By Abigail David

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says the political crisis in Rivers State prevented Governor Siminalayi Fubara from pursuing a second term, blaming the situation on what he described as poor political advice and the influence of external interests.

Speaking during his monthly media chat aired on Tuesday, Wike said he repeatedly advised Fubara to preserve the political structure that supported his emergence as governor rather than distance himself from it.

The former Rivers State governor said he expected his successor to build on the foundation laid by his administration, adding that continuity would have benefited the state.

Wike also claimed that individuals who initially opposed Fubara’s governorship later became his close associates and encouraged him to challenge those who supported his rise to office.

According to the minister, the political fallout ultimately affected Fubara’s chances of seeking another term in office.

He disclosed that attempts were made to reconcile both camps but said political considerations prevented a lasting resolution.

Wike further alleged that some external interests sought to influence political developments in Rivers State for personal gain, accusing them of giving the governor advice that deepened the crisis.

Despite the disagreement, Wike said his support for Fubara at the time of his election reflected the confidence he had in him.

The political dispute between Wike and Fubara began shortly after the governor assumed office in 2023 and later escalated into a prolonged crisis involving the Rivers State House of Assembly. The conflict eventually drew federal intervention before political tensions eased.

By Abigail David

Australia has strengthened its lead at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, maintaining a comfortable advantage at the top of the medal table as the competition approaches its conclusion.

The latest standings show Australia leading with 128 medals, including 55 gold, 30 silver and 43 bronze, placing the nation well ahead of its closest rivals.

England occupies second place with 80 medals (17 gold, 34 silver and 29 bronze), while Canada is third with 53 medals, also winning 17 gold medals but fewer silver medals than England.

Host nation Scotland sits fourth with 34 medals, made up of 10 gold, eight silver and 16 bronze.

Nigeria remains the highest-ranked African nation in fifth place after winning 18 medals—nine gold, six silver and three bronze—maintaining a strong continental showing.

New Zealand and South Africa follow in sixth and seventh positions respectively, with both countries winning 25 medals. Malaysia, Wales and India complete the top 10.

The medal standings also reflect a wide gap between the leading nations and the rest of the field. Of the 74 Commonwealth Games Associations competing in Glasgow, 38 have won at least one medal, while 36 are yet to reach the podium.

Australia’s dominance has been one of the defining stories of the Games, accounting for 55 gold medals—nearly one-third of the gold medals won by all medal-winning nations combined.

Several smaller nations have also enjoyed memorable moments, with Grenada, Dominica, the British Virgin Islands and The Bahamas each claiming a gold medal, while Rwanda, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan and Malta have all secured bronze medals.

Among African countries, Nigeria leads the medal race ahead of South Africa, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, Ghana, Mauritius, Namibia, Zambia and Lesotho.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games, which began on July 23, will conclude on August 2, with several events still to be decided before the closing ceremony.

Top 10 Medal Table (Current Standings)

By Abigail David

Nigeria’s bid for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title suffered an early setback after tournament debutants Malawi claimed a stunning 3-2 victory over the defending champions in their Group C opener on Tuesday.

The Super Falcons held firm for much of the contest before Malawi broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute through Temwa Chawinga. Six minutes later, captain Tabitha Chawinga doubled the lead to put the Scorchers in control.

Nigeria responded in stoppage time when captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the 90+2nd minute to reduce the deficit. However, Temwa Chawinga restored Malawi’s two-goal advantage three minutes later with her second goal of the match.

Substitute Uchenna Kanu scored deep into stoppage time to make it 3-2, but Nigeria could not find an equaliser before the final whistle.

The victory marks one of the biggest upsets in WAFCON history, with Malawi celebrating a memorable winning debut against Africa’s most successful women’s national team.

Before the match, Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili expressed confidence that his side could surprise the defending champions, while captain Tabitha Chawinga urged her teammates to face Nigeria without fear or an inferiority complex.

Following the opening round of Group C matches, Zambia lead the standings on goal difference after a 6-0 victory over Egypt, with Malawi also on three points. Nigeria sit third without a point, ahead of Egypt on goal difference.

The Super Falcons will face Zambia in a crucial Group C clash on Saturday, August 1, before concluding the group stage against Egypt on Wednesday, August 5. Nigeria can still qualify for the quarter-finals, with the top two teams in each group and the two best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage.