September brought a mix of hard‑hitting headlines and feel‑good sports moments across Africa and beyond. From government crackdowns to thrilling matches, the month was anything but dull. Below is a quick run‑through of the stories that most readers cracked open.
One of the biggest domestic stories landed in Nigeria, where the federal government set an October 6 deadline for all public and private institutions to verify staff credentials through the new National Credential Verification Service (NCVS). The aim is simple: wipe out fake certificates once and for all. Officials say the move will protect job seekers and restore public trust, and they’re already pushing schools and firms to get on board.
On the international front, former U.S. President Donald Trump sparked a medical uproar by warning pregnant women to avoid Tylenol, claiming it fuels autism. Health experts quickly dismissed the claim as baseless, emphasizing that decades of research support acetaminophen’s safety when used as directed. The episode highlighted how political statements can clash with scientific consensus, stirring up social media debates.
Football fans got their fill. In Portugal, Casa Pia faced Estoril Praia in a tense Liga clash on October 3, while Girona celebrated a dramatic Copa Catalunya win after a penalty shootout against Espanyol. Back in South Africa, TS Galaxy’s 2‑0 victory, powered by Seluleko Mahlambi’s brace, sparked talk about tactics and upcoming transfer windows. The Betway Premiership Wrap dissected the match, noting defensive lapses on set‑pieces that could cost teams later in the season.
Rugby didn’t miss out either. The Hollywoodbets Sharks released their full 2025‑2026 United Rugby Championship schedule, with early games against Glasgow Warriors and a European showdown versus Toulouse. Meanwhile, the DHL Stormers secured eleven top school‑boy prospects for the 2026 campaign, signalling a new focus on home‑grown talent.
Cricket delivered drama as England Women chased down South Africa’s total in Sharjah, clinching a seven‑wicket win that nudged them to the top of Group B in the T20 World Cup. On the tennis front, world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz shrugged off an ankle scare at the Japan Open, turning a painful tumble into a straight‑set victory.
The entertainment scene saw Netflix ramp up its sci‑fi offering with Season 2 of "3 Body Problem," adding Claudia Doumit and Alfie Allen to the cast. Filming in Budapest is already underway, and the platform has locked in a third season to finish the adaptation.
Tragedy struck the religious community when Reformed pastor Voddie Baucham passed away at 56. Known for his work in Zambia and as president of Founders Seminary in Florida, his sudden loss sparked an outpouring of tributes from scholars and believers worldwide.
Overall, September 2025 on Tharagay African News was a blend of policy shifts, sports thrills, cultural buzz, and moments that made us pause. Whether you’re tracking credential checks in Lagos or catching the latest rugby fixture, the archive has you covered.
Nigeria's government mandates all public and private institutions to verify staff qualifications via the new NCVS platform by Oct 6 2025, aiming to eradicate fake certificates.
Casa Pia host Estoril Praia at Estádio Municipal de Rio Maior on 3 October 2025 for a Round‑8 Liga Portugal clash. Both sides arrive on opposite form curves – Casa Pia with a steady scoring run and Estoril with a potent attack but shaky defence. Key creators and goal‑scorers could tip the balance. Their six‑match head‑to‑head record is tight, making this fixture a must‑watch.
Girona FC edged RCD Espanyol 5-4 on penalties to lift the Copa Catalunya after a 0-0 deadlock at Sabadell's Nova Creu Alta. Over 7,800 fans watched a rain‑delayed, tension‑filled final where both sides created chances but could not break the deadlock. A late miss from Espanyol sealed Girona's triumph, giving them a morale boost ahead of a precarious LaLiga season.
The 26 August 2025 edition of the Betway Premiership Wrap dissected the weekend’s action, spotlighting TS Galaxy’s 2-0 win and Seluleko Mahlambi’s brace. Analysts debated player moves, defensive frailties on set‑pieces and emerging tactical patterns across South Africa’s top league. Fans get a deeper look at the storylines shaping the season.
Prominent Reformed pastor, author, and educator Voddie Baucham has died at 56 after an emergency medical incident. Serving as president of Founders Seminary in Florida, he previously led African Christian University in Zambia. His historic heart surgeries in 2021 are seen as a possible factor, though the exact cause remains unclear. The Reformed world mourns a scholar, speaker, and family man.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks have published their complete 2025-2026 United Rugby Championship calendar, with kicks timed for U.S. viewers. The season opens against Glasgow Warriors on 26 September and includes key home games versus Scarlets and Saracens, plus a European clash with Toulouse. Travel will span four continents, testing the squad’s depth as they chase success in the expanded 16‑team competition.
The DHL Stormers have secured eleven of South Africa's top school‑level rugby prospects for the 2026 season. Leads the group are Paarl Gimnasium centre Markus Muller and loose‑forward Quintin Potgieter. Director of Rugby John Dobson says the signings underline a renewed focus on home‑grown talent, a strategy that has already produced Springboks like Damian Willemse. More additions are expected as the franchise builds a sustainable talent pipeline.
President Trump told pregnant women to skip Tylenol, saying it fuels autism, while promoting leucovorin as a cure. Doctors and autism experts slammed the claim, noting the evidence is flimsy and urging families to follow established medical advice. The controversy highlights the clash between political statements and scientific consensus on drug safety during pregnancy.
In Sharjah, the England Women bowled out South Africa for 124/6 and chased down the target with four balls left, thanks to a 43 from Danni Wyatt‑Hodge and an unbeaten 48 by Nat Sciver‑Brunt. Spin bowler Sophie Ecclestone delivered figures of 2/15, while captain Laura Wolvaardt top‑scored for the Proteas with 42. The win marks England's second straight victory and avenges their 2023 semi‑final loss. It also puts them on top of Group B, boosting knockout hopes. South Africa must regroup quickly for their remaining games.
World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz rolled his left ankle in the opening games of his Japan Open debut against Sebastian Baez. After a painful tumble and a quick medical timeout, the Spaniard rallied to win 6‑4, 6‑2. He admitted the injury was frightening but said he felt better as the match went on. Alcaraz now looks ahead to a second‑round clash with Belgium’s Zizou Bergs.
Palmeiras edged River Plate 2-1 in Buenos Aires, taking a vital away‑goal advantage in the Copa Libertadores quarter‑finals. The result means a draw at the Allianz Parque will see the Brazilian side into the semi‑finals, while the Argentine giants must win the return leg. Both clubs now set their sights on the decisive second match.
Fluminense's dream of reaching the Copa Sudamericana semifinals ended in drama at the Maracanã. After a 1-0 first‑leg loss, the Brazilian side drew 1-1 on September 23, 2025, but Lanús advanced 2-1 on aggregate. The match featured a crowd disturbance, a late equaliser from Dylan Aquino and a header that hit the post in the dying minutes.
