Nigeria can still qualify for 2027 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria can still qualify for 2027 Women’s World Cup – here’s how

Ashley Plumptre scores first Falcon's goal, seals WAFCON qualification

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have lost their automatic route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The defeat means Nigeria will not be among the four African teams that qualify directly for the tournament in Brazil.

However, the Super Falcons are not out of the 2027 World Cup race.

Nigeria still have another route available through the African play-offs and the FIFA inter-confederation play-off tournament.

Here is how the Super Falcons can still make it to Brazil.

Nigeria must first win the African play-off

The four teams that lose their WAFCON quarter-final matches will enter a separate play-off competition for Africa’s remaining World Cup opportunities.

The four defeated quarter-finalists will battle for two places in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-Off Tournament.

This means Nigeria must win their African play-off match to remain in contention.

A defeat at this stage would end the Super Falcons’ hopes of reaching the 2027 World Cup.

What happens after the African play-off?

If Nigeria win their African play-off, they will become one of CAF’s two representatives at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-Off Tournament.

FIFA has allocated four direct World Cup places and two play-off places to CAF for the 2027 tournament.

The two African teams that emerge from the WAFCON play-offs will join teams from other confederations in the global play-off tournament.

Nigeria would then have to fight through the inter-confederation play-offs

The FIFA Play-Off Tournament will feature 10 teams competing for the final three World Cup places.

The first phase will involve six teams: two from CAF, two from AFC, one from CONMEBOL and one from OFC.

According to FIFA, the six teams will be ranked before the draw, with the top two progressing directly to the final phase. The other four will compete for the remaining places in that phase.

The final phase will feature six teams divided into three paths. Each path will be decided by a knockout match, with the three winners securing the final three tickets to the 2027 Women’s World Cup

It Is Time For Us To Completely End The Islamic Republic and Tear Down Their Terrible Govt- Hansen

It Is Time For Us To Completely End The Islamic Republic and Tear Down Their Terrible Govt- Hansen

Army Special Forces veteran Jim Hansen has suggested that regime change in Iran could become an option for US President Donald Trump as Tehran’s economy continues to face serious pressure.

Hansen made the comments in a video posted by Fox News on Sunday, August 9, 2026, while discussing a Wall Street Journal report that Iran believes it can outlast Trump by creating economic difficulties for the United States ahead of the midterm elections.

According to Hansen, there is some truth to the argument that Trump would want to avoid further instability in the Middle East that could affect oil markets before Republicans defend their control of Congress.

However, he said the situation did not necessarily mean Iran would achieve its objectives, suggesting that Washington could still consider other options as the political situation develops.

“The one thing that hasn't been said out loud is maybe it's time for the Iranian regime to end,” Hansen said, while discussing the future of the Islamic Republic.

Hansen further argued that the Islamic Republic had been a problem for Iran since 1979 and said the Iranian people should have the opportunity to have what he described as a better government.

He said Trump could have greater freedom to consider different options after the midterm elections, when the president would no longer have to manage political considerations linked to the electoral process.

The former Army Special Forces veteran also discussed Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran had considered charging fees on vessels passing through the strategic waterway and sharing the proceeds with Oman.

Hansen said the Trump administration was firmly opposed to such an arrangement, amid the wider dispute between Washington and Tehran over the strategic waterway and regional security.

He also pointed to the condition of Iran’s economy, citing an International Monetary Fund estimate of 70 percent inflation. Hansen said the economic pressure was placing Iran’s leadership in a difficult position as tensions with the United States continued.

The Lagos State Government has formalised community land allocations across Sangotedo and Ibeju-Lekki as part of plans to develop a 16,300-hectare master-planned urban community.

The Lagos State Government has formalised community land allocations across Sangotedo and Ibeju-Lekki as part of plans to develop a 16,300-hectare master-planned urban community.

According to a statement issued by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented land allocation letters to leaders of 98 beneficiary villages during a ceremony at the Ito Omu Link Bridge in Sangotedo on Wednesday.

The allocation letters formally recognise the beneficiary communities within the proposed development area and mark the commencement of the state’s implementation of the master-planned project, which is expected to support housing delivery, infrastructure development and long-term urban growth.

Sanwo-Olu said the state government is committed to ensuring that the growth of Ito Omu and neighbouring communities is driven by deliberate planning rather than unplanned urban expansion.

Visit www.nairametrics.com to read more.

JUST IN: Baba Aladura Alogbo dies at 93 The Supreme Head of C&S Unification Church of Nigeria and spiritual father and chairman of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O

JUST IN: Baba Aladura Alogbo dies at 93 The Supreme Head of C&S Unification Church of Nigeria and spiritual father and chairman of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, His Most Eminence Prophet Emmanuel Adewale Abiodun Alogbo, has died at the age of 93. His passing was announced in a circular dated July 30, 2026, and signed by its Secretary-General, Snr. Sp. Ap. Prophet Anthony Olusesan Samaye, that Alogbo died peacefully in the early hours of Thursday. According to the statement, the revered cleric passed away at about 2:10 a.m. at his residence in Ijaiye Ojokoro, Lagos, surrounded by members of his family and domestic staff. The circular, addressed to the church's management committee, district chairmen, conference supervisors, mission directors, church elders, zonal secretaries and ministers-in-charge of parishes worldwide, described the late cleric as the church's spiritual father. It read, "With gratitude to God Almighty for a life well spent, on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire church, I write to inform you all that our Spiritual Father, His Most Eminence, Prophet (Dr.) Emmanuel Adewale Abiodun Alogbo, was called to glory in the early hours of today, July 30, 2026, at around 2:10 a.m. "He was surrounded by his family members and all his domestic staff while he passed on to glory peacefully at his residence." The church said daily prayer sessions would be held for seven days from 5 p.m. at the late cleric's residence located at Plot 1, Alogbo Close, off Ahmadiyya Bus Stop, Ijaiye Ojokoro, Lagos. It added that burial arrangements would be announced later. "May his soul rest in perfect peace and may God grant the church the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Amen," the statement added. Until his death, Alogbo served as the Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria and Spiritual Father/Chairman of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O.

JUST IN: Baba Aladura Alogbo dies at 93 The Supreme Head of C&S Unification Church of Nigeria and spiritual father and chairman of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O

JUST IN: Baba Aladura Alogbo dies at 93 The Supreme Head of C&S Unification Church of Nigeria and spiritual father and chairman of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, His Most Eminence Prophet Emmanuel Adewale Abiodun Alogbo, has died at the age of 93. His passing was announced in a circular dated July 30, 2026, and signed by its Secretary-General, Snr. Sp. Ap. Prophet Anthony Olusesan Samaye, that Alogbo died peacefully in the early hours of Thursday. According to the statement, the revered cleric passed away at about 2:10 a.m. at his residence in Ijaiye Ojokoro, Lagos, surrounded by members of his family and domestic staff. The circular, addressed to the church's management committee, district chairmen, conference supervisors, mission directors, church elders, zonal secretaries and ministers-in-charge of parishes worldwide, described the late cleric as the church's spiritual father. It read, "With gratitude to God Almighty for a life well spent, on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire church, I write to inform you all that our Spiritual Father, His Most Eminence, Prophet (Dr.) Emmanuel Adewale Abiodun Alogbo, was called to glory in the early hours of today, July 30, 2026, at around 2:10 a.m. "He was surrounded by his family members and all his domestic staff while he passed on to glory peacefully at his residence." The church said daily prayer sessions would be held for seven days from 5 p.m. at the late cleric's residence located at Plot 1, Alogbo Close, off Ahmadiyya Bus Stop, Ijaiye Ojokoro, Lagos. It added that burial arrangements would be announced later. "May his soul rest in perfect peace and may God grant the church the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Amen," the statement added. Until his death, Alogbo served as the Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria and Spiritual Father/Chairman of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O.

OUR ECONOMY IS ON STEADY GROWTH, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU TO DELOITTE AFRICA

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

OUR ECONOMY IS ON STEADY GROWTH, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU TO DELOITTE AFRICA 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday in Abuja, received commendations from Deloitte Africa for the ongoing financial and fiscal reforms in the country and was encouraged to pursue a stronger partnership that supports investments, youth training, and employment. 

The President, who received a delegation from Deloitte Africa, led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ruwayda Redfearn, at the State House, said the reforms had steadily stabilised the economy over three years, with growing plaudits for positive development and growth indicators. 

“We are following the example of Deloitte’s greatness to change things from the foundation, building the necessary future for our people.

“Yes, reforms are difficult. It has not been a McDonald’s customer relationship but a harvester of good things, if implemented well, and that is what we are about. 

“Thank you for your partnership in paying attention to what we are doing here,  as we have heard from the Honourable Minister of Finance about the fiscal, revenue and tax reforms that have taken place and are moving the nation forward.

 

“The reforms on revenue will continue to stimulate growth. And the effect of the reform? Yes,  some issues are difficult to take the bitter medicine,  but it is working well. For the economy, Nigeria is making serious foundational progress,’’ the President said at the meeting, which was also attended by the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele and the Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji.

President Tinubu said the reforms had stimulated the economy, strengthened the fiscal and revenue sectors, repositioned financial institutions, and prepared the country to be more globally relevant and competitive. 

The President urged Deloitte Africa to improve its impact on the Nigerian economy by training and recruiting the dynamic youth population. 

 

“The family of Deloitte; you just reminded me of my cradle years in accountancy and where I cut my childhood accounting teeth in Chicago. Deloitte has a good training programme, and I believe you will continue to reflect that,’’ he stated. 

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, who spoke on the reforms and impact, urged the leadership of the accounting and business firm to focus on building capacity among the youth. 

The CEO of Deloitte Africa, Ruwayda Redfearn,  said the global organisation is primarily focused on digital and business transformation, with over 500,000 employees worldwide working across various roles and locations, including over 6,000 in Africa. 

She said the accountancy firm's revenue was $74 billion in 2025. 

“We are before you to say that we want to serve. We have a local team on the ground that is ready, as well as the global firm, to support you and support your administration as you lead the country,’’ she said. 

The Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte West Africa, Yomi Olugbenro, assured the President of the firm’s support for the reforms. 

“We do what we do because of the philosophy that our Africa CEOs talk about – making an impact that matters. Where we are at the moment, we believe that the ground has been solidly laid. There is a need to truly extract more value and deliver the dividends of democracy to ordinary Nigerians on the street. The bigger work is really about how to cascade some of those big reforms further down. 

“We do believe that with the capabilities that the firm has all over the world, with the half a million people that our CEO spoke about, we have used cases, examples, experiences of how we supported nations all around the world, so Nigeria will definitely benefit from those experiences. 

"So that is why we are here, and we welcome the invitation that you may grant us as to where exactly you want us to support you,’’ he added.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President 

(Information & Strategy) 

July 15, 2026

OUR ECONOMY IS ON STEADY GROWTH, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU TO DELOITTE AFRICA

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

OUR ECONOMY IS ON STEADY GROWTH, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU TO DELOITTE AFRICA 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday in Abuja, received commendations from Deloitte Africa for the ongoing financial and fiscal reforms in the country and was encouraged to pursue a stronger partnership that supports investments, youth training, and employment. 

The President, who received a delegation from Deloitte Africa, led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ruwayda Redfearn, at the State House, said the reforms had steadily stabilised the economy over three years, with growing plaudits for positive development and growth indicators. 

“We are following the example of Deloitte’s greatness to change things from the foundation, building the necessary future for our people.

“Yes, reforms are difficult. It has not been a McDonald’s customer relationship but a harvester of good things, if implemented well, and that is what we are about. 

“Thank you for your partnership in paying attention to what we are doing here,  as we have heard from the Honourable Minister of Finance about the fiscal, revenue and tax reforms that have taken place and are moving the nation forward.

 

“The reforms on revenue will continue to stimulate growth. And the effect of the reform? Yes,  some issues are difficult to take the bitter medicine,  but it is working well. For the economy, Nigeria is making serious foundational progress,’’ the President said at the meeting, which was also attended by the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele and the Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji.

President Tinubu said the reforms had stimulated the economy, strengthened the fiscal and revenue sectors, repositioned financial institutions, and prepared the country to be more globally relevant and competitive. 

The President urged Deloitte Africa to improve its impact on the Nigerian economy by training and recruiting the dynamic youth population. 

 

“The family of Deloitte; you just reminded me of my cradle years in accountancy and where I cut my childhood accounting teeth in Chicago. Deloitte has a good training programme, and I believe you will continue to reflect that,’’ he stated. 

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, who spoke on the reforms and impact, urged the leadership of the accounting and business firm to focus on building capacity among the youth. 

The CEO of Deloitte Africa, Ruwayda Redfearn,  said the global organisation is primarily focused on digital and business transformation, with over 500,000 employees worldwide working across various roles and locations, including over 6,000 in Africa. 

She said the accountancy firm's revenue was $74 billion in 2025. 

“We are before you to say that we want to serve. We have a local team on the ground that is ready, as well as the global firm, to support you and support your administration as you lead the country,’’ she said. 

The Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte West Africa, Yomi Olugbenro, assured the President of the firm’s support for the reforms. 

“We do what we do because of the philosophy that our Africa CEOs talk about – making an impact that matters. Where we are at the moment, we believe that the ground has been solidly laid. There is a need to truly extract more value and deliver the dividends of democracy to ordinary Nigerians on the street. The bigger work is really about how to cascade some of those big reforms further down. 

“We do believe that with the capabilities that the firm has all over the world, with the half a million people that our CEO spoke about, we have used cases, examples, experiences of how we supported nations all around the world, so Nigeria will definitely benefit from those experiences. 

"So that is why we are here, and we welcome the invitation that you may grant us as to where exactly you want us to support you,’’ he added.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President 

(Information & Strategy) 

July 15, 2026