BURNA BOY CREDITS ED SHEERAN FOR SHAKIRA WORLD CUP ANTHEM FEATURE

 

Burna Boy feat. Ed Sheeran, "For My Hand"
COURTESY PHOTO

Nigerian singer Burna Boy has revealed that British music star Ed Sheeran played a key role in helping him secure a feature on Shakira’s FIFA World Cup song, ‘Dai Dai’.

The Grammy-winning artiste disclosed during a recent interview with Capital FM. He also spoke about Sheeran’s support ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Sheeran’s role in the collaboration

According to Burna Boy, Sheeran helped him navigate the opportunity and prepared him for the demands of performing on one of football’s biggest stages.

“He had to give me a heads-up like, ‘Yo, you’re going to have to perform at the finals.’ He knows me… he knows how I get down,” Burna Boy said.

The Afro-fusion star explained that Sheeran understood the pressure such a performance could bring.

“He knows the stress part is a bit crazy for me and stuff, so he gave me a heads-up. He was like, ‘Yo, it’s going to be real stressful.’”

Burna Boy praises Ed Sheeran

Speaking further, Burna Boy described Sheeran as a close friend whose advice he values.

“He’s just a very sensible and lovable guy. He is someone I have taken to personally from the beginning. Ed is very smart, man. He always knows what he is doing.”

Sheeran shares songwriting credits on ‘Dai Dai’ with producer Alexander Castillo.

Shakira’s reaction to Burna Boy’s verse

Shakira previously disclosed that she waited 20 days for Burna Boy to deliver his verse for the song.

Despite the delay, the Colombian singer praised his contribution. She described it as the “cherry on top” and said his vocals took the track “to another level”.

The official World Cup anthem explores themes of resilience and inner strength. It combines Shakira’s global pop appeal with Burna Boy’s Afro-fusion sound.

The collaboration marks another major international milestone for Burna Boy. The Nigerian star has continued to expand his global reach through partnerships with some of the biggest names in music.

- Alexandra Aiyudu

SHARMILA DHANKAR WINS INDIA'S FIRST COMMONWEALTH GAMES PARA ATHLETICS GOLD

Sharmila Dhankar clinched India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games para athletics gold with a season-best 9.81m throw in the women’s F57 shot put, while Shilpa Shyla was upgraded to bronze after a successful Indian protest.

Celebrations. Image Courtesy/ PTI

Sharmila Dhankar scripted history on Monday as she won India’s first para athletics gold medal in the Commonwealth Games, clinching the top spot in the women’s shot put F57 event here.

The 40-year-old produced a season-best throw of 9.81m to end India’s 20-year wait for a para athletics medal in the CWG.

Another Indian, Shilpa Shyla, was awarded the bronze medal following an Indian protest in controversial circumstances. Shyla had produced a personal best effort of 7.26m.

Nigeria’s Eucharia Iyiazi was initially placed at the bronze medal position but after a protest and official review, her only valid mark was adjudged a foul. That led to Shyla being upgraded to bronze from initial fourth place. However, it is likely that a counter protest may also be launched by Nigeria.

A sobbing Shyla celebrated, along with Sharmila, after the dramatic upgradation to bronze, giving India two medals from the event.

F57 classification is for athletes with lower limb impairments, limb deficiencies, or reduced muscle power.

Infected with polio on her left leg at the age of two, Sharmila won a gold medal in the Fazza International Para Athletics Championship this year. She also took part in the 2022 Birmingham Games and finished fourth.

- Press Trust Of India

MEDAL TABLE | DAY 4 | COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2026 | GLASGOW

 

DRUG KINGPIN, EX-FOOTBALLER BAG 24-YEAR JAIL TERM OVER.COCAINE IMPORTATION

 

Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced fugitive drug kingpin, Ntoruka Emmanuel Chinedu, and former international footballer, Segun George Hunkarin, to a combined 24 years’ imprisonment for unlawfully importing 7.050 kilogrammes of cocaine into Nigeria.

Chinedu was first arraigned in September 2015 on a one-count charge, marked FHC/L/227C/2015, for unlawfully importing 6.250 kilogrammes of cocaine. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail but absconded midway through his trial, remaining at large for nearly 10 years.

He was eventually re-arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on June 24, 2025, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, while attempting to smuggle 800 grammes of cocaine into the country aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa.

Investigations revealed that Chinedu, a frequent traveller who transported clothing from Turkey to Nigeria and food items from Nigeria to Turkey, had travelled from Turkey and transited through Addis Ababa, where he collected the luggage containing the illicit drug before proceeding to Nigeria.

Further investigations showed that an accomplice, Segun George Hunkarin, a former professional footballer, was waiting at the airport car park to receive the consignment.

Hunkarin, who had spent several years playing football in Brazil, was immediately tracked down and arrested.

In his statement, Hunkarin admitted that while playing professional football in Brazil, he had trafficked drugs on two occasions from Brazil to Ethiopia.

Both men were subsequently arraigned on a three-count charge, marked FHC/L/669C/2025, bordering on the unlawful importation of 800 grammes of cocaine.

Delivering judgment on Friday, July 24, 2026, Justice Kakaki sentenced Chinedu to 20 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine for importing 6.250 kilogrammes of cocaine.

He was handed an additional two-year prison term, also without the option of a fine, for conspiring with Hunkarin to import 800 grammes of cocaine, bringing his total sentence to 22 years.

Hunkarin was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, bringing the combined jail terms to 24 years.

Reviewing the facts of the case, the NDLEA prosecutor, Adekunle Adebajo, reminded the court that Chinedu had earlier been arraigned before Justice Salihu Saidu (now retired) in 2015 on the same drug importation charge but jumped bail after being granted release.

Relying on several legal authorities, Adebajo urged the court to convict and sentence both defendants in line with the provisions of the NDLEA Act.

Counsel to the defendants, Chief Benson Ndakara, who represented Chinedu, and Chief Emefo Etudo, who appeared for Hunkarin, pleaded for leniency and urged the court to impose fines instead of custodial sentences.

The court, however, rejected the plea after reviewing the submissions, authorities cited and exhibits tendered, and sentenced both convicts to prison without the option of a fine.

Reacting to the judgment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), commended the judiciary, describing the conviction as a reaffirmation of the courts’ commitment to ridding the country of drug trafficking and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice, regardless of how long they evade arrest.

Marwa also praised the NDLEA officers involved in the arrest, investigation and prosecution of the case, noting that Chinedu’s re-arrest after nearly a decade on the run demonstrated the agency’s patience, diligence and determination in tracking down fugitives.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with the judiciary and other stakeholders to ensure that everyone involved in drug trafficking, irrespective of status or how long they attempt to evade justice, is brought to book.

- Bertram Nwannekanma

NIGERIA'S SUPER FALCONS WORE A 10 STAR JERSEY VS. TANZANIA | INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

Nigeria's Super Falcons wore a jersey featuring 10 stars surrounding the badge during their friendly match vs. Tanzania. 

Each star represents the number of WAFCON titles they've won ⭐️🇳🇬

WHO IS BRIGHTON’S NIGERIAN £21.5 MILLION TEENAGER WONDER KID?

 

Zadok Yohanna at the Ikon Allah Football Academy. (Image: Ikon Allah football Academy)

Brighton snapped up Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna from Swedish side AIK Stockholm this summer.

The 18-year-old put pen to paper on a five-year deal reportedly worth around £21.5 million. It's a significant fee for such a young prospect.

Speaking about the transfer, Fabian Hurzeler said: “I’m looking forward to working with Zadok. Having seen his games and his attributes, he is a player that can impact games in the final third. 

“He’s still young, and will need time to adapt to the club and Premier League, but he’s an exciting player to watch and he brings the kind of creativity we know our fans will enjoy. 

“He’s dynamic, has pace and likes to take players on. His attributes and ability will be a real addition to our attacking options.”

Before making the move to Sweden, Yohanna came through the ranks at Nigeria's Ikon Allah Football Academy, where he first caught the attention of European scouts.

Ayi Muhammed, the man who took him under his wing at the Ikon Allah Football Academy in Nigeria, believes he will be a great investment.

Muhammed is president of the academy and said he felt like a second father to the winger, who left home at the age of 11 to learn his trade.

He speaks like a dad at times and a coach at others as he talks about Yohanna from the academy in Kaduna.

“I picked Zadok from the age of 11 and his family is like three to four hours’ drive away,” he said.

“I saw his potential from the age of 11. He has special qualities and in the next two years he must get the African Balon d’Or, before the age of 20.

“This is what he can do in England. In the English league you will see another different side.

“He is special. He has all the qualities. Skills, marking ability, he uses his head. Everything, Yohanna has it."

He made 18 appearances for AIK this season in the league and cup, scoring five goals and providing four assists.

Albion will be setting their targets high in the UEFA Conference League, and Yohanna is likely to feature. It's a competition he could shine in.

On the right wing, he will face stiff competition from Yankuba Minteh, but only if the Gambian talent stays at Brighton.

Reports suggest Liverpool are pushing for a Minteh move. If that happens, pressure will really be on the teenager.

- Henry Bryant

HIP-HOP STAR CARDI B AND NIGERIAN FOOTBALL STAR WHO PLAYS FOR SERIE A SIDE UDINESE MADUKA OKOYE SEEM TO HAVE A LOVE CHEMISTRY

 

NINE AFRICAN COUNTRIES RECORDED THE HIGHEST CANADIAN VISITOR VISA REVECTION RATES AHEAD OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP

Highest visa rejection rates (2026 World Cup)

 1. 🇨🇩 DRC - Refusal Rate: 96.1% - Approved: 15 - Refused: 370 - Total Processed: 385

2. 🇰🇪 Kenya - Refusal Rate: 91.1% - Approved: 20 - Refused: 205 - Total Processed: 225

3. 🇬🇭 Ghana - Refusal Rate: 89.3% - Approved: 185 - Refused: 1,540 - Total Processed: 1,725

4. 🇨🇲 Cameroon - Refusal Rate: 87.0% - Approved: 15 - Refused: 100 - Total Processed: 115

5. 🇳🇬 Nigeria - Refusal Rate: 86.0% - Approved: 110 - Refused: 675 - Total Processed: 785

6. 🇸🇳 Senegal - Refusal Rate: 85.3% - Approved: 25 - Refused: 145 - Total Processed: 170

7. 🇪🇹 Ethiopia - Refusal Rate: 78.6% - Approved: 30 - Refused: 110 - Total Processed: 140

8. 🇩🇿 Algeria - Refusal Rate: 73.5% - Approved: 65 - Refused: 180 - Total Processed: 245

9. 🇪🇬 Egypt - Refusal Rate: 59.1% - Approved: 225 - Refused: 325 - Total Processed: 550

Source: CTVNews/Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

NIGERIA/MADAGASCAR: AFCON 2027 QUALIFIERS - SUPER EAGLES TO FACE MADAGASCAR, TANZANIA, G-BISSAU

Nigeria's quest to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations received a major boost yesterday after the Super Eagles were drawn against familiar foes Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau in the qualifying series for the continental tournament.

The draw ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association in Cairo, Egypt, where the continent's national teams discovered their opponents for the qualification campaign.

The Nigeria national football team, now under the guidance of head coach Éric Chelle, were placed among the seeded teams for the draw following their strong standing in African football rankings. Their seeded status ensured they avoided several of the continent's traditional heavyweights in the preliminary phase.

On paper, the group appears favourable for the three-time African champions, with many Nigerian football observers expecting the Super Eagles to secure qualification without major difficulty. However, the draw also presents potentially tricky encounters against opponents capable of causing surprises.

Guinea-Bissau, in particular, has become a familiar foe for Nigeria in recent years. The West Africans have faced the Super Eagles in previous AFCON qualifying campaigns and earned a reputation as a disciplined and difficult side to break down.

Tanzania, one of the co-hosts of the 2027 tournament, will also be eager to impress despite already being assured of participation in the finals as hosts. Their growing football profile and home support could make them dangerous opponents during the qualifiers.

Madagascar, meanwhile, remain one of African football's unpredictable sides. The island nation stunned the continent during the 2019 AFCON in Egypt when they reached the quarter-finals in their maiden appearance at the tournament, defeating more fancied teams along the way.

Only the top two teams from the group will qualify automatically for the 2027 AFCON finals, increasing the importance of every fixture in the round-robin campaign.

The qualification series will be played across three FIFA international windows. Matchdays one and two are scheduled to hold between September 21 and October 6, 2026, while matchdays three and four will take place from November 9 to 17, 2026.

The final round of fixtures, comprising matchdays five and six, will be played between March 22 and 30, 2027, bringing the qualification race to a close.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations itself will make history as the first edition of the tournament to be jointly hosted by three countries -- Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The tournament is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

For Nigeria, the objective remains clear: qualify convincingly and mount a serious challenge for a fourth AFCON title after falling short in recent editions. With a squad packed with established internationals and emerging talents, expectations will be high for the Super Eagles to dominate the group and head to East Africa as one of the favourites for the continental crown.

- Affa Acho

NIGERIA | WORLD CUP 2026

 

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NIGERIA/CONGO-KINSASHA: WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - FIFA SANCTIONS NIGERIA, DR CONGO

The Nigeria-DR Congo match has remained a focal point of discussion following the controversial end to Super Eagles' World Cup qualification hopes.

The world football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Congolese Football Association following disciplinary incidents recorded during a 2026 World Cup qualifying fixture between the two countries.

According to FIFA's latest disciplinary overview for World Cup qualifying matches, the two football bodies were found guilty of separate infractions during the encounter played on 16 November 2025.

FIFA stated that Nigeria was penalised for a breach relating to order and security at matches, specifically involving the throwing of objects by spectators during the game.

The offence falls under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, for which the NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss Francs.

The Congolese federation, however, received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match.

The act contravenes Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, leading FIFA to impose a fine of 5,000 Swiss Francs on the DR Congo Football Association.

FIFA emphasised that disciplinary decisions are taken based on the circumstances of each case and may still be subject to appeal.

The governing body also noted that the summary of sanctions released publicly is mainly intended to inform the media, while the official legal decisions are communicated directly to the concerned federations.

Wider context

The Nigeria-DR Congo match has remained a focal point of discussion following the controversial end to Nigeria's World Cup qualification hopes.

"As far as FIFA is concerned, once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible. But our concern is that FIFA may have been deceived into clearing them," he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has urged caution against interpreting recent developments as a final verdict on Nigeria's complaint.

Mr Dikko believes the listing of DR Congo among the teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off tournament does not mean that FIFA has already made a final decision on Nigeria's petition.

"As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict," Mr Dikko said, according to ThisDay Newspaper. "We are monitoring the situation closely.

"The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations to compete for the final two spots in the playoff is not enough to jump to the conclusion that FIFA has thrown out Nigeria's petition. Some nations are also preparing for friendly matches. Things will change as soon as the FIFA verdict comes out."

Nigeria's hopes of progressing further in the qualification series were dashed last November after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties in the final round of the African qualifying play-offs.

Following that defeat, the NFF submitted a formal petition to FIFA questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players.

Nigeria's protest centres on the argument that DR Congo's domestic law does not recognise dual citizenship for adults, raising questions about players who reportedly hold European passports while representing the Leopards.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi earlier explained the federation's concerns.

"As far as FIFA is concerned, once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible. But our concern is that FIFA may have been deceived into clearing them," he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has urged caution against interpreting recent developments as a final verdict on Nigeria's complaint.

Mr Dikko believes the listing of DR Congo among the teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off tournament does not mean that FIFA has already made a final decision on Nigeria's petition.

"As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict," Mr Dikko said, according to ThisDay Newspaper. "We are monitoring the situation closely.

"The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations to compete for the final two spots in the playoff is not enough to jump to the conclusion that FIFA has thrown out Nigeria's petition. Some nations are also preparing for friendly matches. Things will change as soon as the FIFA verdict comes out."

He added that FIFA typically informs all parties involved before delivering a final decision in sensitive matters.

"The FIFA we all know has a channel to pass such sensitive information across to the parties involved. The name of DR Congo appears on the fixtures for now because the matter brought before FIFA has not been decided.

"We are very hopeful that Nigeria will win the eligibility case, and the Super Eagles will proceed to play in the playoff, and possibly make the World Cup party. I want all Nigerians to remain calm and wait for the final verdict."

DR Congo is currently listed among the teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off tournament as the race for the final places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies.

- Tunde Eludini, Premium Times (Abuja)

EX-SUPER EAGLES COAH HAS PASSED AWAY | CHIEF ONIGBINDE

Former first indigenous coach of the Nigerian national football side, Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, is dead.

A statement signed by Mrs Bolade Adesuyi, on behalf of the family, said that the Modakeke born high chief died Monday night at the age of 88 after a brief illness.

- The Sun Nigeria

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