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Anthony Gordon and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are two left-wing prospects for Arsenal this summer.

By
Okoro Juliet
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Arsenal is also monitoring Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali as potential targets to improve their midfield but will need to make sales to fund those big investments; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Anthony Gordon have a long time left on their contracts and would be expensive to prize away

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Anthony Gordon are among the targets Arsenal are monitoring as they look to sign a left-winger this summer.

The Premier League leaders want to bring in top-quality players that can improve their starting options with left wing one of the positions manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have been focusing on.

Arsenal’s most frequently used players on the left-wing, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, have one year remaining on their contracts after this season.

Arsenal can expect to have a lot of competition for Paris Saint-Germain star Kvaratskhelia if he comes on the market, while Gordon has shone for Newcastle across the frontline since he arrived from Everton.

PSG signed Kvaratskhelia in January 2025, and he has quickly established himself as one of their most important stars, playing a crucial role in last season’s treble-winning campaign.

The Georgia international has three years left on his contract in Paris and the Qatari owners are under no financial pressure to sell him. Newcastle is in an even stronger position with Gordon’s contract, which runs out in 2030.

Sky Sports News reported last summer that Rodrygo at Real Madrid is another player Arsenal have looked at for this position. However, the Brazil international is set to miss the rest of the season and World Cup with a serious knee injury.

NUPRC Increases Offshore Oil Exploration With PEL 5 Agreement

By
Okoro Juliet
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The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has signed a Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) No. 5 agreement with SeaSeisGeophysical Limited, paving the way for a major offshore data acquisition project aimed at boosting oil and gas exploration.

The agreement, executed in Abuja, authorizes Sea Seis, in partnership with global data firm TGS, to undertake the acquisition and processing of new 3D seismic and gravity data.

The PEL 5 project spans approximately 11,700 square kilometers offshore the Eastern Niger Delta, covering water depths ranging from 400 to 2,800 meters.

The initiative is expected to enhance subsurface understanding, improve prospectivity, and support more efficient development of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources, in line with provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the license underscores the Commission’s commitment to data-driven exploration, transparency, and long-term value creation for the country’s oil and gas industry.

She noted that the project would provide critical geological data needed to attract investment and unlock new opportunities in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of SeaSeisGeophysical Limited, Mr Goke Adeniyi, described the PEL 5 project as the company’s largest in Africa, highlighting the vast potential within Nigeria’s offshore energy landscape.

The partnership is expected to strengthen collaboration between regulators and industry players while advancing efforts to optimise resource development and sustain growth in the sector.

The effects of the Middle East conflict on travel, fuel supply, and security

By
Havilah N. Ajayi
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Military conflict in the Middle East has caused widespread airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions both in the region and across the globe. There are also global fuel supply challenges causing widespread travel impacts.

Your travel plans may be affected even if your destination is not in the Middle East.

Fuel supply shortages

There are global fuel supply challenges, with many countries introducing fuel restrictions and local measures to preserve fuel supplies.

If you travel overseas, your plans may be impacted. There may be delays or cancellations to flights and local transport, changes in availability of food, water and medicines, venue closures or impacts on essential services.

New measures may be introduced at short notice. Read the travel advice for your destination and follow the relevant Australian Embassy on social media.

Transiting the Middle East

‘Do not travel’ advice also applies to transit and layovers in affected locations. Even if you don’t plan to leave the airport, do not transit through these countries.

The regional conflict is likely to escalate further.

Airports, hotels, roads, bridges and other locations have been struck with missiles.

Airspace may close at short notice. Flights can change or stop suddenly. Borders can close.

If you travel to or transit through a ‘Do not travel’ country, you may be unable to leave. Your safety will be at risk.

If you have no other option – for example, following an unplanned landing or if you are already in a ‘Do not travel’ country and can only leave by travelling through another – think carefully about your security. Stay as short a time as possible, minimise time spent in high-risk locations and eliminate unnecessary activities. The threat environment could change at short notice.

What you should do

Read the travel advice for your destination and all transit points, and subscribe for free updates.

If your trip includes a transit or stop in a ‘Do not travel’ country, contact your travel agent or airline about alternative routes, re-booking or refunds. Do not cancel your flights until you get professional advice.

Check your travel insurance policy for coverage of flight delays, cancellations and changes to travel advice levels.

If your trip does not include a ‘Do not travel’ country, still confirm your flights with your travel agent or airline 48 hours before you travel. Monitor your flight for updates until you leave for the airport.

Airline and insurance call centres are currently under pressure. You may experience long wait times.

While you’re travelling

  • Prioritise your safety, monitor developments closely and follow local authorities’ advice, including any warnings to avoid areas deemed to be at high risk of targeting.
  • Monitor local and international news and be aware of current affairs where you’re going.
  • Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places or mass gatherings.
  • Avoid locations that could be at higher risk of terrorist attacks.
  • Report anything suspicious to the police.
  • Keep in touch with your travel agent, airline and travel insurance policy provider in the event of flight delays, cancellations, or increased travel advice levels.

Do Not Travel locations

In the Middle East region, the Australian Government advises Do Not Travel to:

  • Bahrain
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Israel
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Palestine
  • Qatar
  • Syria
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Yemen

Australian embassies and consulates in Israel and the UAE remain closed, while others in the region may be operating on limited hours due to security concerns. These offices may alter their opening hours at short notice. Check the embassy website for details..  Non-essential Australian officials have been directed to leave:

  • Israel
  • Lebanon
  • the UAE

A small number of Australian officials remain in these locations to provide essential consular services. Most dependants of Australian officials have left the Middle East.

Global safety and security

Conflict in the Middle East could impact safety and security elsewhere. There is a heightened risk of reprisal attacks and further escalation. Protests and civil unrest may happen globally. The risk of terrorist attacks can increase, particularly around:

  • places of worship
  • shopping malls and markets
  • public transport and transportation hubs
  • bars, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants
  • hotels and residential compounds
  • embassies
  • government facilities, police stations and locations of security forces
  • festivals and concerts
  • stadiums and sporting venues.

There is growing concern about increased risk of attacks on Israeli, Jewish and US interests globally. Avoid Israeli and US diplomatic missions and locations associated with Israeli, Jewish and US interests.

The most recent Iran-US war: After Tehran mocks claims of peace talks, Trump launches another attack on NATO.

By
Havilah N. Ajayi
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Donald Trump has again criticised Nato countries, accusing them of doing “absolutely nothing” to help his war with Iran.

In a post on Truth Social on Thursday morning, Trump said Iran had been “militarily decimated”, but added that the US “needs nothing from Nato”.

It comes as Iran and Israel continued to exchange barrages of missile and drone strikes hours after Trump claimed the US was negotiating peace with Iran’s leadership, but that Tehran was “afraid” to admit as much due to fears of being “killed by their own people”.

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview on state TV, however, that his government has not engaged in talks to end the war, “and we do not plan on any negotiations.”

Using Pakistan as an intermediary, Washington has delivered to Iran a 15-point ceasefire proposal, which includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump’s 15-point proposal, sent through Pakistan, calls for removing Iran’s stocks of highly enriched uranium, halting enrichment, curbing its ballistic missile program, and cutting off funding for regional allies, according to three Israeli cabinet sources familiar with the plan.

When and where is the match between France and Brazil? Will Vinicius and Mbappe play?

By
Havilah N. Ajayi
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Brazil and France will be among the leading contenders for FIFA World Cup glory later this year, and the two heavyweight teams continue their preparations for the tournament by facing off in a glamour friendly in the United States on Thursday.

With fewer than three months until kickoff, the countries ranked fifth and third respectively in the world rankings are in the US, familiarising themselves with what lies in store for them this June-July.

When and where is the Brazil vs France friendly match?

The former world champions go head-to-head on Thursday at 20:00 GMT at the Gillette Stadium near Boston, Massachusetts.

The home of the National Football League (NFL) side New England Patriots is the venue for the first meeting of these teams in exactly 11 years, since Brazil came from behind to win 3-1 in a friendly at the Stadium of France in March 2015 with goals from Oscar, Neymar and Luiz Gustavo.

How is Brazil’s form ahead of the match?

Brazil laboured their way through South American World Cup qualifying with six defeats in 18 games as they finished fifth. Now they are hoping the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as coach will give them a genuine chance of winning a record-extending sixth World Cup, and first since 2002.

After this match, they will head to Orlando, Florida, for the next friendly on March 31 against Croatia, the team that ousted them from the 2022 World Cup in the quarterfinals.

Will Brazil miss Neymar?

Neymar is now 34 and has not played for his country since October 2023, but his absence from the squad has still been one of the main talking points coming into these matches.

“A horrible crime”: Seven fighters are killed by airstrikes in Anbar, Iraq

By
Okoro Juliet
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An aerial attack on a military base in western Iraq’s Anbar province has killed seven fighters and wounded 13, according to Iraq’s Ministry of Defense.

The strikes on Wednesday targeted the military healthcare clinic at the base in Habbaniyah, according to the ministry. It called the attack “a heinous crime” that violated “all international laws and norms”.

An Iraqi police source told Al Jazeera the attack targeted positions of the Iraqi military’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a paramilitary group that includes some Iran-aligned brigades and reportedly shares the base with members of Iraq’s regular army.

The PMF condemned the attack as a “blatant aggression [that] constitutes a grave violation of national sovereignty and an unacceptable transgression against the Iraqi security forces”.

“We also call upon all the sons and daughters of the Iraqi people to unite and stand together during this critical time, and to support state institutions and security forces in carrying out their sacred duty,” the group said in a statement.

The strikes appeared appeared to be the first time the PMF was hit alongside the broader Iraqi military, according to Al Jazeera’s Assed Baig, reporting from Baghdad.

“What we understand from the military here is that air strikes were carried out and then further strikes carried out on that same position,” said Baig.

After the strikes, ⁠Iraqi ⁠Prime Minister Mohammed ⁠Shia al-Sudani ⁠instructed the Ministry ‌of Foreign Affairs to summon the US charge d’affaires in ⁠Baghdad over attacks ⁠targeting ⁠its “military units”, ⁠the ⁠prime minister’s office said. The office added that Iraq’s government would file a formal complaint with the United Nations Security Council and other international bodies over the incident, which it warned could undermine US-Iraq relations.

Tuesday’s strike, which the PMF blamed on the US, was the deadliest in Iraq since the start of the war on Iran on February 28. It killed 15 fighters, including a commander.

The attack prompted Iraq’s government to grant the PMF a “right to respond” to any attack against it, a position Baghdad reaffirmed on Wednesday.

Baghdad also said on Tuesday that it intended to summon the US charge d’affaires and the Iranian ambassador over recent strikes on former paramilitaries and Iraqi Kurdish security forces as fallout from the US-Israel war on Iran spills into Iraqi territory.

Since the war began, pro-Iran armed groups have claimed responsibility for attacks on US interests in Iraq and across the region while strikes have also targeted these groups, including at government positions.

The US Department of Defense has acknowledged that combat helicopters have carried out strikes against pro-Iran armed groups in Iraq during the current conflict.

Baig said the latest strikes demonstrate “an escalation in terms of the PMF being targeted”.

“Increasingly, Iraq is becoming a battlefield between Iraqi armed factions and the United States,” he said.

Senegal Launches Flagship Technology Initiatives to Quicken Digital Sovereignty

By
Okoro Juliet
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The initiative, which was first introduced as a national digital roadmap, is centered on four strategic pillars: digital sovereignty, digitization of public services, development of the digital economy, and positioning Senegal as a leading digital hub in Africa.

Senegal has officially marked the launch of key projects under its New Deal Technologies, reinforcing its ambition to build a modern, connected, and digitally sovereign state. The announcement was made during a high-level event held at the CICAD on March 24, 2026, bringing together government officials, international partners, and stakeholders from the digital ecosystem.

The initiative, which was first introduced as a national digital roadmap, is centered on four strategic pillars: digital sovereignty, digitization of public services, development of the digital economy, and positioning Senegal as a leading digital hub in Africa. After one year of implementation, authorities say significant progress has been made, with foundational infrastructure and systems now in place to support large-scale digital transformation.

A major highlight of the programmed is the expansion of connectivity across the country. Through a combination of fiber-optic and satellite technologies, the Universal Connectivity Project aims to bring internet access to remote areas, schools, health centers, and underserved communities. More than one million people are expected to gain free access to connectivity in 2026, while government infrastructure has seen a major upgrade, with bandwidth capacity increasing significantly to support efficient public service delivery.

The government is also prioritizing digital sovereignty through the development of national data centers and cloud infrastructure to ensure that sensitive and strategic data remains within Senegal. Efforts are underway to strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks governing data protection, cybersecurity, and digital operations, ensuring that the country maintains control over its digital assets.

Another major component of the initiative is the rollout of the National Interoperability Platform, designed to break down silos between government institutions. This system allows secure and real-time data exchange between ministries, enabling citizens to access services more efficiently while reducing administrative duplication. Complementing this is the expansion of digital public services through platforms that allow citizens to complete administrative procedures online, including payments, document requests, and consular services.

The programmed also includes the development of digital payment systems to streamline transactions between citizens and public institutions, as well as reforms aimed at supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. Through initiatives linked to the Startup Act, Senegal is working to identify, support, and scale local startups, fostering a dynamic and competitive digital economy.

In addition, the country is advancing efforts in electronic governance, digital identity, cybersecurity, and electronic signature systems to modernize administrative processes. These developments are expected to improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, and strengthen trust in digital systems.

Overall, the New Deal Technologies reflects Senegal’s long-term vision to build a robust, inclusive, and sovereign digital ecosystem. With continued investment in infrastructure, policy reform, and innovation, the country is positioning itself to accelerate economic growth and improve the quality of public services for its citizens.

Businesses that sell sachet water and ice are at risk due to unstable power.

By
Okoro Juliet
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0

Abuja, March 25, 2026 (NAN) Some sachet water and ice block sellers in Kpeyegyi and Kurudu communities of the FCT have raised concerns over poor electricity supply, saying it is threatening their businesses.

The traders told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that the situation had led to a sharp increase in the prices of the commodities.

Mrs. Victoria Alizi, a trader, said unstable power supply had greatly increased operational costs, forcing a hike in the price of sachet water.

According to her, she previously sold a bag of sachet water for N400 but now buys it at N500 and sells at N600 per bag.

“I used to sell three sachets for N100, but now it is N50 per sachet because of the rising cost of ice blocks.

“Before, I bought ice blocks for between N500 and N700, but now they cost as much as N1,500,” she said.

Alizi added that profit margins had dwindled, noting that patronage was declining as consumers sought cheaper alternatives.

She appealed to relevant authorities to ensure stable electricity supply to ease production challenges, reduce costs, and improve livelihoods.

Mr Simon Boss, an ice block producer, said the situation had disrupted production, as he now relies heavily on petrol and diesel generators.

He noted that the high cost of fuel had increased operating expenses, forcing producers to pass the burden on to consumers.

“We are feeling the impact, especially during the peak of the dry season when demand is high.

“Some operators are recording losses due to partially frozen or melted products caused by unstable power supply, while others can no longer meet customer demand consistently.

“It is tiring; we do not understand why the situation persists,” he said.

Boss added that the situation was more severe for small-scale operators who lacked the resources to sustain prolonged generator use.

He said some producers had scaled down operations or shut down entirely, leading to reduced supply.

Mr. Jude Makera, a sachet water producer, said frequent power outages often halted production for hours, days, or even up to a week, reducing output.

“We depend on electricity for everything, from water purification to sealing.

“When there is no power, everything stops, and running generators daily is expensive,” he said.

Makera noted that low-income households were especially affected, as they bore the rising cost of water alongside increased fuel and transportation expenses.

He also urged relevant authorities to address the situation urgently, noting that the business serves as a major source of livelihood for many families in the communities.

Ukraine Requests Support from Allies for Deep Strikes on Russian Drone Facilities Associated with Iran’s Gulf Attacks

By
Okoro Juliet
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0

Shipment of modernized drones to Iran made Russian drone production sites legitimate military targets, a top Ukrainian diplomat told Reuters on March 24.

He urged Western powers to equip Ukraine with weapons capable of hitting those sites. Ukraine’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Andriy Melnyk, said Russia’s support of Tehran with modernized versions of its Iranian-designed Shahed drones and other military support meant it was now Tehran’s main accomplice in the war.

Moscow had used the Shahed drones against Ukraine since early in its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The recent conflict in Iran has revealed how intertwined this crisis is with Russia’s military invasion and the Kremlin’s malign, imperialistic goals, Melnyk told a special Security Council session.

According to Reuters, Russia’s shipments of modernized versions of Iran’s Shahed drones, using licenses provided by Tehran, marked an unprecedented escalation that would allow Iran to attack Gulf countries and US forces in the region for a long period. As a result, Russian drone production sites should be considered legitimate targets for military strikes in the campaign against the mullah regime.

Reuters noted that Ukraine is already hitting Russian drone production facilities given the threats the weapons posed to its people and infrastructure but could be more effective with new weapons and resources for deep strikes. Melnyk also stated that Ukraine had sent hundreds of experts to the Gulf region to help countries defend against drones and that Russia had transferred attack helicopters to Iran in violation of UN arms restrictions.

The 2026 conflict in the Middle East has rapidly transformed the military-industrial relationship between Moscow and Tehran into an integrated global threat. In mid-March, analysts highlighted that Ukraine’s world-leading expertise in countering uncrewed aerial vehicles is becoming a critical export for Gulf nations facing Iranian aggression.

While Russian leader Vladimir Putin provides Tehran with advanced satellite data and upgraded drone technology, the battlefields of Ukraine and the Middle East have effectively merged into a single theater of technological warfare. This development has forced a reassessment of global defense priorities, with Western allies increasingly looking to Ukrainian combat experience to secure critical maritime and energy infrastructure in the Gulf.

Rumors and gossip about a transfer: Man United is prepared to pursue Davies

By
Okoro Juliet
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Manchester United is interested in signing Bayern Munich left back Alphonso Davies, while Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández is open to joining Real Madrid. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

– Manchester United are interested in signing Bayern Munich left back Alphonso Davies, as reported by Bild’s Christian Falk. United want to bring in competition for Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu, with Tyrell Malacia expected to leave. Davies, 25, snubbed a move to Real Madrid when signed a new contract until 2030 last year, but Bayern could now be willing to listen to offers for the Canada international due to his recent injury record, as he is currently out with a hamstring injury just two months after returning from a cruciate ligament tear. However, the Red Devils haven’t made a concrete offer yet despite their long-term interest.

– Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández is open to joining Real Madrid and would consider it a dream move, reports TalkSPORT. Fernandez, 25, cast doubt over his future last week and he has been linked with Los Blancos, Paris Saint-Germain and Al Ittihad, though the Argentina international doesn’t want to move to Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career. Fernandez was reported to be disappointed by the manner of former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca’s exit and is ready to leave this summer, with a switch to LaLiga being his first choice.

– Arsenal are doing extensive groundwork over the signing of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi but Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are also keen, according to TEAM talk. Bouaddi has already made 90 appearances for the Ligue 1 club, despite only being 18, and scouts from the Gunners and Liverpool were in attendance for Lille’s 2-1 win against Marseille

– Barcelona are monitoring Juventus left back Andrea Cambiaso, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport. Luciano Spalletti sees the 26-year-old as a key player and he has a contract that runs until 2029, so Juve value his transfer at €50 million and are unlikely to consider any offers under that figure. Cambiaso has previously been linked with Manchester City but an approach from Barcelona could tempt him.

– Talks have already taken place between Borussia Dortmund and the representatives of Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, says Sky Sports Deutschland. BVB president Hans-Joachim Watzke is the driving force behind the Bundesliga club’s efforts to bring Sancho back to club, just five years after letting him move to Old Trafford for €85 million. Sancho, 25, hasn’t settled at United and has been on loan at Dortmund, Chelsea and now Aston Villa. He is out of contract in the summer and has received numerous offers, while Dortmund believes the winger would be willing to take a pay cut to re-join them.

 

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