The highly anticipated all-British clash, which is being targeted for the end of 2026, had briefly been linked to the singer after Turki Al-Sheikh suggested the event’s promotional plans could be affected without her involvement.

While it remains uncertain whether the comment was made seriously or humorously, BBC Sport reports that Dua Lipa was approached but turned down the offer.

A final venue for the fight has not yet been confirmed, although Wembley Stadium in October is currently seen as the leading option.

Major music performances have increasingly become part of high-profile boxing events in recent years. Eminem famously accompanied Terence Crawford to the ring for his title fight against Errol Spence Jr., while Liam Gallagher performed before Daniel Dubois’ victory over Joshua at Wembley in 2024. 50 Cent also featured during Chris Eubank Jr.’s ringwalk for his rematch with Conor Benn last year.

However, before a fight with Fury can happen, Joshua is first scheduled to face Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on July 25.

Fury, who recently came out of retirement, returned to action last month with a victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov and is reportedly considering another bout while waiting for negotiations to be finalised.

Promoter Frank Warren has warned that a loss for Joshua this summer could jeopardise the long-anticipated clash with Fury.

Although talks for the blockbuster fight have repeatedly collapsed over the past decade, both fighters are expected to earn record-breaking purses if the bout finally takes place.

News reports that the trip was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu’s first stop will be France before proceeding to Nairobi, Kenya, where he will participate in the Africa-France Summit set to begin next week.

The summit, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto, will focus on key issues such as energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, global financial reform, and climate action.

President Tinubu’s attendance at the summit, scheduled for May 11 to May 12, is expected to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening strategic ties with African nations and France.

With the theme “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” the summit will bring together African and French leaders to discuss economic transformation, climate resilience, infrastructure, youth development, technological innovation, and peace-building.

After the Kenya summit, Tinubu will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, to attend the annual Africa CEO Forum from May 14 to May 15.

This year’s forum, themed “Scale or Fail,” is expected to gather more than 2,000 business leaders, investors, and policymakers to explore strategies for economic growth, regional integration, and increased cross-border investment.

Organised in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the event will focus on building stronger and more competitive African industries.

At both international engagements, Tinubu is expected to present his administration’s economic reforms aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading destination for investment and growth.

He will also hold high-level meetings with African and global business leaders during the trip.

The President will be accompanied by selected ministers and senior government officials and is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in Rwanda.

The decision was reached and ratified during a high-level leadership summit held in Samonda, Ibadan, as part of broader efforts to strengthen party unity ahead of the polls.

The move reflects a growing pattern within the APC, following similar consensus arrangements recently seen in Lagos and Ogun states.

Party leaders said the strategy is designed to prevent internal disputes and position the party strongly for the next general election.

Speaking at the summit, Senator Ayo Adeseun said the endorsement came after wide consultations, including engagement with President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, as the party’s national leader, Tinubu’s opinion on who emerges as flagbearer carries significant weight.

Adeseun added that Alli had already declared his governorship ambition before the consensus decision was finalised.

Another APC leader, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, also stated that President Tinubu supported Alli’s emergence and urged other aspirants to accept the decision in the interest of party unity.

He stressed that cohesion within the APC would be vital to mounting a formidable challenge in the 2027 governorship race.

The summit drew party stakeholders and leaders from all 33 local government areas of Oyo State, highlighting the significance of the endorsement.

In his response, Alli expressed gratitude to party leaders for their confidence in him and pledged to provide inclusive governance if elected.

He also thanked President Tinubu for his support and guidance.

Naija News reports that former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently stepped down from his position to pursue the APC governorship ticket in Oyo State.