Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Teenage forward Julian Hall became the youngest player in Major League Soccer history to score a hat-trick after netting three times in Red Bull New York’s 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew.

Hall, aged 18 years and 50 days, scored twice in the opening half before completing his hat-trick after the break at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The feat took his tally to nine league goals in 13 appearances this season.

The American youngster surpassed the previous record held by former FC Dallas striker Ricardo Pepi, who was 18 years and 196 days old when he scored a hat-trick against LA Galaxy in 2021.

Hall, who made his MLS debut at the age of 15 in 2023, has represented the United States at the under-15 and under-17 levels and is also eligible to play for Poland internationally.
Speaking after the match, Hall admitted he became emotional after learning about the record.

“I got kind of emotional,” he said. “It just makes me think about all the times I was working so hard to make memories like this.”

Red Bull head coach Michael Bradley praised the teenager’s attitude and development.
“I’ve enjoyed every second of working with him,” Bradley said. “He’s a great kid.

“Nothing’s going in his head. He comes in every day ready to work, ready to train, ready to listen. He has great personality.”

The victory moved Red Bull to sixth place in the Eastern Conference on 18 points, level with local rivals New York City ahead of their clash on Saturday.

Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi scored twice and provided an assist as Inter Miami defeated Cincinnati 5-3 to move second in the standings, two points behind leaders Nashville.

The 38-year-old Argentine appeared to have completed the 61st hat-trick of his career late in the game, but MLS ruled the 89th-minute effort an own goal by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano.

According to MLS, the ball rebounded off the post and was not initially crossing the line until Celentano accidentally touched it into the net.

Messi now has 11 goals and four assists in 12 league appearances for Miami this season. Across his career, he has recorded 909 goals and 411 assists.

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan scored his first MLS goal despite Philadelphia Union’s 4-3 defeat to Orlando City.

Sullivan, who became the youngest player in MLS history two years ago, came on as a first-half substitute before finding the net in the 75th minute.

“Despite it not being the result we wanted, I’m grateful to have scored my first MLS goal,” Sullivan wrote on Instagram.

“You fans deserve more and you will get more.”

18-Year-Old Becomes Youngest To Score MLS Hat-trick is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A group of leading international scientists has warned that FIFA’s current heat safety measures for the 2026 World Cup are inadequate and could expose players to serious health risks during the tournament scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In an open letter signed by 20 experts in health, climate science and sports performance from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and Europe, the scientists described FIFA’s existing guidelines as “impossible to justify” based on current scientific evidence and urged the football governing body to urgently strengthen its player protection measures.
The experts called for longer cooling breaks, clearer protocols for delaying or postponing matches in extreme heat, improved cooling facilities for players and regular updates to FIFA’s heat guidelines in line with evolving scientific evidence.

They also urged FIFA to adopt standards proposed by global players’ union, Fifpro.
Heat is expected to pose a major challenge during the tournament, with researchers warning that temperatures at 14 of the 16 stadiums selected for the competition could exceed dangerous levels.
In parts of the southern United States and northern Mexico, average daytime temperatures are expected to remain in the low to mid-30 degrees Celsius, with some areas likely to approach 40 degrees during severe heat periods.
Scientists warned that when humidity, sunlight and wind speed are added to the equation, players would face extreme levels of heat stress capable of causing serious medical emergencies.
Although FIFA has maintained that it is “committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff,” critics argue that the governing body’s existing measures remain insufficient.
As part of its player welfare strategy, FIFA has introduced mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in each half of every match and climate-controlled benches for substitutes and technical staff at outdoor venues.
FIFA also uses the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) system, regarded as the gold-standard method for measuring heat stress in sport. A WBGT reading of around 28 degrees Celsius is widely considered a dangerous threshold for elite athletes.
According to FIFA’s emergency care manual, if the WBGT reading is near, at or above 32 degrees Celsius, match organisers should determine “what precautions need to be taken to prevent any heat-related illness from occurring”.
The scientists, however, argued that those measures do not adequately protect players from potentially dangerous heat exposure.
Andrew Simms, director of the New Weather Institute and coordinator of the letter, warned that overheating could quickly become life-threatening during matches.
“Player safety is an immediate and urgent concern because things can go wrong very quickly when people overheat.
“We’re worried that FIFA is playing recklessly with the health and safety of players,” he said.
Another signatory to the letter, Professor Douglas Casa of the University of Connecticut, criticised the current cooling protocols adopted by FIFA.
“The hydration break in each half absolutely needs to be longer than three minutes – at least five minutes for each break and preferably six.
“We hope this open letter convinces FIFA to update its heat guidelines before the World Cup,” he said.
Fresh analysis conducted by the World Weather Attribution group showed that about a quarter of the matches at the 2026 World Cup are likely to be played above 26C WBGT, while approximately five games could exceed 28C WBGT, a threshold considered unsafe for football by Fifpro.
Researchers also noted that climate change has nearly doubled the likelihood of extreme heat conditions compared to the 1994 World Cup, which was also hosted in North America.
In response to the concerns raised by the scientists, FIFA said it would implement a “tiered heat mitigation model” during the tournament, with safety measures adjusted according to real-time weather conditions.
A FIFA spokesperson said dedicated meteorological support teams would monitor WBGT and heat index readings throughout the competition, while kick-off times had been designed to minimise exposure to extreme temperatures.
The spokesperson added that matches expected to face hotter conditions would, where possible, be prioritised for covered stadiums, while the overall schedule was also structured to minimise travel and maximise recovery periods for teams.
FIFA further stated that it would continue monitoring conditions throughout the tournament and apply contingency measures where necessary in collaboration with host authorities and medical experts to ensure a “safe and resilient” competition.

FIFA Risking Player Safety Over Heat At World Cup – Scientists is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted early access to a promising experimental drug for certain pancreatic cancer patients, offering a new option for those battling one of the deadliest forms of cancer. The agency announced Friday that eligible patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer will be allowed to access […]

The post FDA approves early access to promising pancreatic cancer drug appeared first on Tribune Online.

Residents of Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State are living in fear following a fire outbreak linked to persistent gas seepage and bubbling points discovered across the community.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday at Opu Dah Community Square in Bille Town, has intensified concerns over what residents describe as a looming environmental disaster threatening lives and property.

Community members said they had been observing strange environmental signs for several months, including bubbling rivers, oily substances seeping from the ground, and gas emissions from different locations within the kingdom.

According to residents, the disturbing development began around November last year, prompting repeated reports to relevant authorities.

However, they alleged that little attention was given to their complaints despite growing fears within the community.

Panic spread through the area on Wednesday when an abandoned mono pump in Opu Dah compound suddenly burst into flames after reportedly emitting gas for a prolonged period.

A resident of the kingdom, Timothy Agubiade, recounted how the frightening incident unfolded.

“On May 13, I heard a loud noise and people shouting for help. I immediately ran towards the direction of the noise and discovered that fire was coming out from one of the bubbling points,” he said.

Agubiade explained that several bubbling points had appeared in different parts of Bille Kingdom over the past six months, continuously emitting gas.

“The bubbling points have been boiling and releasing gas in different areas of the community for over six months now,” he stated.

He said the fire incident occurred at Opuda compound where an old mono pump, abandoned for years, suddenly ignited.

“What I personally witnessed was serious fire coming out from the bubbling point. The fire was coming out from an old mono pump that had been abandoned for years,” he added.

The outbreak triggered confusion and panic as residents struggled desperately to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further.

During the rescue effort, several persons reportedly sustained injuries. While some victims received treatment for minor injuries, two others were said to have suffered severe burns and remain under medical care.

Residents eventually succeeded in extinguishing the fire after using heavily soaked duvets, blankets and rugs.

“People were genuinely frightened and confused, but after serious efforts the fire was eventually put out with soaked duvets, rugs and blankets,” Agubiade said.

The incident has further heightened fears of a possible explosion or larger environmental catastrophe if urgent intervention is not carried out.

“We pray that something worse than this does not happen again. Our community is boiling,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has reportedly collected samples from the affected area for laboratory analysis.

Residents, however, said they were still awaiting the outcome of the investigation as anxiety continues to grow across the community.

The people of Bille Kingdom are now calling on the Federal Government and relevant environmental agencies to urgently investigate the source of the gas seepage and take immediate steps to avert further disaster in the area.

Rivers Community Bemoans Fire Outbreak From Gas Seepage Point is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

practical ways to ship personal belongings from Nigeria to the UK at lower costs.

The post How to ship personal belongings from Nigeria to the UK cheaply appeared first on Tribune Online.

A damaged brake cable, a worn shock absorber, a bad tyre, or a faulty clutch can stop the daily income immediately. That is why knowing where to buy affordable spare parts is almost as important as knowing how to ride a motorcycle.

The post Where to find the cheapest Keke Napep spare parts in Lagos appeared first on Tribune Online.

Frank Onyeka has been nominated for the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for April, DAILY POST reports.

Onyeka was a consistent performer for Coventry City in the month under review as the club earned promotion to the Premier League after winning the Championship.

The defensive midfielder registered one assist in three appearances for the Sky Blues in April.

The 28-year-old set up Ephron Mason-Clark in stoppage time for Coventry City’s third goal of the game.

 Onyeka registered one goal and one assist in 14 league appearances for Frank Lampard’s side after arriving on loan from Brentford in January.

Christian Walton (Ipswich Town), Adrian Segečić, (Portsmouth), Josh Windass ( Wrexham)  Mohamed Touré (Norwich City), and Žan Vipotnik (Swansea City) are other players nominated for the award.

Championship: Onyeka earns Player of the Month nomination

The die is cast. As we countdown to parry Primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections,  it is perhaps the most poorly kept secret in Nigerian politics that millions of citizens have already made up their mind and are looking to the opposition to salvage our dear country from the pain, poverty, hunger and economic turmoil that the President  Tinubu led APC government has visited upon us.

Despite the desperate machinations of the current administration through its agents, moles, and the subterranean deployment of government institutions such as the Judiciary, security agencies, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to frustrate the opposition ADC from fielding a presidential candidate, the party is still standing and is set to conduct it’s primaries to select candidates for Presidency and various elective positions.

At the very heart of these collective aspirations lies one defining question:

 Who will clinch the ADC Presidential ticket?

With the exit of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress ADC to the Nigerian Democratic Congress(NDC), the contest for the ADC Presidential ticket is now essentially a 3-horse race between Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

As the momentum towards Party primaries builds, the question of whether the party will adopt direct primaries or a consensus model has hit the front burner.

 There is a growing concern within ADC leadership circles that Primaries will polarise the party and weaken the already fragmented opposition hence the compelling need for more Consensus building. As things stand, the party mechanics favour a Consensus Candidate and party leaders are sharply divided  between Atiku, who has serially contested for President in seven election cycles spanning over 30 Years without much success in different Parties and Amaechi who is relatively less popular but is anchoring his quest for the ticket on the clamour for power rotation and zoning to the South. 

But beyond these internal party mechanics and dynamics, Nigerians are clamouring for something more fundamental,  a candidate who represents a genuine breath of fresh air.

Not another career politician. Not necessarily the most popular candidate, Not another serial candidate recycled from the same tired political circuit. What Nigerians want is proven competence, demonstrable capacity, unimpeachable integrity, and a candidate who is not burdened by the weight of political baggage to fix Nigeria. 

It is precisely this yearning that explains why the entry of Mohammed Hayatu-Deen into the race has generated considerable excitement and is gaining a lot of acceptance among ADC leaders and ordinary Nigerians alike. 

Here is a man they have come to regard as a fresh alternative: one who brings the right blend of private sector pedigree, institutional gravitas, personal integrity, and clarity of vision to make Nigeria work and compete meaningfully in the comity of nations.

Mohammed Hayatu-Deen stands out as the only true consensus candidate in this race; a man with no political enemies, no factional allegiances to placate, and no skeletons in the cupboard. He is uniquely positioned to unify the different power blocs within the ADC and galvanise the kind of broad-based support needed to send the Tinubu led APC administration which has brought pain, sorrow and untold hardship to millions of Nigerians packing in 2027.

Will the ADC make the right choice? That remains to be seen. But millions of Nigerians will be watching, and hoping, that it does.

The stakes in 2027 are too high for a gamble. And Mohammed Hayatu-Deen is increasingly emerging as the right and favorite choice to make.

Engineer Uche Nwume writes from Awka – Anambra.

Uche Nwume: Mohammed Hayatudeen – The emerging ADC consensus

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has said he has “every reason to believe” he will remain in charge of the club next season despite growing criticism over the team’s performances this campaign.

The Dutchman, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut season, has come under pressure after the Reds endured a disappointing campaign that will end without silverware.

Liverpool, currently fourth on the table, are still battling to secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League with two league games remaining.

Speaking on Thursday about his future at Anfield, Slot expressed confidence that he would continue as manager next season.

“I don’t think I am deciding that alone by myself but I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season,” he said.

“First of all, I am contracted to this club and second of all from all the talks we are having. That is my take on it.”

Slot acknowledged the criticism directed at him and the club following a difficult season compared to the previous campaign.

“If you don’t have the best season, especially if you compare with last season – if you compare it with other seasons you might have a different debate, but if you compare it with last season – this has definitely not been a great season, then it is also normal that criticism comes.

“We have all had our share, and with all I mean the players have had their share, the manager has had their share and other people in the club have had their share. That is how things work nowadays if you don’t win the league.”

Liverpool can still secure a Champions League spot with victory over fifth-placed Aston Villa on Friday.

Slot also confirmed that Mohamed Salah is available to return from a hamstring injury for what could be the penultimate game of his Liverpool career, although the Egyptian forward may only feature briefly.

Liverpool were booed by sections of supporters after their recent home draw against Chelsea, a match in which Slot’s decision to substitute 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha also drew criticism.

After winning the Premier League title by 10 points last season, Liverpool are set to finish this campaign with at least 19 fewer points after suffering 11 defeats in 36 matches.

Reflecting on the pressure managers face in modern football, Slot said, “I think the world has gone to if a manager or a club doesn’t have their best season there is always a debate about that – it is not only Liverpool, it is all around the world.

“That is the new reality in football. It is not up to me to judge the people who judge me, they have every right to have their opinion and in this modern time everyone can share his opinion as well.”

He added that preparations for next season were already underway.

“We know where we go on tour [in pre-season], so our plans have been made and talks have been ongoing between the club and new players and I am involved in that.”

I’ll Stay As Liverpool Manager Next Season — Slot is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, has submitted the second batch of Commissioner nominees to the Anambra State House of Assembly. This second batch includes two additional nominees, bringing the total number of Commissioners to twenty. Mr. Franklin Osankwa, the Special Adviser on Media to the Speaker, stated, “The Anambra State House of Assembly, led […]

The post Soludo expands cabinet list, send names to assembly appeared first on Tribune Online.