Author: Opalim Lifted

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Nura Idris, who was wrongly linked to Boko Haram insurgents, after an internal review cleared him of any involvement with the terrorist group. According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the release followed a review by a DSS investigation panel, which found no evidence to support allegations that Idris collaborated with terrorists. The publication said Oluwatosin Ajayi, director-general of the DSS, ordered Idris’ immediate release and approved a ₦3 million compensation package to help him restart his life. The report added that the DSS boss also pledged to support the Kaduna farmer…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to immediately refer allegations involving the suspected diversion of more than ₦6.3 billion in constituency project funds to Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies for investigation. In a letter dated 27 June 2026 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged the National Assembly leadership to ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted where sufficient evidence exists. SERAP also demanded that any diverted or unaccounted public funds be recovered and returned to the national treasury. The organisation…

Lionel Messi came off the bench to score and break yet another record as Argentina maintained their perfect start to the World Cup with a comfortable victory over Jordan in Dallas. Having been left on the bench, with Argentina having already won Group J, Messi was brought on in the 60th minute to the loudest cheer of the night. That was until he curled a low free-kick around the wall to extend Argentina’s lead with 10 minutes to go. The goal was Messi’s sixth of the tournament already – putting him two clear of his nearest challengers in the race…

Algeria and Austria produced an incredible finish as both secured the point they needed to reach the World Cup knockout stages – and eliminate Iran. Austria – who led twice – were heading out when Riyad Mahrez scored his second of the game to put Algeria 3-2 ahead in the 93rd minute. At that stage, Iran were going through as one of the eight best third-placed teams. But then Sasa Kalajdzic headed a 96th-minute equaliser to secure a point in the Group J meeting that sparked dramatic scenes of celebration among the Austria contingent in Kansas City. In snatching that…

DR Congo set up a World Cup last-32 meeting with England by reaching the knockouts for the first time as they came from behind to beat Uzbekistan in their final group-stage game. Eldor Shomurodov capitalised on a defensive mix-up to give Uzbekistan the advantage when he dinked an effort over the goalkeeper, after Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka miscommunicated and took too long to challenge for a loose ball. Uzbekistan were on top throughout much of the first half and produced attacking flair as they pressed to extend their lead. But it was the African side who came closest to…

Colombia had a late goal controversially ruled out for offside but they still topped Group K at the expense of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Miami. The South Americans appeared to have won a thrilling game in the 90th minute when Davinson Sanchez headed home, but he was denied by the verdict of the assistant referee – having been offside by a fraction. Replays, broadcast in the stadium to hearty boos, showed the tip of the former Tottenham centre-back’s right boot was offside when the cross was delivered for him to head past Diogo Costa. While it was offside by the…

Harry Kane became England’s record World Cup goalscorer as they recovered from an unconvincing start to overcome Panama and finish top of Group L. Jude Bellingham broke a frustrating deadlock to put England ahead after 62 minutes, then crossed for Kane to double their advantage with a close-range header five minutes later. It was the England captain’s 11th World Cup goal – taking him one ahead of Gary Lineker. England were below-par for long periods and once more looked vulnerable at the back, suffering another injury blow when emergency right-back Jarell Quansah, deputising for the injured Reece James, was forced…

Nikola Vlasic scored a late header as Croatia booked their place in the World Cup last 32 with victory over already-qualified Ghana in Philadelphia. Zlatko Dalic’s side needed to avoid defeat against the Black Stars to be sure of a place in the knockout stages, but Vlasi ‘surrender effort seven minutes from time ensured they qualified as runners-up to England – who beat Panama in Group L’s other game. Ghana defender Derrick Luckassen had cancelled out Petar Sucic’s stunning first-half opener in the 73rd minute, but the Black Stars were unable to hold on for a point and will now…

The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of efforts to strengthen its fight against insecurity across the country. The announcement was made by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration. He was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi. According to the Army, the recruitment expansion follows the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda, which becomes the third institution dedicated to training new recruits. Shaibu said…

A fresh 4.9-magnitude Venezuela earthquake struck off the country’s northern coast on Friday, intensifying fears among residents and rescue workers just days after two devastating earthquakes left hundreds dead and widespread destruction across the country. According to Reuters, the latest tremor was felt in the capital, Caracas, as well as the city of Maracay. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) recorded the earthquake at a magnitude of 4.9. The new quake comes as emergency crews continue searching for survivors following the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela earlier in the week. The earlier disasters flattened buildings, caused extensive infrastructure damage, and triggered…