Author: Opalim Lifted

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…

Manchester United winger Amad Diallo scored a superb 90th-minute winner as Ivory Coast beat Ecuador in Philadelphia. It was a stunning finish as the substitute opened his left foot to divert the ball into the corner after a powerful run from Wilfried Singo – and it ended a 19-game unbeaten run stretching for almost two years for Ecuador. Amad was a surprise exclusion from Ivory Coast’s starting line-up on their return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years. But he made a major impact with the winner which gives them a huge chance to qualify out…

Daichi Kamada’s late header rescued a deserved point for Japan against the Netherlands in their opening World Cup game in Dallas. One of the most anticipated games in the tournament’s group stages was a slow burner before developing into a second-half thriller, after the Dutch side’s Premier League contingent looked to have set them on their way to an important victory. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and West Ham United forward Crysencio Summerville were on target before Crystal Palace’s Kamada struck with a deft header to divert Koki Ogawa’s effort with two minutes left and secure a draw. Ronald Koeman’s…

The Katsina State Police Command says its personnel have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued nine victims during an incident along the Katsina-Kankara Road. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said in a statement that the foiled abduction occurred on June 12 at about 2:30 p.m. Aliyu said armed bandits had blocked the road around Tashar Kanya community in Kankara Local Government Area, where they intercepted a commercial vehicle conveying 11 passengers. He said a swift operation by the command’s personnel led to a gun duel, and the armed bandits fled the area while nine persons were rescued in the…

Four-time winners Germany overcame a brief scare from World Cup debutants Curacao before turning on the style to win their Group E opener in Houston. Die Mannschaft went ahead in the sixth minute with the tournament’s earliest goal so far coming from a powerful curling effort from one-time England youth international Felix Nmecha. But they were stunned by a leveller from the smallest nation ever, by size and population, to take part in a World Cup. With around 155,000 inhabitants, the Caribbean island of just 171 square miles is smaller than the Isle of Man with a population the same…