🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Ademola Lookman a major doubt for Atlético Madrid's Champions League semi-final against Arsenal
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Ademola Lookman is a significant doubt for Atlético Madrid's Champions League semi-final match against Arsenal after sustaining an injury in the Copa del Rey final. The 28-year-old Nigerian forward is expected to miss upcoming games against Elche and Athletic Club. Atlético confirmed that both Lookman and Alexander Sørloth experienced physical discomfort at the end of the final and are now undergoing individual recovery programs. The club's medical services have advised caution to prevent further injury risks, and their return to training will depend on the evolution of their conditions. Reports from marca.com indicate that both players are sidelined and face a race against time to recover for the Arsenal fixture. Lookman, who was substituted in the final, is dealing with swelling in his adductor muscle and is anticipated to be out for at least a week. With Arsenal visiting the Metropolitano on April 29, the recovery timeline is tight, though Lookman has started working with medical staff. His potential absence would be a considerable setback for Atlético, given his impact since joining in the winter transfer window. His goal in the Copa del Rey final brought his total goal contributions to 11, the second highest in the squad during that period, and he became the first Nigerian to score in the competition's final since Finidi George in 1997.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Africa Finance Corporation AFC has obtained a five-year $100 million loan facility from the Export-Import Bank of India India Exim Bank. This agreement, signed during AFC’s Investor Day in London, aims to strengthen AFC's funding base for investments in critical infrastructure and industrial projects across Africa. The facility will support high-impact projects in transport, energy, and industrial assets. According to AFC, this deal extends its funding tenor and reinforces access to cost-efficient capital from export credit institutions. Banji Fehintola, AFC’s Executive Board Member and Head of Financial Services, stated that this facility is an important milestone in their long-standing partnership with India Exim Bank. This agreement follows a previous $100 million financing secured in 2021 between the two institutions, indicating a growing financial relationship between Africa and India. Analysts suggest this transaction demonstrates AFC’s ability to diversify its funding, reducing reliance on more expensive conventional sources like Eurobond markets. The deal also reflects a broader trend among African development finance institutions to engage non-Western lenders, particularly in Asia, to address the continent’s infrastructure financing gap. AFC plans to continue pursuing strategic partnerships to unlock new funding pools, playing a catalytic role in mobilizing capital for infrastructure projects that boost regional integration, support industrialization, and drive s
Concerned stakeholders in Nigeria’s freight forwarding and clearing sector are advocating for an urgent review of the current tariff structure and stricter enforcement of local content laws. During a media engagement in Lagos, they warned that persistent tariff hikes are stifling trade, discouraging indigenous participation, and worsening economic hardship. Kenneth Ofurum, a private practitioner, stated that the current tariff regime makes it difficult for freight forwarders and importers to operate, leading to business closures. He also noted a surge in unclaimed cargo due to importers' inability to meet financial demands. Ofurum raised concerns about the systematic sidelining of indigenous operators, alleging that foreign interests are increasingly taking over roles traditionally held by Nigerians. The stakeholders urged the government to enforce existing local content laws and develop new policies to protect local operators from unfair competition. They also called for inclusive policy formulation, ensuring critical stakeholders are involved in major reforms. Haruna Omolajumo, Managing Director of Harsecom Logistics Limited, highlighted the need for government policies guaranteeing local participation in maritime business, citing Ghana as an example where foreign companies partner with local operators. Omolajumo lamented the absence of such policies in Nigeria, which allows foreign firms to dominate the sector, and pointed out a sharp increase in port-related charges, maki
Philip Shaibu, the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, has announced a two-year strategy to tackle the estimated two-million coaching shortfall in Nigerian sports. During a visit to the Nigeria Football Federation office in Abuja, Shaibu sought collaboration with the NFF to implement this plan, which he believes will significantly transform the coaching sector. He noted that recent admissions at the institute showed 117 out of 232 students were football coaches, highlighting football's prominence. Ibrahim Gusau, President of the NFF, expressed the federation's readiness to support the institute's objectives, citing their own initiatives in coach development, including CAF C Licence programs for women coaches and plans for a CAF A Licence course. Gusau also suggested engaging Ministers and State Commissioners for Education for broader support. Mohammed Sanusi, NFF General Secretary, recommended incorporating a diploma program in sports administration into the institute's curriculum.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority LAWMA is collaborating with the youth-based organization EKO 57 Support Group to mobilize young people across Lagos State for environmental cleanliness and responsible waste management. Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, stated that the agency is a significant employer, engaging over 100,000 youths directly and indirectly in its operations. This partnership aims to expand LAWMA's advocacy and sensitization efforts across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development areas of Lagos State. Gbadegesin emphasized the crucial role of young people in enhancing environmental awareness and promoting positive behavioral changes within communities. He noted LAWMA's ongoing efforts to work with community leaders and associations to strengthen grassroots engagement and ensure compliance with waste management guidelines. Leaders of EKO 57 Support Group, Adams Kehinde and Mrs. Remilekun Oshodi, praised LAWMA's initiative, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility and active youth participation for a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos.