Senegal’s former Liverpool star Sadio Mane remained on the pitch and urged his teammates to come back onto the pitch for the penalty. They were already furious at having a goal disallowed at the other end for a soft-looking foul minutes earlier. Meanwhile, trouble broke out in the stands as some Senegalese fans tried to enter the field of play and became involved in fighting with security personnel. “We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said. I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”AFP

The Federal Government has announced the commencement of applications for the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund Overseas Scholarship Scheme, providing opportunities for Nigerian postgraduate students to study in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia. “FG has announced the commencement of applications for 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarships overseas,” the post said. PhD applicants must also submit a research proposal of up to five pages outlining objectives, methodology, and data collection approaches. “All applicants must ensure their National Identity Number (NIN) is verified prior to application, and multiple applications or submission of falsified documents will result in automatic disqualification,” the PTDF statement added. Interested candidates are advised to apply online at scholarship.ptdf.gov.ng for approved programmes at PTDF partner institutions.

The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on Saturday evening held a strategic meeting with Muslim leaders in the state to strengthen collaboration towards promoting peaceful coexistence, infrastructural development, and political harmony. The engagement, which took place at Crispan Suites and Event Centre, Jos, provided a platform for constructive dialogue on issues of mutual interest, with strong emphasis on unity, mutual respect, and harmonious relations among all communities in Plateau State. The Governor noted that the decision had given birth to a new political movement driven by the aspirations of Plateau people within the APC. He appealed for the unwavering support of Muslim leaders and the entire citizenry to enable the state attract greater dividends of democracy from the centre. The Emir called for mutual respect, justice, and fairness among all citizens, and reaffirmed the commitment of Muslim leaders to support the Governor in advancing peaceful coexistence, infrastructural development, and political stability in Plateau State.

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) has dismissed claims by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) alleging that the Federal Government sited a gold refinery in Lagos in violation of the federal character principle. The Ministry described the allegation, contained in a statement signed by NEF spokesperson Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, as false and misleading, stressing that there is no federal government–owned gold refinery in Lagos or anywhere else in the country. According to the Ministry, the newly established gold refinery referenced by NEF is a private-sector initiative of Kian Smith, a 100 per cent privately owned mining company. The refinery was developed to support the growth of Nigeria’s local gold industry through innovation and value addition. The Ministry clarified that at no point did the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, announce that the Federal Government had established or owned a gold refinery in Lagos.

From Tata Punch to Hyundai Venue, here are the top turbo-petrol cars under Rs 15 lakh in India, offering more power output with compact engines. With the launch of the Tata Punch Turbo, the compact car space gets a fresh dose of excitement. The Tata Punch Turbo uses a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 110bhp and 140Nm of torque. Prices for the Punch Turbo start at Rs 8.29 lakh (ex-showroom). The turbo engine forms a major part of the SUV’s identity, allowing Mahindra to compete strongly in the compact turbo-petrol segment.

Chelsea have recalled forward David Fofana from his loan spell as the club and the player’s camp prepare for a potential permanent transfer in the coming days or weeks. The 21-year-old Ivorian, who joined the Blues from Norwegian side Molde in January 2023, has spent time out on loan to gain first-team experience. According to Fabrizio Romano’s X post on Monday, “Chelsea recall David Datro Fofana from loan as he’s set for a new move in the upcoming days/weeks. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, Fofana has yet to make a significant impact in Chelsea’s first team. The club has prioritised his development through loan moves, allowing him to gain regular playing time and experience at a senior level.

The Times Drive Show Tata Punch Facelift Walkaround, XUV 7XO ReviewIn this week’s episode of the Times Drive Show, the first segment brings you a first look at the all-new Tata Punch Facelift, highlighting what has changed and what’s new in the car. In the second segment, Ankur takes you to the roads of Jaisalmer to share his driving experience of the new Mahindra XUV 7XO. Watch the full video to know more.

In the petition dated January 5, 2026, the group expressed concern that only about N4.5bn intervention funds were reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the FG’s N30bn remained largely unaccounted for. “The organisation is concerned that only about N4.5bn intervention funds were reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the entire N30bn remains largely unaccounted for,” the petition read. The Oyo State Government had acknowledged receipt of the FG funds but clarified that it received N30bn, which it said remained untouched until it gets the balance of N20bn. He said, “The Oyo State Government is at peace with the comprehensive and convincing statement issued on the unfortunate incident. The group therefore charged the EFCC to launch a thorough, impartial and professional investigation into the “receipt, management and utilisation of all Federal Government intervention funds released to Oyo State in connection with the Bodija explosion.”

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has marginally revised its global growth outlook for 2026 upward, while warning that economic momentum remains uneven across regions and subject to policy and geopolitical risks. The IMF trimmed its 2027 outlook for the US by 0.1 percentage point. Spain stands out among major euro area economies, with growth projected at 2.3 per cent in 2026 and 1.9 per cent in 2027. India’s growth outlook remains unchanged, with the IMF projecting 6.4 per cent growth in both years. On prices, the IMF said global inflation is projected at 3.8 per cent in 2026, slightly higher than previously forecast, before easing to 3.4 per cent in 2027.

The killing of a woman and her six children in Dorayi, Kano State, has renewed calls from civil society for justice, accountability and stronger action against the drivers of violence, including drug abuse. The Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS) condemned the attack, describing it as “deeply disturbing” and a serious violation of the right to life. The organisation commended the Kano State Police Command for the swift arrest of suspects linked to the killings, urging law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent and expedited investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crime. Beyond the immediate case, YOSPIS linked the incident to wider social challenges, particularly the impact of drug abuse on public safety. “Fighting drugs is not optional; it is essential to securing lives and restoring social order,” YOSPIS said, adding that violence against women and children must never be tolerated under any circumstances.

Australia’s business and political community have paid tribute to former Labor powerbroker Tim Picton, who died on Monday, three weeks after an alleged assault outside a Perth nightclub left him with catastrophic injuries. The 36-year-old was surrounded by family when he died, having never regained consciousness after his skull was fractured and he suffered severe brain bleeding in an alleged one-punch attack outside the Voodoo Lounge in Northbridge early on December 27.

AdvertisementUpdated NationalWACrime Labor figure Tim Picton dies weeks after ‘coward punch’ attack outside Perth club Heather McNeill, Hamish Hastie and Rebecca Peppiatt January 19, 2026 — 10:33am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Got it Share A A AProminent former WA Labor figure Tim Picton has died in hospital three weeks after allegedly being coward-punched during a night out in Northbridge on December 27. Tim Picton. Advertisement“Tim’s enormous talents are reflected in his success as WA Labor state secretary. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former WA Labor state secretary Tim Picton.

The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles says over 4,600 tricycles and 100,000 vehicles in Nigeria now use CNG as an alternative or complementary fuel. Tambari recalled that as of 2023, there were only about 11,000 CNG-converted vehicles in the country, adding that the initiative aims to convert one million vehicles by 2027. “There are more than 11,000 Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) assembled, including haulage trucks and more than 4,000 Dangote trucks. Our target is to convert one million vehicles by 2027,” he said. He said the presidential mandate was to convert one million vehicles or to have at least one million vehicles using CNG—either converted, factory-fitted, manufactured in Nigeria, or imported—by 2027.

Operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Oyo State have recovered a red cloth containing bones and other items suspected to be parts of a human corpse concealed among passengers’ luggage. The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday. The statement partly read, “Operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol intercepted a commercial vehicle during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway near Guru Maharaji Village. “A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a red cloth containing bones and other items suspected to be parts of a human corpse, concealed among the luggage. “The suspect was arrested, and the corpse was deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital morgue for post-mortem examination.

“While that was going on, a motorcycle carrying two people arrived the scene and those hoodlums forced the two passengers to disembark. “Later, they brought big stones and smashed the head of a man identified as Kazeem. After the incident, the hoodlums fled before police would arrive the scene,” the resident said. She added, “The person that was killed was identified as Kazeem Oyewole by some NURTW people that came after the incident. Investigation has commenced.”Asked if the command was monitoring motor parks in the state to prevent escalation, Ojelabi said, “We are still monitoring the situation.