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FIFA Responds After Thomas Partey Is Denied Entry Into Canada for 2026 World Cup

Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada.

The experienced midfielder will miss Ghana’s first group-stage clash against Panama after Canadian authorities rejected his visa application.

Partey had already joined the Black Stars camp in the United States and was preparing for the tournament with his teammates before the decision was made.

Following widespread reactions from football fans, FIFA released a statement clarifying that it had no involvement in Canada’s decision.

According to the world football governing body, immigration and visa approvals remain the responsibility of the host country’s government.

FIFA explained that while it organizes the tournament, it does not control which individuals are granted entry into participating host nations. The organization emphasized that immigration decisions are made solely by the relevant government authorities.

Partey’s absence comes as a significant blow to Ghana, with many supporters believing his experience and leadership would have been crucial in the team’s opening fixture.

The situation has sparked debate among football fans worldwide, with some questioning whether countries hosting major international tournaments should impose restrictions that prevent qualified players from participating.

Several supporters expressed disappointment on social media, arguing that the World Cup should unite nations and allow the world’s best players to compete without unnecessary barriers. Others, however, pointed out that host countries retain the right to enforce their immigration laws regardless of sporting events.As Ghana prepare to face Panama without one of their key players, attention now turns to how the Black Stars will adapt and whether they can begin their World Cup campaign on a positive note despite the setback.

New Music Friday: Ayra Starr, Shallipopi, YCee, Bloody Civilian and More

Another Friday, another wave of fresh music from some of Nigeria’s biggest and most exciting artists. This week’s releases offer a little bit of everything, from infectious Afrobeats and street-hop records to experimental sounds pushing creative boundaries.

Ayra Starr continues her impressive run, YCee makes a long-awaited return, and Bloody Civilian delivers one of the most adventurous records of the week.

Here are the standout releases worth adding to your playlist.

Ayra Starr – “Tornado”Ayra Starr keeps her momentum going with Tornado, a vibrant Afropop record that feels tailor-made for repeat listens. The song is catchy, confident, and polished, with strong vocal performances that showcase her growth as an artist.

There’s a sense of maturity in both the songwriting and delivery, making it clear that Ayra Starr is entering another exciting phase of her career.

Shallipopi – “Allergies”Shallipopi stays comfortably within his signature lane on Allergies. Built on his familiar blend of street-inspired lyrics, Afrobeats, and Amapiano influences, the song delivers the energy fans have come to expect.

While it doesn’t necessarily break new ground, it’s another solid addition to his catalogue and one that longtime supporters will likely enjoy.Shoday, Ronaldinho Gaúcho & Tu Musica – “Holiday”Cross-continental collaborations can be hit or miss, but Holiday gets the balance right.

Shoday’s smooth Afrobeats vocals blend naturally with Latin-inspired production, creating a record that feels effortless and enjoyable.Rather than sounding forced, the different musical influences complement each other, resulting in a song that works across cultures and audiences.Naira Marley ft. Kizz Daniel – “Ijoba”Ijoba is a feel-good collaboration that brings together Naira Marley’s street energy and Kizz Daniel’s melodic charm.

The chemistry between both artists helps the track flow effortlessly, making it an easy listen.Although neither artist steps far outside their comfort zone, the song succeeds in delivering exactly what fans expect — catchy melodies and replay value.Bloody Civilian ft. Terry Apala & BOJ – “SpaceFuji”Arguably the most daring release of the week, SpaceFuji blends traditional Fuji influences with futuristic production elements.

The result is a bold, experimental record that feels fresh and unpredictable.Bloody Civilian, Terry Apala, and BOJ create a surprisingly effective combination, offering listeners a glimpse into what the future of genre fusion could sound like.

Zaylevelten – “Go Again”For fans of darker and heavier sounds, Go Again delivers an intense mix of Afro-Trap and Nigerian Drill. The hard-hitting production, aggressive basslines, and electronic influences give the record a raw underground feel.It’s not designed for mainstream appeal, but that’s exactly what makes it stand out.

ID Cabasa ft. Milanto – “How Long”Veteran producer ID Cabasa takes a more reflective approach on How Long.

The song slows things down, prioritizing emotion and storytelling over club-ready energy.It’s thoughtful, soulful, and serves as a reminder that sometimes less really is more.

YCee ft. Psycho YP – “Island Girls”After spending nearly five years away from releasing a major project, YCee returns with Island Girls. The song carries a relaxed confidence that suggests an artist no longer concerned with proving himself.Together with Psycho YP, YCee delivers a record that feels effortless, mature, and refreshingly self-assured.

Anendlessocean – “Eden”Taken from his latest project, Eden explores love from a deeper perspective. Rather than focusing solely on emotions, the song examines love as something intentional and practiced.

The result is a beautiful and immersive listening experience that reveals more with every replay.Skales ft. DJ Katch & Michael Fortera – “Get Loose”Skales closes out this week’s highlights with Get Loose, a collaboration built for summer playlists and dance floors.

Blending Afrobeats with international club sounds, the song delivers exactly what its title promises.It’s energetic, upbeat, and designed to keep the good vibes flowing.Final ThoughtsThis week’s releases showcase the diversity of Nigerian music today. While artists like Ayra Starr and Shallipopi continue building on proven formulas, others such as Bloody Civilian and Anendlessocean are exploring new creative directions.Whether you’re looking for radio-ready hits, experimental sounds, or reflective records, there’s plenty to discover in this week’s New Music Friday lineup.

How Opera Mini Became Nigeria’s Unexpected Summer Anthem

For years, Opera Mini has been a familiar part of Nigeria’s internet culture. Long before smartphones became more powerful and data plans more affordable, many Nigerians relied on the browser to stay connected, browse the web, chat with friends, download music, and stretch their data as far as possible.

Now, Opera Mini has found itself in an unexpected place — at the center of one of Nigeria’s hottest songs.The new street-pop track “Opera Mini” by Poco Lee and Seyi Vibez has quickly captured attention across the country, turning the name of a popular mobile browser into a catchy anthem that people can’t stop singing and dancing to.

What makes the moment even more interesting is that the song was created independently by the artists, without any collaboration from Opera.

That alone speaks volumes about how deeply the brand has become woven into everyday Nigerian life.Nigerian music has always had a unique way of transforming ordinary words, slang, and shared experiences into cultural moments. From memorable catchphrases to viral expressions, everyday references often become part of the soundtrack of the nation.”Opera Mini” follows that same tradition. The title instantly connects with listeners because it references something millions of Nigerians already know.

There’s no need for explanation — the familiarity is part of the appeal.

That connection didn’t happen overnight. In a country where data costs remain an important consideration for many people, Opera Mini built its reputation by helping users stay online while using less data.

For countless Nigerians, the browser brings back memories of browsing social media, following football scores, discovering new music, reading blogs, and keeping in touch with friends on limited data bundles.

The song’s playful energy and catchy rhythm make it the perfect track for dance challenges, social media trends, and user-generated content. As more people create videos, dance routines, and memes around the song, its popularity continues to grow beyond music streaming platforms.

The success of “Opera Mini” highlights something uniquely Nigerian: the ability to take a familiar part of everyday life and turn it into a cultural phenomenon. What started as a browser name has now become a dancefloor anthem, proving once again that Nigerian creativity can transform almost anything into a movement.

Whether you’re listening to the song, joining a dance challenge, or simply remembering your early internet days, one thing is clear — Opera Mini has become much more than a browser. It’s now part of a cultural moment that Nigerians are proudly making their own.

“She’s My Biggest Mistake” – Mandy Kiss Calls Out Former Godmother Funmi Awelewa

Nigerian social media personality Mandy Kiss has publicly spoken about her strained relationship with actress Funmi Awelewa, accusing her former godmother of negatively impacting her life.

The controversy began after a TikTok report claimed that Mandy Kiss had fallen out with several celebrities, including Funmi Awelewa, Papaya Ex, and actress Toyin Abraham.

Responding to the claims in a video shared on Instagram, Mandy Kiss clarified that her only direct issue was with Papaya Ex.

According to her, the situations involving Funmi Awelewa and Toyin Abraham were entirely different, as she believes both women wronged her.

Speaking about Papaya Ex, Mandy explained that the misunderstanding started after she reposted a blog post without realizing it was referring to the influencer. She claimed that Papaya blocked her on all platforms afterward, despite having no intention of causing harm.

However, it was her comments about Funmi Awelewa that drew the most attention.Mandy described the actress and filmmaker as her “greatest mistake,” alleging that their relationship left a lasting negative impact on her life.Without providing specific details about what happened between them, she expressed disappointment over how their relationship ended and suggested that the experience remains one of the most painful chapters of her career.The comments have since sparked reactions online, with fans debating the nature of the fallout and calling for both parties to address the situation publicly.

As of the time of writing, Funmi Awelewa has not publicly responded to Mandy Kiss’s allegations.

US warns influencers: Earn money on a tourist visa during World Cup 2026 and risk deportation

As excitement builds ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States government has issued a strong warning to foreign influencers and content creators planning to cover the tournament.

Authorities say anyone entering the country on a tourist visa and earning money from content created while in the US could face serious consequences, including deportation and future travel bans.According to US immigration officials, creating content for profit while visiting on a tourist visa is considered work and requires the appropriate visa.

They stressed that tourist visas are meant for vacations, family visits, medical treatment, and other leisure activities, not for income-generating activities.

The warning applies to creators who monetize content on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Officials also noted that working for a media organization while on a tourist visa is prohibited.Immigration lawyer Alex Galvez explained that influencers who receive payments outside the United States or operate accounts registered in their home countries may have grounds to challenge certain cases, though visa violations can still put their travel status at risk.

The advisory comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, is expected to attract thousands of independent content creators from around the world.Concerns over visa restrictions have already surfaced in the lead-up to the tournament.

The International Sports Press Association recently raised concerns after some journalists reportedly faced difficulties obtaining entry into the US.In another high-profile case, popular TikTok star Khaby Lame was detained at a Las Vegas airport in 2025 after allegedly overstaying his visa and later left the country voluntarily.

US immigration authorities have also confirmed that security and immigration enforcement measures will be in place at World Cup venues as part of broader efforts to monitor compliance with immigration laws during the tournament.

Benriffs drives home SUV, N7 million after winning KieKie Unscripted Experience season 2

rSinger Benjamin Omosivie, popularly known as Benriffs, has emerged as the winner of the second edition of KieKie Unscripted Experience.

Benriffs secured an impressive 91 percent of the votes at the grand finale, earning him a brand-new 2025 Mikano Changan CS15 SUV and a cash prize of N7 million.King Stevie finished as the first runner-up with 82 percent of the votes and received N2.5 million, while Grace claimed the second runner-up position with 73.7 percent.

Organisers revealed that the competition attracted more than 1,000 entries before participants were shortlisted for the show.KieKie Unscripted Experience, created by media personality KieKie, is a talent discovery platform aimed at showcasing and celebrating gifted individuals from different backgrounds.

The grand finale took place at the Mikano Experience Centre in Lagos, where contestants entertained guests with performances in music, comedy, dance, and culinary arts.Speaking during the event, which she co-hosted alongside comedian KennyBlaq, KieKie said the show was created to give emerging talents the visibility they deserve.

According to her, many people possess extraordinary talents and inspiring stories that often go unnoticed, and the platform was designed to help bring those talents to a wider audience.She added that beyond the prizes, the goal of the competition is to create opportunities for contestants to be seen, heard, and recognised by the world.

Nigeria AI Film Festival set for bigger return in 2026

The Nigeria AI Film Festival (NAIFF) is set to return in September 2026 at Alliance Française, Lagos, with organisers promising an even bigger and more impactful edition.

Founded by Obinna Okerekeocha, the festival has quickly become a meeting point for filmmakers, technology enthusiasts, and creative professionals interested in exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming storytelling and film production across Africa.

Following a successful debut in 2025, the festival attracted more than 400 submissions and featured film screenings, panel discussions, and the launch of its AI Academy, a platform designed to equip creatives with practical skills for AI-powered filmmaking.

Reflecting on the maiden edition, the festival’s Director of Communications and panel host, Chidera “Odera Collins” Okonji, described the experience as a necessary disruption that challenged traditional storytelling methods while opening doors to new creative possibilities.

Many participants also praised the event for being immersive, educational, and eye-opening, with several attendees experiencing firsthand how artificial intelligence is already influencing filmmaking within Nollywood and across the African continent.

According to the organisers, the 2026 edition will build on the momentum of last year’s success, with a stronger focus on innovation, collaboration, and meaningful discussions around the ethical use of AI in the film industry.

Okonji said the festival aims to support creators while pushing the boundaries of what is possible with emerging technology.

The event will feature screenings of AI-driven films, industry panel sessions, hands-on workshops, training programmes, and networking opportunities that bring together professionals from the creative and technology sectors.Submissions for the 2026 festival opened on May 1 and will remain open until July 31. Filmmakers, artists, and digital creators are encouraged to submit projects that explore fresh and innovative ways of telling stories through artificial intelligence.

Burna Boy and Shakira light up 2026 World Cup opening ceremony with ‘Dai Dai’

Nigerian music superstar Burna Boy and Colombian singer Shakira thrilled football fans around the world with a memorable performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The pair took to the stage at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, performing the tournament’s official theme song, “Dai Dai,” ahead of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.

Burna Boy energized the crowd with his vibrant performance, while Shakira captivated fans as she delivered the opening verse of the World Cup anthem following a performance by J Balvin.

The colourful ceremony marked the official start of the global football tournament, which is being jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States.This year’s competition is also making history as the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 national teams, expanding the tournament and giving more countries the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage.

Fans at the stadium and viewers around the world praised the performances, which added excitement and entertainment to the highly anticipated opening day of the tournament.

Veekee James finally reveals baby eliana’s face, and fans can’t get enough

Fashion designer and influencer Veekee James has finally given fans what they have been waiting for — the first clear look at her daughter, Eliana Adeife Atere.

After welcoming her baby girl with husband Femi Atere on May 2, 2026, Veekee chose to keep her daughter’s face away from the public eye, sparking curiosity among followers who eagerly anticipated the special reveal.

The wait is now over.The celebrity designer recently shared adorable photos of baby Eliana, instantly capturing hearts across social media.

Fans flooded the comment section with compliments, with many admiring the baby’s beauty and debating whether she resembles her mother or father more.

The face reveal marks another memorable milestone for Veekee and Femi, whose relationship has remained in the spotlight since their lavish wedding celebrations.

Over the years, the couple have shared many special moments with fans, from their wedding journey to their transition into parenthood.When announcing Eliana’s birth, Veekee described her daughter as an answered prayer and revealed the meaning behind her name.

According to her, “Eliana” combines “EL,” meaning God, and “ANA,” meaning He has answered. She also expressed gratitude for the blessing of motherhood and shared her joy with supporters.The arrival of baby Eliana has brought immense happiness to the couple, especially after navigating years of public scrutiny and online criticism.

Despite the challenges that often come with fame, they have remained focused on their family and their new chapter as parents.

The newly released photos showcase a calm and adorable Eliana dressed in elegant outfits, already winning over fans online. Many followers have described her as a future fashion icon, considering she has one of Nigeria’s most celebrated fashion designers as her mother.

As messages of love and congratulations continue to pour in, one thing is clear — baby Eliana has already become one of the most adored celebrity babies on social media.

Ruth Kadiri opens up on rising food prices: “if i can feel it, imagine what others are facing”

Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri has expressed concern over the rising cost of food in Nigeria, saying the situation has become so difficult that even people who are relatively comfortable are beginning to feel the pressure.

In a heartfelt video shared online, the actress spoke about the increasing prices of everyday food items, particularly tomatoes and pepper.

According to her, some families now spend as much as ₦5,000 on just a few cooking ingredients, a reality she finds troubling considering many Nigerians earn modest monthly salaries.Kadiri said her biggest concern is not only the cost of food but also the emotional and psychological impact of financial hardship on families.

She noted that prolonged economic struggles can leave people frustrated, stressed and emotionally drained, often affecting their relationships and daily lives.The actress admitted that she rarely complains publicly, but the current cost of living has become impossible to ignore.

She wondered how ordinary Nigerians are coping if people in her position are already feeling the effects of the economic strain.

Her comments quickly resonated with many Nigerians, who shared similar experiences and frustrations about the rising cost of basic necessities.

Many agreed that feeding a family has become increasingly difficult as food prices continue to climb.Kadiri’s remarks come at a time when inflation and food costs remain major concerns across the country.

Families are spending more on groceries, while workers struggle to stretch their incomes to cover housing, transportation, healthcare and education expenses.

She joins a growing list of public figures who have recently spoken out about the economic challenges facing Nigerians.

Several celebrities have voiced concerns about the rising cost of living, insecurity and the financial pressure many households are experiencing.For Ruth Kadiri, the issue is simple: if someone in her position can feel the burden of rising prices, then millions of ordinary Nigerians must be facing even greater challenges.

Her message has sparked fresh conversations online about the realities of everyday life and the urgent need for relief for struggling families across the country.