Author: Opalim Lifted

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…

Harry Kane became England’s record World Cup goalscorer as they recovered from an unconvincing start to overcome Panama and finish top of Group L. Jude Bellingham broke a frustrating deadlock to put England ahead after 62 minutes, then crossed for Kane to double their advantage with a close-range header five minutes later. It was the England captain’s 11th World Cup goal – taking him one ahead of Gary Lineker. England were below-par for long periods and once more looked vulnerable at the back, suffering another injury blow when emergency right-back Jarell Quansah, deputising for the injured Reece James, was forced…

Nikola Vlasic scored a late header as Croatia booked their place in the World Cup last 32 with victory over already-qualified Ghana in Philadelphia. Zlatko Dalic’s side needed to avoid defeat against the Black Stars to be sure of a place in the knockout stages, but Vlasi ‘surrender effort seven minutes from time ensured they qualified as runners-up to England – who beat Panama in Group L’s other game. Ghana defender Derrick Luckassen had cancelled out Petar Sucic’s stunning first-half opener in the 73rd minute, but the Black Stars were unable to hold on for a point and will now…

The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of efforts to strengthen its fight against insecurity across the country. The announcement was made by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration. He was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj. Gen. Bamidele Alabi. According to the Army, the recruitment expansion follows the establishment of a new training depot at Amasiri Edda, which becomes the third institution dedicated to training new recruits. Shaibu said…

A fresh 4.9-magnitude Venezuela earthquake struck off the country’s northern coast on Friday, intensifying fears among residents and rescue workers just days after two devastating earthquakes left hundreds dead and widespread destruction across the country. According to Reuters, the latest tremor was felt in the capital, Caracas, as well as the city of Maracay. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) recorded the earthquake at a magnitude of 4.9. The new quake comes as emergency crews continue searching for survivors following the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela earlier in the week. The earlier disasters flattened buildings, caused extensive infrastructure damage, and triggered…

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced plans to begin its 2026 recruitment exercise, inviting qualified Nigerians to apply for vacancies across its officer, marshal inspectorate and road marshal assistant cadres. According to a recruitment notice, the exercise is aimed at strengthening the agency’s workforce and improving service delivery across the country. The available positions include Superintendent Route Commander (SRC), Route Commander/Deputy Route Commander (RC/DRC), Assistant Route Commander (ARC), Marshal Inspector II and III, as well as Road Marshal Assistant I, II and III. Applicants for officer cadre positions must possess relevant university degrees or Higher National Diplomas from…

The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dismissed a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), challenging Nigeria’s public borrowing. SERAP sued the Federal Government, alleging that its persistent and unsustainable borrowing had created a substantial public debt burden that undermined the government’s ability to provide essential public services, including healthcare, education, and access to clean water. The organisation argued that the borrowing practices adversely affected the socio-economic rights of vulnerable and marginalised Nigerians and violated rights guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and…

A newborn baby has been rescued and alive from the rubble of a collapsed building 32 hours after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela’s coastal city of La Guaira. Video shared on social media on Friday showed rescue workers carefully pulling the infant from the debris under floodlights before passing the child from person to person as onlookers applauded. The baby, wrapped in a quilt, was gently cleaned with tissues after being brought to safety. According to Andreina Quintero, who shared the footage online, the infant was just 18 days old and appeared to be unharmed despite spending 32 hours trapped beneath…