I can only imagine that since she handed her Nobel Peace Prize over to Donald J. Trump, María Corina Machado Parisca has had ample time to suffer from "donor's remorse".

Highly intelligent and endlessly adaptable, Pied Crows (Corvus albus) are opportunistic feeders, eating everything from insects and fruit to carrion. Remarkably intelligent, they have learned to thrive wherever people live. #BirdsOfLagos

Equally at home following grazing livestock or patrolling urban landscapes, the Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) has become one of the world's most successful avian colonists. Unusual among herons, it spends much of its time away from water. #BirdsOfLagos

Best known for its ability to hover motionless in the wind, the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) can spot small prey from surprising distances before swooping with pinpoint accuracy. #BirdsOfLagos

A familiar sight across much of sub-Saharan Africa, often nesting on buildings and bridges alongside people, the Ethiopian Swallow (Cecropis aethiopica) is a graceful aerial insect hunter – their long wings allowing effortless speed and remarkable agility. #BirdsOfLagos

From The Economist's Espresso.

From the Financial Derivatives Company Limited, as of July 7, 2026.

That's how to win a match.

Haissem Yousry Fouad A Hassan is running on fumes.

Mostafa Ahmed Abdelaziz Mohamed Shobeir versus La Albiceleste?

A goal up, a penalty frustrated, The Pharaohs have got to throw the kitchen sink at La Albiceleste. Worst outcome? They lose. Parking the bus with a slender lead early in the game is a load of crap.

In spite of its unassuming appearance, the Common Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus) is an important seed disperser. It feeds on fruits, berries, nectar, and insects, carrying seeds away from the parent plant and helping regenerate forests and woodlands. #BirdsOfLagos

"...a state cannot be compelled to tell the truth by passing new laws. It requires clearing out rotten cultures and rotten leaders." | The Economist

B. A. Harper sent me this beautiful picture of what looks like the "Western Barn Owl - Tyto alba". Thanks.

From The Economist's Espresso.

At this point, Nigeria ought to appeal to FIFA for a review. All the cards we got in the qualifying stage were clearly material to our failure to make the finals.

This is the point at which Giovanni "Gianni" Vincenzo Infantino gets issued a red card - for bringing the game into disrepute.

One way out of FIFA's most recent silliness is a rule change (backdated to the beginning of this tournament): "In the year of a FIFA World Cup, the president of the host country gets to make ONE call to the FIFA president requesting A favour for an in-match event".

King Charles III (Sir Keir Rodney Starmer won't cut the ice) ought to have put a call through to Giovanni "Gianni" Vincenzo Infantino for a review of Jarell Amorin Quansah's red card. The reason part-Italian President of FIFA doesn't beg is because he coducts himself honourably.

The Broad-billed Roller (Eurystomus glaucurus) is one of Africa’s most striking forest-edge birds. Unlike many rollers that hunt from exposed perches in open country, it prefers woodland, forest edges, and riverine forests. #BirdsOfLagos

Donald Trump is not just the US' 47th president, he is, more importantly, FIFA's first, and only peace laureate. Surely, this must count for something. And parts of the exorbitant privileges accruing to him must include being able to influence match outcomes.

What would happen when the US loses a match at the World Cup? Would the Orange one lean on Giovanni "Gianni" Vincenzo Infantino to reverse the "unfair" outcome and replace it with a "big beautiful one"? Would FIFA rollover, again, for its August Peace Prize laureate?

"Frontline States"? Four and a half decades ago, this referred to a clutch of small, militarily vulnerable countries abutting South Africa and opposed to its racial politics. Today, it's about small, similarly vulnerable countries close to Russia and opposed to its policies.

Arguably the more important of the many unintended consequences of the Third Gulf War is Iran's transition from an autocratic theocracy into a country led by hardliners from the military.

From The Economist's Espresso.

Unable to win the football match fair and square, the Brazilians are looking to turn it into a UFC contest.

Erling Braut Haaland just delivered this World Cup's first upset—and in grand style, to boot.

Even the Canarinho couldn't effectively shepherd Erling Braut Haaland

In many parts of Africa, the Woodland Kingfisher’s (Halcyon senegalensis) arrival coincides with the onset of the rains, making it a familiar seasonal herald. They typically perch quietly on an exposed branch or wire, then swoop down to seize prey on the ground. #BirdsOfLagos

One of Africa’s most social woodland birds, Green Woodhoopoes (Phoeniculus purpureus) live in cooperative family groups, with older offspring often helping their parents raise the next brood—a behaviour known as cooperative breeding. #BirdsOfLagos

The Splendid Starling's (Lamprotornis splendidus) glossy feathers shimmer from blue to green depending on the light, while its pale eyes make it one of West Africa’s most unmistakable birds. Its call is just as rich, comprising whistles, clicks, and chatter. #BirdsOfLagos

One of Africa’s most familiar city birds, the Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea) is recognised by its crimson eye-ring and boldly spotted wings. Originally a bird of cliffs and rocky outcrops, it has adapted so well that buildings now serve as its modern-day cliffs. #BirdsOfLagos

One of Africa’s most familiar city birds, the Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea) is recognised by its crimson eye-ring and boldly spotted wings. Originally a bird of cliffs and rocky outcrops, it has adapted so well that buildings now serve as its modern-day cliffs. #BirdsOfLagos

"Ówó kú kobo, ẹpá po l'apó. Guguru pẹrẹrẹ, ẹpá pẹrẹrẹ." | Tunji Oyelana and The Benders

"Ówó kú kobo, ẹpá po l'apó. Guguru pẹrẹrẹ, ẹpá pẹrẹrẹ." | Tunji Oyelana and The Benders

In spite of its unassuming appearance, the Common Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus) is an important seed disperser. It feeds on fruits, berries, nectar, and insects, carrying seeds away from the parent plant and helping regenerate forests and woodlands. #BirdsOfLagos

One of Africa’s most social woodland birds, Green Woodhoopoes (Phoeniculus purpureus) live in cooperative family groups, with older offspring often helping their parents raise the next brood—a behaviour known as cooperative breeding. #BirdsOfLagos

Bronze Mannikins (Spermestes cucullata) build large, domed nests with a side entrance, woven from fine grasses. They may even construct “roosting nests” used only for sleeping outside the breeding season. They are highly social birds, rarely seen alone. #BirdsOfLagos

The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri), one of the world’s most successful parrots, is native to Africa and South Asia. Long-lived and intelligent: These parrots can live for 25–30 years in the wild, and even longer in captivity. #BirdsOfLagos

A masterclass in counter-attacking football. That's what the Moroccans just taught the Canadians.

Azzedine Ounahi's brace puts this beyond the Canadians.

Achraf Hakimi Mouh's assist for Azzedine Ounahi? Straight off the last practice session.

It must have something to do with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz: The Atlas Lions have simply run out of fuel.

The Canadians have taken a large pair of shears to The Atlas Lions' manes.

Imagine that Scheherazade had given us the name of the leader of the 40 merry men whose secret cave Ali Baba stumbled upon so many years ago. It would be a nice moniker for a lot of Nigerians that I know.

A familiar sight across much of sub-Saharan Africa, often nesting on buildings and bridges alongside people, the Ethiopian Swallow (Cecropis aethiopica) is a graceful aerial insect hunter – their long wings allowing effortless speed and remarkable agility. #BirdsOfLagos

Northern Grey-headed Sparrows (Passer griseus) are highly social birds, often seen in pairs or small flocks as they forage and keep watch together. They are one of Africa’s most familiar sparrows. #BirdsOfLagos

The Variable Sunbird's (Cinnyris venustus) dazzling colour complements its size. Flashing metallic blues and greens in the sunlight, its slender, curved bill is perfectly adapted for sipping nectar, though it also feeds on insects and spiders. #BirdsOfLagos

Highly intelligent and endlessly adaptable, Pied Crows (Corvus albus) are opportunistic feeders, eating everything from insects and fruit to carrion. Remarkably intelligent, they have learned to thrive wherever people live, exploiting both natural and urban environments with ease. #BirdsOfLagos