Author: Press Room

Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in Portugal’s starting lineup at the 2026 FIFA World Cup may be under threat after the veteran forward endured a difficult opening match, Soccernet.ng reports. The 41-year-old made history on June 17 by becoming the first outfield player to start in six different FIFA World Cups. However, the landmark appearance ended in disappointment as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by African debutants DR Congo in their Group K opener. Ronaldo, who has been outshone by Messi, stayed on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes but failed to score or provide an assist. His performance…

Grammy-winning Afrobeats star  Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has met with former United States First Lady Michelle Obama at the newly opened Media Suite of the Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago, where both figures engaged young aspiring artists in a conversation on confidence, creativity and self-expression. The meeting, which was shared in a video posted by Michelle Obama on X on Monday, formed part of activities at the Obama Presidential Centre’s creative hub in Jackson Park. The Centre, which opened just days earlier during its June 18–21, 2026 launch events, includes a Media Suite designed to give young people…

Chika Otuchikere A coalition of women and civil society groups in Niger State has called for compulsory genotype testing for intending couples as part of efforts to reduce the prevalence of sickle cell disease in the country. The groups, the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Niger State Chapter, and a coalition of civil society organisations, made the call on Monday during a sensitisation campaign to mark the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day. A Consultant Paediatrician at the General Hospital, Minna, Dr Aisha Musa, described sickle cell disease as a hereditary blood disorder affecting millions of people globally. “The condition occurs…

Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche could leave Getafe if the club receives a strong offer this summer, Soccernet.ng reports. ​The Nigerian midfielder is coming off a disappointing stint with Premier League side Crystal Palace. Recall that he had to join them last summer due to Getafe’s financial struggles. ​This summer, the club’s financial situation appears to be improving, which would allow the Super Eagles star to settle in and play for Getafe next season. Christantus Uche at Crystal Palace. Picture credit: ImagoxGareth Evans ​However, he might still be set for a move. This comes as Getafe president Ángel Torres has…

Lionel Messi became the outright leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday. The Argentine captain moved ahead of former Germany striker Miroslav Klose, taking his tally to 18 World Cup goals. World Cup all-time leading scorers: Goals Player Country 18 Lionel Messi Argentina 16 Miroslav Klose Germany 15 Ronaldo Brazil 14 Gerd Müller Germany 14 Kylian Mbappé France 13 Just Fontaine France 12 Pelé Brazil 11 Jürgen Klinsmann Germany 11 Sándor Kocsis Hungary 10 Gabriel Batistuta Argentina 10 Harry Kane England   Messi’s latest feat came as Argentina secured…

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has gotten off to a flying start, producing several key moments that’ll be talked about for generations to come, but the absence of the Super Eagles leaves a bitter taste for the Nigerian football fan, Soccernet.ng reports The three-time African Champions are missing out on a spectacle that has seen Cape Verde, Morocco, and DR Congo make history. The story dates back to 2022, after the Super Eagles lost to Ghana in the play-offs, allowing the Black Stars to seal a place in Qatar at Nigeria’s expense. With the next edition set for a 16-team…

The Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the North Central geopolitical zone, DIG Ishyaku Mohammed, has called on citizens to make proper use of established emergency lines and communication channels to report crimes and criminal activities. Mohammed made the call on Monday in Lokoja during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Kogi State Police Command. The meeting brought together a cross-section of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, the Chairman and members of the Police Community Relations Committee, representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students, representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, youth groups, civil society organisations, and non-governmental organisations. “The…

Agency Lassa fever has claimed 214 lives in Nigeria, with the case fatality rate rising to 25 per cent, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has said. This was contained in the NCDC’s Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 23 (June 1 to June 7, 2026). The agency said the fatality rate represents a sharp increase from the 18.9 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025. It added that both suspected and confirmed cases have also increased compared to the corresponding period last year. “New confirmed cases remained steady in Week 23, matching the number recorded…

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has weighed in on South Africa’s performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting that they have a very low chance of reaching the knockout phase, Soccernet.ng reports. The Al-Ahli defender captained Nigeria through the World Cup qualifiers before announcing his retirement from International football after the Super Eagles failed to qualify, losing the play-offs to DR Congo, who did well to hold Portugal in their opening group game. Ekong represented Nigeria at three AFCON tournaments, winning the bronze medal in 2019, scoring against South Africa en route, before replicating the same at the…

A senior medical doctor working with the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria, in the Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State, has died following complications from Lassa fever. The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche, confirmed the development on Monday in Makurdi, saying the ministry had activated contact tracing and surveillance measures in response to the case. According to him, the deceased reportedly battled the illness for over two weeks before his condition worsened. Ogwuche said the death occurred at a time the state was preparing to be declared free of Lassa fever. “There is a…