Nigeria News (Standard)
Ghana FA Protests Canada’s Visa Ban on Thomas Partey Ahead of World Cup Clash in Panama
Ghanaian officials say midfielder’s exclusion affects team preparations; Canada yet to comment as match approaches
Ghanaian officials say midfielder’s exclusion affects team preparations; Canada yet to comment as match approaches
The Ghana Football Association has lodged a formal protest with Canadian authorities over the refusal to grant a visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey, blocking his participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Panama. The incident occurred ahead of the match scheduled to hold in Panama City, as Ghana intensifies its campaign for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
According to officials from the Ghana FA, Partey was denied entry clearance by Canadian immigration despite being listed in Ghana’s official squad. The association stated that all required documents were submitted, but no reason has been given for the decision. The team has described the development as a setback, particularly as they finalise preparations for the crucial fixture.
The situation has heightened concerns among stakeholders and supporters in both Ghana and across Africa, where Partey is regarded as a key figure for the Black Stars. With World Cup qualification at stake, the absence of one of their most experienced midfielders could affect Ghana’s chances against Panama. Officials say such visa denials are rare at this stage of high-profile tournaments, raising questions about diplomatic and sporting protocols between countries.
The Ghana FA released a statement urging Canadian authorities to reconsider their stance and facilitate Partey’s participation. “We have fulfilled all requirements and expect fair treatment for our players,” a spokesperson said. As at press time, Canadian officials have not issued any public response regarding the protest or provided clarification on why Partey was denied entry.
With the match approaching, it remains unclear whether diplomatic intervention will allow Partey to join his teammates in time. The episode underscores ongoing challenges African teams face with international travel logistics during major competitions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NAFDAC Issues Alert in Lagos as US Recalls Children’s Ibuprofen over Safety Concerns
Agency urges parents, pharmacies to check imported stocks following US recall linked to potential contamination risk
Agency urges parents, pharmacies to check imported stocks following US recall linked to potential contamination risk
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert in Lagos on Sunday, advising Nigerians to exercise caution after United States authorities recalled a batch of children’s ibuprofen due to contamination concerns. The regulatory agency warned pharmacies and parents against administering or selling affected products imported from the US.
According to NAFDAC, the recall in the United States was prompted by fears that some batches of children’s ibuprofen could contain dangerous contaminants. The agency stated that while no incidents have yet been reported in Nigeria, it is taking precautionary measures to safeguard public health by monitoring pharmaceutical imports and urging the public to verify medication sources before use.
Children’s ibuprofen is commonly used in Nigeria for treating fever and pain among infants and young children. NAFDAC explained that contaminated medicines could pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children who may react more severely to impurities. The agency called on health workers, importers, and the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious pharmaceutical products encountered in the market.
“We are working closely with local distributors and international partners to ensure that any potentially contaminated products are swiftly identified and withdrawn from circulation,” a senior NAFDAC official said on Sunday. The agency also encouraged pharmacies to review their current stock of imported children’s medicines as at June 2026, especially those sourced from the United States.
NAFDAC assured Nigerians that it will provide further updates as investigations continue. In the meantime, parents are advised not to panic but to consult healthcare professionals if they have concerns regarding ibuprofen or notice any unusual reactions in their children after administration.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Retired Major General Abubakar Rabe Dies in Katsina Bandit Captivity Despite Rescue Efforts
Katsina Government confirms ex-Army spokesman’s death, citing diabetes and hypertension complications after abduction with wife
Katsina Government confirms ex-Army spokesman’s death, citing diabetes and hypertension complications after abduction with wife
Retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, former spokesman of the Nigerian Army, has died while being held by armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. The incident occurred after Rabe and his wife, Amina, were abducted on 30 May along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road, with their driver sustaining gunshot injuries during the ambush near Zakin Baure village.
Following the abduction, security agencies and the Katsina State Government launched operations to secure the couple’s release. According to officials, several coordinated attempts were made to locate their whereabouts and negotiate their safe return, but these efforts did not yield results before tragedy struck.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about rising insecurity across northern Nigeria and the persistent threat posed by armed groups targeting both civilians and high-profile figures. Many Nigerians have expressed alarm over the inability of authorities to curb kidnappings and guarantee safety on major highways.
Confirming the development, the Katsina State Government stated that Rabe died in captivity due to complications linked to diabetes and hypertension. In an official statement, government representatives extended condolences to his family and commended security agencies for their efforts. The statement also reaffirmed government’s commitment to intensify operations against armed banditry in Katsina and neighbouring states.
While search and rescue operations continue for other victims of similar attacks in the region, authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives. The death of Major General Rabe is expected to increase calls for renewed strategies in tackling insecurity across the North-West.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Gunmen Abduct Ode Oriya Village Head, Shoot Wife in Owo LGA, Ondo State
Police deploy tactical teams for rescue as community leader’s wife receives treatment after Saturday night attack
Police deploy tactical teams for rescue as community leader’s wife receives treatment after Saturday night attack
Armed men suspected to be kidnappers abducted the village head of Ode Oriya in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Adeniyi Adelana, on Saturday night. The attackers, numbering about six, stormed the traditional ruler’s residence around 8:30pm, shooting his wife before whisking him away into the forest.
Sources within the community confirmed that the assailants were fully armed during the operation. The victim’s wife, who was injured in the attack, is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital. The incident has thrown residents of Ode Oriya into fear and anxiety over rising insecurity in the area.
Abayomi Jimoh, Police Public Relations Officer for Ondo State Command, confirmed the abduction in a statement on Sunday. He said police operatives responded swiftly to distress calls and have since deployed tactical teams to comb surrounding forests and nearby communities. “The Ondo State Police Command, under CP Felix Ohagwu’s leadership, has launched a coordinated rescue operation following the abduction of a community leader by suspected kidnappers in Ode Oriya Village,” Jimoh stated.
The abduction underscores ongoing security challenges facing rural communities in Ondo State and across South-West Nigeria. Residents have repeatedly called for increased security presence as cases of kidnapping and attacks by armed groups continue to disrupt local life and economic activities.
Police assured residents that efforts are underway to safely rescue the abducted village head and apprehend those responsible for the crime. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing credible information that may aid investigations.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/gunmen-abduct-village-head-shoot-wife-in-ondo/
NAFDAC Issues Alert in Lagos as US Recalls Children’s Ibuprofen over Safety Concerns
Retired Major General Abubakar Rabe Dies in Katsina Bandit Captivity Despite Rescue Efforts
Gunmen Abduct Ode Oriya Village Head, Shoot Wife in Owo LGA, Ondo State
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