Nigeria News (Standard)
Diaspora Nigerians Shine as Super Eagles Miss Out on 2026 FIFA World Cup in Lagos
Analysts say at least 12 players of Nigerian descent represent other nations, fuelling debate over talent drain
Analysts say at least 12 players of Nigerian descent represent other nations, fuelling debate over talent drain
The absence of Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup has been keenly felt by football fans and analysts in Lagos, as players of Nigerian descent continue to deliver impressive performances for other countries. The global tournament, which kicked off in June, has seen at least 12 footballers with strong Nigerian roots representing teams such as England, the United States, Austria, and France.
As matches unfold across North America, attention in Nigeria has shifted to these diaspora stars who could have potentially strengthened the national squad. According to recent analysis, an ‘imaginary’ team of diaspora Nigerians—featuring prominent names like Bukayo Saka (England), Folarin Balogun (USA), and others—could rival any team at the championship. Former international Sam Okpodu, who once coached the Super Falcons and chaired the Black Coaches Association of the USA, said a forward line combining Victor Osimhen with these diaspora talents would have been “unstoppable”.
The conversation around Nigeria’s absence has intensified after unexpected upsets and dramatic results at this year’s World Cup. Many stakeholders attribute the situation to gaps in player development, scouting, and administrative issues within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Football analyst Segun Odegbami noted that while Nigerian fans celebrate their compatriots abroad, the missed opportunity for national glory remains a sore point. “Every time a player of Nigerian descent scores or makes an impact for another country, it reminds us of what could have been for the Super Eagles,” Odegbami said during a post-match discussion in Lagos.
Officials from NFF have not issued a formal statement on the increasing number of eligible players opting for other nations. However, sports development advocates are calling for reforms to improve talent retention and ensure that promising young footballers are encouraged to commit to Nigeria from early stages of their careers.
With the next qualifying cycle approaching, experts say government and football authorities must address these challenges urgently if Nigeria is to return to the world stage with its best talent. For now, fans continue to cheer on players with green-white-green heritage—even if they wear different colours this summer.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/super-eagles-missed-at-the-world-cup/
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.
Liverpool World Cup Star Faces Tragedy as Wife Suffers Miscarriage
Delta Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals in Ndokwa West
Late Crash Hands George Russell Shock Pole as Verstappen Drama Rocks Austrian GP Qualifying
Trump Claims US Military Strikes in Borno Prevented Mass Killing of Christians by ISWAP
Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Laid to Rest in Modakeke, Osun State
Abacha’s Ex-Security Chief Says He Has Nothing to Apologise For
Chelsea Set to Seal £48m Move for Super Eagles Star After World Cup Campaign
Japan Star Claims Team Can Eliminate Brazil at 2026 World Cup
Abia’s Don Media Group Celebrates One Year of Expanding Radio Broadcasting Across South-East
Police Launch ‘Kosaye’ Operation in Ogun, Lagos, Arrest 88, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
Lagos Residents Spend Over ₦50bn on US Visa Applications Amid Tighter Entry Rules
Over 8,000 Unemployed Nigerians Withdraw ₦12.1bn Pension Savings Amid Rising Economic Hardship
CBN Kwupụtara Nnweta Ego Ọhụrụ ₦2.09trn OMO Na ₦464.6bn NTB N’ime Ụlọ Akụ N’izu a
Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
Lagos Stock Exchange Sheds ₦1.02trn as Banking and Oil Shares Plunge
NBS Reports Nigeria’s Q1 2026 Trade Surplus as Exports Hit ₦34.8trn Nationwide
