By Samuel Adeola

Real Madrid have announced the immediate departure of head coach Xabi Alonso, ending his brief stint at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The club confirmed on Monday that the decision was reached by mutual agreement after internal discussions. Alonso exits just months into the job amid inconsistent results and growing pressure following recent setbacks in key competitions.
In a statement, Real Madrid thanked Alonso for his professionalism and service, noting his enduring legacy as a club legend.
The club is expected to name an interim coach shortly while working on a permanent replacement.

By Huldah Shado

A fellow of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Dr. Nicholas Erameh, has urged the Federal Government not to retaliate against the United States over its newly introduced visa bond policy affecting Nigerians.

Erameh made the call on Thursday while reacting to reports that Nigerians applying for B1/B2 visas may be required to post bonds of up to $15,000.

He described the policy as a sovereign decision of the US, warning that retaliation would neither reverse nor influence it.

While noting that the policy could have serious economic and social implications, Erameh advised Nigeria to pursue dialogue and alternative diplomatic engagement rather than confrontation.

He described the visa bond as costly but stressed that such policies are not permanent and could evolve. He also warned that isolationist measures pose challenges even for countries that adopt them.

Addressing concerns cited by US authorities, including visa overstays and security issues, Erameh urged Nigeria to tackle its internal challenges and properly sensitise citizens travelling abroad.

He also called on Nigerians overseas to act responsibly, noting that they represent the country wherever they go.

The US recently announced updated travel restrictions affecting 38 countries, including Nigeria, with applicants warned that payment of a bond does not guarantee visa issuance and may not be refundable without consular approval.

By Adenike Lawal

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to withdraw from 66 international organisations, marking a major shift in the country’s foreign policy.
The directive, announced on Wednesday, was formalised in a Presidential Memorandum signed on January 7, 2026. A White House fact sheet said the move targets organisations deemed inconsistent with U.S. national interests.
Under the order, federal agencies are to halt participation in and funding for 35 non–UN bodies and 31 United Nations–related entities. The administration said the affected organisations undermine U.S. sovereignty, economic priorities and national security, while delivering little value despite significant American funding.
The decision followed a comprehensive review of U.S. involvement in international organisations, treaties and conventions. The White House said the outcome supports redirecting resources to domestic priorities, including infrastructure, security and economic protection.
The withdrawals extend Trump’s earlier actions, including pulling the U.S. out of the World Health Organization, the Paris Climate Agreement, the UN Human Rights Council and cutting funding to UNRWA.
While critics warn of reduced U.S. global influence, the administration insists the policy is a strategic recalibration, stressing that continued participation in international bodies must directly benefit the United States.