Rema, Lisa, and Anitta perform "Goals" at 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Los Angeles
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Nigerian Afrobeats artist Rema, BLACKPINK's Lisa, and Brazilian superstar Anitta performed their collaborative song "Goals" at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The performance, which took place on Friday night, featured the trio blending Afrobeats, K-pop, and Latin pop. Rema appeared in a white hooded outfit and delivered an Afrobeats-inspired rap verse. This event followed another Nigerian artist, Burna Boy, performing the tournament's official anthem "Dai Dai" with Shakira at the opening ceremony in Mexico on Thursday.
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Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Party, has stated his readiness to die for Nigeria, emphasizing that genuine leadership requires ultimate sacrifice in the face of the country's worsening security situation. Speaking on the Black Box interview on Nevon HQ, Obi, a former Anambra State governor, addressed questions about rescuing kidnapped schoolchildren, addressing the beheading of teachers, and responding to the killing of senior military officers. While not detailing specific operational strategies, he highlighted the importance of commitment and decisive leadership, citing his past success in combating criminality in Anambra State. Obi recalled how notorious kidnappers were forced out of Anambra during his governorship, referencing an interview where a prominent kidnapper admitted criminal operations became untenable under his administration. He declared, "If you're ready to lead, you must be ready to die." When directly asked if he was ready to die for Nigeria, Obi affirmed his readiness, stating he would return to Nigeria even if there was a war while he was abroad. These remarks come as Nigeria faces persistent banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and attacks on schools and security personnel. Obi lamented the rise of non-state actors challenging state authority and expressed confidence that committed leadership could restore Nigeria's military glory, recalling the country's past role in maintaining peace in global hotspots.
Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit has undergone a successful lung transplant due to a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis, which causes breathing difficulties. The palace announced that the 52-year-old princess, diagnosed with the illness in 2018, will remain at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet for several weeks. Her condition had worsened over the past six months, leading doctors to place her on a transplant waiting list on June 5, as the procedure was considered a last resort. Crown Prince Haakon will reduce his public engagements to be with his wife. This announcement follows the sentencing of Princess Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Hoiby, to four years in prison for rape and other offenses, though he denies the most serious charges and plans to appeal.
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