Kylian Mbappe is back in the France starting line-up for Tuesday’s Euro 2024 clash with Poland, his first appearance since suffering a broken nose against Austria just over a week ago.

Mbappe injured himself late on in the 1-0 victory over the Austrians on June 17 and did not play any part in last Friday’s 0-0 draw with the Netherlands in Leipzig as a result.

The new Real Madrid signing, who must wear a protective face mask, captains a France side who have already qualified for the last 16 before the Group D finale in Dortmund.

He returns in one of two changes made by coach Didier Deschamps to his line-up, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola getting a first international start as Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram drop out.

Where France finish in the section depends both on their result and the outcome of the simultaneous encounter between the Netherlands and Austria.

Poland are already eliminated but their captain and record goal-scorer Robert Lewandowski makes his first start of the competition after injury.

From AFP

Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Lawal (retd.), a distinguished former Minister of Youth and Sports and Military Administrator of Benue State, has passed away at the age of 83.

He died peacefully in his sleep at his home early on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

The sad news was confirmed by his daughter, Mrs. Yinka Enahoro, and verified by retired Air Commodore Sani Zakari, Sergeant At Arms at the National Assembly.

Born on September 14, 1941, in Offa, Kwara State, AVM Lawal was a trailblazing officer in the Nigerian Air Force, where he began his career in 1963 and received pilot training in West Germany.

His distinguished service included commanding roles such as NAF Port Harcourt Commander (1969-1970), Enugu Air Force Base Commander (1970-1972), and multiple terms as NAF Kano Commander (1972-1973, 1975-1977).

He also served as Air Officer Commanding HQ Tactical Air Command NAF Makurdi from 1977 to 1978.

Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Lawal (retd.), remembered as “a very active and vibrant fighter pilot,” contributed significantly to the nation beyond his military service.

He served as the Military Governor of Benue State from July 1978 to October 1979 and later held the position of Federal Minister of Youth and Sports.

Following his retirement from active service, Lawal ventured into business and dedicated himself to philanthropy rooted in his faith as a devoted Muslim.

In addition to his legacy of service and contributions, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Lawal (retd.) is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, known as the flying antelopes, secured their 8th Nigerian Premier Football League title for the 2023/2024 season with a 2-1 victory over Gombe United at Zaria road stadium in Jos.

They amassed an impressive 70 points from 38 matches played throughout the season.

The team captain, Amobi Ezeakwu, proudly received the league trophy and a winning prize of one hundred and fifty million naira from Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

The match was attended by dignitaries including the chairman and members of the Nigeria Football Federation board, league board chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye, as well as the governors of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, and Enugu State, Peter Mbah.

With this triumph, Rangers International will represent Nigeria alongside Remo Stars in the upcoming African Champions League competition.