
The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded, with 16 teams failing to advance to the Round of 32. Notable eliminations include Tunisia, Uruguay, Türkiye, Korea Republic, and Scotland, as well as debutants Uzbekistan and Curaçao. Africa had a strong showing, with nine out of its 10 representatives progressing to the knockout stage; Tunisia was the only African team eliminated. The full list of eliminated countries includes Haiti, Tunisia, Türkiye, Jordan, Panama, Qatar, Czechia, Curaçao, Iraq, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Scotland, Uzbekistan, Korea Republic, and IR Iran. Some teams, like Scotland and IR Iran, were eliminated despite encouraging performances, while Uruguay, past semi-finalists, experienced an early exit. The Round of 32 is set to begin today, June 28, 2026, with the remaining 32 teams competing for a spot in the last 16 of the expanded 48-team tournament.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, the immediate past Head of Service of Ogun State, has called on indigenes living abroad to invest in the state, highlighting its emergence as an attractive destination for investors. Speaking at the Ogun State @50 London Summit and Jubilee Awards, Onasanya stated that Ogun's strategic location, improving infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and public service reforms position it for significant economic growth. He encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute financially and intellectually, emphasizing that their skills, resources, and networks are vital for the state's development. Onasanya noted that Ogun State, since its creation on February 3, 1976, has overcome challenges to become an industrial powerhouse, thanks to successive governments and dedicated public servants. He also pointed out Ogun's economic advantage due to its proximity to Lagos, hosting numerous manufacturing companies and multinational firms, and its status as an education capital producing leaders and innovators.
Must ReadThe Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission FCCPC has expressed concern regarding potential consumer exploitation in Nigeria's downstream petroleum sector. The commission noted that despite a significant drop in global crude oil prices, fuel prices in Nigeria have not decreased commensurately. An ongoing market surveillance by the FCCPC revealed that local refiners, depot operators, marketers, and filling station owners have implemented only marginal reductions. The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, highlighted that operators in the downstream sector tend to increase pump prices quickly when crude oil prices rise but are slow to pass on benefits to consumers when prices fall. He emphasized that while the FCCPC does not regulate petroleum prices, its role is to promote competitive markets and protect consumers from unfair practices. The commission's concerns arise as global oil prices have fallen to around $73 per barrel, a significant decrease from about $120 per barrel in April. Despite this, petrol is still sold at an average of N1,200 per litre across the country, compared to N800-N900 per litre in February when crude prices were similar. The FCCPC acknowledged that various commercial factors influence domestic fuel prices but maintained that competitive market forces should have led to more substantial reductions. Bello stated that the commission would investigate and take enforcement action if credible evidence
Must ReadUS Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, announced plans on June 25 to introduce legislation that would ban immigration from Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan. According to a statement from her official website, the proposed bill aims to protect American communities from what she described as security risks and instability associated with these nations. Mace stated, "We will not put the interests of foreign nationals ahead of the safety and security of American citizens." She further argued that these countries are among the world's "most dangerous and unstable nations" and that the US should avoid what she termed immigration mistakes made by some European nations. Mace claimed that the three countries pose broader security and integration challenges. This announcement aligns with the immigration stance of former President Donald Trump, who implemented a "Muslim travel ban" during his first term that restricted entry from several majority-Muslim nations, including Somalia and Sudan. The proposed legislation has not yet been formally introduced in the US Congress.