Republic of Benin in West Africa
ECOWAS members have endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,800-km conduit linking 13 West African states with potential to export 30 bcm of gas annually. The project aims to diversify energy supplies, boost regional integration and support electricity generation, while weighing security and financing risks as construction eyes 2028 start.
Nauru has renamed itself to Naoero, with the short form Naoero and citizens identified as dei-Naoero. The government has dropped plans for a referendum, saying the change reflects an existing national identity and heritage. Transition is underway and international bodies have been informed.
Since mid-July Ukrainian forces have struck more than a dozen Wildberries warehouses and other industrial sites deep inside Russia. Overnight strikes have hit a Wildberries warehouse in Samara and facilities across the Volga and southern regions, killing dozens on both sides, while Moscow says it downed hundreds of Ukrainian drones.
Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, reverting to its traditional designation. The government says the move strengthens national identity and heritage; the UN and several foreign ministries have updated their listings accordingly. A referendum was not pursued, with lawmakers endorsing the change after “extensive discussions.” The transition will also affect the country’s international code and demonym.
Four US-based rights organisations have filed a federal lawsuit in New York challenging last year’s executive order that authorised US sanctions on International Criminal Court judges, prosecutors and groups that cooperate with the court. The complaint has argued the measures have forced them to curtail work, violated constitutional rights and unlawfully interfered with international justice.
Nigeria has announced the rescue of 308 kidnapped citizens in a coordinated operation involving the military, police, and intelligence services. Of the rescued, 163 were abducted from Woro in Kwara State and 145 from Niger State. Victims are receiving medical care and will be reunited with families as security agencies pledge to strengthen early-warning systems.
Nigeria's security forces have freed 308 hostages abducted in recent months, including 163 from Woro in Kwara state and 145 from Niger state. The operation involved the military, police, and counter-terrorism units and is described by officials as the largest rescue carried out in a single day.
Zendocs is launching a browser-based document platform designed to eliminate downloads and installations, offering speed, accessibility and real-time collaboration. Founders say the platform responds to the need for fast, mobile-friendly tools and aims to become a global reference for browser-only document workflows.
The Malian army faces a major assault by JNIM at the Dioura base on Sept. 10, with hundreds of militants and civilian concerns. In response, Mali’s military leadership proclaims operational pressure while authorities note casualties and the strategic impact on security in the region.
West African cotton sectors are being recalibrated to add value locally. Mali aims to spin fibre into yarn; Benin is expanding finished-product exports from the GDIZ hub; Kenya is reviving its textile value chain from farm to fashion amid policy pushes. The push seeks to create jobs, curb imports, and widen local participation.
Lionel Messi has helped Inter Miami win the Campeones Cup with a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul, sealing the club’s first Campeones Cup trophy and adding another trophy to Messi’s MLS era. Casemiro’s late header secures the win after Messi’s early headed goal; the ceremony also marks new coach Cristian Gonzalez’s first game in charge.
Messi has announced his retirement from international duty and will be honoured in a farewell match on 6 October in Buenos Aires. Argentina will host Benin, Burkina Faso and Bolivia in a FIFA window with reductions in capacity due to sanctions. Several players face suspensions from the World Cup final. The event marks Argentina’s return home after the tournament and signals changes ahead for the national team.
Argentina’s national team is negotiating Scaloni’s extension while preparing for friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin. Messi will bid farewell in the final Benin match as Scaloni steers a transition after a record run of success.
Lionel Messi has announced his international retirement and is set to play a farewell friendly for Argentina against Benin in Buenos Aires. The match marks a final chapter in a 21-year national-team career that features 125 goals in 207 appearances and a 2022 World Cup crown; Scaloni signals a hopeful transition with a new generation ready to lead.
An ATR-42 military aircraft on a Benin–Lagos routine flight has crashed near Igbokoda, Ondo State. Authorities have activated search-and-rescue operations and declared three days of national mourning. Initial reports indicate 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board; casualty figures remain unconfirmed.
Portugal chief Cristiano Ronaldo has walked out of the national team after a benching row with new coach Jorge Jesus. The dispute follows Ronaldo’s 67 minutes in a 2-1 win over Wales and a refusal to be brought on for Norway. Talks with the Portuguese FA are ongoing as they decide Ronaldo’s international future.
Argentina bids farewell to Lionel Messi as he ends 21 years with the national team, capping a remarkable career crowned by a World Cup title. The national stadium fills as players, families, and fans pay tribute in a public farewell ahead of Messi's MLS duties with Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi has delivered a final international performance for Argentina, guiding his side to a 3-0 win over Benin in Buenos Aires in what is being hailed as his last tango with the national team. He has provided an assist, scored from the spot, and bid emotional thanks to fans, teammates, and family before stepping away from international football.