Author: Opalim Lifted

Australia sealed their passage to the last 32 and Paraguay are almost certain to join them after they shared a drab draw in San Francisco which suited both sides. The Socceroos needed a draw to qualify as runners-up – while Paraguay knew a fourth point in the group stage would likely make them one of the eight best third-placed finishers. The stalemate could add weight to those against the idea of third-placed sides advancing to the knockout stages, as there was minimal risk taken throughout the match. The Socceroos will now face the runners-up in the group featuring Egypt, Iran…

Anthony Elanga scored a second-half stunner to secure a last-32 spot for Sweden as they came from behind to earn a point against Japan. Graham Potter’s side sit on four points – in third place in Group F – which will be enough to send them through, where they will play one of France, Norway, Germany or Switzerland. Japan finish second behind the Netherlands – who comfortably beat Tunisia – and will face five-time World Cup winners Brazil in the last 32. Celtic’s Daizen Maeda put Japan into the lead in the 56th minute following a lovely move, with Ayase…

Two goals within the first seven minutes helped to guide the Netherlands to victory over Tunisia as they finished top of Group F. Winning the group sets up a tie with Group C runners-up – and 2022 semi-finalists – Morocco in Monterrey at 02:00 BST on Tuesday. Ronald Koeman’s side were ahead before the clock had reached the three-minute mark as Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri turned a Denzel Dumfries cross into his own net. Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey then added the second, grabbing his third goal of the tournament, when he tapped in from close range after Virgil van Dijk nodded…

Ivory Coast reached the knockout stages for the first time in World Cup history thanks to a Nicolas Pepe double as they eliminated minnows Curacao. The Ivorians needed just a point to reach the round of 32, having exited at the group stage in their three previous World Cup appearances. And they settled their nerves with a goal after just seven minutes as Curacao’s defenders were caught out at the back and dispossessed by Yan Diomande, who squared for Pepe to tap in. Then, in the 65th minute, former Arsenal forward Pepe got his second as he slotted a left-footed…

Ecuador reached the World Cup knockout stage in dramatic fashion as they came from behind to beat Germany at New York New Jersey Stadium and set up a potential meeting with England. They had not scored a goal in their first two games, a draw with Curacao and a defeat by Ivory Coast, but finally showed the talent they possess as they took advantage of a lacklustre display from Germany, who had already topped Group E. Germany made the perfect start after only two minutes when Leroy Sane picked up Florian Wirtz’s clever pass in the area to fire a…

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed allegations that its refined petroleum products are exported to Lomé, Togo, before being re-imported into Nigeria, describing the claims as false and commercially illogical. The refinery made the clarification in a statement issued on Tuesday, following reports alleging that Nigerian marketers were importing Dangote-refined products through the offshore trading hub in Lomé and bringing them back into the country. The company said the allegations contradict its business objectives and its commitment to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products. “As a matter of policy, we do not respond to baseless and unsubstantiated claims, given our…

The Oyo State Government has appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to suspend its ongoing strike and allow pupils and students to return to classrooms across the state. The appeal followed a meeting of the State Executive Council on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade. The national leadership of the NUT had declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State on May 29, demanding urgent action following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area by suspected bandits on May 15. Oyelade said the council recognised the concerns that…

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has threatened to institute a N10 billion defamation suit against Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder and head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Oke-Afa, Lagos, over alleged defamatory remarks. Kwankwaso, through his lawyers, Magaji Mato Ibrahim SAN & Co., accused the cleric of making false, malicious and derogatory statements capable of damaging his reputation and political integrity. In a letter dated June 11, 2026, and posted on X by Saifullahi Hassan, Kwankwaso’s media aide, on Wednesday, the lawyers said their client’s attention had been drawn to a viral publication allegedly made…

At least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other, triggering widespread destruction and a major emergency response across the South American nation. According to AFP and other international reports, the earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday evening. The tremors caused buildings to collapse, forced thousands of residents into the streets, and prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed the casualty figures early Thursday, warning that the death toll could rise as rescue teams…

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has called for greater mobilisation of long-term capital to strengthen healthcare systems across Africa, stressing the need for investments that can withstand economic and climate-related challenges. Reflecting on a healthcare financing forum held on June 10, 2026, Osinbajo said the event brought together leaders from government, finance, development institutions and the healthcare sector to examine how Africa can build effective and resilient health systems through sustainable financing. The discussion, hosted in partnership with Future Perspectives, focused on unlocking investment opportunities within the healthcare sector while addressing the growing impact of climate change…