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

Anti-narcotics agency intensifies crackdown as Oyo site becomes latest large-scale discovery in South-West region

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered another industrial-scale methamphetamine production facility deep within a forested area of Oyo State. The discovery was made on Thursday, marking a significant step in the agency’s ongoing efforts to disrupt illicit drug manufacturing networks in the South-West geopolitical zone.

According to officials, the factory was concealed inside dense forest terrain and equipped with sophisticated machinery for large-batch methamphetamine synthesis. NDLEA operatives, acting on intelligence, raided the location and secured both equipment and chemical precursors used in the illegal operation. The agency did not immediately disclose whether any suspects were apprehended during the raid or provide further details on the quantity of drugs seized.

This incident is the latest in a series of high-profile busts targeting methamphetamine laboratories across Nigeria. Industrial-scale operations such as this have become increasingly common in remote areas, raising concern about public health risks and the security implications for local communities. NDLEA has repeatedly warned that meth production not only threatens youth but also endangers farmland and water sources due to hazardous waste disposal.

Agency representatives emphasised their commitment to dismantling drug syndicates operating within and beyond Oyo State. “Our operatives will continue to pursue all leads until these criminal elements are brought to justice,” an NDLEA spokesperson said after Thursday’s operation.

The agency urged members of the public to provide timely information about suspicious activities linked to drug production or trafficking. Security analysts say continued vigilance is critical as criminal groups adapt their methods. NDLEA is expected to release more details as investigations progress.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/890529-ndlea-uncovers-another-industrial-scale-meth-factory-in-oyo-forest.html