₦airaland Forum

Have you ever wondered why Marc Cucurella never ties his famous curly hair during matches? The reason has touched the hearts of football fans around the world.

For most people, Marc Cucurella's long hair is simply his signature look. But for the Spain defender, it carries a much deeper meaning. He has shared that he keeps his hair loose because his eldest son, Mateo, who has autism, uses it to easily recognize him on the football field and during television broadcasts.

Cucurella and his partner, Claudia Rodriguez, have spoken openly about their family's journey after noticing early signs that Mateo was developing differently. They spent years searching for answers, finding the right diagnosis, and making sure he received the support, education, and therapy he needed. By sharing their experience, they hope to raise awareness and help other families recognize the early signs of autism.

The football star has also revealed that family comes before football when making career decisions. Before considering a move to a new club, he makes sure the city can provide suitable schools and therapy services for Mateo.

Sometimes the smallest things carry the biggest meaning. For millions of fans, Marc Cucurella's hair is part of his identity. For his son, it is a familiar sign that helps him find his father, making every match a little more special for their family.

emmy512:
It was just last year I learned about this condition and after searching the name on google

That’s the fastest I’ve closed a page and never again

Pretty sure no one feels ok seeing it but no one should talk down or bully someone suffering from it

muyico:
Damn irritating
Try to dey apply makeup like women
Or try plastic surgery

Oluwadamilare Joseph grew up thinking the tumours on his face were completely natural until the relentless abuse from strangers forced him to hide away.

The 21-year-old was diagnosed with trichoepithelioma when he was just six years old.

It is a rare genetic condition that causes tumours to grow from hair follicles.

Because his mum, brothers and cousins all live with the condition, the 21-year-old thought his skin was completely normal.

But growing up in Cross River State, Nigeria, the bullying became relentless.

He says he had to stop going to secondary school on Fridays just to cope with the discrimination.

Even now, strangers stop him in the street to make uneducated guesses about his face. ‼

People often assume he has a contagious disease like monkeypox or chickenpox.

And the cruelty has followed him online.

After building an audience of over 100,000 followers on TikTok to raise awareness, trolls began targeting his account.

Strangers send him direct messages telling him he should be isolated from society and demanding he delete his profile.

His page has even been suspended three times because people keep maliciously reporting his videos out of ignorance.

Yet Oluwadamilare says he just wants to educate people.

"Some people stop me on the street to ask questions that I have to live with for the rest of that week," he said.

wealthyvic1:
She is a product of a failed society

planetx:
21k in the US is poverty wage, earning N1million in Nigeria is far better.

Ooni of Ife confers chieftaincy title on Baba Ijesha, gifts him new car

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has conferred a chieftaincy title on Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, and also presented him with a brand new car.

Baba Ijesha disclosed the development in a Facebook post late Thursday, where he expressed appreciation to the monarch for the honour, warm reception and gifts extended to him and his wife, Afolashade Omiyinka, popularly known as Luminee.

He also revealed that he was bestowed with the chieftaincy title of Baba Awada Konge Oduwa.

The latest development comes weeks after the actor and his celebrity stylist partner, Luminee, welcomed a baby boy named King Kagar Omiyinka.

Baba Ijesha announced the birth of their son in an Instagram post where he thanked God for the child and described the newborn as a blessing to his family.

Tribune Online recalls that Baba Ijesha was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment in July 2022 after he was convicted for sexually assaulting a minor.

He was, however, released in November 2025 after spending more than three years in prison.

**😂 Instead of wishing his hospitalized father a speedy recovery, this guy asked about the inheritance. His dad's response? A swift slap. 👋😅** pic.twitter.com/Bfo20LiphK

— Super 96.3FM - Nõ. 1 Family Radio (@Superfm963) June 30, 2026

Daredevil couple Angela Nikolau, Ivan Beerkus got engaged... and then arrested... after a brazen climb to the top of the Empire State Building in New York City.

They were seen holding a pro-peace banner at the very top of the spire. It appeared to read, "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace."

The Yoruba movie industry has lost one of its respected veterans following the death of actor and cleric Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known by his screen name, Elegbeje Ado.

Adeshina reportedly passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, after a brief illness. He was 66.

News of his demise was confirmed by filmmaker Seun Oloketuyi, sparking an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans and admirers who remembered his immense contribution to Yoruba-language cinema.

Widely admired for his commanding use of the Yoruba language and his compelling performances in traditional and historical films, Adeshina became a household name through his portrayal of memorable characters in classic Yoruba productions. His nickname, Elegbeje Ado, originated from one of the roles that brought him widespread recognition early in his acting career.

In recent years, the late actor devoted more of his time to Christian ministry while remaining active in filmmaking. Around 2025, he shifted his focus to producing and featuring in gospel-themed movies, blending evangelism with his passion for storytelling. Among the faith-based projects he worked on was Egberun Odun.

Beyond his career on screen, Adeshina was outspoken about his personal convictions. In previous interviews, he recounted facing pressure to join secret societies within the entertainment industry but maintained that he rejected such advances, choosing instead to remain steadfast in his Christian faith.

His passing marks the end of a career that spanned decades and left a lasting imprint on the Yoruba film industry, where he will be remembered for his cultural authenticity, powerful performances and commitment to his beliefs.

A Lagos-based security operative, Adebanjo Samuel, has been commended for displaying exceptional integrity after returning a customer’s misplaced $9,100 while on duty at a First City Monument Bank branch in Marina, Lagos.

The incident, which occurred on May 25, 2026, was confirmed in a statement issued by Proton Security Service Limited to PUNCH Metro on Tuesday.

According to the company, Adebanjo’s action has further reinforced confidence in the discipline, professionalism, and integrity of personnel deployed across its client locations.

The statement partly read, “Adebanjo has been hailed as a true hero, showing that something great can still come out of here.”

“In recognition of this outstanding conduct, Proton Security has announced plans to host a special civic reception at its corporate headquarters.

“During the event, Adebanjo will be formally honoured and rewarded for his exemplary display of integrity. The occasion will bring together colleagues, family members, friends, industry stakeholders, and representatives of the media in celebration of a remarkable act of honesty,” the statement added.