Germany is pushing ahead with a program aimed at designing advanced long-range drones that can carry out deep-target missions far beyond its borders.
This initiative reflects a broader push to reinforce the country’s defense capacity amid evolving global threats and security demands.
Germany’s air force, the Luftwaffe, has reportedly approached major defense industry players and emerging tech firms for proposals on new drone systems designed specifically for long-range offensive operations. Three industrial groups have now formed to begin developing concrete concepts for the project.
Among those contributing to the effort are Airbus Defence in cooperation with U.S.-based Kratos, and Rheinmetall, which has teamed up with drone company Anduril. Munich’s Helsing, a startup with growing defense credentials, is also involved in the early stages of the program.
The country’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that preliminary conversations regarding the drone project have taken place, though no formal procurement process has started. Details regarding delivery schedules or expected performance features have not been made public.
This drone project represents a major leap in Germany’s attempt to update its military tools, especially in light of increasing international instability. The unmanned systems are expected to give the armed forces more precision and operational reach in future conflicts.
Officials and company representatives declined to offer further public comments at this time.
Top-level tennis action returned to Abuja over the weekend as the 46th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) National Open Tennis Championship took center stage at Package ‘B’ of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, despite the absence of the defending champions in both the men’s and women’s singles events.
Emmanuel Michael and US-based Adesuwa Osabuohien rose to the occasion, overcoming stiff competition to claim the 2025 singles titles.
In a thrilling men’s final, Emmanuel Michael battled past a determined Prosper Okonkwo in three sets, winning 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 to take home the championship crown and the top prize. Meanwhile, Adesuwa Osabuohien produced a stunning comeback in the women’s final, rallying from a set down to defeat Omotayo Blessing 3-6, 5-1, 6-4.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Deputy Governor, Corporate Services Directorate of the CBN, Mrs. Emen Usoro represented by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali reaffirmed the bank’s long-standing support for the championship, noting its consistent sponsorship over the last four decades and the introduction of a junior category in 2006.
She emphasized the CBN’s commitment to youth development through sports, describing it as not only a platform for entertainment but also a vital instrument for empowerment, engagement, and national cohesion.
European Union regulators on Monday accused the Chinese e-commerce platform Temu of failing to adequately prevent the sale of unlawful products to consumers within the bloc.
Officials warned that Temu’s lack of compliance with safety standards could potentially result in financial penalties amounting to as much as 6% of its yearly global revenue.
According to a formal announcement, “Evidence showed that there is a high risk for consumers in the EU to encounter illegal products on the platform.”
Investigators reported that a recent undercover purchasing operation uncovered widespread listings of questionable goods on Temu, including items like “baby toys and small electronics”, which failed to meet legal requirements.
Authorities criticized Temu for relying on generic industry data in its safety assessments, rather than focusing on risks unique to its own operations.
Should these preliminary conclusions be upheld, regulators may determine that the platform has violated the rules outlined in the Digital Services Act.
“Such a decision could entail fines of up to 6% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the provider and order the provider to take measures to address the breach,” the statement explained.
Temu will be given a chance to officially reply to the allegations in the weeks ahead, although no specific deadline has been issued.
In response, a Temu representative stated that the platform intends to “cooperate fully” with regulatory authorities during the process.
Officials emphasized that these concerns are just one part of a wider investigation. Temu is also being scrutinized over other possible rule violations, including the use of “addictive design features,” the lack of transparency in its product recommendation algorithms, and restrictions on “access to data for researchers.”
The Super Falcons of Nigeria began their 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a statement victory, dispatching their group opponents 3–1 in a match that highlighted both experience and emerging talent. While the team performance was impressive across the board. The sharp instincts of Esther Okoronkwo and Jennifer Echegini turned the game around.
Okoronkwo opened the scoring with a confident finish after a set-piece scramble, giving Nigeria the early momentum. In the second half, Echegini calmly drove home a low shot from outside the box, sealing the victory in style. Together, their goals not only delivered the win but underscored Nigeria’s intent to reclaim continental dominance. But beyond the goals and highlights, who are these two standout women wearing the green-and-white jersey with such grace and grit?
Esther Okoronkwo: A Born Striker
Born in Abia State but raised in the United States, Esther Okoronkwo represents the blend of Nigerian resilience and global football exposure. Her football journey took root in the U.S. college system, where she developed a sharp eye for scoring goals and an intelligent understanding of movement on the field. Esther has a habit of showing up when it matters most. She first made headlines after scoring the decisive goal that carried Nigeria past Cameroon in WAFCON 2022, and she continues to be the kind of striker who thrives in high-stakes moments.
Her style of play is defined by composure, intelligent positioning, and her ability to make something out of nothing. She doesn’t just chase goals she calculates her angles, times her runs, and executes with precision. She now plays professionally in Europe, Esther Okoronkwo remains one of Nigeria’s most reliable attacking options. she once said in an interview, “I don’t talk much, but I let my football do the talking.” Her quiet confidence has served her and Nigeria incredibly well.
Jennifer Echegini: One Of A Kind Midfielder
Raised in London by Nigerian parents, Jennifer Echegini brings both technical brilliance to the midfield. She came through the U.S. college ranks playing for Florida State and later Florida Gators where she was known for her vision and her ability to dictate tempo.
Echegini joined the Nigerian national team in 2022 and has quickly become indispensable. Though she’s primarily a midfielder, she has an eye for goals and isn’t afraid to shoot from a distance. Her goal in the WAFCON opener was a low, driven shot that froze the opposing goalkeeper.
What sets her apart is her versatility. She combines creativity with composure, often operating as the link between defense and attack. She is always a step ahead of her marker.
Off the field, she is equally impactful. Jennifer is vocal about gender equity in sports and often uses her platform to inspire young girls, especially those in the diaspora who aspire to represent their roots on the world stage. Her recent move to Juventus further confirms her status as a rising global star.
Beyond The Goals: What This Moment Represents
The success of players like Okoronkwo and Echegini is proof that Nigerian talent is thriving both at home and abroad. Even as the tournament ends, the spotlight will surely remain on these two dynamic players not just for their technical contributions, but for the way they represent hope, dedication, and the unbreakable spirit of Nigerian football.
Tanzania and Rwanda have signed a series of new agreements aimed at boosting trade, transport, and cultural ties as both nations push to deepen bilateral cooperation. The deals were formalized in Kigali during the 16th Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) attended by Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo and Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.
One of the key agreements establishes a liaison office for the Tanzania Ports Authority in Kigali. The office will help Rwandan traders handle documentation and logistics, improving access to Dar es Salaam port, which currently handles the majority of Rwanda’s imports and exports. Officials say the move will reduce freight costs and streamline cross-border trade.
Both countries reaffirmed the importance of strengthening air transport links. RwandAir already operates daily flights between Kigali and Tanzanian cities, while discussions are underway to have Air Tanzania resume passenger services to Kigali. Plans are also being considered to launch cargo flights to support Rwanda’s growing freight sector.
Tanzania and Rwanda pledged to move forward with the development of a standard gauge railway (SGR) connecting the two countries. Technical teams are working on feasibility studies and routes to create a more efficient transport network for goods and passengers.
The agreements also emphasized cultural integration, with Tanzania supporting Rwanda’s adoption of Kiswahili as one of its official languages. Tanzania has offered to supply learning materials and train teachers to strengthen Kiswahili education in Rwanda, recognizing the language’s growing role across East and Central Africa.
Beyond transport and language, both governments agreed to expand collaboration in security, ICT, agriculture, energy, tourism, health, and investment. The move underscores the two countries’ commitment to integrated development under the East African Community framework.
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, will aim to continue their impressive start to the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket when they face Mozambique in their second Group D match today (Monday) in Abidjan.
Scheduled for 4 pm. Nigerian time at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, the encounter offers coach Rena Wakama’s side an opportunity to secure a place in the quarter-finals with a game to spare.
D’Tigress head into the tie on the back of a dominant 92–45 victory over Rwanda on Saturday. The six-time African champions showcased their depth and discipline, winning all four quarters convincingly to extend their unbeaten run in the competition having last suffered defeat in the semi-finals of the 2015 edition.
Elizabeth Balogun led Nigeria’s scoring in the opener with 18 points, while experienced campaigners Victoria Macaulay and Murjanatu Musa added 13 and 12 points respectively.
Mozambique also began their campaign on a winning note, easing past Rwanda 72–55. A strong first-half showing laid the foundation for their victory, setting the stage for a decisive battle for top spot in Group D.
Historically, Nigeria have dominated this fixture, winning eight of their last ten meetings against Mozambique. Their most recent encounter came in the 2023 AfroBasket quarter-finals, where D’Tigress edged a tense contest 59–52. Prior to that, Nigeria registered a 67–50 win in the 2021 group stage, while Mozambique’s last victory came in the 2013 quarter-finals.
Statistically, Nigeria have once again distinguished themselves at this tournament. They average 92 points per game to Mozambique’s 72 and hold slight edges in rebounds (47 to 46), assists (25 to 20), and free-throw shooting (83.3% to 56.5%). Their superior two-point shooting accuracy (58.3%) and relentless defensive play were on full display against Rwanda.
Today’s matchup will test both teams’ credentials, but with key players like Balogun, Macaulay, Amy Okonkwo, and Ifunaya Okoro in strong form, D’Tigress are clear favourites.
Coach Wakama is expected to maintain her balanced tactical approach, blending seasoned stars with emerging talents such as Vera Ojenuwa, who marked her debut with a scoring contribution in the opener.
With sights set on a record-extending seventh AfroBasket title, D’Tigress remain firmly on course if their opening performance is any indication.
A significant disruption affected Russia’s flagship airline on Monday as more than 50 scheduled flights were grounded due to what is being described as a major cybersecurity breach.
While the airline didn’t disclose specific details about the issue or give a timeline for resolution, screens at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport displayed a series of cancellations during what is traditionally a peak travel period for domestic vacations.
Authorities at the federal level expressed concern over the incident. Investigators have confirmed that the disruptions stem from a cyber intrusion and have launched an official criminal probe.
A digital statement, allegedly from a group identifying itself as Silent Crow and working in coordination with a Belarus-based collective named Cyberpartisans BY, claimed responsibility for the breach. The message tied the action to ongoing hostilities in Ukraine. “Glory to Ukraine! Long live Belarus!” the statement read, though its authenticity has not been independently verified.
Silent Crow has in the past attributed similar actions to itself, targeting institutions such as a property database, a telecommunications provider, an insurance firm, a major municipal IT office, and even the Russian branch of a foreign automotive brand. Many of those attacks led to the exposure of sensitive internal data.
“The information that we are reading in the public domain is quite alarming. The hacker threat is a threat that remains for all large companies providing services to the population,” a government spokesperson commented.
“We will, of course, clarify the information and wait for appropriate clarifications.”
Aeroflot, along with relevant transport authorities, did not immediately address the hacking allegations directly. However, the airline acknowledged that a technical issue had forced the cancellation of dozens of flights, affecting both domestic destinations and cities such as Minsk and Yerevan. More than ten additional flights experienced delays.
“Specialists are currently working to minimise the impact on the flight schedule and to restore normal service operations,” the company said.
The online statement attributed to Silent Crow described the breach as the culmination of a twelve-month infiltration campaign. It claimed to have dismantled thousands of servers and seized access to computers used by high-ranking staff, although it did not offer any proof of these claims.
The Social Democratic Party’s National Working Committee has officially expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai from the party. El-Rufai has been banned from engaging with the party in any form for the next 30 years. The party leadership accused him of misrepresenting himself as a member, interfering with its internal operations, and attempting to disrupt the organisation through unconstitutional means and deceitful political strategies. This was disclosed in a statement signed and released to our correspondent by the National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, in Abuja on Monday. According to Aiyenigba, the NWC arrived at the decision after a detailed probe into El-Rufai’s disputed membership claims and alleged backdoor political activities, which the party said have caused internal discord and jeopardised its unity and guiding principles. The statement read, ” El-Rufai never registered with the SDP at his ward level as required by the party’s constitution, yet falsely declared on social media that he had joined the party. He further forged documents claiming membership and took photo opportunities with suspended party leaders to reinforce this falsehood. “In line with the Constitution of the SDP, the ideology, manifesto, principles and practices thereof, and in consonance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act pertaining to the exclusive right of a political party to determine its membership, the National Working Committee deliberated on the controversial membership status of Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai from Kaduna State who has in recent months been parading himself as a member of the SDP despite the assertion of the Kaduna State Executives that he has not joined the SDP but has instead been promoting the activities of other political party in the State. “At the initial stage, this individual Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai was given the benefit of the doubt given his status as an elderly person, a former Minister and State Governor who should know the implications of false representation and impersonation, especially given the fact that he published on his social media handles that he had joined the SDP which led to congratulatory messages from prominent leaders of our party and a letter of support at his request by the National Publicity Secretary. “However upon thorough inquiry, it turned out that the Kaduna State SDP was right and this individual had not joined the SDP. The following facts emerged: Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai failed to register at his Ward as required by the law despite falsely publishing on social media that he had joined the SDP. “El-Rufai devoted so much time to putting up false representation of membership by seeking photo opportunities with the suspended National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam and some leaders of the SDP who assumed that he had joined the SDP in Kaduna State; El-Rufai was confronted by serious eligibility problems given an unpleasant history of intolerance and persecution of the SDP as an opposition party during his time as the Governor of Kaduna State under the APC.” The SDP further alleged that the former Kaduna governor had formed ties with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while seeking to involve the SDP in an unsanctioned political coalition. SDP said, “Having confirmed that he publicly declared for the ADC and continued to act in a manner contrary to the principles and practices of the SDP, the party has no option but to disassociate and excommunicate him. “Consequently, El-Rufai has been banished and banned from applying to the membership, identifying with the name, insignia, logo, or participating in any affairs of the SDP for a period of 30 years, effective immediately”. The SDP urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other concerned authorities to recognise that El-Rufai is not a member of the party, emphasizing that he has no mandate to represent or speak for the organisation in any capacity. Reiterating its dedication to internal democracy, national interest, and issue-based opposition, the party encouraged all Nigerians wishing to become members to follow due process and uphold transparency in their engagement. “Apparently to run away from his past, El-Rufai proposed an elaborate welcome ceremony at the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja but was politely counseled that such a jamboree was not tenable and he should go home to register at his Ward in Kaduna State after passing simple eligibility interview and on boarding process. “Rather than register lawfully with the Ward Executives, this individual simply forged his own documents and self-registered and arrogated to himself “number 001 in the SDP membership register of Unguwar Sarki Ward, Kaduna North Local Government Area”, as if the Ward had no single member prior to his purported joining. This is contrary to all existing and updated records of the SDP in Kaduna State.” It will be recalled that El-Rufai recently declared his departure from the ruling All Progressives Congress and claimed to have joined the Social Democratic Party. He attributed his exit to an increasing disconnect between his personal convictions and the APC’s present course.
A boat carrying 39 passengers capsized in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving 13 dead and 26 others rescued. The vessel, heading to the Kwata Zumba Market, overturned near Guni village at about 11:45 a.m. on Saturday. According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the accident was caused by water turbulence and suspected overloading. NSEMA’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Malik Baba Suleiman, confirmed the incident on Sunday, stating that search and rescue efforts began immediately, and all 13 bodies were recovered. The deceased have been buried in line with Islamic traditions. Among them were eight women, three men, and two children. The tragedy has thrown the local community into mourning, as residents expressed grief over the recurring nature of such disasters. In response, the state government has cautioned boat operators to strictly follow safety protocols, especially during the rainy season when water levels become dangerously high. Saturday’s incident adds to a string of deadly boat accidents in the area. In November 2024, a boat transporting around 200 passengers from Kogi to Niger State capsized, resulting in at least 27 fatalities. The previous month, another serious mishap led to the deaths of dozens. In December 2023, 76 people lost their lives in Anambra State after a boat sank in a swollen river during flooding. Despite the National Inland Waterways Authority’s efforts to enforce safety regulations—such as banning night travel and outlawing overloading—compliance remains weak across many riverine communities. Due to deteriorating road infrastructure and rising highway insecurity, a large number of Nigerians continue to depend on water transport for trade and daily travel.
German giants Bayern Munich have reached an agreement to sign Liverpool winger Luis Diaz in a deal worth £65.5 million ($88 million), according to multiple reports on Sunday.
An initial offer of £59 million was turned down by the Premier League champions last week, but Bayern’s improved bid is now set to secure the services of the Colombian international.
Diaz has reportedly been granted permission to leave Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia to undergo a medical in Munich ahead of completing the transfer.
The 28-year-old joined Liverpool from Porto in January 2022 and has since won the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup during his spell at Anfield.
He enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 campaign, making 50 appearances and scoring 17 goals in all competitions as Arne Slot’s side lifted their first league title in five years.
Diaz was notably absent from Liverpool’s recent 4-2 friendly defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong, amid growing speculation over his future.
“In Lucho’s [Diaz’s] case, there’s been a lot of speculation lately, and I can’t delve too much into it,” said Liverpool manager Arne Slot after the match. “He’s been training well, but we’ve chosen not to play him for now. I regularly speak with most of my players, but there’s not much more I can say at this stage.”
Diaz’s expected arrival offers Bayern a high-quality replacement for Jamal Musiala, who is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a broken leg and dislocated ankle during the Club World Cup earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have been active in the transfer market, strengthening their squad with the high-profile additions of Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz and Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
The club has also reinforced its defence, bringing in Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen and Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, while Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has also joined the ranks.
Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who is valued at around £150 million.
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