Nigeria

A new report by Amnesty International and other human rights organizations, based on internal Shell documents and court case materials, accuses the oil giant of systematic environmental pollution in Nigeria's Niger Delta. The report alleges that Shell's former Nigerian subsidiary SPDC failed to maintain pipelines and production facilities, and that management tolerated oil theft and sabotage to avoid operational downtime, leading to hundreds of oil spills annually. The contamination has affected soil, groundwater, and the human food chain, with toxins found in local communities. Shell rejects the allegations, citing a difficult operating environment and its cleanup efforts. The report comes amid a long-running UK court case brought by the Nigerian communities of Bille and Ogale.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 02:22 PM UTC

Wolverhampton Wanderers cancelled a pre-season training session on Monday after striker Tolu Arokodare refused to leave the pitch when new manager Cesar Peixoto excluded him from first-team plans. The 25-year-old Nigerian, who scored only three Premier League goals last season as Wolves were relegated, sat on the field demanding a transfer to Fiorentina. The club increased security at Compton Park to prevent his entry. Arokodare later denied reports of refusing to leave. His future remains uncertain amid interest from Genoa and Ajax.

10 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 29, 01:19 PM UTC

In the Women's Africa Cup of Nations Group C openers in Rabat, Zambia delivered a dominant 6-0 victory over Egypt, led by captain Barbra Banda's quadruple. Racheal Nachula opened the scoring with a penalty, and Eneless Phiri also scored. Meanwhile, ten-time champions Nigeria suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi. After a scoreless first half, Temwa Chawinga scored twice, and her sister Tabitha Chawinga added another goal. Nigeria mounted a late comeback with two stoppage-time goals, but Temwa Chawinga's second goal between them sealed a historic win for Malawi. Zambia now tops the group, while Nigeria faces a must-win match against Zambia next.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 10:26 PM UTC

Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest person, has secured a record $2.5 billion private capital investment for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in Nigeria. The funding, described as the largest publicly disclosed private capital raise in Africa, will expand the refinery's processing capacity from 650,000 to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028. Investors include the Africa Finance Corporation and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). The investment supports plans for an initial public offering on the Nigerian Exchange, which analysts say could become the largest public offering in African history, with the refinery potentially valued at $40 billion. Located in the Lekki Free Zone near Lagos, the refinery began production in 2024 and has reduced Nigeria's dependence on imported fuel. Dangote Industries stated the capital raise demonstrates global investor confidence in transforming Africa's energy landscape.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 10:14 PM UTC

Indian weightlifter Bindyarani Devi won the bronze medal in the women's 59kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The 27-year-old, who previously won silver in the 55kg category at the 2022 Birmingham Games, lifted a total of 199kg, with best lifts of 87kg in the snatch and 112kg in the clean & jerk. The gold medal was won by Nigeria's Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, who dominated the competition with a total lift of 229kg, breaking three records: a Commonwealth and Games record in the snatch (103kg), a Games record in the clean & jerk (126kg), and a Games record for total weight. Lawal's performance was described as rewriting records, while Bindyarani could not replicate her previous Games form.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 05:49 PM UTC

Colombia's hard-right President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced on July 26, 2026, that he will sever diplomatic relations with Cuba and Nicaragua upon taking office on August 7, citing opposition to what he called 'tyrannies.' He also plans to close 15 consulates and 14 embassies in countries including Algeria, Barbados, Ethiopia, Haiti, Hungary, Senegal, and South Africa, though he clarified this does not mean breaking diplomatic relations with those nations. The closures aim to redirect funds to security, a central theme of his 'iron fist' campaign. Additionally, De la Espriella intends to open an embassy in Jerusalem to restore ties with Israel, which were severed by outgoing President Gustavo Petro in 2024 over the Gaza offensive, and an embassy in Nigeria to reorganize Colombia's African presence.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 05:39 PM UTC

The 14th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off July 26, 2026, in Morocco, running through August 16 after a postponement from March due to organizational issues. Expanded from 12 to 16 teams for the first time, the tournament features Nigeria as defending champions and record 10-time winners. Morocco, South Africa, and debutants Cape Verde and Malawi compete. Semi-finalists qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 27, 04:47 PM UTC

On World Assisted Reproductive Technology Day 2026, the Merck Foundation announced it has provided 807 scholarships for fertility, embryology, and reproductive care training to healthcare providers from 42 countries across Africa and Asia. The initiative, part of the 'More Than a Mother' campaign led by CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej, has trained the first-ever local embryologists and fertility specialists in countries including The Gambia, Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Malawi, Congo, and Mozambique. The foundation has also partnered with 33 African and Asian First Ladies to break infertility stigma, empower women through the 'Empowering Berna' business training initiative, and trained over 4,000 media representatives. In total, Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,650 scholarships across 44 medical specialties in 52 countries.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:03 PM UTC

Players of Nigeria's Super Falcons women's football team alleged that money was stolen from their wallets while staying at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The players faced online ridicule, accusations of lying, and racist comments from some Moroccans. However, Moroccan authorities have now confirmed the theft, leading to the arrest of a hotel employee. The Super Falcons are the most successful team in WAFCON history, having won 9 of 12 titles, and are among the main favorites for the upcoming tournament.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 03:23 AM UTC

Jhandu Kumar won India's first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, securing bronze in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event with 130.9 points after successful lifts of 181kg and 190kg. The athlete from Harnaut, Bihar, overcame severe poverty, working as a vegetable vendor and e-rickshaw driver before being discovered by Paralympic medallist Rajinder Singh Rahelu. Head coach J.P. Singh appealed to both Central and State governments to provide Jhandu with a job, citing his extraordinary journey. Nigeria's Idris Riluwan won gold (132.8 points) and England's Matthew Harding took silver (131 points). Jhandu had previously won bronze at the 2025 para powerlifting World Cup in Beijing.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 01:20 PM UTC

Nigerian international defender Chidozie Awaziem, 29, is close to leaving FC Nantes to join Turkish Süper Lig side Konyaspor. Advanced discussions between the clubs have set a transfer fee of approximately €1 million. Awaziem, who has 40 caps and 2 goals for Nigeria, would sign a two-year contract with Konyaspor, which finished 9th in the last Turkish championship. He returned to Nantes last summer on a three-year deal but could not prevent the club's relegation to Ligue 2. In the 2023-24 season, he scored one goal and provided two assists in 26 matches. This marks his third stint in Turkey, having played there twice before. He follows teammate Alban Lafont, who is expected to join Turkish club Amedspor, as Nantes players depart for Turkey.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 04:45 PM UTC

Nigerian international defender Chidozie Awaziem, 29, is close to leaving FC Nantes for Turkish Süper Lig side Konyaspor. The transfer fee is expected to be €1 million, and Awaziem would sign a two-year contract with the club that finished 9th in the last Turkish Championship. Awaziem returned to Nantes last summer on a three-year deal but could not prevent the team's relegation to Ligue 2. He previously played for Nantes on loan from FC Porto in 2017-2018. Last season, he scored one goal and provided two assists in 26 matches. The move follows a trend of Nantes players leaving for Turkey, with goalkeeper Alban Lafont also expected to join Amedspor.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 04:45 PM UTC

Nigerian international defender Chidozie Awaziem, 29, is set to leave FC Nantes after just one season to join Turkish Süper Lig side Konyaspor. The transfer fee is expected to be around €1 million, with Awaziem signing a two-year contract. Awaziem returned to Nantes last summer on a three-year deal but could not prevent the club's relegation to Ligue 2. He previously played for Nantes on loan from Porto in 2017-2018. Last season, he scored one goal and provided two assists in 26 matches. Konyaspor finished 9th in the Turkish league last season. Awaziem, who has 40 caps and 2 goals for Nigeria, will join fellow Nantes player Alban Lafont in moving to Turkey.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 04:45 PM UTC

The Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has warned it may call an immediate nationwide strike to protest soaring fuel costs, adding economic pressure on Pakistan from the Middle East crisis. Alliance president Malik Shehzad Awan stated transporters should remain prepared for a strike at any time, criticizing the government's decision to raise fuel prices following renewed Middle East hostilities and crude oil surges. The alliance labeled the new policy of daily fuel price reviews, effective July 21, as 'anti-transport,' noting many road freight businesses face closure due to frequent diesel price hikes. The government claims the daily pricing mechanism increases transparency and aligns domestic prices with international markets. Meanwhile, amid threats to supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, Pakistani refiners are seeking crude oil from the U.S., Nigeria, Singapore, and Central Asia to diversify away from Middle Eastern sources.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 01:30 PM UTC

A Pennsylvania appellate court decision, Adewale v. Adewale, illustrates how foreign law, including Islamic law, is applied in American courts under U.S. conflict-of-law principles. The case involves a Nigerian couple married in Lagos in 2011. During divorce proceedings, the husband challenged the marriage's validity, claiming the wife was still married to another man under Nigerian customary and Islamic law from a 2001 ceremony. The trial court found the wife had married another man in 2001 and that the marriage was not dissolved before the 2011 wedding. The wife argued a 2006 triple talaq divorce, but the court ruled the marriage void ab initio, terminating spousal support. The appellate court affirmed, applying the principle that the law of the place of celebration governs marriage validity, unless it violates strong public policy. The case demonstrates the plural legal system in Nigeria and the reception of foreign religious law in U.S. family law.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 05:53 PM UTC

Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, 31, will compete in the 48kg category at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, shifting from her usual 49kg. Despite being a two-time CWG gold medalist (2018, 2022) and Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, her coach Vijay Sharma has advised her not to overexert in Glasgow to avoid injury, as the primary focus is the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, where she has yet to win a medal. Mirabai acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining weight but expressed determination to perform well against strong competitors from Nigeria and Canada. Sharma, also the national coach, expects India's medal tally in Glasgow to reach as high as 10, citing promising young lifters. The competition begins Sunday at the Scottish Event Campus.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:34 PM UTC

Nigerian striker Akor Adams has agreed personal terms with Serie A side Venezia, but Sevilla is demanding around €15-20 million, rejecting Venezia’s initial €10 million offer. Venezia’s sporting director is in Seville to negotiate. Sevilla needs a high capital gain due to financial restrictions, while Adams remains focused on preparing for next season.

26 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:01 AM UTC

The Assam state government informed the Assembly that 2,089 foreigners were deported from January 2016 to June 2026 for illegal entry or stay, with 2,023 from Bangladesh. Other nationalities deported included 39 from Myanmar, 18 from Nigeria, two each from Afghanistan, Russia, and Ukraine, and one each from Kenya, Pakistan, and Uganda. Additionally, the government disclosed that of 172,673 foreigners detected in Assam as of May 31, 2026, 111,414 were Muslims, 61,189 were Hindus, and 70 were Christians. Minister Atul Bora noted that 1,572 illegal foreigners were sent back from 2025 to June 30, 2026, and 117 were expelled, with repatriations to Bangladesh following a May 2025 Home Ministry directive.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:23 AM UTC

Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir stated that India's existing world-class sporting infrastructure in Ahmedabad was decisive in securing the hosting rights for the centenary 2030 Commonwealth Games. The bid aligns with the governing body's new low-cost 'Games Reset' model adopted after Victoria's withdrawal. Sadleir praised India's passion for the Games and noted that indigenous sports like kabaddi, kho kho, mallakhamb, and yogasana are under consideration for inclusion. She dismissed concerns about the troubled 2010 Delhi Games, citing India's sporting transformation over the past 20 years. India, which ranks fourth in all-time Commonwealth medal tables, is also bidding for the 2036 Olympics.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:54 PM UTC

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has announced plans to build a $17 billion, 700,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery on Kenya's Lamu Island, aiming to reverse East Africa's reliance on imported refined fuel. The region holds 4.7 billion barrels of crude reserves but imports all its refined products after the last refinery shut in 2013. The proposed facility would exceed East Africa's current demand of 450,000 bpd, allowing exports to other African markets. Situated on the LAPSSET Corridor, the project could create over 60,000 jobs and test intra-African trade under the AfCFTA. Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji has pledged $100 million. However, environmental groups and local activists oppose the project, warning it could damage Lamu's UNESCO-listed marine ecosystem. Critics also cite risks of stranded assets amid the global energy transition and potential market dominance concerns. The article draws parallels to Dangote's successful Nigerian refinery, which improved Nigeria's balance of payments and credit rating.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:00 PM UTC

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has proposed building a $17 billion, 700,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery on Kenya's Lamu Island. The facility would process crude for Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC, addressing East Africa's complete dependence on imported refined fuel since the region's last refinery shut down in 2013. The planned capacity exceeds East Africa's current demand of 450,000 bpd, allowing for exports to other African markets. The project is situated along the LAPSSET Corridor and has already attracted a $100 million investment pledge from Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji. It would test intra-African industrial integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Construction and operation are projected to create over 60,000 jobs, making it one of the largest industrial employers ever proposed for Kenya's coast.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:00 PM UTC

The Trump administration is reportedly considering military strikes against JNIM, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group in Mali, according to U.S. officials speaking to The Washington Post. This would mark the eighth country targeted by U.S. military action during Trump's second term, following Yemen, Somalia, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, and Venezuela. The administration has also conducted 66 strikes against small watercraft in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing at least 221 people in a drug interdiction effort. National Security Council senior director Sebastian Gorka is a leading advocate for the Mali operation. However, regional experts like Wassim Nasr of the Soufan Center argue that military force has failed in the Sahel, noting that French and Russian interventions have worsened the situation. Nasr recommends conflict resolution through negotiations between Mali's government and JNIM instead.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:31 PM UTC

Over 160,000 African immigrants have fled South Africa following xenophobic campaigns and violence, with Zimbabwe receiving 108,360 returnees, Malawi 46,890, and Mozambique an estimated 20,000. The exodus has caused severe labor shortages across sectors, from sugarcane harvesting in KwaZulu-Natal to small-scale trade in Soweto townships. Radical xenophobic groups had set a June 30 deadline for 'illegal' immigrants to leave, resulting in at least four deaths. The promise that mass departure would create jobs for locals has failed, as skilled workers in construction, agriculture, and services are irreplaceable. The Beitbridge border crossing processes up to 2,400 returnees daily, with aid organizations providing food, shelter, and medical care. Over 15,000 returnees have registered as job seekers in Zimbabwe.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:15 PM UTC

Following months of xenophobic campaigns and violence in South Africa, over 160,000 African immigrants have fled the country, with Zimbabwe taking in 108,360 returnees, Malawi 46,890, and Mozambique an estimated 20,000. The exodus has caused severe labor shortages across sectors, from small-scale township trade to large-scale agriculture. In KwaZulu-Natal, sugarcane harvests are at risk of rotting due to a lack of workers. The departure of skilled immigrants—including vegetable vendors, hairdressers, gardeners, and construction workers—has contradicted the promise that their removal would create jobs for locals in a country with 32% unemployment. Xenophobic groups had set a June 30 deadline for 'illegal' immigrants to leave voluntarily, and at least four people have died in related violence. The Beitbridge border crossing now processes up to 2,400 returnees daily, with aid organizations providing food, shelter, and medical care.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:15 PM UTC

Benfica has officially announced the signing of 18-year-old Nigerian forward Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei on a contract valid until 2028, with an option for two additional seasons. The young striker arrives from the Nigerian Women's Football League, where she played for Nasarawa Amazons in the 2024/25 season, scoring 13 goals in 19 matches and earning the league's MVP award. A product of the Asisat Oshoala Academy, Akekoromowei has represented Nigeria at the U-20 Women's World Cup in Colombia and made her senior national team debut in a friendly against Algeria. She cited the influence of fellow Nigerian and former Benfica player Christy Ucheibe in her decision to join the club. Akekoromowei expressed happiness and a commitment to helping Benfica win trophies, marking her first experience in European football and her first club outside Nigeria.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:29 PM UTC

Pakistan's refiners are actively seeking alternative crude oil supplies from the U.S., Nigeria, Singapore, and Central Asia due to escalating threats to Middle East shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Following a meeting with the federal minister for petroleum, who briefed industry representatives on growing supply risks, refiners including PRL, Parco, and NRL have intensified efforts to secure cargoes from non-Middle Eastern producers. Saudi crude imports via the Red Sea port of Yanbu are now uncertain due to Houthi threats. The crisis has also disrupted Pakistan's LNG procurement, forcing the country to pay top dollar for spot market cargoes after term supplies from Qatar were stranded.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:30 PM UTC

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recorded over 43,000 arrests in June 2026, the highest monthly total under the Trump administration, with a daily average of 1,593 arrests in early July. The surge is part of an expanded deportation effort, though less than a third of detainees have criminal convictions, and 40% face only non-criminal immigration violations. The Department of Homeland Security highlighted arrests of 15 immigrants previously convicted of serious crimes. Meanwhile, federal judges, including Trump appointees, have ordered bond hearings for about 2,000 detainees per month, challenging mandatory detention policies. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the policy's legality in October. Enforcement has led to fatal shootings during traffic stops in Texas and Maine, prompting a brief pause before President Trump ordered operations to continue with body cameras. Notable arrests include a Nigerian nun and an Alaska state attorney from China.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:00 AM UTC

Nigerian striker Umar Abubakar is preparing to compete for a starting position at Portuguese club Famalicão as the new season approaches. The article highlights his renewed ambition and determination to establish himself in the squad despite upcoming competition. Additionally, the report covers related Famalicão news, including the failed transfer of center-back Ibrahima Ba to Strasbourg, with Ba returning to training and receiving praise from coach Hugo Oliveira. The piece also mentions Sporting's interest in Ba as a potential successor if Diomande leaves for England.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:12 AM UTC

Matthew Gbomadu, a 21-year-old Nigerian forward, has permanently left Portuguese club Estrela da Amadora to join Dinamo Tbilisi of Georgia. The move was announced by Estrela on their official website. Gbomadu arrived at Estrela in the last winter transfer window from Ararat-Armenia but did not play any official matches for the Portuguese side. He previously scored one goal in 17 games for Ararat-Armenia in the first half of last season, and in the 2024/25 season he recorded six goals in 35 matches overall. He had one year remaining on his contract and is valued at €200,000 by Transfermarkt. Gbomadu also previously played for FC Van in Armenia, where he won a league title and a Super Cup. Estrela thanked the player for his commitment, dedication, and professionalism.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:04 PM UTC

Eintracht Frankfurt is nearing an agreement with Club Bruges for Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika, according to Foot Mercato. The 25-year-old Super Eagles star, who joined Bruges in summer 2022, has played 183 matches for the Belgian club, winning the Belgian Championship twice (2023/2024 and 2025/2026), the Belgian Cup (2025), and the Belgian Super Cup (2025). Onyedika had agreed with Bruges in January that the club would facilitate his departure this summer. Frankfurt, which had unsuccessfully tried to sign him last season and informed the player in January they would return, is now close to meeting Bruges' demands. The transfer fee is expected to be around €10 million, and all parties are confident the deal will be finalized in the coming days.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 04:22 PM UTC