Diomande Joins Oliseh in World Cup Lore

Ivory Coast Young star Yan Diomande has made his mark on African soccer history during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, entering an elite group once led by Nigerian icon Sunday Oliseh, as he became just the second African male player to feature in four World Cup games before reaching adulthood.

A 19-year-old winger for RB Leipzig reached this achievement even as Ivory Coast faced a disappointing end to the competition, after Erling Haaland scored an incredible last-minute goal to secure Norway a 2-1 win in the Round of 32—marking the conclusion of the Elephants' most successful World Cup run in the elimination phase.

Another African player to achieve this milestone was Oliseh, who featured in all four games for the Super Eagles during the 1994 World Cup held in the U.S. At just 19 years old, he emerged as one of the standout youthful midfielders of the competition, as Nigeria marked their significant entry onto the international football scene.

Oliseh was an essential part of that legendary Super Eagles team, playing as a defensive midfielder and almost never skipping a single minute during the four games.

He recorded more than five tackles and nine ball possessions each match, passed with an accuracy exceeding 80 percent, and was instrumental in setting Nigeria's pace during a tournament that concluded with a penalty shootout loss against Italy in the Round of 16.

His appearances during the competition, which took place prior to his 20th year, introduced him to the global stage and set the groundwork for an accomplished professional journey throughout Europe.

After more than three decades, Diomande has become part of this elite group — although his departure was just as difficult for the African champions.

Côte d'Ivoire, entering the elimination rounds with high confidence following a strong performance in the group phase, held their own against Norway for much of their Round of 32 clash, ending the game with 14 shots compared to Norway's nine and earning 14 set pieces. Diomande, who impressed during the group stage with his bold ball control and composure well beyond his age, showed moments of brilliance throughout the match—such as a promising pass that led to one of Côte d'Ivoire's best chances in the first half—but Norway's solid defense restricted his influence.

Norway took the lead when Antonio Nusa scored, but Manchester United forward Amad Diallo shifted the momentum shortly afterward. Coming on as a substitute, he maneuvered past multiple defenders and netted an extraordinary equalizer that quickly became a contender for the best goal of the competition. This goal also placed Diallo among an elite group, becoming just the third African player to score twice as a sub in a single World Cup, following Cameroon's Roger Milla and Senegal's Pape Gueye.

Nevertheless, the festivities didn't last long. Just moments after Ivory Coast equalized, Haaland once more proved why he is considered among the most lethal strikers globally, reaching the far post to score from Patrick Berg's low pass and secure a 2-1 triumph. This outcome secured Norway's first World Cup knockout stage win since 1998 and set up a Round of 16 clash with Brazil.

Although the loss ended Ivory Coast's journey, Diomande's reputation has greatly improved through this experience. The young player scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in 33 Bundesliga matches with RB Leipzig during the previous season, aiding their qualification for the UEFA Champions League, and has drawn interest from some of Europe's top teams.

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Sudan Calls on IAEA to Aid Reconstruction of War-Devastated Cancer Centers

June 10, 2026 (VIENNA) – On Tuesday, a Sudanese representative urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to assist Sudan in reviving cancer diagnosis and therapy facilities at state-run centers impacted by conflict, as well as aid in setting up three additional centers.

The healthcare infrastructure of Sudan, which had previously experienced insufficient funding and lack of supplies, has undergone extensive damage as a result of the fighting that began in April 2023. Medical facilities have been robbed, and healthcare workers have been forced to leave their positions.

Magdi Ahmed Mofadal, Sudan's ambassador to the United Nations and head of the country's delegation at international bodies in Vienna, expressed these comments during his attendance at the IAEA Board of Governors session taking place between June 8 and 12, 2026.

The Department of State mentioned in a press release that Mofadal called on the organization and participating countries to back Sudan's initiatives aimed at reviving cancer diagnosis and therapy facilities in areas impacted by conflict, such as the National Cancer Institute located in Wad Madani, Khartoum's Radiological and Isotope Center, and Shendi University.

The declaration mentioned that the envoy sought support from the IAEA and participating nations to assist in setting up three additional facilities in remote regions.

Mofadal shared updates regarding the initiative to revive radiotherapy facilities at the National Cancer Institute in Wad Madani, stating that the initial stage has now been finished. Continuous efforts are being made to acquire diagnostic and radiotherapy machinery, such as a linear accelerator for the facility.

The institution, which had its equipment stolen after the Rapid Support Forces took control of Gezira state, is among the most essential centers for cancer care in Sudan. It once treated hundreds of patients each day from neighboring regions such as Khartoum and was recognized for offering high-quality free medical services.

Mofadal also called on IAEA member countries, along with regional and global financial organizations, to back the "Atoms for Food" program, initiated by the organization in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization.

He mentioned that Sudan anticipates welcoming a technical team from the IAEA to evaluate the condition of the Atomic Energy Commission and associated national organizations, identify their immediate requirements, and create a strategy for restoration and skill development in areas such as farming, animal husbandry, fishing, water management, and food security.

The Foods from Atoms program seeks to offer nations customized, innovative approaches through the use of nuclear technology to increase agricultural output, strengthen environmental conservation, minimize food loss, elevate dietary quality, and address the impacts of climate change.

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