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Two Dead as Mexican Navy Ship Crashes Into Brooklyn Bridge

A Mexican navy ship has crashed into New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, leaving two crew members dead and at least 17 other people injured. The Mexican navy said in a post on X that the Cuauhtemoc, an academy training vessel with 277 people on board, was damaged in the collision. Video posted online showed the ship, which was flying a large Mexican flag, travelling in reverse and hitting the underside of the bridge. It sheared the top of its masts and drifted towards the Brooklyn side of the East River as onlookers scrambled away from shore. Naval cadets dressed in white uniforms could be seen dangling from the ship’s crossbeams after the crash. New York City mayor Eric Adams said two people had died and 17 others were injured, including two who were in a critical condition. Witnesses said they saw two people removed from the ship on stretchers. No one is thought to have fallen into the water. The 147ft (45m) masts were too tall to clear the arched bridge and toppled when the vessel, named after the last Aztec emperor, sailed in reverse underneath. The Cuauhtemoc, a Mexican navy training ship, struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday evening It was unclear what caused the ship to veer off course. New York police chief Wilson Aramboles said the ship had just left a Manhattan pier and was supposed to have been headed out to sea, not towards the bridge. He said an initial report suggested the vessel lost power due to a mechanical problem. Police commissioner Jessica Tisch said the National Transportation Safety Board would be taking over the investigation. Mr Adams said a “unified effort” was under way to “make sure that we look after all of those who were on the ship”. The bridge, which is a main conduit between Manhattan and Brooklyn, has since reopened with no major damage. The Cuauhtemoc is about 297ft (90m) long and 40ft (12m) wide, according to the Mexican navy. It was built in Spain and sailed for the first time in 1982. Each year, it sets out at the end of classes at the naval military school to finish cadets’ training. It left the Mexican port of Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, on 6 April with 277 people onboard, the navy said at the time.

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Nigeria’s Favour Ofili Makes History Smashes 150m World Record with 15.85s in Atlanta

Nigeria’s sprint star, Favour Chukwuka Ofili, has made athletics history after smashing the women’s 150m world record in Atlanta, USA. The 22-year-old, fondly called “Star Girl,” clocked an astonishing time of 15.85 seconds on the long track at Atlanta’s Piedmont Park, obliterating the previous mark of 16.23 seconds set by Bahamian Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo in 2018. Ofili, who competes in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay, became the first woman ever to run the 150m in under 16 seconds. Tamari Davis finished second in the race, also surpassing the old world record with a time of 16.14 seconds. Though the 150m is not a standard event at the Olympics or World Championships, Ofili’s performance has been hailed globally as one of the fastest sprints ever recorded by a female athlete.

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APC North West Endorses Tinubu for 2027 Cites Leadership Gains and Regional Development

The North West zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027, declaring unwavering support for his leadership and policies. The endorsement was announced following a high-profile stakeholders’ meeting held in Kaduna on Saturday. The meeting was attended by an influential delegation of APC figures, including all governors from the North West, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Senate President, former governors, the APC National Chairman, state party chairmen, federal lawmakers, ministers, and other top government officials. Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Kaduna State Governor and APC North West Coordinating Governor, Senator Uba Sani, read a communiqué that emphasized the zone’s full backing of Tinubu’s administration. He commended the President’s “purposeful leadership, bold reforms, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress,” particularly highlighting gains in the North West. According to Sani, Tinubu’s efforts have led to marked improvements in security, with farmers returning to their fields and displaced communities beginning to experience peace once again. The stakeholders further applauded what they described as unprecedented federal inclusion for the North West under Tinubu’s administration. They cited the appointment of 12 ministers from the region, strategic roles in the National Assembly, and key positions in the security architecture as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to equitable representation. In addition, major infrastructure projects currently underway across the zone were seen as a transformative step toward development, fueling optimism about long-term regional growth. Concluding the meeting, the APC leaders expressed confidence that the party is growing stronger nationally, attributing its momentum to the public’s increasing trust in Tinubu’s governance and the effective performance of APC governors. They affirmed that the North West will remain a critical pillar of support for the President as he seeks a second term, positioning the zone as a key battleground for consolidating APC’s power in the 2027 elections.

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Bayelsa Queens Crowned NWFL Premiership Champions

Bayelsa Queens have emerged as champions of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership following a dominant 4-1 victory over Naija Ratels on the final day of the Super Six playoffs held at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. Their triumph capped an extraordinary finale that saw an unprecedented four teams — Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, Edo Queens, and Remo Stars Ladies — in contention for the title going into the final day, showcasing the increasing competitiveness of the league. The Prosperity Girls produced a commanding display to secure their sixth league title in history. Vera Samuel starred with a brilliant hat-trick in the 28th, 61st, and 67th minutes, while Mega Cynthia added a fourth in the 47th minute. Tumininu Adeshina had momentarily brought Naija Ratels level in the 42nd minute, but Bayelsa’s quality proved decisive. In another Super Six clash, Rivers Angels defeated hosts Remo Stars Ladies 2-1 as Titilayo Aweda struck twice in the 27th and 48th minutes for the Port Harcourt side, while Aisha Animashaun scored a consolation goal for Remo Stars in the 70th minute. Remo Stars ended fifth on goal difference, tied on points with Rivers. Meanwhile, Nasarawa Amazons and Edo Queens battled to a goalless draw, a result that saw Nasarawa finish as runners-up with nine points, while Edo placed third with eight points after an intense five-day contest. The final Super Six standings saw Bayelsa Queens on top with 10 points, followed by Nasarawa Amazons (9), Edo Queens (8), Rivers Angels (7), Remo Stars Ladies (7), and Naija Ratels (0), who finished without a point. For their triumph, Bayelsa Queens received a ₦10 million grand prize. Nasarawa Amazons earned ₦6 million as second-place finishers, while Edo Queens were rewarded with ₦4 million. The remaining teams—Rivers Angels, Remo Stars, and Naija Ratels—each received ₦1.5 million. The trophy presentation was conducted by Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the Ogun State Governor, alongside NWFL board members, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, as well as hosts and chairman of Remo Stars, Kunle Soname. NWFL Chairperson Nkechi Obi hailed the competition as the most fiercely contested Super Six yet and praised Bayelsa Queens for their championship-winning effort and consistency throughout the season. “This was arguably the most competitive Super Six we’ve witnessed. Bayelsa Queens showed experience, grit, and attacking flair. The NWFL continues to set new benchmarks, and this season proves we are moving in the right direction,” she said. Honourable Kunle Soname, President of Remo Stars and host of the tournament, lauded the organisation and atmosphere of the Super Six, describing it as a milestone in the growth of women’s football in Nigeria. “Hosting the Super Six has been a landmark moment for us. The energy, organisation, and quality of play have been incredible. We’re proud to have contributed to this historic phase of women’s football in Nigeria,” he said. Bayelsa Queens will now go on to represent Nigeria at the CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal Qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire, with aspirations of returning to the continental stage and qualifying for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club Championship. Individual honours from the tournament included Jenat Akekeromowei of Nasarawa Amazons, who was named Most Valuable Player after netting 13 goals this season, including four in the Super Six. Remo Stars Ladies’ Bolaji Olamide finished as Top Scorer with 15 goals in 19 matches, while her teammate Charlotte Adjei was named Best Goalkeeper of the Season. Adjei’s stellar performances were further rewarded with a ₦200,000 cash prize from the Judith Chime Foundation.

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Tinubu Arrives Rome For Pope’s First Mass

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Rome, Italy, on Saturday to join other world leaders at the solemn mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The installation mass will take place on Sunday, May 18. President Tinubu was received at the Mario De Bernardo Military Airport by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and officials from Vatican City and the Nigerian Embassy after the plane touched down at 6 pm local time. President Tinubu is in Rome to honour the new Pope’s invitation, conveyed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State. The Papal invitation underscored the need for President Tinubu’s physical presence “at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts.” “Your great nation is particularly dear to me as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s,” Pope Leo XIV further said in the invitation. President Tinubu’s entourage includes the Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, and Alfred Martins of Lagos. Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, is also in the president’s entourage.

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Crystal Palace 1-0 Manchester City: Eze’s Strike Secures Historic FA Cup Triumph

Crystal Palace clinched their first-ever FA Cup title with a stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Wembley, thanks to a sensational goal from Eberechi Eze and a crucial penalty save by Dean Henderson. Eze’s composed finish in the first half gave The Eagles a deserved lead, and despite relentless pressure from City, Palace held firm. The defining moment came late in the second half when City were awarded a penalty, but Henderson denied Omar Marmoush from the spot, sparking jubilant scenes among the Palace faithful. It marks a historic day for the South London club, capping off a fairytale run to the cup under manager Oliver Glasner.

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Breaking: Eberechi Eze Fires Crystal Palace to FA Cup Victory

Crystal Palace won the first major trophy in their history as they beat Man City 1-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday. Eberechi Eze gave the Eagles an early lead when he swooped home Daniel Munoz’s cross from the right hand side. City had a chance to level from the penalty spot, but Dean Henderson expertly saved Omar Marmoush’s effort. Daniel Munoz then had a second goal disallowed but Palace held firm to mark a memorable day.

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Egypt 2025: Flying Eagles Seek Bronze Compensation against Young Pharaohs

Seven-time champions Nigeria and hosts and four-time champions Egypt will both fight hard for the bronze medals when they clash in the third-place match of the ongoing Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals in Cairo on Sunday. Both teams were rated by pundits to emerge from their semi-final clashes, but the result went the other way and they are now due to play the losers’ final at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in downtown Cairo. Morocco and South Africa will tango in a repeat of the 1997 Final, which the Atlas Cubs won 1-0 in Meknes. It is the fifth time that Nigeria, who won the title in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015 will be playing for the bronze medals. For Egypt, it will be the fourth time. Both have won the bronze medals three times previously. Also, both Nigeria and Egypt contested the 2005 Final in Cotonou, with the Flying Eagles coming out top following a 2-0 win. Isaac Promise (of blessed memory) scored both goals. As hosts in 1995, after losing their semi final tie to Cameroon in Kaduna, the Flying Eagles defeated Mali 1-0 in Lagos to pick up the bronze medals. In 2009 in Rwanda, the team led by Haruna Lukman defeated South Africa’s Amajita 2-1 to place third in the competition. In 2013, in Algeria, the Flying Eagles defeated Mali 2-1 to finish third after losing 0-2 to Egypt in their semi final clash at the Stade Omar Oucief in Aïn Témounchent. Six years ago, following a penalty-shootout defeat to Mali in the semi finals, the Flying Eagles again lost on penalty shootout to South Africa in the third-place match. Egypt’s first African U20 title was in 1981 (when the competition was played on home-and-away basis), after they defeated Cameroon 3-1 on aggregate. Both teams travelled to Australia to represent Africa at the FIFA World Youth Championship (now known as FIFA U20 World Cup). Cameroon had earlier beaten Nigeria 4-2 on aggregate in the penultimate round. The Young Pharaohs won their second title at the inaugural tournament-format finals, which Egypt hosted and which involved six countries, in 1991. Their third title came 12 years later in Burkina Faso, when they defeated Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 after extra time at the Stade 4 August in Ouagadougou. Egypt won their fourth title 10 years later. Ghana, the 1999 world champions, were the victims. Regulation and extra time finished 1-1 at the Stade Ahmed Zabana in Oran, before the Young Pharaohs claimed the gong after winning the penalty shootout 5-4. Nigeria’s first participation in the Africa U20 Cup of Nations was in 1979, when the team led by Sylvanus Okpala lost 1-2 on aggregate (0-1 in Conakry and 1-1 in Lagos) to Guinea and thus failed to qualify for the second edition of the global finals staged by Japan. The Young Pharaohs, who lost by the odd goal to North African rivals Morocco in the second semi-final on Thursday, have also won the third-place match at the competition thrice previously. They defeated Ethiopia on two occasions, 3-0 in Mauritius in 1993 and 2-0 when Ethiopia hosted eight years later. Their third win came in South Africa in 2011, when they defeated Mali’s Aiglons. Nigeria and Egypt clashed in a group stage game two years ago, with the Flying Eagles victorious following Solomon Agbalaka’s powerful first-half header. Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu may ring changes in the squad for Sunday’s game. The gaffer voiced his disappointment with the playing body following Thursday’s defeat to the Amajita. Injured first-choice goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt is still under observation and would need a second assessment at Saturday night’s official training, to determine if he will be fit to return to the battlefield. Captain Daniel Bameyi, Odinaka Okoro, Adamu Maigari and Emmanuel Chukwu are the probables for rearguard. Israel Ayuma has had an impressive tournament and should start in midfield, alongside any two among Sulyman Alabi, Simon Cletus, Divine Oliseh and Auwal Ibrahim. Clinton Jephta, Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, Bidemi Amole, Precious Benjamin and Mendos Rickson are available for selection in the forward-line.

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