2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations to determine Africa's 2027 World Cup qualifiers
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
FIFA has announced that the 2026 Women鈥檚 Africa Cup of Nations WAFCON, scheduled from July 26 to August 16, 2026, will serve as the qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup in Brazil. The top four African teams from WAFCON will automatically qualify for the World Cup. The tournament will feature 16 countries: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, C么te d鈥橧voire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia. These teams will be divided into four groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. All four semi-finalists will secure direct qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup. The four losing quarter-finalists will compete in play-off matches to determine two African teams that will participate in an intercontinental play-off tournament. This intercontinental play-off, featuring 10 nations, will be held in November-December 2026 and February 2027 to decide the final three teams for the 2027 FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup, which Brazil will host from June 24 to July 25, 2027.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
As the 11th season of Big Brother Naija begins, romantic relationships continue to be a significant draw for viewers. Organizers of BBNaija have highlighted 11 memorable relationships from past seasons, showcasing how some have led to marriage and family, while others created drama and controversy. Notable couples include Gedoni and Khafi, who married and have children after the Pepper Dem season, and Bambam and Teddy A BamTeddy from the Double Wahala season, who also married and started a family. Other relationships featured include Tobi and CeeC Ceebi known for their dramatic dynamic, Neo and Vee from the Lockdown season, and Sheggz and Bella Shella from Level Up, who were a polarizing couple. The list also includes Soma and Angel SomGel, Venita and Adekunle Adenita from the All Stars season, and unique cases like Kellyrae and Kassia DoubleKay who entered the house already married, with Kellyrae eventually winning their season. Real-life couple Chinwe and Zion Zinwe also faced the pressures of the house, while Bright Morgan and Mide, and the love triangle of Isabella, Kayikunmi, and Koyin from Season 10, also made the list. With Season 11 premiering, viewers anticipate new relationships and dramatic storylines.
Senator Fatimat Raji Rasaki, a former First Lady of Lagos State and former senator for Ekiti Central Senatorial District, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on the Supreme Court's decision to affirm his election. Rasaki described the verdict as a "victory for democracy, the rule of law, and the collective aspirations of the people of Ekiti State," stating that it concludes all legal disputes over the governorship election. She urged all stakeholders, including political leaders, traditional rulers, and youth groups, to accept the judgment and support the governor for the state's continued growth and prosperity. Oyebanji's victory in the June 20 governorship election had been challenged by Abimbola Olawumi of the African Democratic Congress, but the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal both dismissed the petition, decisions upheld by the Supreme Court. Rasaki also commended Oyebanji's "calm disposition, steadfast leadership, and unwavering commitment" throughout the legal process.
The Allied People鈥檚 Movement APM has positioned its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, as the leading choice for Nigerians seeking new leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to Abubakar Yusuf, APM鈥檚 National Publicity Secretary, Governor Makinde's growing national acceptance reflects a desire for credible and accountable governance. Yusuf stated that the APM's cross-party discussions are yielding positive results, forming a strong opposition alliance to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress APC in 2027. He highlighted the recent reaffirmation of support from thousands of PDP members and other citizens in Ekiti State for Governor Makinde and collaboration with the APM, while maintaining their PDP identity. Yusuf described this as a significant boost, attributing it to the perceived failures of the current Tinubu-led APC administration. He emphasized the APM's commitment to winning the election, citing Governor Makinde's performance in Oyo State across critical areas like the economy, security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and civil service welfare. Yusuf added that Nigerians are increasingly identifying with the APM due to its dedication to democratic values, accountable governance, security, economic recovery, and sustainable development. He assured that if elected in 2027, the APM would prioritize the safety, prosperity, and welfare of citizens. On July 24, 2026, the Ekiti PDP C