Author: Vincent Osuwo

Canada defeated nine-man Qatar 6-0 on Thursday to claim their first World Cup victory, while Switzerland revived their campaign with a thumping defeat over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Canada had lost all six previous World Cup matches, including the finals in 1986 and 2022, but they ended that streak in dramatic fashion at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium. Jesse Marsch’s team ran riot in front of a raucous crowd, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sporting a replica Canada shirt. They now need only a point against Switzerland to finish first in Group B. A hat-trick by Juventus attacker Jonathan David, one goal each…

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the restrictions of movements in some parts of Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi, and Kano for the 2026 by-elections. On Thursday, the Independent National Electoral Commission distributed sensitive documents for the June 20, 2026 by-elections in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi, and Kano. The distribution comes after the police declared limitations on movement in the impacted states and constituencies. The by-elections will take place concurrently with the Ekiti State governorship election, which is planned for the same date. According to INEC, the by-elections will fill senatorial vacancies in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Ondo States,…

Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to enter the World Cup’s knockout rounds on Thursday, defeating South Korea 1-0 at a the Guadalajara Stadium. After a gloomy first half, Luis Romo’s goal just after halftime, thanks to a goalkeeping error, sent Mexico through as Group A victors with one match remaining. Raul Rangel, Mexico’s goalkeeper, produced a spectacular double save in the dying minutes to keep their advantage. Finishing first keeps Mexico at home in the Round of 32, where they will face a third-placed team in Mexico City. “It’s really difficult to deal with the emotions,” coach Javier Aguirre…

Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo was buried in his hometown of Ujari, in the Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia state on Thursday, amidst tears, emotions, and encomiums. It was a gathering of mourners, including renowned Nollywood actors and actresses who traveled from all over the country to honor the late actor, whose career spanned more than a decade. Speaking at the event, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, described Ekubo’s death as a major loss for Abia State, the Nigerian entertainment industry, and millions of his followers throughout the world. Otti described…

South Africa scored a late penalty to keep their World Cup hopes alive, playing a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday. Michal Sadilek’s early opener put the Czechs on track for only their second World Cup victory as an independent nation. Mokoena’s late penalty kick left both teams in contention for the last 32, though they will almost probably need to win their last group A match to advance. Both teams have one point, two behind co-hosts Mexico and South Korea, who square off later on Thursday. South Africa will next play South Korea, while the…

The federal government of Nigeria has hinted at probable sanctions against South African firms operating in Nigeria, including telecommunications giants MTN, as outrage mounts over the ongoing harassment and attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa. Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, made the announcement on Thursday while addressing concerns over escalating anti-migrant assaults in South Africa and the evacuation of Nigerians. The minister stated that Nigeria has exhibited caution and is continuing to pursue diplomatic engagements but warned that if the attacks continue, the government may be forced to consider other actions. “As I indicated before, there are…

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has said that he never alleged that signatures were forged during the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, PDP lawmaker representing Kogi Central. In a statement by Oshiomhole yesterday, he said, “My attention has been brought to an obvious misrepresentation of the statement I made during the course of my interview on AIT ‘Politics Today’ broadcast on Monday, 15th June 2026. “To set the records straight, I wish to make the following clarifications. ‘”The insinuation that I said signatures of senators were forged is a complete misrepresentation of what I actually said. “I agree absolutely with the spokesperson…

Senator Ireti Kingibe has distanced herself from the Senate committee report that recommended disciplinary action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, noting that she was surprised seeing the photocopy of her signature on the report. She mentioned this in an interview with Arise TV on Wednesday, when she also criticized the National Assembly for failing to adequately control the executive branch of government. In response to the controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s (Kogi Central) suspension, Senator Ireti Kingibe explained that, while she attended a meeting of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, she left shortly after to attend a…

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has exempted its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the party’s recently established anti-defection pledge aimed at discouraging elected officials from quitting the platform after winning elections.  The National Secretary of the party, Ikenna Enekweizu, stated this on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he defended the policy against complaints that it breaches constitutional restrictions. According to Enekweizu, the demand for candidates to sign an oath of fidelity is justified by the party’s constitution and is designed to defend the NDC from the wave of defections that…

US President Donald Trump has berated critics of his deal with Iran on Thursday, calling those who accused him of offering concessions to end the war “fools” ahead of negotiations in Switzerland on implementing the deal. Oil prices nosedived after Trump and his Iranian counterpart separately signed their accord to end the Middle East war, with the Strait of Hormuz to reopen but two months of negotiations lying ahead. Following uncertainty over whether the pact struck earlier this week would be formally signed, Trump signed it in thick black ink at a candlelit supper with French President Emmanuel Macron on…