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Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

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Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant—-Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has thrown his weight behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election—an early move that is already stirring quiet conversations within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement did not come in the open. Instead, it followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat reportedly informed key stakeholders of his intention to run. Present at the gathering were members of the State Executive Council, party leaders, and influential figures within the Governor’s Advisory Council.

Among those in attendance were former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and former senator Ganiyu Solomon—names that signal the weight of the political bloc involved in the discussions.

Speaking afterwards, Sanwo-Olu described the decision as “unanimous,” framing it as a consensus among party stakeholders. But the speed and timing of the endorsement—well ahead of party primaries—have raised eyebrows about how firmly the succession plan may already be taking shape behind the scenes.

“We just received Mr Deputy… to inform us of his intention,” the governor said, adding that those present agreed he is “fit and well-prepared” for the role.

Sanwo-Olu leaned heavily on Hamzat’s track record and their long-standing working relationship, portraying him as a loyal and capable hand ready to take over. He went further, suggesting that Hamzat has effectively been groomed for the position from the outset.

“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one,” he said.

In a remark that may further fuel speculation, the governor also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s enduring influence in Lagos politics, hinting that the current development could be part of a longer-term political vision.

Observers note that describing the gathering as a “family meeting” may reflect the tightly knit nature of decision-making within the state’s political structure—where major alignments are often settled before they reach the public stage.

While Hamzat has long been regarded as a key player in Lagos politics, the early endorsement positions him more clearly at the centre of succession discussions, even before a formal campaign has begun.

With more than a year to go before party primaries, the move is already reshaping conversations within the APC, where control of Lagos—Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre—remains one of the most strategic political prizes.

Whether this early alignment holds or faces internal pushback in the months ahead is a question many party watchers are now quietly asking

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BREAKING: Ferran Torres the Hero as Spain Beat Argentina to Capture 2026 FIFA World Cup

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BREAKING: Ferran Torres the Hero as Spain Beat Argentina to Capture 2026 FIFA World Cup—-Substitute Ferran Torres struck the decisive extra-time winner as Spain edged defending champions Argentina 1-0 to lift their second FIFA World Cup title and complete a historic double as reigning men’s European and world champions.

Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 following extra time in a tense and tactical final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

After 90 minutes of relentless intensity failed to separate the two footballing giants, substitute Ferran Torres emerged as Spain’s hero, scoring the only goal of the match in the 106th minute to hand La Roja their second World Cup crown, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa.

Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled much of the contest from the outset, dominating possession and creating the better opportunities against an Argentina team chasing back-to-back World Cup titles. Spain finished the match with 15 attempts on goal and won nine corners, while Lionel Scaloni’s men struggled to impose themselves in attack, failing to register a shot on target for long periods of the encounter.

Spain’s patient approach was finally rewarded early in extra time. Following sustained pressure around Argentina’s penalty area, Ferran Torres collected the ball inside the box before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike beneath the crossbar, leaving goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez with no chance and sending the Spanish supporters into wild celebrations.

Argentina’s task became even more difficult after midfielder Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time of normal time, forcing the reigning champions to play the remainder of the contest with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Argentina fought until the final whistle but were unable to break down Spain’s disciplined defence.

Goalkeeper Unai Simón produced another assured performance behind a well-organised back line marshalled by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, while Rodri once again dictated the tempo in midfield. Teenager Lamine Yamal also impressed throughout the tournament, capping a breakthrough World Cup campaign by helping Spain reach the summit of world football.

The victory crowns a remarkable era for Spanish football under Luis de la Fuente. Having already won UEFA Euro 2024 and the UEFA Nations League, Spain now add the FIFA World Cup to their growing list of honours, becoming world champions for the first time since 2010. The triumph also makes Spain the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles.

For Argentina, the defeat brought an end to their bid to retain the trophy they lifted in Qatar four years earlier. Lionel Messi and his teammates had reached the final after dramatic victories over England and Switzerland in the knockout rounds, but they were ultimately denied by a composed Spanish side whose consistency and tactical discipline proved decisive on football’s biggest stage.

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BREAKING: Chelsea Reach Verbal Agreement for £117m Morgan Rogers Signature From Aston Villa

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BREAKING: Chelsea Reach Verbal Agreement for £117m Morgan Rogers Signature From Aston Villa—-The Blues have reportedly beaten Arsenal to the signing of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers in a British-record £117 million deal, with the England international set for a medical before completing a long-term move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement with Aston Villa to sign England international Morgan Rogers in a blockbuster deal worth £117 million, bringing them to the brink of completing one of the biggest transfers in Premier League history. The agreement, which is now being finalized, would make Rogers the most expensive English footballer ever if completed.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder is expected to undergo a medical on Monday before signing a six-year contract running until 2032, with Chelsea holding the option to extend the deal by a further year. Personal terms have already been agreed, with new head coach Xabi Alonso playing a pivotal role in convincing the player that Stamford Bridge was the right destination for the next stage of his career.

Arsenal had identified Rogers as one of their primary attacking targets this summer and were preparing to intensify negotiations with Aston Villa. However, Chelsea moved swiftly to secure a club-to-club agreement before the Gunners could submit a formal offer. Reports indicate that Rogers made it clear Chelsea was his preferred destination after discussions with Alonso and the club’s hierarchy.

Rogers arrives on the back of a sensational campaign for Aston Villa, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s standout performers. He registered 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions, helping Villa lift the UEFA Europa League and qualify for the UEFA Champions League. His impressive club form also earned him a key role in England’s run to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The proposed £117 million fee surpasses Chelsea’s previous club-record signing of Moisés Caicedo and highlights the club’s determination to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title under Alonso. Rogers is expected to add versatility to Chelsea’s attack, with the ability to operate as a left winger, attacking midfielder or second striker.

For Aston Villa, the transfer represents a remarkable financial return. The Midlands club signed Rogers from Middlesbrough in 2024 for a fee that could rise to around £15 million, meaning they stand to make a profit of more than £100 million. Middlesbrough are also expected to benefit significantly through a sell-on clause included in the original transfer agreement.

While neither Chelsea nor Aston Villa has officially confirmed the transfer, all major terms are understood to have been agreed. Barring any late complications during the medical or final paperwork, Rogers is expected to become Chelsea’s marquee signing of the summer, with an official announcement anticipated in the coming days.

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