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Released Niger State Commissioner Says Abduction, Politically Motivated

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mohammed Sani Idris

By Akinwale Kasali

Released Niger State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Idris, says  his abduction was politically motivated.

Idris, after his release on Thursday said  the bandits who abducted him were hired by political foes, but God saved him miraculously.

Speaking after his release from the kidnappers den, Idris claimed that he was kidnapped by bandits from Zamfara who were hired by his foes to kill him.

He revealed that the said kidnappers were told to kill him if he refused to pay a ransom of N200 million, but he failed to disclose  the amount  paid for his release.

“The people that kidnapped me, please don’t curse them because before I left them I told them I have forgiven them, and they promised me that they would quit banditry because of me”.

He added that kidnappers don’t know the village where he was taken to properly, but they were hired from Zamfara State to kidnap me.

“They said monthly, the Niger State Governor gives me N200 million and if I give them less than N200 million I should be killed. I have forgiven the kidnappers and those people that hired them”, he said.

Idris, who was abducted by gunmen in the early hours of Monday from his country home in Babban-Tunga community along Abuja/Kaduna highway in the state, got back to the community around 9:30pm Thursday.

Niger State has come under heavy and persistent activities of bandits who raid communities and abduct people.

2023: Dokpesi Endorses Northern Presidential Candidate

By
Bayo Bernard
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Raymond Dokpesi

By James Orji

A chieftain of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP and media guru, Chief Raymond Dokpesi says his party will only stand a chance to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC if a northerner is chosen as the party’s presidential flagbearer in 2023.

The television tycoon and owner of Daar Communications Plc accounts were recently unfrozen after a Supreme Court  judgment against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to that effect.

He has been in and out of court since President Muhammadu Buhari took power in 2015. The administration accused him of corruption.

The two dominant political parties in the country have yet to zone the presidency to any part of the country. But Dokpesi’s comment however, comes on the heel of suggestions that the presidency should be zoned to the South East. Nobody from the region has ruled the country since independence in a civilian capacity.

In spite of this, Dokpesi insist that the PDP can only win the presidential election if a northern candidate is fielded. .

According to him, “We are all Nige­rians and there is no need for us to keep deceiving ourselves at this point in time. At the age of 70 and with my experience in or­ganising campaigns in this country, I can tell you that unless there is a candidate from the North, in my own considered opinion, the PDP will not stand a chance of winning the election.”

“On the ambition of those from the South who are today asking for the presidency to be zoned to the South, I can say that they are only echoing what prevails in the APC. In APC, President Muhammadu Buhari has done eight years, so it is imperative on APC to cede the presidency to the South.

“In the case of PDP, let us look at it honestly. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo from the South-West did eight years; Goodluck Jonathan from the South-South also did six years. That made a total of 14 years.

“On the other hand, Uma­ru Yar’Adua from the North did three years, so there is an imbalance of 11 years. If in 2019, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had not been rigged out of that election, he would have come back in 2023 to say that he wants to do a second term. And would anybody have stood on his way? No!

“So, for the PDP, the presi­dential candidate must come from the North in 2023. People should exercise patience be­cause it will still come back to the South”.

Meanwhile, Dok­pesi said while he believes that it is fair that the South- East should produce the presi­dent as it is the only Southern zone not to have done so since 1999, the South-East cannot win if it gets the presidential ticket at this time.

Fresh Suit: Why Mai Mala Buni Is Illegal – PDP; Wants Him Out As Governor

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The last has not been heard about the split judgement of the Supreme Court, which affirmed the election of Ondo state Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

In a marginal verdict four Justices of the Apex Court affirmed the victory of the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) though they agreed that Governor Mai Mala Buni, ought to have been joined in the suit.

The minority judgement of the three Justices ruled that the suit had merit as the continued stay of Governor Buni, a sitting Governor also doing the job of caretaker chairman of the ruling party, was against the constitution.

Governor Akeredolu, in one of his reactions to the judgement agreed that it could have gone either way.

The judgement has put on hold the conduct of the Congresses of the APC at local and state levels, while the one which was held at the ward level is characterized by protests from aggrieved members, that faulted the process.

And if the Judiciary agrees with a new suit just filed, the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC, will lose Yobe State and the Governor   and Deputy, thrown out of office.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in its quest to reap from the verdict of the Supreme Court, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to effect the removal of Governor Mai Mala Buni as the governor of Yobe State.

Mr Emeka Etiaba, who is a Counsel to the PDP, submitted a four-page originating summons filed at the court on Thursday.

The party prayed the court to make the governor appear before it and defend whether or not he ceased to be governor by accepting to be the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Part of the summon stated that Governor Buni has breached the provision of Section 183 of the Constitution when as a governor, he also serves as the ruling party’s caretaker chairman.

Also joined as plaintiffs in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/885/2021 were the Yobe State PDP Governorship Candidate in 2019, Umar Iliya Damagum, and his running mate, Baba Abba Aji.

Listed as defendants were Governor Buni, his deputy, Idi Barde Gubana, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Before approaching the apex court, Jegede and his party had asked the Court of Appeal in Akure to sack Akeredolu on the ground that his nomination form was signed by Buni, a sitting Governor, performing the duties of national chairman of APC.

They argued that constitutional provision forbade sitting governors from occupying executive offices outside their statutory position.

The appellate court had, however, struck out the appeal for lack of merit. This made the appellants seek redress at the Supreme Court.

But the other three justices disagreed with the majority judgement, saying the appeal filed by the appellants had merit and ought not to be struck out by the appellate court.

Since the judgement, the verdict of the Supreme Court has become a subject of debate on whether a sitting governor can take up a role such as the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC.

The suit filed by the PDP on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja is the latest among many other reactions triggered by the decision of the apex court.

Even within the APC, there are divergent views. While some agreed with the Supreme Court minority judgement and called for the dissolution of the caretaker committee, others including the attorney general of the federation, Shehu Malami, insist that the party is on course.

Immediate national chairman of APC an former Governor of Edo state, Mr Adams Oshiomole has rejected calls for his reinstatement to enable him complete processes for the Congresses of the party.

You Are Invaluable, Uzodimma Tells Youths

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

That is the very strong message to Imo Youths by Governor Hope Uzodinma. He  said  it was not possible for the society to quantify the value of the youths as future leaders and change agents.

Uzodinma, therefore, said his government will stop at nothing to ensure that the well-being of the youths is taken into consideration at all times.

In a message, Thursday, to mark the 2021 International Youth Day, Governor Uzodimma acknowledged the communal spirit of the youths, particularly the Imo youths, who he noted, have continued to work for the overall benefit of the populace.

The governor reiterated the value his administration places on youths generally and youths in Imo in particular for which numerous youth empowerment schemes have been rolled out.

“I affirm the value we place on our youths, the future of our dear State and we would stop at nothing in ensuring your well-being is taken into consideration at all times,” Governor Uzodimma explained.

The governor reminded the youths that the theme of this year’s celebration which takes into account the gains in Agriculture and other Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) cannot be over-emphasized as government was poised to invest in those areas as a way of creating jobs for our teaming unemployed youths and making them self-reliant.

In congratulating the youths for being part of this year’s event, Governor Uzodimma urged them to shun all vices that cast a slur on them as leaders of tomorrow.

He listed the vices capable of destroying the future of the youths to include armed robbery, kidnapping, raping, corruption, banditry, terrorism, ritual killing, among others, and advised that they flee from them all.

Governor Uzodimma who noted that Imo youths have shown commendable demeanour by resisting attempts to be drafted into acts capable of portraying our State in bad light, advised them to always say no to wishes of those who do not mean well for Imo.

The governor reiterated his administration’s willingness to partner with the youths in all positive areas in the interest of the society, promising not to take them or  their welfare for granted.

Secondus Seeks Stiffer Penalty On Indonesia; But Country Says Diplomat Was The Aggressor

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Uche Secondus

By Adesina Soyooye

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has joined the outrage which greeted the humiliation of a Nigerian Diplomat by Indonesian Immigration Officials.

An utterly humiliating and disgraceful viral video of the  diplomat showed the Immigration Officers pinning him down on the back of a car and, he, screaming inelegantly and  echoing late America’s George Floyd’s “I can’t breathe” repeatedly.

An embarrassed Nigerian Government, through the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Geoffrey Onyema, recalled the Nigerian Ambassador to Indonesia and the humiliated Diplomat  to Nigeria for consultation. The duo arrived Wednesday. Onyema, also, summoned the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria where he protested the treatment meted out the Nigerian.

He promised other actions could follow.

But Indonesia is on the defensive. Its Ambassador after an expected apology and a promise of a thorough  investigation, revealed that the Nigerian diplomat was the Aggressor and deliberately looked for trouble.

He explained that the Immigration Officers were on a mission to round-up illegal immigrants. When they ran into the diplomat, he refused to either show them his passport or any other papers on request. Instead, he opted to follow them to their office in their car. But in the car, he felt he was being taken to somewhere else, so,  he began to scream, and, allegedly, picked an object and started hitting on the window of the vehicle to attract passers-by. In the process, he was, alleged, to have  wounded an officer on the lips, prompting others to restrain him.

Reports say he thought the officials were kidnappers.

But Secondus, outraged by the uncivilised treatment, by the Indonesian officials, just like most Nigerians, including serving and retired Ambassadors, has called on the Federal Government “to apply the stiffest penalty on Indonesia over the humiliating treatment of a Nigerian diplomat by the Indonesian security officials.”

In a statement signed on his behalf by his Media Adviser, Ike Abonyi, Secondus

expressed “deep discontent on the matter”, and “charged Nigeria Government to apply no constraints in responding to the unprovoked and unwarranted manhandling of the Nigerian diplomat.”

According to the statement  released on Thursday, “the PDP National Chairman said no Nigerian should receive such dehumanizing treatment more so to a diplomat who enjoys some privileges while on duty to any country.

“He said every reasonable step should be taken including recalling Nigeria Ambassador to Indonesia and/or the expulsion of their ambassador here if adequate remorse and commensurate punishment is not meted out to those Indonesian officials.

“Prince Secondus expressed sadness that under the reign of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Nigeria has been debased and her nationals flagrantly insulted and humiliated abroad.

“This needless insults on Nigerians must stop, I know that APC misrule has helped to aggravate this unfortunate development, but we must protect our humanity in the comity of nations.

“He said that this ugly development is a fallout of the internal handling of rule of law in Nigeria by the ruling government who has blatantly done things that are not within the purview of decency and law.

“The PDP leader said that the dignity of Nigerians abroad must be reestablished using the Indonesia case as example to other nation harboring any phobia against Nigerians, pointing out that the World is watching to see how Nigeria handles the Indconesia assault on her.”

Crime: Billionaire Bank Hacker Falls Into SFU’s Net

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Salau Abdulmalik Femi - Fraudster

By Adesina Soyooye

The Special Fraud Unit, SFU, Ikoyi, Lagos,  of the Nigeria Police Force has made a big catch in its net. The catch is likely to save Banks and their customers a lot of heartbreak and loss to the tune of almost two billion Naira.

Its Operatives  have arrested  Salau Abdulmalik Femi. According to a statement signed by DSP Eyitayo Johnson, SFU’s. Spokesperson, Salau is the “Kingpin of a syndicate that specializes in hacking into the Server of Banks and corporate agencies.”

For emphasis, he said Salau “who displayed exemplary mastery of the cyber environment was arrested after he hacked the Flex-Cube Universal Banking System (FCUBS) of a First-Generation Bank.”

Here’s what he did, according to SFU’s statement:

“Using application software, he created fictitious credits totaling One Billion, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira (N1,868,900,000.00) on the accounts of three (3) of the Bank’s customers and successfully consummated debits (outflows) amounting to Four Hundred and Seventeen Million, Five Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand Naira (N417,542,000.00) through Internet Banking transfers to other Banks.”

HOW He Was Caught

According to the SFU,

“The Unit, while acting swiftly on petition from the Bank; contacted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) whose customers were beneficiaries of the fraudulent funds and was able to salvage a substantial amount.

“Items recovered from the suspect includes; Apple Laptop and iPhone; while he and operators of BDCs used to launder the monies will be charged to Court as soon as investigation is concluded.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Unit, CP. Anderson A. Bankole has scheduled a meeting with Chief Compliance Officers/and Head of Technology/Information Security Department of Banks with a view to brainstorm on the loophole exploited by this suspect and how to counter similar hacks; for the benefit of both the Police and the Banking Sector of our economy.”

Hacking people’s accounts has remained a big problem  in, and for the Banking Industry.

Ekiti Police Command Nabs Suspected Kidnapper, Fake Police Officer

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria Police Force

By Ayodele Oni

A man that specialized in giving information to kidnappers in Ekiti has been arrested by the State Police Command.

He and a fake policeman were among suspects paraded in Ado Ekiti on Thursday by the Command.

The Public Relations Officer, Mr Sunday Abutu, who spoke on behalf of the Police Commissioner, Mr Tunde Mobayo, disclosed that the kidnappers’ informant, Ajibola Femi, is among the syndicate that shot dead a man and abducted his wife and daughter along Ayetoro- Ewu road last Friday.

The Commissioner of Police gave details of other activities of the command on Thursday as “On the 27th of July, 2021 at about 0210hrs, a suspected burglar went to Abayomi Mall at Similoluwa, Ado-Ekiti, burgled some of the shops and carted away some valuables such as canvasses, wines, PS Games, Shoes and Cameras belonging to about six different shop owners.

“Upon the receipt of the information, the Command’s Rapid Response Squad(RRS) swung into action and during investigation, arrested one Akinola Olufemi of Apata Natha Area of Ado-Ekiti on 29th July, 2021 at about 1930hrs. The suspect, during interrogation, confessed to the commission of the crime.

“On the 4th of August, 2021 at about 1400hrs, a distress call was received that a notorious armed robber, one Adeosun Segun, who specializes in snatching motorcycles from their owners was arrested by some residents at Ajebamidele Street, Ado-Ekiti and was about to be lynched.

“The RRS swung into action and rescued the suspect from Irate mob. During investigation, it was revealed that Abdullahi Ashimu, an okada rider, was stopped by the suspect, Adeosun Segun, of oke-ila street and asked him to convey him to Ajebamidele Street on the same date.

“On getting to his destination, Adeosun Segun attacked him with a dagger and forcefully collected the sum of ten thousand naira (₦10,000) from him and also attempted to snatch his motorcycle from him but was unfortunately apprehend by some residents after Abdullahi Ashimu raised alarm.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the alleged crime. Items recovered are : one dagger, one red Bajaj motorcycle and ten thousand naira cash.

“On the 6th of August, 2021 at about 1000hrs, one Femi Ogunwusi of Efon Alaye was arrested during stop and search by Efon Alaye Divisional Police Headquarters Operatives.

 

“He was in possession of two stolen lorry batteries upon his arrest. During interrogation, Femi Ogunwusi claimed to be a Police Officer, but it was later revealed that he was a fake Policeman.

“Investigation revealed that Femi Ogunwusi has been indulging in different criminal activities such as snatching of motorcycles and robbing of innocent people of their valuables.

“Further investigation revealed that sometimes July 2020, Femi Ogunwusi murder his eight months son and lied that the deceased fell down from bed as the reason for his death.

“His house was searched and the following exhibits were recovered: one pistol magazine loaded with thirteen 9MM ammunition, fifty rounds of 9MM live ammunition, two Mobile Police uniforms, heavy duty batteries, two Military Caps, one pistol grip, one Military belt, one handcuff, one dagger, two Police shoes, Mobile Police cardigan, two Mobile Police vest, one Mobile Police badge.

Others are “old Nigeria currency, four voters cards, some hospital equipment, three packs of drugs, some pairs of shoes and some quantities of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp. The suspect has been transferred to RRS for further findings.

“On the 10th of August, 2021 at about 0430hrs , a distress call was received by the Rapid Response Unit(RRS) that a group of hoodlums came to burgle an apartment located at Ajibamidele Street, Ado-Ekiti. Upon the receipt of the information, the Operatives of the RRS swung into action and mobilezed to the scene .

“During the encounter with the hoodlums, the following suspect were arrested; Ogundairo Shola ‘m’ 36yrs, Abodunde Oluwashina ‘m’ 26yrs , Kayode Folowoshele ‘m’ 31yrs and Oyekale Bolaji ‘m’ 38yrs.

“Exhibits recovered from them are: one sienna bus with Reg .No. AGR 996 CV containing large numbers of Gerrad zinc valued five hundred thousand naira (₦500,000). During Interrogation, the four suspects confessed to the commission of the crime.

“On the 6th of August, 2021 at about 1800hrs, a distress call was received by the Ido-Osi Divisional Police Headquarters that on the same date at about 1350hrs one Orisan Oluwasesan, was attacked and shot dead while his wife Orisan Tope and the daughter Orisan Feyisara were kidnapped along Ewu road in Ilejemeje Local Government Area.

“Upon a tip off , one of the kidnappers Akinola Femi, was arrested at Jolack Hotel, Ayetoro-Ekiti. He was allegedly sighted at the scene of incidence where orisan Oluwasesan, now the late, and his family were attacked and kidnapped.

“Investigation revealed that Akinola Femi has been monitoring the deceased and his family where they lodged at Jolack Hotel, Ayetoro -Ekiti prior to the incident.

“Investigation revealed that Akinola Femi specializes in providing information to Kidnappers terrorising Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the State and also participate actively sometimes.

“Without mincing words, all the suspects arrested shall be charged to Court in due course.”

Fresh Outbreak Of COVID-19: FG Not Considering Total Lockdown

By
Ayodele Oni
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Osagie Ehanire DR

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government, on Thursday, doused tension among Nigerians as it announced that  it was not considering a lockdown despite rising cases of COVID-19 infections across the country.

Speaking at the weekly ministerial briefing in Abuja, Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, confirmed that there were fresh recorded cases, but not threatening enough for a lockdown to be considered.

On Wednesday, Nigeria had recorded 790 cases of new COVID-19 infections, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

The figure was the highest in about six months.

In Ekiti state, the state government has imposed restrictions following escalating rise in covid-19 cases in the state within two months.

Governor Kayode Fayemi, in a statement early in the week said “In the month of July, we recorded ninety-five (95) cases, and we have now recorded 71 cases in the first week of August. 71 cases in just 6 days.

“We are obviously experiencing the third wave with more cases than we experienced in the second wave in March 2021.”

According to the minister, countries have become circumspect with imposing total lockdown as it was seen at the onset of the outbreak.

He added that administrators would rather employ precision lockdowns on specific areas of the country under threat.

He attributed the current increase to recent surge in infections attributed to the Delta variant, which is believed to be more contagious and deadlier.

Nigeria is expected to step up its Covid vaccination program after receiving over four million doses of the Moderna vaccine from the US government last week.

Only about one percent of the population has been vaccinated, so far.

The second phase of the national vaccination programme is expected to kick-off next Monday.

The Minister also said that Nigeria is not only relying on donated vaccines from other entities as it has benefitted from vaccines donated by COVAX and the US.

“Nigeria has procured nearly 40 million doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine through the African Union.”

He also assured those who have taken the first shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine of the availability of second doses by the end of August when 3.9 million doses of the vaccine type is expected to arrive the country.

Speaking on the ongoing strike by resident doctors across the country, he disclosed yhaty the Federal government would implement a ‘no work, no pay’ rule.

“Doctors, under the aegis of the National Association of Resident Doctors, should obliterate the option of strike as a tool to resolve their issues.

“Doctors should consider other options in the interest of the country, particularly at a time the country is in a war situation.”

The Pandemic resurfaced at a time Nigerian Resident Doctors are on strike. Meanwhile, the President, Muhammadu Buhari is away  to the United Kingdom for Medical attention.

Hadiza, President Shagari’s Wife, Dies Of COVID-19

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Hadiza Shehu Shagari

By Adesina Soyooye

A former First Lady of Nigeria, Hadiza Shehu Shagari, has passed on.

She died at the COVID-19 Isolation Centre located at the Gwagwalada.

Even though nobody heard her name when her husband,  Alhaji Shehu Shagari, was in office as Nigeria’s President,  many said  that could be attributed to culture, religion and minimal exposure.

Shagari, Nigeria’s democratically elected President, was swept out of office by current President, Muhammadu Buhari, then a Major General, in a coup d’etat.

He died a couple of years ago of old age related illnesses, after living a respectable quiet life devoted to Community service in his Sokoto State.

Announcing the death of Hajiya Hadiza, a Shagari grandson,  Bello Bala Shagari, in a statement, said she passed on at about 3.00am, Thursday, August 12, 2021.

Her body would be laid to rest at 4.00pm, same Thursday.

She was aged 80 years.

Super Eagles Drop In FIFA Ranking, Now Fifth In Africa

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

This is no good news for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the nation’s football administrators, Nigeria Football Federation and Soccer enthusiasts.

The Coach Gernot Rohr team has dropped to a fifth place in the continent. It dropped seven places in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Ranking for the month of July.

The Nigerian senior team is now ranked 34th globally with 1480 points.

In the last three international games of the Super Eagles, it  failed to win any, losing 1-0 and playing a goalless draw against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a double header international friendly in Vienna, Austria.

In the ranking released today, Thursday, 12 August, 2021, and published on FIFA’s official website, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco emerged top four in Africa respectively, with the three time African Champions, Super Eagles, occupying the fifth position.

In the world ranking, Belgium managed to retain its top spot despite being eliminated in the quarter-finals of the European.

Their last-eight opponents and eventual winners of the tournament, Italy, (5, +2), moved up into the top 5, just behind EURO runners-up England (4, no change). Just above that pair, Brazil (2, +1) andArgentina (6, +2) reaped the benefits of a triumphant Copa America campaign, while the two Gold Cup finalists broke into the top 10.

Victorious in that tournament and winners of the Concacaf Nations League as well, the United States of America (10, +10) climbed no fewer than ten places, eight more than Mexico (9, +2), which, despite losing in the final of both competitions, now sits one spot above their continental rivals.

In addition, it is worth noting the impressive progress made by Gold Cup invitees Qatar (42, +16), who reached the semi-finals in the USA, thereby recording the largest climb of the month and equalling their highest-ever position in the ranking, which dates back to the first edition in 1993.

A handful of other teams that did not take part in regional tournaments, such as Sierra Leone (106, +8), Eswatini (146, +8), Puerto Rico (171, +7), and Mongolia (185, +7), still managed to gain ground courtesy of positive friendly results.

“The next FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking will be published on 16 September 2021,” FIFA said on its website.

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