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Lionel Messi discusses Argentina's World Cup prospects and top contenders for 2026
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Lionel Messi stated that Argentina fans can dream of a second consecutive World Cup title, but he cautioned that other teams, including France and Spain, are currently in better form. Messi noted that while some Argentine players are dealing with injuries or lack of match fitness, the team has a proven competitive spirit when together. He identified France as being in great shape with many top-level players, and also mentioned Spain and Brazil as strong contenders. Messi described Portugal as "very competitive" and acknowledged Germany and England as consistently dangerous European powers. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who will be 39 in June, has not yet confirmed his participation in the 2026 tournament, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He emphasized his love for football and his competitive nature, stating he will continue playing as long as he is able.
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Yusuf BabaTunde, Chief Executive Officer of Mapleby Holding Inc., shared his experiences pursuing his dream of living abroad and building his business. Growing up in Lagos, he was inspired by neighbors who migrated overseas. Despite his love for Nigeria, he desired to live part of his life outside the country. His first attempt to travel after secondary school to the UK was unsuccessful. While studying Computer Science at Olabisi Onabanjo University, he saved money from a car dealing business. Before his National Youth Service Corps program, he secured a Japanese visa, but upon arrival in Tokyo, he was deported the same day at age 25. He was questioned about the purpose of his visit, and immigration officers were not convinced he was a businessman. This experience left him heartbroken and anxious for two years, almost leading to depression. His elder brother, who won a US Visa Lottery in 1995 and sponsored his Japan trip, continued to support his travel aspirations, funding attempts for German, Turkish, Qatari, and Canadian visas, all of which initially failed. BabaTunde focused on education and work, obtaining a Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. In 2012, he joined Etisalat as a graduate trainee engineer. In 2013, he obtained a US visiting visa, spending 10 days there before returning to Nigeria to work. He later secured a loan from Etisalat in 2015 to pursue postgraduate studies in Canada, where he eventually gained a work permit, permanent residency, and citi
Nigeria's Falconets are in Lilongwe, Malawi, to play their U-20 World Cup qualifier, holding a two-goal advantage over Malawi. The Falconets won the first leg 2-0 in Ikenne-Remo, with goals from an own goal by Maureen Kenneth and a strike by Kindness Ifeanyi. Head coach Moses Aduku stated his team is fully prepared for the match, emphasizing the players' understanding of its importance. Malawi coach Maggie Chombo expressed confidence in her team's ability to overturn the deficit at home. The Falconets have a consistent record in the tournament, having appeared in every edition since 2002, reaching the final twice and the semi-finals once. They advanced to this final round after defeating Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate and Senegal 3-1 on aggregate. Other qualifiers include Ghana playing Uganda in Kampala and Cameroon facing Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, while Benin Republic hosts Ivory Coast.
Must ReadA lawsuit challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan's eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election has been adjourned until May 11, 2026. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the adjournment after the plaintiff's counsel, Ndubuisi Ukpai, requested more time to respond to a preliminary objection filed by the defense. The suit seeks a court determination on whether Jonathan can lawfully run for president again under the 1999 Constitution. Jonathan's counsel, Chris Uche, stated he learned of the case through media reports and highlighted similar issues previously decided by courts, questioning the resurfacing controversy. The Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation were not represented in court. The suit, filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, asks the court to declare Jonathan constitutionally ineligible and to restrain him from presenting himself as a candidate, and to bar INEC from accepting his name. Jideobi argues that Jonathan has exhausted constitutional term limits, having completed the tenure of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and served a full four-year term after winning the 2011 election. An affidavit supporting the suit stated the legal action was prompted by reports of Jonathan considering a 2027 presidential bid, contending that a third presidential oath would be unconstitutional.
The West African Examinations Council, Nigeria, has announced the start of registration for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for Private Candidates, Second Series. Registration began on Sunday, May 4, 2026, and will conclude on Thursday, July 31, 2026. The examination will be conducted entirely as a Computer-Based Examination, with a registration fee of ₦37,000. Candidates are advised to visit their nearest WAEC office to confirm available examination towns before registering. WAEC encourages early registration to avoid a last-minute rush and to utilize the computer-based format. This special annual examination is for individuals not in regular secondary schools, allowing them to register and sit for the examination independently to obtain the certificate.