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Virgil van Dijk confident Mohamed Salah will receive fitting Liverpool farewell despite injury
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
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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The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA announced the interception of 748.02kg of controlled pharmaceutical drugs, including tramadol, on the Benin-Lagos Expressway. NDLEA Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, stated that on Thursday, April 23, 2026, a Mercedes-Benz truck bearing the Nigeria Labour Congress insignia and registration number Federal Capital Territory NLC 146 FC was intercepted. The truck was transporting 95 cartons containing 1.196 million capsules and tablets of psychotropic substances from Lagos to Onitsha, Anambra State. Two suspected drug cartel members, Osagie Igbinibo, 43, and Omijie Malik, 44, were apprehended. The seized substances included 23 cartons of tramadol 100 mg totaling 264 kg, 40 cartons of tramadol 50 mg totaling 180 kg, 7 cartons of Rohypnol totaling 25.2 kg, 19 cartons of diazepam injection totaling 242.82 kg, and 6 cartons of bromazepam totaling 36 kg. Ofoyeju highlighted the threat posed by such drug shipments to youth and society, linking them to addiction, health emergencies, and fatalities. He confirmed that the suspects are in custody, investigations are ongoing, and they will be charged in court. The operation aligns with directives from the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa retd., to prevent inter-state drug trafficking.
Lamine Yamal, an 18-year-old, leads Europe's top five leagues in completed dribbles for the 2025-26 season with 133. He also has the most attempted dribbles at 262, with a 51% success rate. Following Yamal is Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old Ivorian winger, with 108 completed dribbles. Vinicius Junior ranks third with 83 completed dribbles, despite 119 unsuccessful attempts. Kylian Mbappe is fourth with 76 completed dribbles, noted for his pace. Victor Munoz of Osasuna is fifth with 74 completed dribbles, though he has 123 unsuccessful attempts. Kenan Yildiz, a 20-year-old Turkey international for Juventus, is sixth with 73 dribbles. Yann Gboho, a Toulouse midfielder, is seventh with 70 completed dribbles and is reportedly set to declare for Ivory Coast. Jeremy Doku is eighth with 69 completed dribbles, leading the English Premier League. Antonio Nusa, a 20-year-old Norwegian, is ninth with 66 dribbles, and Marco Palestra, a 21-year-old from Atalanta on loan at Cagliari, is tenth with 64 completed dribbles.
President Bola Tinubu has instructed Nigeria's newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to enhance the country's international image, attract foreign investments, and strengthen strategic partnerships. Speaking at an induction course in Abuja, President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, emphasized that these appointments reflect confidence in the envoys' ability to advance Nigeria's interests. He highlighted the rapid transformation of the global system due to geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainties, technological disruptions, climate challenges, and security threats, making the role of diplomats more critical. President Tinubu urged envoys to adopt modern, results-oriented diplomatic approaches, combining traditional diplomacy with digital engagement, public diplomacy, and strategic communication to project Nigeria's achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He stressed the importance of credibly and compellingly narrating Nigeria's story to reshape global perceptions and called for proactivity in fostering partnerships, promoting trade, and attracting foreign direct investment and technology. Safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora was also identified as a top priority. President Tinubu announced a reordering of Nigeria's foreign policy framework, known as the 4D Doctrine, shifting priorities to Demography, Development, Diaspora, and Democracy, placing Nigerians at the center of fore
As the 2025-26 Premier League season approaches its conclusion, Arsenal currently leads the league with 73 points from 34 games, while Manchester City is in second place with 70 points from 33 games. Manchester United holds third position with 58 points from 33 games, largely due to the performance under interim boss Michael Carrick. A ranking of managers by points per game reveals Michael Carrick of Manchester United in the top spot with 2.17 PPG. He is credited with a significant turnaround, helping United secure Champions League qualification. Mikel Arteta of Arsenal follows with 2.14 PPG, reflecting the Gunners' consistent performance at the top of the league. Pep Guardiola of Manchester City is close behind with 2.12 PPG. Other managers listed include Arne Slot and Unai Emery, both with 1.70 PPG, and Enzo Maresca, who managed Chelsea until January, with 1.58 PPG. The list, compiled by Planet Football, includes 29 managers who have taken charge of at least one Premier League match this season, highlighting various levels of consistency and impact throughout the season.