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Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a 2-1 defeat to Portugal in an international friendly played at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria.

Portugal opened the scoring in the 23rd minute through Pedro Neto, who finished off a cutback from Diogo Dalot.

Nigeria responded strongly and equalised in the 36th minute through Akor Adams, who powered his way past the Portuguese defence before slotting the ball beyond goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

The first half ended 1-1, with the Super Eagles showing good fight against the star-studded Portuguese side.

Portugal regained the lead in the second half after substitute Francisco Conceição struck in the 74th minute with a brilliant finish from the right side.

Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye made important saves late in the game to keep the scoreline respectable.

Cristiano Ronaldo featured for Portugal but failed to get on the scoresheet before he was substituted in the second half.

The result gives Portugal victory in their final warm-up match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Nigeria will take positives from the performance despite the defeat.

 Statement by Nigerian Army

TROOPS OF 12 BRIGADE FOIL TERRORISTS’ ATTEMPT TO ABDUCT SCHOOL CHILDREN IN KOGI STATE

Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army under 2 Division Nigerian Army have foiled an attempted abduction of pupils at Iluke Community in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, thwarting the plans of terrorists who disguised themselves in military uniforms to carry out the attack.

The successful operation was conducted on 10 June 2026 following credible information provided by vigilant members of the community who alerted troops on patrol to the activities of the terrorists within the area. 

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the troops immediately mobilised and advanced to the community to prevent the criminals from achieving their objective.

On arrival, troops discovered that the terrorists had already assembled pupils of Iluke Primary School with the intention of abducting them. 

Without delay, the troops engaged the terrorists, compelling them to abandon their mission and flee the area. During the encounter, one terrorist was neutralised while several others escaped with gunshot injuries upon the approach and engagement by the troops.

Sadly, before the arrival of troops, the terrorists had killed a teacher and a resident of the community. Their actions further underscore the criminal and inhumane nature of the terrorists who continue to target innocent civilians.

The prompt response of the troops prevented what could have been a large scale abduction of school children and undoubtedly saved many lives. The operation also reflects the commitment, vigilance and professionalism of troops of 12 Brigade in safeguarding lives and protecting vulnerable communities across the Brigade’s area of responsibility.

Troops are currently in pursuit of the fleeing bandits. Additionally, considering the interconnected nature of the community to adjoining Kwara and Niger State, other security outfits in the neighbouring state have been intimated to block fleeing bandits. 

Other measures aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action, reassuring residents and preventing any further attacks have been emplaced. Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

HASSAN ABDULLAHI

Lieutenant

Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations

12 Brigade Nigerian Army

10 June 2026

The Governing Council of Lagos State University (LASU), at its emergency meeting held on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, has approved the reappointment of Mr Emmanuel A. Fanu as Registrar and Secretary to Council, and the appointment of Mr Olabisi Yusuf as the new Bursar of the University.

Both appointments take effect from Thursday, 2 July 2026, for a four-year tenure.

Mr Fanu, a staff member since 1999, previously served in several administrative roles and as Acting Registrar between June 2021 and February 2022 before his substantive appointment in 2022. He is an alumnus of LASU with qualifications in Science Education, Public Administration, and a Diploma in Law.

Mr Yusuf, with over 20 years of experience in university financial management, has served in various capacities within LASU’s Bursary Department, including Deputy Bursar at ACEITSE. He is a Fellow of ICAN and Associate Member of CITN, with HND, BSc, and MSc in Accounting.

Notably, both appointees trace their roots to Badagry, a community widely regarded for producing distinguished professionals and administrators contributing meaningfully to the growth of Lagos State.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, congratulated both appointees and wished them a successful tenure.

The United States early Thursday launched air strikes on Southern Iran causing explosions in the major Iranian cities.

Iranian media reports that five enemy projectiles hit a site in the Kargan area of the city of Minab in southern Iran.

According to Iranian media, explosions were also reported in Bandar Abbas, while there were blasts and air defense activity in Jask, Qeshm, and Sirik in the Hormozgan province.

These cam as the US Central Command, CENTCOM, announced that American forces had begun launching additional self-defense strikes against multiple targets in Iran.

CENTCOM said President Donald Trump ordered the strikes in response to what it described as Iran’s continued aggression.

Explosions hit major cities as US launches new strikes on Iran

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has suspended the operator’s permit and grounded a private aircraft that departed from an incident site near Asaba without the necessary regulatory approval.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo stated that the aircraft was involved in an incident around 7:43 a.m. local time while attempting to land at Asaba Airport. It is said that the aircraft executed a missed approach and subsequently landed on a concrete road that was under construction in the Ogwashi-Uku area, close to Asaba.

The minister noted that there were four crew members aboard the aircraft, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. He further mentioned that reports from the scene confirmed that all individuals on board exited the aircraft safely and were transported to Asaba by road.

Keyamo indicated that the aircraft departed the location at approximately 11:02 GMT and returned to Lagos without securing the necessary regulatory approval.

“I have also been informed that the aircraft subsequently left the site at around 11:02 GMT and made its way back to Lagos without obtaining the required regulatory clearance.

“Additionally, I understand that Air Traffic Control was only notified after the aircraft had taken off. In essence, the aircraft did not have permission to take off again,” he stated.

Keyamo characterized the incident as a significant violation of aviation regulations and security protocols.

He mentioned that the NCAA grounded the aircraft immediately upon its arrival in Lagos, pending the results of an investigation. The authority has also placed the flight under regulatory review and is scrutinizing the circumstances surrounding both the landing incident and the aircraft’s subsequent departure.

The minister confirmed that the NCAA is collaborating with the aircraft operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency to ascertain the complete details of the incident.

He stated that the NCAA grounded the aircraft immediately upon its arrival in Lagos, pending the results of an investigation. The authority has also subjected the flight to a regulatory review and is scrutinizing the circumstances related to both the landing incident and the aircraft’s later departure.

The minister indicated that the NCAA is collaborating with the aircraft operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency to ascertain the complete details of the event.

He further revealed that the authority had suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight, PNCF, and would be reviewing operational, maintenance, airworthiness, and flight records as part of its inquiry.

“The NCAA will also examine all operational, airworthiness, maintenance, and flight-related records as part of its statutory duties and will take additional enforcement actions in accordance with relevant aviation regulations,” he stated.

Keyamo added that security agencies have taken custody of the crew and are aiding in the ongoing investigations.

“I have also communicated with the pertinent security agencies and have been assured that the crew are in their custody and are assisting them with their investigation,” he mentioned.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with aviation regulators and security agencies anticipated to clarify the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s landing and subsequent departure from the site.

NCAA grounds aircraft for unauthorized departure after missed approach In Asaba

There was palpable fear in Osun State on Wednesday following the sudden collapse of a podium where guests, including Governor Ademola Adeleke, were seated at a rally held in Ijebu-Jesa.

In a 30-second video showed the moment the podium caved in, Adeleke, Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, and the spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, were among those on the platform when the incident occurred.

In the video, musical performances were ongoing when the event anchor brought the session to a close and was about to announce the next item on the programme before the podium collapsed.

A source at the event, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to comment, said the incident disrupted proceedings.

He, however, added that the programme later resumed after security personnel evacuated those involved from the rubble.

“The incident happened. The event is the inauguration of the Imole canvassers for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency. The event was held in Ijebu-Jesa, and the crowd was a bit much.

“The governor and some members of his cabinet were seated in that part of the podium that collapsed. No casualty. The event resumed, and the governor addressed the gathering after the incident,” he said.

When contacted for reaction, the Deputy Spokesperson to the Governor, Oladele Bamiji, said the incident was not as serious as being portrayed.

“The event thereafter went on smoothly with the governor and members of his cabinet. No injuries.

“Had there been any fatal accident, the event would not have continued. There were no casualties. The governor, after leaving the venue, went to another event in Odo-Otin Local Government,” Bamiji said.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the operational permit of an airline operator after one of its aircraft reportedly landed on a roadway near Asaba, Delta State, and later departed the scene without obtaining regulatory approval, an act the regulators described as a violation of aviation regulations.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, saying the CAA had received preliminary reports concerning an occurrence involving a privately operated aircraft in the vicinity of Asaba.

However, the regulator refused to mention either the operators or the airline’s name.

According to the Authority, the incident began when the aircraft encountered difficulties while attempting to land at Asaba Airport.

The regulator further disclosed that following the aborted landing attempt, the aircraft touched down on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba, an unusual development that immediately drew the attention of aviation authorities and local residents.

The NCAA said, “Available information indicates that the aircraft conducted a missed approach at approximately 0743 local time while attempting to land at Asaba, “Subsequently, the aircraft reportedly landed on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba. Reports received from personnel at the scene indicate that all occupants safely exited the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road.”

Despite the emergency situation, the NCAA said there were no casualties, noting that the aircraft had only four crew members on board.

“The aircraft had four (4) crew members on board. At this time, no injuries to passengers or crew have been reported,” the Authority said.

Providing details of the alleged incident, the Authority stated, “Preliminary information available to the Authority indicates that the aircraft subsequently departed the location at approximately 1102 GMT and returned to Lagos without obtaining the requisite regulatory approval.”

The NCAA further revealed that air traffic authorities were not informed before the flight departed.

Describing the action as a clear infraction of existing regulations, the Authority stressed that the unauthorised departure is now under investigation.

“The Authority has also been informed that Air Traffic Control was notified only after the aircraft had become airborne. This action constitutes a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) and is currently under investigation by the Authority,” the statement noted.

As a consequence, the NCAA said it moved swiftly to prevent any further operation of the aircraft pending the outcome of investigations.

The Authority also announced disciplinary and regulatory measures against those involved in the operation of the flight.

“Upon its arrival in Lagos, the NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft pending the outcome of its investigation.

“The flight crew have been placed under regulatory review while the NCAA conducts further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the occurrence and the subsequent unauthorised departure of the aircraft,” the statement said.

“In the interim, the NCAA has suspended the operator’s permit for Non-Commercial Flight,” the Authority disclosed.

The NCAA said it had notified the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and was collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and the operator, to determine the full circumstances surrounding the occurrence.

“The NCAA has formally notified the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau of the occurrence and is coordinating with relevant aviation stakeholders, including the operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.

The Authority added that investigators would scrutinise all relevant records linked to the aircraft and operator.

Achimugu stated, “The Authority will review all operational, airworthiness, maintenance, and flight-related records as part of its statutory responsibilities and will take further enforcement action in accordance with applicable aviation regulations.”

Former Real Madrid star, James Rodriguez, has backed Bayern Munich winger, Luis Diaz to win the Ballon d’Or this year.

Rodriguez believes his fellow Colombian teammate Diaz can win the individual prize if his country reaches the final of the 2026 World Cup this summer.

He also insisted that the former Liverpool man is currently among the top five best players in the world.

“Luis Diaz as Ballon d’Or, why not? For me, he is top 5 in the world right now already,” Rodriguez said as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

“If we get to the final, he can win the Ballon d’Or.”

Diaz has been impressive for Bayern Munich since joining the club from Liverpool. He helped them to win the Bundesliga title last season.

Ballon d’Or 2026: ‘He’s top five currently’ – James Rodriguez names player to win award

The Labour Party candidate for the June 20 Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election, Labaran Maku, has raised concerns over what he described as an alleged plan to compromise the electoral process in parts of the district.

Speaking during a press conference in Akpata, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, on Wednesday, the former Minister of Information claimed that nine wards in Nasarawa Eggon had been identified as targets for electoral manipulation due to their high voter population and perceived support for the Labour Party.

Maku alleged that certain political interests were becoming uneasy over the growing popularity of his candidacy across the senatorial district and were therefore exploring measures to influence the outcome of the poll.

According to him, the Labour Party enjoys widespread grassroots support, particularly in Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga and Wamba local government areas, which he said has strengthened the party’s confidence ahead of the election.

“We have credible information suggesting that there are moves to interfere with the electoral process because some people have realized that the people are determined to vote for change,” Maku stated.

He further alleged that plans were underway to deploy political thugs to disrupt voting in strategic locations, warning that any attempt to undermine the will of the electorate could trigger political tension and undermine public confidence in democracy.

The Labour Party candidate also called on federal authorities and security agencies to ensure neutrality during the election, urging them to resist any form of political pressure that could compromise the credibility of the exercise.

He expressed concern over what he described as the redeployment of some senior security officers within the state, alleging that the move mirrored developments witnessed during previous political contests.

Labaran Maku further claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had not conducted a transparent primary election for the bye-election, insisting that an unpopular candidate had been imposed on party members.

Despite his concerns, Maku expressed optimism about his chances at the poll, maintaining that voters in Nasarawa North have consistently demonstrated political maturity by supporting candidates based on competence, credibility and track record rather than party affiliation.

The former minister urged residents to remain peaceful, vigilant and committed to the democratic process as preparations for the bye-election enter the final stages.

Nasarawa North bye-election: Maku alleges plot to manipulate result, names nine vulnerable wards