Thierry Henry apologises to Nigerians over Super Eagles shorts remark

By Lawrence Agbo French football legend Thierry Henry has apologised to Nigerians after a comment he made about a pair of Nigerian Super Eagles shorts during a FIFA World Cup broadcast sparked criticism on social media. The incident occurred while Henry was covering the United States’ 4-1 victory over Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside popular American streamer IShowSpeed. During the broadcast, IShowSpeed appeared wearing Nigerian Super Eagles shorts, prompting Henry to jokingly call the outfit “bad luck,” a remark that quickly drew reactions from Nigerian football fans online. Many supporters interpreted the comment as disrespectful to Nigeria and the Super Eagles, leading to widespread criticism across social media platforms. Following the backlash, the former Arsenal and Barcelona striker moved to clarify his remarks and offered an apology to Nigerians. Henry explained that the statement was intended as a light-hearted joke and was not meant to insult Nigeria, its national team or its supporters. “I apologise to Nigerians if my comment offended anyone. It was never intended as a sign of disrespect,” he said. The 1998 World Cup winner acknowledged the passion of Nigerian football fans and expressed admiration for the country’s contribution to the sport over the years. The brief exchange gained traction online due to IShowSpeed’s massive global following and the growing interest surrounding the ongoing World Cup in the United States. Several Nigerian fans accepted the apology, while others used the opportunity to highlight the Super Eagles’ rich football history and achievements on the African continent. The Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most successful national teams, having won the Africa Cup of Nations three times and produced several players who have excelled in Europe’s top leagues. Video clips of the exchange between Henry and IShowSpeed have continued to circulate on social media, drawing reactions from football fans across the world. Henry, widely regarded as one of the greatest forwards of his generation, enjoyed a distinguished playing career with clubs including Arsenal, Barcelona and the French national team, winning numerous domestic and international honours. Tags:

G¥nmen Strike Again on Oyo Highway, K+ll Two in Fresh Kishi-Igbeti Att@ck Fear has gripped residents of Oyo State’s Oke-Ogun zone following fresh att@cks by suspected bandits along the Kishi-Igbeti and Igboho-Igbeti road corridors, leaving atleast two persons de@d and several others injred within 24 hours. The latest incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Friday along the Kishi-Igbeti road when g¥nmen ambushed a moving vehicle and opened f+re. An electricity worker identified as Moshood Kayode, popularly known as “Mr. Kay,” and one other were k+lled, while other occupants sustained inj¥ries. On Saturday, another att+ck was reported along the Igbope-Igbeti axis near the Old Oyo National Park. Eyewitnesses said heavily armed men dressed in military camouflage suddenly emerged from the forest and began sh++ting at passing vehicles around 3:25 p.m. Among the vehicles att@cked were a red Volkswagen Golf and a commercial passenger bus, whose tyre was punctured by b¥llets. Four occupants of the Golf car, including the driver, Alhaji Rafiu Jimoh, and one Jubril Jelili, sustained serious g¥nshot wo¥nds while travelling from Igbeti to Saki. Despite their inj¥ries, the victims reportedly managed to drive back to Igboho, where they were rushed to a hospital for treatment. “We thought they were soldiers because of the camouflage they wore, but they suddenly started shooting at vehicles,” an eyewitness recounted. Security personnel, including operatives of the police, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps and local forest guards, were deployed to the scene and later secured the area. The att@cks have intensified concerns over growing insecurity around the Old Oyo National Park, which residents allege has become a hideout for k+dnappers and armed gangs. Residents are now calling for urgent military and police operations to flush out criminal elements and restore safety along the troubled road corridors.

Gunmen kidnap Ondo traditional ruler, police begin manhunt

By Peter Dada Some gunmen on Saturday reportedly invaded the Ode Oriya community in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State and abducted the traditional ruler of the community, Adeniyi Adelana. A source said the hoodlums stormed the community at about 8 pm on Saturday and went to the residence of the 60-year-old community leader, whisking him away to an unknown destination in the bush. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Sunday, said the state command had commenced a rescue operation in the forest. “The Ondo State Police Command has launched a coordinated rescue operation following the abduction of a community leader by suspected kidnappers in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area of the state “Preliminary reports indicate that at about 8:05 pm on the reported date, a group of approximately six armed men stormed the residence of Mr Adeniyi Adelana, aged 60, the Baale of Ode Oriya Village. The assailants reportedly invaded the premises under the cover of darkness and forcefully whisked the victim away through a nearby bush path to an unknown destination. “Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, B Division, Owo, immediately mobilised a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene. The area was swiftly secured, and a preliminary assessment of the crime scene was conducted as part of ongoing investigative efforts,” the PPRO said. Jimoh added that the victim’s wife, who sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand during the attack, had been taken to the hospital, where she was receiving treatment. “She was promptly rescued and taken to a nearby medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively to medical care,” he said. According to him, a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation was activated, with security operatives combing nearby forests, bush paths, and suspected escape routes “in a determined effort to track the movement of the kidnappers, secure the victim’s safe release, and bring the perpetrators to justice.” “Tactical deployments have also been strengthened across the area and adjoining communities to enhance operational effectiveness,” he added. The police spokesman also said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Felix Ohagwu, has directed all tactical units, intelligence assets, and operational teams of the command to intensify efforts toward the swift rescue of the victim and the arrest of those responsible. “The command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that the victim is reunited safely with his family while all those involved face the full weight of the law,” the PPRO added.

Niger shuts 15 health centres, arrests fake doctor

The Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency has shut down 15 private health facilities and arrested a man allegedly posing as a medical doctor during an enforcement operation in Suleja Local Government Area of the state. Executive Chairman of NiSPHFA, Dr Abdullahi Suleiman, disclosed this during an inspection in Suleja on Saturday after the agency’s task force carried out inspections of selected private health facilities in the area. He said the operation followed intelligence reports and routine regulatory inspections aimed at sanitising the healthcare sector and protecting residents from unsafe medical practices. Suleiman said the task force sealed Ellamara Specialist Hospital after discovering that a suspect was allegedly providing medical services without the required qualifications, professional registration and a valid practising licence. According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who reportedly dropped out of medical school, had allegedly practised as a medical doctor in Suleja for about six years. “The suspect was also said to have been disengaged by a former employer over issues relating to his credentials and had allegedly been arrested in Cross River State in the past for a similar offence,” he said. The chairman said the enforcement was part of the agency’s commitment to ensuring strict compliance with healthcare standards and safeguarding public health. He warned owners of private health facilities against employing unqualified personnel, stressing that the agency would not tolerate any action capable of endangering patients’ lives. “The affected facility has been sealed pending the conclusion of investigations, while the suspect has been handed over to security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he said. Suleiman disclosed that a total of 15 private health facilities were shut during the exercise for various regulatory infractions, including failure to meet operational standards and non-compliance with licensing requirements. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious healthcare practices to the appropriate authorities. Suleiman reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to strengthen oversight of private healthcare establishments and ensure that only qualified professionals provide medical services across the state.

Taylor Swift becomes the first artist in history to have six albums with over 10 billion streams each on Spotify.

Taylor Swift becomes the first artist in history to have six albums with over 10 billion streams each on Spotify.

Two injured as trailer falls from Anambra bridge, crashes into vehicles

By Ikenna Obianeri Six people escaped death after a trailer carrying a 40-foot container fell from the New Parts, Nkpor Bridge, along the Onitsha–Awka Expressway, Anambra State and crashed into four other vehicles. It was gathered that a total of six persons were involved in the crash. While two persons sustained minor injuries, four others escaped unhurt.

Two injured as trailer falls from Anambra bridge, crashes into vehicles The accident, which occurred at about 1 p.m. on Saturday, also caused traffic disruption on the expressway, as the fallen trailer blocked the entire stretch of the road. Our correspondent observed that the incident led to a gridlock that lasted for several hours towards Nkpor, as the crash resulted in some skirmishes. One eyewitness near the scene said, “The accident occurred when the driver of the trailer suddenly lost brake as he was descending the bridge. He lost control, veered off the bridge, and crashed into other vehicles beneath the bridge. “Fortunately, about six passengers already inside a shuttle bus beneath the bridge had fled the scene before the trailer fell on the bus, although some of them sustained minor injuries while running away.” Confirming the incident in a statement on Saturday, the Sector Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Margaret Onabe, said the crash involved four vehicles. Onabe listed the vehicles as a Mercedes-Benz articulated truck with registration number FTD581XA; a commercial shuttle bus with registration number ENU540ZJ; another commercial shuttle bus with registration number BKL661XA; and an Audi Volkswagen car with registration number ENU528MK. She added that the FRSC received a distress call at about 1:10 p.m., while the rescue team from RS5.31A Upper Iweka Outpost arrived at the crash scene to commence rescue efforts. She said: “The Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra State Command, wishes to inform the public of a serious road traffic crash that occurred on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at about 1300hrs along the Onitsha–Awka Expressway, specifically at New Parts, Nkpor Bridge. “The crash involved four vehicles, namely a Mercedes-Benz articulated truck with registration number FTD581XA; a commercial shuttle bus with registration number ENU540ZJ; a commercial shuttle bus with registration number BKL661XA; and an Audi Volkswagen car with registration number ENU528MK. “The FRSC received the distress call at about 1310hrs, and the rescue team from RS5.31A Upper Iweka Outpost arrived at the crash scene by 1315hrs. “A total of six male adults were involved in the crash. Two sustained minor injuries, while four persons escaped unhurt. No fatalities were recorded.” According to her, preliminary investigation identified brake failure and loss of control as the probable cause of the crash. “According to eyewitness reports, the trailer experienced brake failure, veered off the bridge, and fell onto the other vehicles beneath the bridge. “Before the arrival of the FRSC rescue team, the injured victims had already been evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical attention. “To ensure free flow of traffic and prevent secondary crashes, the FRSC heavy-duty tow truck unit was promptly contacted to clear the obstruction caused by the affected vehicles.” The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, wished the injured a quick recovery and advised motorists, especially operators of articulated vehicles and commercial transport services, to ensure routine vehicle maintenance and proper braking systems before embarking on any journey. “The FRSC remains committed to its mandate of ensuring safer roads and prompt emergency response to road traffic crashes across the state,” Onabe added. As of the time of filing this report, normalcy was being restored on the road and vehicular movement had resumed

Military brass ignored Abacha’s burial plans, lobbied for succession – Abdulsalam abubakar

By Stephen Angbulu Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.) has disclosed that the top brass of the military during the Gen Sani Abacha’s regime were more interested in succession politics than the burial of the late general. Abdulsalami also said Abacha, who died on June 8, 1998, suffered a heart attack contrary to claims that he was poisoned. Abacha died after about five years in power that began in November 1993, months after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. His sudden death also caused confusion among senior military officers, including Abdulsalami. Femi Falana, SAN Addresses Insecurity Concerns, Calls for Urgent Action on Abducted School Children0:00 / 1:01 The revelation is contained in Abdulsalami’s 264-page autobiography titled ‘Call of Duty,’ obtained by Sunday PUNCH on Saturday at the public presentation of the book and two others at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. The presentation was held to mark the former Head of State’s 84th birthday and was attended by President Bola Tinubu who was represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, as Special Guest of Honour. The ex-Head of State disclosed that the top military brass had already begun manoeuvring before he and other Provisional Ruling Council members were even informed. Abdusalami said, “It then occurred to me that all along, some of those we met at the Presidential Villa, the so-called ‘inner caucus’, were not even involved in preparations for the burial. “They were more interested in who was going to be the next Head of State. The late Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, and I would not be involved in the process, according to their plan. “They were preparing to pick the new Head of State from among themselves,” he recounted. Abubakar recalled presiding over the Provisional Ruling Council meeting that followed, in his capacity as Chief of Defence Staff and the most senior officer in the military hierarchy. The deliberations, he said, quickly grew tense and lost focus. “We began discussions and were not anywhere near reaching a conclusion. It was getting late. Someone who had his own idea complained that we all knew the tenets of Islam and instead of going to bury Abacha, we were busy talking about who was going to be the next Head of State. “I immediately pointed out to him that it was not our idea but it was state protocol. We then agreed to break and go for the burial and converge afterwards,” he narrated. The burial trip to Kano, Abubakar revealed, was engineered to keep him and other key actors away from Abuja while a succession plan was finalised in their absence. In his words, “We went to Kano around 2am. Little did we know that the ‘inner caucus’ had got wind that something was fishy. They had left officers on the ground with instructions that they should not allow any drama. “We did not sleep that night. We returned to Abuja around midnight and resumed that night. Little did we know that the burial was just a decoy to perfect whatever they had up their sleeves. “While we were in Kano, they were already preparing to swear in their preferred choice, Admiral Mike Akhigbe, the Chief of Naval Staff, and Major-General Sarki Muktar, who was GOC of 1 Division, had got wind that something was fishy.” Abubakar further described what he called a direct contest between himself and Bamaiyi for the position. “All the GOCs, FOCs, AOCs and members of the PRC were in attendance. The PRC didn’t have civilian members but for the SGF and secretariat staff who were taking minutes of the meeting. “I was senior to Bamaiyi but he was next in hierarchy. I was senior to Useni and me, being the two most senior officers in military affairs. I won the vote. That was how I became the 11th Nigerian Head of State,” he narrated. On the confusion that ensued after general Abacha’s death, he said the hours surrounding his demise on June 8, 1998, left him with a lingering sense that “something was fishy.” He disclosed that he and Bamaiyi were mysteriously locked inside a waiting room at the Presidential Villa for nearly an hour before being informed that the Head of State had died. Abubakar wrote that the chain of events began with a phone call on the morning of Monday, June 8, 1998, while he was waiting to be informed about his own impending retirement from the military after 35 years of service. He wrote, “On Monday, 8 June, I was waiting for him concerning the assignment he said he had for me. I received a call very early in the morning that he was going to be retired. There was no other way to interpret that. “I quietly prayed that he would not send me to Togo where there was going to be an ECOWAS summit. I was tired of going everywhere. “I was effectively in detention; I didn’t want to travel to Togo. I told my wife I was not happy with the call because I was still hoping I wouldn’t have to travel to Togo.” Later that morning, he received another instruction to meet the Head of State. “As I entered the bathroom, there was another call. I was told that the Head of State wanted to see me. “Out of frustration, I asked if it was travelling to Togo and the caller replied that it was on a different issue. “Because of the urgency, I didn’t wear my uniform. I wore a tracksuit and slippers and proceeded to the Presidential Villa. On getting to his residence, I was told he was not in the office,” he stated. At the Villa, Abubakar said he could not make sense of events that followed as they were strange. He narrated, “One of the guards informed me that anytime I went to see him, regardless of who was with him, I would still go in. After waiting for about half an hour, I wondered why he would be that early in the office. “As I was climbing the stairs, Abacha said I should stay in the waiting room. What struck me was that Abacha said I should stay in the waiting room. “Major-General Ishaya Bamaiyi joined me shortly after. We waited for about an hour. I decided to go and see Abacha by any means because I could not understand why we should be kept that long.” According to him, the door of the waiting room had been locked without the knowledge of the two men. “I asked Bamaiyi if he was aware that we had been locked inside. Something kept telling me that something was wrong but I could not place a finger on it,” he stated. He said when the door was eventually opened, it was not by an aide, but by the country’s most senior police officer. “After some time, the door was opened and the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, came in. “He said, ‘Let’s go.’ We walked towards the office and I informed him that I was told Abacha was at the residence. “It was at this stage that he informed me that Abacha was dead. I was shocked. I asked him what happened and he insisted we proceed first. He did not tell me anything else,” said the former Head of State. Abubakar described arriving at Abacha’s residence and being confronted with the reality of the moment. In his words, “When we got to the residence, I asked to see Abacha’s body. I was told it was inside. I entered the room and removed the covering. “I was in shock at the sudden development. I prayed for him and left the room. Then lots of conversations began.” He recalled the chaotic scene and conversations surrounding succession that unfolded around him as senior figures converged on the residence. “I saw a lot of people coming in. I saw (Hamza) Al-Mustapha. I am not sure I saw Brigadier-General Ibrahim Sabo, the Director of Military Intelligence. I remember Alhaji Babagana Kingibe was there. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammadu Uwais, was there as well. “We deliberated on how to break the news to the world. The CJN said the first thing was the appointment of a new Head of State to avoid a vacuum before informing Nigerians,” said Abubakar. Abubakar accused the top brass of the military, what he called Abacha’s “inner caucus” at the Villa of being more concerned with succession politics than with the late Head of State’s burial. Saturday’s event, themed ‘The Legacy of a Statesman @84,’ featured the public presentation of three books in honour of Gen. Abubakar’s 84th birthday. They are ‘Call of Duty: An Autobiography of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar,’ with a foreword by former military Head of State, General. Ibrahim Babangida; ‘Nigeria’s Grand Patriot: Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar,’ reviewed by Prof. Ussuji Medaner; and ‘Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honour of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar,’ reviewed by Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, CFR. The event was chaired by Gen. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, with a keynote address on “Democratic Transition and Peace Building in Africa: The Place of General Abdulsalami Abubakar” delivered by former South African President Thabo Mbeki. The programme also featured the unveiling of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre.