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UEFA Appoints Somali Referee Artan for Super Cup After U.S. Denial at 2026 World Cup

CAF confirms backing for Artan’s nomination as UEFA seeks to honour African officiating talent after U.S. visa setback

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2 days ago

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CAF confirms backing for Artan’s nomination as UEFA seeks to honour African officiating talent after U.S. visa setback

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been named as the match official for the upcoming UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, following his exclusion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States due to visa denial. The appointment was announced by European football governing body UEFA after consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday.

Artan, who was initially listed to officiate at the ongoing World Cup, was dropped from FIFA’s referees’ roster after being denied entry to the United States. UEFA stated that he will now oversee the high-profile Super Cup fixture scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg, where Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain will face Europa League champions Aston Villa.

This development comes amid growing calls within African football circles for greater inclusion of African referees on the global stage. Many Nigerian stakeholders have described Artan’s appointment as a positive signal, especially after his removal from World Cup duties due to circumstances beyond his control. The Confederation of African Football confirmed its support for UEFA’s decision, saying it demonstrates recognition of officiating standards across Africa.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin described Artan as “an excellent young but already experienced referee” who has proven himself in CAF competitions. Ceferin added, “Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination.”

Artan’s nomination is expected to draw significant attention from both European and African football communities when he takes charge of the Super Cup in Austria. Observers say the move could set a precedent for how international sporting bodies respond when bureaucratic or political barriers affect participation by officials or athletes from Africa.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/artan-to-officiate-uefa-super-cup-after-u-s-visa-crisis/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Insurgents Attack Chibok in Borno, Kill One and Set School Block Ablaze

Security agencies confirm renewed assault as residents urge government to strengthen protection in North-East LGA

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40 minutes ago

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June 14, 2026

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Security agencies confirm renewed assault as residents urge government to strengthen protection in North-East LGA

Suspected insurgents launched a fresh attack on Chibok Local Government Area in Borno State on Sunday, killing at least one person and burning down a block of classrooms at a local school. The incident occurred late evening, causing panic among residents and raising new concerns over persistent insecurity in the region.

According to community members, the attackers stormed the area firing sporadically and setting fire to part of the secondary school before fleeing. The military responded to distress calls, but the assailants had already left by the time security operatives arrived at the scene. This latest assault comes despite ongoing military operations targeting insurgent hideouts in Borno and neighbouring states.

Chibok has become synonymous with insecurity since the 2014 abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram, drawing international attention to the North-East’s security challenges. Many residents say repeated attacks have disrupted education and forced families to flee their homes, with rebuilding efforts hampered by fear of further violence.

A senior security official, who confirmed Sunday’s incident, said investigations were ongoing to identify those responsible. “We are working closely with community leaders to gather information and ensure such attacks do not happen again,” he stated. Residents are calling on both federal and Borno State governments to increase patrols and invest more in local security infrastructure.

As at press time, authorities had yet to announce any arrests linked to the attack. The incident highlights ongoing threats faced by communities in Borno State, even as government claims progress in counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887578-one-killed-as-insurgents-attack-chibok-again-burn-school-block.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Chimamanda Adichie Accuses Lagos Hospital of Negligence in Son’s Death, Alleges Inquest Delay

Renowned author publicly shares letter to Euracare, claims facility is obstructing inquiry into circumstances of son’s passing

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60 minutes ago

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June 14, 2026

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Renowned author publicly shares letter to Euracare, claims facility is obstructing inquiry into circumstances of son’s passing

Award-winning Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has openly accused Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos of medical negligence and attempting to frustrate an official inquest into the death of her son, Nkanu Nnamdi. Adichie made these allegations public on Saturday, 14 June, by releasing a letter she addressed to the hospital’s board in April via her verified Instagram account.

According to Adichie, Euracare initially supported calls for an inquest after what she described as ‘rumours of negligence’ surrounding her son’s passing. However, she claims the hospital later began to hinder efforts aimed at clarifying the circumstances that led to his death. In her statement, Adichie said she decided to publish the letter because maintaining silence would amount to enabling wrongdoing.

Adichie wrote: ‘I wake up every single morning with my heart racing. Did this really happen? My precious son, Nkanu Nnamdi. My KanKan, my diokpala. The ultimate and utter loneliness of grief is that only you can know the true depth of your despair. I long for, at least, peace to mourn, but Euracare Hospital has robbed me even of that.’ She further stated that her decision to go public was motivated by a desire for transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

The incident has drawn renewed attention to issues of medical accountability and transparency in private healthcare facilities across Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State. Many Nigerians have long expressed concern over alleged lapses in duty of care at some private hospitals and the perceived reluctance by such institutions to submit themselves fully to regulatory scrutiny following medical tragedies.

Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital has not issued a formal response as at press time. Calls for greater oversight and reforms within Nigeria’s health sector continue, with stakeholders urging authorities to ensure prompt and impartial investigations in cases involving alleged medical negligence.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/chimamanda-adichie-finally-speaks-on-sons-death-accuses-euracare-of-delaying-inquest-2026061412373166963

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Nollywood Actress Toyin Adewale Recalls Mistaking Davido for Scammer in Lagos Encounter

Adewale says initial suspicion turned to trust after Davido gifted Mayorkun and facilitated his DMW signing in 2016

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1 hour ago

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June 14, 2026

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Adewale says initial suspicion turned to trust after Davido gifted Mayorkun and facilitated his DMW signing in 2016

“I WAS THERE WHEN DAVIDO CALLED MAYORKUN FOR THE FIRST TIME “ – Nollywood Actress, Toyin Adewale.


Veteran Nollywood actress Toyin Adewale has revealed she first suspected music star Davido was a scammer when he reached out to her son, singer Mayorkun, via social media in Lagos. Adewale made the disclosure during a recent interview, recounting how the family’s doubts gave way after Davido personally contacted and later met with Mayorkun in 2016.

According to Adewale, neither she nor Mayorkun believed the direct message sent by Davido was genuine at first, suspecting an impersonator was trying to deceive them. “After the cover he did went viral, he was with his brother when Davido sent a message, but we thought it was a scammer. Davido later said he would call. I was there when Davido called him, and he was so excited he almost went crazy,” Adewale said during the interview.

Mayorkun, who had posted a cover of Davido’s song ‘The Money’, caught the attention of the award-winning artiste, leading to an invitation to meet in person. During their meeting, Davido reportedly praised Mayorkun’s talent, gifted him money and other items, and facilitated his signing to Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). Shortly after, Mayorkun recorded his breakout single ‘Eleko’ under the label and moved into Davido’s residence alongside his brother.

Adewale described how her initial fears subsided after visiting her son’s new home. She commended Davido’s respectful demeanour and support for Mayorkun’s career growth. “When I got there, Davido was very pleasant and respectful,” she said. The partnership propelled Mayorkun from relative obscurity to mainstream success in Nigeria’s music industry.

Mayorkun remained signed to DMW from 2016 until 2021 before moving on to release subsequent albums under Sony Music West Africa. His achievements include winning the ‘Next Rated’ award at The Headies in 2018. The singer holds a degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/we-thought-it-was-a-scammer-mayorkuns-mother-recounts-first-encounter-with-davido-2026061411533143331

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