Author: The Whistler Newspaper

FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to move its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico amid heightened geopolitical tensions, citing logistical impediments as a major concern.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed over the weekend that the matches will be played in the US as originally scheduled, reiterating FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s earlier stance.

Infantino had earlier emphasised there is “no plan B, C, or D,” and that matches will proceed “according to the draw.”

“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.

“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.

Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation. They are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle, between 15 and 27 June.

Last month, the FFIRI expressed concern over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.

“When Trump has ⁠explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to ⁠America,” Taj said in response to Trump.

Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal arguments on the issue, with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.

Mexico, a co-host of the World Cup alongside the US and Canada, has shown a willingness to host Iran’s fixtures. However, Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.

Iran are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

FIFA Rejects Iran’s Request To Relocate W’Cup Games To Mexico is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Monday dismissed claims that any political party was denied the use of Eagle Square, insisting that no formal application was submitted.

“Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to. If it is the African Democratic Congress (ADC), such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy,” Wike said.

He explained that the use of Eagle Square is subject to due process, which includes formal application through the Abuja Investments Company Limited, which is in charge of the facility, as well as payment of required fees.

The minister also pointed out that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome is not under the Federal Capital Territory Administration, but the Sports Commission.

“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited. When the APC used the venue and the PDP used the Stadium Velodrome, they complied with the process. We do not deny anyone access if the rules are followed,” he added.

Wike spoke during an inspection of ongoing projects in Abuja, where he expressed satisfaction with the level of work done, noting that key road projects would be completed by May 15.

“The contractors have assured us that road works will be completed by May 15, while streetlight installations will be finalised before the end of May,” he said.

No request from ADC to use Eagle Square – Wike

Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has called for a transparent and independent investigation into the recent airstrike that reportedly killed dozens of civilians at Jilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border.
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Recall no fewer than 200 people, mostly traders, were said to have died while dozens of others sustained injuries in the Saturday incident, which occurred at a market between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas of Borno and Yobe states.
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‎The airstrike was reportedly carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
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‎The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the country, with concerns growing over what observers describe as a recurring pattern of accidental strikes, referencing previous tragedies such as the Tudun Biri village bombing and the Zurmi airstrikes.
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‎In a statement on Monday, Lawan expressed sorrow over the incident while acknowledging the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against insurgency.
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‎He said, “I am deeply saddened and disturbed by reports emanating from Jilli Futchimiram in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, where a military airstrike targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents has reportedly led to catastrophic loss of civilian lives.”
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‎He noted that eyewitness accounts indicated the involvement of multiple aircraft, adding that the strike reportedly hit a market, leaving several dead and many others injured, with fears that the toll could rise.
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‎While stressing the complexities of counterinsurgency operations, Lawan said the scale of the tragedy necessitated an independent inquiry.
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‎“While I fully appreciate the enormous sacrifices of our armed forces, the reported scale of this tragedy demands that we pause and ask hard questions. The victims deserve answers and justice,” he said.
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‎Lawan also extended condolences to Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, the state government, and families of victims, praying for the repose of the dead and quick recovery of the injured.
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‎He further urged the Federal Government and military authorities to allow full access for investigators, ensure medical treatment for survivors, and provide compensation for affected families, warning against allowing the fight against terrorism to erode the sanctity of innocent lives.

Lawan Slams Killing Of Over 200 In Borno–Yobe Airstrike, Demands Probe is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has shifted the judgment in a fresh suit seeking to remove Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as Chairman and Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), respectively, to Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The judgment in the suit filed by a member of the House of Representatives from […]

The Pope emphasised that he will continue to speak out against war, promoting peace and dialogue instead. 

Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has publicly condemned what he described as an insult directed at Pope Leo XIV, expressing solidarity on behalf of the Iranian people.

In a message shared on X, the president said: “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex), I condemn the insult to Your Excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran.”

Pezeshkian also stressed the importance of mutual respect among religious figures and communities, noting that acts of disrespect towards revered personalities undermine shared values of peace and coexistence.

He further stated: “I declare that the desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person. I wish you glory by Allah.”

The statement comes amid comments attributed to former US President Donald Trump concerning the Pope, as discussions on a potential peace deal with Iran continue.

Iran’s president condemns insult to Pope Leo XIV

Former England striker, Gary Lineker, has predicted that Manchester City will beat Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend.

Lineker has consistently backed the Gunners to end their 22-year wait for the title.

But following a 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth and City’s 3-0 thrashing of Chelsea, he has changed his mind.

“I’ve been telling everyone I know that Arsenal will be fine and that they’re not going to choke,” Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast.

“But they’re stuttering, they’ve lost their form at the moment and we know how important momentum is.

“And all the momentum now is with Man City. It’s so tough to call now but if you said you need to put your life on the line, which I’d hate to have to do under these circumstances, I’d probably now go City because I think they will win next week.”

EPL: Gary Lineker changes title prediction ahead of Man City vs Arsenal clash

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged prospective corps members deployed to the state to be security conscious and strictly adhere to safety guidelines during the three-week orientation exercise.

The NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr Ita Kubiangha, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Osogbo.

Kubiangha advised corps members to remain vigilant throughout the orientation period and also conduct themselves responsibly.

He appealed to parents, guardians, and the general public to support corps members as they undergo the crucial phase of the national service scheme.

According to him, the orientation course is designed to equip corps members with essential skills, including paramilitary drills, leadership training, and other structured activities aimed at promoting unity, discipline, and self-reliance.

”The 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course will commence on April 24, and all prospective corps members are advised to comply fully with all directives issued by the scheme.

”We advise stakeholders to support the scheme towards actualisation of the orientation exercise within the stipulated period,” Kubiangha said. (NAN)

The post ‘Be security conscious and adhere to safety guidelines,’ NYSC urges corps members appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike-backed National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has commenced the renovation of Wadata Plaza, the party’s national secretariat.

The News Agency of Nigeria reporter, who monitored developments at the PDP national secretariat at Zone 5 on Monday, observed that the renovation work was still ongoing, ahead of workers’ resumption.

The renovation followed the police unsealing of the party secretariat, granting access to the Wike-backed faction.

NAN reports that while the barricades around the main office building had been removed, a few police vehicles remained on the premises, with personnel manning the facility.

A party member, who did not want his identity to be disclosed, told NAN that the renovation works started on Sunday.

“The staff members of the party’s national secretariat are yet to resume, but the renovation works started yesterday (Sunday).

The ongoing renovation works include painting, replacing air conditioners, and changing locks and keys in the offices, as well as allocating them to the new National Working Committee members.

“However, I think the challenge now is that some of the staff members loyal to the Tanimu Turaki–led NWC may find it difficult to come and resume here,’’ the party member said.

At the time of writing the report, none of the party officials had reported to the secretariat.

NAN reports that the faction’s National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had, on Saturday in Abuja, announced the reopening of the PDP national secretariat and the presidential campaign office, Legacy House, Maitama.

Mohammed, in a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said that the facilities were being unsealed in compliance with ‘duly-issued court orders’.

He said that the property had been handed to the Mohammed-led NWC, with Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary.

While commending the police for professionalism and adherence to the rule of law, Mohammed warned that the party would not tolerate obstruction, disruption, or breaches of the peace at the secretariat.

Meanwhile, the Turaki-led faction has described the unsealing of the property as contemptuous.

Its spokesman, Ini Ememobong, said that the judgment cited by the police had been appealed and that all parties were duly informed.

“By this action, they have tampered with the res, which could render the Court of Appeal judgment nugatory,” he said.

Wike-backed Faction Renovates PDP National Secretariat Ahead Of Resumption is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

For thousands of Nigerian candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions in 2026, meeting the minimum O’level requirement remains one of the most critical steps.