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Tag: FIFA World Cup

  • Russia 2018: Lukaku strikes twice, as Belgium down Panama

    Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium broke the resistance of a brave Panama side on their World Cup debut, securing a 3-0 victory in the opening match of Group G in the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    Dries Mertens shot home a superb volley two minutes into the second half, sending the ball arcing over Jaime Penedo after Panama struggled to clear a cross.

    Lukaku’s hard work up front was rewarded when he headed home Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliant pass off the outside off his foot to make it 2-0 in the 69th minute and the big striker latched on to an Eden Hazard pass to complete the scoring with a neat finish.

    The debutants suffered a shaky start as Lukaku went close for Belgium in the opening minute after an incisive pass from De Bruyne set Yannick Carrasco free down the left, but the striker fired wide.

    Read Also: Russia 2018: Uruguay pip Egypt 1-0

    Despite being forced to spend much of the game defending, the Panamanians showed strength, speed and trickery when they did break forward, and they created chances of their own in a scoreless first half.

    The opening matches at the World Cup have seen Brazil and Argentina both draw their first games against Switzerland and Iceland respectively, with holders Germany losing to Mexico.

    But Belgium ensured there would be no upset at the Fisht Stadium with Mertens opening the scoring two minutes in, and as the underdogs started to chase an equalizer the space opened up.

  • Brazil held to 1-1 by Switzerland in Group E opener

    A second half header from Steven Zuber cancelled out a sensational early goal from Philippe Coutinho as Switzerland and Brazil drew 1-1 in a tight Group E World Cup opener on Sunday.

    With 20 minutes gone, Coutinho gathered a 25-yard clearance from goal and curled a shot into the far corner off the post to give the five-time world champions the lead.

    However, Switzerland, who had looked toothless throughout the first half, got back on level terms five minutes into the second half.

    Zuber rose unmarked to head home a corner kick.

    Coutinho had Brazil’s best chance after the break but shot wide.

    The result means that Serbia lead Group E after beating Costa Rica 1-0 earlier in the day. (Reuters/NAN)

  • 2026 FIFA World Cup: Mixed reactions trail Morocco’s failed bid

    For many who had hoped another African country would get the nod to host the senior FIFA World Cup, they were disappointed on Wednesday when Morocco failed the 2026 FIFA World Cup bid in Russia.

    The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada after FIFA’s congress voted on Wednesday to back the joint bid by the three countries.

    All 211 Member Associations of FIFA voted at it’s 68th Congress in the Russian capital to choose between African candidate Morocco and the joint bid of the USA, Canada and Mexico.

    The North American bid beat the rival Morocco proposal, winning 134 votes to 65 for Morocco.

    A cross section of football enthusiasts who spoke to NAN expressed disappointment at the outcome of the result, while others were indifferent, saying the best bid won.

    Tunde Popoola, the Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) said it was indeed a sad development for the continent, adding that his desire was to see another African country hosting the FIFA World Cup.

    “I am absolutely gutted that Morocco missed out of this wonderful opportunity of hosting the world.

    “I think it’s time for FIFA to rotate the hosting of the world Cup from continent to continent.

    “If it is not done Africa will never host the World Cup again,” he said.

    However, Musa Talle, Chairman, FCT Football Association, said the Moroccan bid was already dead even before the votes were cast as it was no match to the American-led bid.

    “Morocco’s bid was believed to be strong with support from a majority of African countries and the European confederation, but it could not match the American-led bid for facilities.

    “Even with their Championship of African Nations (CHAN) stadiums and the promise of more to be built over the next eight years, Morocco had nothing like the resources or experience of each one of its three opponents.

    “Never mind the three combined.

    “Therefore, the race to host the 2026 World Cup was not David against Goliath, but David against three Goliaths,” he said.

    Read Also: Okocha in FIFA Legends squad

    Talle noted that the recently organized CHAN showed how good Morocco could be as a host and organiser, adding, however, that the World Cup was a different ball game.

    “CHAN which is Africa’s secondary international tournament is incomparable to the World Cup.

    “Of course, CHAN allowed Morocco to show off some of their new infrastructure, including the impressive new stadium in Agardir.

    “Plenty more will have to be built if they ever hope of standing a chance to host the World Cup,” he said.

    Godwin Bamigboye, the Chairman, FCT Football Coaches Association, corroborated Talle’s view, saying even though he wanted Morocco to win, the combined bid of U.S., Mexico and Canada was superior.

    “The American-led bid completely outstripped Morocco’s bid when it comes to available usable stadiums. The NFL alone has 31, and that does not even cover Canada or Mexico.

    “Nor could Morocco compete in terms of training bases, given the wealth of professional and university sports teams across North America.

    “Nothing in the Morocco bid book came close,” he said.

    Emmanuel Amakiri, the Proprietor of Amakson Football Academy, on his part queried FIFA for allowing the World Cup to be hosted by multiple nations.

    “To have three big countries together… they have proven they can host it alone, so why combine the three?”

    “I’m advocating that henceforth only one nation be allowed to present a single bid for the World Cup because it is not fair to have multiple nations competing against one,” he said.

    The 2022 FIFA World Cup finals will take place in Qatar, while the 2026 finals will be the first to have 48 teams in attendance.

     

  • Top ten African players in FIFA World Cup history

    Even though no African country has exceeded the quarter finals of FIFA World Cup till date, their individual talents right from the inception of this tournament have become spectacular over the years.

    With the FIFA World Cup right beginning June 14th, every African player’s dream is to be named among the best and clinch victory in the long run.

    This dream can only become true if players will sacrifice their best for their country and play as team in the competition.

    More also, the feats of African players in World Cup history in recent times cannot be overemphasized as a result of  their remarkable achievements in the tournament.

    The Nation looking back the history of football, name the top 10 greatest African players in World Cup history.

    However, the selection is based on their individual records and contributions as far as the tournament is concerned.

     

    10. Rabah “Mustapha” Madjer (Algeria)

    Madjer (born 15 December 1958) played for the Algeria national team for 19 years, and was present at the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cup finals. He retired as the nation’s top goalscorer at 28, in 87 caps, having also won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1990 as the hosts incidentally beat Nigeria twice, in the opening match 5–1 and the final 1–0.

    9.  Gnégnéri Yaya Touré (Cote d’lvoire)

    Touré (born 13 May 1983) has been a regular member of the Ivory Coast national team since his debut in 2004. In 2014, he was named captain of the team after the retirement of Didier Drogba. In February 2015, he won his 100th international cap in a 0–0 draw with Cameroon. Also, representing the nation at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup tournaments.

    8. Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia) 

    Bwalya (born 16 August 1963) popularly known as the Great Kalu, is a Zambian former international footballer. He is Zambia’s eighth-most capped player and third on the list of all-time top goal scorers behind Godfrey Chitalu and Alex Chola. Bwalya was named African Footballer of the Year in 1988 by the magazine France Football and was nominated for the 1996 FIFA World Player of the Year where he was voted the 12th-best player in the world, the first to be nominated after playing the entire year for a non-European club.

    7. Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)

    Kanu (born 1 August 1976) is popularly known by fans as “Papilo”. A member of the Nigerian national team from 1994 to 2010, making his debut in friendly against Sweden. At the start of his career, Kanu was instrumental in Nigeria’s overall success at the 1993 FIFA U-17 tournament in Japan and their subsequent 2–1 victory over Ghana in the final. With five goals, he was second joint-scorer in the tournament with Peter Anosike and Manuel Neira, behind compatriot and Captain Wilson Oruma. On 24 June 2010, Kanu ended his international career following Nigeria’s exit from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Nigeria lost their group matches against Argentina and Greece, before a 2–2 draw with South Korea ended their stay in the tournament.

    6. Abedi Pele (Ghana)

    Pele (born 5 November 1964) is a Ghanaian former footballer who played as an attacking midfielder and who served as captain of the Ghana national team. He is regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all-time. He was a captain and was one of the first African football players to earn a top placing in FIFA World Player of the Year voting in 1991 and 1992. He is arguably Africa’s most decorated and honoured football player ever.

    Read Also: World Cup: Super Eagles arrive in Russia

    5. Augustine Azuka Okocha (Nigeria)

    Okocha (born 14 August 1973) also known as “Jay-Jay” made his official debut for Nigeria in their 2–1 1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifier away loss against Ivory Coast in May 1993.It was not until his second cap and home debut that he became a favourite with the Nigerian supporters. With Nigeria trailing 1–0 against Algeria, in a match they needed to win, he scored from a direct free kick to equalise, before helping the team to a 4–1 win, eventually securing qualification to their first World Cup. In 1994, he was a member of both the victorious 1994 African Cup of Nations squad and the World Cup squad who made it to the second round before they lost in a dramatic match against eventual runners-up Italy. He is best known for his creativity and skillfulness on the field of play

    4. Albert Roger Mooh Miller (Cameroon)

    Milla (born 20 May 1952), commonly known as “Roger Milla” made his first appearance for Cameroon in 1973 versus Zaire in a World Cup qualifier. He was a member of Cameroon’s team at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, having a goal disallowed against Peru in their first match. Cameroon went out with three draws from their three first-round games. He returned to the 1994 FIFA World Cup at the age of 42, being the oldest player ever to appear in a World Cup until the 2014 FIFA World Cup when Faryd Mondragón entered in the Colombia vs. Japan game being 43 years and 3 days old, setting a new record. Cameroon were knocked out in the group stages; however, Milla scored a goal against Russia, setting a record as the oldest goal scorer in a World Cup tournament, breaking the record he had set in 1990.

    3. Didier Yves Drogba (Cote d’lvoire)

    Drogba (born 11 March 1978), an Ivory Coast international between 2002 and 2014, captained the national team from 2006 until his retirement from the Ivory Coast team and became the nation’s all-time top goal scorer with 65 goals from 104 appearances. He led the Ivory Coast to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance in the tournament, and also scored their first goal. He contributed to the Ivory Coast to qualify for its first ever FIFA World Cup, held in Germany in 2006.

    2. George Tawlon Weah (Liberia)

    Weah (born 1 October 1966), became the first and only African player to be named FIFA World cup player and Ballon d’Or winner in 1995. As successful as he was at club level, Weah was not able to bring over that success to the Liberia national team. In total, Weah played 60 games for Liberia over 20 years, scoring 22 goals. As one of the smaller nations in world football and perennial underdogs, Weah did everything he could to support the national squad: aside from being the team’s star player, he also later coached the squad and even funded his national side to a large extent. Despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful in helping Liberia qualify for a single FIFA World Cup, falling just a point short in qualifying for the 2002 tournament.

    1. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

    Eto’o (born 10 March 1981), became the first man to be named African Player of the Year for four consecutive times. He made his first World Cup in 1998, being the youngest player ever to appear in a World Cup until the 2008 FIFA World Cup when Victor Manon, being 16 years 15 days, setting a new record. He scored his sole goal of the 2002 FIFA World Cup when he netted the game-winner against Saudi Arabia during the group stage on 6 June 2002, which was Cameroon’s only win of the competition.

  • Super Eagles’ World Cup travel outfit causes stir on social media

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles have caught the attention of the football world again with their unique travel outfit to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    The team’s World Cup jersey has been the most talked-about in the build-up to the Coupe de Mundial, with many rating it as the best.

    Football fans queued outside stores to get their hands the kits produced by Nike on it the day it was officially released into the market.

    The Super Eagles had flown out of their Avita Resort in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria, to Russia on Monday for the 21st FIFA World Cup finals.

    The players and officials landed in their Essentuki base in the early hours of Tuesday.

    Pictures of the players in the traditional wear flooded the social media on the day of the team’s departure for Russia.

    “First, it was the announcement of their tournament kits that sent football supporters crazy. Now it is their travel attire that has got everybody talking,” the Daily Mail wrote.

    “They nailed it with their kits, and have delivered the goods yet again as they boarded their plane to Russia, wearing traditional Nigerian clothes – Buba and Sokoto.

    “From head to toe, the Nigerian squad indulged in their culture and clearly has no intentions of blending in with the crowd.

    “While sticking to tradition, however, designers of their outfits have also kept faith with football by placing footballs on the collars of the white-and -green outfits.”

    BBC Sport reporter and presenter, John Bennett, tweeted: “First the amazing shirts, now these outfits… The Nigeria team is not only just getting on the plane to Russia but already winning.”

    United Kingdom news outlet, The Sun, also wrote about Nigeria’s travel outfit.

    “Nigeria once again won the fashion stakes at this year’s World Cup with their incredible travel outfit.

    “Captain John Obi Mikel led his side to Russia in the head-turning green-and-white attire that featured footballs below the collars.

    “The Nigeria squad looked every inch the dapper chaps as they arrived in Russia.

    “This formal look has sent everyone into a frenzy all over again, with the immaculate design being complemented by matching shoes and hats.”

    The Sun also compiled some social media users’ reactions about the outfit.

    “Nigeria should be advanced to the World Cup final for the team’s travel outfits alone,” one social media user wrote.

    Another wrote: “Why the hell are Nigerians’ everything so ‘yes’? First their kits, now these outfits!”

    Another user posted: “Nigeria is winning this 2018 World Cup fashion parade.”

    “If the Russia World Cup is all about fashion, Nigeria will lift the trophy before even kicking a ball,’’ another fan wrote, with one other writing, “Looking dapper guys.”

  • 78-year old Polish fan heads to his 11th FIFA World Cup

    Dressed in a patriotic red and white suit and a golden crown adorned with small footballs, Andrzej Bobowski is getting ready to attend his 11th FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    The 78-year-old Poland fan has been to every World Cup since 1978, even when his own national team did not qualify.

    There are no such worries this time, though, “I actually dreamt that we’ll play in the final against Russia.

    “I am going to attend the first match with Senegal at Spartak stadium. Then I fly to Kazan … then to Volgograd,” he said.

    Well-known at home as “King of Polish fans”, Bobowski, nicknamed Bobo, said he had been told by fans he has met at previous tournaments to expect a “royal welcome” in Kazan.

    The former builder, who also supports the Polish club champions Legia Warszawa, has seen 135 World Cup games since he headed to Argentina in 1978 with a ticket bought by his wife.

    Read Also: FIFA World Cup™ ticket sales proceed on FIFA.com

    Since then, he has married again and even at 78, does not baulk at making the complex travel arrangements for two people.

    “I worked out my routes using the internet: first – where I land, second the hotel, third how to get to the stadium from the hotel,” he said.

    He said his outfits are already prepared.

    For day wear, he has a T-shirt with the contest’s emblem on the front.

    He also has a list of all the World Cups he has attended on the back – with a question mark for Qatar in 2022.

    For the matches, he will wear an appropriately regal coat in Poland’s red-and-white, with its white-eagle crest on the back.

    The coat, made by a local theatre company, has a white furry collar and cuffs with a motif of small footballs.

    Under the coat will be a white tail-coat, red shirt, red bow tie and red trousers.

    And on his head, above the mandatory scarf, a soft golden crown, decorated with badges from the tournaments he has attended, and emblazoned with the slogan “King of Polish fans”.

    NAN

  • 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.

  • Buhari receives FIFA World Cup trophy

    Buhari receives FIFA World Cup trophy

    No financial reward announced for CHAN Eagles 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday received the FIFA World Cup trophy at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The trophy is presently touring 91 cities in 51 countries across the globe ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup competition billed for Russia in June.

    Apart from thanking the world football ruling body, FIFA for allowing the trophy to tour two cities in Nigeria, Abuja and Lagos, President Buhari promised to support the Super Eagles towards winning the trophy in June.

    He was glad that the Super Eagles was the first African team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

    According to him, football has been a great unifying factor among the ethnic groups in the country.

    Even as no cash reward was announced at the short ceremony for the CHAN Eagles that won silver in Morocco, the President said that the country appreciated their efforts.

    “We are proud of you and the team to the Bobsleigh Winter Olympics in South Korea.” He said

    While commending Coca-Cola for their role in football development in Nigeria, he urged other organizations to emulate the company.
    The Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, disclosed that the two ladies that brought honours to Nigeria at the Bobsleigh Winter Olympics in South Korea, were based in the United States and sponsored their training and participation at the competition.

    He noted that the honours coming to Nigeria under the present administration won’t have been possible without the support of the President.

    FIFA representative, Christian Karembeu who presented the FIFA World Cup trophy to President Buhari, urged the Super Eagles to believe in themselves in order to go far in the competition.

    The President of Coca Cola West Africa, Peter Njonjo, hoped that the ceremony on Wednesday would turn out to be a dress rehearsal for the return of the trophy in July if the Super Eagles wins the competition.

     

     

  • FIFA World Cup visits Nigeria

    FIFA World Cup visits Nigeria

    The original trophy of the FIFA World Cup to be handed over to the winning team at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 15 will arrive in Nigeria on Wednesday.

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said on its website on Tuesday that the trophy will arrive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja aboard a chartered flight at 11 a.m.

    The trophy is on a tour of 91 cities in 51 countries across six continents before the 21st FIFA World Cup.

    The competition is scheduled for June 14 to July 15 in Russia.

    The federation said the Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, and several others will receive the trophy.

    Read Also: FIFA insists no security threat for Russia 2018 World Cup

    “From the airport the trophy, accompanied by several other officials, will make its way to the Transcorp Hilton Hotel for a press conference to be addressed by Coca-Cola officials.

    “It will then be on its way to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, where President Muhammadu Buhari will have a feel of the trophy and deliver a welcome remark,’’ the NFF said.

    On Thursday, a whole-day consumer viewing of the trophy is planned for the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.

    The trophy and its accompanying team will then fly into Lagos on Friday morning, to be received by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode and NFF First Vice-President Seyi Akinwunmi.

    There will be a consumer viewing of the trophy at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Saturday, before the trophy departs Nigeria in the evening.

    This is the fourth Global Tour by the FIFA World Cup Trophy, and the third time it will be visiting Nigeria.

    NAN

  • PSG say Neymar to undergo surgery in Brazil

    PSG say Neymar to undergo surgery in Brazil

    Paris St Germain ( PSG ) forward Neymar will undergo surgery in Brazil this week after he suffered a fractured metatarsal and a sprained ankle, the French club said on Wednesday.

    “After tests, and with the player’s agreement, it has been decided that surgery is the best option,” PSG said in a statement. “Neymar Jr will be operated on in Brazil at the end of the week.”

    The surgery will be performed by the Brazil national team doctor and means the 26-year-old Neymar will miss next week’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid.

    PSG trail Real 3-1 ahead of the last 16 second-leg game in Paris on Tuesday.

    Neymar’s father predicted the injury would keep him out for between six to eight weeks.

    Read Also: PSG show off ahead of tie against Real Madrid

    This means he will return to action in plenty time for the FIFA World Cup in Russia which begins on June 14.

    In addition to missing PSG’s season-defining match against Real, Neymar will also sit out Brazil’s March friendlies against Russia and Germany.

    Neymar became the world’s most expensive player in August when PSG paid 222 million euros ($271 million) to sign him from FC Barcelona.

    He has scored 28 goals and provided 16 assists for the Ligue 1 leaders this season.

    NAN