馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Obafemi Martins tips Italian Consulate U-20 Cup talents for Serie A careers
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has expressed confidence that outstanding players from the inaugural Italian Consulate General U-20 Cup in Lagos possess the skills for Serie A careers. Martins, who played for Inter Milan and Newcastle United, served as an ambassador for the tournament and pledged to use his connections to link top talents with European clubs. The six-day competition, held from June 2-7 at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, was organized by the Italian Consulate General in Lagos to identify youth talent and foster cultural exchange between Nigeria and Italy. Eight teams, including Okaka FC, Plateau United, Bendel Insurance, and 36 Lions FC, participated. Tournament organizer Emmanuel Omijeh noted that the quality of players exceeded expectations, making the selection of 20 prospects for a trip to Italy challenging from 40 scouted stars. Italian Consul General Ugo Bani and former Super Eagles midfielder Christian Obodo, who also had a distinguished Serie A career, praised the tournament's success and the high standard of play. Tournament technical director Ken Enofe and chairman Kofo Williams also commended the talent on display, acknowledging the need for further coaching. The winning team and selected standout players will travel to Italy for trials with the goal of securing professional contracts.
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Lagos emergency responders successfully contained two separate fire incidents on Thursday, preventing major disasters and recording no casualties. In Ikotun, a gas-laden tanker caught fire after striking a road bump, causing the driver to lose control and a tire to burst. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency LASEMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Nigeria Police collaborated to extinguish the blaze and manage traffic. LASEMA Permanent Secretary Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu urged motorists to obey speed limits. Separately, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed a fire at the electronics section of a Justrite Superstore in Egbeda-Akowonjo. Controller General Margaret Adeseye reported that firefighters quickly contained the fire, which preliminary findings suggest originated from an alternative power source, specifically the building's solar inverter system. Both incidents were brought under control with no loss of life or injuries.
The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the mysterious death of five members of the same family in Umuimo, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area. The victims, identified as Mr Kachi Nnabugwu, his wife, Chinaza, and their three children, were found dead inside their residence on Tuesday. The incident was reported to the Osisioma Divisional Police Headquarters on July 22, 2026, by the deceased's brother after he was unable to reach them. Upon forcing entry into the house, the lifeless and decomposing bodies were discovered. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, stated that detectives visited the scene, conducted a preliminary visual inspection, and took photographs. The bodies have been deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy, with investigations ongoing. Residents reported the family was last seen on Saturday, July 18, and neighbors forced entry after repeated failed attempts to contact them. Containers of leftover food and a generator were reportedly found in the building. The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear.
Credit extended to Nigeria's private sector reached N83.3tn in June 2026, marking a 2.8 percent increase from N81tn in May. This data comes from the Central Bank of Nigeria's latest Money and Credit Statistics. Conversely, credit to the government saw a 0.99 percent decline, falling to N40tn in June from N40.4tn in May. Consequently, net domestic credit grew by 1.5 percent to N123.3tn in June, up from N121.42tn the previous month. This rise in private sector lending indicates that banks are continuing to provide credit to businesses and households, even with the Central Bank of Nigeria's high-interest rate policy. Analysts suggest that sustained credit growth could foster business expansion, investment, and overall economic activity. However, there is also a concern that if credit growth outpaces the economy's productive capacity, it could lead to increased inflationary pressures. The figures highlight a persistent demand for financing despite the Central Bank of Nigeria's tight monetary policy, which aims to control inflation and stabilize prices.