July 2024 Highlights on BassaNova News
July was a packed month for Africa and the world. From nail‑biting soccer clashes to big political shifts, we’ve gathered the stories that mattered most. Below is a quick guide to help you catch up without scrolling through endless pages.
Top Sports Stories
Football stole the spotlight. Tottenham Hotspur edged a 4‑3 thriller over Team K League in Seoul, showing the squad’s pre‑season sharpness ahead of clashes with Bayern Munich and Leicester City. Across the Atlantic, Chelsea announced a £20.7 million signing of Danish keeper Filip Jørgensen, a move that promises more ball‑playing flair under Enzo Maresca.
In England, Manchester United reignited interest in Bayern’s right‑back Noussair Mazraoui, signaling a possible defensive overhaul. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez faced disciplinary action after a racist chant video sparked outrage, highlighting ongoing challenges in football culture.
The Olympics added a fresh vibe with skateboarding debuting at Place de La Concorde. Fans cheered Jagger Eaton, Sky Brown, Nyjah Huston and others as they chased gold from July 27 to August 7.
Golf fans got their fix when Xander Schauffele clinched the British Open in Troon, marking his second major of the year. Over in motorsport, Daniel Ricciardo braced for a make‑or‑break test with Red Bull after mixed messages from Helmut Marko.
International tournaments kept the buzz alive. The Copa America third‑place showdown between Canada and Uruguay promised fireworks, while Euro 2024’s quarter‑final clash of France vs Portugal had pundits debating line‑ups and injuries.
Key Political & Social Updates
South Africa’s COSATU praised Zizi Kodwa’s resignation from Parliament, framing it as a step toward accountability amid the ‘Fancy Blue Lights’ scandal. In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu announced talks with labor leaders on the minimum wage and appointed Didi Walson‑Jack as the new Head of the Civil Service, signaling fresh leadership.
Kenya saw its Police Chief Japhet Koome step down after a public outcry over a protest crackdown, a move backed by President William Ruto. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling granting direct federal funding to local governments, sparking celebration in Kwara State.
Business news wasn’t quiet. NNPC’s CEO Mele Kyari denied owning a Malta blending plant after Aliko Dangote’s accusations. In Bengaluru, Virat Kohli’s One8Commune faced a legal snag for staying open past permitted hours, reminding owners that compliance matters.
Entertainment suffered a loss with the sudden passing of actress Erica Ash at 46, leaving fans and colleagues mourning her talent. On a different note, WWE legend John Cena announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for professional wrestling.
Humanitarian situations remained in focus as Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul grappled with devastating floods, prompting a massive DREF relief operation to aid over 422,000 displaced residents.
From thrilling sports moments to pivotal political decisions, July 2024 delivered a mix of excitement and challenges across Africa and beyond. Stay tuned to BassaNova for the latest updates – we’ll keep bringing you the stories that matter, straight to your screen.
