NEWS

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom has expressed confidence that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite ongoing regional tensions and concerns surrounding visas and entry arrangements.Speaking after a meeting with Mehdi Taj in Istanbul on Saturday, May 16, Grafstrom described the talks as “excellent” and “constructive”. “We’ve had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran football association,” Grafstrom told Reuters. “We’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.”Iran are scheduled to play all three of their Group G matches in the United States during the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. However, uncertainty has surroun...

The Peoples Democratic Party faction backed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, says a total of 3,181 aspirants will be screened ahead of the 2027 general elections as part of preparations for the selection of candidates across various elective positions.Among them are 2,122 aspirants for the state House of Assembly, 748 for House of Representatives, 198 senatorial aspirants, 112 governorship aspirants, and one presidential aspirant.The party disclosed this in a statement shared on its X handle on Sunday, announcing the constitution of committees and appeal panels for the exercise.“Following the approved Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections by the National Executive Committee (NEC) at its 104th Meeting, the Interim National Working Committee (iNW...

Celebrity businessman, Cubana Chief Priest, whose real name is Pascal Okechukwu, has finally reacted after losing the All Progressives Congress House of Representatives primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency in Imo State.Naija News reports that the nightlife entrepreneur, who also serves as the Imo State Coordinator of the City Boys Movement, secured only 14 votes during the APC primary election.Following the outcome, many social media users mocked the businessman over his inability to clinch the party’s ticket despite openly supporting President Bola Tinubu.Reacting in a viral video circulating online, ChiefPriest said he had no regrets about contesting for the position, but expressed disappointment over placing trust in elders within his community....

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says Nigerians have accepted k!llings as normal with insecurity, k!llings and violence in Nigeria becoming the order of the day.  He added that the country iis gradually losing its moral values and sense of humanity.The former President said this while speaking at a function at St James Anglican Church, Asokoro, on Saturday, May 16. “When we look around today, particularly at the challenges confronting our country, it is easy to become discouraged. Violence, insecurity, moral decline, and the loss of human values have become deeply troubling realities. What is even more painful is how society sometimes appears to normalise these tragedies as though they are ordinary occurrences. In times past, such incidents would shake the conscience o...

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, football fans around the globe are reflecting on the incredible numbers and records that have shaped the history of the tournament since its inception in 1930.The 2026 edition, which will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to be the biggest FIFA World Cup ever, featuring 48 national teams for the first time in history.So far, 22 editions of the tournament have been played, producing unforgettable moments, legendary players, and astonishing statistics.Brazil remains the most successful nation in World Cup history with five titles, winning the trophy in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002. Germany and Italy follow closely with four titles each.The highest-scoring player in World Cup history is...