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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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The Ultimate Political Twist: Olubadan Drops Bombshell, Declares Tinubu ‘Not An APC Man’ And Deserves To Rule for A Long Time!.

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  • The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, has stated that President Bola Tinubu’s leadership should be judged beyond party lines, describing him as a leader for all citizens who has earned a prolonged tenure through his administration’s achievements.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • Speaking on Monday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu Road in Ogun State, the monarch clarified that the gathering was a platform to express gratitude to the President for endorsing the critical infrastructure project rather than a partisan rally.

    • Highlighting the security challenges associated with the route, Ladoja noted that the highway had previously been a hotspot for kidnappings, making its reconstruction vital for regional safety and economic connectivity.

    • Elaborating on his stance, the monarch remarked, “I’ve been hearing everybody talking APC, APC. Bola Tinubu is not an APC man, no. Bola Tinubu is working and deserves to be president for a long, long time… He’s not an APC president. He’s president of Nigeria.”

    • While maintaining that the event was non-partisan, Ladoja acknowledged that the President’s tangible delivery of projects could bolster the ruling party’s appeal, noting that opposition groups would need to present a genuinely viable alternative to win over voters.

    • The Olubadan concluded by expressing confidence that the electorate in Ibadan land will ultimately exercise their democratic choice based on performance when the time for elections arrives.

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Not On Our Watch: Aiyedatiwa Defends Mega Flyover Project And Slams Claims Of Waste Under Tinubu’s Watch!.

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  • Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not issue a blanket ban on state governors building flyovers, stressing that his administration’s new 2.38-kilometre flyover project at Oba Adesida Road in Akure is both necessary and urgent.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • Speaking at the project’s flag-off ceremony on Monday, Governor Aiyedatiwa warned against quoting the President out of context, noting that President Tinubu’s previous caution—made during a meeting with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja—only targeted flyovers built in low-traffic areas with no clear economic value.

    • Aiyedatiwa credited the President’s economic reforms for increasing financial allocations to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, enabling infrastructure funding.

    • Explaining the rationale behind the project, the governor highlighted that the Oba Adesida axis serves as a critical commercial, administrative, and social artery in Akure, but has suffered from severe traffic congestion, rising vehicular movement, and accident risks due to rapid growth.

    • Describing the initiative as a core part of his urban renewal and infrastructure strategy, Aiyedatiwa stated that a careful evaluation was conducted before launching the project to protect citizen safety and boost economic productivity.

    • Finally, the governor directed the project contractors to strictly respect the approved timelines, design specifications, budget, and professional standards to deliver long-lasting value to the people of Ondo State.

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Blockbuster Return: Super Eagles Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie Makes Sensational Comeback To Bendel Insurance!.

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  • Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie has officially re-signed with the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Bendel Insurance on a one-year deal.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • The 26-year-old goalkeeper returns to his former club and captaincy roots after spending two seasons playing abroad in the Ethiopian and Tanzanian leagues.

    • Bendel Insurance welcomed back their former star on their official X account, stating, “Back where it all began. Former captain and Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie returns and signs a one-year contract. Welcome home, Amas. The story continues.”

    • Following stints with Ethiopia’s Fasil Kenema and Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars, Obasogie shared on social media that his time away has equipped him with renewed experience, hunger, and determination to give his all for the badge and supporters.

    • He also extended a heartfelt farewell message to Singida Black Stars, expressing gratitude for the memories and friendships made during his time in Tanzania.

    • Having been part of the Super Eagles squad that secured a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Obasogie’s homecoming provides Bendel Insurance with a seasoned presence in goal ahead of the 2026/27 NPFL season.

    • In related NPFL news, Niger Tornadoes resumed training at the newly renovated Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna on August 24, pending final league approval, as they prepare to host Enyimba for their opening fixture of the upcoming campaign.

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