
Nigeria's women's national basketball team, D'Tigress, experienced their second consecutive defeat on their US tour, losing 88โ79 to the Minnesota Lynx at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. Playing under assistant coach Wani Muganguzi, the team showed improvement from their previous loss, maintaining a competitive pace throughout the game. The first quarter ended with Minnesota leading 27โ26, and they held a 46โ43 lead at halftime. Although D'Tigress, led by Ezinne Kalu's 25 points, Gabby White's 16 points, and Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah's 11 points, recorded more rebounds and steals, their lower shooting efficiency 40% field goals compared to Lynx's 50% and fewer assists contributed to the nine-point deficit. The Lynx also capitalized on fast-break opportunities and superior ball movement. Despite the loss, the performance indicated positive signs for the youthful and experimental squad, which includes players from American collegiate systems. This tour is part of their preparations for the 2026 FIBA Womenโs Basketball World Cup. D'Tigress will play their final game of the series against Indiana Fever.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubuโs Democracy Day broadcast, stating it was detached from the realities faced by Nigerians. Speaking in Abuja at a colloquium honoring Raymond Dokpesi, Melaye asserted that the speech failed to reflect the hardships of ordinary Nigerians, calling its statistics faulty and intentions disingenuous. He also cited worsening insecurity, including recent kidnappings and killings in Oyo and Kogi states, as evidence of the country's deteriorating situation. Melaye argued that the President should have declared a state of emergency regarding security and that the current administration demonstrates gross incompetence. He referenced Section 42b of the Constitution, emphasizing that the security and welfare of the people are the government's primary prerogative, and suggested that a leader who fails in these areas is a failed president. Melaye concluded that the President is overwhelmed and lacks the capacity to lead, calling for his honorable resignation. Additionally, former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Nkoyo Toyo, urged Nigerians not to assume the outcome of the 2027 presidential election is predetermined and to engage in the selection of INEC commissioners. Former Benue State Attorney-General, Alex Ter Adum, expressed concern over the shrinking democratic space and declining tolerance for dissenting views.

The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to improve the security and welfare of students across Nigeria. This demand was made during a nationwide Democracy Day Walk held on Friday in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Imo, Kano, and Gombe states, commemorating 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. Akinteye Babatunde, President of NANS, stated that Democracy Day offers an opportunity to reflect on democratic gains and the need to safeguard its core dividends, particularly security and citizens' welfare. He expressed concern over the continued captivity of students abducted in Oyo and Borno states, urging intensified efforts for their rescue. Akinteye also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for consolidating June 12 as Nigeriaโs official Democracy Day and honoring the memory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other pro-democracy heroes. He emphasized that Nigerian students are not passive observers and have consistently been at the forefront of social and political transformations, committing his administration to advancing their welfare and protecting their interests.

Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has called for credible, peaceful, and inclusive elections in 2027, emphasizing their importance for public confidence in Nigeria's democratic process. Speaking at a June 12 Democracy Day Dialogue in Abuja, Montgomery highlighted the crucial role of civil society organizations in ensuring election credibility and strengthening democratic institutions. He noted that June 12 symbolizes Nigeria's democratic struggle, requiring continuous effort, citizen participation, and institution-building. Montgomery described democracy as an ongoing process vital for Nigeria's stability and prosperity, and for its leadership role in Africa. He stressed that the credibility of the upcoming elections is essential for Nigeria's continued progress. The envoy also advocated for greater participation from women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups, stating that their inclusion determines public trust in electoral outcomes. The UK pledged continued support for strengthening democratic institutions, promoting transparency, and advancing credible electoral processes in Nigeria. Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, expressed concerns about developments in the electoral process, urging civil society groups to monitor and hold institutions accountable. Former House of Representatives member Abdul Oroh encouraged young Nigerians to actively participate in politics to strength