
Lionel Messi scored within minutes of his return from injury, helping Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Iceland in their final World Cup warm-up match in Auburn, Alabama. Messi, who started on the bench due to muscle fatigue, entered the game in the final quarter and scored his 117th international goal. Valentin Barco opened the scoring for Argentina, and Thiago Almada added a third goal after a pass from Messi. Argentina will begin their World Cup defense against Algeria on June 16, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan in Group J.
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Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo. This demand follows alleged defamatory statements made by Okonkwo during a television interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Monday, June 8. Obi's lawyers, led by Alex Ejesieme SAN, sent a letter dated June 9, 2026, accusing Okonkwo of making false and malicious allegations. These allegations, subsequently published by various media, included claims that Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East demanded a N10 million bribe from House of Representatives aspirants, that Obi compiled candidate lists from a hotel room, and that he was involved in criminal activities and collecting money from people abroad. Obi's legal team stated these remarks falsely portrayed him as engaging in bribery, extortion, fraud, and criminal conduct, describing the allegations as "false, baseless, malicious, reckless, defamatory and wholly unsupported by any fact." They have given Okonkwo seven days to withdraw the statements, publish an "unequivocal and unreserved" apology with similar prominence, and pay the N5 billion for damages to Obi's reputation. Failure to comply will result in legal action, including claims for damages and injunctive reliefs. In response, Okonkwo dismissed the demand on his X handle, stating he had not yet read the letter and suggesting Obi was seeking campaign funds. He warned that any
Must ReadTwelve people were killed in a mass shooting at an informal settlement near Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday night. South African police reported that more than 10 armed individuals arrived in a vehicle, stormed the settlement, and opened fire on residents at multiple locations before fleeing. Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi stated that eight adult males and three adult females were pronounced dead at the scene, with one additional person dying later in the hospital. The incident occurred in Cleveland, approximately six kilometers east of Johannesburg city center. The motive for the attack is currently unknown, and no arrests have been made. This event is the latest in a country that experiences a high rate of homicides daily, often linked to gang rivalry and competition among informal businesses.
Must ReadAlex Iwobi is poised to earn his 100th cap for the Super Eagles against Portugal, becoming only the fourth Nigerian player to reach this milestone. He will join Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama, and Ahmed Musa in this exclusive group. Joseph Yobo, a defender, was the first to achieve 100 caps between 2001 and 2014, representing Nigeria at three FIFA World Cups and six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, and captaining the team to victory in the 2013 AFCON. Vincent Enyeama, a goalkeeper, reached 101 caps from 2002 to 2015, participating in three World Cups and six AFCONs, and was named the best goalkeeper at the 2013 AFCON. Ahmed Musa holds the record for most appearances with 111 caps from 2010 to 2025, featuring in two World Cups and winning the 2013 AFCON. Iwobi, a midfielder for Fulham, chose to represent Nigeria after playing for England at youth level, making his senior debut in 2015. He has scored 10 goals and provided eight assists in 99 appearances, including a crucial goal that sent Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He has also participated in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, securing silver in 2023 and bronze in 2019 and 2025.