Sports
Club World Cup, World Cup to deliver $62bn global GDP boost- FIFA
The 2026 tournament will kick off on June 11 and conclude with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. U.S. host cities include Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle, and metropolitan areas around Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

FIFA estimates that its next two flagship summer tournaments – the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup, will generate a staggering $62 billion in global economic impact and $47 billion for the United States.
Business Day reports that the soccer governing body, alongside the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat, unveiled two comprehensive socioeconomic reports highlighting the projected financial and social benefits of hosting the tournaments, both set to be primarily staged in the U.S.
The expanded 32- team Club World Cup, scheduled for June 14 to July 13, 2025, is projected to contribute up to $21.1 billion in global GDP, with $9.6 billion of that within the U.S.
Domestically, the tournament could also generate $17.1 billion in gross output and unlock $3.36 billion in social benefits, while supporting the creation of approximately 105,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs.
FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup is no longer a low-profile exhibition. With Inter Miami and Lionel Messi headlining the opening match against Egyptian giants Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the month-long competition is being billed as a major global football event.
The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with other host cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Orlando, Nashville, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington D.C.
World Cup 2026: Global GDP boost and nearly 1 million jobs
Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the economic projections are even more significant.
The tournament is expected to drive up to $40.9 billion in global GDP, while generating $8.28 billion in social benefits.
Globally, nearly 824,000 jobs could be created, with 185,000 of those expected in the U.S. alone. Domestically, the World Cup could bring in $30.5 billion in gross output and $17.2 billion in GDP.
The 2026 tournament will kick off on June 11 and conclude with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. U.S. host cities include Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle, and metropolitan areas around Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Matches will also be played in Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey in Mexico, and Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.
Sports
I hawked Olive oil, Zobo at church before fame — Super Falcons’ Ajibade
“I was once one of those young girls out there hawking olive oil, kunu, and zobo drinks in most of the deliverance programmes, but today, I give glory to God.”

•Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade
Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, on Saturday, shared her journey from humble beginnings to continental success in a testimony at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries’ Prayer City, Ogun State.
Ajibade, who led Nigeria to its 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco, attended the August edition of the church’s monthly ‘Power Must Change Hands’ programme.
The Punch reports that the Atletico Madrid forward told the congregation that she once hawked olive oil, kunu, and zobo drinks within the church premises before rising to fame as a professional footballer.
She said in part, “Whenever things are tough at my club or with the national team, I pray,
“I do my part through hard work but never forget to seek God’s help.”She added,
“I was once one of those young girls out there hawking olive oil, kunu, and zobo drinks in most of the deliverance programmes, but today, I give glory to God.”
Sports
Tinubu appreciates Super Falcons with $100,000 cash award, 3-bedroom apartments including OON honours
Members of the team’s technical crew also received $50,000 each as part of the presidential recognition.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players of Nigeria’s victorious WAFCON team, along with a cash reward of $100,000 each and a three-bedroom apartment for each player.
Members of the team’s technical crew also received $50,000 each as part of the presidential recognition.
The announcement was made during a special reception held in honour of the team at the State House on Monday.
Led by team captain Rasheedat Ajibade and head coach Justin Madugu, the champions arrived at the Presidential Villa at 4:35 p.m. to a rousing welcome from President Tinubu and other dignitaries
Sports
Four Super Falcons players make WAFCON 2024 Best XI
Leading the list is Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was also named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

FOUR of Nigeria’s Super Falcons players made the WAFCON 2024 Best XI, according Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The full Best XI include: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)Michelle Alozie (Nigeria) Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria) Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria) Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) Grace Asantewaa (Ghana)Refiloe Jane (South Africa)Bambanani Mbane (South Africa)Karabo Dhlamini (South Africa)Portia Boakye (Ghana)Ibtissam Jraidi (Morocco)
Leading the list is Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was also named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
Her commanding presence and decisive saves were pivotal to Nigeria’s success, especially during tense knockout fixtures.
Also earning a spot in the Best XI is right-back Michelle Alozie. The Houston Dash defender impressed with her stamina, aggressive pressing, and tactical sharpness throughout the tournament.
Nigeria’s dominance in the attacking third was reflected with the inclusion of two key forwards.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was voted Player of the Tournament, was selected on the right wing.
Completing Nigeria’s presence in the CAF Best XI is Esther Okoronkwo, who starred on the left wing.
The 27-year-old was instrumental in Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in the final, scoring once and providing two assists.
She finished the tournament with two goals and a tournament-high six assists.
The full Best XI is set in a 4-3-3 formation and includes three Moroccan players, two each from Ghana and South Africa—WAFCON 2024’s other semi-finalists. Ghana edged South Africa to win the bronze medal.
South Africa’s Karabo Dhlamini was named at left-back, while Ghana’s Portia Boakye and South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane formed the central defensive partnership.
In midfield, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak—top scorer with five goals—was joined by Ghana’s Grace Asantewaa and South Africa’s Refiloe Jane. Morocco’s Ibtissam Jraïdi led the line in attack.
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