🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
FIFA introduces new pre-match ceremony format for 2026 World Cup
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
FIFA has announced a new pre-match ceremony format for the 2026 World Cup, which will include all players named in a matchday squad, not just the starting eleven. This new arrangement will see every player from both teams' matchday squads walk onto the pitch through a dedicated arch with youth escorts. They will then assemble around the center circle for the national anthems, with large national flag banners displayed on either side of the pitch. FIFA stated that this initiative aims to allow all selected players to share in the experience of representing their countries. FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented that the new ceremony reflects that the World Cup is for every player and fan, and having all players and referees face each other during the anthems will create "a moment of unity, pride and emotion." The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will also be the first to feature 48 teams.
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.
The Lagos State Government has launched a N2.5 million tree-planting prize as part of its 2026 World Environment Day activities, aiming to encourage environmental sustainability and address urban heat. This initiative was announced by Olalekan Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, during the World Environment Day celebration in Ikeja. The state's efforts come as the United Nations recognized Lagos among 50 cities globally susceptible to extreme temperatures up to 50°C. The event, themed “Inspired by Nature for Climate, For Our Future,” highlighted nature-based solutions for climate change. Lagos plans to plant 500 trees and introduce the “Me and My Tree” initiative, providing free seedlings to participants who will nurture them for a year, with the best-performing tree receiving the N2.5 million reward. Lagos will also join the United Nations Environment Programme’s 50 Cities at 50°C initiative, adopting the theme “50 Cities at 50°C: Lagos Rising Against the Urban Heat Island.” Rotimi-Akodu noted that climate change, rapid urbanization, and population growth are increasing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing vegetation, and raising temperatures. The World Meteorological Organisation confirmed 2024 as the warmest year on record. Lagos, as Africa’s most populous city, is vulnerable to climate threats like sea level rise, extreme heat, and flooding, which impact public health, productivity, and air quality. Measures include investments in an integrated tra
Must ReadFrench President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in London on Sunday. The leaders will discuss putting pressure on Russia, which the French presidency described as being in a state of military, economic, and strategic failure. The meeting, scheduled to begin around 1730 GMT at Downing Street, will also review efforts towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and Europe. This comes as Ukraine has recaptured more territory than it lost to Russian forces for the second consecutive month. Russia's offensive has led to economic challenges including rising prices, tax hikes, high borrowing costs, business shutdowns, and labor shortages. Zelensky recently proposed a face-to-face meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and expressed readiness for a full ceasefire. Putin, however, rejected claims of Russia's economic collapse, stating the economy is at a similar level to Eurozone countries experiencing growth.
FIFA has announced an increase in its Club Benefits Programme to $355 million, a 70 percent rise from the amount distributed for the 2022 World Cup. This fund compensates clubs whose players participate in the World Cup or its qualifying matches. For the first time, clubs will receive compensation for appearances in World Cup qualifying. The total fund is divided, with $250 million allocated for players at the finals, an estimated minimum of $5,000 per player per day. Another $100 million is earmarked for qualifiers, with FIFA calculating $2,362 for each player in a match-day squad for qualifying games and friendlies for host nations. The remaining $5 million covers administrative costs. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated this expanded World Cup benefit provides more support to clubs across the football ecosystem. Payments are based on a player's club registration when squads are announced, with provisions for player transfers and replacements.
Public health experts, including epidemiologists, researchers, policymakers, and development partners from Nigeria, have called for enhanced disease surveillance to address public health threats. This appeal was made during the 12th Annual National Conference of the Epidemiological Society of Nigeria in Calabar, Cross River State. Dr. Matthew Ashikeni, National President of the Epidemiological Society of Nigeria, emphasized the need for robust surveillance systems to enable early detection and rapid response to outbreaks. He stated that effective epidemiological resilience requires strong surveillance, improved sanitation and hygiene, continuous capacity building for health professionals, and evidence-based health policies. Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Commissioner for Health Dr. Henry Ayuk, highlighted Cross River State's commitment to healthcare through investments in primary healthcare, disease surveillance, and health insurance. Dr. Vivian Otu, Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare, underscored the importance of resilient health systems. Dr. Rebecca Olatunde of the World Health Organization urged health experts to continue advocating for disease surveillance to tackle public health challenges.