
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes Mohamed Salah will receive a deserved send-off, even if a suspected hamstring injury prevents him from playing again this season. Salah, who is set to leave Anfield after nine years, was injured during Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace. With only four games remaining in the campaign, the 33-year-old's return is uncertain as the club awaits scan results. Van Dijk acknowledged the mixed feelings surrounding Salah's potential absence from the final home games but expressed confidence in his recovery, stating, "Knowing Mo, he is a quick healer." Salah has been a pivotal player for Liverpool since 2017, scoring 257 goals in 440 appearances, placing him third on the club's all-time leading goalscorers list. His contributions include winning the Champions League and two Premier League titles, and he has been recognized with three players’ player of the year awards and four Premier League top scorer titles.
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Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to its partnership with the International Monetary Fund IMF and ongoing fiscal and macroeconomic reforms. This commitment was expressed at a farewell dinner in Abuja for the outgoing IMF Resident Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Christian Ebeke. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, described Ebeke as a trusted partner whose professionalism and engagement strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and the IMF during a critical period of economic transition. Oyedele noted that Ebeke's three-year tenure coincided with the implementation of major economic reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, strengthening government finances, and improving investor confidence. The minister praised Ebeke's contributions to discussions on fiscal reforms, domestic revenue mobilization, public debt management, and foreign exchange reforms. Stanley George, Director of the International Economics Relations Department at the Ministry of Finance, and Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, also commended Ebeke for his professionalism and support for Nigeria's economic reform efforts. Ebeke, in response, described his assignment as a privilege and expressed admiration for Nigeria's resilience, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit, stating his confidence that with sustained reforms, Nigeria is well-positioned for inclusive and durable economic growth. He thanked the Federal

Kogi State Polytechnic in Lokoja has suspended six lecturers for the unauthorized sale of handouts and textbooks, and another lecturer for alleged sexual harassment. These suspensions are part of an ongoing investigation into claims of sex-for-marks, cultism, and other misconduct within the institution. The polytechnic's spokesperson, John Onimisi, confirmed the suspensions, stating that the institution's disciplinary committee is investigating the allegations and will release the outcome in due course. Concerns have been raised about alleged sexual harassment, cult activities, and a decline in discipline, with some sources claiming that female students reporting harassment have received little support and that cult groups have resumed nocturnal meetings on campus.
Must ReadFIFA has announced that the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations WAFCON, scheduled from July 26 to August 16, 2026, will serve as the qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The top four African teams from WAFCON will automatically qualify for the World Cup. The tournament will feature 16 countries: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia. These teams will be divided into four groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. All four semi-finalists will secure direct qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The four losing quarter-finalists will compete in play-off matches to determine two African teams that will participate in an intercontinental play-off tournament. This intercontinental play-off, featuring 10 nations, will be held in November-December 2026 and February 2027 to decide the final three teams for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which Brazil will host from June 24 to July 25, 2027.