Fola Badmus, Author at Trendbrio.com

Man City Crashes Out of Club World Cup

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

Manchester City crashed out of the Club World Cup as Al-Hilal snatched a stunning 4-3 victory in extra time of a pulsating last-16 clash in Orlando. Marcos Leonardo grabbed his second goal with 112 minutes on the clock as the Saudi Arabian side produced a major upset. Bernardo Silva gave City a ninth-minute lead but Pep Guardiola’s side were punished for missing a series of chances as Leonardo and Malcom replied after the break. Erling Haaland sent the game to extra time but City needed another equaliser from Phil Foden after Kalidou Koulibaly headed Al-Hilal back ahead. City, who were caught repeatedly on the break, were undone again as Leonardo had the final say and the Saudi side will now play Fluminense for a place in the semi-finals. Guardiola, having taken the competition seriously, will rue a wasteful first-half display. His side started quickly with Ruben Dias heading straight at Yassine Bounou. The opening goal soon came, although it proved highly controversial with complaints of handball against Rayan Ait-Nouri and Ilkay Gundogan. Tijjani Reijnders cleverly played in Ait-Nouri but the ball appeared to brush the Algerian’s hand before he crossed. It then took two ricochets, the second off the shoulder of Gundogan, before Silva poked past Bounou. Al-Hilal players surrounded referee Jesus Valenzuela but the Venezuelan was unmoved. City should have extended their lead before half-time but Bounou denied Savinho, Gundogan, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku. Silva had a shot parried but, after riding their luck, Al-Hilal went close through Leonardo and Malcom. City failed to heed those warnings and were punished as Al-Hilal struck twice in the first seven minutes of the second half. The equaliser came as former City full-back Joao Cancelo drove in a low cross. Ederson pushed away and Malcom’s attempt on the rebound was blocked but the ball looped up for Leonardo to head in. City were stung again moments later as Al-Hilal quickly recycled the ball from a corner they were defending. Malcom broke from halfway and buried a low shot into the far corner. City needed to respond and did so as a Silva corner led to a goalmouth scramble. Haaland pounced from close range to level but, far from settling nerves, the Premier League side remained vulnerable. Malcom was brought down by Dias for what seemed a certain penalty only for an offside flag to spare City. It also took a good recovery tackle by Manuel Akanji to prevent Malcom getting in another shot and Mohamed Kanno fluffed a free header. City were inches away as Akanji headed against the post and Haaland’s follow-up was cleared off the line. Both sides had further attacks and Doku was pulled back seconds before the final whistle was blown. Guardiola raced onto the field to complain but the game was heading to extra time. City, who lost Haaland to injury, were stunned when Al-Hilal reclaimed the lead with Koulibaly’s powerful header. Yet the drama was far from over as Foden, having come off the bench to replace another substitute in the ineffective Rodri, exquisitely volleyed in from a Rayan Cherki cross. Al-Hilal refused to lie down and scored yet again as Leonardo pounced to settle the contest after Ederson had pushed away a header from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Court Jails Five Chinese for Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of five Chinese for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos The suspects are: Guo Qiang (aka Wu You You), Yang Shumei, Guo Zhi Yong, Zhang Gia Feng and Lu Yi Liang. They are among the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a sting operation tagged ‘Eagle Flush Operation’ conducted by EFCC operatives. They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. One of the charges reads: “That you, Guo Qiang (aka Wu You You) sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourabe Court, wilfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024]”. They initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against them. However, during Tuesday’s sitting, they all changed their “not guilty plea” to “guilty.” In view of this, the prosecution counsel, U.S Kyari, prayed the court to convict them as charged. All the defendants were sentenced to one year imprisonment, with a fine of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira). The judge also ordered that upon completion of their sentences, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, should ensure that they are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days.

SWAN Congratulates Customs CG Bashir Adeniyi on Historic Election as WCO Chairperson

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his landmark election as Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). In a formal letter dated June 30, 2025 and signed by SWAN Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association led by Mr. Isaiah Benjamin described Mr. Adeniyi’s victory in Brussels as a defining achievement that reflects his dedication, passion, and exemplary professional attributes. SWAN noted that his leadership has driven the rapid growth and enhanced global standing of the Nigeria Customs Service. “This historic feat, which makes you the first Nigerian to lead the 73-year-old WCO with its 186 member countries, is a testament to your competence and integrity,” part of the letter reads. “Your emergence as Chairperson of the highest decision-making body in global customs administration underscores the confidence that nations across the world have in your ability to lead.” SWAN further commended Mr. Adeniyi for demonstrating remarkable competence within a short period as Comptroller-General, stating that his global impact and visionary leadership earned him the trust of countries that endorsed his candidacy for this critical role. The association expressed optimism that Mr. Adeniyi will continue to set new benchmarks in leadership, while assuring him of SWAN’s readiness to collaborate with him in leveraging sports as a platform to connect with the broader Nigerian populace. “As Sports Journalists, we trust you will continue to blaze the trail in your professional practice as a pointer for greater achievements ahead. “We assure you of our readiness to continuously work with you, even as you use Sports as a platform to connect with larger Nigeria populace. “Congratulations once again. We wish you a tenure as WCO Chairperson that will be as remarkable and inspiring as your distinguished record of service in every sphere you have impacted,” the letter also said. The NCS recently hosted African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, adjudged to be one of the well-organised competitions.

Nigeria’s FDI Trends Since 1999: From Obasanjo’s Boom to Buhari’s Decline and Tinubu’s Uncertain Recovery

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Arsenal Submits Bid for Chelsea’s Madueke

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Arsenal has reportedly submitted a bid for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke this week in may be one of the biggest deals for the summer. Talks are said to have started and the England forward who Arsenal boss sees as the perfect player to bolster his attack ahead of the new campaign. Arsenal could certainly do with more options in attack and may use Madueke to replace Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard who were lacklustre last season. Now, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg the Gunners have made an offer to their London rivals as talks begin for the 23-year-old. “Understand Arsenal have already submitted an offer to Noni #Madueke. 23 y/o winger could leave Chelsea in the summer. Talks have started. #CFC “Madueke is one of several top profiles Arsenal are assessing for this position. Arsenal are still considering a transfer for Rodrygo should he wish to leave Real Madrid.” The Blues are due to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton, Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund and have already secured Liam Delap from Ipswich Town as manager Enzo Maresca reshapes his attack. Arsenal will see this as an opportunity to snap up Madueke who likely won’t be in Maresca’s plans heading into the new season. Despite this, the Italian boss has already stated his desire to keep Madueke at the club but a high bid could swiftly change his mind. “Noni is our player, you can read a lot of speculation at the moment but we consider Noni our player for the coming season,” Maresca said last month.

My Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Dream Is Still on Track, Says Inkosi Brou

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Despite exiting in the knockout stage of the individual men’s sabre event at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, Nigeria’s fencing sensation Inkosi Brou remains confident that his dream of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is still alive. Brou, Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer at both junior and senior levels, showcased his talent at the continental tournament, which concluded over the weekend in Lagos. He advanced from the group stage, competing against a field of seasoned athletes. In the preliminary round, Brou defeated Guinea’s Conte Aboubacar 5-0 in his opening bout and overcame Algeria’s Akram Bounabi 5-3. He then lost 0-5 to Egypt’s Ziad Elsissy, bounced back with a 5-1 win over Niger Republic’s Ali Djibo, and concluded the group stage with a 0-5 loss to African champion Ahmed Ferjani of Tunisia. Despite the mixed results, Brou finished among the top three in his group of six, securing a spot in the knockout stage. In the first-round bout, Brou took an early lead against fifth seed Evann Girault of Niger Republic. However, a tactical error allowed his opponent to stage a comeback and win the closely contested match 15-11. Though disappointed with the outcome, the bronze medallist at the 2025 African Junior Championships remains undeterred in his Olympic pursuit. “I believe my 2028 Olympic dream is still intact. It’s a step-by-step journey, and I just need to stay consistent,” he said. Brou, the grandson of the late NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Dora Akunyili, described the recently concluded African Fencing Championships in Lagos as a positive development for the sport. He expressed hope that more events would be organized to raise awareness and participation among young Nigerians. “Hosting the continental tournament means a lot for fencing. It was well-organized and proved that Nigeria is capable of hosting more international fencing events,” he added. Acknowledging the challenges of competing in multiple international events, Brou—who made history as the first Nigerian fencer to win a medal at an international tournament—said: “Travelling and competing at this level is tough, especially with my Olympic aspirations. But with the support of my parents and coaches, I’m managing well. Hopefully, it will all pay off with a ticket to the 2028 Olympics.” He also acknowledged the enduring legacy of his grandmother: “Yes, my grandmother’s influence has opened doors for me. What she achieved continues to inspire and guide us. We’re trying to follow the path she laid down.”

Lagos Begins Full Enforcement of Single-Use Plastic Ban

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The Lagos State Government has commenced the full enforcement of its ban on single-use plastics, effective July 1, 2025, following a six-month grace period for compliance. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement during a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, warning that organisations found violating the directive risk prosecution and possible shutdown. Wahab made it clear that there would be no further extensions or reconsiderations of the implementation timeline. “We will not compromise the safety and well-being of our residents,” he said, reiterating that the ban targets plastics less than 40 microns, including styrofoam containers, plastic straws, disposable cups, cutleries, and lightweight nylon bags. The Commissioner dismissed claims that the ban would lead to job losses, stating instead that new employment opportunities would emerge as stakeholders shift to eco-friendly alternatives. He clarified that while Lagos bans the distribution and usage of the listed items within the state, production for external markets remains allowed. Wahab urged producers and distributors to embrace sustainable packaging options in line with the state’s environmental agenda. The move is part of the government’s broader effort to combat plastic pollution, protect the environment, and promote a cleaner, healthier Lagos.

One Dead in Fatal Crash on Ibadan-Lagos Expressway

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

A tragic road accident claimed the life of an unidentified man on Tuesday along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, near the Soka area in Oyo State. The crash, which occurred in the early hours of the day, involved a Toyota Camry with Lagos registration number, according to eyewitness accounts. The vehicle reportedly hit a roadside culvert and subsequently crashed into a stationary trailer, which had been abandoned at the same spot following another fatal accident that claimed over ten lives last week. “The driver of the Camry died on the spot,” an eyewitness told reporters, confirming the severity of the impact. Another witness noted the trailer had not been removed despite last week’s tragedy, raising concerns about ongoing road safety in the area. Authorities are yet to confirm the official cause of the crash as investigations are ongoing. Road users have appealed to the government to clear accident debris and enforce stricter safety regulations on the highway.