The Super Eagles of Nigeria have dropped again by one place from 38th to 39th in the world based on FIFA’s latest rankings, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to the list released on Thursday by the world football governing body, the three-time African champions remained the fifth-best team on the continent.
The update in rankings comes after the conclusion of recent international competitions, including the European Championships in Germany and the Copa America in the USA.
In June, Nigeria dropped eight spots in the global rankings, undoing the impressive points accumulated at the African Cup of Nations earlier this year.
The considerable drop was due to uninspiring results in the latest round of games of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Eagles drew 1-1 against South Africa in their fourth game of the qualifiers and lost 2-1 to the Benin Republic in the following match.
The top three nations remain unchanged on the continent, with Morocco (14) top ahead of Senegal (19) and Egypt (36) respectively. Ivory Coast are 38th on the latest rankings, placing them fourth in Africa.
Argentina, which successfully defended their Copa America title last weekend, retained the top spot globally ahead of second-placed France.
AC Milan have signed Spain forward Alvaro Morata from Atletico Madrid on a four-year contract with an option for a further 12 months.
The Serie A side triggered Morata’s release clause, reportedly around £11 million, to secure his transfer.
The 31-year-old recently captained Spain to victory in Euro 2024 earlier this month.
Morata made his professional debut with Real Madrid and has also played for Juventus and Chelsea. He won the Champions League twice during his two spells at Real Madrid and lifted the Italian title twice with Juventus.
Paris Olympics organizers said on Friday they were experiencing problems linked to a major worldwide computer systems outage, a week before the Games’ opening ceremony takes place.
The issues came as a major outage wreaked havoc on computer systems worldwide, grounding flights in the United States, derailing television broadcasts in the UK, and impacting telecommunications in Australia.
“Paris 2024 is aware of global technical issues affecting Microsoft software. These issues are impacting Paris 2024’s IT operations,” organizers said. “Paris 2024’s technical teams have been fully mobilized to mitigate the impacts of these issues and we have activated contingency plans in order to continue operations,” they added.
A source at the Paris Olympic Games organizing committee said the problem is affecting the accreditation system with some people unable to pick up badges before next Friday’s ceremony on the River Seine. The source added it could also affect the arrival of athletes who have had flights canceled after the athletes’ Olympic Village welcomed its first guests on Thursday.
The London Stock Exchange, airports in Spain, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong, as well as production at U.S. carmaker Tesla’s plant outside Berlin, have also been disrupted.
Microsoft said in a statement it was taking “mitigation actions” in response to service issues. It was not clear if those were linked to the global outages.
The Nigeria Police Force has received the results of a medical examination conducted on a 17-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by a police officer at the Area H Command in the Ogudu area of Lagos State. This development marks a crucial step in the ongoing investigation of the incident that has sparked public outrage and raised questions about police conduct.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the receipt of the test results to PUNCH Online on Friday. While not disclosing the specific outcomes of the examination, Hundeyin stated, “The test result has been handed over to the police and the investigation has continued.” He added that further updates would be provided in due course, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The medical examination was reportedly processed at the Mirabel Centre, a specialized facility known for handling sexual assault cases. This thorough medical evaluation is expected to play a key role in determining the veracity of the allegations and potentially providing crucial evidence for the investigation.
The case came to light when the victim alleged she was raped inside the Ogudu Police Station in the Ojota area of Lagos. According to reports, the accused officer had initially offered to help the teenager retrieve her phone, which had been stolen by ‘one chance’ robbers on June 16. The suspect allegedly overheard the girl recounting her ordeal to her mother and offered assistance, only to carry out the alleged assault under the guise of taking her statement.
The victim’s mother, Aramide Olupona, reported that her daughter began bleeding a day after the alleged assault, prompting them to seek medical attention at the Mirabel Centre. Olupona has expressed concerns about potential attempts to cover up the case, citing pleas from the suspect’s family members.
In response to these concerns, Hundeyin has assured the public that there is no attempt to cover up the incident. He stated, “The Lagos State Police Command has placed under arrest one of its personnel accused of defiling a 17-year-old girl.” The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has directed a full-scale and thorough investigation into the allegation.
The police spokesperson emphasized that such acts are “at variance with the code of conduct and professional ethics of the Nigeria Police Force.” He reiterated that if found culpable, the officer would be dealt with under police regulations and the law.
Tel Aviv, Israel – On Friday, an Iranian-made drone sent by Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck Tel Aviv, resulting in one death and at least 10 injuries. This marks the group’s first lethal strike on Israel.
The drone strike occurred in the center of Tel Aviv, close to the U.S. Embassy, causing significant damage and panic. Shards of glass rained down across a large area as the drone hit. The attack was startling due to the drone’s ability to evade Israel’s advanced multilayered air defenses, which have successfully intercepted most drones and rockets launched by the Houthis since the Gaza war began. Prior to this incident, such attacks rarely reached as far as Eilat, 270 kilometers (160 miles) south of Tel Aviv.
The Israeli military is conducting a thorough investigation to determine why the air defenses failed to intercept the drone. Chief spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated, “The drone was detected by air defenses, but an error occurred and there was no interception.” Another military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, suggested human error might be involved.
Yahya Sare’e, the spokesman for the Houthis, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement on the social media platform X. He indicated that the drone was targeting the Israeli-Hamas war and had struck one of their primary targets. The Israeli military identified the drone as an Iranian Samad-3, upgraded for long-range travel, and confirmed it was launched from Yemen.
The drone struck around 3:10 a.m., shattering windows and damaging cars in the coastal neighborhood of Tel Aviv. The impact caused a loud explosion heard as far as nearby cities. Authorities are still determining if the drone exploded in the air or directly upon impact.
Israel has been under increased threat from drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have ramped up their efforts in solidarity with Hamas. The ongoing Gaza war has intensified these threats, with Israel’s air defense systems being put to the test repeatedly. This incident underscores the evolving threat landscape and the need for constant vigilance.
The drone strike in Tel Aviv signifies a significant escalation in the threats posed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels and highlights the vulnerabilities in Israel’s air defense systems. As investigations continue, the incident raises critical questions about defense readiness and the strategic responses required to counter such threats in the future. The impact of this event will likely influence both military tactics and international diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing conflicts in the region.
Washington, D.C. – Multiple U.S. airlines have announced the resumption of operations on Friday following a major worldwide computer systems outage that grounded or delayed thousands of flights across the country. The IT issue caused global chaos, affecting airports in Europe and the United States, derailing television broadcasts in the UK, and impacting telecommunications in Australia.
The computer systems outage brought significant disruption to international travel and communications. In the U.S., flights were grounded, causing widespread delays and cancellations. Similar disruptions were reported at airports across Europe, creating a ripple effect that extended to various industries, including media and telecommunications.
At Dulles International Airport near Washington, Evyn Garson shared her frustration with AFP. Garson and her family had been trying to travel to Florida for a wedding but found themselves stuck at the airport. “We definitely considered just driving down there. But now it looks like they are checking bags so we might stay,” Garson said, reflecting the uncertainty many travelers faced.
Resumption of Services
As airlines began to recover from the outage, they reported gradual normalization of operations. Affected airlines have been working diligently to manage the backlog and accommodate stranded passengers. By Friday, major U.S. airlines indicated that flight operations were resuming, with ground stops lifted and schedules being adjusted to mitigate delays.
The outage underscored the vulnerabilities in the global aviation and communication infrastructure. It not only disrupted flight schedules but also had significant effects on television and telecommunications services, highlighting the interconnectivity of modern technological systems and the wide-ranging consequences of such failures.
Airlines have been coordinating with IT teams to ensure the issue is fully resolved and to prevent future occurrences. Frontier Airlines reported that its operations were “gradually normalizing” and that it was “in the process of resuming flight operations,” with ground stops now lifted.
Bali, Indonesia – In a remarkable turn of events, two Australian and three Indonesian nationals survived a harrowing helicopter crash in Bali on Friday. The accident occurred when the tourist helicopter became entangled in a kite string, according to official reports.
The helicopter, a Bell 505 Jet Ranger X owned by PT. Whitesky Aviation, went down in Pecatu village, located in the coastal area on the southern side of Bali. Indonesia’s transportation ministry issued a statement confirming the incident and detailing the circumstances leading to the crash.
Indonesia’s Search and Rescue Agency released photos showing the downed helicopter on a limestone cliff, with all five occupants — including both crew and passengers — on board. “All victims could be evacuated safely,” the agency reported in a statement. Three of the survivors were transported to a hospital for further medical treatment.
Indonesia, an archipelago nation with a population of approximately 270 million people, has experienced several transportation-related accidents in recent years, including plane crashes and ferry sinkings. The helicopter crash in Bali adds to the list of transportation safety concerns in the region.
Authorities have dispatched a team to the crash site to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that the entanglement with the kite string was a significant factor, but a full investigation will provide more comprehensive details.
The successful rescue of the five individuals from the helicopter crash site is a testament to the prompt and effective response by Indonesia’s Search and Rescue Agency. As investigations continue, the incident underscores the ongoing challenges and risks associated with transportation safety in Indonesia. The survivors’ fortunate escape serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols and swift emergency responses in mitigating the impact of such accidents.
Dhaka, Bangladesh – In a dramatic escalation of unrest, police and security officials in Bangladesh fired bullets, tear gas, and sound grenades at protesters on Friday, banning all gatherings in the capital. This comes after days of violent clashes over the allocation of government jobs, which have seen the nation’s internet and mobile services cut off to control the situation.
The protests, which began weeks ago, surged sharply on Monday and now represent the most significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government since her fourth consecutive term victory in a January election, boycotted by the main opposition parties. The demonstrators, primarily students and recent graduates, have voiced their frustration over the lack of good job opportunities and alleged corruption in government job allocations.
The government has responded by deploying police and paramilitary forces across Dhaka to lock down campuses and disperse protesters. On Wednesday, universities, including the country’s largest institutions, suspended classes and closed dormitories. By Friday, police had banned all gatherings and demonstrations in the city.
In a significant crackdown, security forces targeted a large group of over 1,000 protesters gathered outside the head office of state-run Bangladesh Television, which had been attacked and set on fire by protesters the previous day.
The situation in Bangladesh remains tense as the government struggles to contain the protests and address the underlying economic and social issues driving the unrest. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, urging for restraint and dialogue to resolve the crisis peacefully. The protests have not only challenged the stability of Sheikh Hasina’s government but also highlighted the urgent need for reforms to address the grievances of Bangladesh’s youth.
The ongoing chaos has highlighted deep cracks in Bangladesh’s governance and economy. The growing frustration among young graduates, facing a bleak job market, has fueled the protests. The government’s heavy-handed approach, including shutting down internet and mobile services, has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and the international community.
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who stands trial on spying charges, is seen inside an enclosure for defendants before a court hearing in Yekaterinburg, Russia June 26, 2024. REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina
Moscow, Russia – In a high-profile case that has drawn international attention, a Russian court has found U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich guilty of espionage charges, sentencing him to 16 years in prison. The Wall Street Journal, his employer, has strongly condemned the verdict, calling it unjust.
Evan Gershkovich, a 32-year-old American journalist, was arrested on March 29, 2023, in Yekaterinburg, approximately 900 miles east of Moscow. The arrest was carried out by officers of the Federal Security Service (FSB). He was accused of spying on behalf of the United States, a charge he has vehemently denied. Gershkovich is the first U.S. journalist to be arrested on espionage charges in Russia since the Cold War.
Russian prosecutors claimed that Gershkovich had gathered classified information regarding the Russian military-industrial complex, specifically about a factory producing tanks for Moscow’s war in Ukraine. They alleged that this information was collected under orders from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Gershkovich and his legal team have consistently refuted these claims, maintaining his innocence.
Gershkovich’s trial, which began last month, was notable for its speed and secrecy. Espionage cases in Russia typically take months to process, but this trial was expedited, with Friday’s hearing marking only the third session held behind closed doors. The rapid proceedings have fueled speculation about the possibility of a U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange, potentially involving Gershkovich and other Americans currently detained in Russia.
When asked by Reuters about the potential for such an exchange, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment, stating, “I’ll leave your question unanswered.” This has done little to quell the rumors of a negotiation between the two countries.
The court’s decision to convict Gershkovich came swiftly, with the ruling announced just hours after state prosecutors demanded a lengthy prison sentence. Gershkovich was handed a 16-year sentence, a stark penalty for the crimes he is accused of, which carry a maximum of 20 years.
Following the verdict, Gershkovich was transported to Lefortovo prison, a facility in Moscow notorious for holding political prisoners and those accused of espionage. His family, colleagues, and various international human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over his welfare and the fairness of the trial.
The Wall Street Journal has condemned the trial and sentencing, calling it a blatant attempt to suppress independent journalism. They have called for Gershkovich’s immediate release, asserting that the charges are baseless and politically motivated.
The U.S. State Department has also criticized the verdict, reiterating calls for Gershkovich’s release and accusing Russia of violating international norms. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, “This conviction is a mockery of justice and a disturbing escalation in the Russian government’s attack on press freedom.”
The conviction of Evan Gershkovich marks a troubling development in U.S.-Russia relations and raises significant concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists. As calls for his release continue, the international community watches closely, emphasizing the need for justice and transparency in such high-stakes cases.
San Francisco, CA – CrowdStrike (CRWD.O), a leading cybersecurity firm, has announced the deployment of a fix to address a significant issue that triggered a major global technology outage. The disruption, which impacted various industries including aviation, banking, and healthcare, was resolved following intensive efforts by CrowdStrike and Microsoft (MSFT.O), as stated by their respective CEOs on Friday.
Details of the Outage
The underlying cause of the outage was identified as a defect in a single component update for Microsoft Windows hosts, which was part of CrowdStrike’s “Falcon Sensor” software. This defect led to widespread system crashes, manifesting as the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.” The problem primarily affected Windows hosts, while Mac and Linux systems remained unaffected, as clarified by CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz.
Airlines: Major airlines, including Delta (DAL.N) and United (UAL.O), experienced significant operational disruptions. Flights were delayed, and ground stops were enforced as airline systems faced technical difficulties.
Banking and Financial Services: Banks and financial institutions reported system outages, affecting their operations and customer services. South African banks, in particular, alerted clients about potential delays and disruptions.
Healthcare: Healthcare providers faced challenges in managing their systems, leading to delays in patient care and administrative processes.
Media and Broadcasting: Several broadcasters went off-air, highlighting the extent of the outage across different sectors.
Root Cause Analysis
The defect in the Microsoft Windows update, distributed via CrowdStrike’s Falcon Sensor software, was pinpointed as the catalyst for the global tech failure. The issue disrupted operations across multiple industries, underlining the critical role of cybersecurity and system integrity in maintaining smooth operations.
Detailed Breakdown
CrowdStrike, a prominent cybersecurity company with over 20,000 subscription customers worldwide, responded swiftly to the crisis. The defect in the component update caused Windows systems to crash, leading to the “Blue Screen of Death.” This prompted a coordinated response from both CrowdStrike and Microsoft to mitigate the impact and restore normalcy.
Immediate Response and Resolution
Upon identifying the defect, CrowdStrike deployed a fix to address the issue. The company’s CEO, George Kurtz, communicated the resolution efforts via a post on the social media platform X, ensuring transparency and providing updates to affected clients. Microsoft also confirmed that it had fixed the underlying cause of the outage affecting its 365 apps and services, including Teams and OneDrive, although some residual impacts were still being addressed.
Broader Implications and Industry Response
The outage underscored the vulnerabilities within the global technology ecosystem, sparking discussions on the need for robust backup systems and improved contingency planning. The incident highlighted the interdependence of various sectors on reliable technology infrastructure and the critical role of cybersecurity firms like CrowdStrike in safeguarding these systems.
The recent global technology outage has brought to the forefront the critical importance of secure and resilient software systems. CrowdStrike’s prompt and effective response, coupled with Microsoft’s efforts, highlights the necessity for vigilant cybersecurity practices and the ability to swiftly address and resolve technical failures. As industries continue to rely heavily on interconnected technologies, the role of cybersecurity firms in maintaining operational stability and protecting against disruptions remains paramount.
