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As 2026 unfolds, false and misleading claims have already found their way into public discourse, spreading rapidly across social media platforms.
In the first week of January 2026, DUBAWA tracked and fact-checked several viral narratives that sparked public debate, outrage, and confusion.
Even with growing public awareness, misinformation and disinformation continue to exploit sensitive issues and trending topics, underscoring the ongoing need for fact-checking and improved media and information literacy.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the claims DUBAWA fact-checked in the last week.
- Anthony Joshua retired from boxing
Last week, an X user shared a video alleging that British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua had announced his retirement from professional boxing following a tragic road accident in Nigeria. The post contained footage of Joshua speaking at what appeared to be a press conference and suggested he was emotionally stepping away from the sport.
Our findings showed that the video is AI-generated. The footage was edited from unrelated material, and there is no evidence that Joshua has retired or made any such announcement.
- Over 16,000 people cancelled FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets because of Trump
Social media users circulated that around 16,800 fans cancelled their FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets overnight in protest against former U.S. President Donald Trump. The posts suggested mass cancellations were linked to his political actions and an alleged hostile environment.
When DUBAWA examined the claim, we found no official evidence or credible reports supporting this narrative. FIFA’s ticketing rules do not allow cancellations after purchase, and there is no record of such mass ticket cancellations by fans. The claim is therefore false.
- Photos show Tinubu sitting beside Anthony Joshua in hospital
A viral Facebook image claimed that Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was seated beside British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua on a hospital bed following the latter’s reported road accident. The photo implied that Tinubu had visited Joshua in person at the hospital.
When DUBAWA examined the claim, we found that the image is AI-generated. While Anthony Joshua was indeed treated in a hospital after the crash, there is no credible evidence that Tinubu visited him there.
Official records and the president’s verified social media activity show that Tinubu made only a phone call conveying condolences and well-wishes.
- Victor Osimhen visited RCCG after Algeria’s loss
A Facebook user shared images claiming that Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen flew back to Lagos to attend a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) service immediately after Nigeria’s win over Algeria in the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals. The post suggested he returned from the tournament to worship.
When we checked the photos, we found they were taken during a New Year’s crossover service in 2023. We found no credible evidence that Osimhen made such a trip in January 2026. Therefore, the claim is misleading.
- Mohamed Salah bought a $25 million private hospital for Egypt’s elderly
A Facebook page shared a post claiming that Mohamed Salah, an Egyptian footballer spent $25 million to buy a private hospital in Egypt and converted it into a free medical centre for elderly people without caregivers. The post suggested the facility operates as a fully free hospital for older citizens.
DUBAWA’s findings show no credible reports from reputable news outlets or official statements confirming that Salah purchased such a hospital.
While Salah’s charitable contributions in Egypt include support for medical facilities, which are well-documented, there is no evidence that he bought or runs a $25 million hospital for the elderly as described in the viral post.
