Africa’s richest man, Billionaire Aliko Dangote, has restated that his $20 billion refinery project in Lagos prevented him from buying into English Premier League club, Arsenal.

In a podcast broadcast by Nicolai Tangen, Chief Executive Officer of Norges Bank Investment released on YouTube Wednesday, Dangote said that if not for the refinery project, he would have bought the North London Gunners.

According to Dangote, Arsenal was worth about $2 billion at the time he was seriously considering a takeover, but the magnitude of his refinery project did not allow him the luxury of diverting funds to a football club ownership.

“When I was really very focused on buying Arsenal, then I was also facing the challenge of making sure the refinery gets its own completion, the fertilizer, the petrochemical.

At that time, Arsenal was worth just about $2 billion. Should I put my $2 billion in Arsenal and now allow the business to suffer? Or should I complete the business? Then I can continue to remain a very big supporter of Arsenal,” recalled the billionaire businessman.

He reveals that he chose to continue backing the club as a loyal fan rather than as an owner.

“So I decided to continue to support them, watch their games. Any time Arsenal plays, I always wear the jersey signed for me by the Captain. I am a fan—it is better I remain a fan and continue to fund my business,” said Dangote.

Dangote’s interests in Arsenal dates back over 15 years. He told BBC Africa Sports in 2015 that he planned a full takeover bid once his refinery provided the necessary funds.

Africa’s richest man had told American financier, David Rubenstein, in 2020: “It is a team that yes I would like to buy some day… I’m not buying Arsenal right now, I’m buying Arsenal when I finish all my projects at hand (including the refinery under construction) then.”

The United States has announced a significant easing of its visa policies aimed at facilitating smoother travel for fans, teams, and officials attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

According to officials, the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security are implementing streamlined visa processing procedures, including expanded interview waivers, increased visa issuance capacity at key consulates, and dedicated application channels for World Cup-related travel. The measures are designed to handle the expected surge in international visitors while maintaining security standards.

“This World Cup represents a tremendous opportunity to showcase American hospitality,” a senior administration official said. “By reducing administrative hurdles, we’re making it easier for genuine fans and participants from around the world to experience the event without unnecessary delays.”

The 2026 tournament, set to run from June to July 2026, is anticipated to draw millions of visitors to the United States across 11 host cities. FIFA has projected it could be the most attended World Cup in history.

The policy adjustments come amid ongoing discussions about balancing tourism promotion with border security concerns. Similar facilitations were used successfully during previous major sporting events hosted by the U.S.

Travel industry groups and soccer federations have welcomed the announcement, noting that visa wait times have been a point of concern for fans from certain regions. Applications for B-1/B-2 visitor visas and other relevant categories are expected to see faster processing for those providing proof of World Cup tickets, accommodations, or official accreditation.

Further details on specific countries eligible for expanded visa waiver benefits or exact processing timelines are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved Nigeria’s bid to host the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards and the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly.

The approval was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

According to the federation, President Tinubu approved the ongoing Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, following a high-level meeting with CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

Those present at the meeting included Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau; former NFF President and Special Adviser to the CAF President, Amaju Pinnick; and CAF Acting General Secretary, Samson Adamu.

The NFF disclosed that the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled to hold in October 2026 and will attract leading football administrators and stakeholders from across the African continent.

The CAF Ordinary General Assembly is one of the most significant football governance meetings in Africa, bringing together presidents of CAF’s 54 member associations, representatives of the six zonal football unions and key football decision-makers across the continent.

The CAF Awards ceremony, regarded as African football’s biggest annual awards event, celebrates outstanding players, coaches, teams and football administrators who have distinguished themselves over the year.

Nigeria’s successful bid to host the prestigious events is expected to further strengthen the country’s profile as a major destination for continental football administration and international sporting events.