Football/World Cup 2026: Stopira returns to the national team to fill gaps in the defence

Cidade da Praia, 2 September (Inforpress) – Cape Verdean international defender Ianique Tavares, better known as Stopira, has been called back to the national team to strengthen the defence, which has been severely affected by a wave of injuries.

Defender Wagner Pina and forwards Garry Rodrigues and Nuno da Costa, initially called up, will miss Cabo Verde's national team matches against Mauritius and Cameroon.

According to the Cape Verdean Football Federation, after talks with coach Pedro Brito ‘Bubista’, the experienced player, who had announced the end of his international career, agreed to return and once again wear the “Tubarões Azuis” shirt.

Stopira, who plays for Torreense in Portugal, has made more than 50 international appearances over 16 years with the national team.

OM/HF

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