🇳🇬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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Must ReadTeachers in Abuja protested the recent wave of school kidnappings across Nigeria, prompting assurances from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, regarding efforts to secure the release of abducted individuals. The demonstration highlighted growing concerns about the safety of students and teachers following attacks in different parts of the country. Between May 13 and 15, 82 pupils were abducted in separate incidents in Oyo and Borno states. In Borno, 42 pupils were kidnapped from schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas. In Oyo, 40 pupils were abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area, an attack that also resulted in the deaths of a mathematics teacher, a motorcyclist, and a security operative. The Nigerian Union of Teachers directed its members nationwide to participate in solidarity rallies to demand stronger protective measures. Addressing the protesters, Minister Wike stated that the government shares the concerns of affected families and is closely monitoring security agencies' efforts to free those in captivity. He expressed confidence in the security system's capacity to secure the victims' freedom and urged citizens to support ongoing operations. Wike also cautioned against politicizing insecurity, emphasizing that it is a national challenge requiring a common response and greater unity.
Must ReadDr. John Omotoso, President of the Association of Resident Doctors at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, has called for a state of emergency in Nigeria's health sector due to its "appalling" condition. He emphasized the need for improved healthcare delivery and better remuneration for health workers, stating that no medical doctor should earn less than N1 million monthly given current economic realities. Omotoso highlighted that poor conditions and inadequate pay contribute to the mass migration of health workers abroad, leading to a shortage of medical personnel. He also suggested that federal and state governments should prevent politicians from seeking medical treatment abroad, arguing this would compel them to prioritize funding and develop local hospitals. Omotoso noted that the entry-level salary for doctors is currently between N250,000 and N300,000, urging an increase to at least N1 million monthly to reflect inflation and economic conditions. He made these remarks during the 32nd induction ceremony for new medical graduates at Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Must ReadBorno State has reported 4,204 cholera cases and 39 deaths across seven local government areas. The Incident Manager, Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Dr. Jacob Thlizer, stated that 274 new cases were recorded in the last 24 hours across 36 wards. The affected local government areas include Jere, Bama, Kaga, Mafa, Kwaya Kusar, MMC, Konduga, Monguno, Magumeri, and Ngala. The state government has initiated response actions, including activating an Incident Management System, coordinating meetings with health actors, raising awareness in hotspot locations, and procuring commodities. The Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Health and Human Services, Shetima Muhammad, noted the establishment of dedicated health centers, such as the emergency and infectious disease center in Njimtilo and an infectious disease camp with over 1,000 beds at Ngarannam. The Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has also identified camps for drug and consumable delivery. Residents are urged to maintain proper hygiene and report symptoms to health facilities. The Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, assured support for health institutions to prevent further spread.
Six members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State, loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to the Allied Peoples Movement APM. This move follows Governor Makinde's own defection to the APM, on which platform he has declared his intention to run for president in 2027. The defecting lawmakers, Anthony Adebayo, Adedeji Olajide, Sunday Makanjuola, Oyedeji Oyeshina, Fola Oyekunle, and Adigun Adekunle, cited protracted internal crisis and leadership tussles within the PDP as their reason for seeking a political alternative for their 2027 ambitions. This development means Governor Makinde has taken six out of the 14 members of the Oyo state caucus in the House of Representatives to the APM. In related defections, Auwalu Gwalabe of Bauchi also left the PDP for the APM, while Shehu Dalhatu of Katsina State moved from the All Progressives Congress APC to the PDP. Delta lawmaker Etanabene Benedict left the Labour Party for the PDP, and Alex Egbona also switched from the APC to the PDP. Additionally, Edo legislator Esosa Iyawe moved from the APC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and Nasarawa lawmaker Gbefwi Gaza defected from the Social Democratic Party to the Labour Party.