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Three Indian sailors have been killed after the United States military struck an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, in an incident that has drawn a sharp diplomatic response from New Delhi.

India’s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the deaths on Thursday, calling the incident “deeply unfortunate” and saying the bodies of the three men would be brought back to India soon.

The Indian government had earlier summoned the deputy head of the U.S. mission in Delhi following the strike.

The Palau-flagged MT Settebello came under attack on Wednesday after the U.S. Central Command accused the vessel of violating an American blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran.

There were 24 Indian crewmen on board, of whom 21 were rescued and three reported missing. The three missing sailors have since been confirmed dead.

In a post on X, CENTCOM said an aircraft fired “precision munitions” into the engine room of the tanker “after the crew repeatedly failed” to follow directions from American forces.

The incident is the second attack on a vessel carrying Indian crew this week.

On Monday, U.S. forces struck the Marivex, also a Palau-flagged oil tanker with an Indian crew, in the Gulf of Oman after it similarly failed to comply with US instructions.

All 24 crew members on that vessel were rescued by the Omani military.

Manoj Yadav, general secretary of the Forward Seamen’s Union of India, said he “refused to believe” that the U.S. lacked information regarding the nationalities of the people on board the ships.

“If the ships failed to heed their instructions, detaining them was a viable alternative,” he said.

The Indian government has maintained that “targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end.”

The U.S. military initiated the blockade on 13 April after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 per cent of the world’s oil and gas supplies are transported.

U.S. forces have disabled eight vessels and redirected 134 others since the blockade began, according to CENTCOM.

Meanwhile, tensions between Iran and the U.S. show no sign of easing, with both countries exchanging strikes for a second consecutive day, putting further strain on a fragile ceasefire reached in April.

Three Indian Sailors Killed In U.S. Strike On Oil Tanker is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Wolves have reportedly sacked manager Rob Edwards with highly-rated Portuguese coach Cesar Peixoto set to replace him.

The sacking comes after plenty of rumours online that Wolves were keen on hiring Peixoto to lead a rebuild after relegation from the Premier League.

Edwards joined Wolves in November 2025 in an attempt to avoid what looked like certain relegation and, despite an improvement in performances, the club returned to the Championship for the first time in eight years.

His sacking still remains a surprise following the arrivals of new signings Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez – as the English player specifically mentioned Edwards and his qualities in his media comments after joining.

It has also been reported that the Welsh manager has been heavily involved in planning the upcoming campaign and was key to bringing in both new signings.

“I had a good chat with the manager, and what struck me first was how passionate he was for helping the club move forward to get out of the Championship next season,” Trippier said.

“You just have a feeling straight away and I felt that chemistry straight away with the manager.”

Peixoto is said to be the man coming in to replace Edwards after guiding Portuguese club Gil Vicente to a sixth-placed finish in the Primeira Liga.

Wolves Sack Manager After Relegation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

HOT 70 Series debuts with an industry-first lineup of 12 trend-forward colorways under Infinix’s all-new Dynamic Shine Design. It’s the most fashion-forward HOT release to date, designed for the next generation of young users worldwide

In a smartphone market where devices increasingly look and feel the same, Infinix is taking a different approach. Today, the brand launched the new HOT 70, a lineup designed around a simple idea: smartphones should express personality, not just performance. 

Built for a generation that treats smartphones as part of personal style and everyday identity, the HOT 70 Series introduces an industry-first lineup of 12 colorways under Infinix’s all-new Dynamic Shine Design aesthetic. More than a hardware refresh, it represents the brand’s most fashion-forward and self-expressive HOT lineup to date. 

Anchored in “Colorful, Versatile, Fun” proposition, HOT 70 brings together expressive design, One-Tap AI, and everyday durability into a unified experience designed to stand out, keep up, and last. From color-shifting finishes and light-reactive textures to instant AI actions and real-world resilience, HOT 70 reflects how Today’s users move fluidly between self-expression, productivity, and everyday living. Ever-changing, ever-shining — HOT 70 is designed for a generation that never stands still.

Stand Out Instantly with Dynamic Shine Design

Infinix HOT 70 introduces a refreshed design with six colorways, giving users a wider range of options to express their personal style. Slim and light, the device features a Baby-Smooth coating that feels soft to the touch and resists fingerprints over time, keeping it clean and presentable through long days. At 7.49mm thin and 195g light, the phone sits comfortably in the hand and slips easily into any pocket or bag.

Headlining the lineup is the Thermo Orange edition, with a temperature-responsive back cover featuring Dual-way Thermo Sensing Skin. The technology sets a class-leading benchmark for design innovation in its segment. The bistable thermochromic finish shifts orange tones with temperature: below 0°C, the back panel deepens to a saturated Deep Orange; at around 65°C, it lightens to a softer Light Orange. Most smartphones Today look fairly similar, but the Thermo Orange edition goes the other way, giving users a way to personalize the device itself. Pairing the surface with custom stamps or molds creates semi-permanent patterns; users can imprint a name, a favorite symbol, or any design they choose. The back of the phone effectively becomes a personal canvas, and more often than not, a conversation starter.

For users who prefer a more fashion-led daily look, the Quiet Violet and Green Texture editions feature back panels rendered in the Lumina Flare Dynamic Flame Texture. Flowing, flame-like microstructures catch and refract light as the phone is tilted, producing shifting patterns of light and shadow with a sense of depth and motion. Quiet Violet draws from the calm depth of dusk-to-dawn skies; Green Texture echoes the freshness of layered leaf veins. Each carries its own distinct character. Like a well-chosen accessory, the two editions are designed to be the finishing touch to an everyday look, turning the phone into a subtle yet expressive style detail that complements a tailored outfit, a weekend fit, or an evening-out statement.

Completing both editions (Quiet Violet and Green Texture) is the Crystal Mood Island camera deco, a refined craftsmanship detail rarely seen in this segment, where camera modules often feel like a purely functional afterthought. Its faceted ring refracts iridescent reflections from different angles, turning a typically overlooked area into a playful design signature that helps HOT 70 stand out in daily moments.

One-Tap AI That Keeps Up With Every Mode

Infinix HOT 70 introduces a dedicated One-Tap AI Button, a physical shortcut placed within natural thumb reach and easy to press whether the device is in hand or sitting on a desk. Instead of opening apps and digging through menus to access AI features, users can trigger what they need with a single tap. The result is one of the most accessible AI experiences in the segment, with every interaction starting in seconds.

A short press launches One-Tap AI FlashMemo¹. For the first time on a HOT device, intent recognition is built directly into the capture experience: the phone not only saves what’s on screen, but it also interprets what users intend to do with it. A flight time spotted in a chat becomes a calendar event. A business card on the screen turns into a saved contact. A restaurant email address on screen jumps straight to a Gmail compose window with the recipient already filled in. What used to take several manual steps now takes one.

Everything captured through AI FlashMemo flows into AI MindHub, the device’s central knowledge hub. Lecture notes, screenshots from a shopping spree, saved videos, and social media inspiration — content that is usually scattered across chat threads, camera rolls, and notes apps — are automatically tagged, categorized, and gathered into a single searchable knowledge base. Less time digging through old conversations to find that one link; everything worth keeping lives in one place, ready when it’s needed.

A long press activates Folax AI, giving users one-tap access to five leading AI models, including ChatGPT and Google Gemini, for instant queries based on whatever is on screen. Users can switch between models with a tap to compare answers from multiple perspectives, without leaving the current page. No more bouncing between apps to look up a term, compare a product, or get a quick explanation.

Personalization extends to the home screen, with AI Custom Wallpapers and themes that go beyond generic stock options, giving users a setup that feels like their own. On the imaging side, HOT 70’s 50MP main camera captures everyday moments with sharpness and detail, while a suite of AI tools makes editing simple: AI Live Photo Mode locks in the sharpest frame from a motion sequence, AI Eraser removes unwanted people or clutter, and AI Extender intelligently expands photo backgrounds for sharing. Share-ready content becomes the default, not the exception.

From Morning to Late Night, Uninterrupted

HOT 70 ships with an upgraded battery system built for a full day of use: a 6000mAh single-cell battery, or a dual-cell 5600mAh³ variant in select markets, paired with 45W Lightning FastCharge that goes from empty to full in an hour⁴. A full day of classes, group chats, and video lectures rolls into an evening of streaming, social, and video calls without the constant hunt for an outlet or the dead weight of a power bank in the bag.

HOT 70’s All-Scenario Bypass Charging addresses another familiar frustration: phones that overheat and slow down during long livestreams or video sessions while plugged in. The system routes power from the charger directly to the device, bypassing the battery entirely and keeping the phone cool and stable through demanding use.

All those streaming, scrolling, and content-viewing hours play out on a 6.78-inch 120Hz display, with smooth visuals that match the device’s all-day stamina. Up to 700 nits HBM brightness keeps content sharp and readable outdoors, including under direct sunlight when checking navigation or replying to messages on a commute. Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate platform supports stable performance and smooth multitasking through extended use, keeping the device responsive across work, entertainment, and content creation.

Military-Grade Durability for Real-Life Use

HOT 70 brings Military-Grade Durability to the mid-segment, engineered to handle the kind of damage that usually shortens a phone’s life: rainy commutes, sweaty workouts, and phones slipping out of hands during the dash from a car. Behind that Military-Grade build is a comprehensive protection system. IP65-rated dust and splash protection guards against rain, sweat, and accidental exposure to water. SGS-certified Premium Performance and Gold Standard Drop Resistance back to the device, with rigorous testing — 1.5m extreme drops, multi-angle falls, and over 40 consecutive front-face drops with the screen and core functions intact.

Protection extends inward, encompassing the HOT 70’s everyday functions and the personal data it holds. Folax-Speaker Cleaner uses sonic vibrations to clear dust and moisture from the speakers, preventing the gradual muffling that sets in months later. XGuard Full-Link Protection adds another layer for personal data, with XHide, App Lock, Unlock Security Protection, and Advertisement Control covering privacy, app access, and intrusive pop-up ads.

The same protective logic carries through to how HOT 70 stays connected. Pure Voice noise cancellation protects the user’s voice from background noise such as busy streets, cafés, and transit, keeping calls clear on both ends without users having to step outside or ask the other person to repeat themselves. UltraLink also enables Bluetooth-based direct communication up to 1.5km away when the cellular signal drops out.

Software longevity rounds out the durability story. HOT 70 ships with XOS 16 and supports up to 3 major OS upgrades and 5 years of security patches on supported models⁵, keeping the device current with new features and protected against emerging threats well into its lifetime.

Bringing More “Pro” Fun: Expanding the HOT 70 SERIES

Sharing the same Colorful, Versatile, Fun spirit, Infinix also previewed the upcoming HOT 70 Pro. Designed for users seeking a step up from the HOT 70, the Pro will introduce refinements across design, imaging, AI, and performance. More details about the HOT 70 Pro will be announced at a later date.

Price and Availability

Infinix HOT 70 is available in Thermo Orange, Quiet Violet, Green Texture, Night Pulse, Silver Dancer, and Dive Blue. Users can choose between 128GB and 256GB storage configurations, with models offering 4GB/6GB/8GB of RAM and up to 8GB of extra expandable RAM.

Disclaimers

¹The availability of AI features varies by country and region. Some functions may not be supported in certain markets.

²HOT 70 4GB RAM variant does not support AI Wallpaper customization features

³HOT 70 is available in 5600mAh and 6000mAh battery variants, depending on market and region.

⁴ Please note that all data comes from Infinix Laboratories. The test data may vary slightly across test versions and testing environments.

⁵3 major OS upgrades and 5 years of security patches require 6GB RAM and above. Availability of XOS features may vary by market and model configuration.

Media Contacts

Infinix Global PR – Global.PR@infinixmobility.com

About Infinix

Established in 2013, Infinix is an innovation-driven brand dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology, bold design, and outstanding performance. The brand provides smart, enjoyable mobile experiences that enhance everyday life. Beyond smartphones, Infinix has expanded its portfolio to include TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more — building a comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices. Currently, Infinix products are available in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Infinix Launches HOT 70 Series with Industry-First 12-Colorway Dynamic Shine Design

– CEVA enhances position in growing market in Western Africa
– Domestic EFL customers in Nigeria gain greater access to global markets
– Wide range of logistics, customs solutions available

CEVA Logistics, a global leader in 3PL logistics, and EFL Africa, a leading logistics company in Nigeria, announced today the formation of a joint venture in Nigeria—CEVA EFL Limited. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the shared ambition of both companies to expand their footprint and strengthen their presence in key global markets.

As one of the largest and most dynamic logistics markets in the world, Nigeria serves as a strategic gateway to West Africa. The CEVA EFL joint venture strengthens the combined position of CEVA Logistics and EFL in Nigeria, reinforcing the roles as both players in the West African logistics ecosystem.

CEVA EFL combines EFL’s strong local presence and operational excellence in Nigeria with CEVA Logistics’ extensive global network and end-to-end logistics capabilities. CEVA’s presence in over 170 countries ensures seamless connectivity between Nigeria, West Africa, and the rest of the world. Together, the joint venture will deliver integrated, customer-centric logistics solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses in Nigeria and the surrounding region.

Enhanced Capabilities for Customers
The joint venture offers a range of consolidated and fast-tracked services to customers in Nigeria, including dedicated barge operations. Shipping containers can be moved from Lagos ports to Inland Container Depots (ICDs) using the JV’s barges, reducing dependence on road networks and significantly shortening transit times. The joint venture’s comprehensive ICD infrastructure includes 140,000 square meters of ICD space in two locations, Ikorodu and Apapa, also enclosing an export processing terminal, EPT. . In addition, the joint venture offers customs clearance services through its licensed, in-house team, ensuring efficient, reliable customs processing.

The joint venture between EFL and CEVA Logistics is driving significant value for Nigeria by bringing a global logistics leader into the market, fostering knowledge transfer to local employees, and empowering EFL to accelerate its growth and strengthen its presence in the region.

Sylvain Kluba, Vice President of Finance IMEA at CEVA Logistics, said: “This joint venture represents a bold step forward in our commitment to connecting Nigeria and West Africa to the world. By combining CEVA’s global reach and logistics expertise with EFL’s deep local knowledge and infrastructure, the CEVA EFL joint venture is uniquely positioned to deliver seamless and reliable solutions to our customers. Together, we are creating a logistics ecosystem that drives growth and unlocks new opportunities in this high-potential market.”

Yemi Adunola, CEO of EFL, said: “We are thrilled to partner with CEVA Logistics to launch CEVA EFL. This collaboration underscores our shared vision of transforming logistics in Nigeria and West Africa. By leveraging our combined strengths, we are not only addressing the challenges of this complex market but also creating value for our customers through efficient, integrated and customer-focused solutions. CEVA EFL is a testament to our commitment to driving progress and fostering economic growth in the region.”

About CEVA Logistics
CEVA Logistics, a world leader in third-party logistics, provides global supply chain solutions to connect people, products and providers all around the world. Headquartered in Marseille, France, CEVA Logistics offers a broad range of end-to-end, customized solutions in contract logistics and air, ocean, ground and finished vehicle transport in 170 countries worldwide thanks to its approximately 110,000 employees at approximately 1,700 facilities. With 2025 revenue of US$18.3 billion, CEVA Logistics is part of the CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions.

About EFL Africa
EFL Africa is a leading logistics company in Nigeria with its headquarters in Lagos. It operates one of the largest off-dock facilities providing comprehensive freight logistics services including bonded import and export terminals, marine and barge logistics, ground haulage, container depot services, freight forwarding and secure warehousing. EFL’s strategic locations in Nigeria and infrastructure enable coordination between major ports and inland logistics hubs with the resilient supply chains it has built to navigate Nigeria’s dynamic trade environment with confidence. EFL handles thousands of TEUs annually to strengthen regional trade flows in the import/export ecosystem in Nigeria, contributing to the national ports’ cargo throughput of 129.3 million metric tonnes and container traffic of 2.1 million TEUs in 2025.

CEVA Logistics, EFL Africa Launch Joint Venture in Nigeria

Pedro Neto says Portugal can be delighted going into 2026 FIFA World Cup following their 2-1 friendly win over the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Roberto Martinez’s side put up an impressive performance in the encounter played  at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa,  Leiria on Wednesday night.

Neto scored the curtain raiser for the hosts in the 23rd minute of the keenly contested encounter.

It was the Chelsea midfielder’s first goal in four months for club and country.

The winger’s superb strike was cancelled out by Sevilla hitman Akor Adams in the 37th minute.

Substitute Francisco Conceicao won it for Portugal 15 minutes from time.

Neto reflected on the win against Nigeria, and the previous encounter against Chile.

“Without a doubt. These games serve to assimilate ideas. In the Mexico training camp, some players were missing; we hadn’t been together for a long time. But we will be prepared,” he said after the game.

Friendly: Neto delighted with Portugal’s performance against Super Eagles 

 

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 22-year-old suspected armed robber and cultist, Odeshola Afeez, following several complaints over his activities in the state.

Afeez was arrested based on information that he was harassing passers-by and causing panic within the Lagos community. Following a search, a locally-made pistol, cartridge and local charms were recovered from him.

Also, preliminary investigation revealed the suspect as a notorious cultist who had allegedly been terrorising residents and engaging in activities capable of disturbing public peace. Further findings indicated that he had been evading arrest before his eventual apprehension by police operatives.

Commending the prompt response and professionalism of the operatives involved in the operation, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to combating cultism, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with credible and timely information through the emergency lines.

Meanwhile, the Niger State Police Command has debunked what it described as a false and misleading report that schools in Bosso, Kpakungu, Sabon-Wuse and Lambata local councils were attacked by hoodlums. 

The command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stated that a visit to all the schools mentioned in those areas proved that no such attack occurred. He urged the public to disregard the information as false, and possibly originated from mischief makers to cause panic and fear among the public and in school environments.

Abiodun said an investigation has commenced to unravel the source of the report and arrest the mischief makers. 

The Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, had earlier directed divisional police officers to work closely with school administrators, in line with the school protection initiatives, for the safety of students, staff and the community.

Nigerian Senate yesterday moved to confront growing pressure on the nation’s judiciary with far-reaching legislative proposals.

The proposals aim to expand the capacity of two of the country’s most critical courts.

The upper chamber is considering amendments that would increase the number of Justices of the Court of Appeal from 70 to 110, and expand the Federal High Court from 70 to 90 judges, in what lawmakers describe as an urgent response to an increasingly overburdened justice system.

The proposals, contained in two separate bills sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, scaled second reading during plenary with unanimous support, marking a rare bipartisan agreement on judicial reform.

Leading debate on the Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (SB. 991), Bamidele painted a picture of a judiciary struggling to keep pace with Nigeria’s expanding legal landscape.

He told colleagues that the Court of Appeal—established under Section 237 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the pivotal link between trial courts and the Supreme Court—was facing a workload that had grown beyond its structural capacity.

The appellate court, which handles appeals from the Federal High Court, State High Courts, National Industrial Court, election tribunals, Sharia Courts of Appeal and Customary Courts, has in recent years become the central battleground for Nigeria’s most consequential disputes.

According to Bamidele, the surge in cases is driven by a combination of population growth, expanding economic activity, rising electoral litigation, constitutional disputes, and increasingly complex commercial transactions.

He warned that without urgent intervention, the delays in appellate justice would deepen, undermining public confidence in the legal system and slowing down the final resolution of critical national disputes.

If passed into law, the bills would increase the Court of Appeal bench to 110 justices, adding 40 new judicial officers, while the Federal High Court would receive an additional 20 judges, bringing its strength to 90.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court will commence its 2026 yearly vacation across all its divisions from July 27 to September 11, 2026, with special vacation courts designated in four key judicial divisions to hear urgent and time-sensitive matters during the recess.

This was disclosed in a statement yesterday by the Director of Information of the Federal High Court, Dr Catherine Oby Christopher, on behalf of the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho.

The statement said the yearly break was approved pursuant to Order 46, Rule 4(d) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019. It added that despite the vacation, judicial services would continue for cases requiring immediate attention through designated vacation courts in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Enugu.

The biggest World Cup in history will unfold across the United States, Canada and Mexico on Thursday.

The Estadio Azteca in Mexico will once again come alive as co-host Mexico meet South Africa in the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Today’s game will be a replay of the 2010 opener in Johannesburg when South Africa hosted the mundial.

The match in 2010 ended 1-1 with Mexico returning in the second half to cancel Bafana Bafana’s fantastic opening goal struck by Siphiwe Shabalala in the first half.

Over 80,000 fans are expected to pack the iconic Estadio Azteca for the high anticipated opener.

Today’s game in Mexico City will mark the start of a 39-day tournament, featuring 104 games – 40 more than we witnessed in the last edition in Qatar 2022.

With an expanded participation pool of 48 teams, the 2026 World Cup is the biggest in the sport’s history, and the first to be held in three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada.

FIFA had announced that four-time Grammy-winning superstar Shakira, Nigerian Pop Star Burna Boy and other notable artiste including Colombian singer J Balvin and South African singer-songwriter Tyla will lit up the stage before the opening match.

Ahead of this opening cracker, analysts have picked Mexico as clear favourites for the opening day win due to the home advantage and a higher FIFA ranking which is a 15th place as against South Africa’s 60th position. But with more than 80,000 attendees expected, the co-hosts may well find themselves under pressure to deliver the winning start their fans expect.

The El Tri are unbeaten in their last eight matches, equalling the longest unbeaten run they have taken into a World Cup and providing further encouragement for Javier Aguirre’s side before the tournament.

Speaking ahead of the game, South Africa coach Hugo Broos told journalists: “For us, it will be a fantastic experience.

“It is very important that we keep ourselves to the game plan and don’t listen to what is happening in the stands.”

Other opening week fixtures include Canada against Bosnia & Herzegovina, the USA against Paraguay, Brazil vs Morocco, Germany against Curacao and England’s clash with Croatia.

The top two teams from each of the 12 groups – along with the eight best third-placed teams – proceed to the next phase, the round of 32, which has been introduced at the World Cup for the first time.

The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 stadiums in 16 cities, many of which host matches in the National Football League (NFL), Major League Soccer (MLS), and Liga MX, the top-flight Mexican football league.

Although the World Cup hosting rights are being shared by three countries, the US is hosting 78 games – three times more than Canada (13) and Mexico (13) combined.

The majority of the high-stakes games, including the quarterfinals, semifinals and final, will be played in the US.

The prize money for the 2026 World Cup was confirmed at a FIFA Council meeting in Doha on December 17.

The prize fund for this year’s edition is 50 percent higher than that of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Winners this time will pocket $50m (£37.5m), runners-up $33m (£24.8m), third place $29m (£21.8m), fourth place $27m (£20.3m), from 5th-8th place $19m (£14.3m), from 9th-16th place $15m (£11.3m), from 17th-32nd place $11m (£8.3m), from 33rd-48th place $9m (£6.8m).

Each team also receives $1.5m (£1.1m) to cover preparation costs, meaning that every team is guaranteed at least $10.5m (£7.87m).

THE WHISTLER reports that FIFA’s most recent financial report showed football’s governing body will make $13bn from the four-year cycle culminating in the 2026 World Cup, almost $9bn of which will be in this year.

In comparison, FIFA earned $7.5bn in revenue through four years of commercial deals tied to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and $6.4bn for the 2015-2018 cycle leading up to the Russia World Cup.

The Paris 2024 Olympics generated $5.24bn.

The earnings from the 2026 World Cup, spread across North America, will make it the most lucrative sports event to date.

World Cup Begins As Mexico Tackle South Africa In Opener is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Super Eagles defender, Zaidu Sanusi says the team put up a good fight in the defeat to Portugal, DAILY POST reports.

The three-time African champions lost 2-1 to the Selecao in a friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.

It was an impressive performance from the Super Eagles, who lost 4-0 to the Portugal in their previous meeting.

Éric Chelle’s side troubled the Portuguese defence with their movement in the first half, and created a coupe of chances too.

Sanusi was happy with his team’s performance, especially in the first half.

“The first half was very difficult for us, but we managed to control it a bit. Portugal is very strong; four years ago we conceded four goals, now we conceded fewer, which was good,” the left-back said after the match.

Sanusi currently plays in Portugal for Primeira Liga champions, FC Porto.

The 28-year-old insisted that he will be  rooting for Roberto Martinez’s side at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“I can’t say how far Portugal can go, but it’s my second country, so may they be world champions,” he added.

Friendly: Sanusi reflects on Super Eagles loss to Portugal 

Portugal head coach, Roberto Martinez has reacted to his team’s victory over the Super Eagles of Nigeria, DAILY POST reports.

The former European champions claimed a 2-1 victory over Éric Chelle’s men at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.

It was Portugal’s final preparatory game before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The hosts missed a number of scoring chances early in the game before finally taking the lead through Chelsea winger Pedro Neto in the 23rd minute.

Nigeria rallied, and got the equaliser through Akor Adams eight minutes before the break.

Substitute Francisco Conceicao however netted the winning goal for Portugal 15 minutes from time.

Martinez confessed the encounter was a difficult test for his team.

“It was a fantastic test, the opponent was demanding, from a different culture, we don’t usually play against African teams.

“I think today we had an opponent with players who have a lot of physical ability and use attacking movements very well, without needing much combination to get into the area,” Martinez said after the game.

Friendly: Portugal coach, Martinez reacts to victory over Super Eagles