Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has started a lively online debate after speaking about his long commitment to paying tithes.

What he said

In a podcast-style interview, reportedly shared on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Ighalo said he began paying tithe in 2005 when he received his first professional salary of ₦15,000, after his pastor introduced him to the practice, and that he has not missed it since. He admitted that the habit became harder when his income grew. When he was earning a reported $642,000 a month in Saudi Arabia, about ₦900 million at today's exchange rate, he said he thought about it for around a month before deciding to continue paying 10 per cent. He said some friends had questioned his decision, but he stood by it.

Background

Ighalo, 37, played for clubs including Watford and Manchester United before moving to Saudi Arabia, where he became one of the best-paid African players. He was top scorer at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and has long spoken publicly about his Christian faith.

How people reacted

Opinion was divided. Many Christians praised his faith and discipline and said his success was a blessing. Others argued that giving such large sums to churches was unnecessary and that the money could do more good if given directly to people in need. Some said it was his personal choice and others should respect it.

Why it matters

Tithing is a frequent topic of debate in Nigeria, where churches play a large role in public life and some pastors have faced criticism over their wealth.

Tanzania's national team, the Taifa Stars, are set to arrive early in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria's Super Eagles, according to reports.

The fixtures

Nigeria will host the matchday three game at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 13 November 2026. The two teams will meet again four days later in Dar es Salaam for the matchday four fixture.

Tanzania's preparations

Head coach Miguel Gamondi reportedly wants extra time for his players to get used to conditions in Nigeria before the game. He has named a 24-man squad split evenly between 12 home-based players and 12 who play abroad.

Background

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The Super Eagles need good results in the double-header to stay on course for the tournament. Uyo has become the Super Eagles' main home ground in recent years and is known for its passionate crowds. The confederation recently confirmed Nigerian Samson Adamu as its General Secretary and voted to return the Nations Cup to a two-year cycle.

What happens next

The Super Eagles are expected to open camp in Uyo next week, with fans looking forward to two important results.

A fast-rising Nigerian boxer identified as Kehinde, popularly known as KBlaq, has reportedly died after being stabbed during a fight in Ibadan, Oyo State.

What happened

According to reports on social media, the incident happened on Sunday, 1 November 2026, during a confrontation at Olodo Garage in Ibadan. He was said to have died shortly after he was attacked. The cause of the fight has not been made public.

Arrest

A suspect was reportedly arrested and handed over to the police. The Oyo State Police Command had not issued a public statement on the case at the time of reporting.

How people reacted

Friends and fans mourned the young boxer on social media and called on the police to ensure justice. Many described him as a promising talent whose career was just beginning.

What happens next

Police are expected to investigate the incident and charge the suspect in court if there is enough evidence.

Italian driver Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest world champion in the history of Formula 1, according to reports, after sealing the title at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, 1 November 2026.

What happened

Antonelli, who drives for Mercedes, needed only a ninth-place finish to make sure of the championship. He finished third, behind race winner Max Verstappen of Red Bull and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, which put the title out of reach of his rivals with four races of the season still left. Hamilton and his Mercedes team-mate George Russell had been his closest challengers.

Records broken

At 20 years and 68 days, Antonelli breaks the record set by Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years and 134 days old when he won his first title with Red Bull in 2010. He is also the first Italian to win the drivers' championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953, ending a wait of 73 years for the country. Remarkably, he is only in his second season in Formula 1.

What he said

Celebrating with his family and the Mercedes team, Antonelli reportedly thanked both, saying he would not be there without them. Verstappen was among the first to congratulate him and said he was very proud of the young driver, adding that it must be an emotional day for his family.

Background

Antonelli was picked by Mercedes as a teenager to replace Hamilton, who moved to Ferrari in 2025. Many questioned whether he was ready for such a big seat, but he has now delivered the team's first drivers' title since Hamilton's last championship in 2020.

What happens next

The remaining four races will decide the other places in the drivers' standings and the constructors' championship.