Argentina captain Lionel Messi has expressed astonishment at the “crazy” turn of events that will see him face Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in this Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The encounter carries extra significance due to a viral photograph from years ago, which shows a young Messi cradling a baby Yamal during a charity event at Barcelona’s Camp Nou.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reflecting on the coincidence during a Friday press conference, Messi remarked, “That picture with Lamine is incredible. Now we are facing each other in a final after a photo was taken of us when he was a baby, it’s just crazy!”. While Messi hopes for an entertaining match, he joked that he intends to ensure the youngster and his Spanish teammates do not perform at their best during the final.

High Praise for a Rising Star

Despite the fierce rivalry awaiting them on the pitch, Messi offered significant praise for Yamal, identifying him as one of the elite players in world football today. The Argentine icon highlighted the 19-year-old’s immense talent and bright future, while emphasizing that Argentina is prepared to face the challenge posed by both Yamal and the broader Spanish squad. “He’s a tremendous player. A global star,” Messi stated, while noting that Argentina would “give it our all to ensure he doesn’t become champion this time”.

From Charity Calendar to Global Spotlight

The famous photograph, captured by photographer Joan Monfort during a UNICEF charity project, has gained massive worldwide attention as the two players prepare to face off. Monfort noted that the timing of the final in the U.S. has amplified the image’s popularity, telling The Associated Press that the narrative of this match is “better than any film script”.

The Road to the Final

Messi enters the title decider in peak form, having contributed eight goals and four assists throughout the tournament. As Argentina aims for back-to-back world titles, Messi is currently tied with Kylian Mbappé in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot. Sunday’s match represents a significant showdown between the current European and Copa América champions, serving as the first competitive meeting between Spain and Argentina after a previously scheduled Finalissima was cancelled due to regional conflicts.

Show promoter and disc jockey, DJ Timmy, has publicly confronted singer Timi Dakolo over an outstanding financial obligation. In an Instagram post shared on Friday, Timmy issued a stern ultimatum to the singer, noting that a month had passed since Dakolo requested him to “archive his list”—a move Timmy claims was made under the premise of settling the debt.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Timmy warned that if the funds are not received by Monday, July 20, he intends to expose details of Dakolo’s alleged “sexcapades” and other personal activities in Lagos to the singer’s wife. “If by Monday 20th, the money doesn’t hit our account, get ready to explain your sexcapades to your wife and all your little adventures in Lagos,” Timmy stated.

O’tega Ogra Responds to Dakolo’s Payment Claims

In a separate development, O’tega Ogra, an aide to President Tinubu, has addressed public allegations from Timi Dakolo regarding an unpaid professional service. Dakolo had previously reached out to Ogra via the social media platform , publicly urging him to answer calls and settle an outstanding payment for a job he claimed to have completed.

In response, Ogra indicated he is aware of the public discourse but stated he would not engage in further back-and-forth, asserting that his professional track record speaks for itself. Additionally, Ogra cautioned against the personalization of the dispute, warning that any further attempts to frame the matter in such a way would be addressed through formal correction or potential legal and professional action.

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), has firmly rejected recent calls from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to postpone the association’s national elections. Osigwe asserted that the AGF lacks the legal authority to dictate or alter the NBA’s electoral process, warning that doing so would undermine the independence of the legal profession and breach the association’s constitutional framework.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The controversy stems from the AGF’s advice that the NBA suspend its July 18, 2026, polls, dissolve its current Election Committee, and implement the National Identification Number (NIN) for voter verification. During an interview on Arise News this Friday, Osigwe clarified that while the AGF’s opinions are noted, they are not binding directives. He emphasized that the NBA is governed by its own Constitution, the Legal Practitioners Act, and other established regulatory instruments—none of which grant the AGF power to intervene in the association’s internal affairs.

“Suggesting that he [the AGF] has the power to postpone our elections would imply that the NBA is merely a department under the Office of the Attorney General,” Osigwe stated. He noted that while the Bar is open to considering advice, it cannot comply with “must-do” directives that conflict with its governing laws.

Upholding Constitutional Eligibility and Opposing External Impositions

Osigwe also addressed ongoing debates regarding zoning and consensus candidates. He maintained that the NBA Constitution clearly defines the criteria for presidential aspirants, requiring candidates to be at least 15 years post-call, have served on the National Executive Council for at least two years, and be fully up-to-date with their practice fees and branch dues for the preceding three years.

He rejected attempts by external interest groups to force their preferred candidates upon the association, calling such actions illogical. “They accuse the Bar of various things and turn around to accuse others of trying to impose a candidate, when they are actually the ones imposing a candidate,” he remarked. Osigwe underscored that any member who meets the constitutional requirements is entitled to run for office, regardless of endorsements from external bodies.

Commitment to a Transparent Process

Regarding the upcoming election, the NBA President defended the inclusivity of the race, noting that the presence of a female candidate highlights the association’s commitment to equal opportunity.

To ensure credibility and transparency, Osigwe confirmed that the NBA has invited international and civil society observers—including the EU and Yiaga—to monitor the process. Addressing skeptics who fear electoral malpractice, he insisted that all concerns have been thoroughly addressed to build trust.

“Everything is in place, and the electoral body is ready to conduct it,” Osigwe said. He concluded by urging all aspirants to focus on the polls rather than seeking delays: “Go out there and test your popularity; don’t drag the association down or tarnish people’s images. May the best man or woman win.”