Nigeria News (Standard)
Messi Breaks World Cup Goal Record as Argentina Defeats Austria 2–0 in Dallas
Argentina captain surpasses Klose and Marta with 18th World Cup goal; secures knockout spot for defending champions
Argentina captain surpasses Klose and Marta with 18th World Cup goal; secures knockout spot for defending champions
Argentina captain Lionel Messi set a new benchmark for individual World Cup goals, scoring twice against Austria on Monday to reach 18 goals and secure his country’s place in the knockout stage. The match, held in Dallas, saw Messi overtake Germany’s Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals, as well as surpassing women’s all-time scorer Marta.
Messi entered the Group J encounter having equalled Klose’s tally after a hat trick in Argentina’s opening game against Algeria. Despite missing an early penalty against Austria, he bounced back with a clinical finish from a cutback in the 38th minute before adding a second late on, sealing a 2–0 victory for the South American side. His latest brace also means he has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches since 2022.
Football analysts have described Messi’s feat as historic, noting that he also set new records for most FIFA World Cup finals goals (18), most matches played by an individual (28), most matches won by a player (18), and most minutes played in the competition (2,489). For many Nigerian fans and pundits, Messi’s achievements further cement his status among football’s greats and bring renewed attention to individual excellence at the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Speaking after the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his captain’s consistency: “Messi continues to inspire this team and break boundaries. His hunger for success is unmatched.” The Austrian camp acknowledged Messi’s impact on the game, with their coach stating that facing him remains one of football’s toughest challenges.
With Argentina now assured of a spot in the round of 32, attention turns to their upcoming fixtures as they seek to defend their world title. Stakeholders expect Messi’s form to be key if Argentina are to maintain their dominance at this year’s tournament.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/messi-sets-world-cup-scoring-record-after-austria-double/
Nigeria News (Standard)
NDLEA Launches 24-Hour Toll-Free Helpline for Drug Addiction Support Across Nigeria
Agency offers confidential counselling in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba; links callers to over 30 rehab centres nationwide
Agency offers confidential counselling in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba; links callers to over 30 rehab centres nationwide
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has introduced a round-the-clock toll-free helpline to support individuals battling drug addiction across Nigeria. The service, accessible via 0800 1020 3040, was announced ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to encourage early intervention and reduce stigma around substance dependence.
According to NDLEA officials in Abuja, the helpline provides immediate access to clinical professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and counsellors. Callers can receive free, confidential guidance in their preferred language—English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba—without fear of arrest or legal consequences. The agency emphasised that both individuals struggling with drugs and concerned family members are welcome to seek assistance through the platform.
This initiative marks a shift from the traditional law enforcement focus of NDLEA to a public health approach. The agency said its mission now includes facilitating recovery by connecting users with over 30 accredited treatment and rehabilitation centres nationwide. “Our goal is to ensure that no one suffers in silence because of fear or shame,” an NDLEA official stated during a press briefing.
Experts have described the service as a critical step towards addressing Nigeria’s rising rates of drug use disorders. Advocacy groups noted that many Nigerians avoid seeking help due to concerns about confidentiality or being criminalised. The NDLEA responded by assuring that all calls remain strictly anonymous and that no personal information is shared with enforcement officers.
The agency urged Nigerians not to wait until a crisis point before reaching out for help. As part of its broader campaign against drug abuse, NDLEA plans further outreach programmes to sensitise communities and strengthen the referral network linking callers to physical care facilities regardless of location.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Residents Decry Inability to Pre-register for PVC on INEC Portal
Frustrated voters report failed attempts ahead of 2026 polls, urge INEC to address digital registration barriers
Frustrated voters report failed attempts ahead of 2026 polls, urge INEC to address digital registration barriers
Residents of Abuja have expressed deep frustration over their inability to pre-register for Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) on the online portal provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as at Tuesday, 23 June 2026. Many intending voters in the Federal Capital Territory said repeated attempts to access the INEC portal for PVC pre-registration were unsuccessful, raising concerns about potential disenfranchisement ahead of the upcoming elections.
Several residents who spoke on the issue said they encountered error messages and slow response times when trying to complete their registration process online. Some noted that despite multiple efforts at different times of day, the portal either failed to load or crashed midway through their applications. “I have tried more than five times since last week and it keeps showing error. This is making it difficult for us to register early,” one resident lamented.
The challenge comes at a crucial period as Nigeria prepares for major polls in 2026, with voter registration seen as a key step towards credible elections. For many Abuja residents, the online pre-registration platform was expected to ease long queues and reduce congestion at physical INEC centres. Instead, the current digital setbacks risk excluding first-time voters and those unable to visit designated offices due to work or mobility issues.
As at press time, INEC had yet to release an official statement addressing the complaints from Abuja or provide a clear timeline for resolving technical difficulties on its portal. Stakeholders and civic groups have called on the electoral commission to urgently upgrade its digital infrastructure and ensure seamless access across all parts of the country. “INEC must act fast so people will not be discouraged from participating in the electoral process,” a local advocacy group stated.
With voter registration deadlines approaching, affected residents are appealing for alternative solutions, such as extended registration hours or improved offline support at INEC centres within Abuja Municipal Area Council and surrounding LGAs. The situation highlights ongoing challenges with Nigeria’s adoption of digital tools for public service delivery.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kebbi Community Clash Leaves Eight Dead as Farmers, Herders Renew Hostilities
Security agencies deploy personnel to affected area in Kebbi State after deadly confrontation over farmland access
Security agencies deploy personnel to affected area in Kebbi State after deadly confrontation over farmland access
At least eight people were killed on Tuesday following a violent clash between farmers and herders in a rural community in Kebbi State. The incident, which occurred on 23 June, has raised fresh concerns about recurring tensions between agricultural and pastoral groups in the North-West state.
According to initial reports, the confrontation broke out when herders allegedly led their livestock onto farmlands belonging to local farmers. The dispute quickly escalated into violence, resulting in multiple casualties before security operatives arrived at the scene. Residents said the attack took place early in the morning, with both sides suffering losses.
The latest violence highlights the persistent challenges facing communities across Nigeria’s North-West region, where competition over land and water resources frequently leads to deadly clashes. Farmers accuse herders of destroying crops and encroaching on cultivated land, while herders claim shrinking grazing routes and lack of government intervention have made their livelihoods more difficult.
Security agencies have confirmed the deployment of additional personnel to restore order in the affected area. Officials have called for calm and urged community leaders to assist with ongoing investigations. No arrests have been reported as at press time, and authorities said efforts are underway to prevent further escalation.
The Kebbi State government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Meanwhile, residents are appealing for urgent intervention to address underlying grievances and improve dialogue between farming and herding communities. Local stakeholders say sustained peace will require both security measures and lasting solutions to resource disputes.
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889978-eight-killed-in-kebbi-farmer-herder-clash.html
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