Nigeria Claims AFRIMA Victory Amid Referee Controversy

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CAF Investigates Post-Match Incidents During AFCON Quarterfinals

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opened investigations into “unacceptable behavior of players and officials” following the quarterfinal match between Nigeria and Algeria at the ongoing men’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Tensions escalated after Algeria’s 2-0 loss, with Algerian players and staff expressing anger towards referee Issa Sy, whom they accused of favoring the opposition. Viral clips showed team members attempting to shield Sy from verbal insults and potential physical assaults, as well as disorderly conduct in the mixed zone. CAF has referred the matters to the disciplinary board and called for action if wrongdoing is found. Nigeria secured the victory with goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, controlling the game and limiting Algeria to just two shots.

CAF is also investigating incidents during the quarterfinal match between Morocco and Cameroon, with the latter alleging denied penalties by referee Dahane Beida. Morocco coach Walid Regragui dismissed claims of bias, stating that as hosts and favorites, his team is likely to face scrutiny.

Rema, Burna Boy Lead Nigerian Winners at AFRIMA 2026

Nigerian artist Rema was the biggest winner at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), taking home awards for Artist of the Year, Best Male Artist in Western Africa, and R&B/soul for his hit “Calm Down.” Burna Boy won Album of the Year for his album No Signs of Weakness and Collaboration of the Year for his feature on “Laho II” by Shallipopi, with the original version of “Laho” winning Song of the Year.

Awards were distributed across multiple countries, including Tanzanian singer Jux winning Best Male Artist in Eastern Africa, Madagascar’s Denise winning Best Female in Eastern Africa, and Congolese artists Singuila and Cindy Le Coeur winning Best Male and Female in Central Africa. Bakhaw Dioum of Senegal won Songwriter of the Year, Element Eleéh of Rwanda won Producer of the Year, and South African artist Ciza was named Breakout Artist of the Year.

Museveni Heads for Seventh Term as Uganda Votes Under Tension and Succession Talk

Ugandans will vote on Thursday, January 15, with President Yoweri Museveni widely expected to extend his nearly 40 years in power. The campaign has been marked by violence, arrests, and heightened security around opposition events. Museveni faces seven challengers, including pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who won 35 percent of the vote in 2021. Security forces have used force at Wine’s rallies, while the government cites the need for order.

The election coincides with Uganda preparing for commercial oil production later this year. Wine has vowed to review contracts and push for political freedoms if elected. The succession question is also being closely watched, with Museveni’s son, army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, considered a likely heir.

Adichie Accuses Lagos Hospital of Negligence After Death of Her Toddler Son

Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused a Lagos hospital of medical negligence following the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi. Lawyers for Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, have requested CCTV footage and medical records, alleging lapses in care and a lack of resuscitation equipment. Leaked messages indicate a doctor informed Adichie that an anesthesiologist had administered an overdose of propofol, leading to cardiac arrest. The hospital denies wrongdoing, and Lagos state authorities have launched an investigation.

Gambia Leads UN Court Case Accusing Myanmar of Genocide Against Rohingya

The Gambia told the International Court of Justice that Myanmar carried out genocide against the Rohingya people during a 2017 military campaign. The Gambia opened hearings in a case it first filed in 2019 under the Genocide Convention. Gambian Justice Minister Dawda Jallow stated that no one has been held accountable, while Myanmar’s lawyer, Philippe Sands, argued that evidence of genocidal intent is strong. Myanmar denies the charges and is challenging the court’s jurisdiction. Around 1.2 million Rohingya remain in camps facing humanitarian challenges.

Schools Reopen in Parts of Northern Nigeria After Mass Kidnappings

Schools in some parts of northern Nigeria reopened after being shut for months following the abduction of hundreds of students in November. The federal government cited improved security measures for the reopening. In Kaduna State, families cautiously sent children back to boarding schools, while most schools in Niger State remain closed due to ongoing security threats.

Sudan’s Wartime Government Returns to Khartoum After Three Years

Sudan’s military-led government has moved back to Khartoum after nearly three years in Port Sudan. Prime Minister Kamil Idris stated the government will focus on restoring basic services in the war-torn city. The army retook the capital from the Rapid Support Forces in March after being driven out by fighting that began in 2023, displacing millions and creating a severe humanitarian crisis.

Malawi MP Blasts Mutharika Over Pardon of Men Convicted in Albino Killing

Malawi lawmaker Baba Malondera has accused President Arthur Peter Mutharika of betraying justice after pardoning men convicted in the killing of Buleya, a key witness in albino murder cases. The men were released after serving less than a year of a 21-year sentence. Malondera has demanded answers regarding the approval and funding of the pardons. Rights groups and the albino community have condemned the move, citing concerns about protection for people with albinism.

Nigerian Defense Company Raises Almost $12 Million to Scale Capacity

Terra Industries, formerly Terrahaptix, has raised $11.75 million from U.S.-based investors to expand its defense capabilities. The company, based in Abuja, Nigeria, plans to protect Africa’s critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks. The funding round was led by 8VC, founded by Joe Lonsdale, a co-founder of Palantir.