Lifestyle - Women Times

Ayra Starr’s Starrgirl Is the Album That Wants You to Dance, Feel & Believe in Yourself

by Women Times on August 14, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Ayra Starr has released her third studio album, Starrgirl, a 16-track project featuring Wizkid, Rema, ZAYN, Leon Thomas and more, wrapped in a rich purple aesthetic.

Has Ayra Starr convinced you to make purple your colour of the season? The Nigerian superstar has officially dropped her third studio album, Starrgirl, cloaked in a vivid purple visual identity that defines this new era.

Following the success of 19 & Dangerous and The Year I Turned 21, the 16-track project affirms her place among Afropop’s most inventive and self-assured talents.

The title itself deepens her personal lore, positioning her as a multifaceted star fully owning her space at the top of her game.Starr teams up with an impressive mix of global and local heavyweights across the record. She links with Wizkid on “Gimme Dat,” joins Mavin labelmate Rema on “Who’s Dat Girl,” and features UK singer kwn on “Amazing.”

American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas appears on “Pressure,” French artist Theodora joins her on “Ms. Paper,” and Colombian star Danny Ocean features on the remix of “Hot Body.”

One of the album’s most talked-about moments is “Heaven Baby,” a piano-driven duet with UK pop star ZAYN, where their contrasting vocal styles create an instant standout. Before the full release, Starr built steady momentum with a series of strategic singles that kept her prominent on the charts. Early previews arrived via “Gimme Dat,” “Hot Body,” “Who’s Dat Girl,” “Where Do We Go,” and the June single “Tornado,” each feeding directly into the album’s arrival.

From the full-band crescendos of “Letter to God” to the late-night rhythms of “Midnight in New York,” Starrgirl delivers across moods and textures. At its core sits her declaration on the track “Dance”: “Feels good to be who I am.”

Beauty

Meet Tamunosoye: The 26-Year-Old Miss World Nigeria 2026 Championing ‘Beauty With Purpose’

by Women Times on August 13, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Tamunosoye Karibi-George has arrived in Vietnam as Nigeria’s representative at the ongoing 73rd Miss World Festival.

The 26-year-old model and advocate from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, will compete against delegates from around the world for the coveted Miss World crown.

From Lagos to the World Stage

Karibi-George, popularly known as “Soye”, was crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos. She emerged winner ahead of 19 other finalists after representing Bayelsa State at the national competition.

She succeeds Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World pageant in India and finished in the Top 20.

Ahead of her departure, Soye described the pageant as more than a beauty contest. In an August 7 Facebook post, she wrote:

“With purpose in my heart, I depart Nigeria to represent our great nation at the 73rd Miss World Festival in Vietnam. This journey is about more than competing for the Blue Crown. It is about representing the strength, culture, tenacity, and compassion of our nation.”

“Vietnam is calling, and Nigeria is coming,” she added.

Beauty With a Mission

Beyond pageantry, Karibi-George is a trained communications professional and associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. She studied at Madonna University, Okija, after attending Obiye High School and Obiye Academy.

She has built her public profile around advocacy for children with special needs. As founder of Beyond Labels, she champions inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for children living with disabilities.

“Through the initiative, I advocate for a society where children are not defined by their disabilities or circumstances but are given the opportunity to discover their abilities, develop their talents and pursue their ambitions,” she said.

The Miss World competition emphasizes “Beauty With Purpose,” making her advocacy central to Nigeria’s campaign.

Pageant Experience

This is not Soye’s first time on the international stage. She previously won Miss Africa International 2024 in Accra, Ghana, an experience she says prepared her for the global Miss World platform.

Now in Vietnam, she will take part in various challenges, talent segments, and advocacy presentations leading up to the grand finale. Contestants are judged not just on appearance, but on intelligence, confidence, communication, and commitment to social impact.

Nigeria will be hoping she can improve on Raimi’s Top 20 finish at the last edition.

For Karibi-George, the mission is clear: showcase Nigerian culture, amplify the voices of children with special needs, and prove that beauty, purpose, and impact can thrive together.

“This is about telling Nigeria’s story,” she said.

Sport

“We Won’t Repeat Super Eagles’ Mistake” — Madugu, Oshoala Vow to Fight for World Cup Spot

by Women Times on August 13, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu and captain Asisat Oshoala say the team is determined to avoid the same fate that befell the Super Eagles and secure Nigeria’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Speaking after Nigeria’s 1-0 quarterfinal loss to Cameroon on Sunday, the duo admitted the defeat was painful but insisted the team will give everything in the playoffs to keep Nigeria’s World Cup streak alive.

The loss ended the Super Falcons’ defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and cost them one of Africa’s four automatic tickets to Brazil 2027.

A Second Chance in the Playoffs

The 10-time African champions now face a tougher path. As one of four losing quarterfinalists, Nigeria will enter the WAFCON playoff round starting Thursday against South Africa. The winners of two knockout games will advance to FIFA’s Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament for a chance at one of three remaining World Cup slots.

It’s a route the Super Eagles took last cycle after failing to win their group. They reached the CAF playoff in Morocco but were eliminated by DR Congo, and subsequently missed out on the FIFA Intercontinental Play-Off.

That failure is fresh in the Falcons’ minds.

“We have a second chance and we will give it our all,” Madugu said.

“We do not want to disappoint, and go the same way as the men. We’ll do our best to make sure we go through the playoffs. I quite understand the pains everyone is going through. I apologise and take responsibility for that.”

Six-time African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, echoed her coach, saying the team needs Nigerians behind them now more than ever.

“The World Cup ticket is at stake, so this is the time when we really need everyone to support the team,” Oshoala said.

“We already know the Super Eagles didn’t qualify so we know what is at stake and we know how Nigerians feel about this. We are sorry we lost this one, but the next game we will put in more effort and try to win the game.”

The situation is unfamiliar for the Super Falcons. Nigeria is one of only seven nations to have played at every Women’s World Cup since 1991 and has never failed to reach the WAFCON semifinals. That record is now under threat.

The defeat also highlights a shifting landscape in African women’s football. After losses to Malawi and Cameroon, Oshoala said Nigeria can no longer rely on history alone.

“Smaller nations are closing the gap for sure, but it’s also a wake-up call for us to put in effort knowing that there are other people who actually want to win this trophy. So we have to work harder now,” she added.

With the playoff against South Africa up next, the Super Falcons have one clear mission: keep Nigeria at the World Cup.

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Entertainment

Bimbo Ademoye Returns in ‘Sibe’ And It’s the Nollywood Drama You Can’t Afford to Miss

by Women Times on August 10, 2026

By Prosper Mene

The highly anticipated film, led by the award-winning actress, producer and storyteller, is already stirring conversations for its raw emotion, cultural depth, and timely message. If you haven’t added it to your watchlist, here’s why you should do it now.

1. A story that hits close to home

Sibe is not just entertainment. It’s a mirror. The film explores themes of love, sacrifice, family pressure, and the quiet strength of women navigating impossible choices. Set against a rich Nigerian backdrop, it blends tradition with modern realities in a way that feels both personal and universal.

Without giving too much away, Sibe asks the hard questions: What do you do when loyalty and survival collide? How far would you go for the people you love?

2. Bimbo Ademoye at her best

We’ve watched Bimbo grow from comedy queen to one of Nollywood’s most bankable dramatic leads, Personal Assistant, Sugar Rush, The Blood Covenant. But in Sibe, she goes deeper.

This is Bimbo stripped of gimmicks. Vulnerable. Fierce. Relatable. She carries the film with a performance that reminds you why she’s one of the defining voices of her generation. It’s the kind of role that stays with you long after the credits roll.

3. Nollywood storytelling, leveled up

Beyond Bimbo, Sibe brings together strong writing, cinematography that captures both grit and beauty, and a supporting cast that holds their own. The film doesn’t rely on loud drama. It builds slowly, letting the tension and emotion breathe. The result is a story that feels real — messy, hopeful, and very Nigerian.

It’s also a win for original storytelling. In a time when audiences are craving fresh narratives, Sibe delivers something new without losing the heart that makes Nollywood special.

4. It will make you feel something

Come for Bimbo. Stay for the story. Leave with a conversation.

Sibe is the kind of film you’ll want to watch with your sister, your mom, your friends and then talk about for days. It celebrates resilience, calls out societal pressure, and ultimately reminds us of the power of choice.

Bimbo Ademoye says:

“Sibe is a story about women. About strength. About the things we don’t say out loud. I hope when people watch it, they see themselves in it.”

Watch it because:

You love Bimbo Ademoye and want to see her range

-You’re tired of recycled plots and want something fresh and emotional.

You want Nollywood to keep winning with stories that matter.

You like films that make you laugh, cry, and think all in 90 minutes

Sibe is now showing. Gather your people, get the popcorn, and experience it.

Entertainment

Funke Akindele Returns to Cinemas With ‘The Four: No One Fights Alone’ – Out Dec 11

by Women Times on August 10, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Funke Akindele is set for another big-screen moment. Her next feature film, The Four: No One Fights Alone, will hit cinemas worldwide on December 11, 2026.

Produced by Funke Akindele Network (FAAN TV) and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, the film is the award-winning filmmaker’s first theatrical release since her record-breaking run with A Tribe Called Judah, Battle on Buka Street, and Everybody Loves Jenifa.

The Four is a powerful drama centered on friendship, motherhood, resilience, and the strength of women. Set between the serene Odu Community and the hustle of the city, the story follows Esosa and three fiercely loyal women who risk everything to fight for the future of a young man they love. Their journey tests their faith, courage, and loyalty in ways they never imagined.

The film promises rich visuals and cultural depth, weaving music, fashion, language, and tradition into a story about hope, sacrifice, and unity.

Funke Akindele leading a star-studded Nollywood cast in her new film ‘The Four: No One Fights Alone’.

The movie arrives in cinemas December 11 via FilmOne.

The cast is one of Nollywood’s most impressive ensembles to date. Leading the film are Funke Akindele, Bisola Aiyeola, Chioma Akpotha, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Timini Egbuson, Lateef Adedimeji, Ali Nuhu, Uzor Arukwe, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Antar Laniyan, and Wunmi Toriola.

The film also features award-winning singer Waje, Afrobeat star Shoday, and media personalities Samuel Banks, Kolapo Omotosho, and Ayomide Iwasokun.

Speaking on the project, Akindele said:

“Audiences have grown with us over the years, and they expect stories that entertain while reflecting who we are. With The Four, we are exploring the relationships that shape us, challenge us and stay with us. I think audiences will find a part of themselves in this story.”

Funke Akindele remains one of Africa’s most influential filmmakers. She has written, directed, and produced some of Nigerian cinema’s biggest hits including _Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Battle on Buka Street, A Tribe Called Judah, Everybody Loves Jenifa, and Behind The Scenes. Her films have repeatedly broken box-office records, making her Nigeria’s highest-grossing filmmaker.

The Four: No One Fights Alone opens exclusively in cinemas on December 11, 2026.

Sport

Super Falcons Crush Egypt 6-2 to Reach WAFCON 2026 Quarterfinals Against Cameroon

by Women Times on August 6, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are into the WAFCON 2026 quarterfinals after a dominant 6-2 win over Egypt in Rabat on Wednesday, August 6.

The nine-time champions finished second in Group C on six points and will now face Cameroon in the last eight on August 9. Six different players found the net in a performance that showed Nigeria’s attacking depth.

Needing a result after a loss to Malawi and a win over Zambia, the Falcons came out firing. Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring in the 21st minute, converting a penalty after VAR spotted a handball. Gift Monday doubled the lead with a close-range finish before Nadine Ghazi pulled one back for Egypt from the spot just before halftime. Nigeria led 2-1 at the break.

Asisat Oshoala in action for the Super Falcons against Egypt during their WAFCON 2026 Group C match in Rabat.

The second half was all Nigeria. Substitute Uchenna Kanu restored the two-goal advantage in the 57th minute, finishing off a brilliant assist from Rinsola Babajide. Christy Ucheibe made it 4-1 from the penalty spot in the 81st minute, before Ghazi struck again to make it 4-2 three minutes later.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade then converted a 91st-minute penalty for 5-2, before turning provider for substitute Joy Omewa, who wrapped up the 6-2 win in stoppage time.

It wasn’t all good news. Oshoala was forced off with an injury and will be assessed ahead of the Cameroon clash. But the positives were clear — six different goalscorers and two assists from Woman of the Match Rinsola Babajide.

Nigeria finished behind Malawi on goal difference in Group C. A win over Cameroon in Rabat would send the Falcons to the semifinals and secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Entertainment

Ayra Starr Paints New York Purple in Strapless Mini Dress for ‘Starr Girl’ Listening Party

by Women Times on August 6, 2026

By Prosper Mene

The Mavin and Republic Records star hosted industry insiders and fans for an intimate first listen to her third studio album ahead of its global release on August 14, 2026.

Ayra arrived in full Y2K mode. She wore a strapless periwinkle blue mini dress with horizontal ruched mesh panels and a bold vertical strip of 3D fabric floral appliqués running down the center bodice.

To balance the bare neckline, she styled the look with a thick multi-row rhinestone choker. She added slim black rectangular sunglasses, cobalt blue open-toe mule heels, a delicate gold chain anklet, and a glittery dark blue hard-shell clutch with “Girl” spelled out in silver lettering.

The singer styled her Y2K-inspired look with a custom Starr Girl clutch and retro updo.

Her beauty was just as statement-making. Ayra wore a retro updo with side-swept fringe, bronze-toned makeup, and sharply defined lip liner.

The listening party offered the first preview of the album before its August 14 release.

The Starr Girl listening session marks a major moment in Ayra’s artistic evolution. The project will feature collaborations with Zayn Malik, Theodora, KWN, Danny Ocean, Leon Thomas, and FOLA.

It also follows the rollout of pre-release singles including *“Tornado,” “Where Do We Go,” “Who’s That Girl” featuring Rema, “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid, and “Hot Body.”

With New York painted periwinkle, all eyes are now on August 14 for the official drop.

Sport

Serena Williams and Venus Williams to reunite for doubles at Cincinnati Open after Wimbledon injury setback

by Women Times on August 4, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Serena Williams will return to the court alongside her sister Venus at the Cincinnati Open, with the pair receiving a wild-card entry into the women’s doubles draw.

The appearance will mark their first doubles partnership since the 2022 US Open and comes weeks after a knee injury forced Serena to withdraw from a planned reunion at Wimbledon.

The WTA 1000 event in Mason, Ohio, runs in mid-August (with the main draw beginning around August 11–13).

Serena, 44, will team with 46-year-old Venus in what tournament organizers and reports describe as a potential stepping stone toward a possible US Open appearance later in the summer—the final Grand Slam of the year, where Serena has not competed since 2022.

Serena’s highly anticipated comeback began earlier in the grass-court season. After nearly four years away from professional competition, she played doubles at Queen’s Club (partnering Victoria Mboko) and in Berlin before receiving a singles wild card at Wimbledon. There, she lost in the first round to Australia’s Maya Joint in three sets. During the match she tweaked her right knee, which later required fluid drainage. She withdrew from the sisters’ scheduled doubles match, posting that she was “heartbroken” and that her knee “just isn’t ready to compete,” while noting the opportunity to play with Venus had meant the world to her.

The Williams sisters rank among the most successful doubles teams in tennis history. Together they have captured 14 Grand Slam titles, including six at Wimbledon and three Olympic gold medals. Their last joint appearance came in the opening round of the 2022 US Open. Venus has also been awarded a singles wild card for Cincinnati.

Cincinnati serves as a key hard-court tune-up before the US Open, which begins in late August. Serena has not yet confirmed broader plans beyond doubles in Ohio, but the entry keeps open the possibility of further competition this summer.

Entertainment

‘Starr Girl Is Coming’: Ayra Starr Kicks Off Countdown to August 14 Album Release

by Women Times on August 3, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Ayra Starr has officially started the countdown to her highly anticipated third studio album, Starr Girl.

The Mavin and Republic Records star announced on August 3, 2026, that the project will arrive in 11 days, with a release date set for August 14, 2026. She shared the news with a sleek video teaser on social media, captioning it: “starrgirl is comingggg. 11 days! are you ready?”

The announcement comes as Ayra continues to recover from a recent surgery. In an Instagram Story update days earlier, the singer revealed she had undergone a complicated procedure and would be taking time away from public events to rest. Despite stepping back, she urged her fans — the Mobstarrs — to keep the momentum going ahead of the album drop.

The teaser clip gives the first glimpse of the Starr Girl era. Dressed in a vibrant blue mini dress, Ayra is seen walking through a city street, climbing a fire escape, and sitting atop a building as the skyline lights up behind her. Glowing stars appear in the night sky to spell out the album title. While the background track remains unreleased, the snippet offers fans a taste of her evolving sound.

Starr Girl follows the release of lead single “Tornado” featuring Fola, which dropped in June. With the release date now locked in, anticipation is building globally as Ayra Starr prepares for her official return to music.

Sport

Goodness Nwachukwu Smashes Own World Record to Win Commonwealth Gold for Nigeria in Glasgow

by Women Times on July 30, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Nigerian para-athlete Goodness Nwachukwu delivered the performance of the Games on Wednesday, smashing her own world record to win gold in the women’s discus F42-44/F61-64 event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The 27-year-old launched the discus 39.66 metres with her final throw — a massive 3.10m improvement on her previous mark — to claim the top spot and secure Nigeria’s seventh gold medal of the Games.

It was a masterclass in composure and power. Nwachukwu improved steadily through the rounds before unleashing 39.66m in the sixth and final attempt to rewrite the F42 world record and take gold.

The throw bettered her own previous world record of 36.56m, set at Birmingham 2022, the same Games where she won her first Commonwealth gold. With back-to-back Commonwealth titles now to her name, Nwachukwu has firmly stamped her authority on the event.

Posing beside the official Longines scoreboard after the event, the Team Nigeria star let the numbers do the talking: 39.66m, World Record.

Born October 6, 1998, Nwachukwu competes in both discus and shot put in the F42 classification for athletes with lower limb impairments. Competing requires exceptional balance and technique in the throwing circle — a challenge she has turned into strength.

“Walking into the stadium and seeing thousands of people waiting to watch me compete was something I will never forget,” Nwachukwu said ahead of Glasgow 2026. “It brought me so much joy. Winning a medal was a big achievement for me. It opened many doors in my life.”

On Wednesday, she opened another one, straight into the history books.

Nwachukwu’s gold takes Nigeria’s tally to 7 golds at Glasgow 2026.

Nigeria’s Gold Medalists So Far:

– Para Powerlifting: Esther Nworgu, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Riluwan Idris

– Weightlifting: Edidiong Umoafia, Onome Didih, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal

– Para Athletics: Goodness Nwachukwu

Team Nigeria has also added bronze medals through Kanyinsola Ajayi in the men’s 100m and Temitope Adeshina in the women’s high jump.

With one of Nigeria’s strongest Commonwealth Games campaigns in recent memory already underway, Goodness Nwachukwu’s world-record throw may just be its defining moment.