United States

By Muhammad Abubakar

Somali referee Omar Artan has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Aston Villa, UEFA announced on Thursday.

The prestigious fixture, scheduled to take place in Salzburg, will see the Champions League winners PSG face Europa League champions Aston Villa in the traditional curtain-raiser to the European club season.

Artan’s appointment marks another milestone in a refereeing career that has earned widespread recognition across Africa and beyond. The Somali official is regarded by many football observers as one of the continent’s finest referees, having handled high-profile matches in both African and international competitions.

His selection for the UEFA Super Cup comes days after he was controversially excluded from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. Reports indicated that Artan was denied entry into the country, preventing him from participating in the tournament despite being considered among Africa’s top referees.

UEFA’s decision to entrust him with one of Europe’s most prestigious club matches is likely to be seen as a strong endorsement of his abilities and standing in world football.

The UEFA Super Cup annually brings together the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League, making it one of the most anticipated fixtures on the European football calendar.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A debate over perceived double standards in international football has resurfaced on social media, with critics accusing some Western media organisations and European football associations of hypocrisy in their responses to the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.

The discussion was sparked by an X post from user Yan Goi (@GongR1ight), who contrasted the strong criticism directed at host nation Qatar before the 2022 World Cup with what he described as a muted response to the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The post cited Norway’s calls for a boycott of the Qatar tournament, Denmark’s public criticism of Qatar’s human rights record, and political gestures by Germany’s national team during the 2022 competition. It also pointed to the BBC’s decision to focus on controversies surrounding Qatar rather than broadcasting the full opening ceremony, a move that drew both praise and criticism at the time.

Critics argue that many of the organisations and commentators who were vocal about labour rights, governance, and social issues in Qatar have been comparatively quiet about concerns linked to the 2026 World Cup, including immigration policies, border enforcement, and other political controversies in the host countries.

Others reject the comparison, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the two tournaments differ significantly and that media outlets have continued to report on issues related to the 2026 World Cup, albeit with less intensity than the coverage seen ahead of Qatar 2022.

The debate has renewed broader questions about consistency in sports journalism and international football governance, with supporters and critics divided over whether similar standards are being applied to different World Cup hosts.

By Muhammad Abubakar

U.S. Representative Thomas Massie has called for a temporary suspension of American aid to Israel, arguing that such a move would quickly reduce tensions in the Middle East and lower energy prices.

Massie’s remarks came in response to reports that President Donald Trump angrily confronted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon. According to Axios, Trump warned Netanyahu that Israel’s operations were undermining U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region and risked escalating the conflict.

Reacting to the report on social media, Massie wrote that Washington should “just withhold foreign aid to Israel for a month,” claiming the move would prompt Israel to halt military operations against its neighbours, help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and reduce U.S. gasoline prices. He also described Israel as “the biggest welfare recipient from American taxpayers.”

Massie’s comments add to ongoing debates in Washington over U.S. military and financial support for Israel amid heightened regional tensions and concerns about the broader economic impact of instability in the Middle East.

By Muhammad Abubakar

U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly launched into a profanity-laden tirade against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their latest phone conversation, according to a report by Axios.

Citing unnamed sources familiar with the exchange, Axios reported that Trump told Netanyahu: “You’re fucking crazy. You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving your ass. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.”

The reported remarks reflect growing tensions over Israel’s handling of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and increasing international criticism of the Israeli government. Neither Trump nor Netanyahu had publicly commented on the report at the time of publication.

If confirmed, the exchange would mark one of the sharpest known criticisms of Netanyahu by Trump, despite the close relationship the two leaders maintained during Trump’s presidency.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A rare albino water buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” has become an internet sensation and a massive crowd-puller in Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Adha festival.

The 700-kilogram (1,540 lb) animal went viral for a distinct tuft of golden-blonde hair on its forehead, prompting immediate comparisons to the former U.S. president. Raised at the Rabeya Agro Farm in Narayanganj, near the capital city of Dhaka, the buffalo features unique cream-coloured skin and pale eyes resulting from a rare genetic mutation.

The animal’s sudden fame drew thousands of visitors, with people travelling long distances by boat just to catch a glimpse or take a selfie. However, the overwhelming attention took a toll. The farm’s owner, Ziauddin Mridha, had to briefly restrict public viewing after the noise and crowds stressed the buffalo, causing it to lose its appetite.

To keep the celebrity livestock healthy, handlers pampered the animal with four baths and four high-nutrient meals a day.

Naming prized livestock after global celebrities and politicians has become a popular marketing trend among traders in Bangladesh to boost interest ahead of the Islamic “Feast of the Sacrifice”. The viral “Donald Trump” buffalo has already been sold to a buyer in Dhaka, where it will be sacrificed in accordance with Eid traditions.

By Inusa Rabiu Isah

As tensions continue to rise around the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices are climbing again, shipping risks are increasing, and analysts are warning that any prolonged disruption in the Gulf region could trigger another major energy shock. For many Nigerians, the immediate reaction is predictable: “Nigeria will benefit because we are an oil-producing country.” Yet every major oil shock continues to expose the same uncomfortable reality: despite its enormous crude oil reserves, Nigeria remains dangerously vulnerable to global energy instability.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most strategic energy transit routes. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), about 20 million barrels per day of crude oil and petroleum products passed through the Strait in 2025, representing roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption and nearly 25% of global seaborne oil trade. In addition, the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that around 20% of global LNG trade moves through the same corridor.

This explains why instability around Hormuz immediately affects global energy markets. The concern extends beyond crude supply to tanker movements, shipping insurance, freight costs, refinery feedstock availability, refined product pricing, and market speculation.

Similarly, past disruptions such as the 1973 oil embargo, the Gulf Wars, and the 2022 Russia–Ukraine conflict demonstrated how geopolitical instability can rapidly trigger inflation across import-dependent economies through higher fuel, transport, and food costs.

Nigeria is no exception.

Although Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers, the country still operates an economy heavily dependent on imported energy-linked systems. Millions of households and businesses rely on petrol and diesel generators due to an unstable electricity supply, while transport and logistics remain overwhelmingly road-dependent. Consequently, rising diesel and petrol prices quickly spread across the economy.

The first major mistake in many public discussions is the assumption that higher crude prices automatically benefit Nigeria. Oil revenue depends not only on price, but also on production volume.

According to Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) data released in April 2026, Nigeria’s combined crude oil and condensate production rose to about 1.546 million barrels per day in March 2026. However, crude oil production excluding condensates stood around 1.382 million barrels per day, still below Nigeria’s OPEC quota of approximately 1.5 million barrels per day.

Therefore, higher crude prices alone cannot guarantee stronger economic benefits unless production remains stable, oil theft is reduced, and export infrastructure functions efficiently.

The second mistake is confusing crude oil price with petrol price. Nigerians do not buy crude oil at filling stations; they buy refined petroleum products. Petrol and diesel prices are influenced not only by crude benchmarks but also by refining margins, freight charges, foreign exchange rates, logistics, taxes, insurance, and marketer margins.

This is where Nigeria’s foreign exchange challenge becomes critical. A weaker naira significantly increases the cost of refined products and energy-related imports. Since the removal of fuel subsidies, domestic fuel prices now respond more directly to global market volatility. Consequently, international oil shocks now transmit faster into local petrol and diesel prices.

Although the Dangote Refinery represents a major improvement in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, local refining alone cannot completely shield the country from global oil-price volatility. Crude feedstock pricing remains internationally linked, and refined product prices still respond to international market conditions. Nonetheless, the refinery remains a critical step toward improving Nigeria’s long-term energy security and reducing import dependence.

Recent domestic fuel data already show how exposed Nigeria’s economy remains. National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data indicated that the average retail petrol price rose to about ₦1,288.54 per litre in March 2026, while diesel prices recorded an estimated 16.05% month-on-month increase during the same period.

These are not just economic statistics. They affect transport fares, food prices, manufacturers, small businesses powering generators, and millions of Nigerians already struggling with inflation.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s deeper challenge remains structural energy vulnerability. Electricity supply is weak, gas infrastructure is underdeveloped, rail freight systems are limited, and strategic fuel reserves are inadequate. Under these conditions, every major disruption in global energy markets quickly evolves into domestic inflation and economic hardship.

The policy lesson is therefore clear: Nigeria must stop celebrating rising oil prices without asking whether the country is structurally prepared to benefit from them. Nigeria must raise and sustain crude oil production, strengthen domestic refining, expand gas infrastructure, develop strategic fuel reserves, and treat energy security as an economic-security issue rather than merely a petroleum-sector issue.

Conclusively, the Strait of Hormuz may be geographically distant from Nigeria, but its economic consequences can reach Nigerian households within days. That is the reality of today’s interconnected global oil market. Until Nigeria builds real energy resilience, global oil shocks will continue producing the same painful irony: a country rich in crude oil, yet perpetually vulnerable to energy insecurity and affordability.

Engr. Inusa Rabiu Isah, GMNSE, MIAENG, is a petroleum engineer and energy analyst with interests in petroleum economics, energy security, and sustainable industrial development. He writes from Abuja and can be reached via inusarabiuisah@gmail.com.

By Ugochukwu Ugwuanyi

Kanye West, better known as Ye, is an American songwriter and rapper with 24 Grammy Awards under his belt. Some comments he made several months ago have resurfaced on social media when his daughter disclosed her ambition to be a pastor. The convenient coincidence seemed more like a ploy by dark forces to dampen the impact of the piercing message delivered by Northwest, the child of Kanye and Kim Kardashian. 

Joined by her mother in an interview with Entreview Magazine last week, North said it is her passion to learn more about God and sharing the Gospel to help others. The teenager expressed her resolve to “tell people about God, and how problems get solved if they follow His word and His ways”. Indeed, North’s words are didactic enough to strengthen the backsliding believer. It even goes to the heart of her dad’s exasperation when he said the following: “I am a Christian, but I have my issues with Jesus. There’s a lot of stuff I went through, and I prayed but I didn’t see Jesus show up… We’re so into the belief that prayer is all we need to solve our problems. But we ain’t praying our way out of prison. These prayers ain’t working. We have to apply actual physical work.” 

If that were the way to go, Luke 18:1 wouldn’t have demanded that “Men ought always to pray and not faint.” With North asserting that people’s problems get solved when they follow God’s word and His ways, isn’t it wondrous how God has used the daughter to correct her father? From God’s Word, you will know His ways, the application of which is the solution to our problems. Let’s hope that Ye has repented of his issues with Jesus. If only he had sought to know God better, as his daughter recommended, he would have realised that nothing is as effective as prayer. That’s what the Word of God says. Let God be true and every man a liar. 

Now, many a Christian must have at one point, or another found themselves in Kanye’s quandary, thinking that this faith thing isn’t working. They must have cried their hearts out to God for intervention without answers, as if it isn’t the same God about whom Matthew 7:11 testified: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” 

Whenever there is no proof of prayer, the supplicant should, before giving up on God, check how they went about praying. With Jesus declaring in Matthew 6:7 that “when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do,” how then do you expect God to answer prayers made as animists would to their god? If He does, won’t those gods take the glory? 

The concluding part of the scripture pointedly says, “For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” To be clear, repetition of a prayer request isn’t what is being condemned here. After all, Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed three times, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). The unacceptable “vain repetitions” in reference is rendered in other translations as “babble,” “empty phrases,” “ramble”. The Contemporary English Version defines it as: “talk on and on as people do who don’t know God.” In other words, the phrase means saying many things of nothing! 

The point must be made that too much talking isn’t necessary for effective praying. Christians only betray ignorance of their identity in Christ and shallow confidence in God when they babble at the prayer altar. When they pray as if they need to convince God, it’s because they don’t see Him as their Father. This makes them beat about the bush (pardon the cliche) when they should go straight to the point. Duration doesn’t determine the potency of prayers because much of that time is usually spent blabbing.

Why use too many words to convey your plight to the God who Matthew 6:8 says already knows what’s in our hearts before we ask Him?  We shouldn’t be praying to inform God since He is more informed about our predicament and needs than we will ever know. We can barely present our causes to Him because our language of expression is deficient, hence our need for the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf (Romans 8:26). 

The saints’ approach to prayers must show their conviction that they are asking of the Lord with the capacity to meet all their needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). We don’t have to pray to convince God because He is liberal and gives liberally. James 1:5 says, “God gives generously to all without finding fault.” He is therefore kind enough to give without us asking, as has been the case with our basic needs. 

Here is something else that seems rather simplistic yet is a proven route to receiving answers to prayers: the lifting up of holy hands while praying. The same way that the stretching of arms skyward exercises the body, especially while standing, that is how it exercises your faith when done in the place of prayer, praise and worship of the Lord. Lifting holy hands isn’t merely a gesture but a spiritual signal of triumph. Since faith requires a corresponding action to deliver, outstretched arms can be the catalyst for victory.

This calls to mind what happened during Israel’s battle with Amalek as documented in Exodus 17. Israel prevailed as long as Moses’s hands were lifted, but when his hands grew weary and came down; their opponents dominated the war front. The hands of Moses were so instrumental that Aaron and Hur cleverly devised a means for Moses’s hands to be perpetually lifted. That way, the Israelites carried the day. What a winning strategy the stretching of hands towards Heaven is! 

It is the Eagle that stretches its wings that gets to soar above stormy clouds. There is a sense in Apostle Paul recommending the lifting of hands while praying (1 Timothy 2:8). The psalmist even likened the posture to evening sacrifice, which is very pleasing to the Lord (Psalm 141:2). So, before concluding like Ye that prayers don’t work, also try lifting holy hands every so often and behold the turnaround that follows! Suffice to add that this throwing up of hands also symbolises total surrender unto the Lord Almighty as admittance that one has hit their wits’ end. It is at such a point of desperation and humility that God usually steps in to save the day.

VIS Ugochukwu is a Sage, Narrative Architect and Branding Strategist who responds to feedback via X @sylvesugwuanyi.

By Muhammad Abubakar

U.S. military officials have disclosed that Iran still possesses nearly 40 percent of its attack drone stockpile, despite weeks of sustained strikes targeting its military infrastructure.

The assessment underscores the resilience of Iran’s drone capabilities, which analysts say remain a central pillar of its military strategy. Earlier intelligence estimates had suggested that roughly half of Iran’s drone arsenal remained intact, highlighting the difficulty of eliminating such systems entirely due to their relatively low cost and ease of production.

Officials warn that the continued availability of these drones poses an ongoing threat to U.S. and allied forces in the region. Iranian drones—particularly low-cost, one-way attack models—have proven challenging to counter, with defenses struggling to intercept large-scale barrages effectively.

The latest figures come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where drone warfare has become a defining feature of the conflict. Military experts say Iran’s strategy relies on maintaining sufficient stockpiles to sustain prolonged pressure, even in the face of repeated airstrikes.

The Pentagon has not publicly confirmed the exact figures, but officials indicate that efforts to degrade Iran’s drone capabilities are ongoing.

 By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A recent viral moment featuring a popular online personality inside a WWE setting has reignited debate about the future of professional wrestling. The clip, widely shared across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, drew millions of views within hours and prompted criticism from longtime fans who questioned whether WWE is drifting away from its roots.

The discussion reflects a broader issue facing World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE): how to remain relevant in an era increasingly dominated by short-form digital content and younger audiences with changing viewing habits.

For decades, WWE built its success on long-form storytelling. Weekly television programs developed narratives over time, leading to major live events. However, audience behaviour has shifted significantly, particularly among Gen Z viewers.

Younger audiences are more likely to consume highlights rather than full broadcasts, favouring short, engaging clips over multi-hour programming. This trend has affected not only wrestling but also traditional sports and entertainment formats.

Industry observers note that this shift has forced companies like WWE to rethink how content is delivered and consumed.

In response, WWE has expanded its digital presence, focusing heavily on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. The company now generates substantial engagement through clips, behind-the-scenes content, and shareable moments designed for online audiences.

Part of this strategy includes collaborations with influencers and internet personalities to attract viewers who may not traditionally follow wrestling. These appearances often generate significant online traction, helping WWE reach new demographics.

Despite the increased visibility, some fans argue that WWE’s current approach prioritises virality over storytelling. Critics suggest that certain segments appear designed for social media engagement rather than long-term narrative development.

There are also concerns about authenticity. The inclusion of non-wrestling personalities in prominent roles has led some to question whether the company is diluting its core identity.

Others, however, see the shift as part of WWE’s long history of adaptation. The company has undergone multiple transformations, from the edgier “Attitude Era” of the late 1990s to the more family-oriented programming of later years.

Media analysts point out that WWE’s current strategy reflects broader industry trends, where digital reach and online engagement are increasingly important metrics of success.

As WWE continues to expand its presence across digital platforms and explore new partnerships, the debate over its direction is likely to continue.

The central question remains: is WWE moving too far from its traditional identity, or is it successfully redefining itself for a new generation of viewers?

For now, one thing is clear: professional wrestling is no longer confined to the ring. It is part of a larger, rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape.

By Anwar Usman

The Palestinian group Hamas has urged its ally Iran to end attacks on Gulf states, while affirming Tehran’s right to defend itself against Israel and the United States in the war they launched.

Hamas on Saturday called upon its “brothers in Iran” not to target neighbouring countries, and urged the region to end the ongoing conflict that has embroiled much of the Middle East.

The group fought back against Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza following its October 7, 2023, attack, while Israel razed the besieged and bombarded enclave to the ground, killing more than 72,000, with Gulf nations, particularly Qatar, stepping in through mediation, diplomacy and aid.

Since the start of the Iran war by the US and Israel on February 28, several Gulf states in the region have reported Iranian missile and drone attacks.

Hamas said in a statement, “While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, the movement calls on the brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries.”

 The statement added that countries of the region should “cooperate to halt this aggression and preserve the bonds of fraternity among them”.

Iran has supported Hamas financially and militarily for decades, the group being a part of the now much-weakened so-called “axis of resistance” that includes Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis.

Last month, Gulf countries pledged more than $4bn in combined financial support to US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, signalling backing for efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The pledges were announced during the first meeting of the Board of Peace, which has gone quiet in the wake of the war, in Washington, where Qatar and Saudi Arabia each committed $1bn. Kuwait also pledged $1bn over the coming years, while the United Arab Emirates announced an additional $1.2bn in support for Gaza through the board.

Qatar, throughout the genocidal war on Gaza, also played a leading role as mediator, alongside the US and Egypt.

A US-backed “ceasefire” agreement has been in place in Gaza since October 2025, which was meant to halt Israel’s two-year onslaught that killed more than 72,000 people and injured more than 171,000 since October 2023.

Despite the “ceasefire”, however, Israeli forces have continued hundreds of violations through shelling and gunfire, killing hundreds of Palestinians.