England overcame a spirited DR Congo side in a gripping World Cup encounter that kept fans on edge until the final whistle. The match, played under an intense atmosphere, highlighted England’s tactical strength and DR Congo’s determination despite the eventual defeat.

England began with confidence, controlling possession and pressing high. Their midfield trio dictated the tempo, with Jude Bellingham orchestrating play and Bukayo Saka stretching the Congolese defence on the wings.

Harry Kane opened the scoring midway through the first half, finishing calmly after a precise pass from Phil Foden. The goal settled England, but DR Congo refused to fold.

Moments later, DR Congo equalised through Yoane Wissa, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot past Jordan Pickford. The equaliser stunned England and energised the Congolese supporters.

The half ended 1-1, reflecting the balance of play and the determination of both sides.

England returned stronger after the break. Their pressing forced DR Congo into errors, and Declan Rice’s dominance in midfield gave them control.

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Marcus Rashford restored England’s lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. The goal shifted momentum firmly in England’s favour.

DR Congo, however, continued to fight. Cedric Bakambu tested Pickford with a close-range effort, but the England goalkeeper produced a crucial save.

England sealed the contest late in the half when Kane converted a penalty after Saka was fouled in the box. The third goal ended DR Congo’s hopes of a comeback.

England’s tactical discipline proved decisive. Gareth Southgate’s side combined structured pressing with quick transitions, while DR Congo relied on counter-attacks and physical duels.

Despite the defeat, DR Congo impressed with their resilience and attacking intent. Their ability to challenge England highlighted their progress on the global stage.

Supporters from both nations created a vibrant atmosphere. England fans celebrated the victory, while DR Congo’s faithful applauded their team’s fighting spirit.

The win strengthens England’s position in the group, boosting their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. For DR Congo, the defeat complicates their campaign but leaves room for recovery in upcoming fixtures.

England’s 2-1 victory over DR Congo was a contest of skill, resilience, and tactical execution. While England celebrated their progress, DR Congo earned respect for their spirited performance.

The match underlined the drama of the World Cup, where every game carries weight, and every team fights for pride and progress.

Naomi Osaka’s return to Wimbledon has been marked not only by her strong performances on court but also by her striking fashion choices, which she says help her manage nerves and embrace her cultural identity.

The four-time Grand Slam champion defeated Russian qualifier Anastasia Gasanova 6-3, 6-2 in her second-round match, but much of the attention before play began was on her entrance.

Osaka arrived in a flowing train, a traditional sash, and a bomber jacket embroidered with flowers. The outfit was less dramatic than her opening-round kimono-inspired ensemble, yet it still drew photographers and fans during her walk to No. 2 Court.

She explained that fashion has become part of her mental preparation. “I do feel a little bit of nerves stepping on to the court. I want to make myself so used to that feeling that it doesn’t bother me anymore. And fashion helps,” she said.

Her outfits are not random. Osaka has used Wimbledon’s traditions to highlight her Japanese and Haitian heritage. The embroidered kimono she wore earlier in the tournament paid tribute to Japanese culture, while her latest look mixed traditional elements with modern sportswear.

She noted that her inspiration often comes from Harajuku, Tokyo’s vibrant fashion district. “You go to Harajuku and you see everyone expressing themselves through clothes. It was just so cool and colourful. That stuck out to me a lot. I use that in my fashion experimentation,” she explained.

Osaka has often described herself as shy, admitting she sometimes mutes text conversations to avoid the pressure of replying. Yet her entrances place her at the centre of attention. This contrast between her reserved personality and bold fashion choices has become a subplot of her comeback since giving birth to her daughter in 2023.

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Critics have questioned whether her outfits distract from tennis, but Osaka insists there is no grand plan. “I don’t really ever have a plan when it comes to clothes. I think it’s OK to try something and fail, but I’d rather just try it and see how it goes,” she said.

Despite the attention on her fashion, Osaka’s tennis remains sharp. Against Gasanova, she struck cleanly from the baseline and dictated rallies with authority. The straight-sets victory secured her place in the third round, continuing her encouraging return to form.

She will next face Daria Kasatkina of Australia, a match that promises to test her growing confidence on grass.

Osaka also revealed a personal motivation for staying longer in the tournament. “Tomorrow is my daughter’s birthday and I just wanted to be here for longer. I didn’t want to make her get on a plane on her birthday,” she said.

Her comments underline how motherhood has reshaped her priorities, blending family life with professional ambition.

Osaka’s willingness to experiment with fashion has encouraged other players to embrace individuality. She praised Taylor Fritz’s Hugo Boss suit, which echoed Roger Federer’s 2007 Wimbledon look, as “pretty cool”.

By combining cultural pride, personal coping strategies, and competitive focus, Osaka has turned her entrances into more than just spectacle. They are part of her journey to balance identity, nerves, and performance on one of tennis’s biggest stages.

Naomi Osaka’s Wimbledon campaign is proving to be about more than tennis. Her fashion choices, rooted in heritage and self-expression, have become tools to manage pressure while inspiring conversations about individuality in sport. As she advances, both her play and her entrances will continue to capture global attention.

The Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha has granted Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), permission to serve court documents on actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo through substituted means.

Justice D.A. Onyefulu issued the order on June 30, 2026, after bailiffs failed to personally serve Okonkwo despite repeated attempts. The ruling allows Obi’s legal team to proceed with the case without further delay.

Counsel to Obi, Chisom Ibemesi, filed an ex parte application supported by an affidavit detailing unsuccessful efforts to reach Okonkwo directly. The court noted that personal service had proven impracticable, necessitating substituted service.

Justice Onyefulu ordered that the writ of summons and accompanying documents be pasted at Okonkwo’s last known residence in Nsukka, Enugu State, or handed to any adult present at the address.

The court further directed that photographic evidence of the service be taken and filed as proof of compliance. The order must be executed within seven days.

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The application was brought under Sections 6 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the Anambra State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019. These provisions empower courts to adopt substituted service when defendants evade personal service.

Obi’s media aide, Valentine Obienyem, confirmed the development in a Facebook post, noting that the order clears the way for the substantive hearing of the case.

The suit, filed under Suit No. O/229/2026 and Motion No. O/1322M/2026, remains pending, with the substantive issues yet to be addressed by the court.

Substituted service is a recognized procedure in Nigerian law, designed to prevent defendants from frustrating proceedings by avoiding service. Legal analysts say the ruling ensures that Obi’s case against Okonkwo can move forward without procedural obstruction.

By requiring photographic proof, the court reinforced transparency and compliance, ensuring that the defendant is properly notified.

Kenneth Okonkwo, a Nollywood actor who transitioned into politics, has become a prominent figure in recent political debates. Obi, meanwhile, continues to pursue legal actions as part of his broader political strategy.

The case underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding due process and preventing delays in litigation. It also highlights the challenges of serving high-profile defendants who may be difficult to reach.

With the substituted service order in place, Obi’s legal team is expected to comply within the stipulated timeframe. Once proof of service is filed, the court will proceed to hear the substantive issues.

The ruling demonstrates the court’s determination to ensure that justice is not hindered by technicalities. It also signals that the judiciary remains committed to fairness and efficiency in handling politically sensitive cases.