European side secures comfortable win as group stage continues; match highlights dominant French performance

France recorded a convincing 3–0 victory over Iraq in a FIFA World Cup group stage encounter played on Tuesday, 23 June 2026. The match, which took place at an international venue, saw the French team assert their dominance from the opening whistle, leaving Iraq with little room to respond.

The French side controlled possession throughout the game and capitalised on their attacking opportunities to secure all three points. By halftime, France had already established a lead, and they maintained pressure in the second half to widen the gap. The Iraqi team struggled to break down the organised French defence and was unable to find a way back into the contest.

This result is significant for France as it strengthens their position in the group and increases their chances of progressing to the knockout rounds of the competition. For Iraq, the defeat adds pressure ahead of their remaining group fixtures as they seek to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

Both teams are expected to return to training immediately as they prepare for their upcoming matches. The outcome of this fixture will likely influence tactical approaches and squad selections moving forward in the FIFA World Cup.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/889905-france-cruise-past-iraq-3-0-in-world-cup-clash.html

Norwegian striker’s double sinks Senegal in dramatic five-goal encounter on Tuesday; African side faces uphill battle in group

Norway secured a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Senegal at the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to lead his side past the African champions in a thrilling group stage match. The encounter took place at an international venue as both teams looked to advance their hopes in the tournament.

The match saw Norway take an early lead through Haaland, who converted a chance midway through the first half. Senegal responded quickly to level the scores before halftime, but Norway regained their advantage after the break with another goal from their star forward. Despite a spirited fightback from Senegal, including a late goal that kept tensions high, Norway managed to hold on for all three points.

The result places Norway in a strong position within their group, while Senegal now faces increased pressure to secure results in their remaining fixtures if they are to progress to the knockout rounds. For many Nigerian football fans, the outcome is significant as it affects potential future opponents for African representatives at the tournament.

Neither team’s coaches made official statements immediately after the final whistle. However, analysts have noted that Haaland’s clinical finishing proved decisive and praised both sides for delivering one of the most entertaining matches of the competition so far.

Senegal will now focus on regrouping ahead of their next group match, where only a win can keep their World Cup ambitions alive. Norway, buoyed by Haaland’s performance, will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/889901-world-cup-haaland-scores-twice-as-norway-beat-senegal-in-five-goal-thriller.html

Partnership aims to improve accuracy of Nigeria’s agricultural data for policy planning and sector development

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) have entered into a formal agreement in Abuja to strengthen the country’s agricultural research data system. The signing, which took place on Tuesday, is expected to enhance the quality and reliability of statistics used for policy formulation and sectoral planning across Nigeria.

According to details provided at the event, both agencies agreed to collaborate on data collection, management, and dissemination in order to address gaps that have previously hampered effective decision-making in the agricultural sector. The initiative is designed to ensure that critical information on crop production, livestock, and other key indicators is systematically gathered and made accessible to stakeholders at federal and state levels.

This collaboration comes as the federal government intensifies efforts to reposition agriculture as a major driver of economic growth. With agriculture employing millions of Nigerians—particularly in rural communities—officials say that robust data is crucial for targeting interventions, monitoring progress, and attracting investment into the sector.

The NBS Director-General and his ARCN counterpart noted during the signing that improved data would support evidence-based policies and help Nigeria achieve food security goals. They called on other agencies and private sector players to support this move towards more transparent and reliable information flows in agriculture.

Implementation of the new agreement will commence with joint training sessions for staff of both agencies, followed by a harmonisation of existing datasets. Stakeholders are optimistic that this partnership will lead to better tracking of sector performance and facilitate informed decisions by government, researchers, and investors.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/889899-nbs-arcn-sign-agreement-to-strengthen-agricultural-research-data-system.html