Sports
Fans warn Joshua to avoid Fury bout
Fans have reacted to the potential bout between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury in December and many have warned the two-time heavyweight champion from taking the fight.
On Monday, Joshua accepted the challenge of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury after the latter called him out on social media on Monday challenging the British-Nigerian to a December Battle of Britain.
Joshua responded to Fury’s antics with his Twitter handle, “Yea calm. I don’t do the online discussions just for clout, so if you’re really about it shout @258mgt (Joshua’s management). I’ll be ready in December.”
However, under the same Joshua post, fans have cautioned the British-Nigerian to consider restraint.
Popular influencer, Daniel Regha wrote, “Anthony Joshua don’t get ahead of yourself, you are far from ready to fight Tyson Fury judging by your performance against Usyk in which you lost twice in a row; you are no doubt a great boxer, but you are not on Fury’s level yet. Act wise, rebuild yourself before taking on a challenge. No offense.”
Another user, @KingBalmainn commented, “I know you’re not a coward Anthony but sometimes there are battles you don’t fight physically. Tyson Fury is a different type of beast, to be honest.”
@currentiyke joked that Joshua wanted more punishments, “Lmaooo the one you’ve collected never satisfy you?”
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Another Twitter user, @ogunsanyah did not think Joshua had any chance at all writing, “Lmao. You that Fury will beat like a lost ram. You that is fighting like you’re applying makeup. Like you didn’t see how aggressive Mike (Tyson) was during those awesome years.”
However, Olufemi Zosu believes Joshua should not be discouraged, “Why are you guys discouraging AJ? “Quitters Never Win and Winners Never Quit”. Joshua, just make a wish and believe in Jah it gonna come through.”
PUNCH Sports Extra also reached out to some boxing fans on the streets. One of these, John Jimoh harbors little hopes of a Joshua victory.
“About the Tyson versus Joshua fight, honestly, I feel Joshua is about to go on his third losing streak.
“Though Joshua is faster than Fury, Fury is still quite calm and collected. Joshua is going into this fight with anger in him and hunger for “revenge”, more like a comeback. Which to me, is not the best for now,” he said.
“If I were to be Joshua, I would go for a less competitive person first, before accepting to fight Fury. If you watch Joshua well, it’s quite evident he gives up quickly so I think Joshua is no match for Fury. But above all, I still wish my countryman the very best.”
Tomilola Isijola who enjoys combat sports and is a fan of UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya believes Joshua actually stands a chance.
“Tyson Fury one minute said he wants to retire and spend time with his family, and the next minute, he’s looking for an opponent to fight. It’s interesting the way he called Anthony Joshua out and I think it will be an exciting watch. It’s sounding like he’s asking Joshua to come and redeem himself.
“I think Joshua may stand a chance because he may be coming with the aggression from the fight he recently lost (against Usyk) and I think that he is going to prepare so well for Fury.”
A Nigerian man in his 50s, Taiwo Stephen thinks Joshua is now less physical but can still pull an upset, “I think Anthony Joshua’s form has dropped.
“Back when he first started, he used to fight with more aggression knocking out opponents, but along the line, around when he became Heavyweight champion, he became a less physical fighter, so if he can put more effort and fight as he used to in the beginning, he can beat Fury.”
Sports
Lamine Yamal Fires Back: “Mocking Religion Makes You Ignorant, Racist”
Lamine Yamal Fires Back: “Mocking Religion Makes You Ignorant, Racist”
Lamine Yamal has sparked widespread conversation after condemning the act of mocking religion, describing it as both ignorant and racist.
The FC Barcelona youngster issued the strong warning while reacting to offensive remarks targeting his beliefs, stressing that respect for religion and cultural differences should never be compromised.
According to Yamal, ridiculing someone’s faith goes beyond humor or free speech, and instead reflects a deeper problem of intolerance and lack of understanding in society.
He said acts of religious mockery contribute to division and hostility, especially in a world where diversity continues to grow across communities, sports, and online spaces.
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The teenage football star urged fans and social media users to embrace tolerance, respect, and inclusivity, rather than spreading hate or engaging in abusive behavior.
His comments come amid rising concerns over online abuse in football, where players increasingly face attacks related to race, religion, and personal identity.
Yamal’s stance has drawn praise from supporters and observers who see his response as a bold step in addressing racism in sports and promoting unity among fans worldwide.
As conversations around freedom of expression vs hate speech continue globally, the young star’s message highlights the importance of mutual respect in maintaining harmony both on and off the pitch.
Lamine Yamal Fires Back: “Mocking Religion Makes You Ignorant, Racist”
Sports
FIFA Confirms Iran Will Play 2026 World Cup Matches in United States
FIFA Confirms Iran Will Play 2026 World Cup Matches in United States
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the Iran national football team will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and play its group stage matches in the United States as originally scheduled, dismissing doubts raised amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Infantino made the announcement on Tuesday during Iran’s friendly against Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey, saying, “Iran will be at the World Cup. The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.” He stressed that there is no alternative plan to relocate the games, affirming FIFA’s commitment to keeping the tournament on course.
Iran had previously announced it was negotiating with FIFA to move its matches from the United States to Mexico due to security concerns linked to the ongoing US-Israeli-Iran conflict. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had expressed willingness to host the games if necessary, but FIFA confirmed all three fixtures will remain in the U.S., ensuring compliance with the official tournament draw.
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The Iranian squad is drawn in Group G, alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. Their matches are scheduled as follows:
- Iran vs New Zealand – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, June 15, 2026
- Iran vs Belgium – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, June 21, 2026
- Iran vs Egypt – Lumen Field, Seattle, June 26, 2026
Infantino, who attended the friendly match in Turkey, praised the Iranian team as “very, very strong” and confirmed that players and coaches are well-prepared for the tournament. He highlighted FIFA’s principle that all qualified teams must compete according to the official schedule, unaffected by political disputes.
Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, Vice President of the Iran Football Federation (FFIRI), affirmed Iran’s commitment to FIFA’s regulations, stating: “Every host country has made commitments to FIFA and must honor them.” He said the meeting with Infantino during the friendly gave the team reassurance and a morale boost ahead of the World Cup.
Earlier, some Iranian officials, including Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, had expressed concerns over participation due to safety issues. There were even suggestions that the country might withdraw, but FIFA’s firm stance ensures Iran will compete on U.S. soil as planned.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, featuring 48 teams across multiple North American cities. Iran’s participation guarantees that Group G matches will proceed as drawn, offering fans clarity and ensuring the integrity of the tournament.
FIFA Confirms Iran Will Play 2026 World Cup Matches in United States
Sports
Osimhen Among Highest-Paid African Footballers in 2026 — See Full List
Osimhen Among Highest-Paid African Footballers in 2026 — See Full List
The highest-paid African footballers in 2026 continue to earn staggering wages, with stars in the Saudi Pro League dominating the rankings due to lucrative contracts. From Riyad Mahrez to Mohamed Salah, African players remain among the top earners in global football, earning hundreds of thousands of pounds weekly.
Leading the list is Riyad Mahrez, who earns an estimated £827,000–£886,000 per week at Al-Ahli, making him the highest-paid African footballer. He is followed by Sadio Mané, who earns around £630,000–£680,000 weekly at Al-Nassr.
Defender Kalidou Koulibaly earns about £550,000–£590,000 weekly at Al-Hilal, making him the highest-paid African defender. In Europe, Mohamed Salah continues to command massive wages of £350,000–£400,000 per week at Liverpool FC.
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Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen earns between £250,000–£318,000 weekly at Galatasaray, making him one of the highest-paid Nigerian footballers.
Midfielder Franck Kessié and defender Achraf Hakimi both earn just over £220,000 per week, playing for Al-Ahli and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy earns up to £200,000 weekly, while Iñaki Williams takes home about £180,000 per week at Athletic Bilbao. Veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang completes the list with weekly earnings of £150,000–£160,000 at Al-Qadsiah.
Top 10 Highest-Paid African Footballers (2026) – Weekly Salaries
| Rank | Player | Club | Weekly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Riyad Mahrez | Al-Ahli | £827,000 – £886,000 |
| 2 | Sadio Mané | Al-Nassr | £630,000 – £680,000 |
| 3 | Kalidou Koulibaly | Al-Hilal | £550,000 – £590,000 |
| 4 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool FC | £350,000 – £400,000 |
| 5 | Victor Osimhen | Galatasaray | £250,000 – £318,000 |
| 6 | Franck Kessié | Al-Ahli | £220,000 – £233,000 |
| 7 | Achraf Hakimi | Paris Saint-Germain | £220,000 – £227,000 |
| 8 | Edouard Mendy | Al-Ahli | £170,000 – £200,000 |
| 9 | Iñaki Williams | Athletic Bilbao | ~£180,000 |
| 10 | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Al-Qadsiah | £150,000 – £160,000 |
The rankings underline the growing dominance of the Saudi Pro League, which now offers significantly higher wages than most European leagues, attracting top African talent. Only a few players, such as Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi, remain among the top earners in Europe.
Osimhen Among Highest-Paid African Footballers in 2026 — See Full List
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