Nigeria’s team won 12 medals in the just concluded 24th African Athletics Championships with the women’s 4x400m relay team delivered a commanding gold-medal performance on the final day of competition.

The quartet of Esther Okon, Toheebat Jimoh, Jecinter Lawrence and Patience Okon-George successfully defended Nigeria’s title in the event, clocking 3:29.25 to finish comfortably ahead of Ethiopia and Kenya on Sunday.

Nigeria’s team dominated the race from start to finish and crossed the line nearly 30 metres ahead of their closest challengers to secure the country’s fourth gold medal of the championships.

The victory ensured Team Nigeria ended the competition with four gold, five silver and three bronze medals, placing fourth overall behind Kenya, South Africa and Ethiopia in the final standings.

Kenya topped the medal table with six gold, four silver and seven bronze medals for a total of 17, while South Africa won six gold, two silver and six bronze medals. Ethiopia finished third with five gold, four silver and six bronze medals.

Nigeria’s only other medal on the final day came through Rosemary Chukwuma, who won silver in the women’s 200m after running 23.60s.

Photo: Michael Carrick

Manchester United is set to confirm Michael Carrick as its permanent manager, ending weeks of speculation about the club’s managerial future.

” The deal is expected to be either a two-year contract with the option to extend, or a straight three-year deal. Carrick has given his full agreement and is ready to sign the contract,” said football journalist, Fabrizio Romano.

According to Romano, a new contract is now set to be signed in the coming days, with the plan fully approved by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s new leadership structure.

The former Manchester United midfielder and coach has impressed the hierarchy with his work since stepping in as interim manager.

Carrick’s deep knowledge of the club, calm leadership, and tactical approach are believed to have convinced the board that he is the right man to take the team forward.

Carrick has reversed Manchester United’s fortune as they now look set for a return to the UEFA Champions League.

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has confirmed the release of “Dai Dai,” the official anthem for the FIFA World Cup 2026 track via Sony Music Latin and its immediate availability on all major streaming platforms.

“Dai Dai” was performed by global superstar Shakira in an collaboration with Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy.

Featuring motivational lyrics centered on resilience, ambition, and unity, “Dai Dai” pays homage to football legends including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Paolo Maldini, Romário, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrés Iniesta, David Beckham, Kaká, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Mohamed Salah.

The Colombian singer made the announcement herself on social media on Friday, posting: “Dai Dai is here. The @FIFAWorldCup 2026 starts now!”

“Dai Dai” also celebrates various football nations such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, the United States, England, Germany, France, South Africa, Spain, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands.

Beyond its infectious rhythm, the anthem carries a meaningful purpose. All royalties from “Dai Dai” will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million by the end of the tournament.