Author: Opalim Lifted

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed capital market operators to stop promoting a purported initial public offering (IPO) by Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE. Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, had said the refinery’s IPO would be conducted in September as investor demand continues to rise. However, the SEC, in a public notice issued on Tuesday, said it had become aware of advertisements, flyers, digital banners, and emails circulating on social media and investment platforms regarding a proposed public offering by the refinery. The commission said some registered capital market operators (CMOs) are actively soliciting advance…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over the delay in receiving funds for the 2027 general elections, warning that the situation could affect preparations as the legal deadline draws closer. According to The Guardian Nigeria, the electoral commission has yet to receive the funds earmarked for the elections, despite only 21 days remaining before the statutory deadline of July 16, 2026. Under the Electoral Act 2026, election funds must be released at least six months before a general election. INEC is seeking about N873 billion to organise the 2027 polls, covering election operations, technology, logistics, capital projects…

Niger Republic has officially submitted a request to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Hague-based tribunal told AFP on Tuesday that it received an “instrument of withdrawal” on June 18 from Niger, led by Abdourahamane Tiani. The formal request comes nine months after Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their intention to leave the ICC. The junta-led countries accused the court of becoming “a global example of selective justice”, saying they would establish “indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice”. A country’s withdrawal from the court takes effect one year after the official submission of…

The Federal Government has announced the discovery of what it described as a world-class polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State, containing significant deposits of platinum group metals, lithium, gold, nickel, copper and rare earth elements. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake disclosed the development on Wednesday during the opening of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 in Abuja. According to the minister, the discovery was verified by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) following exploration carried out by a private company in collaboration with the agency. He described it as one of the most significant…

Eliminated Turkey ended the United States’ unbeaten start with a stoppage-time winner in Los Angeles as they recorded their first World Cup victory since 2002. Kaan Ayhan’s prodded finish with the last kick of an entertaining contest won the match for Turkey, who had fallen behind inside three minutes. With Hollywood stars including Brad Pitt, Ed Norton and Owen Wilson enjoying a party atmosphere in the stands, the co-hosts had made the perfect start despite making nine changes to their line-up, with Celtic defender Auston Trusty driving a low shot past Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir after being left completely unmarked…

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…