Cape Verde sensational goalkeeper Vozinha’s mum arrives in U.S. ahead of Uruguay clash
Candida Evora, the mother of Cape Verdean goalkeeping hero Vozinha, has arrived in the United States of America ahead of the West African country’s 2026 FIFA World Cup second Group H match against Uruguay on Sunday.
Vozinha, who became a viral sensation after his notable performance in Cape Verde’s historic 1-1 draw against Spain in their World Cup opener on Monday, tearfully expressed his disappointment that his mother was unable to travel to the United States of America due to visa issues.
The situation of the 40-year-old caught the attention of the U.S. House of Representatives minority leader, Hakeem Jeffries, who wrote to the Secretary of State Marco Rubio to facilitate the approval of necessary documents for Ms Evora to travel to the U.S. in time for the Uruguay match.
“The Cabo Verde national football team shocked Spain on the strength of a historic performance by goalkeeper Vozinha. His mom was unable to be there because of visa complications.
“No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history. I have asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to do everything in his power to ensure that she can attend Cabo Verde’s next match on Sunday,” Mr Jeffries stated.
Mr Jeffries later announced that Mr Rubio had agreed to facilitate the reunion of the mother and her son. He also stated that the visa bond of up to $15,000 imposed on citizens of dozens of countries, including Cape Verde, would be waived.
Ms Evora was granted a visa on Thursday. She arrived at the Miami International Airport on Friday evening, and welcomed by members of staff wearing FIFA accreditation.
“I want to wish him good luck and a good match,” Ms Evora said as she walked through a huddle of reporters.
Commenting on the news that her mother was on her way to the United States of America, Vozinha said “For me, this is very important because all my family always supports me in everything.”
He added, “And to have her here, for me, it’s something special. My father also is here and my brother, so I am very happy. I wish I could bring more, maybe my brothers and sisters and nephews, but I think sometimes it’s difficult.”
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
World
Mamdani Threat: Trump says Netanyahu won’t be arrested in U.S.
Mr Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Monday, dismissed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s threat to arrest the Israeli leader to face prosecution at the International Criminal Court in The
Politics
Gov Aiyedatiwa celebrates Akeredolu’s legacy on posthumous birthday
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has paid tribute to Rotimi Akeredolu on his 70th posthumous birthday.
Economy
Vehicle duty reduction helpful not transformative: Stakeholders
Transport stakeholders say the federal government’s reduction in vehicle import duties has provided modest relief but is yet to transform the transport sector.
Economy
U.S. 50% tariff violates trade agreement, threatens Canada’s sovereignty: Carney
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the U.S. 50 per cent trade tariff, saying it violates the free trade agreement between Canada, America, and Mexico.
Hot news Home top
Husband pays ‘hired killer’ $1,720 advance to murder his wife, mother-in-law
The aggrieved husband wanted his wife killed because she planned to file for divorce.
Anti-Corruption
Agricultural firm Scoular to pay over $10 million to resolve foreign bribery case
Scoular employees communicated about shipments and bribes. In total, Scoular authorised bribes of more than $400,000 and avoided fees and costs of more than $6.5 million.
