Author: Ndarake Okon
Renowned campus journalist, news editor, and on-air personality at UNICAL Radio International, Umoh Samuel, has been appointed Chief Press Secretary to the Vice President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), University of Calabar. The appointment was announced by the SUG Vice President, Senator Egbeji Uchechukwu Pascaline, as part of the first batch of official appointments into key offices of the student union administration. Samuel, who has built a reputation for excellence in campus journalism, currently serves as a News Editor and On-Air Personality at UNICAL Radio International. Over the years, he has distinguished himself through objective reporting, compelling storytelling, and…
Morocco booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Monterrey. The victory sets up a last-16 clash against co-hosts Canada. Also Read: Late Martinelli Goal Sends Brazil into World Cup Round of 16 The Netherlands took the lead in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo, who scored an emotional goal just days after he and his partner announced the loss of their unborn son. Morocco continued to press for an equaliser as the match entered stoppage time. Morocco’s persistence…
Brazil booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Japan, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the winner deep into stoppage time. The Arsenal forward struck in the 95th minute after Bruno Guimarães set him up, capping a tense knockout clash in Houston. Japan had stunned the five-time world champions by taking the lead in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano capitalised on a defensive mistake to beat Alisson. The Asian side controlled much of the first half and defended resolutely against Brazil’s attack. Brazil came out with greater urgency after the…
The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has climbed to nearly 1,500 as rescue teams continue searching through the rubble in the country’s hardest-hit coastal areas. Authorities say more than 3,100 people have been injured, over 12,700 displaced, and hundreds of buildings have collapsed, with La Guaira state suffering the worst destruction. Rescue operations remain underway despite fading hopes of finding more survivors. Thousands of local volunteers and more than 2,600 international rescue workers are combing collapsed buildings, while occasional rescues have provided moments of hope, including the recovery of a father and son who had…
Canada booked a historic place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging South Africa 1-0 with a dramatic stoppage-time winner in their Round of 32 clash. Midfielder Stephen Eustáquio struck in the 92nd minute to seal Canada’s first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout match, breaking South African hearts after a fiercely contested encounter. The match in Los Angeles was a tense and tactical affair, with both teams creating few clear-cut opportunities. Canada enjoyed more possession and threatened before the break, while South Africa remained disciplined in defence and looked set to force the…
Manchester City have officially appointed Enzo Maresca as the club’s new manager on a three-year contract running until 2029, replacing Pep Guardiola following the end of his historic decade-long spell in charge. The announcement marks Maresca’s return to the Etihad, where he previously worked under Guardiola as assistant coach and also guided City’s Elite Development Squad to the Premier League 2 title. Maresca expressed his delight at returning to Manchester City, describing the opportunity as a dream for any coach. He praised the club’s professional structure, long-term planning and ambition, saying those qualities would allow him to build on the…
Ivory Coast have reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after defeating Curaçao 2-0 in their final Group E match. The Elephants finished second in the group with six points, booking a place in the Round of 32 after four World Cup appearances. Nicolas Pépé was the hero for the West Africans, scoring in each half to secure the historic victory. His opener came after 19-year-old Yan Diomande capitalized on a Curaçao defensive mistake before setting up Pépé, while the second goal arrived from a well-timed through ball by Ibrahim Sangaré. Despite their…
The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) has temporarily suspended its operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after a commercial vessel came under attack near Oman, raising fresh concerns over the fragile ceasefire aimed at ending the Iran conflict. The affected cargo ship reported being struck by a projectile, prompting the IMO to halt the mission while it reassesses security conditions. The attack occurred just hours after Iran warned that only ships using routes approved by Tehran would be guaranteed safe passage through the strategic waterway. Two U.S. officials told Reuters they believed Iranian forces fired on…
South Africa have qualified for the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after edging South Korea 1-0 in their final Group A match at Monterrey Stadium. The historic victory secured second place in the group and ended decades of frustration for Bafana Bafana, who had previously failed to advance beyond the group stage in their World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2010. After a tightly contested first half, South Africa gradually grew into the game and looked more dangerous after the break. Their disciplined defensive display frustrated a South Korean side that enjoyed…
Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in their second Group J match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing qualification for the Round of 32 with a game to spare. The Argentine captain recovered from an early penalty miss to break the deadlock and later added a second goal, leading the defending champions to their second consecutive victory of the tournament. Messi’s opening strike was a historic one, taking his World Cup tally to 17 goals and making him the highest scorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history, surpassing Germany legend Miroslav Klose. Argentina, who opened their…
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has surpassed 1,000 confirmed infections, with at least 254 confirmed deaths. Health authorities say the outbreak is spreading rapidly across eastern Congo and remains difficult to contain because of insecurity, population displacement, and limited healthcare resources. A major concern is that the virus has now reached several displacement camps, where overcrowding and poor sanitation create ideal conditions for transmission. The outbreak has spread through three eastern provinces and has already affected camps housing thousands of internally displaced people. Reuters reported that an 18-month-old girl in the Hungbe displacement camp died…
World Cup debutants Cape Verde produced another remarkable result by holding Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in a Group H match. After already earning a goalless draw against Spain, the African side showed they could compete with another football powerhouse. Cape Verde made history in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina scored their first-ever FIFA World Cup goal. His stunning long-range free kick beat Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and gave the underdogs a shock lead. Uruguay responded strongly before halftime. Maximiliano Araujo equalized with a header after reacting quickest to a loose ball, and shortly before the break Agustin Canobbio…
Belgium remained without a win at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being held to a 0-0 draw by Iran in their second Group G match. The result followed Belgium’s earlier 1-1 draw with Egypt, leaving them with just two points from two games. Belgium controlled much of the possession and pushed forward throughout the match, but they were unable to break down a disciplined Iranian defense. Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand was the standout performer, producing several crucial saves to keep Belgium scoreless. Iran also had moments of danger and thought they had taken the lead through Mehdi Taremi, but the…
Egypt secured a historic 3-1 comeback victory over New Zealand in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, earning the Pharaohs their first-ever World Cup win. Captain Mohamed Salah played a decisive role as Egypt recovered from a halftime deficit to claim all three points. New Zealand took the lead in the 15th minute when defender Finn Surman headed home, putting the All Whites ahead after a strong opening period. Egypt struggled to create clear chances before the break and went into halftime trailing 1-0. Egypt responded strongly in the second half. Mostafa Zico equalized in the 58th minute,…
The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened with two Group A matches that produced wins for Mexico and South Korea. Mexico began their campaign with a 2–0 victory over South Africa in the tournament opener in Mexico City. The hosts took control early, scoring the first goal through Julián Quiñones before Raúl Jiménez sealed the win in the second half. The match was highly intense, featuring multiple red cards and a physically aggressive tempo, but Mexico managed to secure all three points in front of a home crowd. In the same group, South Korea produced a strong comeback performance to defeat…
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun in Mexico City, with hosts Mexico facing South Africa in the tournament’s opening Group A match. The encounter marks the start of what is expected to be a highly competitive global football event. Football fans around the world are celebrating as the tournament kicks off, with Mexico aiming to make a strong statement on home soil. South Africa, meanwhile, is hoping to upset the hosts and begin their campaign on a positive note. The opening match is drawing significant attention due to its historical setting at the iconic Estadio Azteca, one of…