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Nigerian-Descent Folarin Balogun Inspires USA to Historic Back-to-Back Wins at FIFA World Cup
Nigerian-descent forward Folarin Balogun continued his outstanding form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping the United States secure a 2-0 victory over Australia and record consecutive World Cup wins for the first time in decades.
Although Balogun did not find the net, the AS Monaco striker played a decisive role in the victory.
His dangerous delivery into the box forced Australian defender Cameron Burgess into an own goal, giving the hosts an early breakthrough in Seattle.
The United States doubled their advantage before halftime through Alex Freeman, whose strike was awarded after a VAR review.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side once again delivered an impressive performance, building on their emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening Group D fixture.
Balogun entered the match brimming with confidence after scoring twice against Paraguay.
His brace in that encounter saw him become the first American player since 1930 to score multiple goals in a FIFA World Cup match, further underlining his growing importance to the team.
With two wins from two matches, the Americans now sit comfortably at the top of Group D with six points and are within touching distance of a place in the knockout rounds.
The achievement is even more remarkable considering captain Christian Pulisic was unavailable due to injury.
Balogun has emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament.
The 24-year-old striker has provided the cutting edge the United States have long sought on the biggest stage, combining intelligent movement, pace, strength, and clinical finishing.
His rise remains a point of interest for Nigerian football fans. Born to Nigerian parents, Balogun was eligible to represent Nigeria, England, and the United States before ultimately committing his international future to the US in 2023.
That decision is paying huge dividends for the Americans, as Balogun continues to spearhead their attack with distinction on home soil.
With two goals already to his name and another influential performance against Australia, the Nigerian-descent star is rapidly establishing himself as one of the faces of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a key figure in the United States’ pursuit of a historic tournament run.
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Uzodinma: Okorocha's lawyer excited as court orders INEC to publish ex-gov's name as APC candidate
O.J. Aboje, counsel to former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, has reacted to the Abuja Federal High Court judgment which removed incumbent governor, Hope Uzodinma, as the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for Imo West Senatorial District.
DAILY POST reports that the court, on Thursday, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to publish Okorocha's name as the authentic winner of the APC senatorial primary election.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who delivered the judgment, also restrained Governor Uzodinma from parading himself as the ruling party's senatorial candidate for the January 16, 2027 election.
The court held that Uzodinma did not win the party's primary election conducted on May 18, 2026.
Reacting to the judgment, Okorocha's lawyer, who addressed journalists at the court premises, expressed excitement over the development.
He also declared that his client won the primary election, alleging that the ruling party wrongly submitted Uzodinma's name to INEC as its candidate.
He said, "The court was convinced that the primary election was won by Rochas Okorocha but most unfortunately, APC forwarded the name of the wrong person. Someone who does not win in the election.
"The court decided that at this juncture, the party does not have the right to forward the name of someone who does not win the election.
"Okorocha won the election and the court has ordered his name to be published. We give God the glory and we congratulate Rochas Okorocha and the people of his zone."
Uzodinma: Okorocha’s lawyer excited as court orders INEC to publish ex-gov’s name as APC candidate
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PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Assures Runners Of Safety Ahead Of 14 November Race
The organisers of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon have assured runners of a safe and well-planned race, with special attention to the challenges of extreme heat.
Speaking in a video message, Emmanuel Odey, the Project Manager at Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the organisers of the race, warned athletes about the dangers of running in extreme heat and advised them to prepare properly.
“The world is bracing for a powerful El Niño, a climate phenomenon that can disrupt weather patterns worldwide and lead to extreme heat. Nigeria is a possible risk area, and runners must take the warning seriously.” Odey explained.
According to him, “Extreme heat is no joke. It can lead to dehydration and even life-threatening heat stroke if runners are not careful.”
He urged runners to “hydrate well, pace themselves and listen to their bodies at all times, even while training.”
To support the athletes on race day, Odey revealed that the organisers will provide chilled water at every 2.5 kilometres along the route. At the finish area, there will also be a cold water bath to help cool down the body of runners after the race.
He added “We will provide chilled water at every 2.5 kilometres along the route, and at the finish area, there will be a cold water bath to help cool down the body after the race.”
The race is scheduled for 14 November 2026. The start point is the Old Parade Ground opposite the Fire Station, while the start time is 6:30am. The finish line is the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Odey concluded his message with a charge to all participants, “Respect the heat, run smart and finish strong. You are built for this.”
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