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Mohamed Salah starts for Egypt in World Cup knockout match against Australia
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Egypt's captain, Mohamed Salah, is in the starting lineup for the World Cup last-32 encounter against Australia in Texas, despite a recent hamstring issue. The former Liverpool attacker had left Egypt's previous group stage match against Iran a week prior. Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, had expressed uncertainty about Salah's fitness on Thursday. Salah, 34, has contributed one goal and two assists in the tournament. The match against Australia marks an attempt for both teams to secure their first World Cup knockout victory. The winner will advance to face either Argentina or Cape Verde in the last 16.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Patients, healthcare experts, and civil society advocates have criticized the Nigerian Federal Government's insufficient attention and funding for hypertension and other non-communicable diseases. During the Executive Media, Patient and Civil Society Dialogue on Hypertension Financing, they called for increased funding, stronger public awareness, and improved access to screening and treatment. Professor Emmanuel Alhassan, Country Lead for Health System Strengthening at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, stated that millions of Nigerians are unknowingly living with hypertension due to a lack of awareness and poor access to routine screening. He highlighted that despite an estimated 27 million Nigerians having hypertension, the disease receives less than four percent of the attention and funding compared to other health conditions, with no funds released for 2025. Francis Okonkwo, Head of Advocacy, Patient-led Advocacy Working Group on Non-Communicable Diseases, urged routine blood pressure checks, emphasizing that hypertension often presents no symptoms until severe complications arise. He shared personal experiences and warned that hypertension is increasingly affecting younger Nigerians and is exacerbated by unhealthy lifestyles. Both speakers stressed the media's crucial role in educating the public about hypertension, advocating for government investment, and promoting preventive health behaviors.
Ange Postecoglou has been appointed head coach of Saudi Pro League champions Al Nassr, signing a two-year contract. The club announced the 60-year-old Australian's appointment on Friday, describing it as "a new chapter." Postecoglou will now manage a squad that includes Cristiano Ronaldo, who captained Al Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title last season. This move follows Postecoglou's recent departures from Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest. Reuters reported that Postecoglou aims to "revive his career" after difficult spells in the Premier League, noting his Nottingham Forest tenure ended after an eight-match winless run and his Tottenham reign concluded shortly after Europa League success. Al Nassr expressed wishes for his and his staff's success. TNT Sports highlighted Postecoglou's reputation for an attacking philosophy and strong personality. Saudi Arabia offers Postecoglou an opportunity to rebuild momentum, adding to a career that includes league titles in Australia, Japan, and Scotland. Reuters noted his reputation for "winning trophies in his second season." The challenge for Postecoglou is to transform the domestic champions into a sustained powerhouse while managing expectations at one of the world's most-watched clubs.
Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, shared an incident where suspected internet fraudsters, known as Yahoo Boys, allegedly stole over N7.2 million from a serving judge's bank account overnight. The money represented six years of savings the judge had accumulated for her child's education. Olukoyede recounted that the judge contacted him around 1 a.m. after receiving multiple debit alerts. Despite legal restrictions against the EFCC investigating certain financial crimes in the state where the incident occurred, the commission successfully recovered the entire sum before the end of the same day. Olukoyede emphasized the need for collective action from security agencies, the judiciary, and citizens to combat cybercrime. He also highlighted the increasing use of artificial intelligence in criminal investigations and called for legal reforms to address new technological challenges. Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, also spoke at the event, urging anti-graft agencies to intensify efforts to recover public funds hidden abroad.