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Tyson Fury has confirmed his plans to return to the ring in Dublin on August 1, a week after fellow former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua makes his comeback.

The pair are heading for a long-awaited “Battle of Britain”, probably in November, as it looks as though the two boxers will first have a warm-up fight.

Joshua will face Unknown Albanian Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25 in his first bout since being involved in a car crash in Nigeria in December that killed two of his close friends.

Fury posted a video in an Instagram story showing him back in training in Thailand alongside the caption: “Let’s go August 1, Dublin, Ireland.”

The fight could take a place on a card being put together by veteran promoter Frank Warren in Dublin on that date.

No opponent has been named but Warren has ruled out Fury fighting Andy Ruiz Jr, who dethroned Joshua as world champion in 2019 before losing the rematch later that year.

Fury marked his return from a 16-month retirement with a dominant points win over Russia’s Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, after which he immediately called out Joshua, who was present at ringside.

Rather than face off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a verbal exchange followed in which Joshua taunted Fury by declaring: “I’m the landlord. Remember that. You work for me.”

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has since stated: “Signed, sealed, delivered! AJ v Fury is on.”

Fury Vs Joshua Nears As Gypsy King Confirms August Return. is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

West Ham United have confirmed that Nuno Espirito Santo will stay on as manager to lead their fight to get back to the Premier League next season.

The 52-year-old Portuguese gaffer who met with the West Ham’s senior officials on Monday following the confirmation of their relegation from the English top flight was handed a charge to lead the team back in first attempt.

Though both parties could have severed ties without compensation, they decided to stick together in the hope that Nuno will repeat his promotion campaign with Wolves in 2018.

“We are pleased to confirm he has expressed his continued commitment to the club – as we have to him,” the club wrote in an open letter to fans.

“Nuno made it very clear that he is highly motivated for the challenge of guiding West Ham United back to the top flight at the first time of asking. That must be the unquestionable goal for next season.

“Nuno has spent one previous year in the Championship and it was an outstanding success as he secured 99 points to win the title with Wolverhampton Wanderers.”

West Ham’s statement accepts the club “cannot shy away from the fact our season has not been good enough”.

The Hammers have been relegated to the Championship for the first time since 2012.

However, club sources estimate it will cost the London side about £200m in lost revenue, which means, after a hefty loss of more than £100m in their latest accounts and more losses expected this season, player sales from a squad including stars like skipper Jarrod Bowen and Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes are inevitable.

Nuno’s promotion push at Wolves was led by Ruben Neves and loan signings including Diogo Jota. But it remains to be seen whether he will have the same calibre of players this time at West Ham.

Nuno To Stay As West Ham Manager Despite Relegation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, has called on Muslims to intensify prayers for the country’s leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abubakar, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, made the call in his Eid-el-Kabir message delivered on Wednesday.

The sultan urged citizens to hold on to spiritual virtues, support the government, and pray for divine guidance for leaders at all levels.

According to him, prayers remain essential in guiding the nation toward choosing responsible and capable leaders.

“Our prayers are always the guiding light toward the choice of our leaders; therefore, we should sustain more prayers in our quest for the best country we desire,” he said.

He also urged Muslims to sustain the spirit of worship, sacrifice and devotion demonstrated during the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.

The Sultan described Eid-el-Kabir as a historic period of sacrifice, love and celebration, while praying for Muslims to witness many more celebrations in peace and prosperity.

He commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto for his continued commitment to the welfare of the people of Sokoto State, particularly in addressing security challenges across the state.

Abubakar also appreciated the governor’s efforts in ensuring a smooth transportation arrangement for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise and prayed for their safe return.

Eid-el-Kabir: Pray for Nigerian leaders ahead of 2027 elections – Sultan of Sokoto to Muslims

African Democratic Congress, Ekiti state Chapter  strongly condemns the illegal arrest, unlawful detention, and hurried arraignment of Mr Ayodele Babatola, the House of Assembly Candidate of ADC in Ado Constituency 1,  on allegations of rape.

We view these actions as a gross violation of the constitutional rights of Mr Babatola and a dangerous abuse of state power. Every Nigerian, regardless of status or political affiliation, is entitled to the presumption of innocence, due process, and protection from arbitrary detention under Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

From the available facts, the arrest and detention were carried out without adherence to due process.  Babatola was neither properly invited nor granted the opportunity to respond to the allegations before being detained and arraigned. Such conduct undermines the integrity of our justice system and erodes public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

While we do not condone any form of sexual violence and affirm that rape is a heinous crime that must be investigated and prosecuted thoroughly, we insist that justice must never be sacrificed on the altar of political persecution or mob sentiment. The law must take its course, but it must do so lawfully, fairly, and without malice.

*We therefore demand the Immediate investigation* into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention to determine if due process was followed.

The party,  demand the *release of  Ayodele Babatola* on bail pending the conclusion of any lawful investigation and trial, in line with his constitutional right.

 

We call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Ekiti state Attorney General,  National Human Rights Commission, and the National judicial Commission to intervene and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

The ADC stands for the rule of law, human rights, and due process. We will not remain silent while citizens are subjected to illegal persecution under the guise of criminal allegations.

E- Signed

Rt. Hon. Gboyega Aribisogan

Director, Communications, Media and Publicity,

Dare Bejide Campaign Organisations

Ado- Ekiti

26- 05- 2026

Governors, political leaders, and public office holders across the country have called on Nigerians, particularly Muslim faithful, to

The post Eid-el-Kabir: Governors, lawmakers, others preach peace, sacrifice appeared first on Tribune Online.

Israeli military officials have announced the elimination of Mohammed Odeh, the head of Hamas’ military wing in Gaza, in a precision airstrike carried out in the Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza City on Tuesday.

In a joint statement, the Israel Defence Forces, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Odeh was killed in an operation in northern Gaza on May 26, 2026.

The IDF described him as a key figure who served as Hamas’ intelligence chief before assuming overall command of the Qassam Brigades and said he played a central role in planning and coordinating aspects of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.

“Odeh served as the Head of Hamas’ military wing’s intelligence headquarters following the elimination of Izz al-Din al-Haddad,” the military said, adding that he directed infiltration and attack targets during the October 7 massacre.

Odeh had assumed command of the Qassam Brigades only days or weeks before his death, following the killing of al-Haddad in a mid-May Israeli strike. Netanyahu praised the operation and vowed continued action against those involved in the 2023 attacks.

Hamas-affiliated media confirmed Odeh’s death, reporting that he was killed alongside his wife and sons.

Palestinian hospital and civil defence officials reported at least three people killed and around a dozen injured in the strike, which hit a residential building.

Israel Kills Hamas Military Wing Chief In Gaza Airstrike is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The United States of America has provided reasons that led to another strike on Iran on Monday 

The US disclosed that Monday strikes in Iran were prompted by its detection of a pattern of increasing and potentially threatening Iranian activity over 24 hours.

The US Central Command, CENTCOM, on Monday reported that its forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran to protect troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.

“Our forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.

“Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines,” CENTCOM said.

The hostility between the United States and Iran started in late February when the US, in collaboration with its ally, Israel, launched an offensive attack on the Islamic Republic, leading to the death of its Supreme Leader and others.

US govt gives reason for Monday’s strike on Iran

 

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand one Mohammed Habu Gololo at the Kuje Correctional Centre after he pleaded not guilty to a seven-count charge bordering on alleged cyberstalking, defamation and incitement linked to comments about Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia adjourned the matter until June 15 for hearing of Gololo’s bail application and ordered that he remain in custody pending the hearing.

Gololo was arraigned by the Inspector-General of Police over allegations that a viral video and Facebook posts attributed to him violated provisions of the Cybercrimes Act and the Penal Code.

The charges stem from a video in which Gololo allegedly claimed that Akpabio said northerners must vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election or risk being expelled from Nigeria.

He pleaded not guilty to all seven counts.

The office of the Senate President denied the allegation, describing the claims as false and malicious.

Counsel to Gololo, Mohammed Habu, appeared in court on behalf of the retired military officer during the proceedings. 

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Timi Frank, has blasted President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for betraying the trust of the Senegalese people.

Frank made this known in a statement on Friday amid controversy that trailed Senegal’s newly elected Speaker Ousmane Sonko.

He said the political crisis in Senegal reflects what he described as a painful betrayal of the revolutionary vision championed by former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

According to him, millions of Senegalese youths who supported the movement in pursuit of accountability, sovereignty, and institutional reforms are now disillusioned by what they see as a gradual return to the old political order.

He added that Senegalese now view the development as a betrayal of the revolution they fought for.

“Without Sonko’s sacrifices, political structure, popularity, and influence among Senegalese youths, Bassirou Diomaye Faye would almost certainly never have become president,” Frank stated.

“The fight between President Faye and PM Sonko is mainly because President Faye has betrayed the trust reposed in him by the Senegalese people by taking Senegal back to the control of France,” Frank alleged.

Senegal Crisis: ‘You’re betraying people’s trust’ — Timi Frank tells Faye over fight with Sonko

The management of the University of Ilesa has warned prospective candidates against engaging individuals or groups claiming to facilitate admission into the institution through unofficial means.

In a notice issued by the university management on Wednesday, authorities stressed that the institution does not authorise or recognise POST-UTME or admission agents for candidate registration or admission processing.

The university stated that all admission procedures must be carried out strictly through its official registration platform to avoid falling victim to fraudsters and impostors.

“The University of Ilesa strongly cautions prospective candidates against patronising POST-UTME or admission agents,” the statement read.

It added that the institution “does not authorise or endorse such services” and advised applicants to rely solely on official communication channels provided by the university.

To assist candidates seeking clarification, the university released designated contact numbers for admission-related enquiries.

The institution urged candidates and parents to remain vigilant throughout the admission exercise and avoid making payments or disclosing personal information to unauthorised individuals posing as admission representatives.

UNILESA warns candidates against fraudulent Post-UTME admission agents