馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Chelsea reject multiple bids for defender Josh Acheampong
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Chelsea have reportedly rejected several approaches for defender Josh Acheampong, signaling the club's intent to retain the highly-rated academy graduate. The 20-year-old is considered a key part of Chelsea's future plans and has been given "untouchable" status, placing him among players like Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, and Moises Caicedo in the club's long-term project. Despite limited first-team experience, with 17 Premier League appearances last season, Chelsea remains confident in his potential. Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth are reportedly monitoring Acheampong. However, Chelsea is in a strong position as Acheampong is under contract until 2029, reducing any pressure to consider offers. Chelsea's refusal to entertain bids underscores their faith in his abilities and their belief that he will become an important first-team player.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria is intensifying efforts to promote freer movement across Africa to boost trade, investment, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, stated that trade cannot thrive where entrepreneurs and investors face movement restrictions, emphasizing that easier movement of people, goods, and investments is crucial for unlocking opportunities under the AfCFTA. Nigeria is committed to removing barriers hindering trade and business mobility across African markets and is engaging through the AfCFTA Secretariat, African Union, and bilateral channels for simplified visa procedures, including visa-on-arrival arrangements and mutual recognition of business travel documentation. The Minister commended Togo for committing to remove visa requirements for African travelers and praised Rwanda's progressive visa policy for strengthening business travel, tourism, and regional investment. Nigeria is also addressing trade barriers through the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and improved customs cooperation, with digital trade facilitation, transport connectivity, and better logistics expected to reduce business costs. Freer movement is anticipated to create opportunities for trade, investment, jobs, and economic growth across Africa, benefiting Small and Medium Enterprises SMEs, women-led businesses, and non-oil exporters. Nigeria has inaugurated the Nigeria-Uganda Air Car
Must ReadThe Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has expressed sorrow over the death of Sgt. John Abena, a police officer who died during a joint security operation to rescue schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State. Disu also praised the bravery and success of the operatives involved in the rescue mission. Speaking on Friday while receiving the personnel, the IG noted that an officer made the ultimate sacrifice while working with other security agencies to free the abducted children. He highlighted that other officers injured during the operation are recovering well and assured continued support for their welfare and the family of the deceased officer. The IG explained that publicizing the deaths of officers killed in the line of duty is standard practice, emphasizing that police officers are human beings with emotions. He commended the collaboration among security agencies, stressing that no single agency is superior in the fight against insecurity, and appealed to the public to provide useful information. SP Abdulrahman Mohammed, an officer who participated, stated that the team viewed the abducted children as their own. Gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire LGA, Oyo State, on May 15, 2026, abducting 49 pupils, teachers, and a toddler, and killing a teacher. A multi-agency operation rescued 44 victims on July 10, 2026, after over a month of intelligence-led efforts, with Sgt. John Abena being among the security operatives who died.
Must ReadGhanaian TikToker Camilla Alhassan has been sentenced to one year in prison for offensive conduct and publishing false news. The 43-year-old admitted to making unsubstantiated claims in a series of TikTok videos that President John Mahama sacrificed 32 cows in a ritual to secure victory in the 2024 presidential election. She also alleged that the government's distribution of sanitary pads to flood victims was a cover-up for this act. Prosecutors stated that Alhassan, who has over 70,000 followers, made false and defamatory allegations that were widely shared. The court denied her request for a lighter sentence, emphasizing the need to deter the spread of misinformation on social media. This case has sparked renewed debate in Ghana regarding the balance between combating misinformation and upholding freedom of expression. It follows another instance last year where TikToker David Kwodwo Prah Afful was jailed for making death threats against President Mahama and Members of Parliament. The Mahama administration has consistently warned against the dissemination of false information online and is considering legislation to address misinformation while safeguarding constitutional free expression.