Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Argentina Erupts Over Messi Family Death Hoax as TV Host Florencia Peña Quits, Luzu TV Fires Staff

By
Kazeem Busari
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Lionel Messi

Argentine television presenter Florencia Peña has resigned from Luzu TV after falsely announcing during a live broadcast that Jorge Messi, the father of football superstar Lionel Messi, had died, triggering outrage across Argentina and forcing the Messi family to publicly address the misinformation.

The controversy erupted during Luzu TV’s “El Show del Verano” when Peña informed viewers that Jorge Messi had reportedly passed away. The claim quickly spread across social media and news platforms, particularly because it came just days after Lionel Messi appeared emotional during Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a match in which he scored a hat-trick.

The Messi family swiftly debunked the report, confirming that Jorge Messi is alive and recovering from a health condition under medical supervision. In a statement released amid growing speculation, the family said Jorge Messi was “recovering” and “progressing favorably,” while also calling for privacy and responsible reporting.

Facing intense public backlash, Peña issued a public apology on social media and announced her departure from the channel. In her statement, she wrote: “I apologize to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through. I am deeply ashamed to have been the vehicle for this pain.”

The presenter explained that the information had been relayed to her during the live broadcast by members of the production team and that she believed it had been verified before reaching air.

“I must clarify that this false information was provided to me during the live broadcast as verified by the production team of the show, and I trusted it,” Peña said.

Despite attributing the error to faulty internal verification, she accepted responsibility for broadcasting the claim.

“Even so, I take responsibility for being part of the mistake, and that’s why I decided to step aside and end my participation in Luzu. I apologize again from the heart; I was wrong,” she added.

Luzu TV also condemned the incident and announced disciplinary action against those involved. In a statement released by the network, management described the dissemination of sensitive information without proper verification as unacceptable and confirmed that staff members connected to the error had been dismissed. The channel reaffirmed its commitment to responsible and rigorous journalism.

The scandal has dominated headlines in Argentina, where Lionel Messi remains one of the country’s most revered public figures. The false report gained additional attention because Messi had recently acknowledged going through difficult personal days, although he stressed that his emotional reaction during the Algeria match was unrelated to football.

 

 

Shell Names Aiboni First Nigerian Woman to Lead Company’s Operations as Country Chair

By
Fortune Temitope
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Global energy giant Shell has appointed former Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Elohor Aiboni, as its new Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, marking a historic milestone as the first Nigerian to occupy the combined leadership position.

Aiboni, who is currently serving as Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum, will assume the role on August 1, 2026, succeeding Marno de Jong, who is leaving the company after a distinguished 34-year career to pursue new opportunities.

The appointment represents a significant leadership transition for Shell in Nigeria, where Aiboni brings more than 24 years of experience across the company’s offshore, shallow water and onshore operations, as well as international assignments in Kazakhstan and Brunei.

De Jong, who was appointed Senior Vice President Nigeria in 2020 and later became Executive Vice President and Country Chair, oversaw Shell’s operations during a period marked by major investments and operational achievements. During his tenure, the company’s flagship Bonga deepwater asset maintained performance levels above target while advancing key investment decisions, including the HI offshore gas project and the Bonga North development.

Reflecting on his years in Nigeria, De Jong expressed gratitude to colleagues and partners for their support.

“I’m grateful for the support I have enjoyed since my time in Nigeria which has enabled us to achieve progress on many fronts. I leave with fond memories of warm friendships and strong support from colleagues in Shell and our partners. I’m confident that Shell operations in Nigeria will continue to deliver value and growth under Elohor, given the strong leadership credentials she brings to the roles and wish Shell Nigeria every success,” he said.

Aiboni’s appointment further strengthens her trailblazing record within the company. In 2021, she became the first woman to serve as Managing Director of SNEPCo, where she led Shell’s deepwater operations in Nigeria. Under her leadership, the Bonga field achieved a major milestone, producing its one-billionth barrel of oil in 2023.

She later moved to Brunei in 2024 as Asset Director, where she has been responsible for asset performance, production and project delivery.

Speaking on her new appointment, Aiboni said she was eager to build on the achievements of her predecessor while advancing Shell’s long-standing operations in Nigeria.

“I’m excited at the opportunity to continue to contribute to the efficient delivery of Shell’s business in Nigeria and thereby power progress in a country we’ve been part of for more than 60 years. Marno has led from his heart these six plus years, sustaining operations and breaking new grounds in project delivery and growth. It’s a legacy I’m keen to build on with the support of colleagues and other stakeholders,” she said.

 

Kwara Police Bust Suspected Bandit Supply Network, Arrest Key Logistics Operative 

By
Kazeem Busari
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The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on criminal networks with the arrest of a suspected logistics operative allegedly linked to bandit groups operating within forested areas and remote communities across the state.

The arrest was carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) following what the police described as credible intelligence gathering and sustained covert surveillance. According to the Command, the suspect was apprehended in Ilorin during an operation aimed at disrupting support structures that enable criminal groups to sustain their activities.

Police said items recovered during the operation included a large quantity of assorted cigarette brands and other food supplies believed to be part of a logistics chain used to service bandits and other criminal elements operating in various locations across Kwara State.

Preliminary findings from the investigation suggest that the suspect played a strategic support role within a wider network responsible for providing sustenance and other forms of assistance to criminal groups.

Investigators also recovered photographs from the suspect’s mobile phone which allegedly showed him dressed in military camouflage and seated on a Bajaj motorcycle. The police said the images have strengthened intelligence leads regarding his suspected links to criminal elements and are being subjected to further analysis as investigations continue.

The operation forms part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to implement the strategic policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which emphasizes intelligence-led policing and the dismantling of criminal support networks across the country.

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, reassured residents that security operations across the state are increasingly focused not only on armed criminals but also on the collaborators, suppliers, informants and logistical structures that sustain criminal activities.

According to the Command, ongoing efforts are aimed at identifying and apprehending other individuals connected to the network, with investigators actively pursuing additional leads generated from the arrest.

The police further reiterated their commitment to denying criminal groups access to resources, freedom of movement and support systems required to operate. Authorities said sustained pressure would continue to be applied on all individuals found aiding criminality in any form as part of wider efforts to improve security across Kwara State.

 

NEC Approves N83.2bn Flood Response Fund as Shettima Pushes States to Remove Export Bottlenecks

By
Kazeem Busari
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The National Economic Council meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved N83.2 billion for interventions under the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF) to mitigate the impact of flooding and other climate-related emergencies expected across Nigeria during the rainy season.

The approval was granted on Thursday during the 158th meeting of the Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The intervention followed a presentation by the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures to address recurring flood disasters and climate-induced emergencies across the country.

Council members stressed the importance of the Anticipatory Action Task Force in strengthening Nigeria’s disaster preparedness framework, noting that emergency management efforts should move beyond reactive responses to a more preventive and coordinated approach.

Addressing the meeting, Vice President Shettima said the administration of President Bola Tinubu must begin to translate its economic reforms into tangible benefits for citizens across the federation.

“When this Council last met, I called our economy a workshop. A place of measurement and correction. A place where plans are turned into systems, and systems into institutions, before any of it becomes prosperity,” the Vice President said.

“A workshop is judged by one thing. Not by the plans pinned to its walls, but by what comes off the bench. We return to that bench today. Not to admire the image, but to ask the question that honours it. Is the work taking shape?”

Shettima noted that Nigeria remains on a path from economic stabilisation to production-driven growth and urged greater collaboration among federal and state governments to ensure policy implementation translates into measurable results.

“The assignment has not changed. We remain a federation moving from stabilisation to production, from aspiration to implementation, from isolated interventions to coordinated national growth. What has changed, I hope, is our proximity to delivery,” he stated.

The Vice President further emphasized the need to protect vulnerable Nigerians through effective social protection programmes, arguing that economic growth must be inclusive and benefit all segments of society.

“A federation does not earn its prosperity by leaving its most vulnerable behind and hoping they catch up. The dignity of the citizen with the least is the floor beneath which we have resolved that no Nigerian shall fall,” he said.

On agricultural production and exports, Shettima challenged state governments to work closely with the Federal Government in addressing logistical constraints and compliance challenges that continue to hinder Nigeria’s access to international markets.

He argued that Nigeria’s economic transformation depends on building an efficient value chain connecting agricultural production, manufacturing, quality standards, ports and global markets.

“We cannot continue to export raw materials and import finished prosperity,” the Vice President declared.

According to him, the Council is determined to address obstacles affecting agricultural exports, particularly bottlenecks at ports and compliance requirements demanded by international markets.

“A nation that cannot move its goods has imprisoned its own farmers. Meeting international standards is not submission to foreign demand. It is the price of the markets that will reward our labour,” Shettima said.

The latest approval of N83.2 billion for flood preparedness comes amid growing concerns over the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and flooding incidents across Nigeria. The intervention is expected to support anticipatory actions aimed at reducing the humanitarian and economic consequences of disasters before they occur.

The Council’s decisions underscore the Federal Government’s renewed focus on climate resilience, agricultural productivity, export competitiveness and social protection as key pillars of its broader economic reform agenda.

Ekiti Poll: PVC Collection Hits 97.1% as INEC Confirms Over 1.02 Million Cards Retrieved

By
Justice Oladapo
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INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the successful conclusion of the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) collection exercise ahead of the Ekiti State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, revealing that more than 1.02 million registered voters have collected their cards.

In a statement released by the Commission, INEC disclosed that the number of registered voters in Ekiti State increased significantly following the suspension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on May 15, 2026, and the subsequent clean-up of the voters’ register.

According to the Commission, the number of registered voters rose from 987,647 recorded in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026. The PVC collection rate also witnessed a marginal increase, with 1,028,929 cards collected, representing 97.1 per cent of registered voters, compared to 958,052 cards collected in 2023, which translated to a 97.0 per cent collection rate.

INEC noted that the PVC collection exercise, initially scheduled to end on June 11, 2026, was extended by three days to June 14 following consultations with stakeholders during a meeting held in Ado-Ekiti.

The electoral body also provided an update on applications for replacement voter cards. In line with Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates the Commission to provide replacement PVCs for voters whose cards were lost, damaged or defaced, INEC said it received 14,406 applications within the stipulated period.

The Commission confirmed that all 14,406 replacement PVCs were successfully printed, adding that the majority of the cards had already been collected by their owners before the close of the exercise.

INEC further explained that its planned option of providing downloadable copies of lost, damaged or defaced voter cards could not be deployed for the Ekiti governorship election because the required technology infrastructure had not yet been completed.

However, the Commission assured voters that the innovation would be introduced in future elections, particularly the Osun State Governorship Election slated for August 2026 and the 2027 General Election.

The Commission expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, political parties and members of the media for supporting voter mobilisation efforts and encouraging eligible voters to collect their PVCs ahead of the election.

INEC stated that all PVCs were printed and made available to eligible applicants, including voters who applied for transfers and those seeking replacement cards. It added that a comprehensive breakdown of PVC collection figures across the state’s 16 local government areas had been uploaded to its website and social media platforms.

Ondo Police Intensify War on Kidnapping, Destroy Forest Hideouts

By
Kazeem Busari
-

The Ondo State Police Command has intensified its offensive against kidnapping and other violent crimes, with Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu personally leading a large-scale security operation into the Ilu-Abo Forest and surrounding communities in a bid to flush out criminal elements from the state.

The operation, conducted on June 13, 2026, saw the police chief, accompanied by tactical commanders and operatives, carry out an extensive sweep of the forest, which security authorities identified as a potential haven for kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and other criminal groups.

According to the Command, the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security across Ondo State and dismantle criminal networks operating within remote forest corridors and vulnerable communities. Security personnel combed through identified flashpoints and suspected criminal enclaves during the exercise.

Police authorities disclosed that several suspected hideouts were discovered and destroyed during the operation. Makeshift camps and structures believed to have been used by criminal elements were dismantled, while operatives conducted intensive searches across the forest to prevent the re-establishment of the camps.

The Command said the exercise was designed to disrupt criminal activities, restrict the movement of criminal gangs and reinforce public confidence in the state’s security architecture amid ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes.

Addressing officers and men during the operation, CP Ohagwu reaffirmed the Command’s determination to adopt proactive and intelligence-led policing strategies in tackling insecurity across the state.

According to the police chief, “Forests and remote locations within the State will not be allowed to serve as sanctuaries for kidnappers and other criminal elements.”

He assured residents that the Ondo State Police Command would continue to sustain aggressive operations across identified criminal hotspots and maintain pressure on criminal groups threatening peace and security.

The Commissioner further noted that the operation aligns with the strategic directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at strengthening internal security and combating violent crimes across the country.

CP Ohagwu also commended the professionalism, resilience and dedication displayed by officers involved in the operation, urging them to sustain the momentum until criminal threats within the state are effectively neutralised.

The Ondo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and called on residents to support security agencies with credible and timely information capable of aiding ongoing security operations.

Authorities expressed confidence that sustained intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with local communities would further enhance security and deny criminal elements safe havens within the state.

Army Rescues Five Kidnap Victims as Terrorists Flee Kogi Forest Offensive

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Rescued kidnap victims in Kogi.

The Nigerian Army has rescued five kidnap victims in Kogi State after sustained military operations forced terrorists to abandon their captives and flee under intense pressure from coordinated ground and air assaults.

The rescue operation, carried out on June 17, 2026, was conducted by troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army under the 2 Division as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts targeting criminal hideouts across the state’s forested areas.

According to the Army, the breakthrough followed recent successes recorded in coordinated military offensives against terrorist enclaves linked to notorious criminal kingpins operating within Kogi State. Troops deployed from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oshokoshoko were carrying out a blocking mission along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route inside the Adankolo Forest when they intercepted the victims.

Military authorities disclosed that the victims had been abandoned by their captors, who were reportedly fleeing from sustained military pressure following an air interdiction mission against a known terrorist camp in the forest.

The Army said preliminary findings revealed that the victims regained their freedom after terrorists dispersed in the wake of ongoing kinetic operations designed to dismantle criminal networks and deny them safe havens within the region.

Following their rescue, the victims were evacuated from the forest and taken to a secure location before being transferred to a military medical facility for treatment and stabilization. Security officials also debriefed the victims to gather intelligence that could assist troops in tracking down and neutralizing other terrorists still operating within the area.

The Army added that efforts were underway to reunite the rescued individuals with their families after the completion of necessary medical and administrative procedures.

The latest operation comes amid intensified military actions in Kogi State, where security forces have ramped up offensive operations against terrorist groups and kidnapping syndicates. The rescue is also the latest indication of the growing pressure being mounted on criminal elements through coordinated air and ground campaigns.

Commenting on the development, Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, praised the troops for their professionalism, resilience and vigilance during the operation.

According to the Army, the brigade commander described the successful rescue as “a testament to the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property within its Area of Responsibility.”

General Sidi reassured residents of Kogi State and neighbouring communities that troops would continue aggressive operations against terrorists and criminal elements until lasting peace and security are restored. He also urged members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to the success of ongoing military operations.

FG Moves to Revive Digital Switch Over as Information Minister Calls for Consensus Among Stakeholders

By
Kazeem Busari
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Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris

The Federal Government has renewed efforts to revive and accelerate Nigeria’s long-delayed Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme, with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urging stakeholders to prioritise national interest over institutional and commercial disagreements.

Speaking at the Digital Switch Over Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Idris described the DSO initiative as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital transformation agenda, stressing that the programme goes beyond a mere transition from analogue to digital television.

“The Digital Switch Over programme should never be viewed merely as a technology migration project. It is much bigger than that. It is an economic transformation initiative with the potential to expand opportunities for broadcasters, content creators, manufacturers, technology providers, advertisers and millions of Nigerian viewers,” the minister said.

The DSO project, which Nigeria committed to under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) framework, has faced repeated delays over the years due to funding constraints, regulatory disputes, infrastructure gaps and disagreements among industry players. Tuesday’s meeting brought together broadcasters, signal distributors, manufacturers, regulators, technology firms and other stakeholders in a bid to rebuild consensus ahead of the next phase of implementation.

Idris acknowledged the frustrations surrounding the prolonged rollout but commended stakeholders for their investments and commitment to the process. “The journey towards digital broadcasting has been long and, at times, challenging, but it has always been driven by a shared objective: to build a stronger, more modern and more competitive broadcasting sector for our country,” he said.

The minister emphasised that the government’s objective was not to create winners or losers within the industry but to ensure that the programme ultimately benefits Nigeria and Nigerians. “This meeting is therefore not about winners and losers. It is about ensuring that the national interest remains paramount,” he added.

He noted that a successful DSO rollout could transform Nigeria into one of Africa’s leading media and content hubs by enabling more television channels, stronger local content production, better audience measurement systems and improved advertising revenues.

“The promise of DSO lies in its ability to create a more vibrant media ecosystem — one that supports more channels, more local content, better audience measurement, stronger advertising revenues, increased innovation and greater opportunities for Nigerian creativity to flourish,” Idris stated.

The minister also sought to reassure investors and operators about the government’s approach, saying the administration remained committed to transparency, stakeholder engagement, local content development, investor confidence, regulatory certainty and the protection of sovereign interests.

“As a government, we remain committed to the principles of stakeholder engagement, local content development, investor confidence, regulatory certainty, and sovereign interest. These principles are not mutually exclusive; they are essential ingredients for the success of any national project of this scale,” he said.

Idris called on participants at the meeting to engage constructively and avoid approaching the discussions from narrow institutional perspectives. “We must resist the temptation to view this process through narrow institutional or commercial lenses. The larger question before us is how to ensure that the DSO programme ultimately delivers its intended benefits to Nigeria and Nigerians, without delay,” he said.

FG Targets October Launch of National Digital Postcode System to Boost Security, E-Commerce, Emergency Response

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani (middle) during the workshop in Abuja on Monday.

The Federal Government has intensified preparations for the rollout of Nigeria’s National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System, with the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, describing the initiative as one of the defining digital legacy projects of the Tinubu administration.

Speaking after a strategic workshop involving the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), security agencies and other stakeholders, Tijani said the new postcode system is expected to transform address identification, strengthen security coordination and improve emergency response capabilities across the country ahead of its planned launch in October 2026.

The minister noted that the project forms part of a broader digital transformation agenda that includes Project BRIDGE, the government’s ambitious 90,000-kilometre fibre infrastructure programme; the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP), which aims to connect more than 20 million Nigerians through the deployment of 3,700 telecommunications towers; the Nigeria Data Exchange; and ongoing efforts to position Nigeria among the world’s leading artificial intelligence ecosystems.

“The National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System will stand alongside Project BRIDGE, our 90,000km fibre infrastructure programme; NUCAP, which will connect over 20 million Nigerians through 3,700 telecommunications towers; the Nigeria Data Exchange; and our efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s AI ecosystem as one of the top five among many defining legacy initiatives of this administration that we have worked on over the last three years,” Tijani said.

He disclosed that he joined the Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer of NIPOST, Tola Odeyemi, alongside representatives of various security agencies, for a workshop focused on the practical implementation of the digital postcode system as a critical tool for national security and emergency management.

According to the minister, the initiative will provide every location in Nigeria with a unique, machine-readable and geographically anchored digital address, creating a reliable framework for identifying homes, businesses and public facilities nationwide.

“The Postcode System will assign every location in the country a unique, machine-readable, and geographically anchored digital address,” he stated.

Beyond its traditional postal function, Tijani said the system would serve as a key enabler for several sectors of the economy. He explained that it would significantly improve emergency response operations, support law enforcement activities, enhance address verification processes, boost logistics and e-commerce efficiency, and facilitate more effective delivery of government services.

“Beyond improving mail delivery, it will strengthen emergency response, enhance national security operations, improve address verification, support more efficient logistics and e-commerce, and enable more effective delivery of public services,” the minister said.

He stressed that accurate location identification is essential to building a modern digital economy, noting that the government remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian, business and physical location can be seamlessly integrated into the country’s growing digital ecosystem.

“As we continue to build the digital foundations of our economy, it is important that every person, business, and location can be accurately identified and connected within a modern digital ecosystem,” Tijani added.

The minister revealed that consultations with additional stakeholder groups would continue in the coming months as the government fine-tunes implementation plans ahead of the official launch.

“We will continue engaging other stakeholder groups over the coming months, and I look forward to the official launch of the postcode system in October and to seeing the transformative impact it will have across our economy and society,” he said.

The planned rollout is expected to address longstanding challenges associated with location identification and addressing systems in Nigeria while providing critical infrastructure to support digital commerce, public service delivery and national security operations in one of Africa’s largest economies.

Aymen Hussein Makes History for Iraq Despite Norway Defeat

By
Agency Report
-

Iraq striker Aymen Hussein overcame a turbulent build-up to the FIFA World Cup to write his name into his country’s football history books on Tuesday, scoring only Iraq’s second-ever World Cup goal despite a 4-1 defeat to Norway in their opening Group I clash at Gillette Stadium.

The 29-year-old forward, whose participation in the tournament was briefly thrown into doubt after he was detained for several hours by U.S. customs officials earlier this month, delivered a memorable moment for Iraqi fans when he found the net against the Scandinavian side.

Hussein and another member of Iraq’s travelling delegation were delayed while entering the United States through Chicago, raising concerns about whether the striker would be available for the country’s first World Cup appearance in four decades. However, the prolific frontman recovered from the setback to make a historic impact on football’s biggest stage.

Norway took control of the match in the 29th minute when star striker Erling Haaland opened the scoring with a well-taken finish. But Iraq responded nine minutes later through Hussein, who sparked jubilant celebrations among thousands of Iraqi supporters inside the stadium.

The equaliser came after Amir Alammari delivered a dangerous cross from the left flank that evaded Norway’s defence. Hussein rose highest to meet the ball with a powerful header that bounced beneath goalkeeper Orjan Nyland and into the net.

The goal was a landmark moment for Iraq, which is competing in only its second FIFA World Cup and its first since the 1986 tournament in Mexico.

Despite the eventual defeat, Iraq head coach Graham Arnold reserved special praise for Hussein, choosing to focus on his determination and overall contribution rather than the unfortunate late own goal that compounded his side’s defeat.

“I’d rather remember his performance and the way he’s played,” Arnold said after the match. “He’s had quite a few injuries during the season. For him to get through 90 minutes. … He’s the type of player that’s very difficult to control in the box. I’m very proud of him.”

Hussein’s teammates also rallied around the striker, recognising the significance of his achievement despite the disappointing result.

“It’s a proud moment for him,” defender Hussein Ali said. “But, of course, the end result, it’s hard to celebrate a goal like that. But we’re on to the next game.”

The match marked a significant milestone for Iraqi football, with supporters travelling from across the United States and beyond to witness the country’s return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence.

Away from the pitch, Arnold sought to downplay concerns surrounding the customs incident that briefly overshadowed the team’s preparations. The Australian coach praised both FIFA and tournament organisers for the treatment his squad has received since arriving in the United States.

“FIFA, even the U.S., it’s not about politics — it’s about football,” Arnold said. “The way we’ve been treated has been first class.”

While disappointed by the final scoreline, Arnold expressed confidence that his side could take valuable lessons from the performance as they prepare for a daunting encounter against France in Philadelphia next week.

“I was very proud of the first 65-70 minutes,” Arnold said. “A couple of mistakes of players this type of level will always punish you. So we need to learn lessons from these mistakes.”

Iraq now turn their attention to the challenge of facing World Cup heavyweights France, hoping to build on the positive aspects of their display against Norway and continue their quest to make an impact on their long-awaited return to football’s grandest stage.

 

AP

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