Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-Super Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong Urges Caution as Ghana Faces England in Boston World Cup Clash
Troost-Ekong calls on African fans to support Ghana, noting group leader will be decided in Tuesday’s encounter
Troost-Ekong calls on African fans to support Ghana, noting group leader will be decided in Tuesday’s encounter
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has advised football fans not to underrate Ghana ahead of their crucial Group L match against England in Boston on Tuesday. Troost-Ekong, speaking during an online session organised by Multichoice, said Ghana possesses the quality to challenge England despite the Three Lions’ impressive start to the tournament.
Ghana secured a narrow 1-0 win over Panama in their opening fixture, while England overcame Croatia 4-2, setting the stage for a decisive clash that will determine who tops the group heading into the final round. Both teams are seeking momentum in a championship already marked by surprising results.
Troost-Ekong highlighted the importance of African solidarity at global tournaments, urging supporters across the continent to back Ghana as they represent Africa’s hopes. “I would love Ghana to go and do well. I think the beauty of the World Cup, and I think all the teams, even when we’ve been at the World Cup before – we want to see the other African teams do well, I think it’s very important for the continent,” he said during the interactive session.
He further explained that while rivalry exists between African teams on the pitch, there is also mutual respect and camaraderie off it. “Besides the rivalry where we play against each other, often there’s also a lot of love for each other, because we know the players well, and maybe from my perspective now, having retired from the national team, it’s easier to say that,” Troost-Ekong added.
As Tuesday’s fixture approaches, stakeholders believe victory for either side will boost confidence and improve their standing ahead of knockout stages. The match outcome will not only influence group rankings but may also impact Africa’s representation deep into the tournament.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/troost-ekong-dont-write-off-ghana-against-england/
Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Re-arraigns Ex-Skye Bank Chairman in Lagos Over Alleged ₦15.6bn Fraud
Anti-graft agency brings fresh charges against Tunde Ayeni, former board chair, as case resumes at Federal High Court
Anti-graft agency brings fresh charges against Tunde Ayeni, former board chair, as case resumes at Federal High Court
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday re-arraigned Tunde Ayeni, the former Chairman of Skye Bank’s Board, before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over allegations of ₦15.6 billion fraud. The re-arraignment follows the amendment of charges against Ayeni and other defendants linked to the alleged financial mismanagement at the defunct bank.
According to court filings presented by the EFCC, Ayeni and co-defendants are accused of conspiring to unlawfully divert ₦15.6 billion belonging to Skye Bank Plc during his tenure as board chair. The prosecution told the court that the alleged offences took place in Lagos between 2014 and 2016, leading to significant losses for shareholders and depositors before the bank’s eventual regulatory intervention.
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s banking sector by regulatory agencies following a series of high-profile collapses and mergers. Many Nigerians have expressed concern about accountability for failed banks, especially given the scale of losses reported by both investors and ordinary customers.
The EFCC prosecutor stated in open court that “the amended charges reflect additional findings from our ongoing investigations into financial improprieties at Skye Bank.” However, defence counsel maintained that their clients would vigorously contest all allegations, insisting on their innocence until proven otherwise.
Justice Mojisola Olatoregun adjourned the proceedings to allow all parties adequate time to review the amended charges. The case is expected to continue next month, with legal experts predicting further scrutiny on corporate governance standards in Nigeria’s financial institutions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Police Suspend DPO Over Alleged ₦500,000 Extortion Case
State command launches investigation after divisional police officer accused of demanding bribe from citizen in Warri
State command launches investigation after divisional police officer accused of demanding bribe from citizen in Warri
The Delta State Police Command has suspended a divisional police officer (DPO) in Warri over allegations of extorting ₦500,000 from a member of the public. The suspension, announced on Monday, follows claims that the officer demanded and collected the sum as a bribe during official duties.
According to police sources, the incident reportedly occurred within Warri metropolis, prompting swift internal action by state command leadership. The DPO in question was relieved of his duties pending the outcome of a formal investigation to determine culpability and possible disciplinary measures.
Cases of police extortion have remained a major source of public concern across Nigeria, especially in Delta State where residents have repeatedly called for greater accountability within the force. The suspension comes amid ongoing reforms in police conduct nationwide and heightened scrutiny following previous high-profile cases of alleged misconduct by security personnel.
A senior official at Delta State Police Command confirmed the development and stated that an investigative panel has been set up to probe the extortion allegation. “We take such matters seriously and want to assure the public that anyone found guilty will face appropriate sanctions,” the official said. Attempts to reach the accused DPO for comment were unsuccessful as at press time.
The police command has encouraged members of the public with credible evidence or complaints about officers’ behaviour to come forward. Meanwhile, advocacy groups have urged authorities to ensure transparency throughout the investigation process and deliver justice regardless of rank or status.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Messi’s Brace Sends Argentina Into World Cup Knockout Stage in Qatar
Argentina secure early qualification with Messi’s two goals; team eyes deep run after strong group stage showing
Argentina secure early qualification with Messi’s two goals; team eyes deep run after strong group stage showing
Lionel Messi fired Argentina into the knockout phase of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Monday, scoring twice to ensure his side’s 2–0 victory and confirm their place in the next round. The match, held at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, saw Messi deliver a standout performance as Argentina topped their group ahead of the final fixtures.
Messi opened the scoring with a precise finish in the first half before doubling the lead shortly after the break, sealing a result that guarantees Argentina’s progression regardless of other group outcomes. Fans from across Buenos Aires and beyond erupted in celebration as Argentina delivered one of their most assured performances so far in the tournament.
The win is seen as crucial for Argentina’s hopes of advancing deep into the competition, with expectations high on Messi to lead his country to another World Cup final. Many Argentine supporters and analysts have described this campaign as potentially Messi’s last chance at lifting football’s biggest trophy, heightening interest across Latin America and among Nigerian fans who continue to follow international football closely.
Argentina coach and former international Lionel Scaloni praised Messi’s impact after the match, saying, “His leadership inspires everyone on and off the pitch.” Meanwhile, football commentators noted that Argentina’s defensive organisation and quick transitions were key to securing an early ticket to the next round. No official statement has been released by FIFA regarding group standings pending completion of all matches.
Argentina will now wait to see who they face in the round of sixteen, while attention turns to whether Messi can sustain his form through to the latter stages. With a place in the knockout phase secured, fans are hopeful that this victory marks just the beginning of another memorable World Cup run for Argentina.
