🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Flamingos begin World Cup qualifier preparations with 6-0 victory over Generation Next
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, started their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier preparations with a 6-0 win against Generation Next in Abuja. The friendly match, which was 60 minutes long, saw the Flamingos lead 4-0 at halftime before being stopped in the 54th minute due to heavy rain. Shavih Istifanus scored the first goal, followed by two goals from Tobiloba Sarafa. Harmony Chidi added another, with Aminat Adebisi scoring before halftime and Precious Paul completing the scoring in the second half. Head coach Akeem Ishola Busari is overseeing a training camp in Abuja with 36 players as the team prepares for their second-round qualifier against Guinea. The squad includes five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 13 midfielders, and eight forwards. Busari, who recently replaced Bankole Olowookere, is managing his first major assignment with the team. Nigeria will play Guinea in a two-legged tie, with the first leg away between May 22 and 24, and the return fixture in Abuja on May 30. The Flamingos are scheduled to play another friendly against Nazareth Queens to further assess player readiness.
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Donald Trump joked about seeking a fourth term as President of the United States during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington DC. Speaking at the rescheduled event at the Waldorf Astoria, Trump wore a red “Trump 2028” cap and stated his intention to run for a fourth term, calling it a “scoop.” He also claimed victory in the 2020 election, which he lost to Joe Biden, referring to it as a “rigged election.” The 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution limits a president to two terms, making a fourth term constitutionally impossible. This marked Trump’s first attendance at the annual dinner as president, having boycotted it previously. The event was postponed from April due to gunfire, which led to an evacuation and the arrest of a suspect. The rescheduled dinner was held with increased security at the Waldorf Astoria, a change from its usual venue at the Washington Hilton.
Must ReadAt least 20,966 Nigerian health workers, including doctors, nurses, and other specialists, relocated abroad within one year, with the UK, US, Canada, and Saudi Arabia being primary destinations, according to the State of Health of the Nation Report 2025. In other news, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo for comments made following the death of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, accusing Obasanjo of exploiting Na’Abba’s memory for political purposes. Atiku stated that Obasanjo’s claim of bribing Na’Abba to orchestrate impeachment moves was false and disrespectful to the deceased. Additionally, Wigwe University and former employees are in dispute over allegations of arbitrary dismissal, workplace abuse, and poor labor practices, with affected staff claiming terminations occurred without due process. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has also begun disbursing June and July upkeep allowances to student beneficiaries, with payments being processed in batches. Finally, four police officers in Ondo State have been arrested and are under investigation after a viral video showed them making ethnically insensitive remarks to a motorist on the Lagos–Benin Expressway.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar Dias, known as Vozinha, has signed with Chilean football club Colo Colo. The 40-year-old gained prominence during the 2026 FIFA World Cup for his performances against Spain and Argentina. Although the transfer is not yet formally completed, Colo Colo teased the signing on social media. Aníbal Mosa, president of Blanco y Negro, the company managing Colo Colo, confirmed Vozinha will travel to Chile soon for medical examinations and a presentation at Estadio Monumental. Mosa noted that Vozinha's World Cup displays earned him the move and will also enhance the club's commercial appeal. Vozinha, who left Portuguese club Chaves before the World Cup, was selected for FIFA's fan-selected World Cup Dream Team. He captained Cape Verde, helping them achieve a goalless draw against Spain and pushing Argentina into extra time in the Round of 32. His World Cup performance significantly increased his social media following.