Author: Opalim Lifted

Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic winner in the second minute of injury time as co-hosts Canada defeated South Africa to move into the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time. In a scrappy game short of clear-cut chances, and with extra time looming, Eustaquio provided a rare moment of quality with a superb low strike from the edge of the penalty area to give Canada the victory. Canada had lost all six of their World Cup matches before this tournament, but this victory continued a superb competition for them. They defeated Qatar 6-0 on 18 June for…

A helicopter operated by Saudi state oil giant Aramco crashed in eastern Saudi Arabia on Sunday, killing all 14 people on board, according to the country’s official press agency. The Saudi Press Agency, citing an official from the energy ministry, said the helicopter went down in Ras Tanura, a key hub for the kingdom’s oil industry. “The accident claimed the lives of all 14 passengers, all Saudi citizens,” the agency said, adding that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash. Aramco operates one of the largest corporate aviation fleets in the Middle East, with more…

Several people, including a woman who suffered serious injuries, were hurt after lightning struck a tree at an amusement park in southern Sweden on Sunday. The incident happened at Tosselilla Sommarland, where severe thunderstorms swept across the area. In a statement posted on Facebook, the amusement park said the storm caused multiple lightning strikes in the vicinity. “Today we had a severe thunderstorm over Tosselilla, which led to several lightning strikes directly in the area. This has resulted in a few people being injured,” the park said. The park initially reported that none of the injuries were serious. However, regional…

A powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Afghanistan on Saturday, sending strong tremors through the capital, Kabul, and neighbouring Pakistan, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s epicentre was located in northeastern Afghanistan at a depth of 208.3 kilometres, making it widely felt across several regions despite its deep origin. Journalists in Kabul reported buildings shaking, with one describing a large crack appearing across an internal wall. The tremor was also felt in the Afghan provinces of Balkh, Badakhshan, Nangarhar and Khost, as well as in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant…

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…