Fifa president Gianni Infantino has told critics to “meditate, pray or watch a football match” instead of “spreading hate and false rumours” about his leadership, the governing body and the World Cup.

In a 15-slide post on his personal Instagram account – reposted to Fifa’s eight million followers – Infantino addressed “those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens” to affirm his belief that, while they were “busy planting seeds of hate”, Fifa was delivering the “greatest event on earth”.

BBC reported Infantino to have said that the World Cup “celebrated humanity at its best”, adding that the 2026 tournament had “100% safety and security, only joy and happiness”.

Infantino downplayed several of the tournament’s high-profile controversies and hailed the involvement of Iran, who featured at the World Cup despite their ongoing conflict with co-hosts the United States, as a success.

He said that Fifa “worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war”, with Iran entering the country “without incident or conflict”.

His comments are in stark contradiction to those of Iran’s head coach Amir Ghalenoei, who said his team were the “most oppressed” at the World Cup.

Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad have reportedly stepped up their interest in Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi after submitting a formal €10.5 million offer for the Beşiktaş midfielder, according to Turkish sports daily Milliyet.

The proposal could rise to €12.5m if performance-related add-ons are triggered, with the Saudi giants keen to lure the Super Eagles captain and experienced midfielder away from the Turkish Super Lig.

However, Beşiktaş are yet to respond to the offer as the club awaits the assessment of newly appointed head coach Vincenzo Italiano, who is expected to determine whether Ndidi remains part of his plans for the forthcoming season.

The decision could prove crucial for the 28-year-old Nigerian, who only joined the Istanbul giants last summer after leaving Leicester City as a free agent.

Ndidi quickly established himself as an important figure in the Beşiktaş midfield during his first season in Turkey, making 31 Süper Lig appearances and contributing two goals and one assist.

Source: Leadership

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade are in Glasgow leading Nigeria’s participation at the 2026 Commonwealth Games on a presidential assignment from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The two officials are spearheading Team Nigeria’s campaign after receiving the President’s charge during the official send-off ceremony in Abuja, delivered by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Gbajabiamila urged the athletes to compete with courage and determination, assuring them of the Federal Government’s full support.

“The President is solidly behind you. He wants you to make Nigeria proud by winning laurels,” Gbajabiamila said.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Sunday Dare, reinforced the message, stating that the assignment is clear: win medals and make Nigeria proud.

Dare also charged Hon. Olopade to stay focused, avoid distractions, and ensure Team Nigeria surpasses the country’s performance at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

In Glasgow, Mallam Dikko is handling Nigeria’s engagements with the Commonwealth Games Federation and ministerial meetings, while Hon. Olopade, as Chef de Mission, is overseeing the daily management and welfare of the Nigerian delegation.

Team Nigeria, consisting of 72 athletes competing across 10 sports — athletics, 3×3 basketball, judo, boxing, track cycling, weightlifting, swimming, parapowerlifting, 3×3 wheelchair basketball, and para athletics — is now settled in the Games Village with competitions underway.

The NSC expressed confidence that thorough preparation, enhanced athlete welfare, and unwavering presidential support will deliver a strong performance in Glasgow.