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Iran Insists FIFA, Not US, Is World Cup Host Amid Visa Tensions.
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.
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has stated that he no longer considers former presidential candidate Peter Obi serious or politically relevant following his defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Okonkwo made the comment during an interview on ARISE Television, where he also insisted that Obi’s defection would not have any impact on the ADC’s chances.
He accused Obi of switching political parties three times within six months, arguing that only the restrictions of the Electoral Act may have prevented further defections.
The actor-turned-politician expressed confidence that the ADC would win the 2027 presidential election, describing the party’s coalition as stable and progressing smoothly.
He also recalled previously stating that he would not speak for Obi, questioning his stance on national issues and his ability to sustain electoral victory.
Okonkwo maintained that Obi’s recent political moves had made him disregard his relevance within the current political landscape.
He alleged that Obi moved from the Labour Party in December, joined the ADC in early December, and later defected to the NDC in May.
According to him, Obi’s pattern of party switching suggests he would have continued moving if not for electoral restrictions.
He added that while changing parties does not necessarily reflect on one’s competence or character, the reasons behind such moves are what truly matter.
Okonkwo further questioned Obi’s justification for leaving political groups, claiming he had cited internal challenges and a preference for peaceful environments.
He argued that it raises concerns about leadership suitability, especially in a country facing significant national challenges.
Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has stepped down from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
She made the announcement in a statement shared on her account on Wednesday, explaining that her decision was tied to her commitment to presidential aspirant Peter Obi.
Yesufu also revealed that she intends to contest for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
She stated that the coming days would be crucial for Nigeria’s political direction, adding that her move was influenced by her belief in Obi’s leadership and vision for a better country.
According to her, her earlier decision to support Obi led her to join the ADC, but she is now continuing that same commitment under the NDC platform.
She emphasized that she always keeps her word, noting that her political journey—from the ADC to the NDC—was driven by her promise of loyalty to Obi’s aspiration.
Yesufu further confirmed that her participation in the NDC goes beyond membership, as she is also entering the race for the FCT senatorial seat under the party’s banner.
She said she had concluded her responsibilities within the ADC and ensured a smooth and orderly transition while appreciating those she worked with.
She expressed gratitude for her experience in the party, describing her roles in various committees as valuable and acknowledging the cooperation and support she received from colleagues.
The Nigerian Senate has approved the appointment of Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the new Minister of Power.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
It also confirmed Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The confirmation followed a letter sent by President Bola Tinubu to the Senate on Tuesday, which was read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In the letter, the President requested the screening and confirmation of both nominees in accordance with constitutional provisions. Joseph Tegbe, who hails from Oyo State, is a seasoned fiscal and economic reform expert with more than 35 years of experience spanning both public service and the private sector. He previously served as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led major projects focused on fiscal policy reforms, governance improvements, institutional transformation, and regulatory frameworks. He has also worked extensively with government institutions and private organisations on strategic reforms, investment structuring, and policy development. His nomination comes following the resignation of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
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