Author: News Room
A diplomatic row has overshadowed Ghana’s World Cup preparations after the government formally protested Canada’s refusal to grant a visa to midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the Black Stars’ opening match. With Ghana set to begin their Group L campaign against Panama in Toronto on 17 June, the absence of one of the team’s most experienced players has become a major talking point just days before kick-off. On Saturday, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed that the government had lodged an official protest with Canadian authorities over the refusal of Partey’s visa application. In a strongly worded…
Governor Alex Otti says his administration remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote unity, cultural preservation and community development in the state. Otti disclosed this on Saturday in Aba during the ₦500 million launch and fundraising for the acquisition of land for the construction of a Heritage Centre by the Association of Isiala Ngwa Sons and Daughters. He said, “My administration is focused on building a prosperous, inclusive and development-driven state where every community will have opportunities to thrive. “My administration also remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote unity, cultural preservation and community development.” Represented by his Chief of…
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has dismissed reports that its vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, threatened to leave the party over disagreements surrounding candidate selection in Kano State. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, described the claims as “conjectures and media speculations” aimed at undermining the party. Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Saturday night, Director insisted that Kwankwaso had never contemplated leaving the party. “At no time did our leader, Kwankwaso, threaten to leave the party. Those were just conjectures and media speculations trying to demarket the party, and we know where they are coming from,” he…
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with standout performers already emerging across the opening round of group-stage matches. FIFA has begun naming its Superior Player of the Match award winners after each fixture, recognising the most influential player on the pitch. As of June 14, eight players have received the award following the first eight matches of the tournament. Notable among winners so far is US forward Folarin Balogun, who scored twice in his side’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles. Brazil star Vinícius Júnior received the honour after helping…
Aldon Smith, a former San Francisco 49ers linebacker, has died. He was 36. The 49ers released an official statement via X on Saturday, June 13, to confirm the news. “We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the statement read. “Aldon’s undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field were on display from the moment he joined our organization, having recorded one of the best rookie seasons the National Football League has seen.” The organization continued, “Beyond his excellence as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he…
The police have destroyed an improvised explosive device (IED) suspected to have been planted by bandits on a major route in Zamfara State. In a statement issued on Saturday, the police public relations officer, Yazid Abubakar, said the IED was uncovered in the Kunchin Kalgo axis of Tsafe LGA, acting on intelligence provided by the local community. Mr Abubakar added that operatives of the Command’s Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), working with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, successfully unearthed the device at about 4:15 p.m., preventing what could have resulted in mass casualties. “Operatives of the Command’s Violence Crime…
The Professional Fighters League officially arrived in Nigeria on Saturday night, delivering a memorable debut event as PFL Africa brought elite mixed martial arts action to the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos. In front of an energetic crowd, fighters from across Africa and beyond battled for tournament progression, regional supremacy and the opportunity to make history on a landmark night for the sport on the continent. While Nigerian fans celebrated several standout performances, the evening produced both triumph and heartbreak for the home contingent. Adeshina’s homecoming ends in disappointment The headline attraction saw Nigeria’s Wasi “The Nigerian Jaguar” Adeshina take…
The Christian Association of Nigeria on Sunday declared a nationwide Black Sunday in honour of victims of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy that has left countless families devastated by violence, terrorism, kidnapping and banditry. In a message to Christians, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the observance was aimed at mourning the men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities whose lives had been affected by the worsening security situation in the country. The association said, “Today, we are not only mourning; we are speaking with one voice. Our nation is bleeding, and…
“Meet F.O.,” I said, introducing the man with the square face and that perpetually undecided beard. “F.O.? Nibo lo n fo lo?” (Where is he flying to?) Such is often the fate of introducing Prof Femi Osofisan to unsuspecting company. The response is usually playful disbelief. This unassuming gentleman? The national icon? Nah! The simplicity, indeed, the sheer ordinariness, of his mien seems almost suspiciously at odds with the giant reputation. Even his speech conspires in the deception: unhurried, gentle, and delivered with a disarming innocence behind which his trademark wit quietly lands its blows. My wife, Buki, and I…
Five-time winners Brazil needed a superb Vinicius Junior equaliser to draw 1-1 with Morocco in their opening game at the World Cup on Saturday as Scotland marked their return to the tournament after a 28-year absence with a nervy 1-0 victory over Haiti. On the first day to feature four matches at the 48-team tournament, Qatar won the first World Cup point in their history when Miro Muheim’s own goal earned the 2022 tournament hosts a 1-1 draw with Switzerland. The meeting of Brazil and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco at the MetLife Stadium just outside New York City was a clash…
