Burkina Faso Releases 11 Nigerian Officers After ‘Unauthorized’ Air Force Landing Sparks Diplomatic Tension Burkina Faso has freed 11 Nigerian military officers detained after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made what the junta described as an “unauthorised” landing in Bobo-Dioulasso. While Nigeria maintained that the stop was a technical emergency en route to Portugal, Burkina Faso insisted the aircraft violated its airspace without clearance, prompting a rapid security response. The Alliance of Sahel States—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—condemned the incident as an “unfriendly act” and placed their air forces on maximum alert. Despite the fiery rhetoric, Burkinabè officials later questioned and cleared the officers, who have since returned home. The episode adds to rising tensions between Nigeria and the Sahel juntas amid widening regional security and political rifts.

BREAKING NEWS: The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025. Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. NAF crew is safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities. Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate. Ehimen Ejodame Air Commodore Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force

He escaped prison, hijacked a plane… and vanished for 40 years. 🚨 The Outlaw Who Refused to Be Caught — George Edward Wright New Jersey. A 19-year-old makes a terrible decision — a robbery that ends in a man’s death. The court gives him 30 years. George Edward Wright walks into prison with his entire youth already stolen. But Wright isn’t built for cages. Eight years later — 1970 — he pulls off a daring prison escape, disappearing so completely his guards only find an empty cell where he once slept. America’s search begins. No clues. No sign. Just silence. Until the silence explodes. ✈️ The Hijacking That Shocked the World September 1972. A Delta DC-8 lifts off with 86 passengers… and five members of the Black Liberation Army on board. Wright is one of them. Mid-air, they take the plane. Hostages cry. The crew freezes. The hijackers demand $1 million — but with one bizarre twist: The FBI agent delivering the ransom must show up in nothing but a swimsuit so he can’t hide a gun. The world stares, stunned. The authorities obey. Under the nose of the FBI, the hijackers escape to Algeria — and for the second time, George Wright slips through America’s fingers. 🕶️ The Ghost Life One by one, his partners are caught. Wright? He becomes a shadow. New country. New name. New life. He drifts across borders, unseen — until finally settling in Portugal, married, a father, living in a quiet seaside town where neighbors know him simply as the man who tended his garden. Four decades. No arrests. No trials. No spotlight. Just a fugitive life lived in calm daylight. ⚖️ The Final Twist In 2011, the FBI finds him. Handcuffs click shut — the United States demands him back. But Portugal looks at the case, the paperwork, his citizenship… and says no. No extradition. No return to prison. No undoing the life he built. George Edward Wright walks free. He spent 40 years outrunning the law… and somehow, the law finally stopped running after him.

Guinea-Bissau’s military has taken over the government, appointing General Horta N’Tam as leader for one year after overthrowing President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and suspending election results. Soldiers have shut down media, imposed a curfew, and briefly closed borders. The military claims it acted to stop a plot involving “drug lords” aimed at destabilising the country. Several top officials, including the president and opposition leader Domingos Pereira, have been arrested. ECOWAS, the UN, and Portugal have condemned the coup as the region faces a growing wave of military takeovers.

Ronaldo Confirms 2026 World Cup Will Be His Last. Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage, marking the closing chapter of a legendary career. The 40-year-old star revealed he is likely to retire from football in “one or two years.” Speaking via video at a global tourism and investment forum in Saudi Arabia, he was asked if the 2026 World Cup would be his last. Ronaldo responded: “Definitely, yes. I’m going to be 41 years old, and I think it will be the moment.” With a light smile, he joked: “Soon for me means in 10 years… No, I’m joking.” He added, “I feel very good at this moment. I score goals, and I still feel quick and sharp. But let’s be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years.” Ronaldo, who has scored over 950 career goals, emphasized his satisfaction with his journey, especially since joining Al Nassr in 2023. “I gave everything for football. I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything, I have many records in different scenarios at clubs and also with the national team. I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.” He also spoke about his son, Cristiano Jr., currently with Portugal’s U-16 team: “As human beings, we don’t always want anyone to be better than us. But I wish my kids would be better than me… Be happy, be free. Don’t be under the pressure of your daddy… I will be his support.” Ronaldo hopes to play in a sixth World Cup. His closest attempt to win came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals. The national team can secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a win over Ireland this week.

Amorim cannot work miracles at Man Utd – Cristiano Ronaldo. Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has said that Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim cannot work miracles in the Premier League. Amorim finally led United to three consecutive wins for the first time since his appointment in November 2024. However, that run came to an end last weekend when they drew 2-2 at Nottingham Forest. It has been a turbulent year for the Portuguese coach, as Manchester United recorded their worst-ever Premier League finish last season, ending 14th and trophyless after losing the Europa League final, thereby missing out on European competition this season. While United have shown positive signs recently, Ronaldo still has reservations about the club’s current situation. “He’s [Amorim] doing his best,” said Ronaldo, speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored. “What are you gonna do? Miracles? Miracles are impossible. We say in Portugal, miracles are only in Fatima. You’re not gonna do miracles. Even the players. Manchester United have good players, but then some of them don’t have the mind, what is Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo leapfrogs Boniface, Osimhen, Messi, and others to become football’s first billionaire after mega Al-Nassr deal Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become football’s first-ever billionaire, with his net worth now estimated at a staggering £1.04 billion, according to financial analysts at Bloomberg. The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward reached the milestone after his career earnings, endorsement deals, and investments were evaluated and adjusted for tax rates and market performance. Bloomberg reported that Ronaldo’s lucrative stint in Saudi Arabia has “catapulted him to the top of the global sports rich list,” making him the first footballer to appear on their Billionaires Index. Ronaldo’s wealth now far surpasses that of his long-time rival Lionel Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in the United States. A major contributor to Ronaldo’s fortune is his lifetime partnership with Nike, valued at around £745 million, alongside other endorsements with global brands like Tag Heuer, Armani, PokerStars, Samsung, Unilever, and Louis Vuitton. The Portuguese superstar is also investing heavily in luxury real estate, including a £28 million mansion complex in his home country. He is often seen flaunting high-end jewellery and watches, among them a Franck Muller Invisible Baguette Diamonds Imperial Tourbillon worth £1.13 million. At Al-Nassr, Ronaldo earns a jaw-dropping £167.9 million per year — roughly £300 per minute,though he recently confessed he’d prefer to play solely for Portugal. In addition to his record-breaking contract, Ronaldo reportedly holds a stake in Al-Nassr, further boosting his immense fortune.

Ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai is dead. Former Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, is dead. Rufai passed away on Thursday after battling with prolonged illness. He was 61 years. Dodomayana, as he is fondly called, was widely regarded as of the best goalkeepers Nigeria has produced. During his playing career that lasted two decades, Rufai played in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. He also represented Nigeria at two World Cups and as many Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. Rufai’s death comes on a day the world of football is mourning Liverpool forward, Diogo Jota. Jota died in a car crash in Spain earlier in the day, alongside his brother.

TRAGEDY: LIVERPOOL'S DIOGO JOTA IS DEAD. Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a car crash, aged 28. The Portugal forward's brother Andre Silva also died in the accident, which took place in the Spanish province of Zamora. The 26-year-old was also a professional footballer, with Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel. Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he has three children, just last month. He recently posted pictures on social media of the ceremony, which took place on 22 June. Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League title last season before helping Portugal win the Nations League final in June

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH NARENDRA MODI, VICTIMS OF AIR INDIA President Bola Tinubu extends heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government, and the people of the Republic of India following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad. The plane carried two pilots, 10 cabin crew, 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. President Tinubu expresses deep sorrow over the tragic incident and offers prayers for the families of the victims, the injured, and the entire Indian nation during this moment of grief. The President also commiserates with the leaders of Great Britain, Portugal, and Canada over losing their nationals on the ill-fated flight. "The tragedy of Air India reminds us, once again, of the fragility of life and the common bond of humanity that holds us together."At this moment of sorrow and pain, Nigeria stands in solidarity with our friend, brother and partner, Narendra Modi, and the people of India. Nigeria also deeply sympathises with the families and friends of other victims on board the aircraft,'' President Tinubu says. President Tinubu commends the swift response of the emergency agencies in India and expresses his confidence in their capacity and compassion to make a difference in the complicated situation. The President prays that the Almighty God will receive the souls of the departed and comfort their families.

Portugal left-back Nuno Mendes proudly claimed he “shut down” Lamine Yamal as they defeated Spain to win the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday. #NunoMendes #Portugal #LamineYamal #UEFANationsLeague #FootballFinal

What a final! Portugal outclass Spain 5-3 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw. UEFA Nations League trophy heads to Lisbon!

Nigeria's religious history began in the 16th century with the arrival of missionaries from Portugal. While Badagry is often considered the birthplace of Christianity in Nigeria, it wasn’t the location of the first church. The first and oldest church in Nigeria is the Cathedral Church of St. Peters in Ake, Abeokuta. The key missionary in charge, Rev. Henry Townsend arrived from Sierra Leone to spread Christianity. And from 1846 to 1867, Abeokuta became the vineyard that he was called to work.