Thursday, July 30, 2026

Shakira, Burna Boy Release Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Song ‘Dai Dai’

By
Kazeem Busari
-

Global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy have teamed up for the release of “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as excitement continues to build ahead of football’s biggest tournament.

The song, released through Sony Music Latin, is now available on major streaming platforms and is expected to become one of the defining anthems of the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

According to FIFA, “Dai Dai” was created to capture the energy, passion and global spirit of the World Cup while also supporting a major humanitarian initiative tied to the tournament.

The track will serve as the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at raising $100 million before the end of the tournament to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.

Shakira is also partnering with Global Citizen and FIFA on the initiative, with her royalties from the song set to be donated directly to the education fund. Sony Music has also pledged to match the first $250,000 raised through donations.

In another major announcement, FIFA confirmed that Shakira will co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show on July 19, marking the first halftime performance ever staged during a FIFA World Cup final.

The historic show is expected to merge sport, music and culture on a global scale while helping to promote the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and its broader educational mission.

“Dai Dai” follows the release of earlier songs linked to the FIFA World Cup 2026 official album, including “Lighter,” “Por Ella,” “Echo” and “Illuminate,” with FIFA confirming that additional singles will be unveiled in the coming weeks as anticipation for the tournament grows.

FIFA said the expanding soundtrack features artists from different continents, genres and cultures in a bid to reflect the diversity and unifying power of the World Cup.

The organisation noted that the music project is designed to bring football fans together through what it described as the universal languages of music and sport, while also promoting education and social impact initiatives tied to the global tournament.

Nigeria Draw Spain, China in FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Group Stage

By
Kazeem Busari
-

Nigeria’s Falconets have been handed a challenging group in the draw for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with the African side set to face former champions Spain, China PR and tournament debutants New Caledonia in Group F of the competition to be hosted by Poland.

The draw for the 12th edition of the global tournament was conducted in Lodz, Poland, officially setting the stage for what promises to be another fiercely contested championship involving 24 teams from across the world.

Nigeria, one of Africa’s most consistent sides at the tournament, will be aiming to make a strong impression against European powerhouse Spain and experienced Asian side China, while also facing first-time participants New Caledonia in the group phase.

Hosts Poland were drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, Argentina and fellow debutants Benin, while reigning champions Korea DPR will battle Colombia, Costa Rica and Portugal in Group E as they seek to defend their title.

Elsewhere, Brazil headline Group B with England, Canada and Tanzania, while France will face Korea Republic, Ghana and Ecuador in Group C. Group D features another heavyweight clash involving Japan, the United States, New Zealand and Italy.

The tournament is expected to produce several intriguing rematches from previous editions. France had defeated Korea Republic 1-0 during the group stage of the Costa Rica 2022 edition, while Brazil overcame Canada 2-0 at Costa Rica 2024. Korea DPR also recorded a dominant 9-0 victory over Costa Rica in the same tournament.

Japan and the United States are also set to renew their rivalry after previous meetings at both the 2018 and 2022 editions of the competition.

The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will mark Poland’s first time hosting a major global women’s football tournament. Matches will be played across four host cities — Bielsko-Biała, Katowice, Lodz and Sosnowiec — with the final scheduled for September 27 in Lodz.

The tournament will also feature several debutants, including Benin, Ecuador, New Caledonia, Portugal, Tanzania and hosts Poland, adding fresh excitement and diversity to the competition.

Meanwhile, Korea DPR and the United States will both be chasing history as they aim to win a record fourth FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title.

Tinubu, IFC Deepen Partnership on Nigeria’s $14bn Infrastructure Gap

By
Kazeem Busari
-
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (middle) flanked by Managing Director of IFC Makthar Diop (left) and Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele in Kigali on Friday.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to attracting strategic investments into Nigeria’s infrastructure and real sector development following high-level talks with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.

Tinubu disclosed that he met with IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop and his team to discuss ongoing collaboration aimed at addressing Nigeria’s estimated $14 billion annual urban infrastructure deficit through public-private partnerships and targeted investment initiatives.

The President said Nigeria was ready to work with credible global investors and development institutions capable of supporting the country’s economic reform agenda and infrastructure expansion plans.

“I was pleased to meet with Managing Director of IFC, Makhtar Diop and his team in Kigali on the margins of the Africa CEO Forum,” Tinubu wrote in a statement shared on his official X account.

“Nigeria welcomes IFC’s work in advancing a PPP infrastructure pipeline to help address our annual urban infrastructure gap of about $14 billion. This is the type of practical partnership our reforms are designed to unlock,” he added.

Tinubu explained that discussions during the meeting focused on investments in urban infrastructure, water projects, transportation, energy access, MSME financing and local currency solutions aimed at stimulating economic growth and improving regional integration.

“From urban infrastructure to water, land transportation, energy access, MSME finance, and local currency solutions, we are building a framework that can move capital into real projects, create jobs, improve productivity, and strengthen regional connectivity with our neighbours,” the President stated.

According to him, the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on transforming economic ambitions into measurable development outcomes capable of improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

“Nigeria is ready for serious capital, credible partners, and bankable projects. Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, we must turn ambition into delivery, and delivery into better lives for our people,” Tinubu said.

The President also expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation between Nigeria, the IFC and the World Bank Group in critical sectors of the economy.

“I look forward to deepening this partnership with IFC and the World Bank Group as we build infrastructure for growth, inclusion, and shared prosperity,” he added.

In his own remarks, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop described the engagement with Tinubu and Nigerian officials as productive, noting that the corporation was actively supporting projects targeted at improving infrastructure, expanding energy access and boosting small business financing in Nigeria.

“Inspiring conversation with President Tinubu and Nigerian leadership on our shared development agenda,” Diop wrote on X.

He revealed that the IFC was already advancing a public-private partnership infrastructure pipeline to tackle Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges while also expanding local currency financing initiatives to support small and medium-scale enterprises.

“IFC is advancing a PPP infrastructure pipeline to help address Nigeria’s $14B annual urban infrastructure gap, completed a landmark cross-currency swap with the Central Bank of Nigeria, and is expanding local currency solutions to support MSME growth,” Diop stated.

He further disclosed that the IFC was supporting mini-grid and solar energy developers under the World Bank Group’s Mission 300 initiative aimed at increasing electricity access across Africa.

According to Diop, discussions are also ongoing on water and land transportation projects intended to strengthen regional connectivity between Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

“Proud of what this partnership is delivering for jobs, infrastructure, and inclusive growth in Nigeria,” he added.

Tinubu Pushes ‘Africa First’ Agenda at CEO Forum in Rwanda

By
Kazeem Busari
-
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on African countries to prioritise the continent’s economic interests by deepening intra-African trade, strengthening regional partnerships and investing more in local businesses and infrastructure capable of driving long-term prosperity across the continent.

Tinubu made the remarks while speaking at the Presidential Panel of the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda, where African leaders, investors and business executives gathered to discuss strategies for accelerating economic growth and regional integration.

The Nigerian leader stressed that Africa cannot achieve meaningful economic scale by depending primarily on external markets and foreign partnerships, insisting that the continent must first build stronger internal economic cooperation among its nations.

“Our continent cannot build scale by looking outward first. We must invest in one another, trade more with one another, build the corridors that connect our markets, ensure our innovative youthful population get the support they need, and give African businesses the confidence to expand across African borders,” Tinubu said.

The President said Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms are designed not only to address longstanding structural challenges but also to position the country as a major economic force in the future of Africa’s emerging integrated market.

“Nigeria’s reforms are not only about fixing yesterday. They are about preparing our economy to lead in the Africa of tomorrow,” he stated.

Tinubu highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), digital trade, shared infrastructure, improved logistics systems, commodities exchange and stronger private-sector collaboration as critical tools for unlocking Africa’s economic potential.

According to him, Africa possesses the population, talent and natural resources required to compete globally if countries on the continent work together more effectively.

“With AfCFTA, digital trade, shared infrastructure, stronger logistics, commodities exchange, and deeper private sector partnerships, we can turn Africa’s population and resources into real continental prosperity,” the President said.

He also urged the global financial system to adopt fairer frameworks that recognise Africa’s unique economic realities and development needs.

“The global risk and financial architecture must also give Africa a fair deal that recognises our local nuances and contexts,” Tinubu added.

The President used the opportunity to commend Rwandan President Paul Kagame for hosting the summit and for what he described as Rwanda’s strong leadership and disciplined approach to development.

“I thank my brother, President Paul Kagame, for his warm hospitality and for Rwanda’s continued leadership in showing what discipline, clarity and execution can do for development,” he said.

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with Rwanda and other African nations to deepen economic cooperation and regional integration.

“Nigeria will continue to work with Rwanda and other African partners to build a continent that produces more, trades more, connects better, and competes with greater confidence in the world,” he stated.

The President concluded by urging African countries to take collective ownership of the continent’s future, warning that prosperity and development would not come automatically without deliberate action and cooperation.

“Africa’s future will not be handed to us. We must build it, own it, and defend it together,” Tinubu declared.

US-Based Group Warns Tinubu Govt Over 2027 Polls After Meeting Atiku Camp

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Atiku Abubakar

Representatives of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and aides linked to United States Congressman Riley Moore have held discussions on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, security challenges and the need to safeguard the integrity of future elections in the country.

The meeting was disclosed in a statement issued by Von Batten-Montague-York, which said the talks focused on protecting Nigerians’ right to participate in “free and fair” elections capable of producing leaders willing to address the country’s worsening security concerns.

According to the statement, representatives acting on behalf of Congressman Riley Moore and Atiku met earlier in the day and described the engagement as productive, with discussions centering on election credibility, peace and long-term national stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We are pleased to announce that earlier today, representatives representing Congressman Riley Moore and former Nigerian Vice President Atiku met to discuss the importance of protecting every Nigerian’s right to a free and fair election in order to enable Nigerians to elect leaders willing and able to resolve the security issues facing all Nigerians,” the statement read.

The group further stated that concerns were raised during the meeting about insecurity in Nigeria, including kidnappings and violent attacks affecting ordinary citizens and schoolchildren across parts of the country.

“The meeting was very productive and focused on the urgent need for election integrity, peace, and long-term stability in Nigeria,” the statement added.

Von Batten-Montague-York also said it would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring stability and prosperity in Nigeria, while offering prayers for several political figures in both Nigeria and the United States, including former US President Donald Trump, US Vice President J.D. Vance, Congressman Moore and Atiku Abubakar.

“We at Von Batten-Montague-York will continue to pray for President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Congressman Moore, Vice President Atiku, and all those working to ensure that peace and prosperity return to Nigeria and that Nigerians can live and send their children to school without fear of being kidnapped or, worse, murdered,” the statement said.

In a strongly worded warning, the organisation also accused unnamed individuals within President Bola Tinubu’s administration of allegedly undermining democratic processes and participating in anti-democratic activities ahead of future elections.

“To those within the Nigerian government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu who are complicit in crimes against Nigerians and are actively working to rig the election, understand that your actions are being observed and recorded,” the statement alleged.

The organisation further referenced the possibility of sanctions under the United States Global Magnitsky framework, which targets individuals accused of corruption, human rights abuses and anti-democratic conduct.

“Global Magnitsky sanctions were specifically designed to identify, isolate, and freeze assets connected to those engaged in corruption, human rights abuses, and anti-democratic conduct. The choice is yours,” the statement added.

Philippine Senate to Convene Impeachment Court for VP Sara Duterte Amid Political Tension

By
Agency Report
-
VP Sara Duterte

The Philippine Senate will convene as an impeachment court on Monday, May 18, to begin proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano announced on Thursday amid mounting political tension in the country’s upper legislative chamber.

According to PhilStar, Cayetano disclosed the development in a formal letter addressed to House Speaker Faustino Dy III, confirming that the Senate had officially received the articles of impeachment and supporting annexes transmitted by the House of Representatives on Wednesday night, May 13.

According to the Senate President, the impeachment court is scheduled to convene at 3 p.m. on Monday to commence consideration of the charges against Duterte in line with constitutional provisions.

“Pursuant to Rule 1 of the Senate Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Rules, the Senate has taken proper order of the impeachment and shall immediately proceed to its consideration, consistent with its mandate under Article XI, Section 3 of the Constitution,” Cayetano stated in the letter.

He added that the Senate secretariat had already been instructed to include the impeachment articles in the chamber’s Calendar for Ordinary Business for referral to the impeachment court.

“The court shall be convened on 18 May, 2026, 3:00 p.m. or at the soonest possible time, absent any question on the rules and procedure relating to the transmitted Articles,” Cayetano said, noting that both parties would later be directed to appear before the court on a date yet to be determined.

The impeachment proceedings come during a turbulent week for the Philippine Senate. The transmission of the impeachment complaint followed reports of gunshots heard inside the Senate complex, while lawmakers were also dealing with a tense standoff involving Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who had reportedly remained under Senate protection while facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes against humanity.

Cayetano himself only emerged as Senate President earlier this week following a dramatic leadership shake-up that saw a Duterte-aligned bloc gain control of the chamber after Dela Rosa resurfaced publicly following months away from the political spotlight.

Vice President Duterte is facing impeachment allegations bordering on misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth and alleged threats made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

Speaking to reporters after the announcement, Cayetano said the Senate would strictly follow constitutional and procedural guidelines in preparing a calendar for the impeachment proceedings.

“What we’re doing now, after the meeting, is we’re going to make a draft calendar. And the calendar will not be based on anything discretionary. It will be based on objectivity,” he said.

Although the impeachment court will formally convene on May 18, Cayetano indicated that the actual trial proceedings may begin later, possibly in July, depending on procedural timelines.

“July… I don’t want to preempt the calendar. But if it’s 15 session days, then we will follow that,” he stated.

Cayetano also dismissed speculation that the recent leadership changes in the Senate were intended to frustrate or delay Duterte’s impeachment trial.

“Having said that, we will follow the law. So walang magiging delays,” he said.

He further suggested that impeachment hearings may likely hold from Monday to Wednesday or Monday to Thursday, noting that Fridays would probably be reserved for motions and procedural matters.

Rowdy Scene at ADC Secretariat as Atiku, Amaechi Submit 2027 Presidential Forms

By
Kazeem Busari
-

There was chaos at the national secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja on Thursday as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar formally submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest the 2027 presidential election on the party’s platform.

The situation turned rowdy when Atiku’s loyalists and supporters stormed the ADC headquarters ahead of his arrival and attempted to force their way into the main hall where the submission process was taking place. Witnesses said the crowd overwhelmed security personnel and bouncers stationed at the venue, damaging doors in the process before surging into the hall.

The commotion disrupted activities at the secretariat as journalists, party officials and invited guests struggled to regain order amid the pushing and shouting by supporters. Several reporters were also shoved aside as the crowd rushed into the venue in anticipation of Atiku’s appearance.

Despite efforts by journalists to speak with the former presidential candidate after the submission of the forms, Atiku reportedly exited the premises through an underground basement route, leaving many media personnel stranded after waiting for an interview.

In a statement posted on his X account alongside photographs from the event, Atiku described the submission of his nomination forms as a significant step toward rebuilding the country and restoring prosperity to Nigerians.

“The march to restore prosperity and better days to our beloved nation took a firm and decisive step forward today at the National Secretariat of our great party, the African Democratic Congress,” Atiku wrote.

“This is more than a political journey; it is a national movement rooted in hope, renewal, and the collective resolve to save Nigeria from despair. I call on all Nigerians, regardless of region, faith, or background, to join us in this noble cause. Together, we will restore the promise of our nation and bring good times back again,” he added.

Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, also submitted his presidential nomination forms at the ADC secretariat on Thursday, officially joining the race for the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 election.

Amaechi, in a separate post on X, said his decision to contest was driven by the need to rescue the country from its current challenges.

“Today, I submitted my Presidential nomination forms at the ADC Secretariat, officially throwing my hat in the ring to salvage our country, Nigeria. The mission is clear; we will fight to restore dignity to Nigerians, make our country great and respected in the comity of nations, and bring unity, peace, prosperity and progress to our people,” Amaechi stated.

The ADC had earlier unveiled its timetable for the 2026 primary elections, with primaries for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate seats scheduled to begin on May 21, 2026. Governorship primaries are expected to hold on May 22, while the party’s presidential primary has been fixed for May 25, 2026.

2026 World Cup Faces Extreme Heat Threat as Climate Change Raises Temperature Risks

By
Agency Report
-

Climate scientists have warned that nearly one in every four matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be played under dangerously hot conditions, with climate change significantly increasing the risk of extreme heat across North America since the United States last hosted the tournament in 1994.

The warning was issued on Thursday by World Weather Attribution (WWA), a network of climate scientists that examined projected weather conditions for the expanded 48-team tournament scheduled to take place between June 11 and July 19 across 16 stadiums in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to the researchers, 26 out of the 104 World Cup matches could be played in conditions reaching at least 26 degrees Celsius Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a heat index that combines temperature, humidity, wind and sun exposure to measure how effectively the human body can cool itself. At that threshold, the global footballers’ union, FIFPRO, recommends mandatory cooling breaks because of the growing risk of heat strain on players.

“Players and fans face a much higher risk of grueling heat and humidity at the 2026 World Cup compared to the 1994 tournament on the same continent,” WWA said in a statement.

FIFA has already responded to growing concerns over extreme temperatures by mandating cooling breaks during each half of matches throughout the tournament. However, the latest analysis suggests the risks may be more severe than initially anticipated. Researchers said five matches are expected to face conditions of 28C WBGT or higher — a level FIFPRO considers dangerous enough to warrant delays or postponements until temperatures become safer.

The report noted that while 17 of the potentially high-risk games will be staged in stadiums equipped with cooling systems, several others will be played in venues without air conditioning. Only three of the 16 World Cup stadiums — located in Dallas, Houston and Atlanta — have full air-conditioning systems installed.

WWA co-founder and climate science professor at Imperial College London, Friederike Otto, warned that the dangers extend beyond players on the pitch to thousands of supporters expected to gather in stadiums and public viewing areas.

“It’s dangerous for players, but of course there are also the fans who might gather outdoors and they are at even more risk because they will not be taken care of by a lot of medical doctors,” Otto said.

Researchers also raised concerns about the tournament final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The study estimates the showpiece match has a one-in-eight chance of being played under 26C WBGT conditions and a 2.7 percent probability of reaching the more dangerous 28C level.

“That the World Cup Final itself — one of the biggest sporting occasions on the planet — faces a non-insignificant risk of being played in ‘cancellation-level’ heat should be a wake-up call for FIFA and fans,” Otto added.

Tinubu, Kagame Move to Strengthen Nigeria-Rwanda Ties, Discuss Visa-Free Travel

By
Laziz Olatunde
-
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rwandan President Paul Kagame

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have agreed to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda, with both leaders committing to activate key diplomatic and economic frameworks aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two African nations.

The meeting took place at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali shortly after President Tinubu arrived in Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum. During the talks, both presidents emphasised the need to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), which was originally signed by Nigeria and Rwanda in 2021 as a platform to drive collaboration in critical sectors. The two leaders agreed that Nigeria would host the next session of the commission as part of efforts to accelerate implementation of existing agreements.

In a major development on consular relations, President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria would seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free entry policy for Nigerians. The move, according to discussions at the meeting, aligns with the broader vision of promoting Pan-African integration, easing movement across the continent and strengthening people-to-people connections between African countries.

The talks also focused on activating pending Memoranda of Understanding between both nations in areas including tourism, anti-corruption cooperation and the fight against illicit drugs. The discussions underscored Tinubu’s commitment to expanding strategic partnerships within Africa and enhancing regional collaboration on governance, security and economic development.

Both leaders further exchanged ideas on operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Agreement between Nigeria and Rwanda. Tinubu and Kagame reaffirmed their support for the continental trade pact, describing it as a critical tool for boosting intra-African trade, industrial growth and economic integration across the continent.

As part of efforts to strengthen regional commerce and logistics, Nigeria is also exploring a potential partnership with RwandAir following the establishment of an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines last year. Officials said the proposed arrangement with Rwanda’s national carrier is expected to create additional export opportunities for Nigerian businesses and improve trade connectivity across Africa.

Nigeria to Host 2026 CAF Awards, 48th Ordinary General Assembly

By
Kazeem Busari
-
CAF president Patrice Motsepe

Nigeria will host the prestigious 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards ceremony alongside the 48th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football later this year, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved Nigeria’s bid to stage the two major events following a high-level meeting with CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe at the ongoing Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. The announcement, made on Wednesday, underscores Nigeria’s growing stature in African football administration and its readiness to organise continental showcases.

According to an official statement from the NFF, President Tinubu gave his backing to the proposal. “The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has approved Nigeria’s proposed hosting of the 48th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football, as well as this year’s CAF Awards Ceremony,” the statement read.

The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled for October 2026 and will bring together presidents of CAF’s 54 member associations, representatives of the six zonal unions, and senior football officials from across the continent. The CAF Awards ceremony, which celebrates the continent’s outstanding players, coaches, teams, and administrators, is expected to follow in December.

This will mark Nigeria’s return to hosting the CAF Awards for the first time since 2017. The events are anticipated to boost the country’s sports tourism profile and further establish it as a preferred destination for major international gatherings.

Those present at the pivotal meeting in Nairobi included Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, former NFF president and Special Adviser to the CAF President Amaju Pinnick, and CAF Acting Secretary-General Samson Adamu.

1...272829...90Page 28 of 90

EDITOR PICKS

Recent Posts

© 2026 Metro-Standard