馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Lionel Messi acquires Spanish fifth-tier club Cornella
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d鈥橭r winner, has purchased the Catalan club Cornella, a Spanish fifth-tier side, becoming its new owner. The club announced the acquisition on Thursday, stating that this move reinforces Messi鈥檚 ties to Barcelona and his commitment to developing sport and local talent in Catalonia. Cornella, based in the Barcelona suburbs, has seen several top players emerge from its ranks, including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and Messi鈥檚 former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba. The club has experienced consecutive relegations in the past two seasons. Cornella views Messi's arrival as the start of a new chapter, aiming to drive sporting and institutional growth, strengthen its foundations, and continue investing in talent, guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan combining ambition, sustainability, and local roots. Messi, who came through Barcelona鈥檚 academy and became their all-time leading scorer, is currently playing for Inter Miami and is expected to play a key role in Argentina鈥檚 World Cup title defense this year. He has previously stated his intention to return to live in Catalonia after retiring from football. Messi's rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, recently acquired a 25-percent stake in Almeria, another Spanish club.
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Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued nine kidnap victims, recovered 56 rustled animals, and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate operations in Katsina State. Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, stated that these operations were conducted across different parts of the state based on credible intelligence. Troops of Sector 2 rescued three women, four men, and two children in Faskari Local Government Area. Preliminary investigations revealed that these victims were abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe鈥揔uchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The victims reported escaping from their captors after they fell asleep and were subsequently intercepted and rescued by the troops. They are currently in safe custody awaiting reunification with their families. Additionally, troops foiled a livestock rustling attempt in Bakori Local Government Area, recovering 56 animals, including four cattle and fifty-two sheep, after terrorists fled upon encountering the soldiers. A suspected terrorist was also arrested in Danmusa Local Government Area, with items recovered suggesting links to terrorist activities. The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation. The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops and reaffirmed the Joint Task Force鈥檚 commitment to intelligence-led operations to combat terrorism and criminal activities in the No
Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, has stated that persistent flooding in parts of Lagos is due to what he described as indiscriminate and "greedy" sand-filling of the Lagos Lagoon. In an interview, George explained that large areas of Ikoyi and Lekki were originally surrounded by water before extensive land reclamation projects altered the natural landscape. He noted that the environmental consequences of these projects are now evident. George recalled that Lekki villages existed before the sand-filling connected parts of the area to Ikoyi, which was previously all water. He warned that excessive land reclamation has significantly reduced the lagoon鈥檚 capacity to receive stormwater, exacerbating flooding across the state. He observed that the lagoon's level is now higher than the IBB Bridge and surrounding roads, reversing the natural drainage pattern. This makes it difficult for rainwater to flow into the lagoon, leading to water accumulation on roads unless mechanical pumping systems are used. He cited the Obalende Canal during the rainy season as an example of widespread flooding.
Must ReadThe Supreme Court has reinstated the final forfeiture of seven high-value properties linked to former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele. This decision overturns a Court of Appeal judgment that had nullified the forfeiture order and directed a retrial. A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, delivered a unanimous decision on Friday, allowing the appeal and setting aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division. The appellate court had previously nullified the final forfeiture order granted by the Federal High Court in Lagos and ordered a fresh hearing. However, the Supreme Court restored the trial court鈥檚 decision, returning the seven properties to the Federal Government through final forfeiture. This ruling concludes Emefiele鈥檚 legal challenge against the forfeiture order issued by the Federal High Court.