Thursday, July 30, 2026

Chelsea Appoint Xabi Alonso as New Manager on Four-Year Deal

By
Justice Oladapo
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Xabi Alonso

Chelsea FC have officially announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new men’s team manager, with the Spaniard set to begin work at Stamford Bridge on July 1, 2026.

The Premier League giants confirmed the development in an official statement on Thursday, revealing that Alonso has signed a four-year contract as the club prepares for a new era under the former Spanish international.

“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men’s Team,” the club said in a statement posted on its official social media channels.

“The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Welcome to Chelsea, Xabi!” the statement added.

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Xabi Alonso

Alonso arrives at Chelsea with a growing reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young managers following his impressive coaching rise in recent years. The former midfield maestro, who enjoyed a glittering playing career with clubs including Liverpool FC, Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern Munich, is widely respected for his tactical intelligence and calm leadership style.

The appointment signals Chelsea’s determination to rebuild and challenge consistently for major honours after a period of managerial instability and mixed performances in domestic and European competitions.

Alonso’s arrival at Stamford Bridge is already generating excitement among Chelsea supporters, many of whom view the Spaniard as a coach capable of restoring identity, structure and competitiveness to the squad.

The 44-year-old will officially take charge ahead of the 2026/27 season and is expected to play a key role in shaping Chelsea’s transfer plans and long-term football project under the club’s ownership.

Chelsea are expected to unveil Alonso formally in the coming weeks as preparations begin for the new campaign.

Nigeria’s Credit Rating Upgraded as Tinubu Reforms Win Global Backing

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Minister for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele

The Federal Government has welcomed the decision by S&P Global Ratings to upgrade Nigeria’s sovereign credit rating from ‘B-’ to ‘B’ with a stable outlook, describing the development as a strong endorsement of the country’s ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the latest upgrade reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria’s reform agenda, policy consistency, and medium-term economic prospects.

According to the government, the latest action by S&P follows similar positive assessments earlier in 2026 by Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Ratings, reinforcing what it described as renewed global trust in the Nigerian economy.

“The difficult but necessary reforms undertaken under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are yielding measurable results and laying the foundation for a more stable, transparent, and resilient economy,” the statement said.

The government noted that S&P cited improvements in Nigeria’s external financial position, stronger balance of payments performance, increased oil production, expanding domestic refining capacity, and continued foreign exchange market liberalisation as key reasons for the rating upgrade.

It also highlighted ongoing fiscal reforms aimed at broadening the tax base, improving public revenue generation, enhancing fiscal transparency, and strengthening debt sustainability. According to the statement, Nigeria’s debt-to-revenue ratio has improved significantly since 2023 and is projected to decline further as reforms mature.

The Federal Government said the latest upgrades by leading global rating agencies send a “strong signal” to international investors and development partners that Nigeria is regaining macroeconomic credibility and restoring confidence in the management of its economy.

While reaffirming its commitment to prudent fiscal management and market-oriented reforms, the government ruled out any return to fuel subsidy payments, insisting that subsidies had historically distorted public finances, encouraged smuggling, weakened foreign exchange liquidity, and diverted funds from critical sectors.

“We remain committed to a market-driven economy anchored on transparency, competition, and effective regulatory oversight,” the statement added.

The government also pledged to continue implementing policies that support free enterprise, attract private investment, and provide a stable environment for businesses to thrive.

Despite the positive outlook, the administration acknowledged that significant economic challenges remain, including inflationary pressures, food insecurity, unemployment, and the need to ensure that growth translates into improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.

“The Federal, States and Local Governments will continue to implement reforms with discipline, pragmatism, and compassion while maintaining close engagement with citizens and all stakeholders,” the statement read.

The government further expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their “resilience, patience, and support” throughout the reform process, adding that the improving ratings outlook would help the country attract more investments and secure financing on better terms in the international market.

Nigerian, US Forces Kill Top ISIS Commander Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki in Borno Raid

By
Kazeem Busari
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Abu-Bilal al-Minuki

The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with United States forces, have killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior Islamic State commander described by military authorities as one of the world’s most active terrorists, during a coordinated counterterrorism operation in Borno State.

The Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), confirmed on Saturday that the high-profile terrorist leader was neutralised during a precision air-land assault conducted in the Metele area of the Lake Chad Basin axis.

According to the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, the operation followed sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance efforts carried out jointly with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).

Uba said the operation targeted a concealed and heavily fortified terrorist enclave and resulted in the elimination of Al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, alongside several of his lieutenants and other fighters.

“The operation commenced at about 12:01 a.m. and ended at about 4:00 a.m. on May 16, 2026, involving precision air strikes supported by ground forces,” Uba stated.

He added that special forces were strategically deployed to block escape routes and support the air component during the coordinated assault, noting that the mission was executed without casualties or equipment losses among Nigerian and allied forces.

Military authorities described Al-Minuki as a United States-designated Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), who was sanctioned in June 2023 under Executive Order 13224 for allegedly coordinating funding and operational activities for extremist networks across the Sahel and Lake Chad region.

In a separate statement, the Defence Headquarters disclosed that intelligence reports indicated Al-Minuki played a critical operational and strategic role within ISIS, providing guidance on media operations, economic warfare, weapons production, explosives and drone development for terrorist networks operating outside Nigeria.

The Defence Headquarters also revealed that intelligence suggested the slain terrorist may have been elevated in February 2026 to the position of Head of the General Directorate of States, making him the second most senior figure in the global ISIS hierarchy.

“His death removes a critical node through which ISIS coordinated and directed operations across different regions of the world,” the military said.

The DHQ further linked Al-Minuki to several terrorist activities across West Africa, including the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls kidnapping. It stated that before aligning with ISIS in 2015, he was a prominent Boko Haram commander and later facilitated the movement of fighters to Libya between 2015 and 2016 in support of ISIS operations in North Africa.

The military added that Al-Minuki previously served as the Nigeria-based al-Furqan GDP Office Emir in 2023, overseeing ISIS-linked activities across the Sahel and West Africa, including attacks targeting civilians and minority communities.

The Defence Headquarters described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and the wider West African region, stressing that it demonstrated the growing effectiveness of intelligence-sharing and military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.

“The operation equally underscores the importance of our Nigeria-United States collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated military action in defeating transnational terrorist networks,” the statement added.

Military authorities said Battle Damage Assessment was still ongoing, while follow-up exploitation operations had commenced to clear remaining terrorist elements from the area and consolidate gains made during the operation.

Buhari Floors Opponent With 5,849 Votes in APC Reps Primary Landslide

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Yusuf Buhari

Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari, son of Nigeria’s late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Sandamu/Daura/Mai’adua Federal Constituency seat in Katsina State after recording a commanding landslide win.

Yusuf Buhari polled 5,849 votes to defeat his closest rival, Hon. Auwal Lawal Daura, who secured just 21 votes in the keenly watched primary election. The outcome immediately sparked reactions across political circles in Katsina and beyond, with supporters describing the result as a strong show of influence and support for the Buhari political family within the constituency.

The APC primary is regarded as a significant political development in Katsina State, particularly in the Daura axis, which remains closely associated with the legacy of the late former president. Yusuf Buhari’s emergence is also expected to intensify political conversations ahead of the 2027 general elections as parties continue to position key figures for strategic seats.

Yusuf Buhari is now expected to fly the APC flag for the Sandamu/Daura/Mai’adua Federal Constituency in the forthcoming general election, where attention is likely to remain fixed on the constituency because of its symbolic political importance in northern Nigeria.

APC Aspirant Withdraws From Sabon Gari Reps Race After Reconciliation Move

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Mahmud Sadis Buba

An aspirant for the Sabon Gari Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mahmud Sadis Buba, has formally withdrawn from the race, citing ongoing reconciliation efforts within the party and the need to preserve unity ahead of the elections.

Buba announced his decision in a letter addressed to the Kaduna State Chairman of the APC, where he stated that his withdrawal takes immediate effect.

According to him, the decision followed extensive consultations with his family, political associates and stakeholders within the ruling party after intervention efforts by senior party leaders aimed at fostering consensus among aspirants.

“This was not an easy decision. But it was hastened by the reconciliation efforts initiated by stakeholders and leaders of our party,” Buba stated in the letter.

“After extensive consultations with my family, political associates, and stakeholders within our great party, I have decided that this decision is in the best interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he added.

The APC chieftain said he believed that party unity and support for a consensus candidate would strengthen the party’s chances of victory in the general election while also ensuring continued political stability in Kaduna State.

“I believe that uniting behind a single candidate is paramount to our victory in the general election and for the continued progress of our constituency and state,” he said.

Buba also expressed appreciation to Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and the state leadership of the APC for allowing him to participate in the party’s nomination process, describing the experience as enriching.

“I want to thank the leader of our party, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani, CON, and the leadership of the party in Kaduna State for the opportunity to have participated in the nomination process. The experience has been enriching, and I am grateful for the immense support from my constituents and supporters throughout this journey,” he stated.

The former aspirant reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, insisting that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness but rather as a sacrifice made in the interest of party unity and electoral success.

“My withdrawal is not a sign of weakness, but a sacrifice for the greater good of the party. I assure you that I remain a faithful party member and am committed to working tirelessly to ensure the victory of the party’s consensus candidate and the party at large at the polls,” Buba said.

He further appealed to his supporters to remain calm and united while fully supporting the party’s eventual candidate for the constituency.

“I ask my supporters to remain calm, united, and to throw their full weight behind the party’s decision and whoever emerges as the party’s candidate,” he added.

Peter Obi Knocks Tinubu’s UK Trip, Demands Tangible Economic Gains From Foreign Visits

By
Kazeem Busari
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NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, arguing that foreign trips by national leaders must produce clear economic benefits rather than ceremonial displays and political optics.

Obi, in a lengthy statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, compared Tinubu’s UK trip with former United States President Donald Trump’s recent visit to China, which he claimed yielded multi-billion-dollar trade deals and major business agreements involving some of the world’s leading companies.

According to Obi, serious nations align diplomacy with economic expansion, industrial growth, innovation and job creation, insisting that foreign visits should be driven by measurable outcomes capable of improving citizens’ welfare.

“State visits by leaders are not tourism, and diplomacy is not a fashion parade,” Obi stated.

“Every foreign trip undertaken by a government must deliver measurable benefits to the people, including investments, technology transfer, trade agreements, factory expansion, industrial partnerships, and job creation,” he added.

The former Anambra State governor cited Trump’s reported delegation to China, which included top American business executives such as Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink among others.

Obi said the visit reportedly resulted in trade agreements worth billions of dollars, including the purchase of about 200 Boeing aircraft, arguing that such outcomes demonstrate how economic diplomacy should be conducted.

“That is how serious nations approach diplomacy, by aligning foreign policy with economic expansion, industrial growth, innovation, and national productivity,” he said.

The former presidential candidate questioned the value of Tinubu’s UK visit, noting that many Nigerians were yet to see concrete economic outcomes from the trip despite the large government delegation that reportedly accompanied the President.

“A large entourage of politicians, aides, and government officials travelled, yet Nigerians are still asking a simple question: what exactly did Nigeria bring home?” Obi queried.

“Which factories are coming to Nigeria? What power, technology, manufacturing, agricultural, or industrial agreements were secured? How many direct jobs will this visit create for Nigerian youths? What investments were attracted? What measurable economic outcomes can the ordinary Nigerian point to?” he asked.

Obi further criticised what he described as excessive focus on ceremonial activities during foreign engagements, saying symbolism alone could not address the country’s worsening economic conditions.

“It is not enough to ride horses, wear matching uniforms, attend royal banquets, and release glossy photographs. Symbolism without substance cannot feed hungry citizens,” he stated.

He maintained that Nigeria was currently battling insecurity, food inflation, unemployment, a weakened naira and declining industrial productivity, stressing that every public expenditure on foreign travel must translate into direct economic opportunities for citizens.

“At a time when millions of Nigerians struggle daily to afford food and survive economic hardship, every kobo spent on foreign trips must produce tangible national value: investments, factories, jobs, exports, infrastructure, and economic opportunities,” Obi said.

The former governor concluded by calling for what he described as productivity-driven leadership focused more on economic results than public spectacle.

“Nigeria needs leadership that is focused less on optics and more on productivity; less on ceremony and more on measurable economic results,” he added.

Nigeria Storm to Gold in Women’s 4x100m at African Athletics Championships

By
Justice Oladapo
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Team Nigeria's 4x100 women's team
Nigeria delivered a commanding performance to claim gold in the women’s 4×100 metres relay final at the African Athletics Championships in Accra, setting a new championship record in the process.

The Nigerian quartet of Rosemary Chigozie, Jennifer Obi Chukwuka, Rosemary Chukwuma, and Miracle Ezechukwu powered to victory with a time of 42.94 seconds. The performance, described as unofficial but meeting championship record standards, broke the previous record and underlined Nigeria’s dominance in the women’s sprint relay on the continent.

 

Running with precision and speed, the team produced clean baton exchanges and maintained their lead through the final leg, finishing well clear of their rivals. The gold medal adds to Nigeria’s strong showing in the relay events at #Accra2026 and boosts their medal tally at the championships.

 

In the men’s 4x100m final held on the same day, Nigeria secured silver. Côte d’Ivoire stunned the field to take gold in 38.52 seconds, anchored strongly by Cheickna Traoré.
The quartet of Favour Ashe, James Taiwo Emmanuel, Tejiri Godwin and Chidera Ezeakor clocked a time of 38.70s to finish second, while host nation Ghana earned bronze with 38.74 seconds.

Manchester United Set to Appoint Carrick as Permanent Manager

By
Agency Report
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Michael Carrick

Manchester United are on the verge of confirming Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach, with the former midfielder poised to sign a new contract that will extend his stay at Old Trafford beyond his current interim role.

The direction has been clear for several weeks, according to multiple reports, following Carrick’s impressive interim spell in charge. Club executives have formally recommended the 44-year-old to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has approved the plan as part of the footballing strategy led by INEOS. A new deal is expected to be signed in the coming days, bringing stability to the managerial position.

The proposed contract is understood to be for an initial two years with the option to extend by a further 12 months, though a straight three-year agreement remains possible. Sources close to the situation indicate there are no doubts over Carrick’s commitment, with the coach having already signalled his clear intention to accept and sign the contract.

Carrick stepped into the role earlier in 2026 on an interim basis and has overseen a significant turnaround in fortunes. He has guided the team to Champions League qualification for the first time in three seasons, winning the majority of his matches in charge and earning a nomination for Premier League Manager of the Season. His leadership has drawn praise from within the squad, contributing to a renewed sense of purpose at the club.

Senior figures including CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are said to have reached a strong consensus on Carrick as the right man to lead the team forward. With the recommendation now approved at the highest level, formalities around the contract are advancing quickly. An official announcement could arrive as early as this weekend, potentially ahead of United’s upcoming home fixture.

Troops Kill Terrorists, Recover Weapons, Rustled Livestock in Sokoto, Katsina

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded fresh successes in ongoing offensive operations against terrorists and bandits in Sokoto and Katsina states, neutralising suspected fighters, recovering weapons and rescuing dozens of rustled livestock.

The military operations, conducted as part of intensified efforts to combat insecurity in the North-West, targeted suspected members of the Lakurawa Terrorist Group and bandit elements operating across the two states.

In Sokoto State, troops reportedly responded to a distress call over an attempted attack on a facility belonging to the Nigerian Immigration Service at Ruwa Wiri Village in Tangaza Local Government Area.

According to military authorities, the terrorists, identified as members of the Lakurawa Terrorist Group, attempted to set the facility ablaze before troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged them in a gun battle.

The troops overpowered the attackers during the exchange of fire, killing two terrorists, while others reportedly fled the area under heavy military pressure.

A follow-up exploitation operation carried out in the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, ammunition and a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing terrorists.

In a separate operation in Katsina State, troops deployed in Jibia Local Government Area intercepted suspected terrorists who were moving with rustled livestock at Danya Bakwai Settlement.

The troops engaged the suspects during a fighting patrol, forcing them to abandon the animals and flee the area.

Security forces subsequently recovered 62 rustled livestock, which were later handed over to their rightful owners during a brief ceremony held at the palace of the Daddara District Head in Jibia.

Military authorities said the latest operations underscore the continued determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks operating in the region.

The military also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and stability across affected communities.

EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO Over Alleged N36m Fraud in Lagos

By
Justice Oladapo
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Photo: EFCC | X

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N36 million fraud.

Blessing CEO was arraigned on Friday by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC before Justice D.I. Dipeolu sitting in Ikoyi on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged stealing.

According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant allegedly obtained N36 million from one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the guise of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.

One of the charges stated that the alleged offence occurred between July 14 and 17, 2024, and accused the defendant of falsely representing that she could lease the property to the complainant, a claim the prosecution said she knew to be false.

Another count accused her of fraudulently converting the N36 million, said to belong to the complainant, for personal use, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act.

At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that his client had already refunded N24 million to the petitioner and requested a short adjournment to allow discussions on the repayment of the outstanding balance.

“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million,” Nwafor told the court.

“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case,” he added.

However, prosecuting counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the request, insisting that the Federal Government, and not the petitioner, was the complainant in the matter.

“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” Suleiman said.

In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that discussions between the defendant and the nominal complainant could continue independently without affecting the criminal proceedings before the court.

“The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the court. The defendant will take her plea,” the judge ruled.

Blessing CEO subsequently pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to her.

Following her plea, the prosecution asked the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial. However, defence counsel informed the court that the charges were only served on the defendant on Thursday, May 14, and that efforts were ongoing to file her bail application.

The defence thereafter requested that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.

Justice Dipeolu granted the application and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody. The matter was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

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