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Cafu believes 2026 World Cup is Brazil's moment to reclaim title
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Two-time World Cup winner Cafu stated on Monday that he believes the 2026 World Cup presents the perfect opportunity for Brazil, five-time champions, to win the tournament for the first time in 24 years. Cafu, who captained Brazil to their fifth World Cup victory in 2002 and was part of the 1994 winning squad, noted that the addition of coach Carlo Ancelotti, described as a "serial winner," will enhance the team. He highlighted Ancelotti's focus on strengthening the defense, asserting that if Brazil avoids conceding goals, they are likely to score one per game. Cafu also expressed hope that Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior would have a strong tournament, viewing the World Cup as an ideal platform for him to overcome controversies and demonstrate his abilities. He also commented on the positive development of 19-year-old Endrick, suggesting his loan to Lyon helped him grow into a key player, and believes Ancelotti is considering him for the team. Bookmakers currently rank Brazil among the top five favorites for the tournament.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThousands of Argentine fans, many wearing Lionel Messi jerseys, gathered in New York City, particularly in Times Square and Penn Station, ahead of the World Cup final against Spain in New Jersey. This influx of support has rekindled interest in the tournament in New York, which had waned after the United States team was eliminated. Local enthusiasm for the World Cup had decreased, with some attributing it to the absence of a local team and the high cost of tickets for the final, which averaged $11,327. Additionally, a Legionnaire鈥檚 disease outbreak, extreme weather, and smoke from Canadian forest fires had distracted residents. Despite these factors, Argentine supporters created a vibrant atmosphere, with many heading to MetLife Stadium. Spain fans also gathered, with one expressing confidence in a 3-1 victory for Spain. While some New Yorkers found the tournament overshadowed, others noted a broader "World Cup effect," including a record turnout for a women's sporting event in New York. Mayor Zohran Mamdani commented on the city's engagement with the World Cup, stating that it belongs to New Yorkers.
Oladipupo Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ogun State, has accused governors across Nigeria of diverting local government allocations. Speaking at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta during a meeting with the Egba Traditional Council, Adebutu pledged to grant full financial autonomy to councils if elected in 2027. He stated that ensuring financial independence for local governments would be a defining policy of his administration, emphasizing that local governments should receive their own funds directly. Adebutu, who was accompanied by his running mate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, and the PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, Iyabo Obasanjo, alleged that governors, regardless of political affiliation, are misappropriating these funds. He argued that direct access to statutory allocations would enable local governments to deliver better development. Adebutu also promised to construct roads to strengthen connectivity between Ogun State and Lagos, moving away from dependence on borrowing for infrastructure. Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, lamented the collapse of the local government system due to lack of financial autonomy and expressed confidence in Adebutu's commitment. The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, described Adebutu as a trustworthy leader.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has congratulated Omoniyi Ibietan on his re-election as Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association APRA. The Minister stated that Ibietan's re-election is a recognition of his professionalism, dedication, and contributions to the public relations profession across Africa. Ibietan was re-elected during the APRA General Assembly in Swakopmund, Namibia, where Arik Karani of Kenya became President and Professor Michele Mekeme of Cameroon was elected Vice-President. Idris, in a statement by his Special Assistant Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, noted that the election outcome reflects the confidence public relations professionals across Africa have in Ibietan's leadership and capacity to advance the association's vision. The Minister expressed optimism that Ibietan will continue to provide purposeful leadership and support APRA's efforts to promote ethical communication and Africa's digital transformation agenda. He also commended APRA for its commitment to strengthening the public relations profession and promoting ethical communication across Africa, adding that Nigeria looks forward to hosting the 37th APRA Annual Conference alongside the World Public Relations Forum in Abuja later this year. Founded in 1975, APRA is the umbrella body for public relations practitioners across Africa, promoting professional excellence, ethical communication, and collaboration among communication professionals.