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2027: Tinubu Has Done Well, Deserves Second term

By
James Orji
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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done well as Nigeria’s leader, his performance in office will speak for him in the 2027 presidential election, according to one of his aide, Tunde Rahman.

The presidential spokesman made the assertion on Monday during an event by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, RHA to showcase some of the federal and state projects in Kogi state.

Rahman represented the president at the event.

According to him,  Tinubu has performed in the last three and half years that he became president, citing the removal of fuel subsidy, for instance, which he said has freed up resources for federal and state governments in the country.

The state are now able to embark on critical projects unlike before when they were hindered by scarce resources, saying this is to the credit of President Tinubu, who he said will be reelected next year as Nigeria’s Leader and Commander-in-chief.

“The reforms have free resources to the sub-nationals and that’s why you have projects here. I think president has done so well to deserve second term and I think his achievement will speak for him to be able to get re-elected in 2027,”Rahman said.

In spite of the score card presented by the administration, not a few Nigerians insist that Tinubu will struggle to return to office in 2027, accusing his government of non-performance.

Some opposition leaders in the country have cited the alleged corruption in his government as one of the reasons why Nigerians will not vote for him next year in the presidential election.

For instance, his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila has been called to resign for his alleged role in a bribery and forgery scam involving a phantom agency, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC. Gbajabiamila has denied the allegation.

Similarly, a former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress ADC) Atiku Abubakar, last week, called on President Tinubu to quit the 2027 presidential race over the leadership crisis at the Border Communities Development Agency, BCDA, saying the development has exposed a catalogue of administrative confusion in the Tinubu’s administration.

Abubakar said the crisis has brought embarrasment to the country, as such President Tinubu should not contemplate contesting next year to save the country from national disgrace.

““Having presided over an administration that has lurched from one avoidable controversy to another, from policy reversals to institutional confusion, from worsening economic hardship to repeated governance failures, President Tinubu should take an honest look at the state of the nation and draw the only honourable conclusion. Rather than diverting public attention to an early re-election campaign, he should devote whatever remains of his tenure to addressing the pressing challenges confronting the nation or, better still, acknowledge that he has fallen short of the expectations of Nigerians and gracefully withdraw from the 2027 presidential contest.

“Nigeria cannot afford another four years of drift, confusion and avoidable embarrassment. The Presidency is a sacred public trust, not a personal entitlement. Every kobo of public resources should be directed towards improving the lives of Nigerians—not towards premature political campaigns while millions of citizens battle hunger, insecurity, unemployment and despair,” Abubakar said.

Achebe’s Statue Stirs Controversy, As Anambra State Govt Denies It Originated Concept

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Prof Chinua Achebe

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Government have clarified that the recently unveiled statue of  literary icon, Prof Chinua Achebe was  conceived, funded, and executed by the leadership of the Ogidi Town Union, the home town of the late novelist.

The clarification is coming against the backdrop of mixed reactions that  trailed the monument which was erected at the  Ugwunwasike Roundabout in Ogidi, and commissioned on Saturday July 18, by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

While some observers have lauded the project ,many others seriously criticized the Anambra State Government over what they perceive as abysmal artistic interpretation, and general poor nature of the statue.

Many of the criticisms  centred on the perceived non-resemblance of the statue to the real Achebe who ruled the literary world for decades.

But reacting to the situation, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media Ejimofor Opara, while describing the criticisms as unnecessary and distractive, noted that Governor Soludo was only invited to unveil the sculpture.

This is as he  appealed to critics not to undermine the significance of the thoughtful initiative by Achebe’s community.

He emphasized that rather than devote time debating artistic interpretation, attention should be focused on the symbolic effects of the sculpture which he described as hugely monumental.

“There has been a spreading misconception that the statue of our literary icon, Prof Chinua Achebe, at Ugwunwasike Roundabout was built and commissioned by the Anambra State Government.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the stat3ue was  conceived, funded and executed by the Ogidi Town Union, Achebe’s community.

“Governor Chukwuma Soludo was graciously invited to unveil the monument in honour of Achebe’s towering legacy, and its significance to Ndi Anambra and the world.

“We must not trivialize this thoughtful gesture by the Ogidi people for social media traffic. The decision of Achebe’s own community to immortalise their illustrious son is profound, and deserves commendation, not needless debate about the sculptor’s interpretation.

“Anyone who visits the monument will see how deeply Achebe is venerated. Beyond the bust, the base of the statue carries carefully engraved excerpts of his literary.masterpieces, ensuring that even if one misses the face, no one will miss the ideas that made him immortal.

“This back and forth about whether a statue is picture-perfect is a huge distraction from the weight of this symbolic effect. Symbols are about what they represent”, Opara stated

Imo To Build New Quarters For Judges, Gets New Commissioner

By
The Source
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Chief Longers Anyanwu sworn in as commissioner

The Imo State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved projects worth about N26.9 billion, including the construction of Judges’ quarters, new computer-based test (CBT) centres and a smart digital signage initiative aimed at modernising infrastructure across the State.

 

Briefing Government House Correspondents after the Council meeting held on Monday, July 20, 2026 at the New EXCO Chambers, Government House Owerri, Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, explained that a Chief Longers Anyanwu was sworn in as Commissioner by Governor Hope Uzodimma and assigned the agriculture portfolio, succeeding Chief Cosmos Maduba.

 

Emelumba further disclosed that EXCO approved N25 billion for the construction of 40 duplexes as judges’ quarters, complete with recreational facilities. “The project is designed to provide a conducive living environment for judicial officers,” he said.

 

He also briefed that the Council approved N1.9 billion for the establishment of four CBT centres in Oru Zone to improve access to JAMB and other computer-based examinations, noting that N900 million would be released immediately to commence work at pilot centres in Bishop Shanahan Okoye Secondary School and Community Secondary School, Omuma.

 

The Council, he said further approved the establishment of Imo Signage Asset Management Limited to regulate and deploy smart digital billboards through a public-private partnership.

 

Elucidating on the CBT centres and the smart digital signage, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E- Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, said the initiative would be financed by private investors “at no cost to the Imo State Government,” adding that Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled infrastructure would support a modern, digitally managed signage ecosystem.

 

EXCO also directed immediate action to curb the erosion threatening the Otamiri River.

 

Responding after his swearing in as a Commissioner, Chief Longiers Anyanwu thanked the Governor for finding him worthy to join the league of the APC winning team in the State and pledged to key into the programme of the government and make contributions that will be impactful to Imo people.

Fake Agency DG Denies Involvement In  N1.3bn Budgetary Allocation To Agency

By
Ayodele Oni
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Adeniyi Adeyemi

By Ayodele Oni

 

Prince Adeyemi Matthew Adeniyi, the self acclaimed Director-General of the fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, (PFIPC) has claimed he was unaware of how N1.3 billion was allocated to the agency in this year’s budget.

 

Adeniyi stated that he was already out of the picture by the time the fake agency appeared in the federal government ‘s 2025 budget, contradicting assumptions about how the N1.3 billion allocation came about.

 

He made the disclosures in a recorded interview with social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, which was released shortly after his arrest.

 

According to Adeniyi, he travelled to the Budget Office in December 2024 to push for the agency’s inclusion in the 2025 Appropriation Bill, only to be told the submission window had already closed.

 

“I went to that Budget Office for the 2025 budget. I submitted the letter and everything that I wanted, but I was told it was already late.

 

“When the 2025 budget came out and I didn’t see it, they told me it would now be for the 2026 budget,” he said.

 

He described how a female official inside the office helped him gain access to the Director-General before he was directed further down the chain, Punch reported.

 

During that encounter, he alleged a senior official demanded a bribe, which he said he declined to pay.

 

“She helped me to see the oga. Oga now said, ‘Where is my shini?’ I said I don’t have any shini. He later asked me to meet one director,” Adeniyi recalled.

 

He added that the director acknowledged his proposal but could not fit it into the 2025 budget , with assurances that the 2026 cycle remained a possibility.

 

His legal troubles, however, brought everything to a halt before any outcome was reached.

 

“Immediately, there was a problem, everything stopped. Even the woman that wanted to help was calling because she couldn’t reach me.

 

” I told her to let everything stop,” he said, adding that he could not explain how the agency later showed up in the budget.

 

“I didn’t even know until they said it was inside the budget. I had already left the office.”

 

On the question of whether Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila was involved in the budgetary process, Adeniyi was categorical that he was not.

 

He said he never met Gbajabiamila in person at any point.

Regarding separate allegations that N400 million was paid to secure his appointment, Adeniyi said the funds were delivered in US dollars through his late associate, Dolapo Tanimola, who acted as the go-between throughout.

 

“I never met Gbajabiamila physically before and after he was appointed. Dolapo Tanimola handled everything for me,” he said.

 

He also denied paying any cash to Budget Office officials, insisting the only thing he offered was a verbal promise of future employment opportunities should the agency become operational.

 

His arrest, announced on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, comes after Adeyemi spent time in hiding following a police manhunt triggered by allegations of forgery, impersonation, and related offences.

Habilia’s Death: GFSJGG Group, 300 CSOs Shelve Planned Protest, Absolve Minister Umahi Of Complicity

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mary Habila and Dave Umahi

By Ayodele Oni

 

The leadership of Gender for Social Justice and Good Governance (GFSJGG), alongside 300 Civil Society Organisations and partner groups, has announced that it has received an update on the death of Mary Habilia, a former aide of the works minister, David Umahi.

 

Based on the update, it has announced the cancellation of a nationwide protest scheduled to take place on Thursday and Friday.

 

GFSJGG and its partners also maintained that there was no justification for continued calls for the Minister’s resignation in the absence of any official finding establishing wrongdoing.

 

It reaffirmed commitment to due process, the rule of law and the constitutional presumption of innocence as well as expressed confidence in the Minister of Works, Umahi.

 

Addressing journalists on behalf of the coalition in Abuja on Monday, Dr Jumoke Adebiyi, National Coordinator, Gender for Social Justice and Good Governance (GFSJGG) and its publicity secretary, Comrade Amina Danjuma, explained that its earlier decision to mobilise for a peaceful protest was based on the information available at the time and its longstanding commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of human rights.

 

However, following an independent fact-finding exercise, the coalition said it had reached a different conclusion and had consequently cancelled the demonstrations earlier scheduled for 23 and 24 July 2026.

 

According to the coalition, “GFSJGG and its partners have always been guided by facts rather than emotions, evidence rather than speculation, and justice rather than prejudice.”

 

The coalition disclosed that its decision followed the outcome of an independent investigation conducted by GFSJGG and its partners, which included an on-the-spot assessment in Uburu, Ebonyi State, consultations at the hospital, engagements with critical stakeholders and a review of additional information that emerged after its initial statement.

 

Based on its findings, the group stated that it found no basis to hold the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, responsible for the unfortunate incident.

 

It further stated that its investigation revealed that the deceased had underlying medical conditions which may have contributed to her untimely death.

 

The coalition also noted that Senator Umahi had consistently called for an autopsy, describing the Minister’s position as a demonstration of his willingness to subject the matter to transparent investigation.

 

While condemning what it described as premature public judgment, the coalition stressed that no Nigerian should be subjected to media conviction before the conclusion of lawful investigations.

 

“No Nigerian, regardless of status or public office, should be subjected to public condemnation before the conclusion of lawful investigations.

 

“We believe that the constitutional presumption of innocence must apply equally to every citizen,” the statement read.

 

The organisations urged Nigerians to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities professionally and without external pressure capable of prejudicing ongoing investigations.

 

They equally called on citizens to desist from trial by media and allow investigative authorities to conclude their work in accordance with the law.

 

The coalition further acknowledged Senator Umahi’s record in public service, particularly his stewardship of the Federal Ministry of Works.

 

According to the organisations, the Minister has overseen significant progress on several strategic federal road and bridge projects across the country, contributing to national development, economic growth and improved transportation infrastructure.

 

“While no public office holder is above the law, neither should years of public service be disregarded on the basis of allegations that remain under investigation,” the coalition stated.

 

The coalition therefore announced the immediate cancellation of its planned protest and directed all members, partner organisations, supporters and the general public to disregard the earlier mobilisation notice.

 

Reaffirming its core values, the organisations stated that they remain committed to promoting justice, transparency, accountability, good governance and the rule of law, noting that these principles equally demand fairness, objectivity and respect for due process.

 

The coalition also commended security agencies for their ongoing investigation and urged them to conclude the matter diligently, professionally and without fear or favour.

 

Extending condolences to the bereaved family, the organisations described the loss of Miss Mary Habila as deeply tragic and appealed to political actors and other interested parties not to exploit the incident for partisan purposes.

 

“We deeply commiserate with the family on the painful loss of their daughter in the prime of her life. Those seeking to exploit this emotional and sensitive matter for political purposes should desist and respect the family’s desire to allow their daughter to rest in peace,” the coalition stated.

 

The organisations concluded by appealing to Nigerians to remain calm, reject inflammatory narratives and allow the nation’s justice institutions to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without interference.

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigeria Pushes For AU Intervention

By
Ayodele Oni
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Xenophobia-in-South-Africa

By Ayodele Oni

 

Nigeria has asked the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to take the issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa from the regional bloc to the continental body, the African Union (AU).

 

Nigeria and Ghana, two leading members of ECOWAS, are among the countries worst hit by attacks on fellow Africans by mobs in South Africa, while the Cyril Ramaphosa government looks on.

 

Nigeria, like other countries whose citizens living in South Africa came under attack, had citizens killed, maimed or deprived of their means of livelihood through the looting of their shops, and subsequently evacuated many of them.

 

Citizens of Southern African countries neighbouring South Africa – Malawi, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Botswana, among others – were also not spared by the rampaging mobs.

 

President Bola  Tinubu told the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone, that xenophobia stands condemned.

 

“Nigeria condemns in strong terms the recent Afrophobic attack on its citizens and other fellow Africans in the Republic of South Africa.

 

“As already mentioned by His Excellency, the President of Ghana, ECOWAS should present this matter before the next meeting of the Authority of the African Union to send a clear message that this type of behaviour is unacceptable.

 

“South Africa should be reminded that the freedom the country currently enjoys is due to the liberation efforts of African countries such as Nigeria.

 

“The Nigerian Government has evacuated one thousand, four hundred and ninety of its citizens in seven batches and is prepared to engage on this matter.”

 

President Tinubu was represented at the summit by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

 

This position further expands the hint given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, that Nigeria would take retaliatory measures against South Africa.

 

She said the National Assembly would make recommendations in this regard.

 

The National Assembly has condemned the attacks on Africans and is already reviewing the development to come up with its position.

Alleged Terrorism Financing: Court Grants Miyetti Allah National Leader Bodejo, N2 billion Bail

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Bello-Abdullahi-Bodejo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday, July 20, 2026, granted the National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, Bello Bodejo, bail to the tune of N2 billion, with one surety in like sum.

 

Ruling on the bail application filed by the legal team of the Miyetti Allah National Leader, presiding Judge, Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo, also ordered  that the surety who must be a property owner in the FCT, must provide evidence of a three-year tax clearance.

 

Justice Ekwo directed that all travel documents of the defendant, including international passport be deposited with the Registrar of the Court, with a directive that all trips outside the country must be sanctioned by the Court.

 

The Judge despite strident opposition mounted by the prosecution held that the offences alleged to have been committed by the defendant are bailable ones.

 

The Court subsequently adjourned to October 5, 6 ,and 7, 2026 for the commencement of hearing of the matter.

 

The Source reports that Bodejo who is also standing trial alongside the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance Adamu Yakubu in a separate case, was on July 9, 2026, arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering and, terrorism financing to the tune of about  $2.63 million.

 

The suit in which Bodejo is the sole defendant, the anti-graft agency accused him of severally engaging in physical financial transactions exceeding the approved threshold.

 

According to the EFCC, the defendant between 2021 and 2024 received about N2.63 million in cash from the former Accountant -General of Bauchi State, Sa’idu Abubakar, without routing the transactions through financial institutions, thereby contravening relevant Sections of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition).

Prison Inmate Sells AK-47 Rifle To Robbery Suspects In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, has disclosed that three suspected members of an interstate armed robbery syndicate allegedly purchased an AK-47 rifle for N700,000 through a contact currently serving a prison sentence.

 

‎Ohagwu made the disclosure on Monday while briefing journalists in Akure on the security situation in the state, saying the revelation emerged during the interrogation of the suspects arrested in a recent intelligence-led operation by the command.

 

‎The police boss, however, revealed that the claim was still being investigated, noting that detectives were following fresh leads to identify those involved in the illegal arms supply chain as well as other members of the robbery syndicate.

 

‎He gave names of the suspects as Promise Daniel, 34; Ifanyi Yemahi, 29; and Adaramoye Abayomi, 37, adding that they were arrested in connection with an armed robbery case initially reported at Iju Division, Itaogbolu, in Akure North Local Government Area.

 

‎According to him, operatives intercepted the suspects while they were travelling in a Mercedes-Benz ML350 SUV following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance.

 

The commissioner said a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 18 rounds of live ammunition, an English Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of live ammunition, a UTC axe and an iron cutter.

 

‎Ohagwu said preliminary investigation linked the suspects to a notorious interstate armed robbery syndicate allegedly responsible for a series of violent robberies across Ondo and Lagos states.

 

‎He stated  that the suspects made useful confessional statements, which had provided investigators with fresh intelligence on the ownership of the recovered weapons and the activities of the gang.

 

‎”According to the suspects, the weapon was purchased through someone who is already in prison. We are still investigating that claim.

 

“These criminals are very clever. The information available for now is that the weapon was allegedly purchased for about N700,000.

 

“We are carrying out a diligent investigation. Even the receiver of their loot has been mentioned, and we are following those leads. We are also looking for other members of the syndicate.

 

“This is an armed robbery case, but we cannot disclose all our intelligence because of the safety of those who provide us with information.”

 

‎Ohagwu further revealed that the suspects were apprehended just as they were allegedly preparing to embark on another robbery operation, following actionable intelligence received by the command.‎

 

He assured residents that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the case, stressing that all suspects found culpable would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations in line with the law.

 

‎He appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely, credible and actionable information to the police, saying such cooperation remained crucial to preventing crime and bringing criminal elements to justice.

Bizarre: Police Officers On Illegal Duty Forces ICPC Chairman To Withdraw N53,000 As Bribe At A PoS

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Police on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The Federal Capital Territory FCT police authorities have vowed to deal decisively with four of its officers who extorted the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Dr Musa Aliyu at an unauthorized Abuja check point.

 

The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Sanusi, on Monday, at an interactive session with the media informed that the affected officers who have all been rounded up and detained had abandoned their legitimate duty posts, mounted an illegal check point around Banex area of Wuse District and  forced the Head of the country’s anti-graft Commission to part with N 53,000 before letting him of the hook .

 

According to CP Sanusi, the officers who were totally unaware of the identity of their prey stopped the ICPC boss at their illegal checkpoint, and compelled him in the course of their unauthorized duties to withdraw the said sum from a nearby Point of Sales, PoS, operator.

 

The police CP noted that the ICPC Chairman was just one of the numerous victims of the illegal check point mounted by the officers.

 

“They extorted the Chairman of the ICPC of N53,000. They took him to a PoS, he withdrew the money ,paid the charges and they shared the money among themselves”, CP Sanusi stated 

 

The CP however , disclosed that the affected officers were subsequently arrested based on the confession of their gang leader who was first intercepted.

 

“The Command, after declaring the officers involved wanted, apprehended their leader. Following his confession , operatives were able to track down the other three members of the syndicate.

 

“We have got all of them. We are going to make sure they are severely punished. Those that are going to be dismissed will definitely be dismissed ..

 

“This is totally unacceptable. You cannot stop anybody on the road and ask the person to bring out his phone for a search. 

 

“If any policeman stops you and asks to search your phone, don’t agree. Call the police emergency lines, and we will ask them why”, Sanusi stated .

 

The CP further revealed that preliminary findings have indicated that the officers involved had established a syndicate that specializes in mounting illegal check points for the purpose of extorting unsuspecting members of the public, especially road users.

 

Sanusi assured that all lawful measures will be explored to appropriately handle the  matter, and punish all those involved so as to serve as lesson to those who may wish to toe similar unprofessional routes .

2026 World Cup: Messi In Tears As Spain Denies Him Retirement Trophy

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Spain

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Like his Portuguese counterpart, Ronaldo, Argentine’s Lionel Messi, was denied a final dance at the World Cup before his imminent retirement from the most prestigious football tournament in the world – FIFA World Cup.

 

It took Spain 106 minutes to record the only goal of the pulsating encounter which reduced Messi to tears and denied Argentina a back to back sip from the most prestigious golden cup.

The goal came from a Ferran Torres strike.

And it was that lone goal that gave the Spaniards their second FIFA World Cup Trophy having won their first at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

 

Many analysts and fans had predicted that Lionel Messi would lift his second FIFA World Cup to cap his retirement from the round leather game. But he was silent all through the encounter as he had no shot on target, and almost did not touch the ball all through the 120 minutes.

 

The trio of Rodrigo, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo silenced him all through the encounter, as the Spanish side dominated from the blast of the whistle.

 

Coach Luis Fuentes of Spain had started the game with Unai Simon on goal, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Pedro Porro, and Marc Cucurella in the defense, with Olmo, Rodrigo and Ruiz in the midfield, while Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena and Oyazarbel in the attack.

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi

Individual awards were awarded with the youngest player of the tournament awarded to 19-Year Old, Pau Cubarsi, while the Golden Glove  went to Spanish Goalkeeper, Unai Simon, who conceded just a goal all through the Eight matches he played at the tournament.

 

The Golden Ball and Player of the Tournament were awarded to another Spaniard Manchester City’s midfielder, Rodrigo.

 

The highest Goal Scorer award went to France forward, Kylian Mbappe with 10 goals. He also became the highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 22 goals from 22 matches from three different World Cup competitions (Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and 2026).

 

The 2026 World Cup hosted by three countries – USA, Mexico and Canada became the most lucrative for FIFA as the football body made a whopping $15 billion against the $11 billion it initially expected.

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