Colombia defeated Congo DR 1-0 at the Estadio Guadalajara to top Group K and confirm their place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Daniel Munoz scored the only goal of the encounter in the 76th minute, settling a tight contest that Congo DR’s goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, had threatened to single-handedly deny Colombia.

The Crystal Palace defender’s deflected effort beat Mpasi after the goalkeeper had produced a string of fine saves throughout the match, including five stops within the opening 20 minutes alone.

Colombia dominated possession and chances from the start, registering 20 efforts on goal across the 90 minutes. The South Americans’ expected goals tally stood at 1.03 against Congo DR’s 0.39, a clear reflection of their territorial control.

Mpasi stood firm for long spells and kept his side in contention until Munoz’s late intervention broke the deadlock. The goalkeeper’s display drew praise from pundits, who described his performance as one of the most impressive by a goalkeeper at this year’s tournament.

Coach Nestor Lorenzo turned to his bench once again to influence the outcome. Substitute Juan Quintero, who replaced Juan Fernando Rodriguez, slowed the tempo of play and supplied the assist for Munoz’s winner. It marked the second straight match in which Lorenzo’s changes shaped the result for Colombia.

Congo DR pushed for an equaliser and appeared to have one in the 81st minute when Munoz turned the ball home from close range, but the offside flag ruled out the effort before it could trouble the scoreline further.

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Jefferson Lerma picked up a late yellow card for a challenge on Cedric Mbuku as Congo DR searched for a way back into the contest, while six minutes of stoppage time at the end of regulation play failed to produce a leveller for the central African side.

The result lifts Colombia to the summit of Group K and books their spot in the knockout stage regardless of their final group game. They will face Portugal on June 27 at Miami Stadium in a fixture that will decide the group’s overall standing.

Congo DR, despite the defeat, remain in contention to advance from the group. A win over Uzbekistan on the same day at Atlanta Stadium would secure their own place in the Round of 32 alongside Colombia.

Should Congo DR progress, they could face Thomas Tuchel’s England in the next round, depending on how both groups finish. England held Ghana to a goalless draw on Tuesday in a separate Group K fixture.

Colombia’s victory continues an unbeaten run at the tournament that began with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in their opening fixture. The Cafeteros have now shown the consistency many Nigerian football followers will be watching closely as the World Cup heads into its decisive group-stage matches.

For Congo DR, Tuesday’s defeat is a setback, but their fate remains in their own hands. A positive result against Uzbekistan will write a new chapter in the country’s World Cup story and extend their stay in the United States, Mexico, and Canada-hosted tournament.

Attention now turns to the final round of Group K matches on June 27, where both Colombia’s standing and Congo DR’s survival will be decided.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended prominent lawyer Mike Ozekhome from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings. The decision, announced after the committee’s 173rd general meeting, marks a significant development in Nigeria’s legal community, where the SAN title is regarded as the highest professional honour for advocates.

Kabir Akanbi, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, confirmed the suspension in a statement issued on Thursday. He explained that the decision was taken pursuant to paragraph 26(6) of the guidelines governing the conferment and regulation of the SAN rank.

According to the LPPC, the suspension will remain in force until the disciplinary and ethics sub-committee concludes its investigation, alongside other related proceedings.

The SAN rank is awarded to lawyers who have distinguished themselves in advocacy and contributed significantly to the development of law in Nigeria. Suspension from the rank is rare and usually signals serious disciplinary concerns. While Ozekhome retains his license to practice law, he cannot use the SAN title until the proceedings are resolved.

Legal analysts note that the move underscores the LPPC’s determination to uphold professional standards and maintain the integrity of the SAN rank. The committee has previously emphasised that the title is not only a recognition of excellence but also a responsibility to uphold ethical conduct.

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Mike Ozekhome is one of Nigeria’s most prominent constitutional lawyers and human rights advocates. Over the years, he has handled high-profile cases and frequently commented on national issues, earning a reputation as a vocal defender of civil liberties. His suspension therefore comes as a notable development, given his visibility in both legal and political circles.

The LPPC, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, oversees the conferment of the SAN rank and enforces disciplinary measures when necessary. Its guidelines empower the committee to suspend or withdraw the rank from any lawyer found to have breached professional ethics.

Paragraph 26(6), under which Ozekhome was suspended, provides for interim measures to ensure that disciplinary proceedings are not undermined by continued use of the SAN title. This safeguard is designed to protect the credibility of the rank while investigations are ongoing.

While the LPPC has not disclosed details of the allegations leading to Ozekhome’s suspension, the announcement has sparked discussions among lawyers and observers. Some view the move as a reminder that the SAN rank carries strict ethical obligations, while others caution against prejudging the outcome of the disciplinary process.

Legal practitioners emphasise that suspension is not equivalent to removal. Ozekhome’s fate will depend on the findings of the disciplinary sub-committee and any subsequent decisions by the LPPC.

The suspension highlights the LPPC’s resolve to enforce accountability among holders of the SAN rank. It also reflects the committee’s effort to preserve public confidence in the legal profession at a time when Nigeria faces growing scrutiny over governance and institutional integrity.

For Ozekhome, the development represents a temporary setback in a distinguished career. The final outcome of the disciplinary proceedings will determine whether he regains full use of the SAN title or faces further sanctions.

The LPPC’s suspension of Mike Ozekhome underscores the seriousness with which Nigeria’s legal profession treats ethical standards. As one of the country’s most recognised lawyers, his case will be closely watched both within and outside the legal community. The decision reinforces the principle that the SAN rank is not only a mark of distinction but also a commitment to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.

The Osun State governorship race has taken a new turn as the Turaki faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, formally endorsed Adewale Adebayo, the candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). The endorsement, announced at a gathering in Okuku, Osun State, signals a strategic alliance that could reshape the dynamics of the August 15 election.

Oyinlola, accompanied by former Secretary to the State Government Fatai Akinbade and former PDP South-West Vice Chairman Tajudeen Oladipo, declared the faction’s support for Adebayo. He explained that the partnership mirrors a broader working relationship between the PDP and APM at the national level, now replicated in Osun.

“There is an alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement. The Turaki-led faction of the PDP has adopted the APM candidate in Osun State,” Oyinlola said, before presenting the APM flag to Adebayo as a symbol of endorsement.

In his remarks, Adebayo dismissed suggestions that his candidacy was aimed at negotiation or compromise. He insisted that his campaign is focused on winning and governing Osun State.

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“We are not in this election to participate. We are not in this election to negotiate. We are in this election to win,” he declared. He emphasised that the support of respected political elders strengthens his chances, while highlighting the role of Osun’s youthful population in shaping the state’s future.

Adebayo argued that young people between 18 and 52 years form the backbone of Osun’s electorate and are seeking credible leadership. He urged the Turaki faction to mobilise support, stressing that his campaign represents a credible alternative to existing political structures.

The endorsement adds a new layer of complexity to the contest. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election under the Accord Party, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) fields Bola Oyebamiji and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presents Najeem Salaam.

With the PDP faction throwing its weight behind Adebayo, the race could see a realignment of voter loyalties, particularly among PDP supporters dissatisfied with internal divisions. The move also underscores the fluid nature of political alliances in Nigeria, where factions often recalibrate strategies to maximise influence.

As a former governor and influential figure in Osun politics, Oyinlola’s backing carries weight. His leadership of the Turaki faction has long been a factor in PDP’s internal dynamics. By aligning with Adebayo, he signals a willingness to challenge traditional party boundaries in pursuit of electoral success.

Adebayo’s campaign rhetoric focuses heavily on youth empowerment and credibility. He positions himself as a candidate who can provide hope and trustworthy leadership. His appeal to young voters reflects a broader trend in Nigerian politics, where youth demographics increasingly shape electoral outcomes.

The endorsement of Adewale Adebayo by the Turaki-led PDP faction marks a significant development in the Osun governorship race. It highlights the role of alliances in Nigeria’s political landscape and sets the stage for a competitive election. As August 15 approaches, the impact of this cross-party support will be closely watched, particularly in how it influences voter turnout and reshapes traditional loyalties.