The tension reached a boiling point at the weigh-in for Friday’s highly anticipated heavyweight showdown in Texas, as boxing legend Mike Tyson slapped social media star and novice boxer Jake Paul during a heated face-off.

The incident unfolded at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where the 58-year-old Mike Tyson and the 27-year-old Jake Paul are set to clash in a bout that has stirred debate across the boxing world.

Following the weigh-in, which saw Tyson tip the scales at 16st 4lb and Paul just a pound lighter, the two fighters came face-to-face.

Jake Paul crawled theatrically across the stage before rising to Tyson’s eye level, engaging in a tense staredown.

Tyson, who had largely dismissed Paul’s provocations throughout the week, finally snapped, delivering a slap to Paul’s face.

The sudden act prompted security personnel and team members to intervene and separate the fighters.

“Talking’s over,” Tyson declared before storming off the stage.

Paul, unfazed, responded with a grin and proceeded to sit down, appearing to meditate. “I didn’t even feel it. He’s angry. He’s an angry little elf,” Paul quipped.

He went on to taunt the former two-time world champion: “Mike Tyson, I thought that was a cute slap, buddy, but tomorrow you’re getting knocked out.”

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Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has announced the passing of his father.

Nwabali shared the sad news on his Instagram page on Friday posting a heartfelt message along with a tearful emoji.

He expressed his grief in a brief tribute, writing, “R.I.P Dad,” while keeping the details surrounding his father’s death private.

Since the announcement, messages of condolence and support have been pouring in for Nigeria’s goalkeeper, with fans and friends alike offering their sympathy.

The news comes shortly after Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where Nwabali played a crucial role in the team’s success.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Nigeria’s spot at the next AFCON was confirmed after Libya defeated Rwanda 1-0 on Thursday at the Amahoro stadium in Kigali.

The Eagles qualified for the competition with two games to spare. The team is billed to play the Benin Republic less than 30 after the match involving the other two teams in the group.

Nigeria are the leaders in Group D of the qualification with 10 points, followed by the Benin Republic with six points. Only the top two teams qualify for the group.

With the loss to Libya, Rwanda are on five points in third place, with just one game left to play. Libya are sitting at the bottom of the group with four points.

The Super Eagles started the qualification campaign with an emphatic 3-0 victory over the Benin Republic in the first leg of the encounter before playing a frustrating draw against Rwanda.

In the third game, Nigeria grabbed a late winner against Libya at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo. The second leg of the clash against Libya was never held.

The return leg was to be played at Benghazi, but the Nigerian national team’s flight was diverted to Al Abaq airport, and the players and coaches were held for over 20 hours without food and drinks.

The Eagles later withdrew from the qualifying match and returned home. Libya’s action attracted the wrath of CAF, and the country forfeited the game and was fined $50,000. Nigeria was also awarded three points and three goals.

However, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has appealed the CAF decision. The outcome of the appeal could still alter the group’s situation.

The Eagles will face the Benin Republic by 8 pm. Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho are among the players named in Nigeria’s starting line-up for the game.