馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Dikko assures Super Falcons of WAFCON rewards despite delays
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, has assured the Super Falcons that they will receive the cash rewards, housing allocations, and national honours promised by President Bola Tinubu for their 2024 Women鈥檚 Africa Cup of Nations triumph. Dikko stated that the delay is due to government processes, not a change in commitment, and expressed optimism that payments could be made before the upcoming 2026 WAFCON in Morocco. The team is still awaiting the fulfillment of promises made after their 10th continental title last year, which included $100,000 cash rewards, housing, and national honours. Former internationals have raised concerns that the prolonged wait could affect team morale as they prepare for the 2026 WAFCON and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup. Nigeria has been drawn in Group C with Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi for the 2026 WAFCON, where the four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup in Brazil.
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 ReadThe Nigerian Senate is moving forward with legislation that would require global social media companies operating in the country to establish physical offices. This proposal, sponsored by Ned Nwoko Delta North, seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to enforce this requirement. During a public hearing in Abuja, stakeholders largely supported the bill. The Senate also backed a separate bill to establish an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State, sponsored by Yemi Adaramodu Ekiti South. Shuaib Salisu Ogun Central, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, stated that both bills aim to strengthen Nigeria鈥檚 digital economy and technological advancement. President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru Kwara South, described the proposals as significant. Nwoko clarified that the social media bill is not intended to stifle operations or target technology companies but rather to promote accountability and deeper engagement, encouraging them to become "true corporate citizens." He cited examples of countries like the United Kingdom, India, and South Africa, which have attracted global tech firms to establish local offices for various functions, including engineering, AI research, and regulatory compliance, leading to job creation, increased tax revenues, and technology transfer. Nwoko argued that Nigeria, as Africa's largest digital market, should also benefit from similar investments and o
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani to life imprisonment for their involvement in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The men pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges, including conspiracy, aiding kidnapping, concealing information about terrorists, and professing membership in the proscribed Darul Salam sect, an affiliate of the Ansaru terrorist group. The judge, Justice Salim Ibrahim, ordered the life sentence to commence from their arrest date. The prosecution accused the defendants of conspiring with others to kidnap pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire LGA between January and May 2026. The abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026, involved 39 pupils and six teachers from three schools. The victims were rescued on July 10 after a coordinated operation by security agencies. President Bola Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the dismantling of the kidnappers' network and the arrest of several suspects. While the convicts' counsel sought leniency, citing them as first-time offenders who showed remorse, the prosecution opposed, arguing they concealed crucial information. The Elesinele of Esinele, Oba Tajudeen Adeoye, and a local resident, Kausara, expressed disappointment with the judgment, suggesting a death sentence would be more appropriate given the severity of the crime and the deaths of security perso
Three minors, aged between four and 15, from Awun community in Oro-Ago, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been released after residents reportedly paid a N60 million ransom to their kidnappers. The children were abducted from their home in February while their father, Olajide Buraimoh, was absent. Community sources indicated that the ransom was raised through contributions from local residents and indigenes living abroad, following extensive negotiations. The kidnappers also demanded food items, including rice, groundnut oil, spaghetti, semovita, beer, and seasoning sauce. The fundraising effort was coordinated via the Awun community's WhatsApp platform. A pregnant woman abducted with the children was released last week, while the minors remained captive until Monday. A resident named Ismail described the significant emotional and financial impact on the community. When contacted, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, stated he was unaware of the abduction or any ransom payment.