According to official Barcelona reports, following Spain’s 2-0 victory over France, eight Barcelona players have reached the FIFA World Cup final, equaling the record set at the 2010 South Africa FIFA World Cup.

This number matches the record for Barcelona players in a FIFA World Cup final set in South Africa in 2010. At that time, Valdés, Pique, Puyol, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro, and Villa were all in the Spanish squad, ultimately lifting the trophy in Johannesburg.

Barcelona players played a decisive role in this semi-final, helping the team secure a spot in the final. Olmo provided an assist, Yamal earned a penalty, and Cubarsi showed solid performance at the heart of the defense. Additionally, Pedri and Ferran Torres came on as substitutes, injecting vitality and quality in the latter stages of the match. Other Barcelona players who made it to the final include Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, and Gavi, all cheering for their teammates from the bench.

Gordon is expected to set a new record
On Thursday, Beijing time (CEST), Gordon could potentially feature in the match against Messi and Argentina. If England wins, Barcelona will have nine players in the final, breaking the club’s record for the number of players in a FIFA World Cup final.

Barcelona players have reached the final for 5 consecutive tournaments
Barcelona players have been present in the last five FIFA World Cup finals. In 2010, eight Barcelona players were in Spain’s winning squad. Four years later, Mascherano and Messi represented Argentina in the Brazil FIFA World Cup final. At the Russia FIFA World Cup, Umtiti and Dembele won with France, while Rakitic was in the Croatian team that lost the final. In the most recent 2022 FIFA World Cup final, Dembele and Kounde lost to Messi’s Argentina in a penalty shootout.

Barcelona once again holds an important position in the pursuit of this top international honor, and a new record for Barcelona players reaching the final could even be set.

Jacob Vandi has been unveiled as the technical adviser of Nigeria National League, NNL, side Ekiti United.

Vandi was presented to the fans by the Ekiti State Technical Advisor to the Governor on Sports Development, Dr. Mrs Olusola Osetoba.

The young tactician replaced Idris Bolarinwa who left the club at the end of last season.

Bolarinwa departed the club after guiding Ekiti United to third position in the NNL Conference B last season.

The new coach brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in Nigerian football, having previously guided Ekiti Queens FC to a mid-table finish in the 2025-26 season.

Vandi is expected to build on last season’s performance as Ekiti United target promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

The family of slain Oyo schoolteacher, Michael Oyedokun, has urged President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to order an urgent search and recovery of his missing remains, after security forces rescued the pupils and teachers abducted from Community High School in the Oriire Local Government Area.

The bereaved family lamented that they could not bury the slain teacher or find closure until his body is recovered.

The family made the appeal in an open letter addressed to the President on Tuesday and jointly signed by members of the Oyedokun family.

While expressing gratitude to the Nigerian government and security agencies for rescuing the surviving pupils and teachers after nearly two months in captivity, the family said the operation remained incomplete because Oyedokun’s body has not been recovered.

According to the letter, the successful rescue of the victims restored hope to many families, but theirs continues to endure “unending pain” due to the inability to bury their loved ones.

“We sincerely thank Your Excellency for the efforts of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security and intelligence agencies whose dedication and sacrifice led to the successful rescue of the kidnapped victims in Oyo State,” the family said.

“The safe return of these victims has restored hope to their families and reaffirmed our confidence in the Government’s commitment to protecting the lives and liberty of its citizens. For this, we are deeply grateful.”

However, they said their grief remains unresolved because Oyedokun, who died while in captivity, has not been returned home for burial.

“Our beloved relative, Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, tragically lost his life while in captivity. Although the rescue operation was successful, his remains have yet to be recovered and returned to us for a dignified burial in accordance with our faith, traditions, and values,” the grieving family noted.

“The absence of his body has prolonged our grief and denied our family the closure that every human being deserves. We continue to live with the pain of not knowing where he rests, unable to perform the final rites that would honour his memory and bring peace to our hearts.”

The family urged President Tinubu and Governor Makinde to direct the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the slain teacher’s remains.

“Your Excellency, we respectfully appeal that you direct the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover the remains of Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun,” the family said.

“We are confident that the same resolve which secured the freedom of the surviving victims can also ensure that his body is returned to his family.

“Recovering his remains is more than a humanitarian act; it is a solemn obligation that reflects the dignity of every Nigerian life. It would demonstrate that no citizen is forgotten, abandoned, or denied dignity, even in death,” the family noted.

“We earnestly hope this appeal will receive your compassionate and urgent consideration, so that we may finally lay our beloved husband, father, brother, and son to rest with the honour and dignity he deserves, and begin the difficult journey toward healing.”