Author: Press Room

Chelsea’s squad could look very different in the coming months as new manager Xabi Alonso begins work on a major rebuild at Stamford Bridge, Soccernet.ng reports. The Spaniard is set to officially take charge on July 1 after signing a four-year contract, and Chelsea’s hierarchy has handed him significant control over shaping the squad ahead of the new season. While some players have already secured important roles in Alonso’s plans, others face an uncertain future. Among those attracting particular interest are three players of Nigerian descent: Tosin Adarabioyo, Tyrique George and Emmanuel Emegha. However, their situations under the new Chelsea…

By Dare Akogun Global fisheries and aquaculture production reached a historic high of 235 million tonnes in 2024, underscoring the growing role of aquatic foods in feeding the world’s population, even as Africa faces persistent challenges in access, production and sustainability. This was disclosed in the latest State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report launched on Tuesday by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation at the ongoing Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya. Presenting the report at a side event organised by the organisation, FAO Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, Manuel Barange, said the sector continues to expand…

The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Party, Peter Obi, has declared his readiness to die for Nigeria, stating that genuine leadership demands the ultimate sacrifice in the face of the country’s worsening security crisis. The former Anambra State governor spoke in a recent episode of the Black Box interview on Nevon HQ with journalist Rufai Oseni, posted on Tuesday. He was asked what he would do as Commander-in-Chief to rescue kidnapped schoolchildren held in the bush, address the beheading of teachers and respond to the killing of senior military officers, including generals. Although he did not outline specific…

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are no longer the African team that has suffered the most goals from Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain produced a record-breaking display against Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports. Messi scored all three goals as defending champions Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their opening Group J match at Kansas City Stadium on Tuesday night. The hat-trick not only handed Lionel Scaloni’s side a perfect start to their title defence but also pushed Algeria above Nigeria on Messi’s list of favourite African opponents. Before the match, Messi had scored three goals in four appearances…

Lionel Messi opened his record-breaking sixth World Cup with a hat-trick to become the tournament’s joint all-time top scorer on Tuesday as holders Argentina launched their bid for back-to-back titles with a dazzling 3-0 rout of Algeria. On a magical night at Kansas City’s 69,045-capacity Arrowhead Stadium, Messi delivered an electrifying individual display to join Miroslav Klose at the top of the World Cup scorers charts with 16 goals. The 38-year-old had started an unforgettable occasion — his 200th international appearance — by claiming a piece of history, becoming the first man to play in six World Cups as he…

By John Charles The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday announced a N100 million grant for 2,000 petty traders in Benue State as start-up capital for their businesses. She spoke at the inauguration of the Community Information and Technology Centre in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of the state, noting that ICT serves as a significant tool for empowering communities, especially women. Mrs Tinubu said that Benue now has four ICT centres, while 15 others have been established across states of the federation, including Abia, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Jigawa, and the Federal Capital Territory. She stated…

The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress said they will restart negotiations with the Federal Government over a new national minimum wage, warning that workers can no longer cope with rising living costs as inflation continues to erode real incomes. The unions are pushing for what they described as a “genuine living wage” to replace the current framework, which they said no longer reflects Nigeria’s economic realities, particularly sharp increases in food, transport, housing, and healthcare costs. The position was contained in a joint address delivered at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva on Monday, where the…

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has admitted that he still misses life with the Nigerian national team months after bringing the curtain down on his international career, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Troost-Ekong retired from international football in December 2025 after serving Nigeria for a decade, ending a career that saw him captain the team, win AFCON and Olympic medals and become one of the country’s most influential defenders of his generation. The 32-year-old opened up about life after retirement during a roundtable discussion on the Bassey Talks podcast alongside current Super Eagles stars Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo…

By Abiodun Nejo The Executive Director of the Centre for Newborn Health Research and Innovation, Olufunke Bolaji, has said that the leading causes of neonatal deaths are preventable or treatable through skilled care. Bolaji, a consultant paediatrician and neonatologist, said, “Nigeria loses 280,000 newborns every year within the first 28 days of life. Nigeria is the second-highest contributor to neonatal deaths globally.” The medical expert spoke in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday while shedding light on the focus of the newly inaugurated CeNHRI, a research and innovation centre established by the state government within the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado…

A fresh controversy has erupted in Gombe State over the political status of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Ali Pantami, as the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party laid conflicting claims to his party membership. The dispute followed Pantami’s emergence as the PDP governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, after the APC primary election produced Jamilu Gwamna as its candidate. The Gombe State chapter of the PDP insisted that Pantami had validly resigned from the APC and is now a bona fide member of the opposition party. The APC, however, maintained that the former…