馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Experts caution pregnant women against high coffee intake due to health risks
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Obstetricians and gynaecologists have warned pregnant women about the dangers of excessive caffeine consumption, citing increased risks of miscarriage, hypertension, and poor fetal growth. Dr. Joseph Akinde, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, and former Chairman of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, advised avoiding coffee due to its stimulant effects, which can cause restlessness and interfere with the essential eight hours of daily rest needed during pregnancy. He also noted that excessive caffeine can lead to high blood pressure and negatively impact fetal development. Consultant gynaecologist Dr. Stanley Egbogu echoed these concerns, stating that high doses of coffee are linked to complications such as miscarriage, early delivery, and fetal growth restriction. He explained that caffeine crosses the placenta to the baby, who lacks the capacity to metabolize it, leading to accumulation and potential interference with development. Dr. Egbogu also highlighted that caffeine can overstimulate the mother's body, increasing heart rate, causing restlessness, and affecting sleep quality, all of which can contribute to pregnancy complications. Both experts emphasized that caffeine is present in various sources beyond coffee, including some teas, soft drinks, and chocolate, making it easy for pregnant women to unknowingly exceed recommended limits. The World Health Organization and the United Kingdom鈥檚 National Health Service advise limiting ca
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Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo reported that $700 was stolen from her wallet at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, where the team was preparing for the 2026 Women鈥檚 Africa Cup of Nations. Okoronkwo, who plays for AFC Toronto, made the allegations on Snapchat, stating that several teammates also had money stolen from their wallets while they were away from their rooms. She initially claimed $500 was taken but later corrected the amount to $700 after recounting. Okoronkwo accused the hotel's housekeeping staff of the theft, alleging they waited for the players to be out of their rooms. She also stated that the players confronted hotel staff but were dissatisfied with the response, describing it as disrespectful. Despite this incident, the Super Falcons continued their WAFCON preparations, securing a 2-1 friendly victory against Tanzania, with Okoronkwo scoring the winning goal. The team is set to begin their WAFCON title defense against Malawi on Tuesday, followed by matches against Zambia and Egypt in Group C, as they aim for their 11th WAFCON title.
Tech billionaire and investor Prateek Suri has encouraged investors to focus on Africa's long-term economic potential, despite ongoing currency fluctuations. He stated that exchange rate volatility, a common feature in emerging markets, should not deter investment. Suri, Chairman of Maser Group and founder of MDR Investments, emphasized that successful investors prioritize economic fundamentals, productive assets, and long-term value creation over temporary currency movements. He highlighted that Africa should not be viewed as a single market, noting varying fiscal management, export growth, and foreign investment across different countries. Suri identified infrastructure, logistics, mining, technology, and industrial development as sectors poised for sustained growth. He advised investors to adopt a long-term approach, paying attention to government reforms, regulatory stability, infrastructure development, and local industry strength. Suri, recently named among Gulf Business magazine's Top 50 CEOs and Leaders of 2026, believes Africa's strong economic fundamentals, youthful population, and expanding consumer market continue to attract international capital.
Must ReadThe National Sports Commission has clarified the N6.44bn allocated in the 2026 budget for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a campaign that concluded in November 2025. This allocation, part of President Bola Tinubu's N58.18tn "Budget of Restoration," drew public scrutiny, including from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, due to Nigeria's failure to qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The NSC explained that the budget subhead was rolled over from the 2025 budget because the initial Special Presidential Support Group fund for the qualifiers was inadequate and not released. The increased allocation was intended to cover outstanding obligations, potential participation in intercontinental playoffs, and other preparatory commitments. The NSC stated that the Super Eagles' qualifying campaign was in jeopardy in October 2024, with only three points from four matches. The Special Support Group project was initiated to coordinate support for the team, including directly paying the Head Coach's salary, which helped the team gather 14 points from the subsequent six matches to reach the African playoffs final. Although Nigeria lost in the African playoffs final in November 2025 and missed the World Cup, the team went on to secure a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Following Nigeria's elimination, the NSC engaged with the National Assembly and the Budget Office to amend the budget subhead, redirecting the N6.44bn to support other national