Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has described his side’s Round of 32 encounter against Japan as their “first final” of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging his players to remain calm and focused in the knockout stages.

The five-time world champions will face Japan in Houston, with Ancelotti insisting the Seleção cannot afford to underestimate an opponent that defeated them 3-2 in an international friendly last October.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti stressed that knockout football demands mental strength as much as technical quality.

“We’ll need a very strong mentality, a lot of heart, and clear ideas. We have to be ready for anything that can happen in a knockout match because in these games, anything really can happen,” Ancelotti said.

Despite the challenge, the veteran Italian remains optimistic about his team’s chances.

He added, “I believe the team is ready, motivated and confident. The last two matches went well, and we’ll be prepared for any situation.”

Ancelotti urged his players not to become overwhelmed by the significance of the occasion, reminding them that success depends on executing their game plan.

“In the end, it’s still a football match, even if it’s part of an extraordinary event like the World Cup. You have to know how to handle the pressure by staying focused on what needs to be done on the pitch,” he explained.

The former Real Madrid boss also highlighted the importance of teamwork against a disciplined Japanese side.

He added, “We’ll have to take care of every aspect, both defensively and offensively, playing as a team. We’re facing a strong, organised and quality opponent, so having clear ideas will be crucial.”

The Brazil coach also provided an encouraging update on Neymar’s fitness ahead of the knockout encounter. The forward has gradually increased his training workload after an interrupted preparation for the tournament.

“He’s improving a lot. In the last week, he’s made great progress. It’s a shame he couldn’t train consistently from the start of the camp, but now he’s able to work for longer periods and is in good condition,” Ancelotti revealed.

However, Ancelotti stopped short of confirming whether Neymar would feature against Japan.

“Whether he plays will depend on the context and how the match unfolds,” he added.

With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, Brazil will be aiming to avoid an upset against an ambitious Japanese side and continue their pursuit of a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup title.

Nigerian international Maduka Okoye has become a hot commodity in the summer transfer window following an impressive season with Udinese in Serie A.

The goalkeeper was a standout performer for the Italian club, securing ten clean sheets in 30 appearances and establishing himself as one of the league’s most reliable shot-stoppers.

Okoye has also excelled for the Super Eagles, stepping up in the absence of Stanley Nwabali to deliver commanding performances.

The Udinese shotstopper had a decent outing in recent fixtures against Portugal and Poland, which has piqued the interest of top European clubs.

According to reports from Eagle Media, 16-time Turkish Süper Lig champions Beşiktaş have identified Okoye as a primary transfer target.

The Istanbul-based club is determined to build a title-contending team for new manager Vincenzo Italiano.

Strengthening their defence is a key priority for the Black Eagles after they conceded 40 goals in the league last season.

Okoye is seen as the ideal candidate to shore up their backline, with his knack for crucial saves, confidence on the ball, and commanding presence in the penalty area making him a highly sought-after player.

Udinese are believed to be open to a sale and have reportedly started searching for potential replacements.

Italian powerhouse Juventus are also linked with Okoye as part of their squad overhaul, but a formal offer has not yet materialised.

The Italian club is expected to demand a higher fee, as the 26-year-old still has two years remaining on his contract.

The Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to shut down academic activities in seven state owned universities in Edo, Delta and Ondo States if the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement is not implemented in the payment of July salaries.

Institution to be affected by the strike action are the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Delta State University, Abraka; University of Delta, Agbor; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; and Southern Delta University, Ozoro.

Zonal coordinator of ASUU Benin Zone, Prof. Monday Igbafen, said the union has exhausted engagement witth Governors of the affected States.

Prof. Igbafen said all federal universities and ten state universities nationwide have fully implemented the Agreement, including the payment of arrears.

Igbafen stated that the next salary of its members in these universities must reflect the CATA component and all other allowances stipulated in the Agreement and all accrued arrears from January 2026 must be paid in full, without delay.

According to him, “We state, with all sense of responsibility, that any failare or further prevarication by the three State Governments will inevitably provoke a total, comprehensive, and indefinite industrial action.

“ASUU remains committed to industrial peace in our universities. However, peace without justice is a mirage. The only path to lasting harmony is the immediate and full implementation of the Agreement.

“We therefore call on the Governors of Edo, Ondo, and Delta States to act now, before our universities are shut down.”

Prof. Igbafen described non-implementation of the agreement was provocative and unjust.

“Our members in these institutions are being shortchanged by the Governors and Visitors of Edo. Ondo, and Delta States, who have failed to provide the financial backing required for implementatior.

“The Benin Zone views with the continued refusal to implement the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement at Ambrose Alii University, Ekpome; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Delta State University, Abraka; University of Delta, Agbor; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; and Southern Delta University, Ozoro, with grave concern.

“The patience of our Congresses in these universities has been exhausted. For six months, our members have awaited concrete steps toward the implementation of the Agreement. In return, they have been met only with trivialization and disregard.

“We therefore inform you that our Congresses in the affected State universities have commenced full mobilization for a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike, in response to the persistent failure of the Governments of Edo, Ondo, and Delta States to honour the Agreement.”