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Bothroyd Urges Portugal to Bench Ronaldo After Low-Impact World Cup Outing

Ex-England striker calls for tactical changes as Ronaldo records second-fewest touches in World Cup start against DR Congo

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Ex-England striker calls for tactical changes as Ronaldo records second-fewest touches in World Cup start against DR Congo

Former England international Jay Bothroyd has advised Portugal to consider benching Cristiano Ronaldo following the forward’s subdued performance against DR Congo at the ongoing FIFA World Cup. The match, held hours after Lionel Messi’s hat-trick for Argentina, ended with Ronaldo registering just 25 touches and three off-target shots, his second-lowest involvement ever in a World Cup starting appearance.

The fixture drew significant attention as fans awaited Ronaldo’s response to Messi’s earlier feat. However, Portugal struggled to break through the DR Congo defence, with Ronaldo contributing minimally and winning only one duel throughout the game. ESPN FC noted that the Portuguese captain was well contained by his opponents, raising questions about his influence in the team’s current tactical setup.

Bothroyd, who previously played for Stoke City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, stated after the match that Portugal may need to rethink their approach if they are to compete effectively at this level. “I have to be honest. I think if Ronaldo is a team player, he should step down and understand that he has to be a player that comes off the bench as an impact player,” Bothroyd said.

The debate around Ronaldo’s role comes at a critical time for Portugal, who are aiming for a strong showing at this year’s tournament. The comparison with Messi’s standout performance has only intensified scrutiny of the team’s reliance on its veteran star. Stakeholders within European football are now discussing whether manager Roberto Martinez should adjust his selection strategy moving forward.

Portugal is expected to face mounting pressure in their upcoming group fixtures, with attention on how Martinez manages squad selection and whether Ronaldo will accept a reduced role for the benefit of the team.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/ronaldo-a-hindrance-to-portugal-says-bothroyd/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Contestant Loye Sacked from MasterChef Nigeria After Black Apron Jollof Rice Challenge

Judges faulted Loye’s dish for not making jollof rice the star; Top 5 now set for next round

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29 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Judges faulted Loye’s dish for not making jollof rice the star; Top 5 now set for next round

The MasterChef Nigeria competition took a dramatic turn in Lagos on Thursday as contestant Loye was sacked from the show after struggling in the high-stakes Jollof Rice Feast challenge. The episode, which aired on 20 June 2026, saw the remaining six contestants compete under intense scrutiny from the judges during Black Apron Day.

Contestants were instructed to prepare a feast inspired by two regions of Nigeria, with jollof rice required to be the centrepiece of their plate. The judges assessed each entry based on flavour, regional identity, execution and how well the signature Nigerian dish was highlighted. Loye, who had previously shown promise in earlier rounds, admitted dissatisfaction with his final presentation before the panel delivered their verdict.

After tasting all six entries, the judges observed that while Loye’s meal showed some potential, it failed to meet the challenge’s core requirement of making jollof rice the hero of the dish. This shortcoming ultimately cost him his place among the Top 5 contestants. The exit marks another milestone in a season that has kept Nigerian viewers engaged with regional culinary creativity and fierce competition.

MasterChef Nigeria has continued to grow in popularity since its launch, offering a platform for talented home cooks to showcase their skills and celebrate Nigerian cuisine. The show’s focus on regional inspiration has resonated with audiences across various states, reinforcing jollof rice as a unifying dish in national food culture.

With Loye’s departure, five contestants now remain in contention for this year’s title and its lucrative prize package. The next episode will see them tackle another regional food challenge as they vie for a place in the finals.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/loye-exits-masterchef-nigeria-after-tough-jollof-rice-challenge/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

SDP Denies Isaac Alade’s Withdrawal, Affirms Candidacy for Ekiti Governorship Poll

Party insists Alade remains in race as speculation of withdrawal spreads ahead of 2026 Ekiti election

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49 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Party insists Alade remains in race as speculation of withdrawal spreads ahead of 2026 Ekiti election

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dismissed reports suggesting that its candidate, Isaac Alade, has withdrawn from the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election. The party made this clarification on Saturday, 20 June 2026, amid rising rumours across the South-West state about Alade’s participation.

According to the SDP, Isaac Alade remains its flagbearer for the crucial poll scheduled later this year. The party stated that recent claims of his withdrawal were unfounded and aimed at misleading voters and supporters. Party officials maintained that Alade has not stepped down or decamped to any other party.

The clarification comes as political activities intensify in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship election, with multiple parties seeking to consolidate their chances. Observers note that such rumours are common during pre-election periods in Nigeria, often used to destabilise rival camps or confuse the electorate.

A statement from SDP leadership urged members and supporters to disregard the withdrawal reports and continue mobilisation efforts across all local government areas. The party emphasised its confidence in Alade’s candidacy and readiness to present a credible alternative in Ekiti’s political landscape.

With this development, attention remains on how parties will navigate last-minute alignments and propaganda as election day approaches. The SDP called on security agencies and electoral bodies to monitor misinformation closely, warning that such tactics could affect the credibility of the process.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889183-sdp-denies-withdrawal-rumours-confirms-isaac-alade-still-in-ekiti-governorship-race.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Iranian Court Sentences Singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 Lashes for Performing Without Hijab

Human rights groups condemn Qom Province ruling as crackdown on women’s rights intensifies after viral concert

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59 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Human rights groups condemn Qom Province ruling as crackdown on women’s rights intensifies after viral concert

An Iranian criminal court in Qom Province has sentenced singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 strokes of cane, a two-year travel ban, and a two-year prohibition from artistic activities for performing without a hijab during a livestreamed concert in December 2024. The verdict, delivered this week, also affects eight members of her production team, all of whom received similar penalties after their performance went viral online.

The case centres on Ahmadi’s performance of the patriotic song ‘Az Khoone Javanane Vatan’ during an audience-free event later dubbed the ‘Caravanserai Concert.’ The concert was broadcast on Ahmadi’s YouTube channel and quickly attracted millions of views. Iranian authorities charged the artist and her colleagues with producing and publishing what they described as ‘vulgar and immoral content.’ Shortly after the concert, Ahmadi and several musicians were reportedly arrested before being released on bail, leading to formal legal proceedings.

The sentence has drawn strong reactions from international human rights advocates, who describe it as part of a wider campaign by Iranian authorities against cultural expression and women’s rights. According to Bahar Ghandehari, Director of Advocacy at the Center for Human Rights in Iran, the punishment highlights that conditions for artists and women in Iran remain largely unchanged. “Ahmadi’s punishment of 74 lashes for merely singing and appearing without a hijab is yet another reminder that human rights conditions in Iran have not changed,” Ghandehari said.

Legal experts have also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the charges. Human rights lawyer Moein Khazaeli argued that Iranian criminal law does not criminalise women singing or producing musical works. Khazaeli added that corporal punishment like flogging raises serious issues under international human rights standards, with many organisations considering it a form of torture.

The ruling comes amid ongoing tension over compulsory hijab laws in Iran, especially following nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. Exiled Iranian figures such as actress Nazanin Boniadi have condemned the verdict as evidence that repression remains entrenched. Setareh Maleki, another exiled actress, praised Ahmadi’s courage in performing despite knowing the risks involved. Rights groups say prosecutions like Ahmadi’s are designed to deter dissent and enforce strict social restrictions on cultural expression.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/iranian-singer-sentenced-to-74-strokes-of-cane-and-other-penalties-for-performing-without-hijab-2026062007211385817

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