Nigeria News (Standard)
Apple Music Partners African Football Stars to Launch Exclusive Warm Up Playlists
Top players from South Africa and Ghana curate playlists featuring Amapiano, Afrobeats and Hip-Hop for pre-match rituals
Top players from South Africa and Ghana curate playlists featuring Amapiano, Afrobeats and Hip-Hop for pre-match rituals
Apple Music has unveiled a series of exclusive Warm Up playlists, curated by leading African footballers to showcase the music that powers their pre-match routines. The announcement was made on Wednesday, with players from South Africa and Ghana sharing personal selections that underscore the link between music and elite performance.
The initiative features contributions from Bafana Bafana stalwarts such as Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, Bongani Zungu and rising defender Malibongwe Khoza. They are joined by Black Stars internationals Gideon Mensah and Jordan Ayew. Each player curated a playlist reflecting their mental preparation before stepping onto the pitch, ranging from Amapiano and Afrobeats to Hip-Hop and Afro-Pop.
The playlists reveal how music serves as both motivation and a calming influence for the athletes. Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane described music as a grounding force before high-pressure matches, saying it helps with reflection and gratitude. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena noted that different songs can change his energy on match day, while Aubrey Modiba emphasised that music helps him control nerves rather than get hyped before games. Ghanaian defender Gideon Mensah highlighted the role of dancehall in his preparations, while forward Jordan Ayew said Afrobeats gets him into the right frame of mind before kick-off.
Songs featured in these playlists include “Baby Girl” by Cassper Nyovest, “Abangani” by Sjava ft. Emtee & Saudi, “Imithandazo” by Kabza De Small ft. Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa & Sizwe Alakine, as well as tracks from Wizkid, Rema and King Promise. Bongani Zungu picked “Without You” by Avicii for motivation, while Malibongwe Khoza’s go-to is “Too Easy” by Gunna & Future for confidence before matches.
With this project, Apple Music aims to connect fans to the behind-the-scenes world of professional footballers through the songs that define their journeys. The playlists are now available for streaming on Apple Music.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Police Foil Attempt to Traffic Kaduna Girls to Ivory Coast
Officers intercept suspected traffickers during Lagos operation; authorities intensify efforts against cross-border child trafficking
Officers intercept suspected traffickers during Lagos operation; authorities intensify efforts against cross-border child trafficking
The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday said its officers have disrupted an attempt to traffic a group of girls from Kaduna State through Lagos to Ivory Coast. The interception took place within Lagos metropolis on 18 June, following intelligence reports that underage girls were being moved for exploitation outside Nigeria.
According to police sources, operatives acted swiftly after receiving tip-offs about the movement of the girls. The suspects were tracked and stopped before they could exit the country through one of the city’s transport hubs. The rescued girls are now in police custody, while investigations continue to unravel the full network behind the trafficking ring.
Human trafficking remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with Lagos often serving as a transit point for illegal cross-border activities due to its location and transport infrastructure. Security agencies have repeatedly warned about increasing incidents of young people being lured from northern states like Kaduna with promises of better opportunities abroad, only to end up in forced labour or sexual exploitation.
Police spokespersons said that efforts are ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate and secure safe return for all victims. “We want to assure Nigerians that we are committed to stamping out human trafficking,” an officer involved in the operation stated. Stakeholders in child protection have praised the intervention but urged government to strengthen community awareness and support for survivors.
The latest incident highlights ongoing challenges in securing Nigeria’s borders against traffickers. Authorities say they will continue joint operations with sister agencies and work closely with source communities in Kaduna State and beyond, aiming to reduce vulnerability and improve early detection of similar plots.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Sanwo-Olu Orders Emergency Waste Evacuation Across Lagos Amid Mounting Refuse Heaps
Lagos government mobilises LAWMA and private operators after residents complain about sanitation and public health risks in key areas
Lagos government mobilises LAWMA and private operators after residents complain about sanitation and public health risks in key areas
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed an immediate intensification of waste evacuation operations across Lagos State following widespread complaints from residents about refuse piling up in several neighbourhoods. The directive, issued on Thursday, comes as many Lagosians express concerns over sanitation standards and possible health risks due to blocked roads, drains, and overflowing collection points in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
According to a statement from the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gbenga Akosile, the Lagos government has mobilised the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), private service providers, and relevant environmental agencies to work round the clock to clear refuse backlogs. The administration says it is deploying additional resources and implementing new measures to improve collection efficiency in affected areas.
Lagos, which produces an estimated 13,000 tonnes of waste daily and is home to more than 20 million people, faces ongoing infrastructural challenges when it comes to managing domestic and commercial refuse. Despite reforms in the sector, recent build-up of waste has led to calls for urgent action from both residents and businesses who fear negative impacts on public health.
Akosile stated that Governor Sanwo-Olu has instructed the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, LAWMA, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), and other stakeholders to scale up their activities immediately. “We are not oblivious to the inconveniences occasioned by this situation. Lagosians deserve a clean, healthy and environmentally sustainable city, and this administration remains fully committed to delivering on that obligation,” Akosile said in a written statement.
The government described the current refuse surge as a temporary challenge. It noted visible progress had already been recorded in some locations with more improvements expected in coming days. Residents, market associations, traders, businesses, and community leaders were urged to dispose of their waste responsibly while refraining from dumping refuse in open drains or road medians. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the government’s latest efforts.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Late Okey Ezea’s Support Group Endorses NDC Candidate for Enugu North Senatorial By-Election
Endorsement comes ahead of scheduled poll as political groups realign following Ezea’s passing in Enugu State
Endorsement comes ahead of scheduled poll as political groups realign following Ezea’s passing in Enugu State
A support group loyal to the late Senator Okey Ezea has officially endorsed the New Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the upcoming Enugu North Senatorial by-election. The announcement was made in Enugu on Thursday, following a meeting of the group’s coordinators and members from across the senatorial district.
The group, which had previously campaigned for Ezea before his recent passing, resolved to back the NDC flagbearer after a closed-door session. Members cited shared political values and a desire to continue Ezea’s vision for development in Enugu North as key reasons behind their decision.
The by-election became necessary after the seat was declared vacant due to Senator Ezea’s death. The development has triggered fresh political calculations in Enugu State, with various parties and support groups seeking new alliances. Observers say the late senator’s grassroots support base could prove influential in determining the outcome of the contest.
According to leaders of the support group, their endorsement of the NDC candidate is based on consultations with stakeholders and an assessment of all contestants. “We have examined all candidates and believe that supporting NDC will best serve our people and honour Senator Ezea’s legacy,” one of the group’s coordinators said after the meeting.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to release an official timetable for the by-election, but party activities have already intensified in Udenu, Igbo-Eze North, and other parts of Enugu North. Political analysts say further endorsements from influential groups could shape voter turnout and party fortunes when voting holds.
Lagos Police Foil Attempt to Traffic Kaduna Girls to Ivory Coast
Sanwo-Olu Orders Emergency Waste Evacuation Across Lagos Amid Mounting Refuse Heaps
Late Okey Ezea’s Support Group Endorses NDC Candidate for Enugu North Senatorial By-Election
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