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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.
The All Progressives Congress has rejected claims that it withdrew its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council list.
National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka described the claims as rumours and fake news.
Morka spoke with journalists on Tuesday morning.
“Rumours are not news. When people are carrying rumours, that is not news. There is fake news, and there is real news,” he said.
“Nobody will give any list at the moment. But if there is any reason to update it, it would be announced properly.”
The party released the campaign council list on Saturday through presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
President Bola Tinubu chairs the council. Vice President Kashim Shettima serves as Vice Chairman I. APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda is Vice Chairman II.
Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari holds the position of Director-General. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma is the Secretary.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni were named Deputy Directors-General.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun was listed as Director of Fundraising. Nigeria Revenue Service Chairman Zacch Adedeji was named his deputy.
Budget Office of the Federation Director-General Taminu Yakubu was appointed Campaign Treasurer.
Former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu appeared as Director of Women Mobilisation. Former NSITF board chairperson Ngozi Olejeme was named South-South Zonal Director for Election Planning, Coordination and Mobilisation.
The list contains 108 members.
It immediately drew sharp reactions.
Critics questioned the inclusion of Edu and Olejeme. Both face separate EFCC investigations over financial allegations.
Edu was suspended from office in January 2024. The EFCC later opened an investigation into the matter. Olejeme is under probe over an alleged N1 billion money-laundering case.
The presence of serving public finance officials on a partisan campaign structure also attracted criticism. Some voices argued that mixing revenue management roles with campaign duties damages institutional neutrality.
Some party members raised concerns over the absence of key figures who played major roles in the 2023 campaign. These include Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Claims then circulated that President Tinubu had ordered a review of the list. Sources said the Presidency moved to address anomalies capable of embarrassing the campaign. The review, according to those claims, would focus on membership while leaving the top leadership positions of Chairman, Director-General and Secretary intact.
Other reports said Tinubu directed the Presidency, National Assembly leadership and the APC National Working Committee to reconstitute the council after concerns over exclusions and inclusions.
Those claims fuelled reports that the party had already withdrawn the original list.
Morka’s comments on Tuesday rejected those claims.
He made it clear that the party has not withdrawn the list. He added that any future adjustment would come through a formal announcement.
When asked about complaints from party members over omitted names, Morka said such concerns fall outside his remit.
The APC has not fixed a date for the formal inauguration of the council.
The original list released on Saturday remains the only version the party has made public.
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