
Alex Iwobi is poised to earn his 100th cap for the Super Eagles against Portugal, becoming only the fourth Nigerian player to reach this milestone. He will join Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama, and Ahmed Musa in this exclusive group. Joseph Yobo, a defender, was the first to achieve 100 caps between 2001 and 2014, representing Nigeria at three FIFA World Cups and six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, and captaining the team to victory in the 2013 AFCON. Vincent Enyeama, a goalkeeper, reached 101 caps from 2002 to 2015, participating in three World Cups and six AFCONs, and was named the best goalkeeper at the 2013 AFCON. Ahmed Musa holds the record for most appearances with 111 caps from 2010 to 2025, featuring in two World Cups and winning the 2013 AFCON. Iwobi, a midfielder for Fulham, chose to represent Nigeria after playing for England at youth level, making his senior debut in 2015. He has scored 10 goals and provided eight assists in 99 appearances, including a crucial goal that sent Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He has also participated in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, securing silver in 2023 and bronze in 2019 and 2025.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadGang violence in Haiti has led to at least 2,300 deaths, 1,100 injuries, and 99 kidnappings since the beginning of the year, according to the United Nations. UN human rights chief Volker Turk called on authorities to address impunity and emphasized the urgent need for a Gang Suppression Force GSF to operate in line with international human rights law. The UN Security Council approved the GSF last year, which will replace the Multinational Mission to Support the Haitian Police MMAS. An initial deployment plan for the GSF, with a ceiling of 5,500 troops and police officers, has been approved. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is scheduled to visit Haiti to show solidarity with victims of the violence.

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 general elections, praised Afrobeats artist Davido for using his platform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert to protest insecurity and mass abductions in Nigeria. Obi stated on his official X handle that Davido's actions were patriotic, transcending entertainment to demand international scrutiny. Davido appeared on stage wearing a customized leather jacket with names of recently abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, and the inscription "BRING THEM HOME." Obi highlighted that Davido's gesture drew global attention to Nigeria's security challenges and advocated for the safe return of captives. The former Anambra State governor added that the insecurity across the federation warrants urgent international scrutiny, given the government's inability to address the situation. Obi also noted Nigeria's absence from the 2026 World Cup was due to a deficiency in political leadership, not a lack of talent, pointing to Nigerian artists like Davido, Burna Boy, Rema, and Ayra Starr featuring on the official soundtrack album and Nigerians representing other nations in the tournament. Burna Boy and Shakira performed at the World Cup opening in Mexico City, and Rema performed a collaborative track with BLACKPINK's Lisa and Anitta.
Must ReadBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a forthcoming ban on social media for children under 16, citing concerns that these platforms make children unhappy, expose them to dangerous content, and are designed to be addictive. The ban will include platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, but not messaging services such as WhatsApp. The government aims to pass the regulation by late December, with the ban taking effect in spring next year. Starmer also indicated plans for "world-leading action on gaming services and live streaming platforms," and the government is considering overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under 18s. This move follows Australia's similar ban in December and a UK government consultation where 91% of responding parents backed a minimum age of 16. A YouTube spokesperson warned that a blanket ban could push children towards "less safe services." The UK government also recently mandated that tech giants like Apple and Google introduce safety features within three months to prevent children from sending and receiving nude images, threatening legislation if they fail to comply. This initiative aims to protect children from coercion, abuse, and sextortion, with the government citing an Internet Watch Foundation analysis that 91% of online child sexual abuse reports in 2024 involved self-generated content.