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Gaël Clichy believes Michael Olise can be France's breakout star at 2026 World Cup
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Former France defender Gaël Clichy believes Michael Olise has the talent to be France’s breakout star at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Olise, a Bayern Munich forward, is heading into his first World Cup with high expectations. Clichy, who worked with Olise during the 2024 Paris Olympics where France’s Under-23 team won a silver medal, compared Olise's potential impact to Kylian Mbappé’s breakthrough at the 2018 World Cup. Clichy stated that Olise has developed significantly since moving to Bayern Munich and is ready to showcase his talent globally. He added that if Olise performs at the level he has shown for Bayern Munich, he will be recognized as one of France's best players. Clichy also highlighted Rayan Cherki as another emerging talent from the Olympic squad who could make a major impact. With established stars and emerging talents, France is expected to be a strong contender for the 2026 World Cup.
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Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has advised Nigerians not to support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential election, accusing him of ethnic politics. Lawal made these comments during a telephone interview, reacting to a controversy surrounding the African Democratic Congress ADC governorship ticket in Adamawa State. He alleged that Atiku was attempting to replace the party’s governorship candidate, Suleiman Omar, with Tukur Modibbo, claiming Atiku's politics are ethnically motivated. In response, Atiku Abubakar, through his media aide Phrank Shaibu, denied the allegations, calling them false and baseless. The statement asserted that Atiku had no involvement in any plot to replace the ADC governorship candidate in Adamawa State, and that those behind the claims were uncomfortable with the party's growing unity. The statement urged party members and the public to disregard what it termed "malicious propaganda," emphasizing the ADC's commitment to due process and internal democracy.
Must ReadSix candidates for United Nations secretary-general will engage in a televised debate on Thursday in the General Assembly Hall, preceding the formal selection process. The event, broadcast by Bloomberg, will feature 90 minutes of questions from diplomats, UN employees, and civil society representatives. The candidates include Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, and Macky Sall of Senegal. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock highlighted the importance of this "UN town hall" for understanding the candidates' visions for one of the world's most crucial positions, especially given the UN's current financial and confidence challenges. The United States, for instance, advocates for a return to the organization's core purposes of peace and security. Analysts note that the current campaign is less energetic than the 2016 race, with candidates seemingly cautious to avoid displeasing veto powers. The 15 members of the Security Council are scheduled to hold their first closed-door, anonymous vote on July 30, with subsequent votes until a candidate secures nine votes without a veto. The selected candidate's name will then be sent to the General Assembly for formal appointment, with the new secretary-general taking office on January 1, 2027. While Rafael Grossi is frequently mentioned as a front-runner, other candidates like Grynspan and Rodrigues-Birkett als
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