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Hansi Flick emphasizes need for on-field leaders to achieve Barcelona's Champions League aspirations
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick stated on Tuesday that the team requires on-field leaders to realize his ambition of winning the Champions League. Flick, 61, made these comments a week after his team was eliminated from the Champions League quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid, marking the second consecutive season his Champions League hopes were ended. Last season, Barcelona reached the semi-finals before being defeated by Inter Milan. Flick led Barcelona to a domestic double last term, and they are currently nine points ahead of Real Madrid with seven games remaining in the league. He noted that having all players available during the crucial March and April period is vital, mentioning the absence of Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha against Atletico. Flick highlighted the importance of players like Inigo Martinez, who provided leadership last year, and stressed the need for players capable of speaking up and guiding the team in key Champions League matches. He also acknowledged the team's youth, largely composed of academy graduates, and their need to learn from defeats to progress. Flick expressed confidence in the team's future and the necessity of making correct decisions, particularly in the transfer market, though he did not elaborate on specific recruitment plans or his own future, only stating his hope for a contract extension in what he considers his "last job".
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Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Svein Baera, has called for increased investment in solar energy and stronger international cooperation to address climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation. Speaking at a World Environment Day event in Abuja, Baera urged businesses and governments to transition from fossil fuel-powered generators to solar power. He emphasized that environmental challenges like ocean pollution and greenhouse gas emissions necessitate collective action from governments, businesses, and citizens globally. Baera highlighted solar power as a practical alternative to diesel generators, which are widely used in Nigeria. He noted that Norwegian companies are already supporting Nigeria's clean energy transition by supplying solar technology to businesses, enabling them to replace diesel generators with clean energy from the sun. The ambassador also mentioned Norway's Energy for Development programme, which aims to help Nigeria build capacity to reduce emissions, including within the oil and gas sector. He challenged both Norwegian and Nigerian businesses to intensify efforts to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and encouraged citizens to adopt cleaner habits. The event also featured a partnership with Nigerian artist Nike Davies-Okundaye, known as Mama Nike, to promote environmental awareness through art and culture. Chief Okundaye-Davies urged Nigerians to embrace recycling and creative enterprise for environmental sustainability and
Must ReadChild rights advocates have called on the National Assembly to expedite action on a bill aimed at criminalizing online abuse and strengthening protections for Nigerian children in the digital space. The proposed Child Online Access Protection and Online Violence Against Nigerian Child Bill seeks to establish a legal framework to protect children from cyberbullying, cyber abuse, cyber extortion, and other harmful online activities. It also mandates digital platforms and service providers to enhance safeguards for children. Angela Uzoma, Country Director of Lawyers Without Borders in Nigeria, emphasized the bill's necessity due to increasing internet access among children and the associated risks like cyberbullying, grooming, and sexual exploitation. A 2018 UNICEF report highlighted that millions of children globally are exposed to digital risks, with studies showing approximately 90% of Nigerian children encounter some form of online harm. Christiana Eguma, Coordinator of the General Unit in the National Assembly, noted the bill addresses emerging threats and aims to hold technology companies accountable for content on their platforms. Funding for the bill's implementation would partly come from a 0.02% levy on the assessable profits of search engines, telecommunications service providers, AI companies, gaming platforms, streaming services, and social media application vendors operating in Nigeria. Educationist Oluwasesan Ifegbesan stressed that legislation alone is insufficie
The Lagos State Government has launched a N2.5 million tree-planting prize as part of its 2026 World Environment Day activities, aiming to encourage environmental sustainability and address urban heat. This initiative was announced by Olalekan Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, during the World Environment Day celebration in Ikeja. The state's efforts come as the United Nations recognized Lagos among 50 cities globally susceptible to extreme temperatures up to 50°C. The event, themed “Inspired by Nature for Climate, For Our Future,” highlighted nature-based solutions for climate change. Lagos plans to plant 500 trees and introduce the “Me and My Tree” initiative, providing free seedlings to participants who will nurture them for a year, with the best-performing tree receiving the N2.5 million reward. Lagos will also join the United Nations Environment Programme’s 50 Cities at 50°C initiative, adopting the theme “50 Cities at 50°C: Lagos Rising Against the Urban Heat Island.” Rotimi-Akodu noted that climate change, rapid urbanization, and population growth are increasing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing vegetation, and raising temperatures. The World Meteorological Organisation confirmed 2024 as the warmest year on record. Lagos, as Africa’s most populous city, is vulnerable to climate threats like sea level rise, extreme heat, and flooding, which impact public health, productivity, and air quality. Measures include investments in an integrated tra
FIFA has announced a new pre-match ceremony format for the 2026 World Cup, which will include all players named in a matchday squad, not just the starting eleven. This new arrangement will see every player from both teams' matchday squads walk onto the pitch through a dedicated arch with youth escorts. They will then assemble around the center circle for the national anthems, with large national flag banners displayed on either side of the pitch. FIFA stated that this initiative aims to allow all selected players to share in the experience of representing their countries. FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented that the new ceremony reflects that the World Cup is for every player and fan, and having all players and referees face each other during the anthems will create "a moment of unity, pride and emotion." The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will also be the first to feature 48 teams.