Author: Opalim Lifted

Cape Verde announced themselves on the World Cup stage with a stunning 0-0 draw against Spain on Monday, frustrating the European champions who dominated possession and had 27 goal attempts but could find no way past 40-year-old keeper Vozinha. The African side built a blue-shirted barricade in front of Vozinha and dared Spain, who dominated almost everything in the Group H draw ‌except the scoreline, to find a way through. Spain had almost 75% possession, but Cape Verde’s first match at a World Cup became a heroic exercise in resistance, discipline and occasional survival. At the final whistle, Vozinha was…

Ed Sheeran, the Grammy-winning British singer, says he will be taking a break from music to focus on family life. The Shape of You hitmaker made the announcement on Saturday during the opening night of his ‘LOOP’ tour in Glendale. The father of two said he is seriously considering a break from music once the tour concludes so he can spend more time with his family. “This is gonna be my last time here in a while. I might take some time off once this tour has ended and sort of do the dad thing,” Sheeran said. “So, if I…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised Nigeria to consider extending value-added tax (VAT) to fuel products and introducing excise duties on telecommunications services as part of efforts to boost government revenue and support development spending. In its 2026 Article IV consultation report released on June 9, the IMF said recent tax reforms may not generate enough revenue to sustain the federal government’s spending ambitions in the medium term. The Washington-based lender recommended additional tax measures, including a possible increase in the VAT rate, the extension of VAT to fuel products, a review of tax exemptions, and the introduction of…

The family of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has pushed back against claims that he died from diabetes-related complications while in bandits’ captivity, raising fresh questions over the circumstances surrounding his death. His son, Isyaka Rabe, spoke in an interview with Deutsche Welle Hausa on Sunday, dismissing reports linked to underlying medical conditions. Authorities in Katsina State had earlier suggested that the retired military officer suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure prior to his death while in captivity. But Isyaka insisted the family does not accept that explanation. “Our father was not diabetic and did not suffer from…

Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, says Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye II, the Ataoja of Osogbo, was shot at by thugs during a recent invasion of his palace. In a post on Sunday, the governor alleged that the thugs were sponsored by the All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor said the Ataoja was attacked because he publicly endorsed him for a second term in office, a move he claimed did not sit well with leaders of the Osun APC. “The Ataoja of Osogbo, one of Nigeria’s most revered royal fathers, said he was shot at by APC thugs inside his own…

The remains of Rabe Abubakar, the retired major general who died in captivity, have been laid to rest at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery in Katsina State. According to NAN, the burial, conducted according to Islamic rites, took place at about 6:45 pm on Saturday, shortly after the release of his remains by the bandits. The funeral drew a large gathering of mourners, including Faruq Lawal-Jobe, the state Deputy Governor. Other dignitaries at the burial included senior government officials, military officers, traditional rulers, family members, and sympathisers. Also in attendance was the commander of the 17 Brigade in Katsina, alongside other…

Real Madrid signed Spanish left back Marc Cucurella from Chelsea on a six-year contract on Monday, marking the LaLiga club’s first acquisition since Jose Mourinho was reappointed as manager. The clubs did not disclose ‌financial terms, but British media reported the deal was worth up to 51.8 million pounds ($69.5 million). “Real Madrid and Chelsea FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Marc Cucurella, who will be linked to our club for the next six seasons, until June 30, 2032,” Real said ⁠in a statement. Real are looking to strengthen after a disappointing 2025-26 season, in…

A major diplomatic breakthrough appears to have been achieved after the United States and Iran reached a peace agreement aimed at ending months of conflict, with a formal signing ceremony expected in Switzerland on Friday. According to Reuters, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that both nations had agreed to a peace framework following mediation efforts involving Pakistan. The development comes after nearly four months of tensions and military confrontation that raised concerns about wider instability across the Middle East. US President Donald Trump later confirmed that an agreement had been reached, describing the deal as complete and signalling optimism…

Alexander Isak marked his first World Cup appearance with a trademark goal as Sweden thrashed Tunisia in their opening match of the tournament in Monterrey. The Liverpool forward – who has been hampered by injuries since completing a £125m move to Anfield in September – found the bottom corner with a thumping finish after a powerful run from the left on the half-hour mark. The goal came after linking up with strike partner Viktor Gyokeres, with the Arsenal forward holding off his marker on the halfway line before laying the ball into the path of his fellow Premier League forward.…

Celebrations over the New York Knicks’ first NBA championship in more than five decades descended into chaos in Midtown Manhattan after fans flooded the streets following the team’s title-clinching victory over the San Antonio Spurs. According to Reuters, thousands of supporters poured into the streets on Saturday night chanting “Knicks in five!” after the New York Knicks secured their first NBA title since 1973. What began as jubilant scenes quickly escalated into disorder, with fireworks, smoke grenades and widespread vandalism reported across parts of Manhattan. One of the most dramatic incidents involved a World Cup shuttle bus that was set…