Nigeria News (Standard)
Somali Referee Omar Artan Receives Hero’s Welcome in Mogadishu After US Entry Ban
Artan, Africa’s top referee in 2025, vows to pursue 2030 World Cup dream as Somali officials condemn US decision
Artan, Africa’s top referee in 2025, vows to pursue 2030 World Cup dream as Somali officials condemn US decision
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan returned to a rousing reception at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu on Tuesday, after being denied entry into the United States where he was scheduled to officiate at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hundreds of supporters, government representatives, Somali Football Federation officials and fellow referees gathered at the airport to celebrate Artan’s homecoming.
Artan, aged 34 and recently named Africa’s referee of the year for 2025, was expected to become the first Somali official to take charge of a World Cup finals match before his abrupt repatriation from Miami International Airport on Monday. Despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid single-entry US visa, US immigration authorities refused him entry. No official reason was given for the decision.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions within Somalia and across African football circles, with many describing the move as a setback for sporting representation from the continent. For many Nigerians who follow international football closely, Artan’s experience highlights ongoing challenges African referees face at global tournaments. The development also resonates with Nigeria’s own history of visa and travel hurdles affecting athletes and officials at major competitions.
Speaking to journalists on arrival in Mogadishu, Artan expressed gratitude for the support shown by his countrymen and reaffirmed his commitment to continue officiating at international level. “This is not the end for me. I will work harder and I am determined to represent Somalia and Africa at the 2030 World Cup,” Artan said.
The Somali Football Federation condemned the US immigration authorities’ action in a statement issued shortly after Artan’s return. The federation called on FIFA and CAF to intervene and ensure fair treatment for all match officials regardless of nationality. “We urge global football stakeholders not to allow such incidents to discourage our referees from aspiring to reach the highest level,” a federation spokesperson said.
While there has been no public comment from FIFA or US authorities as at press time, African football administrators are expected to raise concerns about visa restrictions affecting sports professionals at upcoming continental meetings. As Artan resumes duties within Somalia’s domestic league, attention will remain on how FIFA addresses similar cases ahead of future tournaments.
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.
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