European Union Ambassador, Gautier Mignot, and the Consul General of France in Lagos, Laurent Favier. LASWA disclosed this in a statement on Friday obtained by Saturday PUNCH. LASWA explained that EIB Global, the development…

Haiti and Türkiye have been knocked out of the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following defeats on Friday. In Philadelphia, United, States, five-time champions, Brazil, cruised to a 3-0 victory over Haiti in Group C, mathematically ending the Caribbean side’s hopes of advancing. Matheus Cunha fired Brazil ahead with a close-range tap-in after Vinicius Jr’s shot was parried, before doubling the lead with a powerful strike from inside the box. Vinicius Jr added a third deep in first-half stoppage time. The result leaves Haiti bottom of Group C with zero points from two matches and a goal…

Actress and producer, Linda Ejiofor, recently bagged a historic win as ‘Best Lead Actress’ and ‘Best Supporting Actress’ at the last Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards. She tells FAITH AJAYI about her career and experiences outside the industry Congratulations on your record-breaking achievement at this year’s AMVCA. Looking back at your journey, what emotions come to mind when you compare where you started to where you are today? Gratitude, more than anything else. When I look back at where I started, I see a young woman with big dreams, a lot of hope, and very little certainty about how things…

Two brothers accused of kidnapping a Minnesota family at gunpoint last year to steal $8 million in cryptocurrency pleaded guilty in connection with the armed robbery. Isiah Angelo Garcia and Raymond Christian Garcia, on Thursday, entered guilty pleas for Interference with Commerce by Robbery, facing a maximum of 20 years in federal prison, according to the US Attorney’s Office of the District of Minnesota. “The guilty pleas entered today reflect our commitment to holding the defendants accountable for the choices they made,” US Attorney Daniel Rosen said.  Global crypto wrench attacks have skyrocketed in recent years. In February, CertiK found that the number…