Naija, make I tell you something wey sweet well well: Cape Verde, the small island country for West Africa, don finally make am to World Cup for first time ever. Dem dey call dem Blue Sharks, and dem don swim enter Group H where dem go face Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The whole thing na big achievement for country wey population just around 500,000 for island, but with another 500,000 plus for diaspora for United States.
The coach, Pedro Leitão Brito, wey dem know as Bubista, don build team wey get unity and identity. The players dey come from 14 different countries, with 25 clubs wey dem represent. Six of dem born for Rotterdam, wey pass the number wey born for capital Praia. But for Cape Verde, immigration no be problem—na something dem embrace. Bubista tok say: “Unity among people with different mindsets can only be achieved by respecting the uniqueness of each player.”
The team get strong spine, with Ryan Mendes as captain and top scorer. At 36, Mendes still dey important, and e fit become first centurion for Cape Verde history if e play for World Cup. Another hero na Dailon Livramento, the centre-forward wey join team just two years ago but don score four goals for qualifying, including winner against Cameroon and opener against Eswatini. Livramento born for Rotterdam, and e be musician too—e get brother for Dutch hip-hop group Broederliefde wey perform for after-party when qualification secure.
Kevin Pina na the midfield engine wey don make Russia im home, leading Krasnodar to league title for 2025. Alongside Deroy Duarte, Pina dey do dirty work wey allow attackers shine. E no score plenty, but when e score, e dey sweet—screamers, dem call am. The defence get Pico Lopes, Irish-born centre-back for Shamrock Rovers, wey tok say: “Just because we’re a small nation doesn’t mean we give up possession. We always have that quality and killer instinct.”
One big worry na Logan Costa, Villarreal centre-back wey tear ACL last summer and never play this season. If e fit, e go add quality to defence. But the team spirit high, and fans dey ready to support. Andreia Levy, leader of supporters club 12Tubaron, tok say many fans want go US but Trump policies dey cause wahala. Even though some dey boycott, Levy say: “We need to support the guys.”
Former international Sandro Mendes, wey play for Cape Verde and later coach, tell Koora say the team fit surprise. E believe say Cape Verde hold advantage over Saudi Arabia for certain conditions and even fit cause Spain problems. The team style na island-inspired football, with technical forwards like Ryan Mendes, Willy Semedo and Jovane Cabral. Dem no dey fear big teams—dem go play with morabeza, the national slogan wey mean “no stress”.
The whole country dey behind dem. From music to flags, the Blue Sharks go represent for USA with color and vibes. Soraia Ramos song “Nha Terra” don become anthem. Whether dem go pass group stage or not, one thing sure: Cape Verde don arrive for world stage.
