Trump seeks resolution to conflict with Iran amid extended ceasefire
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
President Donald Trump has extended a ceasefire with Iran indefinitely, signaling a potential shift towards de-escalation in the conflict that began on February 28 with actions by Israel and the United States. Trump maintains a naval blockade, which Iran demands be lifted before any agreement can be reached. Negotiations with Iran's Islamic republic present a challenge for Trump, who is accustomed to quick deals, as Iranian diplomats are described as methodical and unyielding. Hopes for progress at a second round of talks in Pakistan, with Vice President JD Vance designated to attend, were dashed when Iran refused to confirm its attendance. Trump stated the ceasefire extension was due to Iran's leadership being "fractured" and needing time to formulate a proposal. Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, noted that Trump has avoided further military action. The conflict has been politically damaging for Trump, facing opposition even from his Republican base. Iran responded to the attack by asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global oil prices. Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli intelligence expert, believes Iran's clerical state is not on the verge of collapse and will not surrender. Citrinowicz suggests Trump is seeking to exhaust all political options and is "fed up with this war." However, Iranian leaders are suspicious of Trump, given past instances of negotiations preceding military actions. Vatanka suggested a potential off-ramp wh
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Must ReadMrs. Olabisi Joseph, President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation NSSF, has been elected Continental President for Africa of the International School Sport Federation ISF. Her election took place during the 2026 ISF General Assembly in Belgrade, Serbia, where 79 votes were cast by 82 attending countries. This marks a historic moment as she is the first African woman and the first woman in ISF history to hold a continental leadership position. The NSSF, through its Secretary-General Ijeoma Olopade, congratulated Joseph and pledged full support for her tenure, emphasizing her role in advancing school sports for African children. Joseph previously made history in 2019 as the first female president of the NSSF, winning unopposed, and was re-elected for a second term in 2024.
Nigeria's U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, have arrived in Ivory Coast for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, where they will defend their title. The team landed in Abidjan on Monday and then traveled by road to Yamoussoukro, the host city, where they are currently camped at the Trio Corridor Hotel. Their campaign begins on Monday against Ghana鈥檚 Black Satellites at the Lyc茅e Scientifique. This match is a rematch of the 2024 final in Lom茅, which Nigeria won 2-1. Coached by Aliyu Zubairu, the Flying Eagles will also play against Togo鈥檚 Sparrow Hawks on Thursday and conclude their Group B fixtures on Sunday, August 2, against Burkina Faso鈥檚 Young Stallions. The team aims to successfully retain the WAFU B crown as part of their preparations for upcoming continental assignments.
Travel disruptions caused by a cancelled flight from the United States delayed the arrival of Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forward Gift Monday at Nigeria's training camp in Casablanca. The Nigeria Football Federation had to purchase new tickets for the players after their initial flight was cancelled due to technical reasons. Despite this setback, the Super Falcons' camp grew to 23 players with the Tuesday afternoon arrival of forward Folashade Ijamilusi from China. Ijamilusi, who plays for Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, scored twice in the previous Women's Africa Cup of Nations, including Nigeria's equalizer in their 3-2 comeback victory against Morocco in the final. Abiodun and Gift Monday are expected to complete coach Justine Madugu's 25-player squad for the tournament. The 10-time African champions are preparing at the La Noria Club in Casablanca before moving to Rabat for their Group C matches against Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt. Nigeria, as defending champions, will begin their title defense against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, followed by matches against Zambia on Saturday, August 1, and Egypt four days later. This tournament also serves as the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists automatically qualifying and one additional team securing a spot through intercontinental play-offs.