Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Court Clears Jonathan for 2027 Presidential Race, Slams Lawyer With ₦21m Penalty

By
Kazeem Busari
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Goodluck Jonathan

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to stop former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, describing the case as an abuse of court process.

Delivering judgment, Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the plaintiff, lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, lacked the legal standing to institute the suit because he failed to demonstrate how he suffered any personal loss or injury arising from Jonathan’s perceived intention to contest the election.

The judge also imposed financial penalties against the plaintiff, awarding ₦20 million in favour of Jonathan and an additional ₦1 million in favour of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Justice Lifu held that previous judicial decisions had already settled the issue of Jonathan’s eligibility to contest future presidential elections.

According to the court, both the Federal High Court in Yenagoa and the Court of Appeal had earlier ruled that the former president remained constitutionally qualified to seek elective office.

The judge said he was bound by the appellate court’s decision and could not depart from the established legal position.

Justice Lifu further dismissed a separate motion filed by Jideobi seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the case, describing the application as frivolous.

The suit had listed Jonathan as the first defendant, while the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation were joined as second and third defendants respectively.

The latest ruling is expected to reignite political discussions surrounding Jonathan’s possible return to frontline politics ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Jonathan first assumed office as president in 2010 following the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, under whom he served as vice president.

The Bayelsa-born politician later won the 2011 presidential election but was defeated in 2015 by Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, marking the first time an incumbent Nigerian president lost a re-election bid since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

Since leaving office, Jonathan has largely stayed away from partisan politics while building an international reputation as a statesman and election observer across Africa.

However, calls for him to contest the 2027 election have intensified in recent months, with several political groups and youth organisations openly urging him to return to the race.

Responding to one such appeal from members of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan during a recent visit in Abuja, the former president said he would consult widely before making a final decision.

“Yes, you are asking me to come and contest the next elections,” Jonathan told the group.

“The presidential race is not a computer game, but I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely,” he added.

Alvarez Targets Back-to-Back World Cup Glory as Argentina Eye Historic 2026 Triumph

By
Kazeem Busari
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Julian Alvarez. Photo: FIFA

Julian Alvarez has declared that Argentina are determined to defend their FIFA World Cup crown in 2026, insisting the reigning champions are ready to make more history at what could be Lionel Messi’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage.

Speaking in an interview with FIFA ahead of the expanded 2026 World Cup, Alvarez reflected on his meteoric rise from squad player at Qatar 2022 to becoming one of Argentina’s key attacking leaders under coach Lionel Scaloni.

The Atletico Madrid forward emerged as one of the breakout stars of the 2022 tournament after forcing his way into the starting lineup during Argentina’s dramatic campaign in Qatar. Initially used as a substitute behind Lautaro Martinez, Alvarez seized his opportunity in the group-stage victory over Poland and never relinquished his place.

He went on to score four goals during the tournament, including a memorable brace against Croatia in the semi-finals, helping Argentina secure their third World Cup title.

Now established as a regular starter for the Albiceleste, Alvarez heads into the 2026 tournament with greater responsibility and growing expectations after winning multiple major honours in Europe, including the UEFA Champions League, Copa Libertadores and Copa America.

Reflecting on his competition with Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, Alvarez described the rivalry as healthy and beneficial for the national team.

“We’re competitors, but we also get to play together, which is a pleasure for me,” Alvarez said.

“Whenever we’ve taken to the pitch together, we’ve done well and when just one of us gets the call, all that matters is that we all want what’s best for the team. That internal competition also helps us both develop and improve every day.”

Argentina’s Julian Alvarez (middle) against Poland’s Jakub Kiwior (left) and Matty Cash in their Group C match during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Photo: FIFA:

Argentina head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup as defending champions and have been drawn in Group J alongside Algeria national football team, Austria national football team and Jordan national football team.

Alvarez made it clear that Argentina’s ambition remains unchanged despite the pressure of defending the title.

“As an Argentinian, the excitement is always there and we always want to be crowned champions. There’s no reason for this time to be any different,” he said.

“We want to reach the final. We know it won’t be easy; it’ll take a lot out of us and it could come down to fine margins, but we’ll be as well prepared as possible and take it step by step.”

The striker added that returning to the tournament as reigning world champions carries enormous pride for the squad.

“Heading into this World Cup as world champions is simply incredible. I feel immensely proud. Of course, we want to retain the trophy and make our people jump for joy once again,” he said.

Asked to identify the defining moment of Argentina’s triumph in Qatar, Alvarez pointed to the tense group-stage victory over Mexico after the shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia.

“I’d go for the Mexico game. I think it was pivotal because of everything that followed and bearing in mind what had happened beforehand,” he explained.

“It was a real turning point for us. From that moment on, everything fell into place and we knew that our fate was in our own hands.”

Alvarez also acknowledged that successfully defending the World Cup could elevate the current Argentina side into discussions among the greatest national teams in football history.

“If we retain the World Cup, it’d go down in history because we’d be back-to-back world champions, as well as two-time Copa America winners along the way,” he said.

“It’s been a golden era for our country over the last few years, so we hope to savour even more of these incredible moments that make us all so happy.”

The 26-year-old further reflected on the emotional significance of what could be Messi’s final World Cup appearance.

“We’re all fully aware that this could well be Leo’s last World Cup, given his age, but it’s his decision at the end of the day,” Alvarez said.

“It’ll certainly make for a special World Cup and I don’t just mean for us, his team-mates and the Argentinian people, but for everyone who watches and follows him, given that he’s the best player of all time.”

Alvarez said representing Argentina now carries even greater responsibility, especially after cementing his place as one of the team’s leaders since Qatar 2022.

“When you pull on this jersey, you represent an entire nation full of people who live and breathe football,” he said.

“It’s a responsibility as well, but we all do it with love and passion.”

On his personal development since lifting the World Cup trophy four years ago, Alvarez said experience has sharpened his game even if his playing style remains largely unchanged.

“I wouldn’t say my style has changed much since 2022, but I’ve learned some new concepts and improved in certain areas,” he said.

“I have more experience now given how many matches I’ve played in the last few years. Above all, wearing this shirt gives you an extra push and you do get better over time, even if you don’t realise it.”

Sabalenka Storms Into French Open Second Round With Dominant Win Over Bouzas Maneiro

By
Agency Report
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Aryna Sabalenka

World number one Aryna Sabalenka made an emphatic start to her French Open campaign on Tuesday, defeating Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-2 in just 75 minutes at Roland Garros.

The Belarusian star, who finished runner-up at last year’s tournament and is still chasing her maiden French Open title, produced a commanding display on Court Philippe Chatrier despite a brief wobble in the opening set.

Sabalenka raced into a 4-0 lead under the scorching Paris sun before a string of unforced errors allowed Bouzas Maneiro to claw her way back into the contest. The Spanish world number 50 recovered two breaks and appeared poised to level the set at 5-5.

However, a costly double fault from Bouzas Maneiro handed Sabalenka the opening set and shifted the momentum firmly back in favour of the top seed.

Sabalenka then overwhelmed her opponent in the second set, storming into a 5-0 advantage as her aggressive baseline game and improved net play proved too strong.

Although Bouzas Maneiro briefly delayed the inevitable by holding serve and securing a break to reduce the deficit to 5-2, another double fault ultimately sealed victory for the four-time Grand Slam champion.

The result marked a welcome return to winning form on clay for Sabalenka following her shock early exit at the Italian Open earlier this month.

After the match, Sabalenka acknowledged the intense conditions in Paris as a heatwave continued to grip the French capital.

“Happy to be back, thank you for the support. It’s a hot day, thank you so much for staying and don’t forget guys, stay hydrated,” Sabalenka told spectators on centre court.

The world number one also reflected on the pressure that comes with entering the tournament as the top seed.

“I think we all feel pressure… But I’m used to it so I know how to ignore (it),” she said.

Sabalenka further highlighted the progress she has made in adding variety to her game, particularly her willingness to attack the net during points.

“That’s the most enjoyable part of the game that I can come to the net to play points there, it’s so much fun,” she said.

“I’m so happy I was able to improve on that part of the game and bring it on court,” she added.

Medvedev Crashes Out in French Open First Round 

By
Agency Report
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Daniil Medvedev

Daniil Medvedev suffered another early exit at the French Open after crashing out in the first round to Australian wildcard Adam Walton in a dramatic five-set battle on the clay courts of Roland Garros.

The former world number one was beaten 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 in a contest filled with wild momentum swings, extending Medvedev’s miserable record at the French Open, where he has now lost in the opening round in six of his last nine appearances.

Medvedev’s struggles on clay resurfaced early in Tuesday’s encounter as the sixth seed dropped serve and quickly found himself trailing in the opening set. Walton capitalised on the Russian’s mounting frustration to establish a 4-2 lead before sealing the set when Medvedev sent a forehand long beyond the baseline.

The 30-year-old responded emphatically in the second set, rediscovering his rhythm and dominating proceedings to level the contest while conceding only one game. However, consistency again deserted Medvedev as Walton regained control in the third set to move back in front.

The pattern continued in the fourth set, with Medvedev once again producing a commanding response to force a deciding set and keep alive hopes of avoiding another painful Paris exit.

But world number 97 Walton refused to fade under pressure. The Australian, chasing the first top-10 victory of his career, showed remarkable composure in the final set. After surrendering the fourth set heavily, he fought back to break Medvedev at 4-4 before holding serve in a tense game and then closing out a famous upset victory.

Seme Customs Seize ₦501m Worth of Cannabis, Unsafe Drugs, Smuggled Rice in Major Border Crackdown

By
Laziz Olatunde
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The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has intensified its anti-smuggling operations along the nation’s border corridors, intercepting prohibited goods worth more than ₦501 million, including unsafe pharmaceutical products, Cannabis Sativa and other contraband items within the last three months.

The Customs Area Controller of the command, Abdullahi Kaila, disclosed the development during a media briefing held on Monday at the Seme Command headquarters.

Kaila said the seizures were recorded through sustained intelligence-driven enforcement operations targeted at curbing economic sabotage, trans-border crimes and the circulation of dangerous products capable of threatening public health and national security.

According to the Customs boss, operatives intercepted 1,000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa alongside several unregistered pharmaceutical products, including codeine-based cough syrups and sexual enhancement drugs allegedly smuggled into the country without approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

“The Command has sustained aggressive intelligence-led enforcement operations aimed at combating economic sabotage, protecting local industries, and safeguarding public health as well as national security,” Kaila stated.

He further revealed that the command also seized 2,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 340 kegs of vegetable oil, 103 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit, 993 cartons of spaghetti and 250 bales of used clothing during the operations.

“These seizures underscore our zero-tolerance stance against smuggling and reaffirm our determination to protect the nation’s economy while enforcing compliance with extant import and export regulations,” he said.

Kaila warned smugglers and their collaborators to avoid the Seme border corridor, stressing that surveillance had been strengthened across both land and maritime routes to frustrate criminal activities and illegal importation.

“Compliance remains the safest and most cost-effective pathway for legitimate business operations,” he added.

The seized illicit drugs and pharmaceutical products were subsequently handed over to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and NAFDAC for further investigation and regulatory action.

Representatives of both agencies commended the Nigeria Customs Service for sustaining inter-agency collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and the circulation of unsafe pharmaceutical products.

They noted that the seizures would significantly contribute to protecting public health and strengthening national security amid growing concerns over the influx of illicit drugs and contraband goods through Nigeria’s borders.

Tinubu Secures APC 2027 Presidential Ticket With 11 Million Votes, Vows to Deepen Economic Reforms

By
Laziz Olatunde
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives Certificate of Return after winning the APC presidential primaries.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially emerged as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 general election after polling 10,999,162 votes in the party’s nationwide presidential primary.

President Tinubu was presented with the APC certificate of return and the party’s symbolic flag on Sunday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, formally confirming him as the ruling party’s standard bearer for next year’s election.

The APC chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, handed over the certificate and flag during a gathering attended by governors, National Assembly members, ministers, presidential aides, members of the National Working Committee and other senior party stakeholders.

Addressing party faithful after accepting the nomination, Tinubu pledged to consolidate ongoing economic reforms and strengthen Nigeria’s development trajectory if re-elected for a second term.

“In accepting this nomination, I renew my commitment to serve our nation with even greater determination,” the president said.

“With another four years of disciplined focus and national cooperation, we will firmly place Nigeria on an irreversible path of economic expansion, industrialisation, energy security, infrastructure development, food sufficiency, and democratic consolidation,” he added.

The chairman of the APC Presidential Election Committee, Anyim Pius Anyim, announced the results of the nationwide primary, revealing that Tinubu overwhelmingly defeated fellow aspirant Stanley Osifo, who secured 16,503 votes.

According to Anyim, the exercise was conducted across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, covering 774 local government areas and 8,809 wards in line with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Electoral Act and the APC constitution.

He disclosed that 12,643,316 party members were registered for the exercise, while 11,069,746 members were accredited and 11,015,665 votes were cast during the direct primary election held on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Anyim said the process was transparent and credible, noting that agents of both aspirants were given the opportunity to challenge results and seek redress where necessary.

“The process was fair,” he said, adding that votes were collated in Abuja by designated collation officers, many of whom were state governors.

Tinubu used the occasion to commend APC governors, lawmakers, members of the National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee and the presidential primary committee for what he described as their support and confidence in his leadership.

The president also defended the performance of his administration over the last three years, urging party members to market the achievements of the APC since assuming power in 2015.

“Our economy has undergone significant structural reform, supported by new tax laws and fiscal policies that have boosted revenue collection for the federation,” Tinubu stated.

Highlighting reforms in the education sector, the president said his administration had fulfilled its promise of improving access to higher education financing through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

“We promised to remove the financial barriers to higher education for our youth. Today, we have established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, with over N282 billion disbursed and over 1.5 million beneficiaries,” he said.

Edo Police Rescue Kidnapped Passengers on Benin–Lagos Highway

By
Fortune Temitope
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The Edo State Police Command has announced the successful rescue of all passengers abducted during a kidnapping attack on a commercial bus along the Benin–Lagos Road earlier this month.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the command confirmed that the remaining six victims kidnapped during the May 9 attack at Ogua Community had been rescued unhurt following sustained security operations across the area.

The victims were passengers aboard a Young Shall Grow Motors bus travelling from Akwa Ibom State to Lagos when armed kidnappers ambushed the vehicle along the highway. During the attack, a female passenger was reportedly shot by the assailants before the gunmen whisked away several occupants into nearby bushes.

Police authorities said operatives immediately launched coordinated rescue efforts and intensive bush-combing operations after the incident.

According to the command, the initial operation led to the rescue of five passengers, including two adults and three children, while security teams continued tracking the kidnappers through intelligence gathering and tactical surveillance.

The police further disclosed that on May 10, operatives deployed drones, aerial surveillance technology and intelligence-driven tactics to engage the kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the rescue of two additional victims.

“Today, the Edo State Police Command is pleased to inform the general public that the remaining six abducted passengers have all been rescued unhurt,” the statement read.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended officers involved in the operation for what the command described as their courage, resilience and professionalism throughout the rescue mission.

The police boss also assured residents that security operatives were intensifying efforts to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

“The Command is not relenting in its efforts as intensive bush combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of this crime,” the statement added.

Panic in Congo as Angry Residents Burn Ebola Clinic, 18 Suspected Patients Flee Amid Escalating Outbreak

By
Agency Report
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Health official sanitising a market in attempt to control the spread of the virus in DR Congo. Photo: AP

An Ebola treatment facility in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has been attacked and partially burned by angry residents, triggering the escape of 18 suspected Ebola patients into the community as authorities battle a rapidly worsening outbreak linked to the deadly Bundibugyo strain of the virus.

The attack occurred late Friday in the town of Mongbwalu, one of the epicenters of the outbreak in Ituri province, and marked the second violent assault on an Ebola treatment center within a week.

According to Dr. Richard Lokudi, director of the Mongbwalu hospital, residents stormed the facility and set fire to a treatment tent established by Doctors Without Borders for confirmed and suspected Ebola patients.

“We strongly condemn this act, as it caused panic among the staff and also resulted in the escape of 18 suspected cases into the community,” Lokudi told The Associated Press.

Initial reports indicated that no deaths or injuries occurred during the incident, but health officials fear the fleeing patients could accelerate transmission of the virus in surrounding communities.

A Red Cross worker preparing the burial of a victim of Ebola virus in DR Congo. Photo: AP

The violence follows another attack on Thursday in the town of Rwampara, where residents burned down an Ebola treatment center after authorities barred relatives from retrieving the body of a local man suspected to have died from the disease.

Health experts say the bodies of Ebola victims can remain highly contagious after death, making traditional funeral rites and burial ceremonies major drivers of transmission during outbreaks. Authorities have therefore imposed strict protocols on handling suspected Ebola deaths, a move that has fueled anger and distrust among some local communities.

On Saturday, Red Cross officials carried out a communal burial for Ebola victims in Rwampara under heavy security amid mounting tensions between residents and healthcare workers.

David Basima, a burial team leader with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said armed police and soldiers had to supervise the operation while family members watched from a distance as sealed coffins were lowered into graves by workers dressed in protective suits.

Basima said his team “experienced a lot of difficulties, including resistance from young people and the community.”

“We were forced to alert the authorities so that they could come to our aid, just for safety,” he said.

As the outbreak intensifies, authorities in northeastern Congo have banned funeral wakes and public gatherings exceeding 50 people in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.

The World Health Organization has now upgraded the outbreak risk level in Congo from “high” to “very high,” although the organization maintains that the risk of international spread remains low.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday that 82 Ebola cases and seven deaths had been officially confirmed, warning that the true scale of the outbreak is likely far greater.

“The outbreak is believed to be much larger,” Tedros said.

Health authorities say the outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine. The virus reportedly spread undetected for weeks in Ituri province after initial tests focused on another, more common Ebola variant returned negative results.

Officials now estimate there are about 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths linked to the outbreak, though those figures are expected to rise as surveillance efforts expand.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, stressed that restoring trust between communities and health responders would be essential to containing the outbreak.

The crisis deepened further on Saturday after the Red Cross announced that three of its volunteers in Mongbwalu had died from the virus. The humanitarian agency said the workers were believed to have contracted Ebola on March 27 while handling bodies during a non-Ebola humanitarian operation.

If confirmed, the revelation could significantly alter the timeline of the outbreak, suggesting the virus was circulating weeks earlier than previously believed. Authorities had initially traced the first confirmed death to late April in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province.

Meanwhile, the United States Department of Health and Human Services announced emergency restrictions on green card holders who have recently traveled to Ebola-affected countries, including Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

Under the new rule published Friday in the Federal Register, permanent U.S. residents returning from the affected countries may face temporary reentry restrictions as part of enhanced Ebola screening, quarantine monitoring and contact-tracing measures.

U.S. health officials argued that the emergency order was necessary to ensure adequate public health safeguards despite bypassing the usual public comment process required for federal regulations.

Morocco King Pardons Jailed Senegal Fans After Chaotic AFCON Final Violence

By
Agency Report
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Mohammed VI has granted a royal pardon to Senegalese football supporters imprisoned following violence at the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, Morocco’s royal court announced on Saturday.

According to the statement, the pardon was issued on “humanitarian grounds” in recognition of the “age-old fraternal ties” between Morocco and Senegal and ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, which will be celebrated in Morocco on Wednesday.

The royal court stated that the monarch had “granted, on humanitarian grounds, his royal pardon to the Senegalese supporters,” bringing relief to the remaining fans jailed after the explosive events that marred the AFCON final earlier this year.

In February, Moroccan courts sentenced 18 Senegalese supporters arrested after the final to prison terms ranging from three months to one year. Three supporters completed their three-month sentences and were released in mid-April, while 15 others remained behind bars serving sentences of between six months and one year.

The latest pardon is expected to apply to those 15 remaining detainees.

Lawyer Patrick Kabou, who represented many of the Senegalese supporters, told AFP that the group was expected to be released late Saturday.

The supporters were prosecuted following violent scenes that erupted during the AFCON final at Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 18.

According to Morocco’s public prosecutor’s office, the charges against the fans were based largely on surveillance footage captured inside the stadium as well as medical reports documenting injuries sustained by law enforcement officers and stewards during the unrest.

Authorities estimated the material damage caused by the violence at more than €370,000, approximately $430,000.

The chaos unfolded after a dramatic injury-time penalty was awarded to Morocco national football team during the final against Senegal national football team.

Senegal’s players and officials protested the decision and temporarily walked off the pitch, causing a 14-minute stoppage. When play eventually resumed, Morocco failed to convert the penalty before Senegal scored a late winner to seemingly secure a 1-0 victory.

However, the controversy deepened weeks later when Confederation of African Football overturned the match result on March 17, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and officially crowning the North Africans as African champions.

CAF ruled in favour of an appeal lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, stating that Senegal had breached tournament regulations by abandoning the match.

Senegal have since appealed the CAF ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, although a final decision from the tribunal may take up to a year.

Bruno Fernandes Named Premier League Player of the Season

By
Agency Report
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Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes has been crowned the Premier League Player of the Season after inspiring Manchester United to Champions League qualification and equalling the league’s single-season assists record.

The Portugal international secured the individual honour on Saturday following a remarkable campaign in which he established himself as the driving force behind United’s return to Europe’s elite competition.

Fernandes delivered his 20th assist of the Premier League season during Manchester United’s last outing, drawing level with the long-standing record jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

Henry first set the mark with Arsenal during the 2002-03 season, while former Manchester City midfielder De Bruyne matched it in the 2019-20 campaign.

The United captain now has the opportunity to become the outright record holder when Erik ten Hag’s side travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion in Sunday’s Premier League season finale.

Fernandes’ latest accolade comes just weeks after he was voted Footballer of the Year in England by the Football Writers’ Association, further cementing his status as one of the standout performers in English football this season.

The 31-year-old midfielder has enjoyed one of the finest campaigns of his career, combining creativity, leadership and consistency as Manchester United secured a top-four finish and a return to the UEFA Champions League.

His influence has been particularly evident in crucial matches throughout the season, with Fernandes regularly delivering decisive assists and goals during United’s push for European qualification.

The award also caps a dominant individual season for the Portuguese playmaker, who has become the central figure in Manchester United’s resurgence and now stands on the brink of making Premier League history outright with one match remaining.

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