Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah has addressed growing speculation about a potential switch in his international allegiance from England to Ghana as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. The 26-year-old, who holds the record for most goals scored for England’s Under-21 team with 16 goals, has only made one senior appearance for England, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against Australia in October 2023. Under FIFA rules introduced in 2020, players can switch nationalities if they have played no more than three competitive matches at the senior level before turning 21 or have not participated in a major tournament like the World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations. Nketiah, born in London to Ghanaian parents, has expressed pride in his Ghanaian heritage but remains focused on his club career. ‘At the moment, I’m just enjoying my football with Crystal Palace—that’s been my main focus,’ he told BBC Sport Africa. ‘I’m Ghanaian and there’s no denying that. I’m sure the future will take care of itself.’ The debate over diaspora players like Nketiah and Nottingham Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi joining the Ghanaian national team has intensified since Ghana qualified for the 2026 World Cup. While some fans and officials argue against including players who did not contribute to the qualification campaign, others see their potential as a boost for the Black Stars. Nketiah has not ruled out a switch but denied recent contact with the Ghana Football Association (GFA). ‘I haven’t had any calls or anything recently, so my focus has just been on playing well each week and helping my team win trophies,’ he said. Ghana’s national team coach, Otto Addo, has emphasized the importance of commitment and unity, stating that decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Meanwhile, Nketiah’s charitable work in Ghana, recognized at last month’s Best of Africa Awards, highlights his deep connection to the country. ‘I feel like I’ve been blessed by God with this ability and opportunities,’ he said. ‘We’ve got to use that really well and try to give back to as many people as we can.’ Despite the ongoing debate, Nketiah remains focused on his career and avoids social media distractions. ‘There’s a lot of negative and a lot of positive, so I just try to stay level-headed,’ he concluded.
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Hungary to mount court challenge to EU’s planned phase-out of Russian energy, Orbán says
Hungary has declared its intention to legally contest the European Union’s strategy to eliminate Russian energy imports by 2027, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announcing plans to bring the case before the European Court of Justice. In a Friday broadcast on state radio, Orbán criticized the EU for allegedly bypassing Hungary’s veto power on sanctions by leveraging trade regulations. He described the move as a blatant violation of European law and cooperation, warning that the bloc would face significant consequences for its actions.
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China’s Shenzhou XX spacecraft found unfit for crewed return
China’s Shenzhou XX spacecraft has been declared unfit for the safe return of astronauts due to structural issues, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Friday, November 14, 2025. The decision comes after the discovery of tiny cracks in the return capsule’s viewport window, likely caused by an external impact from space debris. As a result, the spacecraft will remain in orbit to continue conducting scientific experiments. This development highlights the challenges of maintaining spacecraft integrity in the harsh environment of space, where collisions with debris pose significant risks. The CMSA emphasized that the safety of astronauts remains its top priority and assured that alternative plans are being developed to ensure their secure return. This incident underscores the importance of ongoing advancements in space technology and debris mitigation strategies to safeguard future missions.
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China’s Shenzhou XXI spaceship undocks from space station combination
In a significant milestone for China’s space exploration program, the Shenzhou XXI crewed spaceship successfully undocked from the space station combination on Friday, November 14, 2025. The operation marks the beginning of the return mission to bring the Shenzhou XX astronauts safely back to Earth. The China Manned Space Agency confirmed the successful undocking, highlighting the precision and coordination involved in the maneuver. This event underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing human spaceflight. The Shenzhou XXI mission is part of China’s broader strategy to establish a permanent presence in space, with the space station serving as a hub for scientific research and international collaboration. The return of the astronauts is expected to provide valuable data and insights for future missions, further solidifying China’s position as a key player in the global space race.
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BBC apologises to Trump, but rejects defamation claim
The BBC has issued an apology to former US President Donald Trump for a misleading edit of one of his speeches but has firmly rejected any grounds for a defamation lawsuit. The controversy stems from a documentary aired in October 2024, which suggested Trump had directly incited ‘violent action’ before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The broadcaster acknowledged the error, with BBC Chair Samir Shah sending a personal letter to Trump expressing regret. However, the BBC emphasized that it does not believe the incident justifies a defamation claim, as stated in a response to Trump’s legal team. The editing row has escalated, leading to the resignation of the BBC’s director-general and top news executive. The broadcaster is also investigating another instance of a misleading edit from June 2022, where phrases from Trump’s speech were spliced together to imply he urged supporters to ‘fight like hell.’ This controversy arises during a politically sensitive period for the BBC, as it prepares to renegotiate its Royal Charter, set to expire in 2027. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his government have been cautious, supporting the BBC’s independence while avoiding direct confrontation with Trump.
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Trump’s Venezuela war threat a gift to China
Former US President Donald Trump, who once vowed to end America’s ‘endless wars,’ is now contemplating military intervention in Venezuela. Proposed justifications include combating ‘narco-terrorism,’ promoting democracy, and countering China’s growing influence in Latin America. However, such actions could inadvertently strengthen China’s foothold in the region. A 2024 Economist survey highlighted the dramatic expansion of China-Latin America trade, which surged from $18 billion in 2002 to $450 billion in 2022. Chinese diplomats have also deepened ties, with ambassadors proficient in Spanish and Portuguese and expanded diplomatic missions. Marco Rubio, now serving as both secretary of state and national security adviser, has expressed concerns about China’s influence, yet regional leaders have largely remained indifferent. Recent developments, such as Latin American leaders gathering in Beijing and the inauguration of a Chinese-built ‘smart port’ in Peru, underscore China’s growing economic and diplomatic clout. Chinese officials have openly supported Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, condemning US pressure as ‘bullying.’ Meanwhile, Chinese analysts argue that US military action in Venezuela could backfire, fueling anti-American sentiment and benefiting Chinese enterprises. Some even speculate about China adopting a security role in Latin America, though this remains unlikely. The US must carefully weigh the risks of another prolonged conflict and the potential for China to further capitalize on regional discontent.
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A flooded restaurant in Thailand brings delight with swimming fish among diners
In Nakhon Pathom province, central Thailand, a riverside restaurant has turned an unfortunate flood into a unique and profitable dining phenomenon. Pa Jit restaurant, located about 30 kilometers from Bangkok, has become an internet sensation after floodwaters from an adjacent river inundated the establishment 11 days ago. Customers flock to the restaurant to enjoy meals while sitting in knee-deep water, surrounded by live fish that swim around their feet. The experience has captivated diners, especially families with young children, who are mesmerized by the fish swimming around them. Wait staff, dressed in waders, navigate the flooded space to serve dishes like fish soup and chicken noodles. Owner Pornkamol Prangprempree initially feared the flood would drive customers away, but the opposite occurred. A viral social media post showcasing the fish-filled floodwaters drew crowds, doubling the restaurant’s daily profits from 10,000 baht ($309) to 20,000 baht ($618). Visitors like Chomphunuth Khantaniti, a 29-year-old local, praised the experience for its novelty and ability to entertain children. Bella Windy, 63, visited specifically to feel the fish nibbling at her feet, calling it a unique nature experience. While Pa Jit thrives, the broader region faces devastation from the floods. Since late July, 12 people have died, two are missing, and over 480,000 residents across 13 provinces have been affected, according to Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Despite the challenges, Pa Jit’s innovative adaptation to the flood has turned adversity into opportunity, offering a rare and memorable dining experience.
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Overburdened power cable behind Bosnia retirement home fire that killed 15
A tragic fire at a retirement facility in Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina, has claimed the lives of 15 elderly residents, with authorities attributing the cause to an overburdened power cable. The incident, which occurred on November 4, began on the seventh floor of the retirees’ boarding house when a radio cable, squeezed between a bed and a wall, caused a short circuit. The blaze resulted in 11 fatalities on the day of the incident and left 30 others injured. Since then, four more individuals have succumbed to their injuries in the Tuzla hospital, including two last week and two within the past 24 hours, as confirmed by medical officials on Friday.
Investigations are ongoing to determine whether negligence or oversight contributed to the disaster. The facility, which housed elderly residents with limited mobility or chronic illnesses, has faced significant public criticism. In the wake of the tragedy, the complex’s manager has resigned. Authorities have pledged to continue their probe to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.
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Pakistan says it has arrests 4 militants over involvement in suicide bombing at Islamabad court
In a significant development, Pakistani authorities announced the arrest of four militants allegedly involved in a suicide bombing outside a district court in Islamabad. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, claimed 12 lives and left 28 others injured. The suspects, identified as members of the outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were apprehended in a joint operation by the Intelligence Bureau and Counter-Terrorism Department. One of the detainees, Sajid Ullah, is believed to have handled the explosive device used in the attack. According to government statements on social media platform X, Ullah confessed to receiving orders from TTP commander Saeed-ur-Rehman, also known as Daadullah, via the Telegram messaging app. The commander, currently hiding in Afghanistan, orchestrated the attack by sending Ullah photographs of the suicide bomber, an Afghan national from Nangarhar province. Ullah arranged the bomber’s accommodation near Islamabad and retrieved the explosive vest from a graveyard in Peshawar before transporting it to the capital. The arrests highlight Pakistan’s escalating security challenges amid a resurgence of militancy and strained relations with Afghanistan. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed Afghan nationals’ involvement in both the Islamabad bombing and a separate attack in Wana, where a prolonged gun battle resulted in the deaths of three soldiers and all assailants. The incidents underscore the fragile cross-border ceasefire and the urgent need for regional cooperation to combat terrorism.
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UAE to charge suspects after foiling Sudan-bound arms smuggling attempt
In a significant crackdown on illegal arms trafficking, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has successfully thwarted a major attempt to smuggle weapons and military equipment to Sudan. Following an extensive investigation, UAE authorities arrested members of a criminal cell and announced formal charges against the suspects. The operation, conducted under the supervision of the Public Prosecution, involved the seizure of a substantial quantity of military-grade ammunition and the confiscation of financial proceeds linked to the illicit deal. The suspects were apprehended while inspecting the contraband inside a private aircraft at a UAE airport. Investigations revealed the involvement of Sudanese military authorities, including high-ranking officers and officials, as well as individuals and companies on US sanctions lists and Interpol notices. The operation was carried out with judicial warrants issued by the Attorney General, ensuring a lawful and transparent process. Authorities also uncovered evidence of covert brokerage, mediation, and money laundering activities tied to the smuggling attempt. The UAE has vowed to bring all involved parties to justice, with additional names expected to be disclosed as the investigation progresses.