October 2024 news roundup — what mattered this month

October brought big moments across sports, politics and culture — and a few surprises that grabbed headlines. If you want the short version: Nigeria's AFCON row, a rare African name in the Ballon d'Or, tense politics in Kenya, and a mix of celebrity and human-interest stories that kept readers talking.

Sports highlights you should know

Football dominated October. Nigeria made headlines twice by withdrawing from and boycotting their AFCON 2025 qualifier in Libya after reporting harsh treatment and long delays at the airport. That move raised safety questions and risks for qualification points — and it sparked calls for stronger protections when teams travel abroad.

On the world stage, Ademola Lookman became the only African in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings, landing 14th. That’s a huge recognition for a Nigerian forward playing in Atlanta and a proud moment for African football fans.

Club football had its shocks too. Lille stunned Real Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League, while Victor Boniface scored for Bayer Leverkusen in a game they couldn’t finish off, ending 2-2 with Holstein Kiel. And stateside, Luis Suarez is pushing to extend his Inter Miami stay after an impressive MLS run.

Politics, environment and human stories

Politics in Africa stayed tense. Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faced an impeachment debate that could reshape power dynamics in Nairobi. The process stirred strong reactions and underscored how fragile political alliances can be.

Environment and safety also made the list. The Royal New Zealand Navy’s salvage work after a Samoan grounding found intact fuel tanks, limiting diesel leaks and easing fears among local fishermen. Small wins like that matter on the ground.

A mix of discovery and drama hit the global stage: climbers found a boot with a foot on Everest’s Central Rongbuk Glacier that may link to Sandy Irvine from the 1924 Mallory–Irvine mystery — a find that could rewrite mountaineering history.

On the celebrity front, relationships and new chapters were in focus. Benjamin Millepied was seen publicly with a new partner after his split from Natalie Portman; Kanye West and Bianca Censori were reported to be splitting; and Shalini Passi kept turning heads with her lifestyle and art presence.

In film and entertainment, Harris Dickinson opened up about filming intimate scenes with Nicole Kidman in the upcoming movie Babygirl and highlighted how intimacy coordinators can keep tricky shoots professional and safe.

Across these stories there’s one clear thread: safety, reputation and recognition mattered most. Whether it’s a national team pushing back against poor treatment, a player earning global praise, or a navy preventing an oil leak, October’s headlines were about people protecting what matters.

Want to read more? Click any headline on our archive to open the full story, and bookmark the page to catch updates as events unfold in November.