Entertainment Gists
Marta Becomes World Cup Finals Leading Scorer As Brazil Join Italy in Last 16
Six-time world player of the year Marta scored a record 17th World Cup finals goal to clinch Brazil’s place in the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Italy, who topped Group C on goal difference.
The 33-year-old Brazil legend’s nerveless, second-half penalty saw her become the all-time leading scorer at men’s or women’s World Cups, surpassing retired Germany striker Miroslav Klose.
Italy, who had already qualified, went close twice through Juventus’ Barbara Bonansea in the first half, but faded after the break in Valenciennes.
But an experienced Brazil side, who clipped the bar through Andressinha’s fine second-half free-kick, narrowly missed out on second spot as Australia beat Jamaica 4-1 to pip Vadao’s side on goals scored.
The South Americans now look set to face hosts France in the next round in Le Havre on Sunday, unless a relatively unlikely combination of results later this week puts them on a path to meet Germany on Saturday instead.
As group winners, Italy will play against a third-placed team in the last 16, with Nigeria or China their most likely opponents.
Brazil find a way but face tough last-16 tie
Brazil, winners of the past three Copa Americas, have now reached the knockout stage at six consecutive Women’s World Cups.
They had looked set to ease into the last 16 after winning their opening match and then taking a 2-0 lead over Australia last time out, before succumbing to a dramatic 3-2 loss to the Matildas that left them with work to do against Italy.
A draw with the Azzurri would have been enough to guarantee qualification for Vadao’s side, but Marta’s late winner made their progression more comfortable, much to the relief of their passionate fans inside an engaged Stade du Hainaut.
This technical game’s decisive moment came when Italy defender Elena Linari knocked Debinha over in the box, with Marta showing no nerves as she sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot.
Substitute Beatrix had earlier flicked narrowly wide as Brazil had the better of the second half, but their capitulation against Australia has ultimately left them facing a much tougher last-16 tie than they would have hoped for.
Impressive Italy exceed group expectations despite loss
The Azzurri, who saw the excellent Cristiana Girelli’s first-half goal correctly ruled out for offside, will play in Montpellier next Tuesday, 25 June.
Their opponents are yet be confirmed, but they will fancy their chances of progressing further, with the Juventus trio of Bonansea, Girelli and Valentina Cernoia again combining well going forward.
Milena Bertolini’s improving side – playing in their first World Cup for 20 years – have caught the eye in this tournament as something of a surprise package.
Ranked 15th in the world – five places below 2007 runners-up Brazil – they started brightly, but came under pressure from the South Americans midway through an entertaining first half.
They looked set to be involved in a goalless World Cup draw for the first time, before Atletico Madrid’s Linari barged over Debinha and Mexican referee Lucila Venegas correctly awarded the spot kick.
But the Italians were still celebrating at full-time with their delighted fans, having secured top spot in a fiercely-contested group that looked wide open before the tournament began.
Brazil maintain qualification record – stats
- Italy have progressed to the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup for just the second time in the team’s history, 1991 the other occasion.
- Brazil have progressed to the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup the last six times they have participated in the competition (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019).
- Brazil have scored in each of their past 21 group stage matches at the Women’s World Cup, last failing to do so in 1991 against Sweden.
- Another record for Marta – the Brazilian is also the outright top scorer in group stage games at the Women’s World Cup with 11.
Nigerian artist N8TAN is set to unveil his highly anticipated ‘UPRISING EP’, a body of work that chronicles his journey from the streets to the heights of his musical ambition.
Built around themes of struggle, resilience, ambition, survival, and triumph, UPRISING captures the realities of an artist determined to turn adversity into momentum. The project reflects N8TAN’s experiences, the challenges that shaped him, and the relentless drive that continues to push him forward.
More than a collection of songs, UPRISING is presented as a story of transformation—from navigating the streets and confronting uncertainty to finding purpose, embracing growth, and rising toward the top.
With its blend of raw storytelling, infectious energy, and personal perspective, the EP offers listeners an intimate look into N8TAN’s world while reinforcing his determination to carve out his own place in the music industry.
‘UPRISING EP’ is a statement of elevation: a reminder that where you start does not have to determine where you finish.
As N8TAN continues to build his musical identity, UPRISING marks another significant chapter in his journey—and an invitation for listeners to rise with him.
Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits? 😂🎶
Nigerian comedian and content creator Josh2Funny has taken his comedy game into music, and Nigerians are definitely having something to say about it.
The comedian released his 15-track album, “On Behalf of Josh,” on July 10, 2026, but instead of fading away after release, the project has continued to generate conversations on X.
And the big question now is:
Should Josh2Funny continue with music or go back to skits? 😂
Fans have been divided. While some listeners openly criticized the album and told him to return to comedy, others found songs they genuinely enjoyed.
One X user joked:
“Josh2Funny stopped doing skits and started music, Everybody wan chop this music money 😂”
Another simply said:
“This Josh2Funny Album no enter make he just go back skit abeg 😂”
But then came “Lembe.” 🔥
The track caught fire on X and eventually became a trending topic in Nigeria. The #LembeChallenge also gained momentum as creators began jumping on the song.
Josh2Funny later announced ₦1 million for winners of the challenge, giving the song another major push.
And it didn’t stop there.
‘INTERNATIONAL’ FT. ICE PRINCE ALSO TRENDED
On another day, “International” featuring Ice Prince generated its own buzz on X.
One fan even called it their favourite song from the album, while praising the collaboration. The post itself pulled thousands of views, showing that people weren’t only talking about Lembe.
From album criticism to trending songs and challenges, “On Behalf of Josh” has kept Josh2Funny’s name in the conversation.
Whether you love the album or think he should return to skits, one thing is clear:
Josh2Funny has succeeded in getting Nigerians talking. 😂🔥
So, let’s settle this once and for all:
Should Josh2Funny continue with MUSIC 🎶 or return to SKITS 😂?
Music or Skits? Drop your answer! 👇
RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.
Inspired by both African culture and international music, RUAN-Badkid.96 embraces the confidence and ambition of global hip-hop while staying deeply connected to his roots. His lyrics explore love, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, social injustice, hope, and the everyday realities of life. He doesn’t create music to follow trends, he creates music to reflect truth, emotion, and human experience.
Behind his fearless image is an artist who believes in kindness, equality, justice, and genuine human connection. His appearance may be intimidating, but his message is rooted in compassion and authenticity. Every record carries a piece of his journey, proving that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same voice.
For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.
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