Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robbers, Rescue Kidnap Victims In Ekiti

The Ekiti State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its intelligence-led policing operations with the arrest of two suspected armed robbers, the rescue of two kidnapped victims, and the recovery of stolen property.

According to the Command, the successful operation is part of its ongoing efforts to combat crime, protect residents, and strengthen security across the state.

The police also reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

Residents have been encouraged to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies to support the fight against crime in the state.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu.

  

“In the early hours of Monday, June 29, 2026, at about 3:00 a.m., a gang of three armed hoodlums attacked a broken-down petrol tanker along the Ikole–Oye Road. The hoodlums robbed the driver and his motor boy of their mobile phones before abducting them into a nearby bush, where they tied both victims to a tree.

“The suspects subsequently returned to the tanker, removed six truck tyres and loaded them into an ash-coloured Ford minibus, intending to flee towards Kogi State.

“Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, operatives of the Safer Highway Patrol intercepted the vehicle, recovered all the stolen tyres and arrested two suspects identified as Ezekiel Balogun and Usman Wada, both of Kabba, Kogi State. One other suspect escaped and is currently at large.

“The arrested suspects led the police operatives to the bush where the abducted driver and his motor boy were rescued unharmed.

“The case has been transferred to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for discreet investigation, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspect and bring all those involved to justice.”

The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, CP Falade Adegoroye Micheal, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support the fight against crime and criminality.

WhatsApp To Let Users Chat Without Sharing Phone Numbers

 

The hundreds of millions who use Meta-owned messenger WhatsApp to chat with family, friends or businesses will no longer need to share phone numbers under a coming update, the company said Monday.

Instead, people will be able to pick unique usernames to share with others, in a move “designed to protect the privacy of your phone number,” WhatsApp said in a statement.

Restricting access to phone numbers would mean they are not shared automatically in cases such as being added to a large group chat or messaging person or business for the first time, the company added.

What’s more “there’s no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you,” Meta said.

As with other social media services, the sheer number of people — Meta claims over three billion — using WhatsApp means many may not get their first choice of handle.

The company said it would gradually roll out username reservations worldwide “over the coming months”, notifying users in each country when they open there.

Meanwhile “creators, small businesses and organizations” will be allowed to claim WhatsApp usernames that they already use on fellow Meta products Facebook or Instagram.

Morocco Is ‘Unstoppable,’ Says Coach After Win Over Netherlands

 The Moroccans, beaten semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup, advanced to the last 16 on Monday after winning a thrilling battle with the Netherlands on penalties in Monterrey.

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouabhi believes his team is primed to make a deep run at the World Cup, declaring that the Atlas Lions could be “unstoppable” if they play to their potential.

The Moroccans, beaten semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup, advanced to the last 16 on Monday after winning a thrilling battle with the Netherlands on penalties in Monterrey.

It was another stylish display by the African champions, who dominated for long periods in a match that finished 1-1 after extra-time.

Ouabhi said Moroccan football is now reaping the benefits of the 2022 team’s groundbreaking exploits in becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

“The World Cup in Qatar changed the mentality of the Morocco team, and I’m well placed to speak about this,” said Ouabhi, who last year coached Morocco to a momentous victory at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile.

“Moroccan players in Morocco believe in themselves, the supporters, the fans believe in us as well. It’s so important. They’re demanding, but it’s because they know just how far we can go,” he said.

“We know that it’s game after game, and people think that it’s kept to be easy for us, it’s going to be a walk in the park for Morocco, which is not the case. Canada is a team that is going to be difficult for us.”

But Ouabhi said Morocco could go even further than the 2022 team if they fired on all cylinders.

“What we need to be telling ourselves is no one can stop us,” he said. “We’re unstoppable if we play the football that we know how to play.

“But nobody is unbeatable. And I tell my guys that as well. If we get things wrong, we’ll go home, and we need to ensure that we have all the tools that we’re using, the tools in our arsenal to go as far as we can, and that’s the mentality that we want all of our players in Morocco to have.”

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman meanwhile said Morocco’s emergence reflected the quality of African football.

“It’s very clear watching this World Cup that African teams have greatly improved in tactical sense, and also in the way they play their matches,” Koeman said.

“Morocco is the country that, in terms of talents, really generates good players, young players that continue to join the major clubs in Europe. It’s not without a reason why they have a higher ranking than the Netherlands.”

2027: 2.5m Votes For Tinubu Will Come From Numerous Projects In Edo — Okpebholo

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State linked ongoing projects in the state to his administration’s political goal ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor stated this during an inspection tour of the ongoing ultra-modern market in Jattu, Etsako West LGA, which he described as a major infrastructure investment for Edo North and beyond.

He said that the project being constructed by his administration would boost trade, commerce, and the overall economy of Edo State.

“People wonder how we will get the 2.5 million votes, but they forget that this government is doing a lot for Edo people. Our votes will come from the numerous projects we have embarked upon for the benefit of our people,” he stated, dismissing criticism of the target.

Accompanied by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; former governor and Senator for Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole; Speaker of the Edo Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; and other officials, Okpebholo expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work.

“We are not just building a market but a modern standard market for our people in Edo North, Edo State, as well as Nigerians who will benefit from this project when completed,” he said.

“This is a central market for all of us, and we are maintaining high standards of construction. We have different floors in this market. A lot of work has been done in the basement; the structure is very strong and solid, and the construction is massive,” Okpebholo added.

He said the project was also a way of appreciating residents’ support for his administration, the APC, and President Tinubu.

Okpebholo linked the market and other ongoing projects to his administration’s political goal ahead of 2027.

Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, described Jattu Market as a historic commercial hub that served the former midwest region for decades.

“This market will serve the people of Edo North and Edo State in general. Prices are cheap here, and we thank President Tinubu for providing the resources for governors to work for their people and the governor for considering the reconstruction of this market,” he said.

Senator Oshiomhole, who said he sold baskets in the market as a child, called the reconstruction an effort to preserve its history while creating a safer trading environment.

“I want to correct critics who have questioned the cost of the project. If they calculate the volume of reinforced concrete used on each floor, they will understand that the project is worth the investment,” Oshiomhole added.

The state government said the Jattu project is part of a broader plan to modernise markets across Edo State.

The Oba Market in Benin and the Ekpoma Modern Market are also undergoing redevelopment with improved facilities for traders.

Meta Rolls Out Global Subscription Plans For Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp

 

Meta Platforms has begun a global rollout of subscription plans across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, as the tech giant intensifies efforts to diversify revenue beyond digital advertising.
The new offering introduces consumer-facing “Plus” subscription tiers that provide users with access to additional features such as profile customisation, enhanced reactions, story insights, and expanded engagement tools.
Under the pricing structure, users will be able to subscribe to Instagram Plus, Facebook Plus or WhatsApp Plus for monthly fees ranging between $2.99 and $3.99, depending on the platform.
Announcing the rollout, Meta’s Head of Product, Naomi Gleit, said the company would continue to expand the feature set of the subscription plans.
“More fun features will be added in the future,” she said.
She added that the subscription offerings are targeted at users seeking more functionality from Meta’s platforms, particularly creators and high-engagement users.

The company also disclosed that it will begin testing additional offerings, including professional plans for creators and businesses, alongside AI-focused subscription tiers for general users.

These initiatives will fall under a new umbrella branding known as “Meta One,” which will serve as the central hub for Meta’s subscription ecosystem.

As part of the expansion, Meta is also testing two AI subscription plans priced at $7.99 and $19.99 per month for users of its Meta AI system.

The premium AI tier is expected to offer higher computing capacity for complex queries, improved reasoning capabilities, and enhanced image and video generation tools across Meta platforms.

Testing for the AI subscription plans is scheduled to begin next month in selected markets, including Singapore, Guatemala and Bolivia.

Meta said the new subscription offerings will not replace its existing Meta Verified service, which provides identity verification, impersonation protection and additional account support.

For Instagram Plus users, the plan includes features such as the ability to view aggregate Story rewatch counts, create unlimited Story audience lists beyond Close Friends, and extend Story visibility beyond the standard 24-hour limit.

Subscribers will also be able to spotlight Stories weekly for additional reach, preview Stories without appearing in viewer lists, search Story viewers, and post content directly to profiles without appearing in followers’ feeds.

Other features include Super Heart animated reactions, custom app icons, personalised fonts for bios, and additional profile pin options.

Facebook Plus is expected to offer a similar feature set to Instagram Plus, while WhatsApp Plus will include app themes, custom ringtones, expanded chat pinning, list customisation tools and premium sticker packs.

The rollout marks another shift in Meta’s monetisation strategy, following the introduction of paid verification for Facebook and Instagram in 2023.

At the time, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the move—similar to Elon Musk’s paid verification model on X, formerly Twitter—was aimed at strengthening authenticity and security across its platforms, while also opening new revenue streams.

Trump Says US Strikes In Nigeria Ended Killings Of Christians

 US President Donald Trump says American military strikes in Nigeria halted attacks on Christians and weakened terrorists.

Trump made the remark over the weekend during an event in Washington, where he spoke about his administration’s security operations and efforts to combat terrorism in different parts of the world.

According to the US President, American intervention in Nigeria played a major role in halting attacks allegedly targeted at Christian communities, particularly in areas affected by insurgency and violent extremist activities.

“As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations,” he said.

 “They have a great Christian population. They were being butchered… butchered. Thousands and thousands of people were being killed, children, women, old people, just being slaughtered, hacked to death.”

Trump claimed the operation deterred further terror attacks in Nigeria.

“They know that if they go further, the attack will be far greater and that they don’t want to really get involved anymore,” he said.

“You know, we hit them very hard. We knocked out their leader. We knocked out their second leader and their third leader.”

Trump juxtaposed the operation in Nigeria with US military action in Iran.

“It sounds a little bit like Iran, actually. It’s all about a different cause that we have to do because we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. Can’t let it happen,” he said.

The US president said his administration intends to protect Christians worldwide.

“So, I’m saving Christians throughout the world, even though we are not in those various countries where you read about this,” he said.

 “But they’d like to make our country just like those countries. That’s where they started. They started right where we are right now.”

Trump said the US would continue to target terrorists wherever they operate.

“But I’m saving them by hitting these terrorists very violently and very hard. We’re hitting them very hard with the greatest weapons on earth, taking them out,” he said.

 “We know where they are. We hunt them down, and we take them out. They go into a village, and they just kill everybody, it’s like crazy.”

Trump also warned against what he described as threats to religious freedom.

 “They will close your churches in this country. They go communist, and they’re trying to. They will kill your people, and that’s what they’re about. They want to end religion,” he added.

In December 2025, the US launched a fusillade of air strikes on ISIS terrorists in the north-western Nigerian state of Sokoto.

In May, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters had been killed in multiple US-Nigeria air strikes in Metele, Borno state.

In June, the Nigerian military, in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (US-Africom), killed 21 ISWAP fighters in an air strike in Arege, Kukawa LGA of Borno State.

Atiku Alleges Plot To Cripple Opposition, Condemns Court Ruling On NDC Registration

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned what he described as attempts to frustrate the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alleging that the move reflects President Bola Tinubu’s determination to turn Nigeria into a de facto one-party state.

Atiku’s reaction followed a ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside its December 10, 2025, judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.

The presiding judge, Isah Dashen, ruled that the Peace Movement Party should have been joined in the suit because its interests were affected by the case.

Responding to the judgment in a statement issued by the Atiku Media Office, the former Vice President said he was not surprised by what he described as a disturbing development, warning that it could have grave consequences if what he called a plot to weaken opposition parties in favour of Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid succeeds.

According to Atiku, the participation of citizens in free, fair and credible elections is the foundation of democracy, and any attempt to deny Nigerians that freedom of choice could trigger “chaos and anarchy.”

He said: “Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of President Tinubu, who pretends to be a democrat, but his body language and the sinister activities of his agents contradict his mouthed commitment to free and fair elections.”

Atiku urged Tinubu to emulate the late President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that despite being a retired military officer turned politician, he never deregistered any opposition party. He also cited former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom he said upheld the principle that political ambition should never be worth the blood of any citizen.

“If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition,” Atiku reminded Tinubu.

Tinubu cannot be a champion of democracy under military dictatorship and now become the worst enemy of everything that democracy stands for," Atiku said.

The former Vice President further argued that no government can govern against the will of the people while claiming to be committed to credible elections.
"You can’t attempt to rule the people against their will and still pretend that you’re committed to free and fair elections in 2027," he stated.
Atiku also called on members of the judiciary to remain independent and resist political interference. He urged judges not to allow themselves to be influenced by politicians seeking to weaken Nigeria's democratic institutions.
"Governments will come and go. Hence, the judiciary must guard her integrity as the last hope of the masses. Don’t allow unscrupulous politicians to stain your reputation for their own short-term gain at the expense of justice. The judiciary is the last hope of the people. Let’s avoid anything that is capable of ruining the credibility and reputation of our courts; not for a messy pot of pottage or love of lucre."
His remarks come amid growing political debates over the state of Nigeria's democracy and concerns from opposition figures about the conduct of governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
 

AWS Announces New Global Accelerator Cohort Featuring Three Nigerian Organisations

  Amazon has selected three Nigerian organisations out of nine from Africa to join the fourth cohort of its Amazon Web Services (AWS) Social Entrepreneur Accelerator.

This makes the continent the largest representative in the global programme, with selected organisations drawn from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon, and Tanzania. The cohort of 42 is drawn from 16 countries, which include the USA, Australia, India, the UK, and others.

The AWS Social Entrepreneur Accelerator, in collaboration with Deloitte, provides technical training, strategic business planning, and ongoing AWS and Deloitte support to help mission-driven organisations scale some of the world’s most urgent challenges across education, health, and climate resilience.

Jyoti Ball, General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at AWS, expressed delight over Africa’s representation, stating that “Africa’s representation in this cohort reflects what we’re seeing across the continent, a generation of founders who don’t wait for conditions to be perfect. They build anyway.

“Our role is to ensure they have access to the same world-class cloud and AI technology as any startup in Silicon Valley and the support to scale impact across borders.”

The three organisations selected from Nigeria are Sabi Scholar, Kayode Alabi Leadership, and Wetech Inc. According to the CEO of Sabi Scholar, Divine Iloh, he is creating an “operating system” for African higher education, enabling any university to launch online degrees in 30 days, a potential game-changer for the continent’s 200M+ youth population.

For Kayode Alabi Leadership, the founder, Hammed Kayode Alabi, is reducing inequalities by empowering underserved young people to lead and innovate through transformative education and technology-driven solutions to solve local challenges and thrive as community changemakers.

The last is Wetech Inc., whose founder, Gabriella Uwadiegwu, is building Africa’s largest pipeline of women in technology, from training to mentorship to direct employment pathways.

In Kenya, the two organisations are KuzeKuze and STEM Centre Africa. According to the CTO of KuzeKuze, Enock Sangaka Mong’are, the organisation is building “education passports” as digital records that follow learners throughout their lives, making personalised education measurable and scalable.

STEM Centre Africa, a non-profit launched in 2017 by two brothers, Dancun, the CTO, and Denish Akoum, CEO, to promote hands-on STEM education, including coding, robotics, and 3D design, reaching over 18,000 + students since inception, with 90% gaining proficiency in Python, Scratch, and electronics. Operating two centres in Homa Bay County with 10 organisational partners, SCA aims to reach 100,000 learners by 2030.

The remaining four are from Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon, and Tanzania. In Ghana, BASICS International, founded by CEO Patricia Wilkins, is breaking cycles of poverty by providing education, certified digital skills training and holistic support to underserved children and youth, equipping them to thrive academically, economically, and socially.

For South Africa, FunHouse Digital, founded by Ayabulela Yokwana, is turning gaming lounges into self-sustaining education hubs in rural communities – profits from gaming directly fund free coding and digital literacy programmes. While in Cameroon, EduCloud, founded by Rosius Ndimofor Ateh, delivers hands-on Cloud and AI workshops across Africa, bridging the gap between academic theory and industry-ready skills. Last is Tanzania, where Fiqra Academy, founded by CEO Gerald Revocatus, is creating a direct pipeline from digital skills training to employment for East African youth, with certifications that lead to real careers through their digital learning platform.

The organisations join a global cohort of 42 organisations from 16 countries. At the end of the programme, the cohort will be equipped to build and scale their solutions with AWS cloud and AI technology and Deloitte consulting expertise.

Okpebholo Nominates Non-Edo Indigene Martin Oli As Commissioner

 Oli, who hails from Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, is a businessman and community leader within Edo’s Igbo community.

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has again signalled a shift toward inclusive governance with the nomination of Martin Anayochukwu Oli, an Enugu indigene, as commissioner-designate in his cabinet.

The nomination, announced Friday by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Ikhilor, makes Oli the second non-Edo indigene to receive a major appointment under the Okpebholo administration, the first being Abdulkarim Kadiri, a reputable Hausa-Fulani community leader in Edo, appointed as a special adviser.

According to the government, Oli’s nomination reflects the governor’s vision of an administration that reflects Edo’s diverse resident communities in decision-making.

Oli, who hails from Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, is a businessman and community leader within Edo’s Igbo community. He is recognised for private sector experience and grassroots development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities.

The appointment follows the November 2024 naming of Kadiri, a respected Hausa-Fulani community leader in Edo, as Special Adviser on Community Matters

Governor Okpebholo believes that inclusive governance is not just rhetoric. It requires listening to the people, understanding their concerns, and giving them seats where decisions are made,” the statement said.

Edo State is home to several ethnic groups, including Igbo, Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and others whose economic and cultural contributions have shaped the state’s growth, the government noted.

The administration said Oli’s nomination underscores the importance of competence, commitment, and community service in selecting public officers, rather than ethnic background alone.

“Governor Okpebholo’s approach represents a shift towards a more open and participatory governance model, where residents who have contributed to the development of Edo State are recognised and given opportunities to serve,” the release added.

Gueye’s Brace Keeps Senegal’s World Cup Hopes Alive

 Senegal became the first African side to score five goals in a World Cup match, a stunning double by Pape Gueye inspiring them to a 5-0 win over 10-man Iraq in their final 

Senegal also boosted their chances of progressing to the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams — they have the best goal difference of the teams on three points.

Iraq go home without a point after a hugely disappointing campaign following an arduous route to qualify.

Senegal struck early, Habib Diarra getting the slightest of touches to Abdoulaye Seck’s header from a corner, for his first international goal since he scored in a friendly against England last year.

Iraq’s already slim hopes of keeping their hopes alive suffered a hammer blow a few minutes later.

Defender Rebin Sulaka had been brought into the starting line-up by Iraq coach Graham Arnold, but his contribution lasted just 13 minutes.

English referee Anthony Taylor red-carded him after consulting the VAR screen for fouling Sadio Mane when the Senegal talisman was clear on goal.

It was the earliest red card of the nine so far in the World Cup, the fourth fastest in the tournament’s history.

Iraq were unable to fashion a chance in the rest of the half, and despite their one-man advantage, Senegal could only muster one, Ismail Jacobs fierce strike from outside the box, just going wide with the keeper beaten.

Senegal came out for the second-half bristling with intent.

Iraq had been further destabilised as they had to replace goalkeeper Ahmed Basil, who had taken a knock in the first-half, with Jalal Hassan at the break.

Hassan survived the early wave of attacks but was helpless when Senegal finally got into their stride.

Ismaila Sarr tapped in in the 56th minute, for his third goal of the tournament, after a dreadful error by former Manchester United player Zidane Iqbal deep inside his own half gifted Senegal possession.

The relief of the second goal had Sarr lying prone on his back, pumping his fists with joy.

Then came the Gueye show, and it had the fans off their seats.

Within 89 seconds of coming on as a substitute, he let rip from outside the box with a sublime curling effort that gave Hassan no chance for 3-0 in the 59th minute.

The Villarreal midfielder possibly outdid that effort with a vicious half volley 12 minutes later that flew past the keeper.

Arnold was reduced to leaning on the dugout and ruefully shaking his head, and could only watch as Iliman Ndiaye scored with another screamer eight minutes from time.

World Cup: Dembele’s Hat-trick Helps France Thrash Second-String Norway

Dembele was transformed into a Ballon d'Or winner after Luis Enrique, his coach at PSG, moved him from the wing into a central role.

France’s forward Ousmane Dembele reacts during the 2026 World Cup Group I football match between Norway and France at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough on June 26, 2026

Erling Haaland remained on the bench for the secon half of the match as Ousmane Dembélé delivered a stunning first-half hat-trick to inspire France national football team to a commanding victory over Norway national football team.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward opened the scoring in the seventh minute at Gillette Stadium before adding a second in the 20th minute.

Norway briefly reduced the deficit through Thelo Aasgaard, but Dembélé completed his hat-trick in the 32nd minute to restore France's two-goal advantage and cap a sensational opening half.

Dembélé's feat placed him among an exclusive group of players to score a first-half World Cup hat-trick. The only player to have completed a hat-trick earlier in a World Cup match remains Erich Probst, who scored three goals within the opening 24 minutes for Austria national football team against Czechoslovakia national football team during the 1954 FIFA World Cup.

"Following his outstanding performance, some fans believe Dembélé is on course to win a second Ballon d'Or."

New Terror Group 'Sai Mallam' Imposes N5Million Monthly Levy On 10 Kebbi Communities, Threatens Attacks, Farmland Seizure

 newly emerged terrorist group known as "Sai Mallam" has imposed monthly levies of N5 million on at least 10 rural communities in Kebbi State, threatening to seize residents' farmlands and launch attacks if the demands are not met

 Just this Friday that the extremist group has entrenched itself in parts of Argungu and Zuru emirates after quietly relocating to Kebbi during the first quarter of 2026.

Residents said the terrorists had summoned community leaders and demanded N5 million every month from the affected villages, warning that failure to comply would attract violent attacks and the confiscation of farmlands.

"They have told our people that every month they must produce N5 million. They said if we fail to pay, they will take over our farmlands and attack our communities.

The source explained that the Kebbi State Government publicly acknowledged the group's presence only after community leaders repeatedly alerted the authorities to the growing danger.

"It was after community stakeholders informed the government about the threat that the state government swung into action and issued the statement some days ago," the source said.

"But issuing a statement alone cannot stop these terrorists. What the people want is for the Federal Government to deploy enough military personnel to flush them out before they become stronger."

Another resident accused the terrorists of systematically recruiting vulnerable youths into their ranks.

For more please  click on the link below....

https://bit.ly/4gHcASL

Mbappe Vs Haaland As France Face Norway In World Cup Group Decider

 A blockbuster showdown between two of world football's deadliest strikers will headline Friday's FIFA World Cup action as Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland go head-to-head when France national football team take on Norway national football team in a decisive Group I clash.

Both forwards have been in sensational form, scoring four goals each in their opening two matches, making this one of the tournament's most anticipated fixtures. France need only a draw to secure top spot in the group thanks to their superior goal difference, while Norway must win to finish first.

With knockout-stage positioning and Golden Boot bragging rights on the line, all eyes will be on whether Mbappé's pace and flair or Haaland's ruthless finishing will make the difference in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

After securing Norway's place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 with a victory over Senegal, striker Erling Haaland played down his team's chances of winning the tournament ahead of their crucial Group I showdown against France national football team.

Speaking to Fox Television, Haaland dismissed suggestions that Norway are genuine title contenders despite their impressive run of 12 consecutive competitive victories.

"To win the World Cup? Absolutely not," he said.

The Manchester City forward, however, expressed pride in his team's remarkable progress.

"We've won 12 competitive games in a row now. I'm part of something special, making history, and I'm extremely proud to be Norwegian."

Haaland also appeared unfazed by the challenge of facing France, widely regarded as one of the tournament favourites.

"I couldn't care about playing France. They're probably going to beat us, and they're probably going to win the whole tournament."

Norway face France on Friday in a high-stakes Group I decider, with both teams already through to the Round of 32 but battling to finish top of the group.

BREAKING: Court Cancels NDC Registration in Kogi

 A court has reportedly nullified the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in a ruling linked to the legal dispute over the party's registration process. The judgment marks a significant development in the ongoing political and legal battle surrounding the party, with reactions and possible appeals expected in the coming days.

Watch the video in the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdQ1hyg9AmI

Apple Raises Prices For MacBooks, iPads As Costs Soar Over AI

  Apple said Thursday it was raising prices for its MacBook computers, iPad tablets and other products, citing spiraling memory and storage costs sparked by the rise of artificial intelligence.

The price hikes — the first concrete change stemming from outgoing CEO Tim Cook’s repeated warnings about rising costs sent Apple shares plummeting more than 4.7 percent in morning trade.

On its US website, price increases ranged from $30 to $300. The 14-inch MacBook Pro, which once sold for $1,700, now retails for $2,000, while the iPad Air increased from $600 to $750.

The Apple TV streaming device rose from $130 to $200. For now, the price of the iPhone — the company’s main source of revenue — remained unchanged.

“The rapid expansion of AI data centers has created an extraordinary surge in demand for memory and storage,” an Apple spokesperson said in a statement sent to multiple media outlets.

“We have never seen a component price increase this much, this quickly.”

Apple did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment.

Last week, Cook set the stage when he told The Wall Street Journal that price increases were “unavoidable.”

“There’s less supply at a time when consumers want devices and the memory guys are passing along huge price increases,” Cook said, deeming the spike in prices a “hundred-year flood.”

The rapid buildout of AI data centers has sent the cost of memory chips and RAM skyrocketing — as the components are found in nearly all electronic devices — with the chips undergoing quarterly price increases of at least 50 percent since late 2025.