Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is set for a major transformation as the Federal Government has approved plans to replace the scheme’s iconic khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric.   Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, confirmed the development during an interview on “Channels Television” The Morning Brief on Thursday. According to the minister, the move forms part of broader reforms aimed at boosting local production and ensuring government spending supports Nigeria’s economy. “It’s Adire. Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, we have textile industries. Let’s put our money back into the country,” Olawande said. Beyond the uniform redesign, the Federal Government is also restructuring the NYSC posting system to better align corps members with their academic qualifications and professional skills. Under the proposed model, graduates with education-related qualifications will increasingly be deployed to schools and teaching roles, replacing the current system where postings often overlook specialised training. Olawande said the reform would make the scheme more practical and impactful by enabling corps members to contribute in sectors where they have relevant expertise. Security concerns also featured prominently in the reform plans. The minister disclosed that the government is considering posting corps members to regions where they studied or are more familiar with, especially in areas facing security challenges. The proposal is expected to ease safety concerns among parents and prospective corps members while improving deployment efficiency. Olawande also dismissed reports suggesting the military would be removed from the NYSC structure, describing the claims as misleading. He explained that while operational leadership of the scheme would shift towards civilian control, military personnel would remain involved, particularly in providing security support for corps members nationwide. The reforms follow approval by the Federal Executive Council for a comprehensive overhaul of the NYSC, marking the scheme’s first major restructuring since its establishment 53 years ago. The Federal Government said the changes are designed to reposition the NYSC into a skills-driven, productivity-focused institution that strengthens youth empowerment and supports economic growth.

Senegal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign has suffered another major setback after midfielder Pape Gueye announced he is stepping away from international football for as long as head coach Pape Thiaw remains in charge.   The 27-year-old made the announcement following Senegal’s painful Round of 16 exit, where the Teranga Lions surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Belgium after extra time. According to Punch Newspapers, Gueye shared his decision on social media in a post written in French, saying he would speak further about Senegal’s elimination later but had no intention of continuing under the current coaching crew. “I’ll come back to speak about our elimination, but today I announce that as long as this technical staff remains, I will take a break from the national team,” Gueye wrote. Senegal had looked firmly in control of the match after first-half goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr gave them a commanding 2-0 lead. But Belgium mounted a dramatic comeback. Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans scored late to force extra time before Tielemans converted a penalty in the 125th minute after a VAR review to seal a stunning victory. The defeat ended Senegal’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals and securing their first World Cup knockout-stage win since their memorable debut run in 2002. Gueye’s decision has intensified pressure on Thiaw, whose substitutions while protecting Senegal’s lead have drawn criticism from fans and analysts. Speaking after the match, Thiaw defended his decisions, insisting fatigue forced the changes rather than tactical choices. “They were tired and couldn’t continue. Leaving them on the field would have been unprofessional on our part. We had to replace them like for like,” Thiaw said. “Of course, when you lose a match after leading 2-0, people will talk about the substitutions. But you can’t reduce everything to that.”

Suspected gunmen launched another attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Plateau State, late Wednesday night, but security operatives successfully repelled the assault, killing one of the attackers.   According to a report by Punch Newspapers, the attack happened around 11pm when the armed men allegedly attempted to breach the institute’s security perimeter. In a statement issued on Thursday by the institute’s Head of Public Affairs, Dr Osime Samuel, NIPSS said security personnel engaged the attackers in a gun battle and forced them to retreat after a swift response. The institute confirmed that one of the assailants was killed during the exchange, while others reportedly escaped with injuries. “The attackers engaged security operatives in a gun duel but were forced to retreat following the swift and coordinated response of the security forces. One of the assailants was neutralised during the encounter, while others were reported to have escaped with varying degrees of injuries,” the statement said. NIPSS added that there was no breach of its security perimeter and all participants, staff, residents and facilities remained safe. Security agencies have since intensified efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while surveillance and other proactive security measures have been strengthened within and around the institute. The institute also urged residents and the public to ignore misinformation capable of causing panic, reassuring them that the safety of lives and property remains its top priority. The latest attack comes less than two weeks after another assault on the institute and surrounding community, during which three people, including security personnel, were killed. That incident prompted heightened security around Nigeria’s leading policy and leadership training institution.

The United States men’s national soccer team booked a place in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team 2-0 in a dramatic round of 32 clash on Wednesday.   According to Channels Television, Folarin Balogun gave the hosts the lead just before half-time before being sent off in the second half, forcing the Americans to finish the game with 10 men. The co-hosts claimed their first World Cup knockout win in nearly 25 years and only their second ever, setting up a last-16 showdown with Belgium national football team in Seattle. Bosnia started brightly and created early chances through veteran striker Edin Džeko and Ermedin Demirović, but the Americans gradually gained control. Balogun broke the deadlock in the 45th minute after a quick move involving Tim Ream and Malik Tillman. Tillman’s pass fell kindly for Balogun, who calmly slotted home to send the home crowd into celebration. The game turned in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a straight red card after a VAR review ruled he stamped on Tarik Muharemović. Despite the setback, the United States men’s national soccer team held firm. Coach Mauricio Pochettino rallied his side during a hydration break, urging them to stay united and fight for the result. The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Tillman curled a superb free-kick beyond goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to seal victory. The Americans survived intense late pressure, with Bosnia substitute Ermin Mahmić going close in stoppage time, but ultimately held on for a famous win. Pochettino praised his players after the match, describing the performance as a display of character and unity under pressure. For Bosnia, coach Sergej Barbarez said his side could still take pride in reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. The victory keeps the USA’s World Cup dream alive on home soil as they prepare for a high-stakes clash against Belgium.