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Iran Insists FIFA, Not US, Is World Cup Host Amid Visa Tensions.

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The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, has emphasized that FIFA, not political leaders, is the ultimate authority overseeing the 2026 World Cup, as concerns grow over Iran’s participation in the tournament.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking to BBC Sport on Wednesday, Taj addressed mounting diplomatic tensions and travel restrictions ahead of the competition, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“Our host is FIFA, not Mr Trump or America,” Taj said, insisting that Iran qualified for the tournament and expects to participate under FIFA’s jurisdiction rather than political influence from Donald Trump or the US government.

The remarks come after reports that Iranian football officials were denied entry to a FIFA Congress in Canada due to alleged links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an organisation classified as a terrorist group by several countries.

Taj, who has previously confirmed his own past service in the IRGC, stated that Iran is demanding clear assurances that its delegation and national symbols will be respected during the World Cup.

“If they guarantee not to insult our military institutions and the IRGC, we’ll go,” he said regarding Iran’s participation and travel arrangements.

FIFA has already expressed regret over the visa dispute and invited Iranian officials to talks in Zurich as preparations continue. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran remains scheduled to compete and will take part in the tournament as planned.

The controversy unfolds amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington, with US authorities maintaining that individuals linked to the IRGC will not be granted entry.

Iran, however, insists that football should remain separate from politics, stressing that its qualification must be honoured regardless of diplomatic disputes.

“We are going to the World Cup because we qualified,” Taj said, adding that while Iran may boycott the United States politically, it will not withdraw from the competition.

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Political Tension Builds As Cross River ADC Confirms Readiness For Primaries Soon.

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The newly formed executive committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River State has said it is fully prepared to conduct its primaries to select candidates for the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The newly elected state chairman, Dr. John Ogar, stated that the party still has enough time to sell nomination forms, urging interested aspirants to quickly visit the party secretariat to obtain theirs.

He made this known in Calabar shortly after the state congress, where a 37-member executive committee was elected through consensus.

Ogar noted that recent defections within the party have been minimal, adding that only one member of the new executive has left.

He also criticized politicians who advocate unity and strong opposition but later abandon coalitions for personal interests.

According to him, committed and loyal members of the party remain firmly on ground, insisting that the ADC in the state is intact and united.

He further pledged to strengthen and reposition the party, dismissing claims of internal factionalization.

Ogar maintained that the congress was conducted in line with the party’s constitution and was supported by a court ruling affirming the authority of the state executive to organize congresses.

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Outrage In ACF As Board Of Trustees Rejects Claims Against Dalhatu.

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The Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has strongly condemned what it described as “false and malicious allegations” directed at its Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement approved by members of the Board, the group denounced the actions of what it called a “small and disgruntled faction” within the forum, accusing them of violating the ACF Constitution by convening an unauthorised meeting on May 6, 2026 and issuing a communiqué containing what it termed baseless claims against the Board Chairman.

The statement, signed by prominent members including Ambassador Hassan Adamu, General Muhammad Magoro (retd), General A.B. Mamman (retd), Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, and others, maintained that the National Executive Council of the ACF has no constitutional authority to make decisions regarding the leadership of the Board of Trustees.

According to the Board, “It has no powers under our Constitution to appoint, suspend or remove any member of the Board of Trustees, let alone its Chairman. The actions of this small group represent a dangerous act of indiscipline, gross insubordination and a deliberate attempt to undermine the foundation of the Forum.”

The Trustees also faulted the role of the National Executive Committee Chairman, Mike Mamman Osman, SAN, for allegedly allowing the actions of the former Secretary General, Murtala Aliyu, whose tenure ended on March 10, 2026.

They stated that any actions taken by the former Secretary General after that date are “invalid, null and void,” adding that he is currently under investigation for his conduct while in office.

The Board further described the situation as an attempt to discredit the organisation and damage its reputation, insisting that a full investigation has been ordered into what it termed “acts of betrayal” within the forum.

It also dismissed claims of a leadership crisis in the ACF, stressing that there is no dispute over leadership, but rather what it called “self-serving actions of a disgruntled former official” refusing to vacate office after his tenure expired, allegedly rallying supporters to advance his agenda.

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100th Birthday Milestone: Ogun Honours Afenifere Leader Fasoranti In Grand Style.

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The Ogun State Government has joined other dignitaries and well-wishers across the country in celebrating elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti, as he marks his 100th birthday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement personally signed by Governor Dapo Abiodun, the centenarian was praised as a symbol of patriotism, democratic values, and principled leadership, whose impact on Nigeria’s political development remains significant and enduring.

The governor noted that Pa Fasoranti, who was born in Akure a century ago, distinguished himself as a teacher, school administrator, politician, and advocate of good governance.

Abiodun recalled his service as Commissioner for Finance in the former Ondo State during the administration of late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin between 1979 and 1983. He also highlighted Fasoranti’s contributions to education through the establishment of institutions such as Omolere Nursery School and extensions of Akure High School.

According to the governor, Fasoranti has remained one of Nigeria’s strongest advocates of democracy, federalism, and restructuring, and was actively involved in pro-democracy movements alongside nationalist figures like Obafemi Awolowo.

He added that the Afenifere leader faced persecution during military rule but remained committed to the belief that democratic governance is essential for Nigeria’s unity and development.

Governor Abiodun described him as “a national treasure,” noting that his wisdom and moral influence continue to inspire leaders across generations.

He concluded by celebrating Fasoranti on behalf of the people of Ogun State and prayed for his continued good health and longevity.

The elder statesman turns 100 on Sunday, with political leaders, traditional rulers, and associates expected to attend celebrations in his honour.

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