Nigeria News (Standard)
Nigeria’s YellowGreens Defeat Malawi by 52 Runs in Kigali Kwibuka T20 Opener
Jessica Bieni’s unbeaten 25 and Shola Adekunle’s three wickets seal emphatic win as Nigerians target Kwibuka trophy
Jessica Bieni’s unbeaten 25 and Shola Adekunle’s three wickets seal emphatic win as Nigerians target Kwibuka trophy
Nigeria’s women’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, started their campaign at the Kwibuka T20 Tournament with a commanding 52-run victory over Malawi at Gahanga 2 Cricket Oval, Kigali, on Tuesday. Led by key performances from Jessica Bieni and Shola Adekunle, the side posted a total of 98/8 before dismissing Malawi for just 46 runs.
The match began with Nigeria put in to bat after losing the toss. Despite early setbacks, opener Jessica Bieni anchored the innings with a steady unbeaten 25 runs. She received support from Sarah Etim (14), Favour Eseigbe (11), and Christabel Chukwuonye (11), helping Nigeria reach a competitive score in their allotted 20 overs. Malawian bowler Lucky Malino claimed four wickets to threaten a collapse, but Nigeria’s lower order held firm to ensure a defendable total.
The YellowGreens’ bowlers then took charge, with Shola Adekunle emerging as player of the match after taking three wickets for just 15 runs. Henrietta Mbam added two wickets for 16 runs, while captain Favour Eseigbe wrapped up Malawi’s innings by claiming two wickets in three balls. The Nigerian side dismissed Malawi for only 46 runs in just 10.3 overs, underlining their dominance in both bowling and fielding.
This opening win positions Nigeria as strong contenders in the annual Kwibuka Tournament, which brings together top women’s teams from across Africa to commemorate the Rwandan genocide and promote unity through sport. For Nigeria, success at this event is seen as crucial preparation ahead of upcoming continental qualifiers and an opportunity to showcase progress in women’s cricket development.
Officials from the Nigeria Cricket Federation praised the team’s resilience under pressure and highlighted the depth of talent among younger players. No immediate comment was available from Malawi’s coaching staff following the defeat. The YellowGreens will next face more experienced sides later this week as they seek to advance further in Kigali.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/female-yellowgreens-beat-malawi-in-kwibuka-t20-opening-game/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals in Ndokwa West
One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road
One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two individuals suspected of vandalising electric cables in Ndokwa West Local Government Area on Tuesday, 25 June. The suspects were apprehended around 10:30pm along the Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road following a joint operation involving officers from Kwale Police Station and members of the local vigilante group.
According to a statement issued by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the security team acted swiftly on credible intelligence that some persons were removing and stealing electric cables in the area. Upon sighting law enforcement, the suspects attempted to flee the scene, resulting in one of them sustaining injuries during the pursuit. The injured suspect is currently receiving medical attention, while the other is in police custody.
Cable vandalism has become a significant concern in Delta State and across Nigeria, often leading to prolonged power outages and financial losses for communities. The state government has repeatedly called for increased vigilance by residents and closer collaboration with security agencies to combat such crimes.
SP Edafe stated that investigations are ongoing to determine if other individuals are involved in the syndicate. “We urge members of the public to continue providing timely information that can help us protect public infrastructure,” Edafe said in Thursday’s press release.
The police command assured residents that efforts will be intensified to prevent further incidents of cable theft in Ndokwa West and neighbouring communities. Authorities also reminded residents that anyone found engaging in vandalism or aiding such activities would face prosecution according to Nigerian law.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/delta-police-arrest-two-suspected-cable-vandals/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Trump Claims US Military Strikes in Borno Prevented Mass Killing of Christians by ISWAP
Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response
Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response
Former United States President Donald Trump has stated that military strikes authorised by his administration in Borno State helped prevent the mass killing of Christians by militants linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Trump made this assertion on Friday during an event held in Washington, where he defended his decision to target terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East region.
According to Trump, the US military operations significantly reduced attacks on Christian communities in Borno and neighbouring states, which had been facing repeated assaults from ISWAP fighters. He said, “As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations. They have a great Christian population. They were being butchered—thousands and thousands of people were being killed, children, women, old people, just being slaughtered, hacked to death.”
Trump added that the American intervention sent a strong warning to the militants responsible for these attacks. He claimed the strikes discouraged further violence against religious minorities in the region. The former president did not provide specific details regarding the timing or scale of the US operations referenced.
The Nigerian government and security agencies are yet to release any official statement confirming the reported strikes or commenting on Trump’s claims as at press time. In previous years, Borno State and other parts of North-East Nigeria have witnessed repeated attacks targeting both Muslim and Christian communities by various armed groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram.
Security analysts say international military cooperation is often conducted discreetly and that foreign involvement in counter-insurgency operations can carry both diplomatic and security implications for Nigeria. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding Trump’s statements.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Laid to Rest in Modakeke, Osun State
Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football
Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football
Adegboye Onigbinde, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, was buried on Saturday in Modakeke, Osun State. The burial ceremony drew family members, friends, and football stakeholders who came together to pay their last respects to the veteran tactician.
Onigbinde’s funeral was held at his hometown of Modakeke, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected football coaches. Attendees described him as a disciplinarian and a mentor whose contribution to Nigerian football development spanned decades. Many local residents and members of the football community gathered to honour his memory.
Onigbinde rose to national prominence when he managed the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He is credited with nurturing young talent and promoting professionalism in Nigerian football. His death is considered a significant loss by many in the sports fraternity, particularly those from Osun State and across the South-West geopolitical zone.
Though details of official statements were not available at press time, tributes have continued to pour in from fans and former players who worked with Onigbinde during his long career. They praised his dedication and commitment to raising the profile of Nigerian football on the world stage.
As Nigerians reflect on Onigbinde’s enduring legacy, sports analysts note that his impact will continue through coaches and players he mentored over the years. The Nigerian Football Federation is expected to organise further commemorative events in honour of his service.
