Ghana have sacked manager Otto Addo, 72 days before the start of this summer’s World Cup.
Addo’s departure followed a 2-1 defeat by Germany in a friendly in Stuttgart on Monday, and a 5-1 thrashing by Austria in Vienna last Friday.
The Black Stars, who are in the same World Cup group as England, have lost their last four games and despite having Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo and Tottenham forward Mohammed Kudus among their ranks, failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations under Addo.
Following the Germany game, the Ghana Football Association said, external it had “parted ways” with Addo and his exit was “effective immediately”.
It added: “The Ghana Football Association will communicate the new technical direction of the Black Stars in due course.”
Addo, 50, was born in Germany and spent his entire playing career in the country, also winning 15 caps for Ghana, and began his second spell as national team manager in March 2024.
The World Cup, which is being held in Canada, Mexico and the USA, runs from 11 June to 19 July.
Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on 18 June (00:00 BST) before facing England on 23 June (21:00 BST) and Croatia on 27 June (22:00 BST). (BBC)
Kimi Antonelli took his second win in succession and the lead of the world championship after being helped to victory in the Japanese Grand Prix by a safety-car period.
The 19-year-old Italian had not yet made a pit stop, while his rivals for victory McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Mercedes team-mate George Russell had, when Oliver Bearman’s Haas crashed heavily.
That gave Antonelli a pit stop that cost him less time than the others and ensured he could retain the lead.
A frustrated Russell, who finished fourth behind Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, said over the radio “unbelievable” as he realised Antonelli would beat him for the second consecutive race.
Antonelli becomes the youngest driver in history to head the championship and leads his team-mate by nine points.
There were questions as to whether the safety car really changed the result for Antonelli.
Mercedes were planning to leave him out for several more laps before he stopped, and as he was at the time lapping faster than the drivers who had pitted for fresh tyres, the team believed he would have emerged in the lead anyway.
“It feels pretty good, it is too early to think about the championship but we are on [a] good way,” said Antonelli.
“In the race, I had a terrible start. Just need to check what happened but then I was lucky with the safety car to be in the lead and then the pace was just incredible.” (BBC)
President Bola Tinubu, has announced the establishment of a special fund to support members of the Armed Forces, including injured personnel and families of fallen soldiers, as he marked his 74th birthday.
In a statement released on Sunday, the President said he had instructed the Accountant-General of the Federation to open a dedicated account for the initiative.
“On this my 74th birthday, I celebrate the valiant men and women of our Armed Forces,” Tinubu said.
He explained that the fund is intended to provide financial support for service members wounded in active duty as well as the dependents of those who lost their lives in service to the nation.
“Today, I have directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to establish a special account for a fund dedicated to those who serve, those wounded in the line of duty, and the families of those who have paid the ultimate price,” he stated.
Tinubu also pledged to contribute his personal earnings since assuming office as seed funding for the initiative.
“As a personal commitment, all my salaries since assuming office will be paid into this account as seed funding, irrespective of existing insurance and welfare schemes for members of our armed forces,” he said.
He further called on state governors, federal lawmakers, private sector actors, friends, and other stakeholders to support the initiative.
“I call on our governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector, my friends and all well-wishers to support this initiative. Details of the account will be made available in due course,” the President added.
Tinubu stressed the importance of recognising the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families, describing the initiative as a duty rather than charity.
“We must never forget those who stand in harm’s way for our peace, nor the sacrifices borne by their families. This is not charity. It is duty. And we will fulfil it,” he said.
In the personally signed statement, the President also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their goodwill messages on his 74th birthday, noting that he deliberately chose a subdued celebration.
He thanked citizens across the country for their prayers and support, saying such goodwill continues to strengthen his administration. (Leadership)
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has confirmed that 28 people were killed during Sunday’s attack by gunmen in the Angwan Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area.
In a state broadcast on Tuesday, the governor, who had earlier visited the affected community and victims, described the attack as “tragic” and “senseless,” saying the perpetrators would not go unpunished.
Mutfwang said, “It is with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that I address you today, not only as your Governor but as your son and brother who shares in your anguish following the tragic security incident in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, which occurred on Sunday, 29th March 2026. This unfortunate event led to the loss of 28 innocent lives and left many others injured.
“I feel deeply the weight of the pain inflicted on our people. The victims were law-abiding citizens going about their normal activities when the enemies of peace unleashed this senseless attack at about 7:30pm. As a government, we share deeply in the grief of the bereaved families and pray that Almighty God grants them, and the state, the strength, comfort, and grace to bear this painful loss.
“Despite this breach of security, I want to assure you that Plateau State will not succumb to fear or intimidation. We shall emerge stronger, united, and resolute in our faith and commitment to peace. We must deploy every available resource to defend our people, protect lives and property, and safeguard the territorial integrity of our state. Plateau shall remain strong and peaceful.
“Following the incident, the government took swift and decisive measures to restore order and prevent further escalation. In collaboration with security agencies, a 48-hour curfew was imposed on Jos North Local Government Area, effective from midnight on Sunday, 29th March to 1st April 2026. This measure allows security operatives to carry out thorough operations and ensure the safety of all residents. The curfew will be reviewed periodically to allow citizens to return to normal life.
“I personally visited the scene of the unfortunate incident alongside security chiefs to assess the situation and evaluate the extent of damage to lives and property. This visit has provided critical insights into strengthening our preventive measures against future occurrences.
“Furthermore, I visited victims receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital. I am encouraged by reports that most are in stable condition. I wish to assure all affected families that the Plateau State Government will take full responsibility for the medical expenses of the injured. Rest assured, we stand firmly with you and shall continue to provide the necessary support.
“The government will also engage closely with the families of the deceased, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure dignified burials for the victims, as well as provide support for their dependents.
“I am pleased to inform you that security agencies have apprehended a suspect who had earlier issued threats against the peace of our state. We are committed to ensuring that all those involved in this heinous act are swiftly brought to justice and prosecuted accordingly. This time, we shall pursue the cause of justice to its logical conclusion to ensure closure for the victims, their families, and, most importantly, the generality of the peace-loving people of Plateau State.”
The governor commended residents for their restraint and urged them to remain vigilant, reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
He also directed security agencies to enforce the ban on commercial motorcycles within the Jos Greater Master Plan.
“At this juncture, I commend the community leaders, youth, and residents of Angwan Rukuba, as well as the wider Plateau populace, for their restraint and refusal to retaliate even in the face of provocation. Your maturity and commitment to peace are deeply appreciated.
“I urge all citizens to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the appropriate security agencies for swift action, as security is a collective responsibility. Let me assure you that every necessary measure is being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and safeguard lives and property across the state.
“In furtherance of our commitment to strengthening security, we have convened a State Security Council meeting to review and reinforce our security architecture, ensuring it becomes more proactive and responsive to emerging threats. Consequently, I direct security agencies to strictly enforce the law banning commercial motorcycle operators (Okada) within the Jos Greater Master Plan. The Commissioner of Police will issue detailed guidelines in this regard.
“On behalf of the Deputy Governor, the State Executive Council, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest condolences to all affected families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We also pray for the swift and full recovery of the injured.
“This tragic incident serves as a solemn reminder of the need for unity, vigilance, and collective responsibility. Let me reiterate the unwavering commitment of this administration to protecting lives and property and ensuring lasting peace across Plateau State.
“We shall continue to work closely with security agencies to restore calm, bring perpetrators to justice, and prevent any recurrence of such acts. I call on all residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and to resist any temptation to take the law into their own hands. Plateau State has long stood as a beacon of peaceful coexistence, and we must not allow the actions of a few to destroy the harmony we have built over the years.
“I urge community leaders, youth groups, religious leaders, and all stakeholders to partner with government in promoting dialogue, tolerance, and mutual respect. Together, we will overcome these challenges and build a more peaceful, secure, and united Plateau State.
“May God comfort the bereaved, heal the injured, and grant our dear state enduring peace.
A deadly attack by armed bandits disrupted a wedding celebration in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, leaving at least 13 people dead and several others abducted, while scores of others were injured.
Police authorities in the state have confirmed the incident, saying that they are still gathering full details, including the number of abducted victims.
According to a community leader, Musa Adamu, the incident occurred around 11:47 p.m. on Sunday.
He said the attackers, who arrived in large numbers and were armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the venue and began shooting indiscriminately at guests inside the hall.
Several attendees sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in Kagarko, while those with more critical wounds were referred to facilities in Kaduna.
Residents said the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance. During that time, they reportedly looted nearby shops, making away with food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist.
A manhunt for the attackers has also commenced with a view to arresting them and bringing them to justice, according to Police authorities.
Kaduna is one of the states in the North-West that has been under the siege of gunmen known as bandits.
Other states include Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Katsina.
Apart from bandits, another terror group – Lakurawa – has been blamed for many of the attacks on communities in parts of Kebbi and Sokoto states.
Its members stage raids from their forest base, rustling livestock and imposing “taxes” on locals.
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the United States military, carried out an air strike in Sokoto last Christmas that had targeted members of the group and “bandit” gangs.
Nigeria is also grappling with other armed groups that have compounded its security challenges in the north of the country.
Military crackdowns have yielded few results.
The conflict has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, prompting the formation of a regional military coalition to fight these groups.
But the coalition has lost steam in recent years after the withdrawal of Niger due to a diplomatic spat with Nigeria following a 2023 military coup in Niger.
Earlier this month, the United States began deploying troops to Nigeria to provide technical and training support to the country’s soldiers in fighting the jihadist groups.
The US Africa Command said 200 troops were expected to join the deployment overall. (Channels)
World number two Jannik Sinner powered past Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-4 to win the ATP Miami Masters 1000 for a second time on Sunday, adding the title to his Indian Wells crown.
Sinner had to wait out rain delays before and during the match to complete his “Sunshine Double,” becoming the first man to sweep the elite hard court tournaments in California and Florida since Roger Federer in 2017 and the first to do so without dropping a set.
In fact, Sinner — who won Miami in 2024 but missed last year as he served a three-month doping ban — has now won three straight Masters 1000 events, starting with a victory in Paris last year.
“It means a lot to me, (completing) the Sunshine Double for the first time, it’s incredible,” Sinner said on court. “It’s something I never would’ve thought (I’d win) because it’s difficult to achieve. We made it somehow, so I’m very happy.”
Sinner’s victory, coupled with Aryna Sabalenka’s triumph over Coco Gauff on Saturday, mark the first time the Indian Wells-Miami sweep was achieved on both the men’s and women’s sides since Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka both did it in 2016.
It also saw the Italian gain a bit on Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the race for world number one as the clay court season beckons.
Early showers saw the match delayed for more than an hour. Sinner had just pocketed the first set when the showers hit again, halting the match for 90 minutes.
It wasn’t enough to unsettle Sinner, who fired 10 aces and won 33 of 36 points when he put his first serve in play.
His return game was also spot on as he handed 22nd-ranked Czech Lehecka his first service break of the tournament for a 2-1 lead in the opening frame.
Sinner trailed 0-40 in the following game but fired three service winners and a pair of aces to hold and made the advantage stand up.
The Italian gave himself a first set point in the ninth game with a blistering cross-court forehand service return winner.
Lehecka saved that one with a service winner and saved another set point with a volley, going on to seal the hold on his sixth game point before Sinner pocketed the set with a love game.
Lehecka fought off five set points before Sinner pounced for the lone break of the second set and a 5-4 lead.
Sinner didn’t face a break point in the second set and gave himself a match point with a forehand volley winner, thought he had it on a serve that was called a let, and polished it off with another winner at the net.
While Lehecka, playing in his first Masters 1000 final, couldn’t follow compatriot Jakub Mensik into the Miami winner’s circle, he will reach a career-high 14th in the world rankings on Monday.
“I came here with not good form and I was able to come back to the tennis that I want to play,” Lehecka said at the trophy ceremony. (JapanToday)
Tiger Woods was arrested Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence after his Land Rover traveling at “high speed” on a residential road clipped a truck and rolled onto its side.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said Woods was able to crawl out of passenger side and was not injured.
“He did exemplify signs of an impairment,” Budensiek said, adding that investigators believe he had taken “some type of medication or drug.” He said Woods agreed to a breathalyzer test that showed no signs of alcohol, but refused a urine test and was arrested.
Under Florida law, he would have to spend eight hours in jail before he could post bail.
Budensiek said the sheriff’s office will follow the law regardless of who has been accused of a crime. He said Woods was being held in jail but separate from others.
“He’s not going to be with other inmates that could hurt him or try to capitalize on what he did,” he said. “He’ll pay the price, but he’s not going to pay the price by getting punished in jail.”
It was the second time Woods has been arrested for a DUI not as a result of the influence of alcohol. He said he took a bad mix of painkillers when authorities found him in 2017 asleep behind the wheel of his car, the engine still running and its driver’s side damaged. Woods pleaded guilty then to reckless driving.
President Donald Trump, whose former daughter-in-law is dating Tiger Woods, was asked about the golfer when he landed in Miami on Friday afternoon for an investment summit.
“I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty,” Trump said. “Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person. Amazing man. But, some difficulty.”
The crash occurred just before 2 p.m. not far from where Woods lives on Jupiter Island.
Budensiek said Woods attempted to pass a pressure cleaner truck while driving on a two-lane road with a 30 mph (48 kph) speed limit. He said authorities could not determine how fast Woods was going.
The Land Rover swerved to avoid a collision as he was passing the truck but clipped the back end of the truck’s trailer, Budensiek said. Woods’ car then rolled onto its driver’s side.
The sheriff said Woods was “cooperative, but he’s not trying to incriminate himself.” He said Woods has the right to refuse the urine test and that authorities “will never get definitive results with what he was impaired on.”
Woods’ manager at Excel Sports did not immediately respond to a text message seeking comment.
This was the fourth time Woods has been involved in a car crash, most recently in February 2021 when his SUV ran off a coastal road in Los Angeles at a high rate of speed, leading to multiple leg and ankle injuries. Woods said later doctors considered amputation. He also previously sustained multiple injuries to his left knee and his back during his golf career.
Woods returned from multiple back surgeries to win the 2019 Masters for his 15th major. His 82 titles on the PGA Tour is tied for the career record with Sam Snead. Since that LA crash, he has played 11 tournaments without being closer than 16 shots to the winner the four times he was able to finish 72 holes.
Friday’s arrest comes as Woods was trying to decide if he was fit enough to play the Masters, which starts April 9. He also was to be in Augusta, Georgia, on April 5 to unveil a golf course project with Masters chairman Fred Ridley.
Woods also was days away from what was described as a “soft deadline” to decide whether to be the U.S. Ryder Cup captain for the 2027 matches in Ireland.
Woods, 50, had been working his way back to golf from a seventh back surgery in September.
His last official tournament was the British Open in 2024. Woods ruptured his Achilles tendon in March 2025 and that kept him off the course all season even before the back surgery. He managed to play in his indoor TGL golf league on Tuesday night.
He has remained deeply involved in PGA Tour affairs as chair of the Future Competition Committee that is restructuring the model of the tour. (JapanToday)
The Airport Police Command has intercepted a 14-year-old stowaway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Monday.
The police explained that the minor was discovered on the airport tarmac while attempting to unlawfully gain access beneath an aircraft, an act which the Command said constituted a serious breach of aviation security protocols within a highly sensitive operational environment.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Adeola, disclosed that preliminary findings indicated that the juvenile unlawfully entered a restricted area of the airport without authorisation, contrary to Sections 2 and 3 of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) byelaws, and engaged in actions consistent with a stowaway attempt.
“Upon interception, the minor was taken into protective custody in line with due process and established child protection procedures. His parents were promptly notified, and all necessary protocols were observed, including the conduct of the interview process in the presence of his parents.
“The Command also ensured that the minor was provided with appropriate care, support, and welfare considerations throughout the process.
The Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, Mnips, PhD, reiterated the Command’s unshaken resolve to safeguard the nation’s aviation infrastructure, describing the airport as a critical national asset that requires strict adherence to security regulations at all times,” Adeola stated.
While noting that due process would be strictly followed, the PPRO said that CP Ogunbode urged parents and guardians to exercise greater vigilance over their children and wards, particularly in relation to movements around restricted and high-risk environments such as airports.
He, however, said that the case would be handled in accordance with applicable juvenile justice procedures, and the minor would be charged before the appropriate juvenile court. (Channels)
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has resigned.
The minister’s action followed the directive of President Bola Tinubu to all political appointees in his administration who intend to contest elective positions in the 2027 elections to resign from their posts on or before March 31.
The president had hinged his decision on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.
Tuggar’s resignation comes amid the speculation of his interest in contesting the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He is a seasoned diplomat, policymaker, and political figure who was appointed as minister by Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023.
Born on March 12, 1967, he has built a distinguished career spanning diplomacy, politics, energy, and strategic consulting.
He is widely regarded for his role in shaping Nigeria’s global engagement and advancing its foreign policy priorities.
His political career includes serving as a member of the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, representing the Gamawa Constituency in Bauchi State.
The diplomat later contested the governorship of the state in two election cycles.
From 2017 to 2023, Tuggar served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany, where he played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade cooperation, and promoting Nigeria’s interests in Europe.
As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tuggar led Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts under the Tinubu administration. (Channels)
A former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The former minister of defence registered with the ADC and received his membership card at Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Bompai, Kano.
The event was witnessed by chieftains of the ADC and a crowd of supporters, mainly from the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Among the prominent personalities were former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, David Mark; the party’s National Secretary and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi.
Others are former Sokoto State governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Senator Dino Melaye; former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; and former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha.
Following his registration, Kwankwaso, who served two terms as Kano State governor and has been a mainstay in national politics, posted on his X handle: “New Dawn. We are ADC.”
His defection to the ADC comes a day after he officially announced his resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), under which he contested the presidency in 2023 and came fourth.
Kwankwaso said his decision to leave the NNPP was based on what he described as the “current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment.”
“I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) with immediate effect. I seize this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the honour and privilege of serving as the Party’s National Leader and its Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections.
“As a committed and bona fide member of the party, this was not an easy decision to make. However, considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” a statement he personally signed on Sunday partly read.
Kwankwaso is the latest among top challengers of President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election to join the ADC, which the opposition coalition adopted last year as the umbrella platform to wrestle the presidency from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who came second behind Tinubu in the last election, and Peter Obi, who came third, had earlier joined the party.
Atiku wasted no time in welcoming Kwankwaso into the party with a post on his X handle on Monday, which read: “When men of conviction come together, power trembles. Welcome aboard, @KwankwasoRM.”
Before his official defection on Monday, Kwankwaso had held meetings with leading figures in the ADC, including Atiku, Obi, former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, among others.
The former governor of Kano and senator rose to prominence through his grassroots-oriented Kwankwasiyya Movement, which has played a decisive role in shaping electoral outcomes in Kano.
His political journey has seen him move across major parties before leading the NNPP into the 2023 general elections, where he maintained significant influence in the North-West state.
With his influence, the NNPP’s candidate, Abba Yusuf, won the Kano State governorship election, defeating the ruling APC in the keenly contested polls.
However, a political fallout saw Governor Yusuf defect to the APC. With Kwankwaso now in the ADC, Kano again looks like a battleground for the 2027 elections. (Channels)
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