馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Benfica in advanced talks to appoint Fulham's Marco Silva as head coach
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Benfica is in advanced negotiations to appoint Marco Silva, currently head coach of Fulham, as their new head coach. Silva's contract with Fulham expires this month, and despite a renewal offer, he has not yet accepted. Discussions between Silva and Benfica have intensified, with both parties reportedly close to an agreement for the 48-year-old's return to Portuguese football. Benfica is seeking a new head coach after Jose Mourinho's departure, who left the club after a short second spell to become head coach of Real Madrid. Silva joined Fulham in 2021, guiding them back to the Premier League and establishing them in the top flight, finishing 11th last season. Talks are expected to continue as Benfica aims to finalize the managerial appointment before the new season.
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Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued nine kidnap victims, recovered 56 rustled animals, and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate operations in Katsina State. Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, stated that these operations were conducted across different parts of the state based on credible intelligence. Troops of Sector 2 rescued three women, four men, and two children in Faskari Local Government Area. Preliminary investigations revealed that these victims were abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe鈥揔uchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The victims reported escaping from their captors after they fell asleep and were subsequently intercepted and rescued by the troops. They are currently in safe custody awaiting reunification with their families. Additionally, troops foiled a livestock rustling attempt in Bakori Local Government Area, recovering 56 animals, including four cattle and fifty-two sheep, after terrorists fled upon encountering the soldiers. A suspected terrorist was also arrested in Danmusa Local Government Area, with items recovered suggesting links to terrorist activities. The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation. The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops and reaffirmed the Joint Task Force鈥檚 commitment to intelligence-led operations to combat terrorism and criminal activities in the No
Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, has stated that persistent flooding in parts of Lagos is due to what he described as indiscriminate and "greedy" sand-filling of the Lagos Lagoon. In an interview, George explained that large areas of Ikoyi and Lekki were originally surrounded by water before extensive land reclamation projects altered the natural landscape. He noted that the environmental consequences of these projects are now evident. George recalled that Lekki villages existed before the sand-filling connected parts of the area to Ikoyi, which was previously all water. He warned that excessive land reclamation has significantly reduced the lagoon鈥檚 capacity to receive stormwater, exacerbating flooding across the state. He observed that the lagoon's level is now higher than the IBB Bridge and surrounding roads, reversing the natural drainage pattern. This makes it difficult for rainwater to flow into the lagoon, leading to water accumulation on roads unless mechanical pumping systems are used. He cited the Obalende Canal during the rainy season as an example of widespread flooding.
Must ReadThe Supreme Court has reinstated the final forfeiture of seven high-value properties linked to former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele. This decision overturns a Court of Appeal judgment that had nullified the forfeiture order and directed a retrial. A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, delivered a unanimous decision on Friday, allowing the appeal and setting aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division. The appellate court had previously nullified the final forfeiture order granted by the Federal High Court in Lagos and ordered a fresh hearing. However, the Supreme Court restored the trial court鈥檚 decision, returning the seven properties to the Federal Government through final forfeiture. This ruling concludes Emefiele鈥檚 legal challenge against the forfeiture order issued by the Federal High Court.