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Unified Supporters Club Chairman Okumagba Hails Nigerians’ Role in Ghana’s 1–0 World Cup Win Over Panama

Victory in Toronto follows large turnout of Nigerian residents and Unified Supporters backing Black Stars at opening group match

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Victory in Toronto follows large turnout of Nigerian residents and Unified Supporters backing Black Stars at opening group match

The Chairman of the Unified Supporters Club of Nigeria, Vincent Okumagba, has credited the strong presence of Nigerian supporters for Ghana’s narrow 1–0 victory against Panama in their opening FIFA World Cup group fixture on Thursday in Toronto, Canada. The match, which took place in the early hours, saw a decisive goal from Caleb Yirenkyi deep into stoppage time, sealing the win for the Black Stars amid heavy rain.

According to Okumagba, who spoke shortly after the match, thousands of Ghanaians were present at the stadium, but it was the additional support from members of Nigeria’s Unified Supporters Club and Nigerian residents living in Toronto and neighbouring areas that made a significant difference. “I am happy our support for Ghana’s Black Stars eventually paid off,” Okumagba said.

The contest remained goalless until stoppage time when Yirenkyi finished a swift counterattack with a tap-in, sending Ghanaian fans into celebration. The goal was immediately followed by a brief melee before officials restored order and signalled full-time. The Black Stars’ victory places them in a strong position as they begin their campaign at the ongoing World Cup.

Ghana and Nigeria share a longstanding football rivalry, but Okumagba noted that such competitions often give way to African solidarity on the global stage. He pointed out that many Nigerians living abroad frequently rally behind fellow African teams during international tournaments. “We always come together to support African teams when it matters most,” he said.

With this win, Ghana move to the top of their group ahead of subsequent fixtures. Okumagba has called on Nigerians in Canada and across North America to continue supporting other African representatives throughout the tournament.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/okumagba-nigerians-support-for-ghanas-black-stars-against-panama-paid-off/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

SDP Denies Isaac Alade’s Withdrawal, Affirms Candidacy for Ekiti Governorship Poll

Party insists Alade remains in race as speculation of withdrawal spreads ahead of 2026 Ekiti election

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7 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Party insists Alade remains in race as speculation of withdrawal spreads ahead of 2026 Ekiti election

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dismissed reports suggesting that its candidate, Isaac Alade, has withdrawn from the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election. The party made this clarification on Saturday, 20 June 2026, amid rising rumours across the South-West state about Alade’s participation.

According to the SDP, Isaac Alade remains its flagbearer for the crucial poll scheduled later this year. The party stated that recent claims of his withdrawal were unfounded and aimed at misleading voters and supporters. Party officials maintained that Alade has not stepped down or decamped to any other party.

The clarification comes as political activities intensify in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship election, with multiple parties seeking to consolidate their chances. Observers note that such rumours are common during pre-election periods in Nigeria, often used to destabilise rival camps or confuse the electorate.

A statement from SDP leadership urged members and supporters to disregard the withdrawal reports and continue mobilisation efforts across all local government areas. The party emphasised its confidence in Alade’s candidacy and readiness to present a credible alternative in Ekiti’s political landscape.

With this development, attention remains on how parties will navigate last-minute alignments and propaganda as election day approaches. The SDP called on security agencies and electoral bodies to monitor misinformation closely, warning that such tactics could affect the credibility of the process.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889183-sdp-denies-withdrawal-rumours-confirms-isaac-alade-still-in-ekiti-governorship-race.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Iranian Court Sentences Singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 Lashes for Performing Without Hijab

Human rights groups condemn Qom Province ruling as crackdown on women’s rights intensifies after viral concert

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16 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Human rights groups condemn Qom Province ruling as crackdown on women’s rights intensifies after viral concert

An Iranian criminal court in Qom Province has sentenced singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 strokes of cane, a two-year travel ban, and a two-year prohibition from artistic activities for performing without a hijab during a livestreamed concert in December 2024. The verdict, delivered this week, also affects eight members of her production team, all of whom received similar penalties after their performance went viral online.

The case centres on Ahmadi’s performance of the patriotic song ‘Az Khoone Javanane Vatan’ during an audience-free event later dubbed the ‘Caravanserai Concert.’ The concert was broadcast on Ahmadi’s YouTube channel and quickly attracted millions of views. Iranian authorities charged the artist and her colleagues with producing and publishing what they described as ‘vulgar and immoral content.’ Shortly after the concert, Ahmadi and several musicians were reportedly arrested before being released on bail, leading to formal legal proceedings.

The sentence has drawn strong reactions from international human rights advocates, who describe it as part of a wider campaign by Iranian authorities against cultural expression and women’s rights. According to Bahar Ghandehari, Director of Advocacy at the Center for Human Rights in Iran, the punishment highlights that conditions for artists and women in Iran remain largely unchanged. “Ahmadi’s punishment of 74 lashes for merely singing and appearing without a hijab is yet another reminder that human rights conditions in Iran have not changed,” Ghandehari said.

Legal experts have also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the charges. Human rights lawyer Moein Khazaeli argued that Iranian criminal law does not criminalise women singing or producing musical works. Khazaeli added that corporal punishment like flogging raises serious issues under international human rights standards, with many organisations considering it a form of torture.

The ruling comes amid ongoing tension over compulsory hijab laws in Iran, especially following nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. Exiled Iranian figures such as actress Nazanin Boniadi have condemned the verdict as evidence that repression remains entrenched. Setareh Maleki, another exiled actress, praised Ahmadi’s courage in performing despite knowing the risks involved. Rights groups say prosecutions like Ahmadi’s are designed to deter dissent and enforce strict social restrictions on cultural expression.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/iranian-singer-sentenced-to-74-strokes-of-cane-and-other-penalties-for-performing-without-hijab-2026062007211385817

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Cape Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha Reunites with Mother Ahead of Uruguay World Cup Clash

Family reunion in Montevideo brings emotional boost to Cape Verde squad as they prepare for key group fixture

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32 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Family reunion in Montevideo brings emotional boost to Cape Verde squad as they prepare for key group fixture

Cape Verde national team goalkeeper, Vozinha, reunited with his mother in Montevideo, Uruguay on Saturday ahead of the nation’s crucial FIFA World Cup group stage match against Uruguay. The meeting took place just days before the highly anticipated fixture, providing an emotional lift for both player and team.

Vozinha, whose standout performances have drawn international attention during the ongoing tournament, met his mother at the team’s hotel following her arrival from Cape Verde. The reunion was described by team officials as a significant morale booster for the squad as they face one of South America’s footballing heavyweights.

Cape Verde’s national team has been regarded as one of the surprises of this year’s World Cup, having advanced further than many analysts predicted. The Blue Sharks’ progress has sparked excitement among fans back home and in their diaspora communities. With their next match against hosts Uruguay seen as a pivotal test, the players are drawing inspiration from family support and strong team spirit.

While there were no official statements released by Vozinha or the Cape Verde Football Federation regarding the reunion, sources within the camp said the goalkeeper was visibly moved by his mother’s presence. Team staff noted that such reunions can have a positive impact on player focus and motivation during high-pressure competitions like the World Cup.

Cape Verde will take on Uruguay at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario, with both teams eyeing advancement to the knockout stages. The Blue Sharks’ coaching staff is expected to maintain their starting line-up, banking on Vozinha’s form and renewed confidence following his family reunion.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/889171-cape-verdes-world-cup-sensation-vozinha-reunited-with-mother-ahead-of-uruguay-clash.html

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