Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

FIFA said Friday it will allow fans to bring one “soft, plastic” disposable water bottle into World Cup venues after its ban on refillable bottles sparked an outcry. “All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada,” World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi, said in a video posted on FIFA’s X account. The announcement, which FIFA called a “clarification” of its water bottle policy, came two days after FIFA said that refillable water bottles wouldn’t be allowed.…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has lowered the pump price of petrol at some of its retail outlets in Lagos and Ogun states. According to findings at several NNPC filling stations along the Ibafo axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, it showed petrol selling for about N1,305 per litre, slightly lower than the previous price of over N1,310 per litre recorded in some locations. Motorists who purchased fuel at the affected stations paid less than before following the downward adjustment. While other fuel marketers in the area continue to sell at varying rates, NNPCL’s price reduction reflects recent changes…

Gianni Infantino The Federation of International Football Associations has announced a new pre-match ceremony format for the 2026 World Cup that will involve all players named in a matchday squad rather than only the starting line-ups. The new format marks a departure from the traditional World Cup pre-match routine, where only the starting 11 players from each team line up near the centre of the pitch before kick-off. Under the arrangement, every player in both teams’ matchday squads will walk onto the pitch through a dedicated arch alongside youth escorts before assembling around the centre circle for the national anthems.…

Barcelona’s Spanish forward Lamine Yamal  This award makes Yamal the second consecutive Barcelona player to be named LaLiga Player of the Season after Raphinha won the prize last year. Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has been named LaLiga Player of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign following his key role in the club’s title-winning season. The club announced the award on Friday, describing it as “another award for the talent of Lamine Yamal.” The 18-year-old enjoyed a standout campaign under coach Hansi Flick, scoring 16 league goals and providing 11 assists as Barcelona secured the Spanish top-flight title. “The La Masia…

FIFA had already announced last September that it planned this increase of 70 percent from the amount distributed for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.  Clubs whose players go to the World Cup, or appeared in qualifying, will receive increased compensation this summer, FIFA, the governing body of world football, announced on Friday. FIFA said it had increased the amount of money in its Club Benefits Programme to $355 million (306m euros). It had already announced last September that it planned this increase of 70 percent from the amount distributed for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. While FIFA does…

File Photo: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The Lagos State Government has launched a N2.5m tree-planting prize as part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day celebration, in a move aimed at encouraging residents to embrace environmental sustainability and help tackle the growing challenge of urban heat across the state. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olalekan Rotimi-Akodu, announced the initiative on Friday during the World Environment Day celebration held at the Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park, Ikeja. This comes on the heels of the United Nations’ recognition of the state among 50 cities across the world with…

Hamzat believes that Obanikoro’s inclusion as Campaign DG will enhance the APC’s structure visibility and effectiveness.  The Lagos State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has made public the appointment of former Minister of State for Defence and ex-Senator, Musiliu Obanikoro, as the Director-General of his 2027 governorship campaign. The announcement was made during an expanded meeting of the campaign council held in Lagos, where Hamzat formally unveiled key members of his campaign structure as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to party insiders, the decision is part of a broader strategy…

FILE PHOTO: Central Bank of Nigeria’s logo  The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted regulatory approval for Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc to convert from a primary mortgage bank to a full commercial bank. This momentous milestone marks the beginning of a transformative era for the institution, expanding its capacity to deliver comprehensive banking solutions to its growing clientele. The bank in a statement said, “following years of consistent financial performance, robust risk management, and market leadership in the mortgage sector, this upgrade aligns with Abbey’s strategic vision to democratize access to financial services. “As a commercial entity, the bank…

… urge Federal Government to investigate the technical execution of the delineation exercise and urged INEC to suspend reliance on the disputed fieldwork and GIS mapping data pending an independent technical verification. Leaders of the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality (IEN) have rejected the proposed delineation of wards, polling units and constituencies in Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the exercise violates constitutional provisions, electoral laws and the commission’s operational guidelines. At a World Press Conference held at Ubeji Town Hall, Warri, on Tuesday, prominent Itsekiri leaders, including Chief Edward Ekpoko, Prince Yemi Emiko, Sir A.S.…

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four members of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group to death by hanging for their roles in the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, an incident that left more than 40 worshippers dead and over 100 others injured. Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite convicted Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25, on a nine-count terrorism charge brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) on behalf of the Federal Government. The court, however, acquitted and discharged the…