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Lukaku scores in Belgium's 2-0 friendly win over Croatia
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Napoli forward Romelu Lukaku scored on his return to international football after more than a year, helping Belgium to a 2-0 victory over Croatia in a World Cup friendly in Rijeka. Lukaku, who had been sidelined since September 2025 due to injury, netted in the 96th minute. This match was Belgium's penultimate fixture before their World Cup opener against Egypt on June 15. Lukaku, 33, has played only 64 minutes for his club this season due to a hip injury. Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia started Atalanta midfielder Charles De Ketelaere in attack, with Lukaku on the bench. Belgium took a 1-0 lead at halftime with a goal from Aston Villa playmaker Youri Tielemans in the 38th minute. Croatia, World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, had chances from captain Luka Modric and Osasuna striker Ante Budimir, who hit the bar. Lukaku secured his 90th international goal in injury time, doubling Belgium's lead. Croatia will conclude their World Cup preparations by hosting Slovenia on Sunday before starting their campaign against England on June 17. Belgium will host Tunisia on Saturday.
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Troops from Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, neutralized two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The operation, which began on July 16 and concluded on July 17, involved troops advancing through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities. During a fierce gun battle, two criminals were killed, and three abducted individuals were rescued: Mr. Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Mr. Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Mr. Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala LGA. Other captives reportedly fled during the exchange of gunfire. The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle with an optic sight, a pistol, 19 AK-47 magazines, 181 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 40 rounds of 7.62x51mm ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm Tavor ammunition, a Moniepoint Point-of-Sale device, and two pairs each of desert and woodland camouflage uniforms. Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, commended the troops for their resilience, courage, and professionalism, reaffirming his commitment to ridding the Joint Operations Area of criminal elements.
Must ReadDidier Deschamps is set to conclude his 14-year tenure as France's coach after the World Cup third-place play-off against England. Deschamps, 57, aimed for a third World Cup triumph but France was defeated by Spain in the semi-finals, ending their bid for a third consecutive final. Reflecting on his time, Deschamps stated, "I had the privilege of experiencing moments that were magical, and others that were difficult. But life goes on. I’m a positive person, and I know things will be good, too. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me." He led France to victory in the 2018 World Cup and has guided the team to at least the semi-finals in five of his seven major competitions. His coaching career also saw disappointments, including losses in the Euro 2016 final and the 2022 World Cup final. Zinedine Zidane, Deschamps’ former teammate and a former Real Madrid star, is widely expected to be named the next head coach. Zidane, 54, has expressed his dream of managing France and has been preparing for the role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo noted the need for a leader who "ticks every box and who everyone in France can get behind."
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, swore in two commissioners, 20 permanent secretaries, and members of the Governing Council of the Edo State College of Health Sciences and Technology. A key highlight was the appointment of Melody Omosah as the state's first visually impaired permanent secretary. Governor Okpebholo stated on his official Facebook page that this appointment signifies a historic milestone, emphasizing that ability, competence, and character should define opportunity, not disability. The governor also appointed Martin Oli, a member of the Igbo community, as a commissioner, highlighting his administration's commitment to inclusiveness. Okpebholo reiterated his administration's dedication to building an inclusive government where merit, excellence, and equal opportunity are prioritized over ethnicity, background, or personal connections, and to creating opportunities for all qualified individuals.