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Lamine Yamal suffers hamstring injury, expected to be fit for World Cup
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Spain's Lamine Yamal has sustained a hamstring injury in his left leg, Barcelona announced. The club confirmed that the first-team player will undergo conservative treatment and miss the remainder of the season, but is anticipated to be available for the World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 this year. Yamal picked up the injury during Barcelona's 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga on Wednesday, where he scored a penalty. The teenage Spain star, who has scored six goals in 25 appearances for the national side since his 2023 debut, expressed his disappointment on social media, stating, "This isn’t the end, it’s just a break. I’ll come back stronger, with even more determination than ever, and next season will be better." Barcelona coach Hansi Flick acknowledged the unfortunate timing of the injury. Spain is set to begin their World Cup campaign in Group H against Cape Verde on June 15, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia on June 21 and Uruguay six days later. Yamal, the club's leading scorer with 24 goals this season, was an integral part of Spain's Euro 2024 winning side and had recently spoken of his dream to play in the World Cup. He joins other key Spain internationals like Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, and Nico Williams who are either sidelined or recovering from injuries. There is a possibility that the 18-year-old could be rested at the start of the tournament to avoid aggravating his injury.
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Troops from the Joint Task Force, Operation Savannah Shield, have arrested five suspected bandit and terrorist informants in Niger State. The arrests occurred during separate operations, leading to the recovery of communication devices, cash, and other items linked to criminal activities. Captain Jamilu Yahaya, Acting Media Information Officer for Headquarters JTF North Central, Operation Savannah Shield, confirmed the arrests. In one operation on June 6, 2026, along the Doro axis in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area, three suspects believed to be part of a bandit group operating near Kainji Lake National Park were apprehended. Recovered items included two Tecno keypad phones, an MP3 device with recorded propaganda, and ₦113,400 in cash. Separately, troops from 221 Battalion arrested two additional suspects during a patrol near a cantonment perimeter fence in Niger State. These suspects were allegedly deployed for reconnaissance, and one possessed a phone with an image of a beheaded individual dated May 2, 2026. Items recovered from them included an Android phone, a Tecno keypad phone, a motorcycle, and ₦86,100 in cash. All five suspects are currently in custody for further investigation as the military continues efforts to track other members of the network. Captain Yahaya emphasized the military's commitment to dismantling criminal support structures and maintaining peace in the region.
World number two Alexander Zverev secured his first Grand Slam title by defeating Italy's Flavio Cobolli in a five-set French Open final. Zverev, the second seed, won 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 5/7, 6-1 in four hours and 16 minutes, becoming the first German man to win a major tournament since Boris Becker in 1996. This victory marks a significant moment for Zverev, who had previously experienced heartbreaking near misses in Grand Slams, including a season-ending ankle injury at the 2022 French Open semi-final. Cobolli, the 10th seed, was playing in his first Grand Slam final and expressed mixed emotions, congratulating Zverev while also acknowledging his own disappointment at being so close to the title. Both players showed nerves during the match, particularly Cobolli in the first set. Zverev's experience ultimately prevailed in the deciding set, allowing him to shed the label of being one of the best players never to have won a major title. He had previously lost in three Grand Slam finals, six quarter-finals, and seven semi-finals, notably blowing a two-set lead in the 2020 US Open final against Dominic Thiem.
Must ReadUnited States President Donald Trump abruptly ended a televised interview with NBC’s Meet the Press moderator Kristin Welker following heated exchanges. The discussion covered his proposed compensation fund for alleged victims of government “weaponization,” cases related to the January 6 Capitol riot, and his continued claims about the 2020 presidential election. Trump defended his proposal for a multi-billion-dollar fund, stating many Americans suffered under the administration of former President Joe Biden. When asked about January 6 defendants, Trump said he would review cases individually, maintaining that many had been treated unfairly. Welker challenged several of Trump’s claims, including his assertion that federal agents ushered protesters into the Capitol, stating there was no evidence. The interview became more tense when Trump reiterated his claim that the 2020 election was rigged, which Welker countered by saying he had never presented evidence. Trump then accused Welker and major media outlets of being "crooked." He ended the interview by saying, "Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough. Thank you, darling. Have a good time." Welker later stated she spoke with Trump after the interview, and they acknowledged the weather challenges, with Trump agreeing to another interview.