Fresh from defeating one FIFA World Cup-bound team, Iran, and drawing with another, Jordan, in Antalya, Turkey, three-time African champions Nigeria are looking forward to an exciting summer, with fixtures lined up against Poland and World Cup-bound side Portugal during the FIFA window for friendly matches in June.

The Nigeran Football Federation’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport, confirmed on Thursday that the clash with Poland will take place at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on June 3.

The encounter with Portugal is scheduled for June 10, with the venue to be announced in the coming days.

The game against the Seleção das Quinas — the nickname of Portugal’s senior men’s team — will serve as the hosts’ final match before they travel to the Americas for this summer’s FIFA World Cup finals, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Super Eagles are also scheduled to defend their crown at this year’s Unity Cup Tournament in London, set to take place from May 26 to 30.

Amid the security challenges confronting the nation, President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians that concerted efforts are yielding breakthroughs.

The President gave the assurance in a statement he personally signed to mark the Easter celebrations.

He said the season reminds the citizens of the significance of Easter and the message it embodies— of sacrifice, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness.

“For us in Nigeria, the essence resonates with our current realities as we navigate a period marked by economic strain and security challenges, even as determined efforts are underway to address them,” Tinubu said.

“No nation can thrive where fear prevails, and no progress can be sustained without peace. To other parts of the country also enduring one form of insecurity or the other, rest assured that concerted efforts are already yielding breakthroughs.”

The Commander-in-Chief also assured Nigerians of a safer and more secure nation, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

He acknowledged that, despite the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, challenges to national security have persisted.

Tinubu however said his administration is making available the necessary resources and strengthening foreign partnerships to enable security agencies to deal decisive blows to terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.

“Despite the good efforts of the administration and the gallant efforts of our men and women of the Armed Forces who leave behind their families to confront the evil actors in our land, challenges to our security have remained.

“However, my administration continues to make resources available and forge foreign partnerships to enable us to deal decisive blows to the agents of terror and banditry,” he said.

Tinubu noted that following his condolence visit to Jos, Plateau State, where he commiserated with victims of the recent deadly attack, security chiefs had given strong assurances of progress, while international support was also mobilised to reinforce Nigeria’s response.

He further assured residents of other parts of the country facing one form of insecurity or another that concerted government actions are beginning to produce results, urging citizens to support lawful efforts, remain united, and reject forces that threaten the country’s collective peace and stability.

“On Thursday, I was in Jos to commiserate with people of Plateau State, share in their grief, and offer reassurances of better days to come. The leaders of the nation’s security institutions have given strong assurances of progress. We have also sought and are receiving assistance from outside our shores.

“I am reassured that the citizens appreciate our efforts. I will continue to remind us of the imperative of unity and oneness. No nation can thrive where fear prevails, and no progress can be sustained without peace,” Tinubu added.

The President’s Easter message comes hours after his visit to Jos, the Plateau State cpital, where he met families of the deadly attack that left at least 28 people dead, and many others injured.

“To the victims, there is nothing I can give you, whether in billions of naira, but I can console you and promise that this experience will not repeat itself,” Tinubu said.

He also offered condolence to the woman who was seen in a viral video holding her dead son after the attack.

“I know your pain; I saw in the video how you held on to your son and felt the agony in your heart.

“Only God can give you joy and comfort. No amount of money can compensate for your loss. As a government, we will do our best to support and comfort you,” he told her.

Tinubu said the best solution for Jos is to restore the city to the way it once was, as residents remember and grew up knowing.

He also noted that the government was elected on the promise of peace and prosperity, pledging to restore peace to Jos rather than merely offering condolences.

Liverpool FC is gearing up for a major squad overhaul after a frustrating campaign.

Despite investing heavily last summer, the Reds have struggled to meet expectations in the Premier League and now face crucial decisions.

Sporting director Richard Hughes defended the club’s recruitment strategy, stating: “These are players who have already achieved a lot in their individual careers… we also want to try and win right now.” However, results on the pitch have not matched those ambitions.

As a result, several big names are now on the transfer list. According to reports, Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister, Federico Chiesa and Joe Gomez could all leave Anfield this summer. The situation becomes even more delicate with Mohamed Salah already set to depart at the end of his contract, marking the end of an era for the club.

Uncertainty also surrounds several other players, while pressure is mounting on manager Arne Slot. His future could depend on upcoming results, with Xabi Alonso already mentioned as a potential successor. Liverpool appears ready to make tough and possibly unexpected choices to rebuild and return to the top.