Shakira and Burna Boy have released the official anthem for the 2026 World Cup, titled “Dai Dai,” with the track set to generate $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
On Friday, anticipation for the tournament grew further as “Dai Dai,” featuring Shakira and Burna Boy, was unveiled via Sony Music Latin.
Money raised through the official song is intended to broaden access to high-quality schooling worldwide, while also opening up football-related chances for children.
Shakira is also scheduled to co-headline the World Cup final halftime show on Sunday, July 19.
Cricket: Northern Lions and Middle-Belt Tigers start Super League with standout wins
Nigeria’s Super League kicked off in dramatic fashion on opening day at the TBS Cricket Oval in Lagos, with Northern Lions and Middle-Belt Tigers collecting victories in their respective matches to mark the inaugural campaign on a high.
In the tournament’s first game, Northern Lions delivered a controlled all-round display to beat Southern Sharks by four wickets. After Southern Sharks won the toss and opted to bat, they struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined Northern Lions bowling unit. Reigneth Osagie struck early, taking wickets in quick succession to leave the Sharks reeling at 6/2 within the opening over.
Danladi Isaac tried to bring stability with a measured 26 off 33 balls, while Akhigbe Miracle contributed 22 runs in the middle phase of the innings. Still, consistent wicket-taking meant Southern Sharks could not form sustained partnerships, and they were eventually dismissed for 89 from 20 overs. Northern Lions captain Okpe Sylvester set the tone with a spell yielding 3 wickets for just 9 runs, with Reigneth Osagie and Beki Mubarak Kehinde also backing up the effort by taking 3 and 2 wickets respectively.
Chasing the target, Northern Lions managed the pursuit with composure, as wicketkeeper-batter Hosanna Omokhobhio led the run chase by scoring 30 off 24 balls, including three boundaries and a six. Captain Okpe Sylvester added 20 off 15 deliveries to keep the pressure on. Southern Sharks responded through Danladi Isaac and Isesele Odion Evangel, who finished with three wickets each, but it was not enough for them to prevent Northern Lions from reaching 92/6 in 15.4 overs and claiming the first win in Nigeria Super League history.
The day’s second fixture also produced a competitive contest, as Middle-Belt Tigers defeated Western Dolphins by four wickets in a closely fought chase. Dolphins, choosing to bat first, compiled a solid 129/6 from their 20 overs. David Abiebhode sparked the early momentum with a quick 31 off 17 balls, while Ajekun Daniel steadied the innings with a composed 31 off 32 deliveries. Animashaun Muheez added 25 runs to help maintain the Dolphins’ momentum as the innings progressed.
