Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Afghanistan women will become a “symbol of resilience” after FIFA approved their return to international competition, says former captain Khalida Popal.

Afghanistan have not played a competitive international since December 2018.

The Taliban’s return to power in 2021 triggered restrictions on women’s rights, including a ban on women’s sports which forced many players to seek asylum overseas.

FIFA’S governance regulations previously prevented it from officially recognising a team unless they were recognised by their member association, in this case the Afghanistan Football Federation.

However, the amendment – approved at a Fifa council meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday – means Fifa can approve the registration of a national or representative team “under exceptional circumstances” to ensure players are not prevented from playing international football due to “situations beyond their control”.

It means Afghan players will be able to represent their country in official matches with full recognition.

“Our team has always been known as an activist team,” Popal told Reuters.

“But this opportunity, with the right support from Fifa, will be the time for us to also show some skills and develop the youth talent in the diaspora.

“I know it’s going to be tough because Afghan women inside Afghanistan will struggle to be part of that.

“But if we can still be the voice for them to send out hope messages and show them our support that you are not forgotten, then we will continue to use our platform.”

FIFA’S decision builds on the formation of Afghan Women United, a refugee team sanctioned and supported by Fifa for a one-year pilot in May 2025 after several years of lobbying by the country’s displaced players.

Afghanistan will not be eligible to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, but they could compete in qualifying for the 2028 Olympics and are expected to return to action in June.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “We are proud of the beautiful journey initiated by Afghan Women United and, with this initiative, we aim to enable them, as well as other FIFA member associations that ⁠may not be able to register a national or representative team for a Fifa competition, to make the next step.”

There are more than 80 Afghan female footballers in Australia, Europe, USA and the Middle East, including many of the 25 players under contract before the Taliban’s takeover.

Regional selection camps, hosted by FIFA, are taking place in England and Australia before a training camp in New Zealand in June.

Afghan United Women played three matches in 2025 as part of the FIFA United Women’s Series, with their first win coming against Libya in November.

FIFA Approves Afghanistan Women’s Return To International Competition is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Actress Tonto Dikeh’s ex-husband, Olakunle Churchill, has stated that there’s no legally recognized marriage between him and his wife, Rosy Meurer.

This is coming amid reports of their marital crisis.

DAILY POST reports that Meurer had filed for divorce from Churchill following his recent reconciliation with his ex-wife, Tonto Dikeh who is now an evangelist.

Reacting to the divorce documents shared online, Churchill, in a series of posts on his Instagram page on Wednesday, tagged the divorce idea as baseless, stating that his marriage to Muerer had no legal binding to require a divorce.

While questioning the process of the divorce document and the expertise of Meurer’s lawyer, he noted that he only had an introduction with her; “What took place was an introduction. Therefore, the idea of a “divorce” is baseless from the outset.

“The reports circulating online about a supposed divorce between myself and Roseline Meurer are completely false. There is no truth to them. There was no legally recognized marriage. There was no church wedding and no court wedding.

“Beyond that, any legitimate legal process requires that all parties be formally served and given the opportunity to respond. I was never served. So I ask a simple question: what exactly is being presented to the public, and how was it obtained?

“I’m 100% sure that individuals without proper experience in the media space are advising Rosy incorrectly, alongside legal practitioners who operate under a mango tree without due process and claim to produce divorce documents within 24 hours”, he said.

There was no legal marriage between us’ – Churchill tells Meurer amid marital crisis

A South African court has ordered the youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late former president, Robert Mugabe, to pay a fine and face deportation following his conviction on charges of pointing a toy gun at a person and violating the country’s immigration laws.

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, believed to be in his late 20s, entered a guilty plea as part of a negotiated settlement with prosecutors at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg.

He was fined 400,000 rand (approximately $24,100) for the toy gun incident and an additional 200,000 rand for breaching South Africa’s immigration regulations. He will be deported upon conclusion of the legal process.

Mugabe and a co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze, had been in custody since their arrest in February, following an incident at a Johannesburg mansion where a worker was shot and wounded. While Mugabe’s guilty plea relates to a separate toy gun incident, Matonhodze pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of the worker along with other charges. He was sentenced to three years in prison and will also be deported upon completing his sentence.

The court heard that the worker, who sustained two gunshot wounds to the back, received a compensation settlement of 250,000 rand, with a further 150,000 rand payment still outstanding. The firearm used in the shooting remains missing.

Robert Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years following the country’s independence from Britain in 1980. He was removed from power in a military coup in 2017 and died two years later at a hospital in Singapore at the age of 95.

Mugabe’s Son Faces Deportation Over Toy Gun Incident In South Africa is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The National Association of Nigerian Students has appealed to the Federal Government to intervene and ensure the safety of Nigerian students in South Africa.

This follows concerns over rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa,

NANS, in a statement on Wednesday by its Vice President for External Affairs, Aneke Kenechukwu, described the situation as a “disturbing pattern of hostility and targeted attacks against foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians and other Africans.”

The group warned that the situation poses a serious threat to lives and undermines the principles of African unity and cooperation.

“Nigerian students in South Africa now live in fear and uncertainty. As young ambassadors and future leaders of our nation, their protection must be treated as a national emergency,” the statement read.

The association called on the FG to take swift diplomatic action by engaging the South African authorities to secure firm guarantees for the safety of citizens, especially students. It also urged the activation of diplomatic mechanisms to closely monitor developments and ensure that those responsible for xenophobic violence are brought to justice.

NANS also appealed for immediate support measures for affected students, including the provision of safe shelters, dedicated emergency hotlines, and financial assistance where necessary. It further recommended that the government develop a coordinated evacuation plan for Nigerian students willing to return home, noting that such a move would help prevent further exposure to life-threatening risks.

According to the association , “Diplomacy remains the most responsible path, but it must be proactive, firm, and result-oriented. Nigerian lives must not be left to bureaucratic delay.

The group also called for collaboration between the government, NANS, Nigerian diplomatic missions, and international partners to ensure that no Nigerian student is left vulnerable.

It further said the time to act is now, stressing that every delay endangers innocent lives.

As of late April 2026, the fresh xenophobic violence in South Africa has resulted in the deaths of two Nigerian citizens. However, Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa said the situation is under control.

The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged foreign nationals to respect local laws while reaffirming his government’s commitment to human rights.

NANS Demands Protection Of Nigerian Students In South Africa is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A member of the Nigeria Forest Security Services, Zakari Usman, is in the custody of the Nigeria Army for allegedly issuing an anonymous threat alert letter to Venra Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

According to security sources, the suspect reportedly “delivered the letter to Venra community on Monday, 27/04/2026 threatening bandits attack and kidnap of five persons.

However, “investigation conducted Tuesday, 28/04/2026 identified the individual who raised alarm and circulated the threat letter as one Zakari Usman a.k.a “Minister” a native of Venra Village and member of Nigeria Forest Security Services (NFSS).

DAILY POST further gathered that “preliminary investigation and findings indicate that Zakari Usman, personally wrote and pasted the letter himself.

“Initial assessment suggests the act was carried out to create panic for the purpose of extortion or to fraudulently secure a paid security contract from the community to “safeguard” against the non-existent threat.”

Meanwhile, no bandits attack has occurred in Venra Community as the situation remains calm at the time of filing this report, while Zakari Usman is currently in the custody of the Nigerian Army for further investigation and vetting to determine his full mission, accomplices, and motive.

Similarly, tension in Venra community has reduced following the drastic measures taken by the Local Government Area Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Danladi, who held meetings with Venra Community leaders in conjunction with security agencies and assured them of their safety.

Forest guard arrested over fake bandits’ attack letter to Kwara community

Bashir El-Rufai has suggested that the North should step back from presenting a presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, arguing that the South should be allowed to complete the remaining four years of the current political cycle.

In a post shared on X, the son of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai outlined his personal position on the country’s political direction, advocating a continuation of Southern leadership in the next electoral cycle.

He also alluded to the possibility of a political alliance involving key figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, suggesting that a structured partnership with clearly defined roles could help address the nation’s challenges.

“Let the South complete their remaining four years,” he wrote, indicating that Northern political actors should defer presidential ambitions until after the current cycle.

Bashir further stated that opportunities for Northern candidates would remain open in the subsequent election cycle, noting that 2031 would provide a clear path for any interested aspirant from the region.

His comments add to the ongoing discourse around power rotation and regional balance in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

2027 Presidency: El-Rufai urges North to step aside for South

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the allocation of land to Ambassadors and High Commissioners-Designate in Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic engagement and encourage closer ties with Nigeria.

Wike made the disclosure during a courtesy visit by Ambassadors-designate led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, on Tuesday.

Addressing the envoys, the minister said that the President’s decision stemmed from a desire to ensure that Nigeria’s representatives have a permanent stake and a residence in Abuja for when they return for periodic briefings.

​”The President believes that most of you do not have a place in Abuja… he will encourage you to see how you will put up where you can stay.

“Before you leave this morning, each and every one of you should have your form to apply for a land allocation in Abuja,” Wike stated.

He also noted that the gesture was aimed at deepening diplomatic presence in Nigeria’s capital while fostering stronger engagement between foreign missions and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria,” Wike said, urging the envoys to uphold the nation’s image in their respective postings.

“You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria,” Wike said, urging the envoys to uphold the nation’s image in their respective postings.

He charged them to effectively communicate the vision and priorities of President Tinubu, particularly in attracting foreign investment and strengthening international partnerships.

“Mr. President has travelled extensively to attract investment and partnerships. It is now your role to reinforce that effort by building confidence in Nigeria as a viable destination for investment,” he stated.

The minister also used the occasion to dismiss concerns about Nigeria drifting towards a one-party state, insisting that the country remains firmly rooted in democratic principles.

“Nigeria remains a multi-party democracy. There is no plan to turn the country into a one-party state. You must communicate this clearly wherever you serve,” he said.

Highlighting development strides in the FCT, Wike noted that infrastructure expansion and improved road networks across the six area councils Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali were positioning Abuja as a competitive global capital.

He called on the envoys to attract investors, particularly in agriculture and waste management, noting that vast arable land in areas such as Gwagwalada and Kwali remains underutilised.

“There is enormous potential in agriculture within the FCT, but investment is still limited. We need your support to unlock these opportunities,” he added.

Wike further revealed ongoing efforts to partner with countries including Saudi Arabia and Egypt to boost key sectors, while also announcing plans for engagement with the European Commission to enhance development cooperation.

He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying, “I remain confident that by 2027, Nigeria will be more peaceful, more united, and stronger as a nation.”

Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Ahmed, said the visit was part of the ambassadors’ induction programme, designed to expose them to the strategic importance of the FCT in Nigeria’s foreign relations.

He noted that Abuja, as the nation’s administrative and diplomatic hub, plays a critical role in shaping global perceptions of Nigeria.

“Our Ambassadors and High Commissioners have been entrusted with representing Nigeria at a pivotal moment in our nation’s development,” Ahmed said, adding that they were expected to promote economic diplomacy, attract investment, and project Nigeria positively on the global stage.

He commended the ongoing transformation of the FCT under Wike’s leadership, particularly in infrastructure, urban management, and service delivery, noting that such progress strengthens Nigeria’s international image.

Ahmed also called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s foreign missions and the FCT Administration to advance investment promotion, cultural exchange, and urban development initiatives.

The visit, he said, underscores the importance of aligning Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives with domestic development priorities, especially in positioning Abuja as a world-class capital and a hub for international cooperation.

Tinubu allocates Abuja lands to ambassadors designate as Wike charges diplomats on Nigeria’s image

The Lagos State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of the first female Clerk of the Assembly.

The appointment of Mrs Adenike Oshinowo, who will be the first female Clerk in the history of the State was ratified during the plenary of the Assembly on Tuesday.

DAILY POST gathered that until her new confirmation, Oshinowo was the deputy Clerk of the Assembly.

A statement made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday through the office of the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, said the new Clerk will be the first female to occupy such a position in the history of the state.

The Speaker in the statement described her appointment as a recognition of her dedication and years of service to the Assembly.

The statement also indicated that the appointment of other persons were also confirmed on Tuesday.

Those whose appointments were confirmed are Mr Olaosebikan Ebenezer, former Deputy Director, Legislative, who has been confirmed as Deputy Clerk and Mrs Latifat Ogbara who has been confirmed as substantive Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission, LAHASCOM.

The rest are Mr Remi Bello who has been confirmed as Commissioner in LAHASCOM, and Mrs Adeola Victoria Modupe who has been confirmed as Secretary to the Commission.

The statement further revealed that all the appointments will boost the Assembly’s administrative capacity.

Lagos Assembly confirms appointment of first female Clerk, others

Paris Saint-Germain superstar, Ousmane Dembele, has revealed how Luis Enrique’s side will play Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final second leg clash in Germany next week.

Dembele scored twice as PSG defeated Bayern Munich 5-4 in the Champions League semi-final first leg encounter on Tuesday night in Paris.

Speaking to Canal+, the France international said the French Ligue 1 champions will attack the Bundesliga giants at the Allianz Arena.

“We are happy with the result. It was an incredible match,” Dembele said.

“We will go to Munich to try to win and qualify. We aren’t going to change our philosophy, we’re going to attack.”

UCL: Dembele reveals how PSG will play Bayern Munich in second leg

Social commentator, Isaac Fayose has raised concerns over the delay in the Supreme Court’s judgment on the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress, ADC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

DAILY POST recalls that on April 22, the apex court concluded the hearing on the leadership dispute affecting the two major opposition parties and subsequently reserved judgment.

A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, however, failed to announce a date for the ruling after listening to arguments in separate appeals challenging earlier decisions of the lower courts on the matter.

Six days after the conclusion of the hearing, there is growing anxiety among the 2027 aspirants in the two opposition parties, as the Supreme Court has yet to communicate a date for the judgment.

This is even as the Independent National Electoral Commission’s deadline for submission of party membership registers approaches.

Fayose, who often comments on the political situation in the country, in a video clip on his Facebook page on Wednesday, questioned the motive behind the delay.

He said, “If the judiciary is actually the last hope of a common man, the ADC and PDP judgement would have been delivered.

“Can you see the game? The president and other people are picking nomination forms in APC but they hanged the two opposition parties in the Supreme Court.

“Supreme Court adjourned on the 22nd of April but till today, where is the judgement? Nigerians are scared that you guys are not neutral anymore because of the way things are going.

“You know that INEC deadline expires any moment from now, why hanging the two major opposition parties?

“Those of you in judiciary, whatever is affecting us, will affect your extended family members. Nigerians deserve alternative to the ruling party. We can’t go into the election with one man show”.

Isaac Fayose questions Supreme Court’s delay in ADC, PDP judgement as INEC deadline approaches