The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed ownership of the aircraft which crashed on Monday in Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

Ehimen Ejodame, NAF Director of public relations and information, said the aircraft was on a “routine mission” when it crashed in the early hours of Monday.

In a statement, the air force spokesperson said a rescue operation is underway.

“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation following an ATR-42 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on 5 October 2026,” the statement reads.

“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

“Search and Rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing.

“The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing Search and Rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course.”

The Ondo state police command had earlier confirmed the incident, but said details surrounding the crash were still emerging.

Residents had, however, informed that the crash occurred in a swampy terrain opposite a naval base.

Croatia captain Luka Modric admits that he felt “ashamed” of his side’s performance after their 7-0 demolition at the hands of a rampant England on Saturday.

It was the first time in 20 years playing for his country that the AC Milan star had felt that way, after what was a “catastrophic night” for the home team in the Nations League encounter.

Modric, 41, was making his 205th appearance for Croatia after recently agreeing to extend his international career under returning manager Slaven Bilic.

“You can’t play football like that… we looked like we had four or five players less,” said the former Ballon d’Or winner, who helped Croatia to second and third-place finishes at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups during an incredible career.

“It is difficult to find an explanation for such a performance without duels, fouls, aggressiveness, togetherness,” Modric added.

“I’ve been here for 20 years, but for the first time I feel ashamed after a game.”

Croatia had actually begun Bilic’s second stint in charge with a 2-1 Nations League win away to the Czech Republic that put them above England in Group A3.

However, that was followed up by a 4-1 mauling away to Spain that left the door open for Thomas Tuchel’s side to lay down a marker for the rest of the competition by sealing victory in Rijeka.

That did just that in sensational fashion and, with the top two qualifying for the latter stages, England are now in the box seat to qualify alongside Spain.

By the time Modric was substituted in the 57th minute, Croatia were already 5-0 down after conceding two goals from Harry Kane and one apiece from Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka.

The veteran midfielder then watched on from the sidelines as further strikes from Saka and Morgan Rogers sealed an emphatic triumph for the visitors.

“You can lose, or play against an opponent who is better – and they are right now,” added the former Tottenham and Real Madrid star.

“But in any case, losing like this and squandering the reputation we’ve built over the years is unacceptable… [it was a] catastrophic night [for Croatia].”

It does not get any easier for Croatia, who next host Spain in Split on Tuesday, and will finish their Nations League campaign with games away to England (12 November) and at home to the Czech Republic (15 November).

“We need to pull ourselves together, stay together because a new difficult game awaits us,” said Modric, with Croatia third in the table, facing a battle to retain their status in the top tier of the Nations League.

“We have to show our true colours, that there is defiance and pride in us, desire, willingness, togetherness, these things cannot be lost overnight.”

Portugal’s Economy Minister, Manuel Castro Almeida, says Cristiano Ronaldo matters to Portugal in ways that reach far beyond football. “Many people know Portugal only because of Cristiano Ronaldo,” he stressed.

His comments land as the fallout from Ronaldo’s sudden exit from the national team camp continues to dominate the headlines.

Speaking in remarks carried by the Portuguese website The Resident from the Now channel, the minister painted Ronaldo as a huge asset for Portugal’s image on the world stage. “Cristiano Ronaldo has an enormous impact in promoting and highlighting Portugal’s image,” he said. He went further still, likening the Portugal star to “the most famous company in Portugal”

On the row between Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus, Castro Almeida pleaded ignorance. He insisted he was “not an expert” and refused to judge who was in the right.

His focus stayed on Ronaldo’s wider worth to Portugal and its standing abroad.

That global recognition, the Economy Minister argues, makes Ronaldo “a value and an asset” to the country. “It would be good if Portugal could continue to rely on this asset,” he said.

He added: “From the angle of enhancing Portugal’s image and reputation, Cristiano holds extremely important value, and it would be very good for Portugal to continue to benefit from this potential.”