Today in Africa — January 2, 2026: AFCON Knockouts, Anthony Joshua Driver Charged, Nairobi Building Collapse

Every day, OkayAfrica shares a roundup of news we’re following but haven’t published as full articles. These short updates cover what’s happening on the continent — in culture, politics, and beyond. For more on stories like these, be sure to check out our News page, with stories from across the regions.

AFCON Knockouts Begin as Heavyweights Advance and Sudan Hopes Win Can Spark Peace

Africa Cup of Nations group play has ended in Morocco with form largely holding, sending 11 former champions into the round of 16 and setting up a stacked knockout stage. Africa’s top 12-ranked teams all advanced, including hosts Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, and Cameroon, alongside Mali, South Africa, Tunisia, DR Congo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and surprise qualifiers Mozambique, Tanzania, and Sudan. The knockout phase begins tomorrow, Saturday, January 3, in Tangier with Senegal facing Sudan, though Senegal will be without suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly.

Sudan’s qualification marks only its second trip past the group stage since winning the tournament in 1970, achieved while the team remains in exile due to the war at home. Coach Kwesi Appiah says the squad hopes a victory could help ease violence in Sudan, recalling past moments when rival forces paused fighting to celebrate football results. Players spoke of the emotional strain of competing away from their country, saying every match is played with the hope of lifting spirits back home.

Morocco eased pressure with a 3–0 win over Zambia, while Nigeria and Algeria finished the group stage unbeaten. Algeria’s meeting with DR Congo is already drawing attention, and Tunisia admitted to underwhelming group performances ahead of a tight last-16 meeting with Mali. Off the pitch, Gabon’s government suspended its national team, dismissed the coaching staff, and dropped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the squad after a group-stage exit, a rare step given FIFA rules against state interference. The AFCON final is set for January 18 in Rabat.

Driver Charged Over Crash That Killed Two Members of Anthony Joshua’s Team in Nigeria

Nigerian police have charged the driver involved in a road crash that injured British Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two of his close friends with causing death by dangerous driving. Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before a magistrate's court in Sagamu today, Friday, January 2, over the accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Police say he faces four counts, including dangerous driving causing death, and the case has been adjourned to January 20.

Joshua, 36, suffered minor injuries in the crash, while his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and trainer Latif Ayodele died. Authorities say preliminary findings indicate that speeding and a wrongful overtaking attempt occurred before the vehicle struck a stationary truck. Kayode was granted bail of 5 million naira (about $3,500) but remains in custody pending fulfillment of the conditions. Joshua is stable, according to his promoter, Matchroom Boxing, and President Bola Tinubu has offered condolences to the victims’ families.

Building Under Construction Collapses in Nairobi, At Least Four Feared Trapped

A multi-story building under construction collapsed today, Friday, January 2, in Nairobi’s South C area, with at least four people believed to be trapped under the rubble. Kenya Red Cross said rescue teams from multiple agencies were on the ground searching for survivors. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku confirmed the number of people feared trapped, as relatives gathered at the scene awaiting news.

One woman told reporters her brother managed to make a phone call while still under the debris, urging rescuers to act quickly. Authorities have not said what caused the collapse. Building failures are a recurring problem in Nairobi, where demand for housing has fueled unsafe construction. A government audit after a deadly wave of collapses in 2015 found that more than half of the city’s buildings were not fit for habitation.

Islamic State-Linked Rebels Kill at Least 15 Civilians in Eastern DR Congo

Islamic State-affiliated rebels killed at least 15 people in overnight attacks on three villages in Lubero territory in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local officials said today, Friday, January 2. The attacks, blamed on the Allied Democratic Forces, hit Kilonge, Katanga, and Maendeleo in North Kivu province, where most victims were civilians killed with bladed weapons, according to local authorities. Two soldiers were also among the dead after an exchange of gunfire with the army in Maendeleo. Officials said homes were burned during the raids, and security forces are still pursuing the attackers. Local leaders have delayed funerals until the area is secured, warning that civilians could be ambushed. The ADF has carried out repeated mass-casualty attacks in eastern Congo despite joint Congolese and Ugandan military operations.

Somalia Says Airstrikes Kill 29 al-Shabaab Fighters in Middle Shabelle

Somalia’s Defense Ministry says its armed forces killed 29 al-Shabaab militants in overnight operations in the town of Jabad Godane in the Middle Shabelle region, carried out with support from international partners. In a statement on X yesterday, Thursday, January 1, the ministry said the strikes also destroyed vehicles and weapons that were being prepared for attacks on civilians. Officials did not name the partners involved but praised continued cooperation on intelligence and security operations. Al-Shabaab has been fighting Somalia’s internationally backed government since 2007 and remains one of the country’s biggest security threats.