Vinícius Júnior netted a stunning second-half winner as Real Madrid beat Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League play-off — a match briefly suspended for 10 minutes amid allegations of racist abuse. The Brazilian forward broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart, curling a superb effort beyond goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin at the Estádio da Luz. After celebrating passionately and receiving a booking, Vinícius became involved in a tense exchange with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. He approached referee François Letexier while gesturing toward the winger, before briefly leaving the pitch alongside several team-mates. Play eventually resumed after a 10-minute delay. Benfica boss José Mourinho was dismissed late on...

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed determination to escalate offensive against criminal elements undermining peace and security in the state. Governor Ododo made the declaration on Monday at the Chari Maigumeri Barracks in Lokoja while receiving 16 victims recently rescued from captivity by security agents in the state. The Governor also held a closed-door meeting with heads of security agencies to review progress made, assess operational challenges, and identify areas requiring further reinforcement. He disclosed that security forces had successfully dislodged bandits from strongholds once considered impenetrable, with no fewer than seven camps overrun despite fierce resistance in the last few weeks. He commended the Nigerian Army for...

Vinícius Júnior netted a stunning second-half winner as Real Madrid beat Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League play-off — a match...

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed determination to escalate offensive against criminal elements undermining peace and security in the state. Governor Ododo made...