
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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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe National Human Rights Commission NHRC in Borno has documented more than 600 cases of human rights violations, including domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking, from January to July 2026. Ms. Jummai Mshelia, the State Coordinator of the NHRC, shared this information with the News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri. She noted that the reported cases cover a broad spectrum of concerns, such as sexual and gender-based violence, unlawful detention, child abandonment, child maltreatment, rape, sexual exploitation, forced marriage, kidnapping, and domestic violence. Mshelia attributed the increase in reported domestic violence cases partly to enhanced public awareness campaigns by the commission, which have encouraged more victims to come forward. The commission has also handled numerous cases involving child abuse, neglect, and abandonment, with poverty, displacement, inadequate parental care, and domestic violence identified as contributing factors to children living on the streets. Mshelia urged parents and guardians to prioritize their children's welfare and education. Many cases have been resolved through mediation, while others requiring criminal investigation were referred to agencies like the Police and the Ministry of Justice. Mshelia reiterated the NHRC's dedication to justice for victims and survivors, emphasizing that all services are free and accessible. A key challenge for the commission is the lack of operational vehicles, which impacts service delivery

Barcelona has announced the signing of forward Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of 29 million euros, potentially rising to 33 million dollars with add-ons. Adeyemi, a versatile 24-year-old, has signed a five-season contract with Barcelona, extending until June 30, 2031. This acquisition marks Barcelona's second major signing, following the transfer of England international Anthony Gordon from Newcastle. Adeyemi's arrival is expected to strengthen Barcelona's attacking options, especially after the departure of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski and the end of Marcus Rashford's loan from Manchester United. The German national team player, who made his debut under current Barcelona coach Hansi Flick in 2021, joined Dortmund in 2022 from Red Bull Salzburg, where he scored 36 goals in 146 games across all competitions over four seasons.

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.