
Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first man to score in six different World Cup campaigns after netting against Uzbekistan in Houston. The 41-year-old Portugal captain scored from close range after six minutes, marking a significant moment in his career. His first World Cup goal was against Iran in 2006. Ronaldo had faced criticism for a goalless run in major international tournaments, including a recent 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Prior to the Uzbekistan match, he had recorded zero goals and one assist in his previous 10 major competition games. Ronaldo, who made his international debut in 2003, currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he scored 28 goals in 30 league games this season. He nearly scored earlier in the match, narrowly missing a cross from Nuno Mendes.
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Must ReadThe Manufacturers Association of Nigeria MAN has voiced concerns regarding a significant 22.5% year-on-year contraction in commercial bank credit to the manufacturing sector in 2025, falling from N8.53 trillion in December 2024 to N6.61 trillion in December 2025. Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General of MAN, stated that this decline, which represents a N1.92 trillion reduction, is alarming and could impede industrial growth, job creation, and economic diversification. He noted that manufacturing experienced one of the steepest credit contractions among major sectors, trailing behind the oil and gas sector N10.59 trillion and the finance sector N9.24 trillion in credit attraction. Ajayi-Kadir attributed the credit allocation decline to high interest rates, bureaucratic hurdles, and inconsistent policies, also criticizing the non-implementation of the N1 trillion Manufacturing Stabilisation Fund from the Federal Government’s Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan ASAP in 2024. He warned that inadequate access to affordable financing could undermine the 2025 Nigeria Industrial Policy NIP and lead to reduced manufacturing capacity utilization, stagnation of the sector’s GDP contribution, job losses, supply-side inflation, and foreign exchange pressures. To address these issues, Ajayi-Kadir proposed reducing benchmark interest rates by 200 to 300 basis points, incentivizing banks to lend to manufacturing at single-digit rates, increasing the capital base of the Bank of I
Must ReadKenyan prosecutors announced they will charge several students with the murder of 16 schoolmates following a dormitory fire in late May. The incident at Utumishi Girls’ School in Gilgil, approximately 100 kilometers north of Nairobi, resulted in the deaths of 16 pupils aged 15 to 18 and injuries to 132 others. Nine students from the school, which primarily serves children of police officers, remain in police custody, having been arrested on arson charges the day after the tragedy. The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved charges against the implicated students, who are expected to face 16 counts of murder each. A spokesperson for the prosecutors office indicated that the suspects would likely be charged in court on Wednesday, but declined to provide further details as they are minors. Kenya has a history of deadly dormitory fires, with the Kenyan Red Cross recording at least 47 such incidents in 2026 alone. Several fires have occurred since the Utumishi incident, leading many boarding schools to send pupils home to prevent similar disasters. Experts suggest these incidents may be linked to copycat attacks and frustration with the education system.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has appointed former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, as the state's representative on the Board of Trustees of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, announced the appointment, stating it reflects the administration's commitment to strengthening regional security and ensuring Adamawa State's representation in key decision-making bodies. The Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, established by the Northern Governors' Forum, is a sub-national initiative to complement security agencies' efforts. It aims to support intelligence coordination, provide operational logistics, enhance inter-state collaboration, and promote community-based security initiatives across the 19 northern states. Governor Fintiri described Mustapha as a seasoned public servant whose experience, leadership, and national stature qualify him to represent Adamawa State's interests. Fintiri expressed concern over security challenges in Northern Nigeria, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and communal clashes, highlighting the need for proactive measures like the Trust Fund. He is confident that Mustapha will use his experience to advance the fund's objectives, foster synergy among states, and ensure Adamawa's voice is heard in the pursuit of a safer Northern Nigeria. The governor reiterated his administration's commitment to collaborating with federal and regional stakehold