Author: Opalim Lifted

Argentina took a shot at music artist Drake after the Canadian lost $300,000 on a bet his country would beat the defending champions in Tuesday’s Copa America semi-final, using rap rival Kendric Lamar’s song to send him a message. Chronicle NG reported that Drake posted an image on Instagram that showed his bet would have given him a $2.88 million payout if Canada won, but goals from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi moved Argentina into a fourth final in five editions. The World Cup winners responded to Drake’s post with a photo, opens new tab accompanied by the caption: “Not…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, is planning to secure a fresh $2 billion oil-backed prepayment loan amid fuel scarcity in the country. According to Reuters report on Tuesday, NNPCL plans to achieve the deal in two months. Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, stated that the new financing would allow for investment in the company. “We have no problem covering our gasoline payments. This is just money for normal business and not a desperate act,” Kyari told Reuters. Kyari said the company wanted the new loan against 30,000–35,000 barrels per day of crude production, though he declined to…

Canadian hip-hop star, Drake has lost the $300,000 bet he placed on his country to defeat Argentina in the Copa America semifinal. Drizzy was expecting an estimated payout of $2.88 million if Canada had gone through, but they lost 2-0 to the reigning world champions at New York’s MetLife Stadium on Tuesday night. Chronicle NG reported that goals by Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez ensured that the South Americans reached the final of the showpiece. Drake shared the news on social media on Tuesday with the playful caption, “This could get Messi,” accompanied by a Canadian flag. Copa America: Drake…

Spain reached the European Championship final with a 2-1 victory over France on Tuesday with 16-year-old Lamine Yamal becoming the youngest-ever scorer at a major tournament. France took an early lead when Randal Kolo Muani headed in a cross from Kylian Mbappe, who played without a mask, before Yamal’s moment of brilliance in the 21st minute. Dani Olmo scored what was to prove the winner four minutes later. “We were in a difficult stretch after not expecting to concede so early. I just took the ball and wanted to put it right there. I am very happy,” Yamal said. “I…

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are in talks to buy struggling French club Bordeaux. Bordeaux were provisionally relegated to the third tier National 1 by French football’s financial watchdog, the DNCG, on Tuesday after failing to provide guarantees for the 2024-25 season. The club are appealing against the decision and now have two weeks to finalise a sale to allow them to remain in Ligue 2 next season. Bordeaux and FSG presented the takeover bid to the DNCG in Tuesday’s meeting. “Fenway Sports Group has expressed interest in the potential acquisition of French football club Girondins de Bordeaux and…

Australia’s Fair Work Commission has announced a minimum wage increase to $915.90 per week while the Nigerian government foot-drag on wage rise for workers. The Australian government said the minimum wage rise took effect on July 1, 2024. This is a 3.75 percent rise in the National Minimum Wage, summing up a rise to $24.10 per hour. Australia believes the minimum adjustment will bolster compensation amid economic shifts and inflation, benefiting both local workers and international work visa applicants. For employers, meeting or exceeding these wage standards enhances their ability to attract and sponsor skilled overseas workers. This adjustment is…

A hyena in Plateau State which escaped at the Jos Wildlife Park has been found alive and returned to its cage. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the management of the Plateau State Tourism Cooperation led by Chuwang Pwajok, the hyena was discovered after a relentless search and immediately tranquillized and captured. The statement read in part, “The Management of Plateau State Tourism Corporation would like to inform the general public that after relentless search and rescue efforts, the missing hyena has finally been found, tranquilized, captured and safely returned to its enclosure. “We deeply appreciate the general public…

Celine Dion is contemplating a return to the spotlight despite battling a rare neurological disorder known as stiff-person syndrome, Metro UK reports. The iconic 56-year-old artiste has reportedly been offered a prestigious opportunity to perform at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics despite the progression of her illness. The Canadian singer, known for her powerful voice, revealed she’d been diagnosed with the progressive neurological condition – that affects the muscles, causing stiffness and spasms – in 2022. In spite of this, Celine Dion has previously expressed her eagerness to return to live performances, which have been a cornerstone of…

President Bola Tinubu congratulates renowned Islamic leader, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi on attaining the milestone age of 100. Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale on Tuesday, described Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as a shining light who has significantly contributed to shaping Islamic knowledge, as well as moral and ethical standards in modern Nigeria. He thanked the Tijjaniyya leader for dedicating his life to spreading knowledge and raising generations of Nigerians. “On this momentous occasion, President Tinubu prayed for greater wisdom and good health for the venerable Sheikh,” Ngelale said in the President’s congratulatory message to the Islamic cleric.

By Oluokun Ayorinde Abuja based Daily Trust newspaper has reacted to protests by the Nigerian government over its report that the signing of Samoa Agreement with the European Union countries implied that the country will promote LGBTQ at home. Nigeria was among Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States(OACPS) that signed the agreement with the EU in Brussels, Belgium, on June 28. However, Daily Trust in a report last week said the agreement required Nigeria to endorse the rights of LGBTQ people in return for for a 150 billion dollars loan. The report by the newspaper led to social, religious…