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France to face Sweden in World Cup last-32 tie, Haaland leads Norway against Ivory Coast
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
France is set to play Sweden in a World Cup last-32 match, featuring a strong attacking lineup with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise. Coach Didier Deschamps emphasized the need for humility and concentration, stating that France has no second chances in the knockout stage. Sweden, who qualified for the knockout rounds despite an unusual path, will rely on players like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, with coach Graham Potter acknowledging the challenge of facing France. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland, with four goals in two games, will lead Norway against Ivory Coast. Norway's coach Stale Solbakken praised Haaland's leadership and goal-scoring ability. Co-hosts Mexico will play Ecuador, with the added incentive of remaining in their capital city for the next round if they win. In other matches, Paraguay defeated Germany in a penalty shootout, and Morocco eliminated the Netherlands in another shootout. Brazil also advanced by beating Japan 2-1.
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The Federal High Court has released new Practice Directions for 2026 to ensure fair, impartial, and swift resolution of pre-election cases nationwide. Issued by Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho, these directions aim to streamline the judicial process by focusing on genuinely contested issues, minimizing interlocutory matters, and encouraging amicable settlements. The new rules also seek to reduce adjournments and delays. In a significant move to address the time-sensitive nature of pre-election disputes, court registries in all judicial divisions will now operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10 am to 2 pm, exclusively for filing pre-election matters. The directions also allow for the use of electronic communication and virtual hearings to expedite proceedings. The court will prioritize all pre-election matters until judgment is delivered, and generally, no more than two adjournments will be granted to any party.
Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, launched a new health center and academy in Hadejia, Jigawa State, on Monday. The initiatives aim to promote early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease. The Oluremi Tinubu Clinic, built and equipped by the FutureMap Foundation and eHealth Africa, is dedicated to early detection and prevention for vulnerable populations. The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Academy, established by the Federal Government through the National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA, will train youth and health workers in using technology to address health challenges. These projects align with President Bola Tinubu's recent establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office. NITDA Director-General Kashiful Inuwa stated that the academy and clinic will collaborate to develop digital tools and early warning systems for chronic kidney disease. Governor Umar Namadi commended the First Lady for the projects and also for launching the National Community Food Bank Programme for the North-West in Jigawa, which he described as a significant step against food insecurity and malnutrition. The visit concluded with commitments from the Federal and Jigawa State governments to enhance collaboration on healthcare, food security, and social protection.
Must ReadLawyers have filed a lawsuit against Ghana at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja on behalf of deportees sent to the country under the United States' third-country deportation policies. The legal team, comprising Ghanaian law firm Merton & Everett LLP, Cornell Law School Transnational Disputes Clinic, and the Global Strategic Litigation Council, stated that the suit was filed on Monday. The lawsuit alleges that Ghana is violating domestic and regional law by "facilitating removals to unsafe countries." Since September, at least 60 people have been deported to Ghana, with 27 represented in the lawsuit. These individuals had sought and, in most cases, obtained asylum or other legal protections in the United States. The US policy involves sending deportees to "third countries" like Ghana when Washington is prohibited from sending them directly to their home countries due to concerns about torture or persecution. Ghana has subsequently sent these individuals to their home countries or, in some instances, to neighboring Togo without documents. The lawyers noted that none of the 27 deportees in the lawsuit remain in Ghana, with many now in hiding in their home countries or in limbo in other third countries. The lawsuit follows a similar one filed in June at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights concerning US deportations to Equatorial Guinea.