Real Madrid striker, Gonzalo Garcia, has moved joint-top of the goal scorers’ chart at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States after netting in Madrid’s thrilling 3-2 quarter-final win over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
The 21-year-old forward now has four goals in the tournament, placing him alongside Angel Di Maria, Serhou Guirassy, and Marcos Leonardo as the competition’s current leading scorers ahead of the semi-final fixtures.
Garcia, who has played a key role in Madrid’s attacking strength so far, will be aiming to increase his tally when the Spanish giants face Paris Saint-Germain in a highly anticipated semi-final clash on Wednesday.
In the other semi-final fixture, Chelsea will take on the Brazilian side Fluminense on Tuesday.
Below is the updated list of top scorers at the tournament ahead of the semi-finals:
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted cocaine concealed in lipsticks and a property title document bound for the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, respectively.
Operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation attached to a logistics firm in Lagos discovered the consignments on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
In a statement on Sunday, the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said a total of 420 grams of cocaine were hidden in 84 pieces of factory-fitted female lipsticks heading to the UK, while 280 grams of the drug were found inside a Certificate of Occupancy being sent to Saudi Arabia.
“A total of 420grams of cocaine factory fitted in 84 pieces of female lipsticks heading to the UK were seized, while 280grams of the same Class A drug were uncovered in a property title document (Certificate of Occupancy, C of O) being sent to Saudi Arabia,” the statement partly read.
In a separate operation, he said a drug kingpin, Ajetsibo Emami, alias ‘Warri Kinsman’, was arrested in Ikeja on Saturday, June 28, following a three-day raid.
Babafemi added that the operation led to the seizure of 681 pouches of Canadian Loud weighing 414.2 kilograms from 24 jumbo bags and the arrest of three accomplices.
He said in another operation, a family was arrested for drugs.
According to him, the father, Ajah Johnson, his wife Rosemary, their daughters Stella and Ngozi, and a family friend, Okoro Elijah, were arrested in Lagos.
“A businessman, Ajah Johnson Uchenna, and his wife, Rosemary Uchenna, along with their two daughters, Stella Uchenna and Ngozi Uchenna, as well as their family friend Okoro Elijah, have been taken into custody after an investigation revealed they run a major illicit drug distribution network in Lagos.
“The couple was first arrested on Friday, 13th June by operatives of the Department of State Security in Ojo area of the state and transferred to NDLEA along with 277.5kg skunk.
“While they were still being investigated in custody, credible intelligence revealed that the family business was going on in his house.
“This led to a raid on their home and a packing store where 231kg of the same substance was recovered on Tuesday, 1st July.
“Three persons arrested during the raid include their two daughters: Ngozi Uchenna and Blessing Uchenna, as well as their family friend, Okoro Elijah, who was running the family business in the absence of the couple,” he said.
Babafemi equally said at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, a man identified as Aburemi Hysent, was caught on July 2 with 7,660 tramadol pills concealed in food items he was conveying to Italy.
He said the suspect confessed to being promised €800 for the delivery.
NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, 2nd July, intercepted a frequent flyer, Aburemi Hysent, who specialises in conveying goods for customers from Nigeria to Italy and vice versa.
“He was found to have hidden 7,660 pills of tramadol 225mg and 200mg inside food items packed among other goods he was conveying to Italy.
“He claimed he was to be paid the sum of 800 euros upon successful delivery of the drug consignment in Italy,” Babafemi said.
On July 4, he said operatives at the airport also intercepted 52 counterfeit travellers’ cheques concealed in children’s books.
The cheques, worth 17.7 million Australian dollars and headed to Malaysia via Istanbul, were traced to freight agent Bolarinwa Saheed, who has been handed over to the EFCC for further investigation.
Babafemi said, “In another interdiction operation at the Lagos airport, a total of 52 pieces of the travelers cheques concealed in children books, worth 17,700,000 Australian dollars, going to Malaysia through Istanbul on a Turkish Airlines flight were on Friday 4th July intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the airport while a freight agent, Bolarinwa Saheed has been arrested.
“The travellers’ cheques are suspected to be 6 the suspect will be transferred to the EFCC for further investigation.”
At the Seme border in Lagos on July 5, he said NDLEA recovered 359kg of skunk stored in the Baba-Pupa area.
The same day, Babafemi said 10,000 tramadol pills and 1.050kg of Colorado were intercepted along the Okene-Lokoja highway. Follow-up arrests were made at Jabi Park, Abuja.
In Osun State, he said several arrests were made between July 1 and 3 in Osogbo and Ile-Ife. Over 62,000 pills and ampoules of opioids were seized.
“A cannabis farm covering 9.67 hectares was also destroyed at Ikaka forest, Oke-Ila, with seven suspects arrested and over 24,000kg of skunk destroyed, ” he added.
In Borno, he said 167kg of skunk was recovered at Gamboru-Ngala.
“Along the Zaria-Kano road, 452kg was seized, with two suspects arrested.
“In Kaduna, 11,000 pills of tramadol were found on a 30-year-old man, while Sokoto officers arrested a 62-year-old suspect with 4,800 pills of the same drug.
“Kebbi command raided Bakin Kasuwa, Yauri, where 312kg of skunk and 10,000 diazepam tablets were recovered.
“In Taraba, two suspects were found with nearly 50,000 capsules of tramadol, ” the statement added.
In Edo, Babafemi said a wanted suspect, Alaba Monday, was arrested in Ewere forest with 115kg of skunk.
“Three others were arrested on a 2-hectare cannabis farm. In Cross River, a 78-year-old man and others were arrested in Obubra LGA with various quantities of skunk and tramadol,” he concluded.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has described Paris Saint-Germain as a strong team but remained confident that Real Madrid can defeat any team.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that in a thrilling encounter at the ongoing 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S., Real Madrid secured a spot in the semifinals after edging Borussia Dortmund 3-2.
The Spanish giants will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the competition.
In spite of being reduced to 10 men, Real Madrid’s resilience and determination paid off, as they held on to their lead and saw off Dortmund’s challenge.
Speaking to newsmen after the match, the former Liverpool defender said PSG is the champion of Europe for a reason, maintaining that he has watched a couple of their games.
“Very strong team, but we are just too strong, and we believe we can beat any one” Alexander-Arnold said.
Reflecting on his life at Real Madrid, he explained that the journey has been exciting so far, and he is enjoying being part of the team playing with the best players in the world.
“It is a pleasure. Every time I stepped onto the pitch, it is a dream come true” Alexander-Arnold said.
Goals from Gonzalo Garcia and Fran Garcia had put Madrid 2-0 up, but a late surge from Dortmund saw Maximilian Beier pull one back.
The game turned chaotic in added time, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a stunning acrobatic volley for Madrid, only for Dean Huijsen’s red card to spark tension.
Huijsen’s foul on Serhou Guirassy earned him a straight red and Dortmund a penalty.
However, Madrid held firm to secure their semifinal spot, setting up a showdown with PSG.
NAN reports that PSG had defeated German giants, Bayern Munich 2-0 at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta earlier in the day.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has described permanent secretaries as the “backbone” of any government.
According to him, they play critical roles in the smooth running of the government.
Edun spoke on Saturday at a retirement dinner held in Abuja in honour of the former Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Nnamdi Mbaeri.
He said, “Anybody that wants to succeed in government must not joke with the perm sec; otherwise, he is going to have the kind of experience that you are not having.
“You must be in sync with your permanent secretary. Their knowledge is so deep, their understanding so profound, and their experience so widespread that, on almost any topic, if you talk to them, they can help you. They are the backbone of government.”
Reflecting on his relationship with the retired permanent secretary, Edun said he worked closely with Mbaeri even before he assumed his current ministerial role.
He recalled their collaboration on the Presidential Transition Committee ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“I met him even before I came into government—first as Special Adviser on Monetary Policy and later in my current position.
“He was kind, diligent, helpful, understanding, and very knowledgeable. At every turn, he was ever ready to impart that knowledge.”
The minister praised Mbaeri for an outstanding public service career, describing his exit from service as “splendid and worthy of emulation.
“You started well, you did well, and you are exiting the service in a splendid manner that is worthy of emulation and which I’m sure others will aspire to,” he added.
Speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, represented by Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, Aishetu Ndayako, praised Mbaeri for his exceptional service to the federal civil service, describing his tenure as impactful and worthy of emulation.
He said, “Today, we gather not only to bid farewell to a man who has contributed immensely to the federal civil service, but also to celebrate a life that has reached a significant and honourable milestone.
“A well-lived life is not measured solely by the number of years, but by the impact one has made.”
The SGF described Mbaeri’s support to the Office of the Secretary to the Government as “tremendous,” highlighting his “quiet yet firm leadership” and commitment to public service values.
“In your years of service, especially since I assumed office, I observed in you an uncommon commitment to duty.
“Your tenure established a legacy that will live on,” the SGF said.
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday assured his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, that he is working to remove all bottlenecks hindering Nigeria’s agric sector boom, especially bureaucracy, which he said contributes to delays in realising the sector’s potential.
He said this will enable food sovereignty and export for the country in areas such as livestock production.
Tinubu said this in a bilateral meeting held at the Copacabana Forte with the Brazilian president and some members of both countries’ cabinets.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed Saturday night titled ‘We’re Removing All Bottlenecks To Improve Food And Agric Production In Nigeria, Says President Tinubu To Brazilian Leader.’
“The President informed the Brazilian leader and delegation that Nigeria was already undergoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness, particularly in agriculture, where it already has a competitive advantage.
“Tinubu stated that all technicalities in agreements between the two countries will be streamlined and fast-tracked in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resources exploration”, the statement partly read.
He added that Brazil’s research and development services had been exemplary for most countries, with the country rated as one of the highest producers of food and agricultural products.
“On livestock farming, Tinubu highlighted the efforts of his administration to boost investments in poultry, cattle rearing, and fisheries, adding that the blue economy also holds potential for long-term partnerships between Nigeria and Brazil. He argued that Nigeria was ready for a strong partnership and immediate action to stimulate food production.
“The President said the subnationals have a pivotal role in food and animal production in Nigeria by complementing the federal government’s efforts to use agriculture as a significant source of employment and resource mobilisation. Lula assured that all agreements with Nigeria would be regularised, and the MOUs would be updated and signed without delay during President Tinubu’s next visit.
“He noted that the lingering bureaucracy between the two countries must be removed to achieve quick results, adding that Brazil’s research and development institutions will collaborate with Nigeria to enhance livestock farming. The Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, revealed that Tinubu had consistently insisted on food security for Nigeria, and the mandate would be actualised through local and global partnerships. He added that Nigeria already had a competitive advantage in fertiliser production that could easily be enhanced, “he said.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, highlighted three areas of partnership with Brazil, including health and disease management, sanitary services, and research into genetic materials and new breeds.
The governors of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia; Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago; Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori; and Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, attended the bilateral meeting.
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, said that the sub-nationals would support the federal government’s framework to revamp the agricultural sector.
Abiodun noted that both leaders’ decision to include a business forum during President Tinubu’s state visit to the country will inject fresh ideas and resources, enabling quick results in turning around Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, also participated in the bilateral meeting.
The Ogun State Police Command says it is set to clamp down on any form of cult-related activity across the state on the “777” cult anniversary.
The “777” date observed on the seventh day of the seventh month is reportedly celebrated by some cult groups and has been associated with violent clashes in the state in the past.
In a public advisory issued on Sunday, the command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, disclosed that it had picked up intelligence indicating that members of secret cult groups were planning to mark the annual celebration on July 7.
Odutola said, ”The Command has reinforced security operations across all Divisions and Area Commands to ensure peace and public safety.”
She warned that any unlawful gathering, procession, or anniversary celebration linked to cultism would be disrupted, and those involved dealt with decisively.
“Any attempt to stage unlawful gatherings, processions, or anniversary events linked to cultism will be met with swift and decisive police action,” Odutola said.
The command also cautioned youths against loitering or forming clusters in public places during the period, saying such conduct could draw law enforcement attention.
“Young people are strongly urged to avoid loitering or forming clusters in public places,” the advisory warned.
Parents and guardians were advised to keep close watch on their wards and educate them on the dangers of cultism.
Odutola further warned that anyone found in possession of firearms during the anniversary period would be arrested and prosecuted.
She also urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is engaging with Anambra indigenes in the United States and North America as part of his tour on accountability and inclusive governance and his administration’s progress report to professionals and business leaders and other citizens of the state living in those countries.
In a statement released on Saturday, Soludo’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, said the US/North America meeting is a continuation of the governor’s noble tradition, which demonstrates that he sees governance as a continuous contract with the people, not just a seasonal obligation tied to election cycles.
Aburime said the Diaspora meeting is a strategic engagement that reinforces Soludo’s belief in participatory governance, adding that Anambra’s global citizens deserve to be carried along in the state’s progress, and this meeting ensures they remain stakeholders, not just spectators from afar.
He said that as the 2025 Anambra State governorship election draws closer, while opposition candidates are deep in campaign mode, Soludo is taking a different approach, one that demonstrates his commitment to good governance over routine politics.
This, he said, demonstrates how statesmen and visionary leaders are separated from politicians, adding that visionary leaders are mindful of leaving an enduring positive impact while politicians are desperate to just win the next election.
The statement read in part, “On Sunday, July 6, the governor will engage with the Anambra Diaspora community in the US and North America at a town hall meeting in Maryland. This is not an election campaign stop; it is another chapter in his administration’s untiring dedication to accountability and inclusive governance that has been the trend in the past three years.
“Soludo’s decision to embark on this Diaspora engagement at a time when others would be focusing solely on the upcoming election speaks volumes about his leadership philosophy.
“Unlike typical politicians who flood the airwaves with their usual empty promises as elections approach, Soludo is choosing to let his record speak for itself. His administration has held similar town hall meetings this year: first in Lagos, then Abuja, and later in the UK/Europe, where he presented his achievements, addressed concerns, and outlined his vision for the future of Anambra State.
“This upcoming US/North America meeting is a continuation of that noble tradition. It demonstrates that Prof. Soludo sees governance as a continuous contract with the people, not just a seasonal obligation tied to election cycles. While his opponents are busy making grand declarations or criticising his government, Governor Soludo is busy reporting back to the people, proving that his administration values transparency and performance over political theatrics.”
According to Aburime, since the assuming office, Soludo has pursued an ambitious “Solution agenda” anchored on economic transformation, security, infrastructure, and human capital development.
He pointed out that the governor’s administration has made a significant impact in areas such as security, massive road construction and urban renewal projects, education, overhauling the public school system, economic growth, empowering youths, among others.
“These achievements are tangible results that directly impact the lives of Anambra citizens. By engaging the Diaspora, Soludo recognises their critical role in the state’s development. In fact, many Ndi Anambra in the US and Canada are key investors, professionals, and philanthropists whose contributions can further accelerate the state’s growth.
“This town hall is an opportunity to align their expertise and resources with the state’s developmental goals. Moreover, it sends a powerful message that Governor Soludo is not a leader who governs in isolation. He listens, he reports, and he collaborates.
“While opposition candidates scramble for attention with their usual empty promises, Governor Soludo’s confidence in his performance allows him to focus on governance. He understands that true leadership is not about loud campaigns but about measurable impact.
“As he meets with Ndi Anambra in Maryland with his scorecard, the message will be ringing loud and clear: performance will always outweigh propaganda. It is also a reaffirmation that accountability should never take a back seat, even in an election season. In the end, that is what will matter most to the people of Anambra State,” the statement added.
Thursday, July 3rd, would be regarded as a black day for the football world following the tragic death of Portugal and Liverpool forward, Diogo Jota, who passed away just two weeks after he married his childhood girlfriend, Rute.
The prolific 28-year-old attacker was on his way to Liverpool for pre-season training when his car was involved in a ghastly accident alongside his younger brother Andre, in Spain, killing both footballers.
According to Spain’s Guardia Civil, Jota’s Lamborghini left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another car in the Zamora Province of Spain, a small town of just a hundred people, leaving the community in a state of shock.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of one of its personnel, Lance Corporal Ahmed Aminu, in connection with the death of a phone repairer, Alkasim Ibrahim, in Mayo Belwa Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The incident, which occurred on Friday has triggered widespread public concern and demands for accountability.
A statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations of the 23 Armour Brigade, Yola, Lieutenant Adebayo Adewumi, noted that the soldier has been taken into custody and a thorough investigation is ongoing in the case.
“The Nigerian Army acknowledges the reported incident with deep concern and wishes to inform the public that the said soldier has since been taken into custody.
“A thorough investigation has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident,” the statement read.
The Brigade spokesman said that the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the rule of law cannot be compromised.
He pointed out that any form of misconduct among its personnel cannot be tolerated.
He further assured the public that the outcome of the investigation would be made public to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice.
The Army also urged citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading speculation or engaging in acts that could disrupt public order, pledging to uphold its core values of integrity and national service.
Meanwhile, the killing has sparked outrage among residents and human rights groups, who are calling for a fair and impartial investigation into the circumstances leading to his death.
A former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.), has called for the introduction of mandatory military training for all Nigerians, beginning with the National Youth Service Corps.
This, he said, is a way of promoting national unity, discipline, and resilience in the face of growing security and social challenges.
Ihejirika made the call on Friday night at the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 18 Alumni Association in Abuja.
He reflected on his early days in military service and the camaraderie built over the years with fellow officers.
The former Army chief said the discipline and patriotism instilled in them during training were instrumental in shaping their careers and national contributions.
“Given the current situation of things in our country, I believe it’s time we start thinking about mandatory military training for our citizens.
“We can start with the National Youth Service. This will help us build a generation of Nigerians who understand sacrifice, responsibility, and patriotism,” he said.
Ihejirika praised the government’s decision to restore the old national anthem, saying it reinforces the spirit of unity.
He emphasised that the line “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand” perfectly captures the essence of national service and shared identity.
He also expressed concern over how the national anthem is now reduced to mere fanfare at official events.
“It should be a daily reminder of our oath of allegiance. It must return to schools, communities, and national ceremonies,” he said.
Drawing from his own life experience, Ihejirika recounted his humble beginnings from his village in Abia and how military discipline transformed him.
He credited the support of colleagues and mentors for his successful career, which culminated in his appointment as Nigeria’s 22nd Chief of Army Staff.
Beyond his advocacy, the retired general also commended the current leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing them as highly experienced and well-trained.
“Many of the officers leading today served in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and other conflict zones.
They have earned their stars through real battle experience and are doing remarkably well,” he added.
He urged Nigerian leaders at all levels to prioritise peace and stability, reminding them that no office or position is sustainable in the absence of national unity.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the dinner had in attendance the Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and representatives of service chiefs amongst other dignitaries.
