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World Cup: Fans demand replay Spain vs Argentina final

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More than 82,000 football fans have signed a petition demanding a replay of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final following Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain.

The petition alleges that Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic influenced the outcome of the final, claims that have not been substantiated by FIFA.

 

Spain defeated Argentina at the World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute after a dominant display by the European champions.

 

Argentina, the defending champions, failed to register a shot on target during normal time and finished the match with 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off in the 93rd minute.

 

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made several saves to keep Argentina in the contest before eventually being beaten by Torres in extra time.

 

The match ended on a tense note, with several Argentina players involved in post-match altercations. According to The Mirror, Leandro Paredes was seen confronting Spain players Eric Garcia and Gavi, while Nahuel Molina allegedly threw a punch at Rodri, prompting FIFA to review the incidents.

 

Meanwhile, a Change.org petition calling for the final to be replayed has attracted more than 82,000 signatures.

 

The petition’s author, Gisela Sanchez, urged FIFA to annul the result, alleging that the officiating was biased.

 

“The recent final between Argentina and Spain was marred by the controversial and corrupt actions of the referee who, as per video evidence, was allegedly bribed to sway the match’s outcome,” Sanchez wrote.

 

She added:

 

“This is a significant disappointment for the players, coaches and, most importantly, the fans who want matches decided by skill and commitment rather than manipulated officiating decisions.

 

“If we permit corruption to go unchecked on such a prominent platform, we are setting a detrimental precedent for future generations of athletes and supporters.

 

“Thus, we urge FIFA to examine these events with seriousness and transparency, and to contemplate replaying the final – this time free from the influence of a corrupt referee.”

 

However, another petition on Change.org has called for Argentina to be banned from future FIFA competitions over the conduct of its players during and after the final.

 

According to reports, one petition advocating the country’s exclusion from future World Cups amassed more than 29 million signatures before it was closed.

 

During the final, referee Vincic awarded 46 fouls, with Argentina responsible for 25 of them.

 

Fernández was dismissed after receiving two yellow cards in the second half—first for dissent after a free-kick appeal was rejected and later for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.

 

The encounter was frequently interrupted by fouls before Spain eventually secured victory in extra time. FIFA is also reviewing the conduct of Argentina’s players following the heated conclusion to the match.

Biafra: Reject Nigeria cultural property agreement over alleged persecution- Nkere tells US

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The Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, BRGIE, Ogechukwu Nkere, has urged the United States government to reject the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nigeria on cultural property, citing the alleged persecution of Christians and pro-Biafra groups.

 

In a statement on Thursday, Nkere made the appeal while testifying before the US State Department’s Cultural Property Advisory Committee on July 14, 2026, during a hearing on Nigeria’s request for an extension of the MOU and the continuation of US import restrictions on Nigerian archaeological and ethnological materials.

According to the BRGIE, Nkere argued that Nigeria’s treatment of Christians and pro-Biafra organisations should be considered before any decision is made on the agreement.

He also referenced the US government’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” as part of his submission to the committee.

“Unless the Federal Government of Nigeria ends its persecution of Biafrans and Nigerian Christians, the MOU should be suspended until Nigeria is in alignment with broader US government priorities,” Nkere said.

He added: “An MOU with the US government, even on cultural property matters, is a privilege and not a right.”

The BRGIE described the appearance as a historic development, claiming it was the first time a Biafran independence leader had participated in a US State Department hearing or provided testimony before the Cultural Property Advisory Committee.

Nigerian Newssphere reports that the committee is responsible for advising the US government on matters relating to cultural property agreements and import restrictions under relevant international conventions.

The development comes amid the recent letter from US President Donald Trump to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

Naira to Dollar Exchange Rate Today, July 22, 2026: Naira posts biggest gain against US dollar

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The Nigerian naira recorded its strongest appreciation against the United States dollar on Wednesday, extending its gains at both the official and parallel foreign exchange markets.

 

Data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, showed the local currency strengthened to N1,369.64 per dollar at the official market on Wednesday, compared to N1,375.31 per dollar recorded on Tuesday.

 

The latest movement represents a N5.67 appreciation for the naira against the greenback on a day-to-day basis, marking its highest gain so far this week.

 

The positive momentum was also reflected in the parallel market, where the naira appreciated by N10 to trade at N1,415 per dollar, according to Bureau De Change operators in Abuja.

 

The continued appreciation comes amid improving external sector indicators, with Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves rising further to $52.03 billion on Tuesday.

 

The naira’s latest performance also follows the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, to retain the country’s benchmark Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, at 26.50 percent during its meeting on Tuesday.

 

The MPC maintained the rate in a move aimed at sustaining macroeconomic stability while supporting the ongoing moderation in inflation and stability in the foreign exchange market.

BREAKING: Insecurity: Trump writes Tinubu[See Details]

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United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the Nigerian leader’s decisive efforts to tackle insecurity, particularly violence targeting Christian communities.

The commendation was contained in a letter dated July 6, 2026, which was made public on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

In the letter, Trump praised Tinubu’s resolve to address Nigeria’s security challenges, saying the United States remained committed to supporting the country in its fight against terrorism.

According to the US president, he was honoured to stand with Tinubu in the effort to make Nigeria “stronger and more prosperous.”

The letter reads:

“Thank you for your thoughtful letter. Your kind words mean a great deal to me, and I appreciate your decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people. I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities and it is a true honor to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous.

 

“The United States-Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time where conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world. We both share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms, and our historic US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has established a robust framework to accomplish this feat.

 

“I am proud to have deployed the United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world—to equip the brave men and women in the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the skills, tools and intelligence they need to protect your homeland and ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly those of faith who have been under attack.

 

“I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency.”

 

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2026 Budget: Aisha Yesufu, Rufai Oseni fume over N8.05bn allocation for churches, mosques 

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House of reps

Reactions have continued to trail reports that the Federal Government earmarked about N8.05 billion in the 2026 budget for church- and mosque-related projects.

DAILY POST reports that an analysis by public accountability organisation Tracka indicated that about N1.91 billion was allocated to church-related projects, while N6.14 billion was set aside for mosque-related projects in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

 

The revelations have triggered widespread criticism from politicians and public commentators, who questioned the rationale behind the allocations amid the country’s economic challenges.

 

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, had on Tuesday criticised the President Bola Tinubu administration over the allocations, questioning why such a huge sum was budgeted for religious projects while many Nigerians continue to struggle with poverty.

 

Reacting to the development, Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, chieftain Aisha Yesufu questioned why government funds meant for critical sectors such as education were being allocated to religious institutions.

 

“What is the business of the State with religion? Why is the Nigerian government funding churches and mosques? Why should churches and mosques be in budget?

 

“Monies that should be used to fund education. We are just not a serious country,” she wrote on her X handle.

 

Also reacting, Arise Television Morning Show host Rufai Oseni alleged that lawmakers inserted the projects into the budget for personal gain.

 

“Everything about these lawmakers is fraud. Tax law, fraud, budget fraud. Why is it that the church project went to Bende?

 

“Who is from there? Why is it that the Mosque budget went to Zaria? Who is from Zaria? Rubber stamp lawmakers,” he said.

Tragedy in Uyo as unidentified lady burnt to death in home of man she met in nightclub

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A woman has died in a fire that engulfed a residential building along Ikpa Road in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, after she reportedly accompanied a man home from a nightclub.

Nigerian Newssphere gathered that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when the victim visited the man’s residence following their meeting at a local nightclub in Uyo.

According to sources, a fire later broke out in the apartment. While the male occupant reportedly escaped unhurt, the woman was trapped inside the building and sustained fatal burns.

Confirming the incident, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command said one female adult lost her life, while the male occupant survived.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, said, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command confirms that a fire incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, 20th July 2026, at a residential building located along Ikpa Road, Uyo.

“Regrettably, one female adult lost her life in the incident, while a male occupant survived.”

John added that the deceased had yet to be identified.

“The deceased had not been formally identified. Efforts are ongoing to establish her identity, and updates will be communicated as soon as they become available,” he said.

The police said efforts are ongoing to determine the identity of the deceased and promised to provide further updates as investigations progress.

World Cup: FIFA president, Infantino told to resign for three reasons after Spain won trophy

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LaLiga president Javier Tebas has called on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing what he described as poor leadership and decisions that put commercial interests ahead of football.

Spain defeated Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup title, bringing the tournament to a close.

 

Speaking after the competition, Tebas criticised FIFA over its handling of the tournament, pointing to the use of extended hydration breaks, the Balogun incident, and what he described as the lack of accountability within the governing body.

 

According to Tebas, FIFA prioritised its own interests rather than those of the sport.

 

“FIFA organizes events according to their own interests, rather than for the benefit of football. If they require a 27-minute break, they simply create one.

 

“Hydration breaks are absurd. We have them in LaLiga, but only under extreme heat conditions. The stadiums in Dallas, LA, and Atlanta were air-conditioned; I even had to wear a sweater in the stands! It was ridiculous, all for a commercial interruption. Additionally, there was the Balogun situation.

 

“They were fortunate that Belgium eliminated the USA, as otherwise, a scandal could have arisen that might have cost Infantino his position. With Belgium’s victory, they managed to suppress the issue. However, this is merely the tip of the iceberg. Infantino should resign; his time has come.

 

“Yet, he enjoys the backing of the establishment and national federations. There is no opposing candidate; no one is willing to run for a position they are likely to lose. The system is fundamentally flawed. In the USA, I have heard many voices criticizing Infantino and opposing his actions,” Tebas said, according to Tribal Football.

Nobody should beg me’ —Nollywood Mo Bimpe threatens legal action over ‘false’ paternity allegation 

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Nollywood actress Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe, has threatened legal action over a viral social media post alleging paternity fraud involving one of her triplets.

The controversy began after an X user, identified as @iam_Mardiyyah, claimed that Mo Bimpe’s husband and fellow actor, Lateef Adedimeji, had filed for divorce following the outcome of an alleged DNA test.

 

According to the post, Adedimeji’s blood donation for one of the babies was reportedly rejected at a general hospital because of an alleged blood group mismatch, prompting a paternity test that purportedly showed he was not the biological father of the children.

 

The post read: “Popular Nigerian actor Lateef Adedimeji has filed for divorce from his wife after the Ilorin General Hospital rejected his blood donation for one of the triplets. The doctor claimed their blood groups do not match, and this triggered a paternity confirmation, which led the 40-year-old actor to carry out a DNA test on the children. The result shows that Lateef is not the biological father of the kids.”

 

Reacting via her Instagram Story on Tuesday, Mo Bimpe dismissed the allegation as false and warned that she was prepared to pursue legal action against those behind the claim.

 

The actress expressed outrage over what she described as years of online harassment, stressing that she would not tolerate false stories involving her children.

 

“I don’t want to hear ‘justice for whatever your stupid name is’ by the time I am ready for you! You silly trolls have constantly trolled me on these platforms for years and I’ve been quiet, but what I wouldn’t take is you bringing your stupidity to my children!!! Be warned! I won’t hesitate to take the right action if need be,” she wrote.

 

She also condemned the use of what she described as fake or AI-generated images alongside fabricated claims.

 

“It’s the nerve to post fake/AI pictures together with fabricated lies for me! Such effrontery!” she added.

BREAKING: NNPCL hikes petrol price by N115 per litre

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, by N115 per litre.

 

A market survey conducted by DAILY POST on Tuesday showed that NNPCL retail outlets in Abuja and its environs raised the price of petrol from N1,155 to N1,270 per litre.

 

The latest adjustment represents a N115 per litre increase and comes amid renewed volatility in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

 

The development follows a similar trend across the market, with some NNPCL and MRS filling stations in Abuja shutting their outlets on Monday, while several independent marketers raised petrol prices amid uncertainty over product supply and pricing.

 

In less than one week, depot owners and fuel marketers have increased petrol prices twice, reflecting sustained pressure in the market.

 

The latest price hike also comes after Dangote Refinery resumed the sale of refined petroleum products in US dollars last week, a move that has continued to influence fuel pricing across the country.

 

 

Fayose accepts Tinubu’s offer months after vowing to reject federal appointment 

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Fayose former governor of Ekiti

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has accepted an appointment in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, less than a year after publicly declaring that he had no interest in serving in the Federal Government.

 

Fayose, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had revealed during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television in October 2025 that President Tinubu had previously offered him an appointment, which he declined.

 

At the time, the former governor said he had no intention of returning to public office after serving two terms as Governor of Ekiti State.

 

“At 65, I would rather stay at home and focus on other responsibilities. I have served my state well as a two-term governor and I am satisfied with my contributions,” Fayose had said.

 

He also maintained that although he enjoyed a longstanding personal relationship with Tinubu, it did not translate into political alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

 

According to Fayose, his positions on national issues were driven by conviction rather than the pursuit of political appointments.

 

However, the former governor’s stance changed on Monday after President Tinubu appointed him Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA.

 

The appointment was announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, as part of 26 appointments into the boards of 10 federal government agencies and commissions.

 

The Presidency said all the appointments took immediate effect.

 

Fayose’s acceptance of the appointment has attracted attention, given his earlier public declaration that he would rather remain at home than serve in the APC-led Federal Government despite his close relationship with President Tinubu.

Fayose Ayo

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