Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Nigeria Suspends Visa Application Centre Services in US

By
Laziz Olatunde
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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended the services of Online Integrated Solution (OIS Services), the operator of Nigeria’s Visa Application Centres in the United States, directing all visa applicants to submit their applications directly at Nigerian diplomatic missions until further notice.

The Service said the suspension took effect from July 1, 2026, and applies to prospective travellers as well as Nigerians residing in the United States who require visas to enter Nigeria.

In a public notice, the NIS announced that applicants should now submit their visa applications directly at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., or at the Consulates General of Nigeria in New York and Atlanta, pending further directives.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service hereby informs the general public, particularly prospective travelers and Nigerians residing in the United States of America who may require a visa to enter Nigeria, that effective from 1st July, 2026, the service of Online Integrated Solution (OIS Services), the operator of Nigeria’s Visa Application Centers in the United States of America has been suspended until further notice,” the Service said.

The Immigration Service clarified that the suspension affects only visa application submissions previously handled through OIS Services and does not impact Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-Visa) platform.

According to the NIS, applicants seeking e-Visas can continue to submit their applications through the official online portal without interruption.

“The Service further clarifies that this notice applies only to Visa application submissions at the Embassy and does not affect the e-Visa System. Applicants can continue to apply via https://www.evisa.immigration.gov.ng.”

The agency assured travellers that adequate arrangements have been put in place to prevent disruptions in visa processing despite the suspension of the private service provider.

It said the Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Consulates General in New York and Atlanta have been equipped to ensure the seamless submission, processing and issuance of Nigerian visas during the transition period.

The Immigration Service also advised applicants to rely only on official communication channels for updates on visa application procedures and any future changes to the current arrangement.

“The public should note that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure seamless submission, processing, and issuance of visas. In this regard, applicants are advised to monitor the official communication channels of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Mission in the United States for updates on visa application procedures.”

The NIS expressed appreciation to applicants for their patience and cooperation, reaffirming its commitment to efficient and improved service delivery.

“The Service appreciates the understanding and cooperation of all applicants and remains committed to providing efficient Service Delivery.”

The latest directive marks a significant change in Nigeria’s visa processing arrangements in the United States, with all affected applicants now required to deal directly with Nigerian diplomatic missions until the suspension of OIS Services is lifted or a new service provider is announced.

Mendy Laments Senegal’s World Cup Exit, Calls for Major Reforms

By
Kazeem Busari
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Edouard Mendy

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has described the Teranga Lions’ FIFA World Cup elimination as a “failure,” urging players and football authorities to undertake deep reflection and sweeping reforms to restore the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.

In an emotional statement shared on his social media platforms, the former Chelsea shot-stopper acknowledged that Senegal had the quality to progress further in the tournament but ultimately fell short of expectations.

“This elimination is a failure. We had the qualities to go further. We didn’t do it,” Mendy wrote.

The 33-year-old also revealed the personal sacrifices he made to represent his country, explaining that he fought to recover from injury in time for the World Cup but was left disappointed by the outcome.

“I gave everything to heal my injury and return in time to help the team until the end, but that wasn’t enough,” he said.

Rather than dwell on excuses, Mendy called for an honest assessment of the campaign, insisting that Senegal must confront its shortcomings if it hopes to compete consistently among the world’s elite football nations.

“Now, we must have the courage to face reality,” he stated.

According to the goalkeeper, genuine progress will only come through a comprehensive evaluation of every aspect of the team’s performance—not only the factors that contributed to its successes but, more importantly, those that prevented it from achieving its objectives.

“An honest and demanding work on everything that was done: what allowed us to advance, but especially what prevented us from achieving our objective.”

Mendy stressed that difficult conversations are often necessary for meaningful improvement, adding that uncomfortable truths should not be ignored.

“The truths that disturb are often those that make the most progress.”

He further challenged both the national team and the football federation to make bold decisions capable of raising standards across Senegalese football.

“If we want to reach the highest level, we must ask the right questions, make the right decisions, and elevate our level of existence.”

The goalkeeper said the country deserves a football structure capable of learning from setbacks and transforming them into future success.

“Senegal deserves a team and a federation capable of transforming failures into lessons and lessons into victories. It is up to us to be worthy of it.”

Mendy’s forthright remarks come after Senegal’s disappointing World Cup campaign, which ended earlier than many supporters had anticipated. As one of Africa’s most successful football nations and a team that reached the quarter-finals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Teranga Lions entered the tournament with high expectations.

Their elimination has sparked widespread debate over the team’s preparation, tactical approach and long-term development strategy. Mendy’s public admission of collective failure is expected to intensify calls for reforms as Senegal begins preparations for future continental and global competitions.

FG Orders ICPC Probe of Fake Presidential Council, Gives 30-Day Deadline

By
Kazeem Busari
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Adeniyi Adeyemi

The Federal Government has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of a fictitious body operating as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), following the discovery of an alleged scheme involving forged government documents, false claims of presidential appointments and the operation of bank accounts in the name of non-existent government agencies.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the anti-corruption agency to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the purported council and submit its findings within 30 days.

According to the Presidency, the directive followed the discovery that the PFIPC was never established by the Federal Government and has no legal backing under any law, presidential instrument, executive approval or other lawful act of government.

The Presidency identified one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew as the individual who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the so-called council while falsely claiming to be a presidential appointee.

The President directed the ICPC to investigate the alleged use of forged appointment letters and other official government documents, as well as claims that the false presidential appointment was used to seek official recognition and diplomatic support, including visa facilitation.

The anti-graft agency will also investigate allegations that multiple bank accounts were opened in the names of purported government agencies using forged documents.

Beyond the activities of the principal suspect, Tinubu ordered the Commission to widen the investigation to uncover all individuals and entities that may have played a role in giving legitimacy to the fictitious organisation.

According to the directive, investigators are expected to examine the origin and use of the alleged forged official documents, determine how official recognition or diplomatic support may have been sought or obtained, and trace the opening and operation of any related bank accounts, including the source and movement of funds connected to the alleged scheme.

The investigation will further identify the role of any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions, intermediaries or other persons that may have facilitated, enabled or participated in the alleged activities.

President Tinubu also instructed the ICPC to identify weaknesses within government systems and institutional procedures that may have been exploited by those behind the alleged operation and recommend immediate reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

To facilitate the investigation, all ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government have been directed to cooperate fully with the ICPC by providing all relevant records, documents and other information requested in accordance with the law.

Explaining the rationale behind the directive, the President stressed the need to safeguard the credibility of the nation’s highest office and public institutions from fraud and impersonation.

“The integrity of the Presidency and the institutions of the Federal Government must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and the exploitation of weaknesses in the public service,” the Presidency quoted Tinubu as saying.

The President also directed that any individual found culpable at the conclusion of the investigation should be dealt with strictly in accordance with the provisions of the law.

 

FG Orders Probe of Meta, Google, X, AI Platforms Over Alleged Exploitation of Nigerian Media

By
Kazeem Busari
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major global technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the unlawful exploitation of news content belonging to Nigerian media organisations.

The directive follows a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), an umbrella body comprising the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

The Federal Government’s directive was conveyed to the FCCPC in a letter signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, instructing the competition regulator to examine the allegations and determine whether the conduct of the technology firms contravenes Nigeria’s competition and consumer protection laws.

The move signals what could become one of the most significant regulatory investigations into the relationship between global digital platforms and Nigeria’s media industry, amid growing concerns that technology companies are benefiting commercially from journalistic content without adequate compensation to publishers.

At the centre of the probe are global technology firms including Meta, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Generative AI platforms operating in Nigeria. Media organisations allege that the companies have engaged in practices capable of undermining fair competition, weakening the commercial sustainability of Nigerian news organisations and infringing on the rights of publishers and content creators.

Announcing the investigation, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the Commission would conduct an impartial and evidence-driven inquiry that balances the interests of the media industry with the role of technology in economic development.

“We recognise the strategic importance of the media to Nigeria’s democracy and the equally significant role of technology in driving innovation and economic growth. Our responsibility is to objectively determine the facts and ensure that competition within the digital ecosystem remains fair, transparent, and consistent with Nigerian law,” Bello said.

He stressed that the investigation should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against any company.

“This inquiry is not directed at any entity by presumption of wrongdoing. Rather, it is an opportunity to carefully examine the facts, hear from all affected parties, and determine whether any conduct has resulted in anti-competitive outcomes or unfair business practices. Every party will be accorded a fair opportunity to present relevant information before any conclusions are reached,” he added.

According to the FCCPC, investigators will determine whether the alleged practices violate the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 or any other applicable Nigerian law.

Among the issues expected to come under scrutiny are allegations of market dominance and anti-competitive conduct by major digital platforms. The Commission will also examine claims that some companies have extracted, scraped, ingested or commercially utilised copyrighted news articles, broadcast materials and other original journalistic works to develop and train Generative AI models without authorisation or compensation.

The investigation will further assess complaints that Nigerian media organisations have been denied meaningful opportunities to negotiate fair commercial agreements with global technology companies despite the extensive use of their content on digital platforms.

The latest action comes against the backdrop of the FCCPC’s previous enforcement actions involving Meta. In 2025, the Commission secured a landmark legal victory against the technology company over violations of the FCCPA, including data privacy breaches, resulting in a $220 million fine. Meta has appealed the judgment, and the matter remains subject to further legal proceedings.

The Nigerian media industry’s campaign for compensation mirrors developments in other jurisdictions. In South Africa, sustained advocacy by media organisations prompted an investigation by the South African Competition Commission, which ultimately led to an agreement under which Google committed to compensate South African news publishers with R688 million (about $40 million) annually for between three and five years.

Industry observers say the outcome of the FCCPC investigation could reshape the relationship between Nigeria’s news industry and global technology companies, particularly as governments around the world seek to ensure that digital platforms fairly compensate publishers whose content drives user engagement and supports the rapid growth of artificial intelligence technologies.

The FCCPC has indicated that all affected parties, including the technology companies and media organisations, will be given the opportunity to present evidence before any regulatory decisions are taken, underscoring that the inquiry will be conducted independently, transparently and in accordance with Nigerian law.

Tinubu Charges Afreximbank to Drive Africa’s Industrial Revolution

By
Laziz Olatunde
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to take a leading role in mobilising Africa’s financial, human and natural resources to accelerate industrialisation, declaring that the continent must move beyond rhetoric and embrace practical measures that will drive manufacturing, value addition and economic transformation.

The President made the call on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from Afreximbank, led by its President and Chairman of the Board, Dr. George Elombi, at the State House in Abuja.

Tinubu said Africa possesses abundant natural and human resources but has continued to lose economic opportunities by exporting raw materials instead of developing industries that add value and create jobs.

According to him, the continent’s future depends on stronger collaboration among African governments and financial institutions to finance industrial projects capable of transforming local economies.

“The conscience and the future of Africa depend on what you and your team can do and will do for Africa as a whole, and the time has come for us to start doing things together as Africans,” the President said.

He added: “We have what it takes to build this continent. Do we continue to exploit and export raw materials without value addition? That answer is no.

“We have solid mineral deposits such as lithium and others that can be used, and you, as the financial partner, should be able to come with investment guarantees for the production and value addition in batteries and other manufacturing ecosystems.”

Tinubu said his administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of Nigeria’s multiple foreign exchange windows, were difficult but necessary decisions aimed at eliminating corruption, restoring investor confidence and laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

He stressed that industrialisation cannot succeed without adequate financing and critical infrastructure, urging Afreximbank to deepen its support for projects capable of creating jobs and expanding intra-African trade.

The President also highlighted his administration’s efforts to convert longstanding security and economic challenges into opportunities, citing the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a strategic intervention to address the recurring farmer-herder conflict while unlocking economic potential in the livestock sector.

“I created the Livestock Ministry to create economic opportunities for Africans. The cotton, ginnery and garment industries are job creators. If we partner well and incorporate these ideas and do less talking and really put our heads into developmental programmes, we can turn it around,” Tinubu said.

The President further urged the continental lender to work closely with the Bank of Agriculture to finance agricultural value chains, particularly in cocoa, palm kernel, palm oil and other export-oriented commodities, saying investments in processing and value addition would strengthen Africa’s economic future.

Speaking during the meeting, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, said the Tinubu administration’s Eight-Point Renewed Hope Agenda has positioned industrialisation at the centre of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy.

Enoh said government policies are focused on expanding the solid minerals sector, agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, digital technology and value-added exports to reduce the country’s dependence on crude oil revenues while promoting inclusive economic growth.

In his remarks, Afreximbank President and Chairman, Dr. George Elombi, thanked President Tinubu for supporting his emergence as President of the bank and briefed him on the institution’s expanding investment portfolio in Nigeria.

Elombi disclosed that Afreximbank has invested between US$15 billion and US$20 billion in Nigeria over the past five years across trade finance, agricultural processing, healthcare and value-chain development.

He also revealed that the bank has committed US$2 billion to revive Nigeria’s cotton and garment industry, describing the investment as part of broader efforts to stimulate industrial production, create employment and boost exports.

According to him, Afreximbank is also supporting strategic infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Kano-Maradi Railway, while continuing investments aimed at strengthening regional trade and economic integration.

Elombi further informed the President that the bank is investing heavily in healthcare infrastructure to reduce medical tourism in Africa, inviting Tinubu to visit the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja, one of the institution’s flagship healthcare projects on the continent.

 

Tinubu Sets Up Presidential Panel to Deliver National Policing Bill

By
Laziz Olatunde
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, marking another major step towards the establishment of state police in Nigeria following the National Assembly’s passage of the Constitution Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026.

The inauguration, held on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was performed on the President’s behalf by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. The committee has been tasked with drafting the legal framework that will operationalise state police across the federation once the constitutional amendment receives final approval.

The development comes a day after President Tinubu transmitted the Constitution Alteration Bill to the National Assembly, proposing a dual policing structure that will allow the Federal Police Service and 36 State Police Services to operate side by side as part of a broader effort to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.

Speaking at the inauguration, Tinubu explained that while the constitutional amendment establishes the legal basis for state police, a separate National Policing Bill is required to make the new policing structure operational.

“The Constitution Amendment Bill establishes the framework for dual policing, but it does not operationalise it. That work is left to the National Policing Bill,” the President said.

He disclosed that the proposed legislation would establish the standards and safeguards needed to ensure effective implementation of state policing across the country.

“The proposed National Policing Bill will include provisions on minimum policing standards, state readiness certification, federal-state coordination, accountability, human rights safeguards and fiscal conditions,” Tinubu stated.

The President said the working group had been constituted to prevent delays once the constitutional amendment process is completed.

“The Working Group has been constituted to produce a technically robust, implementation-ready draft National Policing Bill for transmission to the National Assembly,” he said.

Emphasising the urgency of the assignment, Tinubu added: “We must not wait until the constitutional process is concluded before beginning this important assignment.”

The committee is chaired by Gbajabiamila and includes the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chairman of the NGF Committee on State Police, with a dedicated secretariat providing administrative support.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun pledged the full support of state governors for the proposed reform, saying governors would work with their respective Houses of Assembly to ensure speedy ratification of the constitutional amendment.

He described state police as a response to years of public demand for decentralised and community-based policing.

“This bill has answered the cries of Nigerians about cascading policing and removing it from the Exclusive Legislative List,” Abiodun said.

The governor also pointed to the success of regional security initiatives such as Amotekun in the South-West as evidence that community policing can strengthen national security.

According to him, the introduction of state police would significantly boost the country’s security manpower.

“If each state deploys about 6,000 personnel, we will add nearly 200,000 officers to complement the existing federal police,” he said.

Abiodun further praised the President for initiating implementation plans before the constitutional amendment process is concluded.

“This inauguration demonstrates the proactiveness of the Executive in preparing for effective implementation,” he added.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the initiative as timely given the country’s prevailing security challenges.

“There is no denying the fact that we are in a critical moment security-wise, and all hands must be on deck,” Fagbemi said.

He appealed to state governors to ensure the constitutional amendment is promptly ratified by their respective state legislatures.

“I appeal to the governors to do their utmost to ensure the early passage of the constitutional amendment because this is a shared responsibility,” he said.

Also speaking, Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe reaffirmed the legal body’s support for the establishment of state police, arguing that Nigeria’s growing security challenges require a more decentralised policing system.

“Nigeria can hardly be effectively policed by one national police. We fully support the constitutional amendment providing for state police,” Osigwe said.

He, however, cautioned that the enabling law must contain adequate safeguards against abuse of power.

“We must ensure we do not create a monster. The right legal framework must guarantee accountability and prevent oppression,” he stated.

Osigwe also pledged the NBA’s support for the committee in drafting legislation that strengthens security while protecting citizens’ constitutional rights.

The inauguration was attended by Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice from Plateau, Lagos and Ondo states, representatives of the Inspector-General of Police and the National Security Adviser, as well as other senior government officials, underscoring the broad institutional backing for what could become one of Nigeria’s most far-reaching security reforms since the return to democratic rule.

UEFA Blasts FIFA Over Balogun Suspension Reversal, Warns World Cup Integrity at Risk

By
Justice Oladapo
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Folarin Balogun celebrates his goal against Paraguay. Photo: AP

The fallout over FIFA’s controversial decision to lift the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun has intensified, with UEFA issuing a strongly worded statement condemning the move as an unprecedented breach of football’s rules and warning that it threatens the integrity of the FIFA World Cup.

UEFA’s intervention comes amid growing criticism of FIFA’s decision to suspend the implementation of Balogun’s automatic one-match ban following his red card, allowing the forward to feature in the United States’ Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

In a statement published on UEFA.com, European football’s governing body described FIFA’s ruling as one that had “crossed a red line,” arguing that the automatic suspension attached to a red card is a fundamental principle of the sport and not open to discretionary interpretation.

“Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line,” UEFA said.

The organisation stressed that football’s credibility depends on the consistent application of its laws, warning that exceptions made during the World Cup undermine trust in the competition.

“Football, like any other sports, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted.”

UEFA further argued that the principle of an automatic suspension is firmly embedded in football regulations and cannot be altered in the middle of a tournament, particularly after other players have already served suspensions under the same rule.

“It is a principle embedded in regulations, which cannot be made subject to exceptions, let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and regularly served their suspension,” the statement added.

The governing body warned that FIFA’s decision could have far-reaching consequences beyond the current World Cup, creating a precedent that may force similar treatment in future disciplinary cases.

“When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined. Equally, such decision creates a precedent in the ongoing tournament, where similar situations will now require an equal treatment, to the detriment of the competition.”

UEFA also emphasized that the World Cup’s influence extends across global football, arguing that decisions taken during the tournament shape standards throughout the sport.

“Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws. A tournament is never a pure standalone and, if the tournament in question is the World Cup, it has the power to drive positive or negative consequences on the game as a whole.”

Concluding its statement, UEFA expressed disbelief at FIFA’s handling of the matter, saying: “We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.”

Balogun was initially handed an automatic one-match ban after receiving a red card in the United States’ victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, FIFA later suspended the implementation of the sanction for a one-year probationary period, making the Monaco forward eligible for the knockout fixture against Belgium—a decision that has sparked one of the biggest disciplinary controversies of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Belgium Challenges FIFA Over Balogun Eligibility Ahead of Crucial World Cup Clash With USA

By
Kazeem Busari
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The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has intensified its dispute with FIFA over the eligibility of United States forward Folarin Balogun, accusing world football’s governing body of breaching its own regulations after overturning the striker’s automatic suspension ahead of Monday’s FIFA World Cup round-of-16 clash between Belgium and the United States.

In a fresh statement released on Sunday, the RBFA said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision to make Balogun available for selection, insisting it has yet to receive any formal explanation or the disciplinary ruling that led to the reversal.

The controversy stems from Balogun’s red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. The Monaco striker was initially handed an automatic one-match suspension after being sent off, but FIFA later announced that the sanction had been suspended for a one-year probationary period, clearing him to face Belgium.

Providing an update on its response, the Belgian federation revealed that after learning of FIFA’s decision through media reports, it immediately wrote to the governing body requesting a copy of the ruling, clarification of the process followed, and an explanation of the legal basis for the decision.

According to the RBFA, FIFA instead informed the federation that it had interpreted the correspondence as an appeal, appointed a judge to hear the matter and gave Belgium only a few hours to complete the appeal process without first providing the requested decision.

“After learning through media reports of FIFA’s decision to lift the automatic suspension of player Balogun, the RBFA sent a letter to FIFA requesting a copy of the decision, an explanation of the process that had been followed, and setting out its position regarding the applicable regulations,” the federation said.

It added, “As its only response, FIFA sent a letter to the RBFA stating that it considered this correspondence to constitute an appeal, that a judge had been appointed, and that the RBFA had only a few hours to complete that appeal. No information whatsoever was provided by FIFA.”

The RBFA argued that FIFA’s own disciplinary regulations require a reasoned decision to be communicated before any appeal can be considered admissible.

“For an appeal to be admissible, FIFA’s own regulations state that the reasoned decision must first have been communicated to the appellant. While the RBFA was merely seeking legitimate explanations, FIFA itself created an appeal and immediately ensured that it would be declared inadmissible,” the statement said.

Belgium also accused FIFA of withholding information during the official pre-match coordination meeting, alleging that the governing body omitted the section relating to automatic suspensions from its presentation.

“Furthermore, during the match coordination meeting, FIFA deliberately removed the section concerning the automatic suspension of players from its presentation. This topic had nonetheless been part of all such meetings before each of the previous four matches. The RBFA questioned FIFA, both orally and in writing, about the reasons for this change, yet once again received no response,” the federation stated.

The Belgian federation maintained that it still has not received any official decision explaining why Balogun’s suspension was lifted and said it would formally challenge the striker’s eligibility for Monday’s encounter.

“To be clear, as of this moment, the RBFA has still not received any decision or any explanation from FIFA regarding this matter. It therefore has no alternative but to challenge the player’s eligibility for the upcoming match,” the statement read.

The federation stressed that its objection goes beyond the outcome of the United States-Belgium fixture, describing the issue as one that could have wider implications for football governance and sporting integrity.

“Regardless of the sporting outcome of this match, the RBFA is deeply concerned by the course of events and will continue to fight in the coming hours, days and months in defence of the fundamental principles of ethics, fair competition, and the interests of football as a whole,” it added.

In an earlier statement issued on Saturday, the RBFA argued that FIFA’s reliance on Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code conflicts with Article 66.4 of the same code, as well as Article 10.5 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, both of which provide that a player sent off by direct or indirect red card is automatically suspended for the team’s next match.

The Belgian federation also noted that the automatic suspension rule was reiterated in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16 distributed to all participating associations on May 12 and had been included in every World Cup match coordination meeting before the latest developments.

 

FG Extends South Africa Evacuation as Xenophobic Attacks Claim Two Nigerian Lives

By
Kazeem Busari
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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

The Federal Government has announced the final phase of its emergency evacuation programme for Nigerians in South Africa, urging citizens who fear for their safety amid ongoing xenophobic violence to take advantage of the remaining chartered flights home.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the appeal on Monday, describing the situation in South Africa as deeply concerning following continued attacks on migrants and the reported deaths of two Nigerians, identified as Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu.

In a statement posted on her official X account, the minister said Nigeria was demanding a thorough investigation into the killings and called on South African authorities to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“Nigeria remains concerned about the safety of its citizens in South Africa as a result of the ongoing xenophobic protests and attacks on migrants, and even more so following the deaths of two Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu during these unfortunate events,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

She added: “We demand that South African authorities urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice, and are urging our citizens who consider their lives at risk to take advantage of the FG-sponsored evacuation flights to be transported home. There are no signs that the situation is improving.”

The minister disclosed that the Federal Government had already completed three evacuation operations before President Bola Tinubu approved an extension of the exercise beyond the initial June 30 deadline.

According to her, the fourth evacuation flight arrived in Nigeria on July 3, 2026, while another chartered aircraft is scheduled to depart for Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 7, to evacuate more Nigerians.

She further revealed that the final evacuation flight is expected to arrive in South Africa on July 10, describing it as the last opportunity for Nigerians wishing to return under the government-sponsored programme.

“Our citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of this extension and utilize the full capacity of the aircrafts,” she said.

“The last evacuation flight is expected to arrive South Africa on 10th July. Our nationals are again advised to weigh the risks regarding whether to remain or return.”

Appealing to Nigerians still undecided, Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that personal safety should take precedence over material possessions.

“For many still sitting on the fence, they should do well to note that properties and investments lost can be replaced, but not lives lost,” she said.

She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, saying, “The Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad, and will put all necessary measures in place to protect it.”

 

Haaland Brace Sinks Brazil as Norway Reach Historic First World Cup Quarter-Final

By
Agency Report
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Norway’s Erling Haaland (9) battles for the ball with Brazil’s Douglas Santos (16) and Marquinhos (4) during their World Cup round of 16 match on Sunday, (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Erling Haaland delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice in the closing stages as Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 on Sunday to book a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the nation’s history.

The Manchester City striker, who had been largely subdued for much of the Round of 16 contest, came alive in the final 10 minutes to break Brazil’s resistance. Haaland rose highest in the 80th minute to head home a perfectly delivered cross from second-half substitute Andreas Schjelderup before sealing victory moments later with another clinical finish, again created by the young winger.

The brace took Haaland’s tally at the tournament to seven goals, drawing him level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France forward Kylian Mbappé as the competition’s joint-leading scorers.

The 25-year-old also extended his remarkable international scoring streak to 14 consecutive competitive matches, having now netted 62 goals in just 54 appearances for Norway.

While Haaland grabbed the headlines, veteran goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland produced a match-winning display between the posts. The 35-year-old denied Bruno Guimarães from the penalty spot in the 14th minute with a superb diving save before making another crucial stop late in the match to keep out Endrick as Brazil searched desperately for an equaliser.

Brazil’s only goal came deep into stoppage time when Neymar converted a penalty after Norway had already established a two-goal cushion. The late strike proved only a consolation as the South Americans crashed out of the tournament.

The defeat marks a disappointing end to Brazil’s World Cup campaign, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side falling short of expectations after entering the tournament among the favourites. It also ended the Seleção’s remarkable run of eight consecutive quarter-final appearances, their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.

Brazil’s elimination also extended a worrying trend against European opposition, with the five-time world champions suffering a seventh successive World Cup defeat to a European nation since defeating Germany in the 2002 final.

Norway’s victory was built on tactical adjustments by head coach Ståle Solbakken, whose decision to introduce Schjelderup at half-time transformed the contest. The winger repaid his manager’s faith by providing assists for both of Haaland’s goals, while the return of defender Julian Ryerson after injury added stability to the Scandinavian side’s backline.

Brazil had opportunities to seize control earlier in the match but failed to capitalise. Guimarães became the first Brazilian player since Zico in 1986 to miss a penalty at a World Cup, while Casemiro squandered a promising opportunity to find Neymar with a decisive cross during the closing stages.

The historic victory represents one of the greatest achievements in Norwegian men’s football. Although Norway’s women’s team lifted the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1995, the men’s side had never progressed beyond the Round of 16 and had not even qualified for the tournament since 1998 before this year’s edition.

Norway will now face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Mexico and England in the quarter-finals in Miami Gardens, Florida, as they continue their dream run at the tournament.

The match was played before a capacity crowd of 80,663 spectators, with Brazil’s supporters vastly outnumbering those in Norwegian colours before kick-off. However, it was the Viking-clad fans who celebrated wildly at the final whistle after witnessing one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Among those in attendance were rapper Jay-Z, comedian Chris Rock, actor Woody Harrelson, actress Sofía Vergara and NBA champion Jalen Brunson, all of whom watched Haaland inspire Norway into uncharted territory.

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