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“World Cup Dream Shattered!”: Somali Referee Omar Artan Banned From 2026 Tournament After US Denies Entry!.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will no longer participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States. FIFA confirmed that Artan, who was set to become the first official from Somalia to referee at a World Cup finals, will miss both the upcoming training activities and match assignments. While FIFA clarified that it is not involved in host country immigration or visa adjudication processes, it was informed by authorities that Artan’s status remains unchanged. Despite reportedly holding a valid visa, the referee was refused entry, and officials have not disclosed specific reasons for the decision. This exclusion is a major blow to Somali football, which had celebrated his selection as a historic milestone for the nation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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World Cup Exclusion: FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Artan is ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after being denied entry into the United States.
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A Historic Miss: The decision prevents Artan from becoming the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup finals, ending his participation in all tournament training and matches.
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Immigration Issues: Although Artan held a valid visa, he was denied entry by U.S. authorities, with FIFA noting that it has no influence over host country visa and admission policies.
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A Career Setback: Artan, who has been on the FIFA international referees list since 2018 and is regarded as one of Africa’s top officials, will be notably absent when the tournament kicks off on June 11.
Key Takeaways:
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The Outcome: Omar Artan cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup due to a U.S. entry denial.
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FIFA’s Stance: The organization maintains that host government authorities hold the ultimate power over who is admitted into their country.
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Background: Artan is a respected official in African football, and his absence is a significant disappointment for Somali sports representation.
Nollywood actress Moyo Lawal has opened up about her romantic life, disclosing that she has never experienced a situation where the affection she gives to a partner is not reciprocated.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the actress made the revelation during an interview with GoldMyneTV.
During the conversation, Lawal admitted that she might not be the best person to offer relationship advice because of her intense approach to love and romantic relationships.
According to the actress, whenever she develops feelings for someone, she commits wholeheartedly and gives the relationship her full affection.
She also suggested that married people might be better suited to offering relationship advice because of their experiences and understanding of marriage.
Lawal said:
“I feel like I can’t give relationship advice because I love deep. I love too much. I love with all my heart.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had that. The love always comes back really strong. It’s just that human beings will be who they are.”
In a related development, the actress disclosed in a 2022 interview why she had yet to get married.
She explained that financial stability and the ability to provide for a family were among the factors influencing her decision to remain unmarried.
Lawal also noted that her acting career did not provide a consistent income that would enable her to comfortably plan for marriage and raise children.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, of denying the founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, approval to construct the ‘Hand of God’ Cathedral in Rivers State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Wike made the allegation while addressing a town hall meeting, in a video that has since circulated online.
According to the minister, Ibiyeomie had sought approval to build the cathedral when Amaechi was governor of Rivers State but was allegedly denied permission.
Wike questioned Amaechi’s decision to attend services at the same church, suggesting that his recent visit was politically motivated.
The FCT minister also accused the former governor of refusing to grant the founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, approval to construct a church. He claimed that he granted the approval after taking over as governor, enabling the cleric to proceed with the project.
Wike said:
“There is this leading pastor, one of our respected pastors in this country, who is from my place and doing very well.
“When he was to build that church (Hand of God Cathedral), the ADC vice-presidential candidate was the Rivers State Governor. He refused to give approval to the pastor.
“Somebody else gave approval, and now the church is going on. Yesterday, I saw the vice-presidential candidate going to that same church to worship.
“Because he wants power now, he forgets what he did. There is another one, the OPM Ministry. He refused to give the OPM pastor approval, but when I came, I gave the man approval, and the man built the church. I heard the vice-presidential candidate wants to go and worship there too.
“Why do you like to fake things, telling people lies? I will not do so.”
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has defended the ₦10 million reward promised by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to councillors who deliver their respective wards for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Yilwatda dismissed criticism of the pledge, insisting that it did not amount to vote buying.
Naija News reports that the APC chairman made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.
Wike had made the promise at a political gathering in Kwali Area Council, where he pledged to give each councillor ₦10 million if they secured victory for Tinubu and other APC candidates in their wards in 2027.
According to Yilwatda, the offer was directed at approximately 60 councillors in the FCT and was intended to encourage them to intensify their political mobilisation efforts.
When asked whether the promise amounted to electoral inducement, the APC chairman argued that political parties routinely provide funds for mobilisation.
“Which political party doesn’t release money for mobilisation? Which political party? So, tell me one. No, it’s not for votes,” he said.
Yilwatda compared the proposed payment to a reward given to students who perform exceptionally well in examinations.
He further argued that the money would only be paid after the election results had been announced and all legal processes concluded, insisting that it could not influence voters or determine the outcome of the election.
“It matters because if the money is given after the election has been concluded and the winner has been declared and there’s nothing at stake again… that you legally deliver your ward by giving you ₦10 million,” he said.
When pressed further on whether the pledge constituted vote buying, Yilwatda responded, “Never.”
On the possibility of Senate President Godswill Akpabio retaining his position if re-elected in 2027, the APC chairman said it was too early to make such a determination.
“Let’s wait for the election first. I don’t have anybody in mind. The Senate will determine who they want to make the Senate President,” he stated.
Yilwatda also expressed sympathy for victims of pre-election violence, warning party supporters against engaging in attacks.
“Our party stands for free and fair elections,” he added.
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