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Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi out for season after leg surgery
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing successful surgery for a leg injury. The 25-year-old sustained the injury during Forest's Europa League quarter-final second-leg win against Porto last Thursday and subsequently missed the Premier League victory over Burnley. The club confirmed the operation was successful, but Hudson-Odoi is not expected to return to full fitness until pre-season. Hudson-Odoi expressed his determination to recover on Instagram, stating, "Surgery was successful, but definitely not the way I wanted to end the season. But with God's timing and plan, hopefully I'll be back stronger and better than before." His absence is a significant blow for Forest, who are currently five points clear of the relegation zone in the Premier League and are preparing for a Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa. The team faces a demanding schedule with upcoming league fixtures against Sunderland, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Bournemouth.
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Barcelona has reportedly declined an offer to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, prioritizing Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez for their summer transfer window. According to Diario Sport, intermediaries presented Osimhen to Barcelona, but the club does not view him as a suitable long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski. Despite Barcelona's disinterest, Osimhen continues to attract attention from major European clubs. Galatasaray assistant coach Ismael Garcia Gomez praised Osimhen, stating he is among the top three to five strikers globally, highlighting his high skill level, physical strength, pressing ability, and defensive contributions. Since joining Galatasaray, Osimhen has scored 59 goals in 74 appearances, contributing to two league titles and a Turkish Cup. Manchester United reportedly considers the 27-year-old a primary target for next season. Real Madrid is also monitoring the situation, potentially making a move if José Mourinho becomes their head coach. Atletico Madrid sees Osimhen as a possible replacement if Alvarez leaves. Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Chelsea have also expressed interest, with Galatasaray reportedly valuing him at €150 million.
Must ReadThe Nigerian Senate plans to expedite action on establishing state police to address increasing insecurity, banditry, and abductions. Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, confirmed the Red Chamber's commitment to amending the Constitution for this purpose. This initiative aims to strengthen the country's security architecture and support President Bola Tinubu in tackling security challenges. The move follows growing concerns over worsening insecurity and renewed calls for decentralized policing, particularly after the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. Proponents argue that state police would enhance intelligence gathering, community-based security, and response times, complementing federal agencies. The proposal requires constitutional amendments approved by the National Assembly and at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly.
Must ReadJennifer Atsar, a 35-year-old mother from Kanshio, Makurdi, is seeking justice for her 16-year-old son, Sesugh, who was allegedly killed by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC on May 23, 2026. Ms. Atsar, who sells garri, stated that Sesugh was her eldest of five children and was learning furniture-making while also attending school. She recounted that her son had been arrested by EFCC operatives two days before his death but was released, with his phone withheld and a demand for N100,000 for its return. On the day of the incident, Sesugh and a friend went to a hotel where EFCC men were staying. Ms. Atsar was told that upon arrival, an EFCC officer drew a gun, and Sesugh was shot at close range while attempting to flee. She claims her son was shouting the name of the officer who shot him. The EFCC allegedly accused Sesugh of fraud, disguising himself as a lady on Facebook, selling drugs, and being a cultist, claims his mother denies, stating he was an easygoing person. Ms. Atsar has not seen her son's corpse, which she says is still held by the EFCC. She appeals to the government for justice and for the officer responsible to face consequences.
Must ReadThe Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false a report alleging that one of the schoolchildren abducted from Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, died while in captivity. In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, the police described the report as “malicious, misleading and entirely unfounded,” designed to incite panic and undermine rescue operations. The Command clarified that neither it nor any other security agency involved in the rescue efforts has confirmed the death of any abducted pupil. The police expressed concern over the circulation of such reports, noting that they employ emotional narratives and unverified accounts to manipulate public opinion. They warned that spreading unverified security-related information could jeopardize ongoing operations, distress victims' families, and embolden criminals. The Command cautioned bloggers, social media influencers, and online publishers against circulating unverified reports, urging them to adhere to professional standards and verify sensitive information. The police appealed to the public to rely only on official communications from the Nigeria Police Force and other authorized security agencies for credible updates, reaffirming their commitment to the safe rescue of the abducted schoolchildren.