Former Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla has retired from professional football at the age of 41.
Cazorla is widely respected for his skill, vision, and long career at both club and international level.
He played for several top teams, including Villarreal and Arsenal, and was also a key player for Spain.
Injuries affected parts of his career, but he remained one of the most admired midfielders of his generation.
His retirement brings an end to a career that earned him praise from fans, teammates, and football experts around the world.
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US and Iran hold technical talks on peace deal
The United States and Iran have held technical talks in Doha as part of efforts to secure a wider peace deal and restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters, the two sides focused on maritime traffic, frozen Iranian assets, and other issues linked to an interim agreement reached earlier. Sources said the talks lasted two days and did not address Iran’s nuclear programme, which is expected to be handled in later discussions. Reuters reported that the initial deal would allow shipping to resume through the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil and gas trade. The discussions were described as technical, with officials saying they built on earlier progress but did not produce a final settlement.
Mercy Johnson and Oma Nnadi celebrate strong friendship
Nollywood actress Oma Nnadi has praised her colleague Mercy Johnson, describing her as a good woman and a true friend. In a heartfelt message shared online, Oma said she wanted to appreciate Mercy and celebrate their friendship. She also wished Mercy more grace, success, and ease in her personal and professional life. The message has drawn attention from fans, who see it as a warm show of support between two Nollywood stars.
Santi Cazorla retires from football at 41
Former Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla has retired from professional football at the age of 41. Cazorla is widely respected for his skill, vision, and long career at both club and international level. He played for several top teams, including Villarreal and Arsenal, and was also a key player for Spain. Injuries affected parts of his career, but he remained one of the most admired midfielders of his generation. His retirement brings an end to a career that earned him praise from fans, teammates, and football experts around the world.
Navy arrests vehicle theft syndicate suspect in Abuja
The Nigerian Navy has arrested a suspected member of a vehicle theft syndicate in Abuja. The suspect, Habeeb Ajadi, was intercepted by naval operatives while attempting to leave the Federal Capital Territory during an intelligence-led operation. According to the Navy, preliminary findings showed that he allegedly posed as an Inspector of the Nigerian Correctional Service to support his criminal activities. He was also said to have confessed to being part of a syndicate linked to the theft of vehicles from different parts of Abuja. The Navy said the group operated across state borders and moved stolen vehicles through accomplices outside the FCT. The suspect has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and prosecution.
DSS arraigns five over Sylva whereabouts
The Department of State Services has arraigned five men before a Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that they concealed the whereabouts of former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva. The five defendants are Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifie Suobite. They were brought before Justice Peter Lifu on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and allegedly being accessories after the fact by hiding information about Sylva’s whereabouts. The DSS said the defendants allegedly concealed Sylva’s location on April 28, 2026, in Abuja. The agency also accused them of conspiring to commit a felony by withholding information about the former Bayelsa governor. All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court ordered that they remain in custody and adjourned the matter until July 22 for the start of trial.
Minister says NYSC corps members will wear adire uniforms
Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council has approved wide ranging reforms for the National Youth Service Corps, including a new adire inspired uniform for corps members.thecable+4 The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the traditional khaki and white T shirt outfit will be phased out and replaced with uniforms designed using adire patterns to reflect professionalism and national pride.bbc+4 Under the reforms, the NYSC orientation camp will also be extended from three weeks to six weeks and restructured into three phases, with corps members choosing from 11 specialised streams that match their skills and career interests.premiumtimesng+2youtubebbc Olawande added that the changes are meant to modernise the 53 year old scheme, make deployments more risk sensitive, and turn the NYSC into a more skills oriented and productivity focused programme that supports youth empowerment.vanguardngr+3 The government will also introduce a civilian director general […]
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Morocco World Cup win sparks celebration, arrests in Netherlands
Morocco’s World Cup victory sparked celebrations among fans in the Netherlands, but the joy was also accompanied by unrest and arrests in several cities. Police reported incidents in places including Rotterdam, Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht after supporters took to the streets following the result. In some areas, the gatherings turned chaotic and authorities moved in to restore order. The celebrations reflected the strong support Morocco enjoys among many fans in the Netherlands, where the team’s success has often triggered public excitement. However, officials have repeatedly warned that celebrations must remain peaceful and within the law. The latest scenes once again highlighted the mix of passion and tension that can follow major football results, especially when they involve teams with large diaspora communities abroad.
Man City unveil Enzo Maresca as new manager
Manchester City have unveiled Enzo Maresca as their new head coach after reaching an agreement with Chelsea over compensation.skysports+1 The Italian has signed a deal running until June 2029 and is set to begin a new era at the Etihad Stadium. He replaces Pep Guardiola and is expected to take immediate charge of first-team preparations ahead of the new season Maresca is no stranger to City, having previously worked at the club as an assistant to Guardiola and as head coach of the Elite Development Squad. Reports say the appointment had been delayed because Chelsea demanded compensation after his exit from Stamford Bridge.espn+2 City are also expected to involve Maresca in their transfer strategy as they shape the squad for the new campaign. The club has not yet released further details on his backroom staff, but an official unveiling was […]
Nine African teams through to World Cup knockout stage
Africa has achieved a historic milestone at the World Cup, with nine of its 10 teams advancing to the knockout stage. It is the continent’s best-ever group-stage performance at the tournament.thesun+1 Algeria became the final African side to confirm qualification after a dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria. The result sent the Desert Warriors through as one of the best third-placed teams.thesun The nine African teams in the knockout round are Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, DR Congo and Algeria. Tunisia was the only African nation to miss out, finishing bottom of its group without a point.instagram+1 The achievement underlines Africa’s growing strength on the global stage and gives the continent unprecedented momentum heading into the last 32. With nine teams still alive, Africa now has its strongest-ever chance of making a deep run at the […]
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