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Real Madrid to sign Chelsea's Marc Cucurella for 55 million
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Real Madrid has reportedly reached an agreement with Chelsea to acquire Spanish defender Marc Cucurella for 55 million $63 million after the World Cup. The 27-year-old left-back joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2022, having previously played for Getafe and coming through Barcelona's academy. Real Madrid's president, Florentino Perez, recently re-elected, appointed Jose Mourinho as coach this week. The club is also expected to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate at the end of his contract and has been linked with Bernardo Silva and Denzel Dumfries. Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season, and Cucurella, who had two years left on his contract, was critical of the decision to sack Enzo Maresca in January. He won the Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League with Chelsea in 2025.
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Must ReadFormer Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar retd. has revealed details surrounding the November 1993 coup led by General Sani Abacha, as documented in his autobiography 'Call of Duty'. Abubakar initially rejected Abacha's offer to appoint him as Chief of Army Staff twice, expressing his reluctance to be used by civilians. He recounts being posted to the National War College when political tensions escalated after the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election. Abubakar received early warnings of a potential coup from Rear Admiral Suleiman Saidu and later from retired Major-General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua. Following the resignation of Chief Ernest Shonekan, Abacha moved to claim power. Abubakar initially refused to attend a meeting of senior military officers, leading to pressure and an embarrassing incident where he was denied entry to the Flag Staff House. He later received a summons from an officer and then a direct call from Abacha, who again offered him the position of Chief of Army Staff. Abubakar accepted on the conditions that he would be politely informed if his services were no longer needed and that their relationship would allow him to always speak the truth. Despite this, he was not invited to join the ongoing meeting. The next day, he was informed he was on a list of 15 officers to be retired, but instead, a female journalist revealed to him that he had been named Chief of Defence Staff. Abubakar's book also details his long-standing personal history with Abacha,
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the DSS, NSCDC, and Immigration, have arrested 46 suspected illegal immigrants in Ogun State. The arrests, which began on June 11, 2026, occurred in Ijebu Imushin, Ijebu Ilese, and surrounding communities. The individuals include 18 nationals of Burkina Faso, 23 from C么te d鈥橧voire, 4 from Togo, and 1 from Senegal, comprising 36 males and 10 females. Preliminary investigations suggest they had been residing in the state for about six months without valid immigration documents. During interrogation, the suspects claimed to be merchants and workers associated with QNet, an online marketing platform. The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, Major Idereghi Samuel Akari, stated that the suspects have been transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Ogun State Command, for further investigation and appropriate action. Brigadier General Friday Oguche Onu, Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, commended the operation and urged residents to report suspicious activities.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed visited Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at his private residence in Ibadan to express sympathy regarding the abduction of teachers and pupils in Yawota and Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area. Governor Mohammed, accompanied by leaders of the Allied People鈥檚 Movement, including National Chairman Yusuf Mamman Dantalle and Bauchi State governorship candidate Yakubu Adamu, called for a review of the nation鈥檚 security architecture. He commended Governor Makinde's efforts to secure the release of the abducted individuals and expressed optimism for their swift return. Governor Mohammed stated that the visit was to identify with Oyo State during this incident and to encourage Governor Makinde's ongoing efforts, noting that the entire nation is observing his actions. He added that he was in Ibadan on behalf of the government and people of Bauchi State to show solidarity with Oyo State and support the rescue efforts. The visit occurs amidst increasing concern over the continued captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers, with security agencies intensifying efforts for their release and various groups calling for urgent action on national insecurity.