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Michelle Alozie’s late goal sends Super Falcons to WAFCON final

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons have secured their spot in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a dramatic 2-1 semifinal victory over defending champions South Africa, with Michelle Alozie netting a stunning stoppage-time winner on Tuesday night.

The thrilling encounter at the Stade Mohammed V saw the Falcons dominate early proceedings, nearly taking the lead after a misjudged free kick from Alozie forced a fumble from South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

Nigeria’s pressure paid off just before halftime. A penalty was awarded after Bambanani Mbane handled the ball in the box while attempting to stop Folashade Ijamilusi. Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade confidently stepped up and buried the spot-kick to give Nigeria a 1–0 lead going into the break.

South Africa responded strongly in the second half. In the 60th minute, Linda Motlhalo drew Banyana Banyana level from the penalty spot after Osinachi Ohale brought down Hildah Magaia inside the area. It marked the first goal Nigeria conceded in the tournament and briefly shifted momentum in the South Africans’ favor.

Chances continued to flow at both ends. Jennifer Echegini, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo threatened for Nigeria, while South Africa’s Jermaine Seoposenwe and substitute Noxolo Cesane kept the Nigerian defense on edge. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced key saves, supported by strong defending from Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre.

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A moment of concern came in the 84th minute when Gabriela Salgado suffered a serious leg injury following a set-piece challenge. The distressing scene drew emotional reactions from her teammates and fans alike, with even Nigerian supporters joining in chants of solidarity as she was stretchered off.

With extra time looming, the Super Falcons refused to settle. In the 94th minute, Michelle Alozie delivered a cross from deep into the South African box. Although Deborah Abiodun failed to get a clean touch, her presence disrupted the defense. Fikile Magama couldn’t clear the ball off the line, and it trickled in to hand Nigeria a dramatic last-gasp victory.

The win propels Nigeria into the WAFCON final as they aim to claim a record-extending 10th continental title, reasserting their status as the dominant force in African women’s football after a disappointing fourth-place finish in 2022.

South Africa, who came into the tournament as reigning champions, exit in heartbreak but with pride, though concern remains over Salgado’s injury.

The Super Falcons will now look to crown their impressive run with the trophy as they await their final opponents.

Trump halts Student Loan forgiveness under IBR plan

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The U.S. Department of Education under the Trump administration has quietly suspended student loan forgiveness under the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan, leaving millions of borrowers in limbo with no clear timeline for when the process will resume.

IBR is one of the four federal income-driven repayment (IDR) plans designed to ease loan burdens by tying monthly payments to a borrower’s income and family size. After 20 or 25 years of consistent payments, borrowers are promised loan forgiveness. Unlike the other plans currently entangled in court injunctions, IBR had remained unaffected—until now.

In a recently updated FAQ, the Department of Education stated:“IBR forgiveness is paused while our systems are updated to accurately count months not affected by the court’s injunction. IBR forgiveness will resume once those updates are completed.”

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This development has caused confusion among borrowers and experts alike, as IBR is not subject to any court injunction, unlike the three other plans — Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and Saving on a Valuable Education (Save) — which are currently on hold due to ongoing litigation.

Student loan servicers report that they have not received any official direction from the Department since mid-January regarding the processing of IBR forgiveness. Many were surprised by the update, given that IBR is the only remaining plan legally authorized to forgive loans without interference.

The controversy stems from a court ruling that halted the Save plan — a flagship Biden-era repayment program — after Republican-led states challenged its legality. The Save plan, introduced under the 1993 Higher Education Act, promised lower monthly payments and faster forgiveness, but courts found the legal basis insufficient. That ruling also put a hold on loan discharges through PAYE and ICR, which rely on the same statute.

IBR, on the other hand, was created by Congress in 2007 with explicit authority to grant forgiveness after the repayment term, which is why it had remained functional — until now.

With interest set to resume on Save loans starting August 1, despite payments being paused, many of the program’s 7.7 million enrollees are being urged to switch to IBR. However, the suspension of forgiveness processing may discourage such moves, especially if the department fails to provide clarity soon.

Adding to the uncertainty, a new tax law signed by President Donald Trump earlier this month officially terminates the Save program, giving borrowers until 2028 to exit the plan.

As borrowers await further guidance, concerns are rising that millions could find themselves stuck in a repayment plan with no immediate path to loan forgiveness — a potentially devastating blow to those who have spent decades making payments in good faith.

12 things to know about late legendary singer Ozzy Osbourne

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Legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne has passed away at the age of 76, just weeks after his emotional farewell performance in Birmingham.

American heavy metal band Metallica led the tributes, posting a broken-heart emoji in response to the heartbreaking news.

A statement released by the Osbourne family on Monday confirmed the news: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”

Here are things to know about late legendary singer Ozzy Osbourne

1. Born in Birmingham, England

John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne was born on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham. Raised in a working-class family, his early life shaped the gritty, rebellious attitude that would define his music career.

2. Struggled in School but Found a Love for Music

Ozzy left school at age 15 after struggling with dyslexia and bullying. However, he found inspiration in The Beatles and realized early on that music could be his escape from hardship.

3. Formed Black Sabbath in 1968

Alongside Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, Osbourne co-founded Black Sabbath, a band that would go on to define the heavy metal genre with its dark tones and ominous lyrics.

Read Also: JUST IN: English singer Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76

4. The Birth of Heavy Metal

Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut album (1970), followed by Paranoid and Master of Reality, changed rock music forever. Osbourne’s haunting vocals and raw stage presence made him an icon.

5. Earned the Nickname “Prince of Darkness”

With shocking antics like biting the head off a bat during a concert and his eerie aesthetic, Ozzy earned the nickname Prince of Darkness, which stuck with him throughout his career.

6. Fired from Black Sabbath, Then Rose Again

In 1979, Osbourne was dismissed from Black Sabbath due to drug and alcohol abuse. However, he bounced back by launching a solo career that became even more successful.

7. Solo Success with ‘Blizzard of Ozz’

His debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz (1980) was a commercial triumph. Featuring hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley,” it helped cement his status as a rock legend.

8. Sold Over 100 Million Records Worldwide

Combining both his work with Black Sabbath and his solo releases, Ozzy sold more than 100 million albums, making him one of the best-selling music artists in history.

9. Reality TV Fame with The Osbournes

In the early 2000s, Ozzy became a household name through the MTV reality show The Osbournes, starring alongside his wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack. The show gave fans an unfiltered look into his chaotic family life.

10. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee – Twice

Ozzy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 as a member of Black Sabbath and again in 2024 as a solo artist—an honor shared by only a select few.

11. Final Performance in Birmingham, July 2025

Despite battling Parkinson’s disease since 2019, Ozzy returned to his hometown for a final performance at the “Back to the Beginning” concert on July 5, 2025, reuniting with Black Sabbath for one last epic show.

12. Passed Away on July 22, 2025

Ozzy Osbourne died peacefully on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, surrounded by family. His passing marked the end of a monumental era in rock and heavy metal history.

JUST IN: English singer Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76

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Legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne has passed away at the age of 76, just weeks after his emotional farewell performance in Birmingham.

American heavy metal band Metallica led the tributes, posting a broken-heart emoji in response to the heartbreaking news.

A statement released by the Osbourne family on Monday confirmed the news: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”

Osbourne had been battling Parkinson’s disease since being diagnosed in 2019. Despite his health struggles, he remained active in the music scene and continued to connect with fans around the world.

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The former Black Sabbath frontman, often hailed as the “Prince of Darkness,” was a pioneer of the heavy metal genre. Known for his electrifying stage presence and shocking antics—most infamously biting the head off a bat during a live performance—Osbourne redefined rock performance and identity.

Earlier this month, he gave fans a final unforgettable moment during a Black Sabbath reunion at Villa Park in Birmingham, the birthplace of the iconic band formed in 1968. Seated on a large black throne, Osbourne told thousands of fans, “It’s so good to be on this stage.”

Ozzy was joined on stage by fellow original Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler, and Bill Ward. The performance was part of the “Back to the Beginning” concert, a nostalgic and emotional night that now stands as a historic farewell.

Osbourne’s legacy spans more than five decades, with a career that shaped generations of musicians and fans. From his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath to his successful solo career and unforgettable reality TV presence, Ozzy leaves behind a monumental impact on global music culture.

Fans, fellow musicians, and industry legends continue to pour in tributes for the heavy metal trailblazer whose influence will never be forgotten.

20 things to know about Malcolm Jamal Warner

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American actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the iconic sitcom The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54.

Warner reportedly drowned over the weekend while vacationing in Costa Rica. According to the country’s Judicial Investigation Agency, the tragedy occurred around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday at Playa Grande, Cocles, in the Limón Province. Authorities said he was caught in a strong ocean current and dragged out to sea while swimming.

Bystanders managed to pull the actor to shore, where members of the Costa Rican Red Cross attempted resuscitation efforts. However, Warner was pronounced dead at the scene.

Here are 20 things to Know About Malcolm Jamal Warner

1.            Born in 1970: Malcolm-Jamal Warner was born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, and was raised in Los Angeles from the age of five.

2.            Named After Icons: He was named after civil rights activist Malcolm X and legendary jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal.

3.            Child Star Turned Icon: Warner began acting at age nine and was enrolled in professional acting schools, graduating from The Professional Children’s School in New York City.

4.            Breakout Role on The Cosby Show: He rose to fame as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show (1984–1992), which became one of the most successful sitcoms in TV history.

5.            Emmy Nominee: Warner was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 38th Primetime Emmy Awards in 1986.

6.            Cast on Final Day: He auditioned on the final day of The Cosby Show’s nationwide search and was personally selected by Bill Cosby.

7.            Directed While Still a Teen: During his Cosby Show days, Warner began directing, including music videos for New Edition and Special Ed.

Read Also: Malcolm Jamal Warner, ‘The Cosby Show’ star, dies at 54

8.            Star of Malcolm & Eddie: From 1996 to 2000, he starred in the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie alongside comedian Eddie Griffin.

9.            Versatile TV Career: He had key roles in series such as Reed Between the Lines, The Resident, Jeremiah, Suits, Major Crimes, and Sneaky Pete.

10.          Portrayed Al Cowlings: In 2016, he played Al Cowlings in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.

11.          Award-Winning Musician: In 2015, Warner won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his spoken word contribution to “Jesus Children” by Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway.

12.          Poet and Spoken Word Artist: Warner’s poetry, often performed live and accompanied by jazz music, addressed social issues and Black identity.

13.          Grammy Nomination in 2022: His spoken word album Hiding in Plain View was nominated for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.

14.          Music Albums: He released two albums: The Miles Long Mixtape (2003) and Love & Other Social Issues (2007).

15.          Podcast Host: In 2024, Warner co-launched the Not All Hood (NAH) podcast, focusing on the real-life experiences of Black Americans.

16.          Children’s Programming: Warner hosted CBS Storybreak in the early 1990s, promoting literacy among children.

17.          Advocate for Health Education: He directed a public health video on HIV/AIDS awareness featuring Magic Johnson and Arsenio Hall.

18.          Private Family Life: Warner married later in life and had a daughter, though he intentionally kept his family out of the spotlight.

19.          Romantic Relationships: He dated several actresses, including Michelle Thomas, Karen Malina White, and Regina King. Thomas passed away in 1998, deeply affecting Warner.

20.          Tragic Death at 54: Warner died on July 20, 2025, after drowning while swimming in Costa Rica. He was caught in a powerful ocean current. His death was confirmed as due to asphyxia by drowning.

Malcolm Jamal Warner, ‘The Cosby Show’ star, dies at 54

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American actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the iconic sitcom The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54.

Warner reportedly drowned over the weekend while vacationing in Costa Rica. According to the country’s Judicial Investigation Agency, the tragedy occurred around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday at Playa Grande, Cocles, in the Limón Province. Authorities said he was caught in a strong ocean current and dragged out to sea while swimming.

Bystanders managed to pull the actor to shore, where members of the Costa Rican Red Cross attempted resuscitation efforts. However, Warner was pronounced dead at the scene.

He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Warner rose to fame in the 1980s when he was cast as the Huxtables’ only son on The Cosby Show, which aired from 1984 to 1992. His portrayal earned him an Emmy nomination in 1986 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. In a 2023 interview, Warner revealed he was the final actor seen during the show’s nationwide audition before being handpicked by Bill Cosby himself.

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The sitcom, which dominated U.S. television ratings from 1985 to 1990, was praised for its groundbreaking portrayal of a successful Black American family, a rarity at the time. Reflecting on the impact of the show, Warner once said, “We were getting tens of thousands of fan letters from people saying, ‘Thank you so much for this show.’”

Following The Cosby Show, Warner continued a successful television career, appearing in series like Malcolm & Eddie alongside Eddie Griffin, who mourned him on social media, calling him “My big little brother” and writing, “R.I.P. King.”

He also made appearances on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Sesame Street, and more recently starred as Dr. AJ Austin in the Fox medical drama The Resident.

In a statement to Variety, Fox Entertainment said: “Everyone at Fox is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner. While his iconic roles – from comedic to dramatic – are unforgettable and timeless, Malcolm will be remembered most for his warmth, kind heart and the lasting impact he had on his friends, family and fans everywhere.”

Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry, including from Questlove, Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Magic Johnson.

NNPC remits N6.96tn to federation in five months, records N905bn profit for June

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has disclosed that it remitted N6.96 trillion to the Federation Account between January and May 2025, underscoring its vital role in funding the government amid ongoing economic reforms.

According to its June Monthly Report released on Monday, the state oil firm posted a Profit After Tax (PAT) of N905 billion for June 2025. This figure represents a drop from the N1.054 trillion reported in May, reflecting market volatility.

Despite the decline in monthly profits, the cumulative remittance to the Federation Account rose sharply, up from N5.58 trillion in April to N6.96 trillion in May, highlighting strong performance over the five-month period.

The report showed a rebound in upstream activities, with average daily crude oil and condensate production increasing to 1.68 million barrels per day (bpd) in June, compared to 1.63 million bpd in May. This marks the highest production level since the beginning of the year.

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Natural gas production also improved, reaching 7.58 billion standard cubic feet per day (scf/d) in June, up from 7.35 billion scf/d in May.

Revenue for the month stood at N4.57 trillion, down from N6 trillion recorded in May—attributed to fluctuations in the global oil market.

Petrol supply to NNPC retail stations saw a notable improvement, with availability climbing to 71% in June from 62% in May.

Progress was also reported in key gas infrastructure projects. The Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline is now 83% completed, up from 81%, while the OB3 pipeline maintained a 96% completion rate. The successful River Niger crossing on the AKK project has reduced major risks to final delivery.

Meanwhile, upstream pipeline availability saw a marginal dip to 97% in June, from 98% in May. The company also began a technical review of the OB3 River Niger segment to replicate lessons from the AKK project.

Refinery rehabilitation projects in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna remain ongoing, with technical reviews continuing.

In terms of Corporate Social Responsibility, the report revealed that NNPC trained over 67,000 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in June as part of its Financial Literacy Programme, raising the total number trained to 870,383.

NNPC noted that all figures are provisional and subject to reconciliation with relevant stakeholders.

This performance, the report added, reinforces NNPC Ltd.’s strategic importance as a key revenue driver for the federal government amid fiscal pressures and structural reforms.

AstraZeneca unveils $37bn U.S. investment plan amid tariff threats

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British-based drug maker AstraZeneca has announced plans to invest 50 billion dollars in the United States over the next five years amid the looming threat of President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs.

The Cambridge-headquartered firm said on Tuesday that the investment will fund a new “state-of-the-art” manufacturing facility in Virginia set to be its largest single manufacturing investment in the world.

It will also expand research and development (R&D) and cell therapy manufacturing in Maryland, Massachusetts, California, Indiana, and Texas.

The announcement marks the latest by a global pharmaceutical giant to expand its U.S footprint amids Trump’s threat to impose up to 20 per cent tarrifs on drug import to boost manufacturing  and lower costs.

AstraZeneca said the mammoth investment will create tens of thousands of jobs across the U.S., “powering growth and delivering next-generation medicines for patients in America and worldwide.”

The Anglo-Swedish group, which is listed on the FTSE 100, said the investment will also help it towards the group’s target of reaching 80 billion dollars in revenues by 2030.

It added that half of this is expected to come from the U.S.

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Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive of AstraZeneca, said: “Today’s announcement underpins our belief in America’s innovation in biopharmaceuticals and our commitment to the millions of patients who need our medicines in America and globally.”

ln spite of being headquartered in the United Kingdom, the U.S is AstraZeneca’s largest market, where it employs more than 18,000 staff and makes 42 per cent of total group sales.

It already has 19 R&D, manufacturing and commercial sites across the country.

The new factory planned for Virginia will produce drug substances for the company’s weight management and metabolic portfolio, it said.

Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, said: “For decades Americans have been reliant on foreign supply of key pharmaceutical products.

“President Trump and our nation’s new tariff policies are focused on ending this structural weakness.

“We are proud that AstraZeneca has made the decision to bring substantial pharmaceutical production to our shores.” Lutnick said.

(dpa/NAN)

JUST IN: Natasha enters NASS after initial denial by security

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Monday gained access to the National Assembly complex in Abuja after being initially blocked by security operatives.

The senator, who represents Kogi Central, is currently serving a six-month suspension imposed by the Senate. Despite the suspension, she attempted to resume legislative duties following a court ruling that directed the Senate to recall her.

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Eyewitnesses reported that her convoy was stopped at the entrance of the National Assembly, with security officials refusing her entry. Also affected was a vehicle in her convoy carrying prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, which was equally denied access.

Undeterred, Senator Natasha later alighted from her vehicle and walked into the National Assembly premises on foot, accompanied by some of her supporters.

The situation has stirred fresh controversy surrounding the Senate’s decision to suspend her, especially in light of the recent court order favoring her reinstatement.

Army arrests 183 suspected fraudsters in Delta

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 Troops of 63 Brigade Nigerian Army /Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have arrested 183 suspected internet fraudsters in a raid in Warri, Delta.

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‎Spokesman of the Brigade, Capt. ILiyasu Bawa, disclosed this in a press statement on Sunday in Asaba.

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‎ ILiyasu said the raid was carried out on July 19, following a tip-off on the activities of the suspects.

Read Also: President Tinubu charges Army to defeat terrorism, insurgency

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‎He said that the suspects, all males between the ages of 16 and 29, were arrested in some apartments that served as an internet fraud training center within the area.

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‎Iliyasu said Items recovered from the suspects include 274 laptops, 87 mobile phones, nine laptop chargers, a table phone, and two WiFi devices.

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‎He said the suspects were undergoing preliminary investigation for the next line of action.
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‎He assured Deltans that the Nigerian Army will continue to support the fight  to rid the society of the menace of cybercrime and other forms of criminality.

(NAN)