Cristiano Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his last tournament
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final appearance in the tournament, expressing his focus on enjoying every moment. Speaking ahead of Portugal鈥檚 Round of 16 match against Spain, the 41-year-old stated he would retire from international football with no regrets, having given his all to the sport. Ronaldo emphasized that his continued motivation stems from passion, not a need to prove anything. He has had a notable campaign, becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups and registering his first World Cup knockout goal. He described this tournament as the most emotionally rewarding of his career due to the passion of the fans. Ronaldo believes his legacy will not be defined by winning the World Cup, noting that age brings maturity and experience. The Al-Nassr player also expressed gratitude for criticism, stating it has helped him grow as a person.
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Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria has finalized plans to repatriate 270 Nigerians from South Africa as part of its ongoing evacuation efforts. These individuals are expected to arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, early on Wednesday aboard an Air Peace aircraft. This evacuation is a continuation of the government's initiatives, facilitated by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, to assist Nigerians in South Africa who wish to return home. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, stated that the aircraft will depart Lagos on Tuesday afternoon for Johannesburg and return with the evacuees overnight. The flight is scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 12:00 midnight and arrive in Lagos by 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. This exercise highlights the government's dedication to ensuring the safe return of its citizens, following previous evacuations due to various challenges including security concerns, economic hardship, and humanitarian emergencies. Air Peace has consistently supported these government-assisted repatriation missions. The government has also assured Nigerians remaining in South Africa of their safety amidst ongoing concerns about xenophobic tensions and anti-immigrant protests, which have prompted calls for stronger diplomatic action. This follows a recent evacuation of 269 Nigerians from South Africa, marking the second government-coordinated exercise in recent weeks.
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Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, commended the resilience of African teams at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a post on her X account, she highlighted Morocco and Egypt for advancing, and described Cape Verde as a standout African side. Okonjo-Iweala also acknowledged the efforts of DR Congo, C么te d鈥橧voire, and Ghana despite their exits, noting they "fought bravely." She expressed optimism for Nigeria's qualification in the next FIFA World Cup, hoping to see the Super Eagles on the global stage.