The United States men’s national soccer team booked a place in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team 2-0 in a dramatic round of 32 clash on Wednesday.   According to Channels Television, Folarin Balogun gave the hosts the lead just before half-time before being sent off in the second half, forcing the Americans to finish the game with 10 men. The co-hosts claimed their first World Cup knockout win in nearly 25 years and only their second ever, setting up a last-16 showdown with Belgium national football team in Seattle. Bosnia started brightly and created early chances through veteran striker Edin Džeko and Ermedin Demirović, but the Americans gradually gained control. Balogun broke the deadlock in the 45th minute after a quick move involving Tim Ream and Malik Tillman. Tillman’s pass fell kindly for Balogun, who calmly slotted home to send the home crowd into celebration. The game turned in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a straight red card after a VAR review ruled he stamped on Tarik Muharemović. Despite the setback, the United States men’s national soccer team held firm. Coach Mauricio Pochettino rallied his side during a hydration break, urging them to stay united and fight for the result. The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Tillman curled a superb free-kick beyond goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to seal victory. The Americans survived intense late pressure, with Bosnia substitute Ermin Mahmić going close in stoppage time, but ultimately held on for a famous win. Pochettino praised his players after the match, describing the performance as a display of character and unity under pressure. For Bosnia, coach Sergej Barbarez said his side could still take pride in reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. The victory keeps the USA’s World Cup dream alive on home soil as they prepare for a high-stakes clash against Belgium.

The death toll from devastating floods in Côte d’Ivoire has risen sharply to 59, following days of heavy rainfall and landslides that battered parts of the country.   According to TheCable, government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly announced the updated figure after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, describing the casualty rate as unusually high this year. Authorities said search and rescue operations are still ongoing, with fears that the death toll could increase further as emergency teams continue to assess affected communities. Belmonde Dogo, Côte d’Ivoire’s minister of social cohesion, said the flooding was triggered by continuous rainfall that began on the night of June 27, causing widespread destruction in the commercial capital, Abidjan, and surrounding areas. Videos and photos shared online showed submerged vehicles, flooded roads and residential neighbourhoods overwhelmed by rising waters. Officials have urged residents living in high-risk areas to follow safety instructions and evacuate where necessary to reduce further casualties. The disaster adds to growing concerns over severe flooding across West Africa, with countries including Nigeria and Ghana also experiencing heavy rainfall and flood-related disruptions. Flooding remains a recurring challenge in many African countries, worsened by increasingly extreme weather patterns. The World Meteorological Organization has repeatedly warned that Africa remains among the regions most vulnerable to climate-related disasters despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has appointed Kenneth Okonkwo as spokesperson for his 2027 presidential campaign following his emergence as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).   According to TheCable, a copy of the appointment letter shared by Okonkwo on his X page on Thursday confirmed the development. In the letter, Atiku said the appointment was based on his confidence in Okonkwo’s competence, communication skills, integrity, political judgment and ability to professionally represent his public positions during the campaign. He added that he looked forward to Okonkwo’s contribution to the campaign and broader democratic engagement in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election. Reacting to the appointment, Okonkwo expressed gratitude to Atiku, describing the move as a reflection of the former vice-president’s democratic values. He said Atiku consistently chooses dialogue and compromise when addressing disagreements among associates, noting that this approach promotes solutions to political challenges. Okonkwo also revealed that discussions with Atiku and other ADC stakeholders had addressed concerns around the interests of the South-East within the framework of the Electoral Act 2026 and prevailing political realities. He thanked Ralph Nwosu and Ekene Onwuka for their contributions to the coalition and his appointment. The actor-turned-politician further asked supporters to pray for wisdom, courage and strength as he takes on what he described as a challenging responsibility. The 2027 presidential election will mark Atiku’s seventh attempt at Nigeria’s highest office and his fourth appearance on the ballot as a presidential candidate of a political party. Okonkwo previously served as spokesperson for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party. However, both men later fell out, with Obi recently filing a defamation suit against Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks.

President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the construction of the 125-kilometre Akwanga-Jos section of the Akwanga-Kaduna-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Superhighway and commissioned two major road projects in Nasarawa State.   According to Channels Television, the President performed the ceremony in Akwanga on Wednesday through APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda. The commissioned projects include the dualised Akwanga Township Road and a newly constructed underpass by the Nasarawa State Government. Speaking at the event, Abdullahi Sule described the Akwanga Township Road as one of the landmark projects of his administration. He said the road was completed without bank loans and funded entirely through improved state revenues linked to the Federal Government’s economic reforms. Sule also stated that residents and business owners affected by the project received full compensation, helping to secure community support. President Tinubu praised Governor Sule for delivering major infrastructure outside the state capital, describing it as a strong example of good governance. He said the projects reflected effective collaboration between the Federal Government and Nasarawa State, improving connectivity between Abuja, Akwanga and other strategic routes. The President also directed the Minister of Works and state governors to work with the Surveyor General of the Federation on setback plans for future road expansion. He further urged contractors to prioritise training and employment opportunities for local youths. Minister of Works David Umahi said the Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects were designed to connect key parts of Nigeria, drive economic growth and strengthen national integration. Umahi explained that the Akwanga-Jos road represents Section One, Phase One of the broader Akwanga-Maiduguri Superhighway under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The 125-kilometre stretch cuts across Nasarawa, Kaduna and Plateau states and forms part of a 700-kilometre corridor linking Akwanga to Maiduguri. He disclosed that construction had already started on the Gombe-Biu section, while procurement processes were ongoing for the Jos-Bauchi, Bauchi-Gombe and Biu-Maiduguri sections. Umahi also revealed that President Tinubu had approved the immediate release of N111 billion for the construction of Section One of the Akwanga-Jos road. The minister added that several other legacy road projects across the country were progressing, including sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Trans-Saharan route. He noted that North Central Nigeria currently has the highest number of federal road projects nationwide, with 35 major projects, including five already completed.