Author: WAJ Reporter

Achraf Hakimi has been named this year’s African Footballer of the Year. At the ceremony held in Rabat, the 27-year-old Moroccan star had celebrated a remarkable season with Paris Saint-Germain, winning both the French League title and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy. Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen also made it to the final shortlist but finished behind Hakimi. With this achievement, Hakimi became the first Moroccan player to win the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998. After receiving the award, Hakimi said: “It is truly an honour to win this prestigious trophy. This award…

Antoine Semenyo, who signed a five-year contract with Bournemouth in July, has been revealed to have a release clause. The Ghanaian forward made a strong start to the season, scoring six goals in 11 league appearances, and is expected to attract offers during the January transfer window. His release clause, however, is only active for the first two years of his contract. Therefore, clubs looking to sign him could secure his services at a lower fee if they act quickly. Semenyo currently has an injury concern. He had to leave the pitch during Friday’s match against Japan. Clubs interested in…

One of Egypt’s biggest clubs, Al Ahly, which holds the record for the most CAF Champions League titles in history, could be set to sign young Scottish player Robbie Ure. The 21-year-old former Rangers player had an impressive spell in Sweden with IK Sirius, scoring 11 goals in the league. His strong performances have caught the attention of the Egyptian giants, who are reportedly interested in acquiring him. Despite his young age, Ure has already played for clubs like Rangers and Anderlecht, gaining valuable experience in some of Europe’s competitive leagues. Although he has yet to make an appearance for…

Kenya faced a major cyberattack, with several government websites temporarily taken offline as a result of the breach. The Ministry of Interior and National Administration confirmed that the attack affected critical platforms, including the Ministries of Interior, Health, Education, Energy, Labour, and Water, as well as the State House, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Immigration Department. During the attack, the compromised sites displayed neo-Nazi and white supremacist messages and symbols such as “We will rise again,” “White power worldwide,” and “14:88 Heil Hitler.” The group behind the attack reportedly identified itself as “PCP@Kenya.” The Kenyan government responded…

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, harshly criticised the comments made by Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle after the match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. He accused Chelle of bringing the game into disrepute and said that Nigeria should be punished. During the penalty shootout in Nigeria’s defeat to DR Congo, Chelle had reacted angrily and later claimed that his outburst was due to a DR Congo official performing a voodoo ritual after one of the penalties. However, regardless of the circumstances, McKenzie expressed his disapproval of Chelle’s behaviour through social media, stating: “This is…

In the first phase of the Nations Championship, South Africa, England, Scotland, and Wales will face each other next year. South Africa will host these matches, which will take place in July. This new tournament, jointly launched by Sanzaar and Six Nations Rugby and held every two years, will bring together the world’s 12 biggest teams. The Sanzaar nations – South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina – along with invited teams Japan and Fiji, will represent the Southern Hemisphere in the competition, which will be played in the July and November international windows. Their opponents will be the Six…

Nigeria’s head coach Éric Chelle made some unusual remarks following their defeat to DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup playoff match. He claimed that a DR Congo official performed “voodoo” rituals throughout the penalty shootout. It was reported that this was the cause of a heated confrontation between Chelle and the DR Congo staff at full-time. In Rabat, the match ended 1-1 after normal time and extra time, but Nigeria lost 6-5 on penalties, ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of participating in next year’s intercontinental playoffs. However, the on-field drama continued along the touchline. Chelle was visibly angry during…

Speaking at the Transform Africa Summit held in Conakry, Guinea, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame discussed the potential contribution of artificial intelligence to the country’s economy. He stated that the proper use of AI could add up to 5% to Rwanda’s GDP. Kagame also highlighted AI’s capacity to transform key sectors such as agriculture and education. He emphasized that Africa’s young workforce and technologies tailored to local needs could enhance the continent’s competitiveness. He noted that the 10th edition of the Transform Africa Summit has served as a driving force for broadband and digital infrastructure across the continent. This initiative later…

The nominees for the African Player of the Year award have been announced. Among the candidates are Achraf Hakimi, one of PSG’s key figures in last season’s Champions League triumph, Galatasaray and Nigeria’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen, and Egypt’s living legend Mohamed Salah. Although Salah has struggled with form recently, he previously led his team to a second Premier League title and finished the season as both the top scorer and top assist provider. Osimhen is currently leading the Champions League scoring chart. His performances for both his national team and in the Champions League have impressed football fans worldwide.…

Liverpool will be without their star player Mohamed Salah for nearly two months as he joins Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations. During this period, the English club wants to fill the gap with the most suitable signing. Their top target for this role is Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. Although Semenyo is also Ghanaian, Ghana’s unexpected elimination from the tournament means he will not be leaving for international duty. This move could allow Liverpool to begin shaping their squad for the post-Salah era. In addition, the English giants are also in talks with AZ Alkmaar’s 19-year-old Dutch midfielder Kees…

Considered one of the strongest African teams in the World Cup, Nigeria was eliminated by the Democratic Republic of Congo. The match ended 1-1 in regular time, and after the penalty shootout, it was Sébastien Desabre’s side who emerged victorious. Nigeria started the match quickly. In the 3rd minute, Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka put his team ahead 1-0. However, in the 32nd minute, Alanyaspor’s Meschack Elia equalized for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since no additional goals were scored in regular time or extra time, the match went to penalties. DR Congo’s goalkeeper Lionel M’Pasi delivered a strong performance in…

South Africa managed to beat Italy 32-14 despite one of their players receiving a red card. The world champions, who had previously defeated France even without Lood de Jager, once again came out on top, this time in the absence of Franco Mostert. Mostert was sent off after making shoulder contact with opposing fly-half Paolo Garbisi’s head and failing to wrap his arms during the tackle. The Springboks finished the first half 10-3 ahead thanks to Marco van Staden’s converted try. Italy came closer with two penalties from Garbisi, but they could not capitalize on their temporary two-player advantage following…

Animal rights groups have protested Morocco’s culling of street dogs and have submitted an appeal to FIFA, demanding that the country be stripped of its right to co-host the 2030 World Cup. This tournament, jointly organized by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, carries special significance as it marks the 100th anniversary of the World Cup. DOGS SPREADING DISEASE AND DEATH As the North African nation prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations later this year, it faces accusations over its policy of eliminating large numbers of stray dogs in an attempt to reduce the growing population. It is estimated that…

Sierra Leone and Guinea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cross-border mobile connectivity. This agreement, reached during the 15th Session of the African Council of Regulators (RAC-15), represents a significant breakthrough in enabling continent-wide and cross-border communication. By removing roaming barriers between the two countries, this initiative will make mobile communication more affordable and accessible for citizens who travel or conduct business across the borders. As a result, regional integration will accelerate, bringing the continent step by step closer to the Digital Single Market vision advocated by Smart Africa. Through such partnerships, Smart Africa aims to promote stronger…

PUMA has decided to become a sponsor of AFCON 2025. In the 35th edition of the tournament, the German sports brand will provide match balls and referee equipment. Having supported African football for more than 30 years, PUMA considers AFCON “not just a competition, but a celebration of culture, passion, and talent.” The tournament will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with 24 teams competing. AFCON will be hosted in Morocco for the second time in its history, with matches played in Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir, and Fez. OFFICIAL MATCH BALL TAKES ITS NAME FROM…

Access to online sports betting is increasing day by day. Expert psychiatrists warn that this situation negatively affects citizens not only financially but also psychologically. The National Gambling Board (NGB) reported that calls to the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) helpline have increased more than sixfold in the past year. The number of calls, which was approaching 150,000, has now exceeded one million. According to NGB data, the rate of problem gambling has risen to 31%. Among young South Africans aged 18-35, referrals for treatment increased from 787 to 2,034 over the past year, highlighting the growing vulnerability of this…