Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledges Spain's superiority after World Cup final defeat
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain was the better team following his side's 1-0 extra-time loss in the 2026 World Cup final. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal for Spain at MetLife Stadium. Argentina, featuring Lionel Messi, had aimed to be the first team since 1962 to win consecutive World Cups. Scaloni expressed pride in his team's achievement in reaching the final, stating, "They were the better side — that's the truth — but I'll cherish the memory of them, of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far." He emphasized the importance of accepting defeat gracefully, just as they celebrate victories. Scaloni thanked the fans and players for their effort, noting that leaving everything on the pitch sets a great example. He valued the runners-up position, acknowledging the immense effort required to reach that stage, and expressed gratitude despite the sadness of the loss.
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President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of 26 individuals to the boards and leadership of 10 federal government agencies and commissions. These appointments, which are effective immediately, were announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Among the key appointments, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has been named Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency REA. Major General Junaid Bindawa will serve as Chairman of the National Salary and Wages Commission, with eight additional appointments made to this commission, including Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas as Secretary. Other notable appointments include Dr Abuh Mohammed as Director-General of the National Population Commission, Dr Akinola Odeyemi as Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc, and Dr Anthony Inalegwu Godwin as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission. Engineer Julius Oloro is the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation. The board of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission has also been constituted with Dr Abdullahi Maikano Saidu as chairman. Additionally, Shuni Muhammad Dahiru has been appointed Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, and Gisaor Vincent Iorja is the new Executive Director Finance of the Federal Housing Authority.
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