
Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy performed at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The ceremony, held before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, featured fireworks, choreography, and a giant World Cup trophy display. The expanded 48-team tournament will run until July 19, with 104 matches scheduled across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The artists performed the official tournament anthem, "Dai Dai," which has gained global visibility since its mid-May debut. Shakira, in a yellow outfit, led dancers, with Burna Boy joining for his sections, a performance that quickly gained online attention.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti urged unity and reconciliation within the Labour Party following its nationwide primaries, warning that internal divisions could hinder its prospects in the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, where 1,211 candidates were ratified, including Dr. Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate, Governor Otti, represented by his deputy Ikechukwu Emetu, emphasized moving past primary contests to strengthen the party. He advised successful candidates to reconcile with fellow aspirants and foster unity across party structures, stressing the need for collective action and coordinated campaigns. The Labour Party has faced internal leadership disputes, but leaders at the NEC meeting highlighted reconciliation as crucial for electoral success. National Chairman Nenadi Usman appealed to aggrieved members to set aside grievances for the party's growth, noting that the primaries were successful. National Secretary Iheanacho Obioma reported that the primaries, held on May 30 across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, complied with constitutional and electoral guidelines. Presidential candidate Chibuzo Okereke accepted his nomination, pledging a people-centered campaign and unveiling his "Nigerians First" agenda and "Believe Again" message to restore public confidence.
Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria is considering seeking the intervention of the African Union regarding recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa. Sola Enikanolaiye, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, stated that these attacks undermine African unity and solidarity and are becoming a continental challenge. Nigeria plans to engage South African authorities at various levels to ensure the safety of its citizens. Enikanolaiye emphasized that African countries must collectively protect all residents, regardless of nationality, as these attacks threaten regional cooperation. This development follows the arrival of the first batch of 268 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa in Lagos, with more flights expected as over 1,000 citizens reportedly seek to return home.

Oby Ajih, the South-East Zonal Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress, stated that President Bola Tinubu is creating opportunities that could lead to a woman becoming Nigeria’s president. Speaking at the Abia APC Women Mid-Year Prayer Summit and Widows Empowerment Programme in Umuahia, Ajih noted that women are now being included in national affairs and will no longer face hunger. She added that First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu acknowledged women's challenges and encouraged them, assuring that their situation would improve after the 2027 elections. Lady C.C. Erondu, the Abia APC Woman Leader and event organizer, shared her understanding of widows' struggles as a widow herself and promised support from the First Lady. Erondu also expressed optimism that President Tinubu's administration would create employment for youths. Uzor Azubuike, the APC candidate for Aba North and South Federal Constituency, commended Erondu's efforts in organizing the program.