
France captain Kylian Mbappé has become the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup knockout-stage history, achieving 10 goals. The 27-year-old reached this milestone after scoring two goals in France’s 3-0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 32 on June 30. Mbappé's average of 1.11 knockout-stage goals per game is the highest among active players on the list. Argentina captain Lionel Messi is among four players with six knockout-stage goals, having added to his tally in Argentina’s 3-2 extra-time win against Cape Verde. According to FIFA, only 20 players in World Cup history have scored at least five goals in knockout matches. FIFA also noted that comparisons across different eras should consider the evolving World Cup format, as tournaments like 1934 and 1938 were entirely knockout-based, while the 1950 World Cup had no knockout stage, and other editions featured limited knockout matches.
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Must ReadPeter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has expressed deep concern over a severe food crisis in northern Nigeria, following a United Nations report indicating that over 17 million people in nine states face crisis-level hunger. Obi stated on his X handle that this crisis, described by the World Food Programme as the worst in nearly a decade, is a result of what he termed incompetent and irresponsible leadership, especially given the North's role as the country’s food basket. He highlighted that more than 35 million Nigerians nationwide are at risk of hunger during the current lean season, with over 10,000 residents in Borno State already experiencing "catastrophic" hunger conditions. The former Anambra governor attributed the crisis to insecurity and farmers' inability to access their lands due to banditry and insurgent attacks, which have transformed agrarian communities into displacement zones. Obi urged the Federal Government and state leaders to prioritize securing agricultural areas and supporting smallholder farmers, advocating for transparent investments and closer collaboration with the WFP to address funding gaps before the crisis escalates further.
Must ReadOsun State University UNIOSUN has rejected parts of a statement from the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, regarding alleged sexual assaults involving military personnel and university members. The Army had stated it received no formal complaints or credible evidence of rape allegations and appealed for victims and witnesses to provide evidence to its ongoing investigation. UNIOSUN, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, welcomed the Army's Board of Inquiry but expressed concern that alleged victims were expected to report directly to the institution whose personnel are under investigation. The university believes this approach ignores the trauma and fear survivors of sexual violence often face. UNIOSUN also refused to reveal student identities or compel them to appear before military authorities, citing its duty of care, confidentiality, and protection for students. The university reiterated its commitment to student welfare and safety, stating that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, would continue to support students reporting harassment or abuse. UNIOSUN maintained that sexual assault investigations should be victim-centered, independent, transparent, and inspire public confidence, arguing that survivors should not fear intimidation by reporting directly to those connected with the investigation. The university disagreed with the Army's characterization of the Vice-Chancellor's comments as unconfirmed, insisting they were made res
Must ReadOut of ten African nations participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, only two have progressed to the Round of 16. Egypt secured their spot by defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, marking their first-ever knockout-stage win at a FIFA World Cup. They are set to play Argentina in the next round. Morocco was the first African team to qualify for the Round of 16, beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw, and will face co-hosts Canada. Eight other African representatives have been eliminated: Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Senegal, Ghana, and Cape Verde in the Round of 32, and Algeria in the group stage.