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Former England manager, Fabio Capello, believes the Three Lions can not win the 2026 World Cup because they play with a lot of fear.

Speaking to the BBC, Capello also called on England manager Thomas Tuchel to ensure that the players are confident when the competition starts.

“Always the same, England arrive at the World Cup tired, and they play with fear,” Capello said.

“I remember the game against Italy, and then after 10, 15 minutes, they stopped playing. Long balls, and they played with fear.

“This is the problem for England – it’s tiring and fear. The manager, he has to cancel it.”

England are in Group L alongside Ghana, Panama and Croatia.

2026 World Cup: They play with fear – Capello rates England’s chances of winning trophy

The Jigawa State Government says it has begun early preparations for the 2026 rainy season by approving N353 million for emergency response equipment.

The Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Hannafi Yakubu, made this known while briefing journalists on the state’s preparations ahead of the rainy season.

Equipment approved includes 20 motorised boats, relief materials and life-saving equipment aimed at reducing the impact of expected flooding in vulnerable communities.

Yakubu said the move followed early warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which forecast severe flooding in 11 local government areas of the state, while some other areas may also experience dry spells.

According to him, the state government has approved the release of more than N353 million for the purchase of essential emergency response tools to boost preparedness and ensure swift action during disasters.

He added that approval had also been granted for the renovation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps so they can properly accommodate residents who may be displaced by flooding.

Yakubu explained that the 11 high-risk local government areas are under close surveillance, while relevant agencies have already begun preventive measures to reduce possible loss of life and property.

He further disclosed that 11 trucks loaded with food and non-food relief materials have been positioned for immediate distribution to affected communities if flooding occurs.

He urged residents, especially those living in flood-prone areas, to clear blocked drainage channels, avoid erecting structures on waterways, and cooperate with emergency officials to prevent avoidable disasters.

Jigawa approves N353m for flood preparedness ahead of 2026 rainy season

Some leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun East Senatorial District have faulted the recent caucus meeting where Governor Dapo Abiodun was endorsed as the consensus candidate for the 2027 elections.

Recall that the endorsement was announced at Monday’s meeting held at Adeola Odutola Hall, Ijebu Ode, where a former governor and senator representing the district, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was allegedly denied access to the venue.

Daniel, in a viral video, was seen addressing his supporters, saying, “We are here for our caucus meeting, and I got here by 10 a.m. They said we shouldn’t enter the venue in Ijebu-Ode. Therefore, if they do anything here today without my presence, it is an exercise in futility.”

However, at the end of the meeting, Governor Dapo Abiodun was announced as the consensus candidate for the senatorial district come 2027.

Speaking to newsmen on Thursday at a press conference held in Sagamu, the Director-General of the BATOGD movement, General Olumiyiwa Okunowo (Rtd), described the gathering as a mere “Governor Abiodun’s meeting” rather than a genuine caucus session.

He alleged that more than half of those in attendance were not qualified to attend a senatorial caucus meeting, arguing that the process was stage-managed to produce a predetermined outcome.

His words: “Of course, those who were appointed by the Governor have the democratic right to anoint whichever candidate they prefer, even if that person is their principal. However, using the name of the party to bait attendance at such events is what gives us concern. Most of the leaders, including our leader, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, were baited into attending the event under the guise of a Caucus Meeting of Stakeholders of the Ogun East Senatorial District.

“It was only upon arrival that many discovered that more than half of the people in the hall were not even qualified to attend a senatorial caucus meeting. Some of our members who were eminently qualified to attend, according to the notice of invitation, were told pointedly to leave the venue, with the explanation that ‘this is a DA show’ and could be attended only by loyalists of the Governor.

“We do not deny them their right to hold their own show, and we believe this must account for why our leader, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was denied access to a ‘DA show.’ No ill feeling, but they should have been bold enough to make the notifications clear about their true intention, rather than using the name of our great party to drag our leaders into ratifying a premeditated ‘show’,” he stated.

Also speaking, Tayo Onayemi, the Deputy Director-General of the movement, recounted how he was threatened at the meeting and told to leave or face consequences.

Onayemi said, “When they saw me, they established that the place was for Dapo Abiodun’s people, and they asked me to go out or there would be a problem.”

The movement also decried a heavy security “siege” by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on all roads leading to the residence of Gbenga Daniel on Wednesday, labelling the move as an act of “executive lawlessness” and a throwback to military-era tactics.

According to them, the security crackdown was a calculated attempt to disrupt their ongoing Community Assessment and Review Tour—a grassroots empowerment initiative that has already visited seven out of nine local government areas in the district without incident.

“We are deeply surprised by this turn of events, as we see no reason to warrant the deployment of armoured vehicles and detachments of security forces in their hundreds,” they added.

Meanwhile, they urged the party’s national leadership to intervene in the situation to prevent democracy from being trampled underfoot and reiterated the unanimous adoption of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the consensus candidate for the forthcoming presidential elections in 2027, stressing that he has demonstrated the capacity to tackle the country’s challenges.

‘Assault on democracy’ – APC stakeholders frown at Ogun East consensus move

Rangers are targeting Ryan Alebiosu as a replacement for their captain, James Tavernier, DAILY POST reports.

Tavernier will leave the Gers at the end of the season after 11 years at Ibrox.

Alebiosu is reportedly on the club’s radar as a potential replacement for the 34-year-old.

The Nigeria international is known for his athleticism and pace.

The 24-year-old is a popular figure in Scotland, having spent time on loan with Kilmarnock and St Mirren in the past.

Alebiosu has impressed in his first season with Blackburn Rovers, contributing one goal and five assists in 40 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship.

He was also part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Transfer: Rangers interested in Super Eagles defender

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, has announced the death of Oreoluwa Emmanuel Adewole, a Part IV student in the College of Health Sciences.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the institution described the incident as sudden, stating that the student died during a clinical viva examination after reportedly complaining of chest pain.

The university’s spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, said Adewole was immediately attended to by lecturers and fellow medical students present at the examination venue.

Olarewaju added that despite prompt medical intervention and efforts to revive him, the student could not be saved.

“Despite all efforts made to resuscitate him, he sadly passed on. This tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the university community,” he said.

Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Simeon Bamire, on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, staff, and students, expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, and colleagues.

The statement noted that the university management is engaging relevant authorities and the family to provide support and to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.

OAU medical student dies after chest pain during examination

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has said the country is prepared to resume military operations against Iran, adding that it is awaiting approval from the United States.

In a video statement released on Thursday, Katz said the Israeli military was fully ready for both defensive and offensive actions.

“The IDF is ready both defensively and offensively, and the targets have been marked,” he said.

He added that Israel was waiting for a “green light” from Washington to escalate operations, including striking key infrastructure.

“We are awaiting a green light from the United States, first and foremost to complete the elimination of the Khamenei dynasty… and additionally to return Iran to the Dark Age and the Stone Age by destroying key energy and electricity facilities and dismantling its national economic infrastructure,” Katz stated.

The renewed rhetoric comes amid ongoing tensions following the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Iran earlier in the year. The initial phase of the conflict, which began on February 28, reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. His successor, believed to be his son, has not made any public appearance, fuelling uncertainty over his status.

Katz warned that any resumption of hostilities would be significantly more intense, suggesting that future strikes would target critical infrastructure.

“This time, when the attack resumes, it will be different and lethal, adding devastating blows at the most sensitive points… that will shake and bring down its foundations,” he said.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump on Tuesday announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which initially took effect on April 8, to allow room for diplomatic engagement.

However, plans for renewed negotiations, reportedly to be hosted in Pakistan, remain uncertain.

The ongoing Middle East conflict has led to significant casualties, particularly in Iran and Lebanon, and continues to pose risks to regional stability and the global economy.

Israeli Defence Minister signals possible renewed strikes on Iran

 

​The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has granted an immediate waiver of fees for the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the Nigerian Law School’s Abuja campus in Bwari.

​Speaking during a meeting with the school’s management in Abuja, Wike also declared an “emergency” on the construction of staff quarters and other critical infrastructure to enhance the institution’s learning environment.

​Responding to an appeal from the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote, Wike expressed surprise that the institution had operated without a C of O since moving to Bwari. 

He described the lack of official documentation for government institutions as a trend that his administration is actively correcting.

The Minister directed the Director of Lands to waive all processing fees for the school’s C of O, and issued a firm directive to ensure the document is processed and ready within one week.

​ He noted that regularizing the land is essential to move the school from what he colloquially termed an “illegal session” to rightful ownership.

​Beyond land matters, the Minister committed the FCT Administration (FCTA) to several high-priority projects aimed at resolving overcrowding and improving staff efficiency.

​Wike announced that 10 staff quarters have already been completed and will be commissioned as part of the President’s third anniversary.

 He further pledged to construct an additional 10 units using existing prototypes to save on design costs.

According to him, work is progressing on two new hostels—one for male students and one for female students—to alleviate overcrowding.

​The Minister confirmed he has approved the budget for a new auditorium and questioned why the contractor had not yet moved to the site.

​ To modernize administrative functions, Wike directed the school to liaise with the FCTA General Counsel, to explore digitization solutions similar to ongoing efforts at the FCT High Court.

​ Wike emphasized that these interventions are part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader agenda to support legal education and the judiciary.

 He noted that the President is currently constructing “presidential apartments” for judges to ensure their security, welfare, and autonomy.

​”Anything we can do to help our children, we are willing to do that,” Wike stated, adding that the staff quarters must be treated as an emergency project to ensure rapid delivery.

​Earlier, Dr. Odusote congratulated the Minister on his appointment and praised the visible infrastructure developments across the FCT, while highlighting the specific challenges of disrepair and infrastructure deficits facing the Law School.

President Bola Tinubu today met with governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House in Abuja.

The meeting, initially scheduled for 4pm at the council chamber, commenced around 5pm after it was moved to the conference room of the president’s office.

Governors in attendance include Babagana Zulum (Borno), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), among others.

The Nigeria Police has told a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to permit a Nigerian-American engineer, Mr. Anthony Ugbebor, to testify virtually from the United States in the ongoing N152 million fraud trial involving property developer, Olukayode Olusanya.

Prosecuting counsel, CSP Monday Omo-Osagie, who made the request before Justice Musa Kakaki through a motion on notice, informed the court that all parties have been duly served and had filed their respective responses.

According to him, the application is supported by a 13-paragraph affidavit and a written address.

While making his submission, Omo-Osagie urged the court to grant the application, arguing the affidavit evidence before the court had not been materially controverted and should be deemed admitted.

He also asked the court to discountenance the counter-affidavit filed by the first defendant and to hold that the second defendant failed to properly oppose the application, having filed only a reply on points of law.

The prosecutor further submitted that the rules of the court expressly permit the taking of evidence by electronic means in appropriate circumstances, particularly where a witness is outside the jurisdiction and unable to attend physically.

Omo-Osagie argued that refusing the application would occasion unnecessary delay in the proceedings and hinder the expeditious determination of the case, especially as the witness is central to the prosecution’s case.

The prosecuting counsel maintained that adequate safeguards exist within the court’s procedures to ensure that virtual testimony does not prejudice the defendants, noting the defence would still have full opportunity to cross-examine the witness in real time.

Responding, counsel to Olusanya, the first defendant, Agboola Adeleke, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the application. He argued that the relevant law requires the physical presence of witnesses for examination and cross-examination.

Adeleke argued that allowing virtual testimony would undermine the defendants’ right to fair hearing, particularly their ability to observe the witness’ demeanour.

He further contended the reasons given for the witness’s absence, such as his residence abroad and alleged health challenges, were not supported by credible evidence.

In the same vein, Jude Ehiedu, counsel to Oak Homes Limited, the 2nd defendant, opposed the application, urging the court to carefully consider the arguments raised in their filings and to uphold established procedural requirements.

After hearing arguments from counsel, Justice Kakaki adjourned the matter to May 12, 2026, for ruling on the application.

Olusanya, the Chief Executive Officer of Oak Homes Limited, is standing trial alongside the company on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, frau and stealing, filed by the Nigerian Police Force.

The defendants were arraigned on November 26, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The prosecution alleged that between November 8, 2017, and August 4, 2020, Olusanya and the company’s former Head of Sales and Marketing, Ms. Lynda Umeh (now at large), defrauded Ugbebor of N152 million.

According to the charge, the money was allegedly obtained under the pretext of selling two three-bedroom apartments at Oak Residence, Victoria Island, Lagos, with a promised delivery date of February 28, 2019, which was not met.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has resolved to adopt consensus as its mode of selecting candidates for the 2027 general elections.

This was part of the resolutions reached after the party held its stakeholders’ meeting in Damaturu on Thursday.

President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, who read the resolution at a media briefing, said that out of the two modes specified in the Electoral Act—consensus and direct—the APC had opted for consensus.

“From our previous experience, consensus has always worked for us in the state. Any candidate that emerges in a position will receive the support of all in APC,” Senator Lawan said.

Meanwhile, the APC Yobe State chapter has endorsed President Bola Tinubu as its presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan said stakeholders are mindful of various interventions and reforms introduced by the federal government that have begun to yield positive results.

“We hope to deliver 3.5 million votes to our presidential candidate, President Bola Tinubu, in the 2027 presidential election, and all our candidates — governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly candidates — would receive higher votes than they did in the 2023 general elections,” Lawan said.

Yobe APC adopts consensus for 2027 primaries, endorses Tinubu for second term