Again, Italy miss out on World Cup as Bosnia, Turkey, Sweden qualify

Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup after losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a dramatic play-off on Tuesday, while Turkey, Sweden, and the Czech Republic secured qualification for the tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Four-time champions Italy suffered heartbreak after Bosnia triumphed 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Zenica.

Moise Kean had given Italy an early lead, but their chances were dented when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off before halftime. Haris Tabakovic later equalised to force penalties, where Bosnia held their nerve to seal qualification.

Ranked 66th globally, Bosnia reached the finals for only the second time in their history, having previously appeared in 2014. They will compete in Group B alongside Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.

Elsewhere, Turkey booked their return to the World Cup for the first time since 2002 after a 1-0 victory over Kosovo, courtesy of Kerem Akturkoglu’s second-half strike. They will face the United States, Paraguay, and Australia in Group D.

Sweden also secured qualification after edging Poland 3-2, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring a late winner. They will compete in Group F against the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.

Czech Republic completed the list of qualifiers after defeating Denmark on penalties, setting up Group A clashes with South Africa, South Korea, and Mexico. Conclave.

CBN concludes banking sector recapitalisation as operators raise N4.65trn

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the successful conclusion of the banking sector recapitalisation programme initiated in March 2024.

This is disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, jointly signed by Dr Olubukola Akinwunmi, Director, Banking Supervision and Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali, Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department of the CBN

In the statement, the apex bank said that, over the 24-month period, Nigerian banks raised a total of N4.65 trillion in new capital, strengthening the resilience of the financial system and enhancing its capacity to support the economy.

The bank said that the programme recorded strong participation from both domestic and international investors with 72.55 per cent of capital sourced locally and 27.45 per cent from international markets, reflecting

sustained confidence in the Nigerian banking sector.

The CBN confirmed that 33 banks had met the revised minimum capital requirements established under the programme.

“A limited number of institutions remain subject to ongoing regulatory and judicial processes, which are being addressed through established supervisory and legal frameworks.

“All banks remain fully operational, ensuring continued access to banking services for customers,’’ it said.

The apex bank said that the programme had strengthened Capital Adequacy Ratios (CAR), with the sector maintaining levels above international Basel benchmarks.

It said that minimum CAR thresholds remained at 10 per cent for regional and national banks and 15 per cent for banks with international authorisation.

“The recapitalisation implemented alongside an orderly exit from regulatory forbearance has improved asset quality, reinforcing balance sheet transparency and overall financial system stability,’’ CBN stated.

The apex bank said, to safeguard these gains, it had strengthened its risk-based capital adequacy framework requiring banks to conduct regular stress testing across defined scenarios and maintain appropriate capital buffers.

It said that key regulatory measures, including prudential guidelines and the supervisory framework, were subject to periodic review to support ongoing strengthening of governance, risk management, and sector resilience.

The bank said that the recapitalisation programme was carried out without disruption to banking services, ensuring continuous access for individuals and businesses throughout the process.

“The successful completion of the programme establishes a stronger and more resilient banking system, better positioned to support lending, mobilise savings, and withstand domestic and global shocks.

“The CBN remains committed to maintaining a stable, transparent, and resilient financial system that inspires confidence among depositors, investors, and the broader public, and to advancing the sustainability of the nation’s financial architecture,’’ it stated.

The CBN Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, corroborated the gains, stating that the recapitalisation programme had strengthened the capital base of Nigerian banks, reinforcing the resilience of the financial system.

Cardoso said that it also ensured that the financial system was well-positioned to support economic growth and withstand domestic and external shocks. Conclave.

Iran confirms killing of General sanctioned by US over oil network

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Tuesday confirmed the killing in a US-Israeli airstrike of a brigadier general sanctioned by the US in 2025 over an international network shipping oil to China and using profits to fund Tehran-backed regional proxies.

Revolutionary Guards commander-in-chief Ahmad Vahidi issued a message of condolences for Jamshid Eshaghi, the head of the budget and financial affairs at Iran’s armed forces general staff.

The general staff is a powerful military body that coordinates between the regular army and the ideological force of the Islamic republic, the Revolutionary Guards.

Vahidi, whose predecessor was killed at the start of the conflict, said Eshaghi had been killed along with several members of his family in a US-Israeli strike, without giving a date or further details.

He praised Eshaghi for “improving the strength of the defence forces of the homeland”, according to the message published by the state-run IRNA news agency.

In February 2025, the US treasury sanctioned Eshaghi and other individuals, entities and vessels over what it said was an “international network for facilitating the shipment of millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil worth hundreds of millions of dollars to China.”

It said revenues are used to fund militant groups in the region including Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

It accused the Iran general staff of using “networks of foreign-based front companies and brokers” to enable these shipments and “obfuscate” their Iranian origin.

Eshaghi had previously served as an official with one of these front companies, Sepehr Energy and coordinated with the Guards on the sale of Iranian crude oil to China, according to the US treasury.

He is the latest top Iranian official to have been confirmed by Tehran to have been killed in the war.

Supreme leader Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the war on February 28 and the Islamic republic’s powerful security chief, Ali Larijani, was killed earlier this month, along with over a dozen other prominent figures.

Israel and the United States have said they have dealt a major blow to Iran by killing top officials, but some analysts say the Islamic republic is still showing resilience and capacity to recover from setbacks.

AFP

Gov Alia declares one-week Easter holiday for Benue workers

The Benue State Government has approved a one-week Easter holiday for public and civil servants across the state, beginning from Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Governor Hyacinth Alia gave the directive, which took effect from 1pm on the stated date, allowing workers to observe the Easter celebrations.

The announcement was contained in a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Godwin Tighil, on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mrs. Deborah Aber.

According to the circular, all workers are expected to resume duty on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, after the holiday period.

Part of the statement read, “the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has directed that all Public and Civil Servants should embark on Easter Holiday, effective Tuesday, 31st March, 2026, by 1pm.”

The government, however, emphasized that workers in essential services were exempted from the holiday directive and must remain at their duty posts.

“Those on Essential Services are directed to remain at their duty posts to attend to issues of human and urgent public interests,” the circular added.

While extending goodwill to residents, Governor Alia urged the people to reflect on the values of the season, urging them to “continue to pray for the peace of the state and the nation, in the Spirit of Easter celebration.” Conclave.

Upgrade, maintain airport infrastructure, Okonjo-Iweala tells FG

Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has advised the Federal Government to invest in the upgrading and maintenance of the country’s airport facilities.

She gave the advice on Wednesday at the Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit held in Lagos.

According to her, for a country such as Nigeria seeking to move up the global value chain, upgrading and maintaining its existing airport infrastructure “is not optional but a prerequisite.”

“Invest in the aviation eco-system to match and compete with the global aviation sector.

“This means acquisition of new aircraft and investment in airport infrastructure, which should be complemented by a strong maintenance culture”, she said.

She advised the Federal Government to call for private partnerships.

“The good news is that the burden need not be borne by government alone. This calls for public-government partnerships. Private financing needs to be mobilised for modernisation of airport infrastructure.”

She also called for a review of rising fuel, taxes, and airport charges, which, according to her, could lead to higher operating costs for airlines.

“The full costs need to be reexamined – fuel costs, airport taxes, levies and charges”, she said, adding that an enabling business environment needs to be created to boost investors’ confidence.

“The model is straightforward – government provides the enabling framework, the regulatory certainty, and the long-term concession structures that give the private sector the confidence to commit.

“The private sector brings capital, operational expertise, and the discipline of commercial incentives.

“Once these structures are set, there is no reason it will not bring commercial growth as experienced in other parts of the world.”

She also advised the government to maintain a competitive and fair tax regime, advance market liberalisation by opening roads to other nations in a reciprocal manner, and work with other regional governments to remove bilateral restrictions that tend to limit where African airlines can fly.

“Most importantly, government must see the aviation sector as a strategic economic enabler rather than a revenue source that needs to be extracted”, she added.

According to her, although Nigeria’s safety records have improved in the last 20 years, she called for improvement, adding that existing airlines need to upgrade and increase their air fleets.

“The Nigerian air transportation has grown in recent years with the acquisition of private airlines, along with new airports and related infrastructure.

“The safety records have also improved in the last 20 years, but there is still a far distance to cover. Existing airlines need to upgrade and increase their existing air fleets”, she said, adding that the aviation sector can contribute more to the economy if the structural constraints are removed.

Channels TV

Court vacates arrest order issued against Turaki

An Abuja High Court, on Wednesday, vacated a bench warrant it issued on March 26 for the arrest of the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki.

Justice Peter Kekemeke vacated the arrest warrant while ruling on an oral application by Turaki’s lawyer, Chris Uche SAN following his (Turaki’s) appearance in court.

When the case was called, Uche apologised to the court for his absence on the last date.

Uche, who claimed to be out of the country, said he returned earlier today and headed straight to the court.

He also apologised on behalf of his client, who he said is a Senior Advocate and has the highest regards for the court

He said Turaki’s absence on the last date was not intentional and deliberate, adding that he never intended to disrespect the court.

Uche said to show good faith, he would withdraw the motion on notice filed by his client for stay of execution of the arrest warrant.

He added that Turaki was also ready to take his plea to a charge pending against him.

Responding, lawyer to the prosecution, Usman Rabiu, said he was not opposed to Uche’s applications.

Rabiu noted that the essence of the arrest warrant was to compel the defendant to appear in court.

He added that since he has attended court the purpose of the order for his arrest has been met.

“Since he (Turaki) is here, we are not opposed to his being arraigned today.”

Ruling, Justice Kekemeke noted that the defendant attended the court on his own before the arrest warrant could be executed.

The judge also noted that his lawyer has apologised for his absence, even though the reason why he was absent was not clear from what Uche said.

He, however, elected to pardon the defendant and proceeded to vacate the arrest warrant.

Justice Kekemeke said since the case was scheduled for Wednesday for the hearing of the motion on notice filed by the defendant, it was inappropriate to proceed with the defendant’s arraignment.

The judge also struck out a motion on notice filed by Turaki, in which he had sought the stay of execution of the arrest warrant after Uche applied to withdraw it and Rabiu did not object.

Justice Kekemeke then adjourned unitl April 22 for Turaki’s arraignment on a one count charge, marked: CR/647/2026 brought against him by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Justice Kekemeke had, on March 26 issued the arrest warrant after Turaki failed to attend court for the purpose of his being arraigned on the one count criminal charge in which he is accused of, among others, giving false information to the police. Franktalk.

JAMB releases 2026 Mock UTME results

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the release of results for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) Mock conducted on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Candidates who participated in the mock examination have been advised to check their results by sending “MOCKRESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number used during registration.

This was contained in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin.

According to the board, a total of 224,597 candidates registered for the exercise, out of which 152,586 successfully sat for the test across 989 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.

JAMB disclosed that more than 20 CBT centres encountered technical challenges during the exercise and have subsequently been delisted due to what it described as “technical inadequacies”.

The board also issued a strong warning to candidates against engaging with fraudulent individuals or groups, particularly on WhatsApp, who claim to assist in inflating scores.

It stressed that “such claims are false and criminal”, adding that any candidate found to be involved in such activities would have their registration cancelled. The board further noted that where such infractions are discovered after the examination, results may be withheld or withdrawn.
JAMB reminded candidates that the main UTME is scheduled to commence on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Franktalknow.

Military arrested 1359, terrorists, killed many, rescued, 813 kidnapped civilians

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) said they killed many terrorists between January and March this year while 1359 of them were arrested.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Michael Onoja while briefing journalists in Abuja on Thursday on activities of the soldiers to combat terrorists and insurgents in parts of Nigeria.
According to General Onoja, other highlights of the operations of the military in all theatres of operations during the same period included rescue of 813 kidnapped civilians and the surrender of 197 insurgents.
Others, he said included recovery of 458 arms and 15,899 rounds of ammunition, dismantling of 101 illegal refining sites as well as the recovery of over 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products.
Said Onoja, “The First Quarter of 2026 demonstrated the unwavering resolve, professionalism, and gallantry of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Across seven operational theatres, the AFN delivered measurable strategic outcomes: scores of terrorists and criminal leaders eliminated; 1,359 suspects arrested; 813 kidnapped civilians rescued; 197 insurgents surrendered; 458 arms and 15,899 rounds of ammunition recovered; 101 illegal refining sites dismantled; and over 547,920 litres of stolen petroleum products recovered representing a significant degradation of criminal and terrorist operational capacity nationwide.
“Notably, the confirmation by ISWAP of the death of senior Shura Council member Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir attests to the irreversible impact of AFN’s sustained kinetic operations on the group’s command structure,” he further said.
In the North East, “Troops neutralized several terrorist leaders and scores of fighters, arrested 274 suspects, rescued 168 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of 90 insurgents and their families.
“In a significant development bearing testament to the operational pressure exerted on the terrorist group, the ISWAP has confirmed the death of senior leader and Shura Council member Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, describing it as a major loss to the group.”

In the Northwet, the Spokesman said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA maintained sustained operational tempo across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States through seamless integration of ground manoeuvres, air interdiction, real-time intelligence, and community collaboration. “Across the quarter, troops neutralized scores of terrorists, arrested 114 suspects, and rescued 386 kidnapped victims. In the month of March 2026, key successes include: the destruction of a Lakurawa group terrorist enclave in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State on 8 March 2026; arrest of 15 suspected logistics suppliers with 9 motorcycles and 19 jerrycans of PMS in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State on 10 March 2026; rescue of four kidnapped victims along the Alikere–Yankara axis, Faskari LGA of Katsina State on 13 March 2026; and the rescue of the Secretary of Kibiya LGA from a forest hideout in conjunction with DSS operatives on 25 March 2026,” among other achievements.

In the North Central, “Key successes during the quarter include the neutralization of scores of terrorists, arrest of suspects, and significant arms recoveries. On 1 March 2026, over 17 terrorists were neutralized at Roguwa Forest, Patigi LGA of Niger State. On 28 February 2026, eight 50-kg bags of ammonium chloride confirmed as an IED precursor were intercepted on the Eruku–Egbe Road, Ekiti LGA of Kwara State. On 22 March 2026, terrorists attacked an ECWA Church at Ora-Ago Community, Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State, abducting nine worshippers, troops and vigilantes swiftly rescued three victims.
“On 23 March 2026, six suspected terrorists were arrested with a locally made pistol and ammunition at Oke Onigbin, Isin LGA of Kwara State. On 26 March 2026, seven illegal miners, including four foreign nationals from Niger Republic, were arrested at Luma Village, Borgu LGA of Niger State,” General Onoja added.

The DDMO highlighted some of the strides by the soldiers in the South-South during the period under review to include intensified “operations to combat illegal oil bunkering, crude oil theft, kidnapping, and criminality across the South South region and adjoining states.
“During the quarter, troops arrested 219 suspects, dismantled 101 illegal refining sites, and recovered over 547,920 litres of petroleum products such as crude oil, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) combined.

“Furthermore, in March 2026, key highlights include: interception of approximately 45,000 litres of stolen crude oil in a wooden boat near Cool Beach, Bonny LGA of Rivers State on 27 February 2026; total petroleum products recovered during the period are 193,570 litres; neutralization of three suspected kidnappers at Egoro Forest, Etsako West LGA of Edo State on 10 March 2026,” among other achievements.

From the Southeast, Onoja disclosed that “Troops of Operation UDO KA targeted criminal elements of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), sustaining clearance and anti-criminality operations across Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
“During the quarter, troops arrested 91 suspects and rescued 14 kidnapped victims, recovering arms, ammunition, and IED materials, while over 80 militants surrendered to troops in January 2026.
“In the month of January 2026, troops neutralized terrorists, arrested 22 suspects, and rescued 11 kidnapped victims; eight Cameroonian nationals were rescued during cross-border patrols along Bakassi waterways. Troops neutralized terrorists at an IPOB/ESN logistics hub, recovering foreign currency, weapons, and a Police (MOPOL) shirt bearing Biafran IPOB insignia.
During the briefing, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, Coordinator of “Operation Safe Corridor” also briefed journalists disclosing that the Programme was not being used to get repentant terrorists recruited into the Nigeria Military.
The Programme, he insisted is designed to help Civilians who were forcefully conscripted into terrorism get rehabilitation and re-integrated into the society.
He also assured that the Military was not in any way pampering those who under deradicalization in the Programme.
In conclusion, General Onojaassured Nigerians that “The AFN reaffirms its commitment to operating in strict accordance with its rules of engagement, international humanitarian law, the Geneva Conventions, and all applicable legal frameworks.
“Ongoing operations will be further intensified to decisively dismantle all remaining criminal and terrorist elements.
“The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, extends profound appreciation to all AFN personnel for their sacrifice and dedication. He commends the invaluable support of sister security agencies, the media, and the Nigerian public, whose cooperation and timely intelligence remain critical to operational success.
“The CDS pays solemn tribute to those who paid the supreme price in service to the nation, reassuring their families that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. “The CDS acknowledges the Presidential Directive to create a special fund for veterans and the military personnel who are victims/affected by war. This kind gesture is indicative of the Commander in Chiefs appreciation of the sacrifices of service personnel,” he said. Globalupfront.

PDP Crisis: Bauchi Gov. considers ADC

Bauchi state governor Bala Mohammed has hinted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may be his next political destination following the just concluded National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike took total control of the party structure.

Gov. Mohammed who was a former ally of the FCT minister and Chairman of PDP governors forum parted ways with Wike when it became clear that the minister intends to mortgage the party for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Mohammed on Tuesday while hosting a delegation of the ADC led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, at the Government House in Bauchi after a closed door meeting, attributed his new moves to the lingering crisis within the PDP, noting that efforts at reconciliation had failed.

He said, “We have found ourselves in a very serious situation. I have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation, but it has not worked. We set up committees at both the national and state levels to explore all options, including even the All Progressives Congress, but sadly, we discovered that we are not wanted there.”

Mohammed explained that while discussions were ongoing with several political platforms, the ADC had emerged as the most acceptable option so far.

“As of now, ADC appears to be a very welcoming and acceptable platform. However, we have not concluded discussions. We are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make mistakes,” he added.

The governor further revealed that a final decision on the defection would be taken soon, with a formal declaration expected by Thursday.

“We are very conscious of the timeline. Everything will be concluded by Thursday so that we can move forward together. You will hear a firm commitment from us,” he said.

Mohammed also alleged that internal divisions within the PDP were being exacerbated by external influences, accusing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of contributing to the crisis.

He added that he had met with key stakeholders, including leaders of the All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu, in efforts to resolve the impasse, but the situation remained unresolved.

Earlier, Lawal said the ADC delegation was in Bauchi at the instance of the party’s national leadership, under former Senate President David Mark, to invite the governor to join the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said the move was part of a broader strategy to unite opposition forces and provide an alternative leadership for the country.

According to him, “The task of rescuing Nigeria in 2027 requires the unity of all well-meaning Nigerians. We are here to engage Governor Bala Mohammed because of his leadership qualities and political experience.”

Lawal expressed optimism that the consultations would yield positive results, adding that the ADC was ready to accommodate the governor and his supporters.

If the exit of governor Mohammed is consumated, then Gov. Seyi Makinde will be the last governor standing for the party.

Recall that the PDP had about 14 governors after the 2023 general election. Authority.

‘Power trembles’ – Atiku reacts to Kwankwaso’s defection to ADC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the defection of the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Newspot reports that Kwankwaso officially picked the membership card of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, on Monday.

Several stakeholders of the party including Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, former governors of Anambra and Rivers states, respectively, stormed Kwankwaso’s residence in Kano to witness the defection.

Reacting, Atiku in a post on his official Facebook page expressed excitement over Kwankwaso’s alignment with other opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to Atiku, the alliance of opposition leaders has made power to tremble.

He wrote, “When men of conviction come together, power trembles. Welcome aboard, HE Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.”Newspot.