Cape Verde’s World Cup hero Vozinha could face an unexpected obstacle before making his highly anticipated debut for Chilean giants Colo-Colo.

The veteran goalkeeper may be forced to wear his real surname instead of the nickname that made him famous during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fresh off a sensational World Cup campaign with Cape Verde, the 40-year-old goalkeeper is set to complete a six-month move to Colo-Colo after leaving Portuguese side Chaves.

However, Chilean league regulations prohibit players from wearing nicknames on the back of their shirts.

Under the rules, players must display their paternal or maternal surname, with only the initial of their first name permitted if necessary. Nicknames, appellations and sobriquets are expressly forbidden.

That regulation means the goalkeeper, whose full name is Josimar José Évora Dias, could be prevented from wearing “Vozinha” on his jersey despite becoming globally recognised under that name during Cape Verde’s historic World Cup run.

Colo-Colo president Aníbal Mosa has already begun discussions with the Chilean National Association of Professional Football (ANFP) in an attempt to secure an exception.

According to Mosa, the response from the governing body has been encouraging, with the matter expected to be discussed by the Council of Presidents after several club officials expressed support for the request.

“We have this problem,” Mosa told reporters. “I spoke with the ANFP and they showed good disposition.” He added that allowing the goalkeeper to continue using the name “Vozinha” would make sense considering he wore it during “the most important event in the world” at the FIFA World Cup.

The nickname, which translates to “little grandmother” in Portuguese, dates back to his childhood. Older children reportedly gave him the name because he would run home crying to his grandparents after losing neighbourhood football matches.

Vozinha is expected to arrive in Santiago to finalise his move, with his initial six-month contract including an option for a further year. If Colo-Colo’s request is rejected, one of the World Cup’s breakout stars could be forced to swap the famous name recognised by millions of fans for his surname when he makes his debut.

Nigerian international Tolu Arokodare has revealed his disbelief upon learning of Ajax’s interest, calling his transfer to the Dutch powerhouse a dream he never thought possible.

The 25-year-old striker finalised a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday to Ajax.

The deal includes an option for Ajax to make the move permanent next summer for a reported fee of around £17 million.

The move to Amsterdam provides Arokodare with a chance to reset his career following a challenging debut season in the Premier League.

Speaking to the club’s official website, an ecstatic Arokodare shared his initial reaction to the news.

“When my agent said Ajax were interested, I thought he was joking,” he admitted. “I could never have imagined that I would play here.”

The forward highlighted the club’s immense reputation, even in his home country. “In Nigeria, no one watches the Eredivisie, but everyone knows Ajax,” he explained.

“I immediately thought, ‘I want this.’ It is the biggest club in the Netherlands and one of the biggest in Europe.”
Tolu Arokodare
Arokodare is now the eighth Nigerian to sign for Ajax, joining a distinguished list that includes legends Finidi George and Nwankwo Kanu and Calvin Bassey.

The striker will be hoping to emulate the impact of his celebrated compatriots at one of Europe’s most storied clubs.

Temitope Adeshina has delivered one of the most historic performances of Team Nigeria’s campaign at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

She won bronze in the women’s high jump to end a 72-year wait for a Nigerian medal in the event.

Kola Daniel, Special Adviser on Media to the Office of the Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC) Bukola Olopade in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, disclosed that she came behind Australia’s Eleanor Patterson and Nicola Olyslagers.

“Adeshina cleared 1.90 metres to secure third place behind Australia’s Eleanor Patterson and Nicola Olyslagers, becoming the first Nigerian high jumper to stand on a Commonwealth Games podium.

“This was after Emmanuel Ifeajuna won gold at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver.

“Her achievement also made her the first Nigerian woman ever, to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the high jump, adding a new chapter to Nigeria’s rich athletics history,” he said.

Daniel noted that the bronze medal by Adeshina represented a remarkable rise for the Nigerian star, who finished 10th on her Commonwealth Games debut four years ago.

“Her return to the games was marked by composure, consistency and determination, as she successfully navigated the competition to claim a place on the podium against a world-class field.

“Adeshina’s medal carries significance far beyond the podium. Before her performance in Glasgow, only two Nigerians had ever won Commonwealth Games medals in the high jump,” he said. (NAN).