Morning Brief: Grammys Letdown, Health Strike Disruptions, Presidential Travel Expenses and Other Top Stories

Nigeria recorded no wins at the 2026 Grammy Awards despite multiple nominations in major music categories, while an ongoing strike by health workers has caused major disruptions across public hospitals nationwide.

In governance and sports, the Presidency spent N34bn on foreign exchange for official travels over the last two years, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen reached the 200-goal milestone in his career, and Nigerian women footballers impressed in leagues abroad. Meanwhile, South Africa is set to replace Morocco as host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, revealed he was among those targeted in a recently foiled coup plot. Here are the top stories this morning:

1. Grammys 2026: Nigeria leaves without an award, Tyla wins again
Nigerian artistes including Burna Boy, Davido, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr and Wizkid failed to secure competitive awards at the 2026 Grammy Awards despite strong nominations. South African singer Tyla won Best African Music Performance for Push 2 Start, marking her second win in the category. Late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

2. Health workers’ strike cripples public hospitals
The ongoing industrial action by health workers in federal institutions has severely affected service delivery, forcing many public hospitals to operate at limited capacity. Patients have struggled to access care, with laboratory, pharmacy and diagnostic services disrupted in several teaching hospitals.

3. Presidency spends N34bn on forex for official travels
Over the past two years, the Presidency expended N34bn on foreign exchange for official international travels. The spending reflects the rising cost of overseas engagements by the President and other government officials.

4. Osimhen reaches 200 career goals as Nigerian women excel abroad
Victor Osimhen hit the 200-goal mark in his professional career, underlining his status as one of Nigeria’s most prolific forwards. At the same time, Nigerian women footballers continued to shine in various international leagues and competitions.

5. South Africa to host 2026 WAFCON
South Africa is expected to take over as host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations following Morocco’s withdrawal, ensuring continued preparations for the continental tournament.

6. Failed coup plot: Defence minister says he was a target
Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, disclosed that he was marked for arrest or assassination in a recently uncovered coup plot. He said the plotters intended to detain him and would have killed him if he resisted, but he reaffirmed confidence in Nigeria’s democratic stability.