Morocco secure narrow win over Haiti to clinch qualification spot, as Brazil finish first in Group C

Brazil have finished top of Group C at the ongoing FIFA World Cup after an impressive display in their final group match, while Morocco booked their place in the next round with a hard-fought victory over Haiti. The deciding matches were played on Thursday, 25 June 2026, with both fixtures drawing attention from football fans across Nigeria and beyond.

The Brazilian side, known for their attacking flair and disciplined defence, maintained their unbeaten run in the group stage to secure the top position. In a dramatic contest elsewhere, Morocco overcame a resilient Haitian team in a tightly contested encounter that saw both teams pushing for qualification till the final whistle.

These results are significant for Nigerian football followers who have closely monitored Group C outcomes, given the implications for potential knockout round opponents. Brazil’s dominance reaffirms their status as tournament favourites, while Morocco’s progress continues the strong showing from African teams at this year’s World Cup.

With Brazil sealing the group’s leadership and Morocco joining them in qualification, attention now shifts to the knockout stages where they will face new challenges. The excitement generated by these group stage finales highlights growing interest among Nigerian supporters in global football competitions.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/890537-world-cup-brazil-top-group-c-as-morocco-edge-haiti-in-thrilling-group-final.html

Athletics Federation selects top performers as Team Nigeria begins intensive training ahead of upcoming international competition

Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games have entered a crucial phase as 29 athletes, including stars Tobi Amusan, Favour Ashe, and Ese Brume, commenced camp in Lagos on Thursday. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) confirmed the selection as at June 25, with the athletes set to undergo rigorous training in readiness for the continental event.

The AFN’s list features leading names in Nigerian athletics, with Amusan (women’s 100m hurdles), Ashe (men’s sprints), and Brume (women’s long jump) expected to spearhead the country’s medal ambitions. The selected team represents a mix of experienced internationals and promising talents drawn from various states across the country.

The Commonwealth Games remain a significant platform for Nigerian athletes to showcase their abilities and compete against some of the best globally. This year’s event is particularly important as it offers opportunities for Olympic qualification and serves as a test of Nigeria’s depth in track and field disciplines ahead of Paris 2024.

Officials from the AFN said the selection process was based strictly on recent performances at national trials and international competitions. The federation noted that preparations would include technical drills, tactical sessions, and medical screening to ensure all athletes are in peak condition before departure. The names of alternates will be announced after final assessments next week.

Team officials expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances at the Games, highlighting the presence of seasoned competitors like Amusan and Brume as a morale boost for younger team members. Stakeholders expect that strong performances will reinforce Nigeria’s status as an athletics powerhouse within Africa and inspire future investments in sports development.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/nigeria-sports-news/890540-amusan-ashe-brume-headline-nigerias-29-athlete-commonwealth-games-camp.html

Witness claims anti-graft agency pressured her to sign statement; case continues amid scrutiny of investigation process

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday heard testimony from a defence witness in the ongoing trial of former Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, who is facing charges over alleged diversion of ₦109 billion. The witness claimed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) compelled her to sign a statement linked to the case.

The hearing, which took place on 25 June, forms part of the high-profile prosecution against Idris and others accused of large-scale financial mismanagement during his tenure. According to details presented in court, the witness asserted that she was not given adequate opportunity to review or amend the document before being asked to endorse it by EFCC investigators.

The trial has attracted public interest due to the size of the funds involved and its implications for Nigeria’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts. The EFCC had earlier arraigned Idris and his co-defendants on multiple counts related to criminal breach of trust and money laundering, following an extensive investigation into alleged irregularities at the Office of the Accountant-General.

The development raised questions about investigative procedures and due process within Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies. While EFCC officials have consistently maintained that all protocols were followed in securing evidence, legal observers say the defence’s latest claim could become a key issue as proceedings continue.

The case was adjourned for further hearing. Legal practitioners expect that both prosecution and defence will present additional witnesses as the trial progresses. The outcome is likely to influence future anti-corruption prosecutions involving top government officials.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/890547-alleged-n109bn-fraud-trial-ex-accountant-general-idris-witness-says-efcc-lured-her-to-sign-his-statement.html