Venezuela earthquake death toll reaches 1,430, 3,238 injured
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The death toll from earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to at least 1,430 people, with 3,238 injured and 3,142 families displaced, according to Jorge Rodríguez, President of the country’s National Assembly. The country has experienced 430 aftershocks since the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes struck on Wednesday, devastating the coastal area around La Guaira. With limited government rescue teams, residents in affected areas are digging through rubble. A senior official in the administration of President Donald Trump stated there are strong communications with Venezuela's interim authorities regarding aid efforts. One runway at Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas is operational, facilitating increased assistance. Mobile hospitals are arriving, and the US is working to provide more Starlink terminals and humanitarian supplies. Two 80-person US search and rescue teams are assisting. The USS Fort Lauderdale is also in position to provide medical facilities, logistics command and control, and airlift capabilities.
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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen caused a near stampede in Ojota, Lagos, as videos of his visit spread online, attracting a large crowd of fans. Supporters surrounded his car, preventing it from moving, and Osimhen had to exit his Lamborghini to calm them. The scenes highlighted the strong support Nigerians have for the footballer. Osimhen, 27, is currently the subject of transfer speculation, with several European clubs reportedly interested. Galatasaray, his current club, has stated they have no intention of selling him this summer and has set a minimum asking price of €150m, having rejected a €120m offer from an unnamed club. Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek confirmed the club would only sanction a sale if their valuation is met and Osimhen wishes to leave.
The seventh edition of the Tour D'Afrique, a cross-border cycling expedition, has concluded successfully in Lagos, Nigeria. A 30-person contingent, including 20 professional cyclists, completed a 1,110km journey across four West African countries: Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana. The seven-day ride, themed "Ride Against Climate Change," saw its final stage cover 145km from Cotonou, Benin Republic, to Lagos. The returning group was welcomed by Lagos State's incoming Deputy Governor, Princess Damilola Sonayan James. Participants highlighted Benin Republic for its public support and police escort. The organizing committee acknowledged the physical demands on the 20 professionals who completed the ride. The tour received support from Pocari Sweat, ibis Styles Hotels, and the ECOWAS Commission, and was an initiative of FT Cycle Care in partnership with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and the Velo NG Community.
Nigeria's 1998 FIFA World Cup record for the lowest-ranked nation to advance from the group stage in the modern FIFA ranking era has been maintained, despite Cape Verde's recent performance. Cape Verde, ranked 64th, reached the Round of 32 in their first World Cup appearance, securing three draws in Group H against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. This made them the third-lowest ranked nation to reach the knockout rounds since FIFA introduced its ranking system in 1994. However, Nigeria, ranked 74th in the 1998 World Cup, not only qualified from their group but topped Group D, defeating Spain 3-2 and finishing ahead of Paraguay and Bulgaria. Nigeria's ranking at the time was influenced by a two-year suspension from the Confederation of African Football. In other World Cup news, the Round of 32 begins with South Africa playing Canada at SoFi Stadium. South Africa, the first South African side to reach the knockout rounds of a World Cup, finished second in Group A with four points. Canada also finished second with four points in their group. The winner of this match will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16.