Author: Opalim Lifted

Nigerian actress Nkechi Blessing has said she feels no envy towards married people, adding that societal pressure around marriage is often exaggerated. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the film star shared reflections centred on self-growth and emotional independence, encouraging followers to release anything that no longer supports their personal development. “Growth sometimes looks like walking away. Walking away from people, places, habits, and situations that no longer align with the person you’re becoming,” she said. “Not out of anger, bitterness, or pride but out of self-respect. Some chapters are meant to end so new ones can begin. I’ve learned that…

Colombia made a winning return to the World Cup by defeating debutants Uzbekistan, with former Liverpool forward Luis Diaz and Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz among the goalscorers. After failing to qualify for the 2022 competition, Colombia secured a victory at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to move top of Group K. Munoz scored the first goal with a superb volley at full stretch when he connected with a fine pass forwards from Diaz, who had earlier hit the post. Uzbekistan, coached by Italian World Cup-winning defender Fabio Cannavaro, equalised in the 60th minute through Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s close-range header…

Ghana’s Caleb Yirenkyi scored a 95th-minute winner to deny Panama their first-ever World Cup point in Toronto, Canada. With six minutes added on at the end of match of few chances, Brandon Thomas-Asante raced down the left, beat his marker, and squared the ball for Yirenkyi, who tapped in. The result was harsh on Panama, who had matched the four-time African champions in only their fourth World Cup appearance since their debut in 2018. Ghana’s next game is against Group L leaders England in Boston on Tuesday (21:00 BST), while Panama will hope to end their losing World Cup record…

Harry Kane scored twice while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added second-half goals as England survived a thrilling contest to defeat Croatia 4-2 on Wednesday and begin their World Cup campaign with a statement victory. The Group L clash carried significant expectations due to the history between the two sides, particularly Croatia’s extra-time victory over England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final. The match at Dallas Stadium lived up to the hype, with Croatia twice drawing level before Bellingham restored England’s lead in the 47th minute and Rashford sealed the win with an 85th-minute strike. Bellingham put England ahead when…

Telegram CEO, Pavel Durov, has explained why a social media ban for teenagers under 16 is dangerous. Chronicle NG reported that the UK government is considering measures that would prevent children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms. The proposal is part of a wider effort to improve online safety and could affect services including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube and X. The plans would also introduce stronger age-verification requirements, meaning users may have to prove their age using identification documents, facial scans or bank card checks. The proposed UK social media restrictions have drawn criticism…

The trial of former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, over an alleged N5.78bn diversion of Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC) funds has been adjourned to July 27, 2026, for continuation of cross-examination. Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin, made the adjournment on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, following proceedings in the case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Ahmed and his former Finance Commissioner, Ademola Banu, are standing trial over alleged mismanagement of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) counterpart funds. The adjournment followed an oral application by defence counsel Ibn Mahmud, who told the…

A prosecution witness in the ongoing Kogi fraud trial involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that he paid between 50 and 60 per cent of consultancy commissions earned from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS) to officials of the agency. The witness, who appeared as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) 18th prosecution witness, made the disclosure on Wednesday before Justice Maryanne Anineh during proceedings in the N110.4 billion alleged fraud case. According to the witness, his company provided tax automation, tax audit and advisory services to KSIRS.…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted Cannabis Sativa and expired pharmaceutical products with a combined Duty Paid Value of N12.8 billion at Apapa Port, Lagos, in a major anti-smuggling operation. Officers of the Apapa Area Command, working alongside the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), seized a 40-foot container loaded with Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as “Canadian Loud”. The container, identified as CAAU7569127, was intercepted on June 15, 2026. Customs officials recovered 3,639 sachets of the illicit substance, each weighing 500 grammes, bringing the total weight to about 1,819 kilograms, or 1.81 tonnes. The command said preliminary field tests…

A coalition of Nigerian diaspora organisations in the United States has announced plans to honour selected Americans and veteran journalist and media executive, Laolu Akande, in recognition of what it described as sustained efforts in highlighting insecurity, human rights concerns, and advocacy for religious freedom in Nigeria. The recognition ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, US Capitol, Washington, D.C. The programme will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST, with red-carpet arrivals beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by a post-event DJ performance from 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The initiative is…

Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim has been appointed as the new manager of AC Milan, taking on the challenge of restoring the seven-time European champions to the UEFA Champions League. Amorim, 41, signed a two-year contract with the Serie A giants and is reportedly set to earn a net annual salary of €3.5 million. His appointment marks a return to management six months after his dismissal from Manchester United. Speaking after his appointment, Amorim described the move as a career ambition. “There are ambitions that stay with you throughout your career, and coaching AC Milan has always been one of mine,”…