🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
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.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadShipping in the Strait of Hormuz has once again been severely affected by blockades imposed by both Tehran and Washington. Despite Iran's announcement on Friday to reopen the strategic waterway, the United States did not reciprocate for vessels bound for or departing from Iranian ports. After a brief period on Friday when dozens of commercial vessels passed through, Iran reclosed the passage on Saturday, warning that approaching ships would be considered targets. Since Sunday, only four ships have successfully transited the strait in either direction, according to marine tracking firm Kpler. These include the Iranian-flagged Nova Crest, which is sanctioned by the US, and the sanctioned gas tanker Axon I, which was allowed by Iran to enter the Gulf for the UAE. The gas tanker G Summer also crossed, but did not appear to dock at an Iranian port. The Panama-flagged Starway, owned by China-based firm Hechuang International Group, made a U-turn after passing westwards through the Iran-approved route. The US military reported that its forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port since the blockade began. The sanctioned container ship Shamim and the Iranian-flagged bulk carrier Artman were reportedly intercepted and redirected to Chabahar. The LPG tanker Raine also turned back towards the strait after nearing open seas. President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that the container ship Touska was seized for failing to respond to a warning. Iran also
Must ReadSinger D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been charged with the murder and dismemberment of a teenage girl whose body was discovered in an abandoned Tesla in the Hollywood Hills. The 21-year-old was expected to appear in court to face multiple charges related to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found in September, shortly after what would have been her 15th birthday. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the charges include first-degree murder with special circumstances, such as lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain, or murdering a witness in an investigation. If convicted, Burke could face a death sentence or life imprisonment without parole. Burke, who gained internet fame in 2022 with his song “Romantic Homicide,” also faces charges of repeatedly having sex with Celeste, who disappeared from her family home at age 13, and dismembering her body.
Retired police officers and their families in Abuja have warned President Bola Tinubu that he risks losing their votes across all 36 states if he fails to sign the Police Exit Bill. This bill aims to remove the police force from the Contributory Pension Scheme. The warning was issued during a protest at Gate 8 of the Presidential Villa, where demonstrators gathered from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm local time. CSP Raphael Irowainu retd., National Coordinator of the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria, led the protest, stating that millions of retirees nationwide would use their votes judiciously in future elections. He emphasized the urgency for President Tinubu to sign the bill, highlighting that other major security agencies like the military, SSS, Air Force, Navy, and National Intelligence Agency have already been exited from the scheme, leaving the police trapped. Protesters carried placards with messages such as “End CPS” and “If military, DSS were removed from PENCOM, why not police?”, while chanting “Police dey work, PenCom dey chop.” The Police Retired Officers Forum described the Contributory Pension Scheme as “fraudulent, illegal, inhumane and obnoxious” and called for immediate presidential assent to the Police Exit Bill. The bill was passed by the National Assembly on December 4, 2025, and transmitted to the Presidency on March 16, 2026, where it awaits the President’s signature. The bill, sponsored by House Leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, seeks to establish a Nigerian
AFC Bournemouth has confirmed Marco Rose as their new head coach on a three-year deal, succeeding Andoni Iraola at the end of the current season. Rose, 49, previously managed RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Red Bull Salzburg, where he was known for aggressive pressing systems and developing young talent. The club stated that Rose is an experienced and highly respected head coach with a proven record in European football. Rose expressed excitement about the challenge of working in the Premier League, aiming to build on the club's progress and take it to the next level. Iraola will remain in charge until the end of the campaign, reflecting on his privilege to work at Bournemouth and focusing on finishing the season strongly. Bournemouth reportedly chose Rose due to his Champions League experience and track record of elevating teams, as they aim to consolidate their Premier League campaign with European qualification still possible.