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Saturday, 31 October 2026Lagos · LondonUpdated 11:42 GMT

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Reported

Toyin Abraham's throwback TikTok post sparks talk of rivalry with Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele at the AMVCA 2020
Photo: Kaizenify / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has once again found herself at the centre of talk about a rivalry with Funke Akindele, after a social media post that many fans read as a response to her colleague.

What she posted

On Friday, 30 October 2026, Toyin Abraham shared on Instagram a throwback clip of a TikTok collaboration she did while promoting her earlier film, 'OverSabi Aunty'. In the caption, she said she was looking forward to more collaborations ahead of her new film, 'Bestie', which is due in cinemas in December 2026.

Why fans linked it to Funke

The post came just days after Funke Akindele announced a partnership with Facebook for her new film, 'The Four'. Many fans interpreted Toyin's post as a subtle reminder that she had worked with a major platform first, although she did not mention Funke, and her intention has not been confirmed.

Background

The two actresses are among the most successful filmmakers in Nollywood, and fans have long compared their box office results. Toyin has also faced accusations of copying Funke's ideas, which she has denied. In the past she has spoken warmly about Funke, congratulating her and calling her the winner of their rivalry after one of Funke's films crossed ₦1 billion at the box office.

How people reacted

Reactions were divided. Critics questioned the timing of the post and accused her of seeking attention, while her supporters said she had every right to talk about her own past work. Funke Akindele has not commented.

More gist

Nollywood & celebsReported
AY Makun in sunglasses and a sequinned jacket
Photo: Kaizenify / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

AY Makun responds to backlash after missing Cardiff show, promises free return

Comedian AY Makun has defended himself after failing to appear at his AY Live show in Cardiff, which led to calls for him to be cancelled. He blamed repeated problems on the tour and promised a free return show, while saying ticket holders will still get refunds.

Read more

Comedian and filmmaker Ayo 'AY' Makun has spoken out after facing a wave of criticism for not turning up at his AY Live show in Cardiff, Wales.

What happened

Fans who bought tickets for the Cardiff show on Sunday were left angry when the comedian did not appear. Many criticised him on social media, and some called for him to be cancelled. AY had earlier apologised, saying fans' time, money and trust deserved respect, but the apology did not end the criticism.

His side of the story

In a long statement reported on Friday, 30 October 2026, AY said veterans in the industry had advised him to stay quiet, but he felt his audience deserved an explanation. He said he had spent years performing at events where payment promises were broken, sometimes paying fellow performers from his own pocket. He said a five-hour drive from Sheffield to Cardiff, after repeated bad experiences on the same tour, became his breaking point, but added that the fans who turned up had done nothing wrong. He also complained that negative stories about him get more attention than his achievements, and said calls for cancellation would not make him give up.

What he promised

AY said he would host a free return show in Cardiff, paid for by himself, once a venue and logistics are confirmed. He said this would not replace refunds owed to people who bought tickets for the original event.

Background

AY is one of Nigeria's best-known comedians and has run the AY Live brand for many years, as well as producing hit films. His account of the tour problems has not been confirmed by the organisers.

MusicReported
Burna Boy performing on stage
Photo: Nuță Lucian from Cluj-Napoca, Romania / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Burna Boy's 'For Everybody' campaign film wins 15 awards

'For Everybody', a sports and music campaign film starring Burna Boy, Asisat Oshoala and Kenneth Omeruo, has reportedly won 15 prizes at the 2026 w3 Awards, including a gold award. The film was directed by Dave Meyers and released in January.

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A campaign film featuring Burna Boy and several of Africa's best-known footballers has picked up a string of international awards.

What happened

'For Everybody', made by Sporty Group's production arm Sporty Studios together with RadicalMedia, reportedly won 15 awards at the 2026 w3 Awards, according to reports on Saturday, 31 October 2026. It won a gold award in the creator and brand collaboration category, as well as 14 silver awards in categories including music video, cinematography, brand storytelling, branded content, and sports and entertainment.

About the film

The film was directed by Dave Meyers, an American director best known for his music videos with major global stars, and was released in January 2026. It brings together music and sport to celebrate African talent and culture. Alongside Burna Boy, it features Nigerian football stars Asisat Oshoala and Kenneth Omeruo, as well as Spain's Nico Williams, France's Eduardo Camavinga, Ghana legend Michael Essien, Kenya's Victor Wanyama and South African rugby star Cheslin Kolbe.

Background

The w3 Awards recognise creative work in digital media, including websites, videos and online campaigns. Burna Boy, a Grammy winner, has increasingly worked on projects linking music and sport, and recently presented the Socrates Award at this year's Ballon d'Or ceremony. Oshoala is one of Africa's most decorated female footballers, having won the African Women's Footballer of the Year award a record number of times.

How fans reacted

Fans celebrated the recognition online, saying the film showed how African music and sport can work together to reach global audiences.

SportReported
Calvin Bassey in a white hoodie stepping off a team bus
Photo: Timmy96 / Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Manchester United reportedly eyeing Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey

Manchester United are reportedly interested in Fulham and Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey as a possible replacement for Lisandro Martinez. Bassey's contract is said to run out at the end of the season, and several other European clubs are also said to be watching him.

Read more

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey is reportedly attracting interest from Manchester United, according to transfer reports on Saturday, 31 October 2026.

What is being reported

United are said to be considering Bassey as a possible replacement for Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez, whose contract is reported to expire at the end of the season. Martinez is said to be open to leaving Old Trafford, with Barcelona reportedly making enquiries. Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are also said to be out of contract next summer, which could leave United needing several defenders.

Bassey's situation

Bassey has been one of Fulham's most consistent players this season. His contract at Craven Cottage reportedly runs out at the end of the season, although Fulham are said to have an option to extend it by a year and would prefer to agree a new deal. Because his contract is running down, he could be available for a relatively low fee. Newcastle United, Everton, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are also reportedly monitoring him.

Background

Bassey, who can play at centre-back or left-back, joined Fulham from Ajax in 2023 after earlier spells at Rangers. He has become a regular for the Super Eagles and is valued for his pace and versatility. Manchester United, managed by Michael Carrick, have made a slow start to the season.

What happens next

No formal offer has been reported, and any move is unlikely before the January transfer window at the earliest.

2027 electionsReported
President Bola Tinubu
Photo: Nosa Asemota / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Tinubu's daughter warns voters against Atiku and Obi at Abuja launch

Iyaloja-General Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the President's daughter, has reportedly urged Nigerians not to back Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi in 2027, saying either would reverse the government's progress. She spoke at the launch of a pro-Tinubu market women's movement in Abuja.

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Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the daughter of President Bola Tinubu and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, has waded into the 2027 presidential race with a warning to voters about two of her father's main rivals.

What she said

Speaking at the launch of the Iyaloja General Movement for Renewed Hope Initiatives at Eagle Square in Abuja on Thursday, 29 October 2026, Tinubu-Ojo reportedly urged Nigerians not to support Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). She argued that if either of them won, they would undo the progress made by the current government and set the country back. The remarks were reported on Saturday, 31 October.

The movement

The new group is meant to mobilise market women and traders across the country to support President Tinubu's re-election. As Iyaloja-General, Tinubu-Ojo is the ceremonial head of market women's associations nationwide, a role her father's supporters see as a valuable link to grassroots voters.

Background

Several pro-Tinubu groups have been launched in recent weeks, including a two-million-man march announced by Atiku's son, Abba, and the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement backed by Tompolo. Atiku and Obi are both campaigning hard, and the debate over the economy, rising prices and the government's borrowing has dominated the race so far. Neither the ADC nor the NDC had responded to her comments at the time of the report.

How people reacted

APC supporters welcomed the launch, while opposition supporters accused the President's family of turning a traditional market leadership role into a campaign platform.