The Nation Newspaper

Tag: 2018 FIFA World Cup

  • Nigeria will be ready for World Cup in 2022 – Odegbami

    Adeyinka Akintunde

     

    Former Nigerian international, Chief Segun Odegbami has advised Nigerians to be humble, and not expect much from the Super Eagles as they go into the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in Russia today.

    The 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner gave this advice in Channel Televison’s Sunrise Daily”.

    Odegbami expressed joy in the fact that for the first time, the players have no problems as regards finance, which suggests a possibility of a good outing in Russia. But, he cautioned that it would be too much for Nigerians to expect the Super Eagles to win the World Cup in this edition.

    Odegbami analysed: “They had a good outing, defeating Argentina in a friendly match, and I think that is the best preparation we can have going to the World Cup, because the odds tip them as one of the favourites to win the World Cup.

    “But looking at their recent friendly results can stir up some worries. I think those results should be a wake-up call to the coaches, not to allow what happened against Argentina to dominate their thoughts. They should realise that they are going into the most difficult football competition and should be prepared for it.

    “As we go, I want Nigerians to be humble. We should enjoy the World Cup and show respect to our opponents. Those of us that will be watching on television should enjoy the tournament, and not hope that Nigeria will win the World Cup because we cannot win it. We don’t have the team that can win on July 15, but we can go a bit far at the tournament.”

    Odegbami believed that tagging the Super Eagles as underdogs, even against their first opponents Croatia is a good thing. For him, Nigeria could spring surprises during the tournament.

    “The Super Eagles can sometimes be like Arsenal, who play like potential world champions today and then play like secondary school students tomorrow. That is why I said they cannot win the World Cup because to be champions require consistency,” he said.

    Read Also: Odegbami sends Goodwill Message

    The former national team captain said that the current Super Eagles squad was a team for the future and not the current World Cup. He said the team should be ready to explode in the 2022 World Cup.

    Odegbami explained: “For the first time, we have a team that is playing like a team, but we don’t have any exceptional player in the mould of a Jay-Jay Okocha or Nwankwo Kanu or Muda Lawal, people who can on their own take up responsibility and do exceptional things for the team. The only person that comes close in our current team is Victor Moses.  So we are going to the World Cup with a future team. Thanks to Coach Gernot Rohr, there is much more understanding in this team than our previous Super Eagles.”

    Speaking on the issue of the goalkeepers, Odegbami observed that the Super Eagles do not have problem with the goalkeepers, but with the defence line. “We have a tall and good-statured Francis Uzoho, and we have an energetic Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who is like the Best Ogedengbe of those days, but they depend on the defence line, which is where I think we have problems.  I think we have good goalkeepers that will do well.”

    The FIFA World Cup begins on Thursday, June 14, 2018 in Moscow, and Nigeria kick off their campaign two days later against Croatia, in a match Odegbami thinks the Super Eagles will perform poorly “but will pick up against Iceland, and will be in the form of their lives against Argentina. I see Nigeria progressing to the second round.”

  • World Cup: Super Eagles arrive in Russia

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria have touched down in Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

    According to reports on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official Twitter handle, the players and their officials landed in their Essentuki base in the early hours of Tuesday.

    The Super Eagles flew out of their Avita Resort in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria, to Russia on Monday for the 21st FIFA World Cup finals – Nigeria’s sixth appearance in seven finals since making a memorable debut in the U.S. in 1994.

    A picture of the players alighting from aircraft in a unique traditional outfit was also posted on the NFF Twitter page with a short tweet which read: “@FIFA World Cup. Welcome, NGA!”

    Read Also: Nigeria should excel in Russia, says ANN

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Gernot Rohr’s men are expected to have their first training session following their arrival on Tuesday.

    They are the last team in Group D to arrive in Russia for the tournament, with Argentina and Iceland jetting in on Saturday.
    Croatia arrived in Russia on Monday.

    Nigeria will take on Croatia on Saturday in their opening Group D fixture at the Kaliningrad Stadium.
    The 2018 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 14 to July 15.

    NAN

  • Nigeria fall to England in Wembley

    Adeyinka Akintunde

     

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria continued preparations to the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 loss to  England at the Wembley Stadium, London, in an international friendly match.

    Two first half goals from Gary Cahill at the seventh minute and Harry Kane after 39 minutes sealed the victory for the Three Lions, and a 47th minute consolation from Alex Iwobi was insufficient for Nigeria to leave London avoiding a defeat.

    Kieran Trippier had a chance six minutes into the match when he stepped up and curled the ball around the wall but goalkeeper Francis Uzoho to palmed it away for a corner. The resulting corner became the first goal, Gary Cahill converting the corner kick.

    Gernot Rohr’s men almost got the leveler 26 minutes into the match, as they sneak in past the Three Lions backline. Unfortunately, Odion Ighalo could not get to a twisting pass before 24- year old Jordan Pickford.

    Harry Kane doubled the lead after Shehu Abdullahi carelessly lost possession and the Tottenham Hotspur took advantage, finding space on the edge of the box before smashing it into the bottom corner.

    The Super Eagles began the second half with four substitutes that saw the introduction ofd Tyrone Ebuehi, John Ogu, Oghenekaro Etebo and Kelechi Iheanacho, and that brought a lot of spark to the Nigerian side.

    Read Also: Full-Time: England 2 – 1 Nigeria: Fans Boo Dele Alli

    Nigeria halved the deficit just as the second half began courtesy of Alex Iwobi’s cool finish after Odion Ighalo had struck the upright. This made Iwobi the first Nigerian to score in an international match against England.  All attempts to find the equalizer proved abortive.

    Speaking at the end of the match, England Manager, Gareth Southgate said “I think we played really well than in recent games. We were deservedly two goals up in the first half. The period leading up to their goal, they changed their system and we took some time to adjust. But after that we dealt with it well. It was a decent exercise for us to adjust to that.

    The Super Eagles have thus had four international friendly matches ahead of the World Cup, recording a slim victory over Poland in Wrowclaw, a draw against DR Congo and two losses against Serbia and England. They take a final trip to Austria where they face Czech Republic on Wednesday.

    Nigeria, grouped in Group D alongside Croatia, Argentina and Iceland, begins their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 16th, 2018.

  • World Cup: Saraki splashes N18M on Eagles

    Ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Senate President Bukola Saraki (CON) has doled out the sum of N18m (50,0000USD) to the Super Eagles to help boost their morale for the Mundial.

    The Senate President has also pledged undisclosed monetary reward suspected to be in US dollars for every unreplied goal the team scored at the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.

    This was revealed on Tuesday as Saraki bade the Eagles farewell for the 21st FIFA World Cup which commence June 14, at an organized forum in Abuja.

    The senator described Coach Gernot Rohr led Eagles as the best set ever and a team without faction.

    “I have been following the performances and general behaviour of this squad. I must confess that I am very impressed. We no longer have schisms and different camps in the same camp, and you sacrifice a lot for the country without demanding so much before you go to battle.

    “From the captain, Mikel Obi to the newest member of the squad, I assure you of the love of the entire country and the well –wishes of every Nigerian as you go to the FIFA World Cup and in fact, in all your endeavours,” he said.

    President, Nigeria football Federation Amaju Pinnick lauded Saraki for his proven love for, support and encouragement of the three –time African champions during the FIFA World Cup qualifying race and even before.

    “The Nigeria Football Federation and this team are indebted to you for your huge support all the time. Your love and keen interest has contributed much to keep this team going and reaching for higher heights.

    “I must note that we are lucky to have a manager like Rohr who himself is calm, focused and very dedicated to his job, as well as a captain like Mikel who is very humble and God-fearing. The sky will be the limit for this team.

     “The Nigeria Football Federation and this team are indebted to you for your huge support all the time. Your love and keen interest has contributed much to keep this team going and reaching for higher heights.”

    Senators Ahmed Misau and Baba Kaka Garbai joined the senate President at the forum.  Also  in attendance were NFF 2nd Vice President, Mallam Shehu Dikko; Executive Committee member, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau; General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi and Managing Director of Transcorp Hilton, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo among other dignitaries.

  • Alves to miss 2018 World Cup

    The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Friday that Paris St Germain defender, Dani Alves, would miss the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia due to a knee injury.

    Alves limped off near the end of Tuesday’s French Cup Final win over third-tier Les Herbiers, Reuters reported.

    The Brazilian team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, flew to Paris to examine the player and decided surgery was necessary after diagnosing an injury to his right anterior cruciate ligament.

    “It is clear that Daniel Alves’ call-up for the period of preparation, friendlies and consequently the World Cup, is impossible,” the CBF said in a statement.

    Brazil play warm-up matches against Croatia on June 3 and Austria on June 10, before kicking off its World Cup campaign on June 17 against Switzerland.

    The five-time world champions will also play Costa Rica and Serbia in the tournament group E.

    The 35-year-old Alves has over 100 caps and is one of the squad’s most experienced players.

     

  • I am prepared for Russia – Iwobi

    Super Eagles striker, Alex Iwobi has declared that he is fully prepared for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He strongly believes that he will do well in the mundial.

    Iwobi, whose goal sealed Nigeria’s place in the World Cup, in the 1-0 victory over Zambia on 7th October 2017, told FIFA.Com that he knows what to expect in his first appearance at the biggest football tournament on earth, going by the regular trainings he has received with world-class players.

    “The fact that I have been training with world-class players every day has given me a bit of experience, so I know what to expect in Russia,” Iwobi said. “The intensity I train at with Arsenal is very high, so I’m preparing in a good way.

    Read Also: How Iwobi achieved ‘Uncle Jay Jay’s’ feat

    “It was always my dream as a kid, so I can’t wait to be involved. I’m looking forward to the atmosphere and wearing the colours of Nigeria. I feel like I can do well.”

    Speaking on his reactions to the goal that qualified the Super Eagles to the World Cup, Iwobi said he would never have guessed doing something like that early in his career.

    “It is difficult to describe, as the feeling was crazy. I remember looking at the crowd and seeing my parents jumping. I almost cried, it was emotional. I would never have guessed that I would do something like that so early in my career. I had dreams about it, but the fact that my dreams came true – I can’t put into words how I felt.

    “After the game I went to the hotel and my mum and dad were both there. Just seeing them, I almost burst into tears again.”

    Nigeria begins their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign against Croatia on 16th June, then they book a date against Iceland on 22nd June, four days before their final group match against familiar foes, Argentina whom the Eagles have lost to by a one-goal margin in four previous meetings at the World Cup.

  • Super Eagles ready for World Cup despite loss to Serbia – Dalung

    The Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, said on Wednesday the Super Eagles 0-2 loss to Serbia in a pre-World Cup friendly played on Tuesday in London would not affect the team performance when the tournaments gets underway in Russia in June.

    The minister said: “I’m quite confident of the Super Eagles. We mustn’t win every match before we can say we are prepared.”

    The defeat, he said, would only put the team on their toes ensuring a good outing in Russia.

    Dalung added: “The major highlights of the Ministry of Sports’ achievements are the democratisation of the national federation by the ministry as a policy trust. It has gone a long way in improving performances in sports. It has also rebuilt the confidence of our athletes which is giving the ministry the desirable results we are having.

    “Before 2017, the situation in the national federations where the minister had the power to appoint 150 board members and these were seen as political appointments which were counter- productive to the progress and development of sports and we have overcome that.

    “We also analysed national federations and their performances one after the other and of course it has been harvest of medals since the reforms in the national federations.

    “Then we looked at the issue of youth development where the ministry has reviewed the national youth policy which was reviewed last in 2009. We presented this to Council for approval and we looked at youths empowerment programmes of the ministry which trained 400 young people in 2015 and 500 have been trained in 2018 in agro allied services including physical and leadership training. The beneficiaries are usually given take off grants which enable them to establish themselves.

    “We also brought to the Council the progress recorded in National Youth Parliament training program where 109 young people are selected from the 109 senatorial districts in the country and are constituted into a parliament to discuss the issue of young people.

    “Before coming onboard, the programme has been abandoned for a very long time and we resuscitated it. We also informed Council about the last national Council of Sports meeting which we withdrew the hosting right from Calabar which has been with the right since 2012 and has been unable to host the festival. The festival now will take place in November this year in Abuja and the Federal Government is hosting.”

     

  • Russia 2018: NCAC mobilizes 3 million-man support for Super Eagles

    The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) says it is mobilising three million-man support across the globe for the Super Eagles for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    The Director-General of the Council, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe disclosed this in an interview with our reporter on Thursday in Abuja.

    “We will soon open the window on a website, so that if you are supporting Super Eagles, you will key into it.

    “You will be asked one or two questions – Who was the Super Eagles’ captain in 1972? ; Who was the team’s goal keeper in that year? – or other questions.

    “If you answer correctly, you will then get a muffler and other cultural gift items from NCAC.

    Read Also: World Cup: NFF has more work to do for Super Eagles

    “Also, on the days the Super Eagles will be playing their matches, all supporters will wear various traditional attires and hold the country’s national flags,’’ Runsewe said.

    The NCAC boss said the trend was common across football nations of the world and Nigeria would not be an exemption.

    “We will start it here in NCAC, we will go round the world, and yes we must build a cultural support for the supper eagles,’’ he said.

    Speaking on the economy, Runsewe underscored the need for the country to sustain its diversification agenda to move the nation away from mono-oil economy.

    He said the arts, tourism, culture and entertainment sector was a low hanging fruit that should be explored to replace oil in generating revenue for the country.

    “We must think outside the box and not oil all the time; some day, this oil will dry up, but arts and culture will never dry up.

    “I was at the Brazilian Embassy sometimes ago and somebody was requesting for Pele’s painting in millions of dollar.

    “Why should somebody not ask for the painting of Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Okala, Jay-Jay Okocha or Christian Chukwu?

    “These are things we are working towards to happen in the arts and culture sector,’’ Runsewe said.

    NAN

  • FIFA World Cup™ ticket sales proceed on FIFA.com

    FIFA World Cup™ ticket sales proceed on FIFA.com

    – over 2,300,000 tickets requested since 5 December

    Fans from all around the world can apply for 2018 FIFA World Cup™ ticket s as the first window of sales phase 2 proceeds through the official platform FIFA.com/tickets.

    Until 31 January, fans can apply for individual match tickets for all matches (except for the opening match and final) and venue-specific tickets for all stadiums, as well as supporter tickets and conditional supporter tickets for official fans of the 32 teams. If the number of tickets requested by 31 January 2018 exceeds the number of available tickets, the allocation will be based on a random selection draw procedure, with fans being informed of its outcome by 12 March 2018 at the latest. During the current sales period, it will make no difference whether applications are submitted on day one, the last day or any time in between, as all will have the same chance of being successful.

  • Super Eagles to get World Cup allowances upfront – Minister

    Super Eagles to get World Cup allowances upfront – Minister

    The Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, said on Tuesday that Super Eagles players would be given all encouragement to excel at next year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    He said the team’s allowances would be paid upfront from March next year.

    Dalung put the team expenses at N3 billion.

    The minister spoke with State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said: “By March, we intend to start paying the players their allowances and camping allowances upfront. Now, that will go a long way to boost the morale of the players and confidence too. The new method of governance in football has taken the pattern of change. We will also ensure that there is unity within the football family.

    “Because unity too is a key factor going by some of the reports we had in the past where poor performances were attributable to lack of unity between the family, the technical team,  the officials and the players.  This unity has to be promoted.

    “Finally, we will also ensure that government makes funds available on time.  That has been the reason the budget for the competition has since been sent to the President for a special intervention so that government can make provision for some of the funds we need for training now before other things can come up.”

    “Well we have a conservative budget of about N3 billion but out of that N3 billion, FIFA is going to raise about N900 million.  Our sponsors and partners are also going to put about N600 million, government will conservatively raise about N2 billion or N2.5 billion to compliment.

    “This time, we also intend to mobilize a very strong federal government delegation that will support the team because game of sports is also about number. The number of people you have on ground can also give support to the players and intimidate the opponents. So, we intend to go with at least a good size of the federal government delegation to give the team support.”