The Nation Newspaper

Tag: russia 2018 world cup

Russia 2018: Time for Africans to be champions – Odegbami

Ex-Nigeria international and sports administrator, Segun Odegbami, on Monday urged an African country to bring the World Cup to the continent.

Odegbami told our reporters in Ota, Ogun State, that instead of mere participation in the tournament, it was time an African country to return home with the cup which had eluded the continent since the championship started in 1930.

The sports administrator was reacting to the outcome of the just concluded Russia 2018 World Cup which France won by defeating Croatia 4-2 in the final in Moscow.

France won the World Cup for the second time in a spectacular style in one of the most entertaining and action-packed games of the tournament.

Read Also: Odegbami sends Goodwill Message

The ex-international stressed the need for an African country to work hard so as to join the list of World Cup winners.

Odegbami, however, commended France for their brilliant efforts to win the 2018 World Cup.

According to him, the trophy went to the team that deserved it, adding that the French team used the final match to stamp their foot in the competition.

“I salute France and all our African brothers in the victorious team for doing the black man proud,” he said.

NAN

July 16, 2018
Rohr Releases 30-Man Provisional World Cup List

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has released the long awaited 30-man provisional squad for the Russia 2018 World Cup finals in the summer.

the list comprises of four Goal keeper, nine defenders, eight Midfielders and eight fowards.

Kano Pillars striker Junior Lokosa and Crotone attacker Simeon Nwankwo are the surprise inclusions as Malaga’s Brown Ideye has been left out.

The Nigerian team will play Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Port Harcourt on May 25, after which the final squad will be announced. The Super Eagles will then depart the country to play England and the Czech Republic on June 2 and June 5 respectively.

Also read : Eagles will play to win – Etebo

May 14, 2018
Blatter against use of VAR at Russia 2018

Former FIFA President Joseph Blatter has spoken out against using video evidence at Russia 2018 World Cup as teething problems continue to trail trials in countries such as Germany.

“You cannot use the World Cup as a guinea pig for such a serious intervention in the game,’’ Blatter said in an interview with Wednesday’s Sport Bild magazine.

Blatter, 81, was banned from football for eight years in 2015 by the FIFA ethics committee over a “disloyal payment” of 2 million Swiss francs (2.07 million dollars).

The payment was made to former European football chief Michel Platini.

The FIFA appeals committee later reduced the suspension to six years, while Platini is serving a four-year ban.

Read Also: Blatter joins Russia World Cup train

Blatter’s administration was sceptical of technological innovations during his 17 years as president of the world governing body.

But he finally advocated goalline technology for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after refereeing errors four years earlier in South Africa.

“It would be wrong to use video evidence in Russia, it is too immature and many countries still use it differently,’’he said.

(dpa/NAN)

January 10, 2018
Serbia Courts Super Eagles For Friendly

Ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup, the Republic of Serbia, are searching for preparatory opponents and Nigeria is one destination, according to the President of the Serbia-Nigeria-Chamber of Commerce, Dr Temi Gold.

The highly cerebral Isoko mogul told a select group of journalists that the time has come for Nigeria to explore all avenues for growth in the country and that sports, especially football is one of the areas.

He revealed that contacts are being made at the highest level for a friendly match between Nigeria and Serbia and that talks are ongoing between the NFF and his. I can assure you that we are in contact with the NFF President, Mr Melvin Amaju Pinnick, he has assured us that we can work together. “We are also talking to the Technical Committee Chairman, Barr. Chris Green, and we are getting closer.

The NFF President, himself confirmed to the media that all doors are open for the Super Eagles to play friendlies and he has been talking all parties. “As it clicks, including the game against Serbia, we will open up. It’s really work in progress for us at the NFF.

October 27, 2017
Travel Tips For Football Fans to 2018 Russia World Cup

The 2018 FIFA World Cup is due to be held in Russia and, as with every major sporting event, football (soccer) fans from all over the globe will travel thousands of miles to watch their country compete in the sport’s biggest event. It’s bound to grab sporting headlines across the world, just as Brazil tournament did in 2014.

The majority of matches will be held in western Russia and, therefore, it should be relatively easy to find a location that is accessible to a number of host cities.

Here we take a look at a couple of the major cities and best locations to stay during the tournament, while also considering a few of the implications of traveling around Russia.

Host Cities

There are 11 host cities that will see a number of matches at each individual location throughout the tournament. The Russian capital Moscow will be an incredibly popular choice for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is hosting the opening match of the tournament – which will feature hosts Russia – as well as the second semi-final on July 10^th and the final on July 15^th.

Furthermore, the capital has two stadiums that will be in use throughout the competition. The Luzhniki Stadium, which hosted the 2008 Champions League final, and the Otkrytiye Arena will both host matches and will be very popular venues, with both expected to sell out their games.

Moscow also has the advantage of being arguably the most accessible city in Russia, with good links to most of the other major cities in the country that make it a good central base for fans.

However, you have to be realistic. Due to the sheer size of Russia as a country, it won’t be that wise to travel from Moscow to areas such as Yekaterinburg and Sochi, as they are incredibly long journeys.

Kazan

Kazan is also accessible and, although it doesn’t have the history of Moscow, is still a lovely location to stay during the tournament. As well as witnessing matches at the Kazan Arena, it is possible to attend fixtures in surrounding cities, including Samara, Saransk and Nizhny Novgorod. Each of these stadiums have capacities of over 40,000 and tickets should be easier to get hold of as they are located a fair distance away from Moscow.

The main drawback of staying here is that no matches will be staged in this region after the quarter-finals have taken place. Still there’s plenty of fun to be found in the group matches and that makes this an excellent choice to enjoy the wonders of the 2018 World Cup.

Travel Tips

No matter where you end up, here are a few things to consider before you head out:

You will need a Visa: The majority of visitors require a Visa so you will need to contact the Russian authorities in advance to arrange this.

Weather will be mild: You may associate the Russian climate with it’s famously harsh winters but the weather during the World Cup period is typically fairly warm, with average temperatures in the mid-20s (centigrade).

Keep track of the time: Time zones vary across the country, with GMT+2 in Kaliningrad, GMT+3 in Moscow, GMT+4 in St Petersburg and GMT+5 in Yekaterinburg.

Bring a voltage adapter: Electricity throughout the country is 220 volt/50hz with a European standard two-pin plug, so you will need to take a converter.

Note the currency exchange: The currency is the rouble. A US Dollar is worth roughly 60 roubles and a UK Pound about 90. It is not advised to use Traveler’s Checks in Russia.

June 30, 2017