Royal News

Tag: Tunisia

  • Nwabali Laments Goals Conceded Despite Eagles’ Win

    Nwabali Laments Goals Conceded Despite Eagles’ Win

    Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has said he was disappointed to concede goals despite Nigeria’s 3–2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday.

    The South Africa-based shot-stopper said allowing two late goals was painful, even though the team secured maximum points, adding that keeping a clean sheet remains his personal goal.

    Nigeria dominated much of the encounter, going into the break with a 1–0 lead after Victor Osimhen’s late first-half strike.

    Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman extended the advantage after the restart to give the Super Eagles a commanding 3–0 lead before Tunisia scored twice late in the game.

    Speaking to journalists after the match, Nwabali said conceding goals was never part of the plan.

    “We really don’t wish to concede. We always want to keep a clean sheet,” he said. “It pains me a lot when I concede, but we keep going as a team.”

    The goalkeeper has now conceded three goals in two matches at the ongoing tournament in Morocco.

    Nwabali said he hopes to avoid conceding further goals, noting that clean sheets would improve his chances of competing for the tournament’s best goalkeeper award.

  • Israel Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla, Detains Greta Thunberg

    Israel Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla, Detains Greta Thunberg

    Israeli forces have detained dozens of activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, after intercepting a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza in international waters.

    Israel’s Foreign Ministry said its navy stopped several vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) about 70 nautical miles off Gaza’s coast and redirected them to the port of Ashdod for deportation. Authorities described the mission as an attempt to breach a “lawful naval blockade” of Gaza.

    The GSF called the interceptions “illegal” and accused Israeli forces of ramming one boat and using water cannon on others. It described the actions as “a brazen act of desperation.”

    Footage released by Israel showed Thunberg sitting on a vessel’s deck as soldiers handed her water and a jacket. The ministry insisted the activists were “safe and healthy” but labelled the flotilla a “provocation.”

    The incident has drawn sharp international reactions. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the interception as a violation of international law, while Turkey’s foreign ministry described it as “terrorism.” Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled Israeli diplomats, cancelled a bilateral trade agreement, and demanded the release of two Colombians on board.

    In contrast, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised the flotilla’s mission, arguing it brought “no benefit to the Palestinian people.” Ireland confirmed that seven of its citizens, including Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews, were among the detained. The UK said it had contacted Israel over British nationals involved.

    The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged Israel to lift its blockade of Gaza and allow “unhindered” humanitarian aid, warning that famine has been confirmed in the territory. Israel denies obstructing aid, accusing Hamas of diverting supplies.

    Public protests erupted in Greece, Italy, Germany, Tunisia, and Turkey following the interception. Italy’s largest trade union, CGIL, announced a nationwide strike in solidarity with Gaza.

    The flotilla, carrying more than 40 ships and about 500 people—including lawmakers, lawyers, and activists—departed Spain a month ago with the aim of delivering aid directly to Gaza. Israel previously blocked similar attempts in June and July.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected claims that Israel’s actions are causing famine in Gaza, calling such accusations “an outright lie.”