The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Russia 2018

  • FIFA fan fest records 2.5m visitors

    The 2018 World Cup FIFA Fan Fest, venues created new World Cup stadiums to cater for non-ticket-holding fans, have already welcomed 2.5 million visitors.

    World football governing body FIFA, the Russia 2018 Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Russia 2018 Host Cities who announced this on Friday said they were thrilled about this development.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FIFA Fan Fest venues are the best place outside the stadium to experience the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    The 2.5 million numbers is a record in the history of the innovation which began at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, because Russia 2018 has just gone 23 matches.

    “The fact that this 2.5 million milestone has been reached so early in the tournament is the living proof of that the party is just getting started though…!’’ Alexei Sorokin, Chairman of Russia 2018 LOC, said on Friday.

    Read Also:Russia 2018: Senegal records first African victory in Russia

    The FIFA Fan Fests are open on all match days so that football fans can watch the matches live and enjoy an exciting music and cultural entertainment programme, free of charge.

    National and international visitors from all over the world flow into the venues, which are located at some of Russia’s most iconic locations.

    The tournament’s official mascot Zabivaka and Ambassadors Marcel Desailly and Alexander Kerzhakov are currently touring through Russia to meet and greet the FIFA Fan Fest visitors.

    Since Germany 2006, the FIFA Fan Fest has become part of the Official Programme and continued for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

    Almost 30 million people have attended these events over these past three editions.

  • FIFA fines Mexico, Serbia over fans’ misbehaviour

    The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a 10,000 Swiss Francs fine on both the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and the Serbian Football Federation for the misconduct of their fans.

    FIFA said in a statement on Thursday that the disciplinary measure, which was in line with article 67 of its Disciplinary Code, was in relation to discriminatory and insulting chants by the fans.

    The Mexicans committed the offence during the first half of the 2018 FIFA World Cup match played between Germany and Mexico on Sunday at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Group F opening match ended 1-0 in favour of Mexico.

    “The decision was passed after a thorough assessment of the relevant match reports, the FMF’s precedents and the evidence provided.

    “The evidence included videotapes of the incidents and examples of certain sustainable actions taken by the FMF to raise awareness among its supporters.

    “Moreover, the Disciplinary Committee gave a warning to the FMF, who may face additional sanctions in case of repeated infringements of this type,’’ the committee said in the statement.

    The Disciplinary Committee, chaired by a Ghanaian, Yeboah Anin, also sanctioned the Serbian Football Association with a fine of 10,000 Swiss Francs for the display of an offensive and political banner by Serbian fans.

    This reportedly occurred during the Group E match played between Serbia and Costa Rica on Sunday at the Samara Arena.

    The committee added that it took its decisions after analysing all specific circumstances of each case.

    “These, in particular, were the match officials’ reports, the position adopted by the association (if any), as well as the relevant evidence available.

    “This included the report of the anti-discrimination match observers, who have been deployed for the first time at a FIFA World Cup,’’ it said.

    FIFA has a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and has stated it would not tolerate such behaviour from fans in the stadium.

    A series of measures to fight discrimination and promote diversity have been implemented, including an anti-discrimination monitoring system, which has been active since 2015.

    “This has been in place to observe and report on all 871 matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and all matches of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup,’’ the committee said in the statement.

    Furthermore, FIFA has published a Good Practice Guide on Diversity and Anti-Discrimination to support all of its member associations.

    “In general terms, FIFA calls on all fans to come to the stadiums in a spirit of unity, peace and friendship,’’ the committee added.

  • Russia 2018: Messi misses penalty as Iceland hold Argentina

    Lionel Messi’s bid to win the FIFA World Cup got off to a nightmare start as he missed a penalty and his Argentina side was surprisingly held by debutants Iceland.

    Messi was looking to match the impact his old rival Cristiano Ronaldo has made on the tournament – a sensational hat-trick against Spain on Friday night.

    But instead of being the hero, Messi was the villain as his second-half spot-kick was easily saved by Hannes Halldorsson with the score at 1-1.

    The draw was no less than Iceland, who are the smallest nation ever to play in a World Cup finals, deserved.

    Their disciplined, defensive tactics frustrated an Argentina side who enjoyed the majority of possession and they also carried a threat going forward from the start, with Birkir Bjarnason scuffing a glorious early chance.

    Read Also: Russia 2018: Fans urge Eagles to redeem Africa’s image

    After surviving that scare, the thousands of Argentina fans who packed out the Spartak Stadium were dancing in the Moscow sunshine when Sergio Aguero put them ahead with a superb strike after 19 minutes.

    But Jorge Sampaoli’s side have a soft centre and their lead lasted only four minutes and 15 seconds, as Alfred Finnbogason equalised with his country’s first goal at a World Cup finals.

    Finnbogason had made a hash of a header seconds earlier but Argentina failed to clear and Willy Caballero could only palm Hordur Magnusson’s shot into the path of the striker, who gleefully turned it home.

    Messi’s missed penalty was Argentina’s only clear-cut chance in the second half, although Cristian Pavon’s bouncing cross drew a fine late save from Halldorsson.

  • Russia 2018: Fans urge S/Eagles to be wary of best fashion rating

    Ebonyi Football fans on Thursday urged the Super Eagles to be wary of the best fashion rating it has received from nations as the World Cup begins in Russia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Eagles’ World Cup kits and travel outfit were rated the best by soccer fans, pundits and media across the globe with many saying they had won the World Cup in its fashion sense.

    Major sports dailies, including the Daily Mail wrote: “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 again.’’

    Eagles-England-squad-at Wembley

    The British news outfit, The Sun, also wrote: “Nigeria once again won the fashion stakes at this year’s World Cup with their incredible travel outfit.

    “A fan posted that Nigeria is winning the 2018 World Cup fashion parade.’’

    The fans who spoke with NAN on Thursday in Abakaliki on the fashion rating, noted that with the commencement of the global fiesta could be counter-productive if not adequately managed.

    Chijioke Amah, former Manager of Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium, Abakaliki, said the players should instead concentrate on correcting the flaws noticed during their friendly matches.

    “It is not a problem for the team to savour the euphoria of its global fashion rating but it should realise that the main rating will be their performances on the pitch.

    “The same attention which their attires attracted will also be applied to their performances on the pitch and if they fail, the same people who praised them would vilify them,’’ he said.

    Chika Nwagele, Captain of Ebonyi United FC of Abakaliki, urged the players to effectively utilise their underdog status to spring surprises at the World Cup.

    “The team should emulate the 1996 Atlanta Olympics winning team which lost its friendly matches but improved tremendously to win Africa’s first Olympic football-gold medal.

    “The players should realise that they have attracted global attention to themselves and faltering at the competition will make people feel their prowess lies in fashion,’’ he said.

    Emeka Nwonuma, a businessman urged Coach Gernot Rohr to correct all lapses noticed during the team’s friendly matches.

    Read Also: World Cup: Police assures football viewers 24-hrs protection

    “The team always improved during the second half of the matches and Rohr should consider using the players who turn things around for him as starters.

    “He should also work on his defence which flopped during the friendly matches to give effective cover to his first choice goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, who did not inspire much confidence.

    “The coach should also work on set-pieces because the team conceded two of the four goals against it during the friendly matches from such situations,’’ he said.

    A teacher, Mrs Clara Anyanwu, urged Nigerians to pray for the team because of the huge burden of expectations on the players.

    “The team apart from being the best dressed for the World Cup also drew global attention for having the youngest squad and the youngest first choice goalkeeper.

    “Soccer fans should not expect much from the team but be contended with whatever performance it showcases in Russia, adding that they should support the NFF to build on it for the future,’’ he said.

  • World Cup: Psychic pig picks Super Eagles for semi final

    With just hours to the World Cup in Russia, a pig name mystic Marcus has predicted that Nigeria, alongside Belgium, Uruguay and Argentina, will progress to the Semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup starting on Thursday in Russia.

    Mystic Marcus has a 100 per cent track record of predicting sports results according to his owner Juliette Stevens, Daily Mail report.

    ‘For one football match he didn’t eat any of the apples and it turned out to be a draw. It’s really bizarre’ she said.

    “I can’t remember which team it was but in the last World Cup there was a team that nobody thought would win a game – not in a million years and he got it right”.

    The black micro pig has previously guessed the winner of the 2014 World Cup and the Wimbledon tennis finals by picking apples.

    It also rightly predicted that Donald Trump to become the president of the United States of America and the Brexit campaign.

    Now Mystic Marcus is putting his skills to the test once more by forecasting the semi-finalists for this summer’s World Cup in Russia.

    Mystic Marcus expects Belgium, Argentina, Nigeria and Uruguay to make it through.

    He made the predictions by gobbling up apples bearing the flags of the nations.

    Juliette used 32 apples with flags of the all the participating countries and Mystic Marcus was made to eat the four semi-finalists. After eating Argentina, he sniffed out Saudi Arabia and Iran before choosing Nigeria

    The other countries he picked out were Belgium, Argentina and Uruguay.

    Mystic Marcus prediction is a reminiscent of the psychic octopus named Paul, which made accurate predictions in the 2010 World Cup.

  • JOHN OGU: I will dance ‘Shaku Shaku’ at the World Cup

    Super Eagles midfielder to the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, John Ogu, has caught the Shaku Shaku bug and has enthused about displaying dancing steps should he find the net at Russia 2018.
    Shaku Shaku is and reportedly ‘done by stretching out the arm and crossing them over each other in front with the legs widened out and launching into a graceful half-galloping.’
    Thanks to rap superstar Olumide, Shaku Shaku is now the most popular dance step in Nigeria and the 30-year-old Hapoel Be’er Sheva midfielder truly loves it, saying he has mastered the dancing step which he will show case as the Super Eagles search for goals and glory in Russia.
    “I know everything that is trending in the country and when I heard about Shaku Shaku dance, I took time to know about it,” the 30-year-old Hapoel Be’er Sheva midfielder told THE NATION. “So, if I manage to score at the World Cup, I will definitely celebrate with Shaku Shaku dance.”
    However, the burly player has assured that it would not be all about fancy dance steps for him at the World Cup.
    “I am a different person when I get to the pitch. I don’t talk to anybody on game day. I like to focus on the game. I am a very serious minded player when I am on the pitch because I try to be as professional as possible.”
    Meanwhile, Ogu also expressed his delight for being part of the Super Eagles squad for what would be his first attendance at the FIFA World Cup even as he takes us through his trajectory with the beautiful game in this interview with Correspondent TUNDE LIADI. Excerpts…

    eginning

    My football started on the streets. I was playing without football shoes. I did so with pants with my friends. It was tough growing up but we are here today because I worked hard. I was lucky I didn’t have parents who were opposed to my playing football. They were there for me. I am happy so far with my achievement. Where I wanted to be is not where I think I am, but I am really grateful to God for how far he has brought me. I have so many ups and downs and I fought hard to surmount them.

    For one, I never played in any club in the Nigerian league. I grew up playing for a youth side in Surulere, Starlets FC – an academy in Surulere, Lagos. It was there that Marshall Braye of Flying Sports Academy in FESTAC, Lagos, spotted me and took me out of the country to Slovenia where I started professional soccer for Drava Ptuj. I was there for four years before moving to Almeria in Spain. I stayed in Spain for only eight months and moved on again to join third division Atletico CP in Portugal. In Portugal, I played for two other teams; Uniao Leiria and Academica, for two seasons. I never expected I would move to Israel. When I played against Hapoel Tel Aviv in one of our pre-season games at Academica I never knew I would end up there. I’ve been there now for four seasons.

    2017/18 Israeli top league season

    The beginning of the season was really difficult for us because we had lots of ups and downs; injuries and the like. It was a tough season for us as a team. Our captain, who was a very important member of the team, was suspended for doping. A reliable defender also got injured and was out for many months. We struggled at a time, but in the end, we came out tops in spite of the fact that many people had written us off. We won many games and showed the right character that fetched us the league title.

    Europa League experience

    It was my second time playing in the Europa League for Hapoel, but I had a taste of it with Academica in Portugal. It is always an experience when you play against top teams from different countries.

    We were not in same shape we were two seasons ago when we beat Inter Milan and other big clubs but the comfort we have is that we won the domestic league again. We hope that we can do better next session to get to the Champions’ League group stage.

    Support for Arsenal

    Yes! I remain an Arsenal fan. When Arsene Wenger announced he would be leaving Arsenal at the end of last season, the announcement was actually made on my birthday. A lot of my friends said it was a gift from Arsene to me. I think Wenger has done enough for football in general. It was an emotional day when he announced his exit and we wish him well in his future endeavours.

    That Unai Emery is taking over as new manager is also a good thing. First, he is coming from PSG which is a great side and has won lots of trophies with them. He was able to manage big players successfully, including Neymar. He is a coach that has made a name for himself at Sevilla and PSG where he won the Europa League and the league titles with both clubs. I think handling Arsenal is going to be a big one for him and I wish him well. If he is able to get the right players – players that are willing to fight and work harder, he can make things happen.

    All-time favourite player in Arsenal

    Everyone knows it is Thierry Henry. Kanu Nwankwo also played his part but Henry was everything for Arsenal while Kanu was one of the reasons I started watching Arsenal.

    Love for social media

    I believe in the streets. I see it worthwhile to associate with those that are supporting me. I don’t call them fans. I know that some people say it is not necessary but I feel I am getting the love that I don’t deserve them and must reciprocate. It is because of this I take my time to reach out to them on my various social media platforms.

    First call up to Super Eagles

    If you see me that day at home, I could not curtail my joy. It was Elderson (Echiejile) that called me because I was in Portugal. He told me that the late Stephen Keshi would like to speak with me. I didn’t believe because a few months earlier, I watched him win the Nations Cup. I was invited to the next Eagles game. It was amazing because I have always supported the Super Eagles, watching all their games on TV. It was when I reported to camp and I got on the pitch with team captain, Mikel Obi, that I knew it was real. Everything that happened to me today is just by the grace of God and I give Him the glory at all times.

    Bidding my time

    I did not play many matches but I know that if it is my time no one can deny me that opportunity. I respect every manager that I work under and I abide by their decisions. People may see it outside that maybe I wasn’t doing well in training but it is not only about that. Sometimes, some managers have their players and they just have others around because they know that they can also help. I am happy to get the call-up and whenever I am in the Eagles camp I don’t come to party or to relax. I come to work and to help my country.

    Unwinding

    I listen to all songs. I know songs that are trending in Nigeria.

    I like both Davido and Wizkid; they are doing well. They are role models and some other artists are also looking up to them to be like them. Our artists are doing well but some of them do not have the funds to realise their dreams.

    Buzz around Super Eagles Camp

    We are like one big family here. Gone are those days when we were not united. We are now very united. We even have a group chat where we keep in touch with everyone on the team. The funniest person I think is Uche Agbo. When you see him eat and engage in other things, you will not but laugh. Everyone has their own swag and fashionable in their own way.

    Biggest football achievement

    I will pick two. One is winning the league title with Hapoel Be’er Sheva when no one expected us to do so and the second is being in the Nigerian team to the World Cup. I could not make the provisional list for the last World Cup in Brazil and here I am today in the World Cup squad to Russia.

    If not a footballer

    I wanted to be a banker because of the respect people have them. I was a brilliant student but football took that and there is no going back. When I had to leave school for football, I had a big fight with my mom and other members of the family. They tried everything possible to dissuade me from playing football but they were unable to change my resolve. I did go to the university but I had to drop out because my love for football had taken over. I read Business Administration. It was the only thing on everybody’s lips back then but when I got an offer outside Nigeria I had to pull out.

    Goal against Algeria

    All the games before the qualifying game in Algeria, I did not get a chance to play and people were asking questions why I get called up. But when I heard the manager say that all the players that didn’t have the chance to play in the previous matches will get their chance against Algeria I was looking forward to that game. We had a Europa League before that game against Steaua Bucharest (Romania) where I got injured in the match. I was told that I would be out for three weeks so I was really worried. But I was lucky as I started running after two weeks because I really wanted to be fit for the game with Algeria. I wanted to show the coach that he could trust me. I am happy that the manager was impressed with the way I played not just for the goal but the way I played generally.The goal was later nullified but for me it is still relevant and if you go on YouTube and other social media outlets, I still get to watch my goal.

    Pre-World Cup win against Argentina

    Many people didn’t know that the formation we played in that game was achieved at the last training session which was just a night before that game. It was tough for us in the first half but we have an experienced captain (Mikel Obi) who spoke to us and his views were backed up by the manager (Gernot Rohr). I think everyone came out prepared in the second half to lift their game and we were delighted to get the goals and to beat them. It was really nice winning that game because if we had lost that game, many of us might not get a recall.  I am happy that we were able to prove everybody wrong that we could do it.  Future plans in the Israeli league

    I want to continue to bring the motivation and energy into the national team also. I always say to myself that anytime I have the chance to play for the national team, I will bring that same spirit to it. I played a lot of games this season. I featured in over 40 games and I know that playing in Hapoel has really helped me. Everyone there sees me as the captain of the team. I am highly respected and they inspire me to do more. I like that kind of challenge. I don’t know. I have one year contract left. Every year we play in the Europa League and this year we are fighting to play in the Champions League again. If we get to play in the Champions League, where else will I want to go to? I have to play in the Champions League. I have a year contract left and I have been asked a similar question too by the club’s management. I was told that the president of the club is afraid that if I go to the World Cup and I get to play, I may leave them. I let them know that if I am not wanted again by the club I may be allowed to leave and if they want me to stay, they have to pay.

    Teammate with Anthony Nwakaeme

    I remember I told him before he joined us that if he comes to our club he will win titles. He came and he made such huge impact. I didn’t say he was the best player in Israel because I was joking. He is actually the best foreign player that has played in Israel League. We may have a strong case for Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Vincent Enyeama who also did well while they were playing in Israel. They saw Aiyegbeni more when he was here because he took Maccabi Haifa to the Champions League and scored some goals but you need to see how Nwakaeme play. He scores and makes assists.

    Retirement plans

    It is going to be tough after football. I am even scared to think of a day that I will have to hang my boot and stop playing. I don’t know how I am going to feel, but after football, I will take a year or two to rest. If I am going to come back to football after my retirement, it will probably be as a coach.

     

    SHORT & Sharp

    Favourite design

    I don’t have any favourite design. I just put on anything that looks decent on me.

    Favourite boot

    I have an endorsement by Adidas, so boots under their stable are my preference for now.

    Best 11

    Ter Stergen, Dani Alves, Sergio Ramos, Gerrard Pique, Marcelo, Sergio Busquest, Luca Modric, Toni Troos, Neymar, Messi, and C. Ronaldo.

    FIFA or PES

    I don’t play any of the two. I don’t play PES. I don’t like it. I bought it one time but I had to pack it.

    Relaxation

    I listen to music.

    Favourite Nigerian dish

    All African foods but dog meat.

    Favourite colour

    I don’t really have any. I don’t look at colour when I put on cloth. I’m good to go with good cloth irrespective of the colour.

  • GERNOT ROHR: ‘I’m not superstitious, no lucky suit for Russia 2018’

    Though no formal dress is required to manage a soccer team let alone at the FIFA World Cup, many national team managers at Russia 2018 would expectedly turn up with neatly cut suits from leading brands such as Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Boglioli, Gucci, Hugo Boss and Burberry.

    Of course, style is the man hence it was not a coincidence that the five previous coaches that had managed the Super Eagles at world’s most-watched championship actually turned up in different style and attire

    For instance, Clemens Westerhof who led Nigeria to her maiden World Cup appearance was ubiquitous with his brown and patterned jacket he reportedly referred to as his ‘lucky charm’.

    At France’98, Bora Milutinovic who is a member of the FIFA TSG (technical study group) in Russia,  turned out in different shades of  suit (black and blue colours) while the highly revered Chief Adegboye Onigbinde caught the suit bug at Korea/Japan 2002.  At South Africa 2010, Swede Lars Lagerbäck was resplendent in Nigeria’s national team gear, as was the late Stephen Keshi at the last Mundial in Brazil.

    Perhaps, no coach at Russia 2018 will be more anxious about his attire than French coach Herve Renard – the only foreign coach to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with two different countries, Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire in 2012 and 2015 respectively. Renard claimed his tight-fitting white shirt was a lucky charm.

    But Super Eagles’ Franco-German manager, Gernot Rohr, says he’s not going to be encumbered by such worries as he sets his sight on leading Nigeria to glory at her sixth appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

    “I do not have any lucky suit for the World Cup,” Rohr who will celebrate his 65th birthday on June 28 told The Nation. “I am not a superstitious person; I just try to be professional at all times. I hope my lucky colours in Russia will be the green-white-green of Nigeria.

    Rohr, appointed in August 2016 can truly be described as a football man through-and-through, featuring for top European sides like Bayern Munich and Girondins Bordeaux in France, before he retired into coaching.

    As a manager, he earned his stripes in European football when he led Bordeaux to runners up to Bayern Munich in the final of the now rested UEFA Cup (now known as Europa Cup) in 1996 and earning that famous thrashing 3-0 thrashing of Italian giants, AC Milan in the quarter-finals. After Bordeaux, he was briefly sports director at Eintracht Frankfurt. He has also coached at FC Nantes; Étoile Sportive du Sahel of Tunisia and served as national team coach of Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso before berthing in Nigeria last year.

    He won his first game in charge of the Super Eagles, defeating Tanzania by a lone goal in Uyo, Nigeria and last October, Nigeria-led team became the first African side to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup after a 1–0 win against Zambia.

    On the eve of the team’s departure to England en route to Russia, Rohr provides a glimpse of what to expect of the Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 in an interview with MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN. Excerpts…

     

    Friendly with England

    The friendly against England is just another build up game for us. Of course, we like to win every game and play good football all the time but we want to see more and try out more things during friendly games. I also believe that a big, beautiful stadium like Wembley with the fans coming out in large numbers will provide a real World Cup atmosphere for us.

    Picking the right squad for Russia 2018

    It is always a big challenge to pick some players from a pool of talents especially for a big football country like Nigeria. It is a good problem for coaches to do this sometimes. For me, I know these players, young, talented, disciplined, hungry and very committed players. We worked together to pick the World Cup ticket from a very tough qualifying group, so I can trust them to do it again at a bigger stage like the World Cup. The goalkeeping position in a team is a very important one. We have confidence in the goalkeepers we have in the team right now. Our goalkeeper coaches Alloy Agu and Enrico Pionetti have also been working extra hard with these goalkeepers to help get them to the level we desire and the response has been encouraging. We should all get behind these goalkeepers, support and encourage them so they can be motivated and be able to give their best for the country when called upon.

    Backbones of Super Eagles

    We have a few very experienced players, such as our captain John Obi Mikel (Tianjin Teda, China). Our two central defenders William Troost-Ekong (Bursaspor, Turkey) and Leon Balogun (Mainz, Germany) are also very important to us. We have players such as Victor Moses (Chelsea, England) and Alex Iwobi (Arsenal, England) – they are also very important for us. We have many young players, and everyone has a role to play in our team. But the most important leaders are our captain Mikel, the vice-captain Ogenyi Onazi, and Ahmed Musa also.

    Target at Russia 2018

    We all want to make it out of the group, and that’s already difficult enough. Of course, our fans dream about Nigeria making it out of this difficult group and perhaps even going far in the tournament after we beat Argentina. But we are no dreamers. As coach and technical team, we will enter the tournament with realistic and modest expectations, but also with ambition.

    Group D as Group of Death

    My honest assessment is that this is a very tough group, maybe the toughest at the World Cup. We are not the favourites to make it out of this group because we are the least ranked team here. However, we are confident, hungry and very determined to fight to qualify from this group. Remember we were not the favourites in our World Cup qualifying group in Africa but we made it, so we can do it again. Iceland is a good team with very strong and highly motivated players. They will be difficult to beat. Our group will be very tough together with them, Croatia and Argentina. We will need to be at our best for all the games. Of course, I would have wanted an easier group. But it is what it is. Now we have this strong group. If you look at our FIFA ranking, we are only in 52nd position – the others are far ahead of us. I think they sit in position 14, eight and four. That means we are the underdogs. We were only in pot four in the draw, we mustn’t forget that. But we are an underdog with ambition and we want to get into the knockout stages, even though it will be very difficult. That’s our target.

    Reflection on victory over Argentina in friendly

    Beating Argentina was good for our confidence but do not forget it was just a friendly. We should expect a tougher, more difficult match at the World Cup. We respect them but we will not be afraid of them. Our fans believe in us and have very high expectations but we must let them know that the World Cup is a very tough tournament. We must remain humble, stay hungry and committed. We must take things step by step, one game at a time. Lionel Messi is the best player in the world and he was not there when we played them in Krasnodar last November. At the World Cup, we will not be playing against Messi alone; we will be playing the entire Argentina team. We are not playing against one player; we will be facing 11 players. So we have to prepare very hard to stop this great team with so many great players.

    Super Eagles vs. Messi

    Of course, we all know him and we know of his quality. But we also played against some really good players in our qualification and were able to deal with them. We had Riyad Mahrez at Algeria; we played against Sadio Mane and Senegal in a friendly. We know how to organise our defence against top quality players. What I can tell you now already is that there will be no man-marking of Messi. We did this in the old days, even I, but it’s not used too often these days. We will deal with Messi or any big player as a collective. But often you won’t be able to keep top players quiet over the whole 90 minutes.

    Surpassing Super Eagles’ second round record

    I am happy and so privileged to have finally achieved this target of leading a team to the World Cup. Every coach dreams of being a part of the biggest football fiesta in the world. I have had big experiences with some clubs in the major European club competitions but the World Cup is very special. Our plan and preparation is to get beyond our group. We have at least three games to play at the World Cup. We want to give our best in these games so that we can stay in the competition and then have more games to play.

    Chances of African teams in Russia

    Good chances. Egypt is the best team in Africa as voted by CAF. They have the best coach. They have a chance in the group with Russia. The whole world will follow the group with the hosts. They also have the best player in Africa in Mohamed Salah. I also think Senegal is strong, Tunisia, too, based on their strong league. A lot is possible for the African teams. I believe that the African teams have the capability to do well at the World Cup. African football has improved greatly and African players are now at a high level like their European and South American counterparts. I hope this is reflected in how the African teams play in Russia.

    Relationship with NFF

    I am happy to be working for Nigeria. I have had a very cordial and professional relationship with the Nigeria Football Federation. I have been able to operate without any interference and also work in a very good, conducive environment. These are the most important things for me. I have very good relationship with my players, technical assistants and backroom staff. The fans have also been wonderful.

    Most difficult decision as Super Eagles’ coach

    I have not had to make any difficult decision since I came to Nigeria. This is because we take all our decisions together as a team. We work collectively. We have a policy of strong solidarity as a team. We want to win together, lose together, enjoy together and suffer together both on and off the pitch. We stand together at all times.

    Likely winner of Russia 2018 World

    The favourites at every World Cup are Brazil, Germany, Argentina together with Spain, France. These teams have big players with huge experience, winning mentality and quality. Talking about the stars of the tournament, I hope some of the young players in my team become the stars of this World Cup and my team also shines like a million stars at the tournament.

  • African Players to watch out for in World Cup 2018

    The greatest tournament on earth is just a few weeks away and the world of football is abuzz with anticipation and excitement already! Russia 2018 has five representatives from the African Continent, including Egypt and Nigeria.

    The previous editions of the tournament have brought out the African stars like Roger Milla, and Didier Drogba, who have stolen the show with their splendid skills and energetic performances. And with some of the most sought after names in the lineup, we are sure you would be hooked on to your television screens for a month or so as soon as the first action begins.

    The Top African Players You Would Want to Watch Out For

    Let us look at a fewAfrican Stars to watch out for in Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.

    Kelechi Iheanacho

    Having represented the Super Eagles 14 times in the senior level already, this 21 year old striker is deemed to be one of Africa’s brightest young players.

    His trio with OdionIghalo and Victor Mosses has been a key to Nigeria’s dominance in the qualifiers having lost only once in the campaign. His stellar performance for his nation, 9 goals in 13 appearances, promises a performance worth watching out for in Moscow.

    KalidouKoulibaly

    You know this central back from his fantastic season at his club, Napoli. His part in the club winning the crown of Serie A almost after thirty years has been instrumental.

    Having scored 4 times for apoli this season, this towering defender is also a threat at the other end. His calm yet commanding presence at the back made him a front runner of the African Player of the Year, only losing out to the impeccable Mohamed Salah.

    No wonder, Koulibaly will be quite a treat to watch when Senegal battles out in June.

    Sadio Mane

    Mane is expected to be the star player in Senegal’s line up in Russia. Amendments are in order for the missed penalty at the African Nations Cup last year from the winger,  which would be enough motivation to the Liverpool star to dazzle on the field.

    Having thoroughly established himself, this 25 year old managed to score 14 times with 8 assists in just 29 appearance for the Reds.

    With Mane bringing his best form to Russia, Senegal might exceed expectations in Russia.

    Mohamed Salah

    For the past 11 months, Mo Salah is playing the best football of his life. The African Player of the Year netted a exhilarating 35 times in 39 appearances for Liverpool and 33 times in 57 appearances for his nation.

    An in-form Salah will not only let Egypt cruise on his shoulders, but also bring to Russia a spectacle to behold.

    Africa and football has a long history, and African nations are known for their quality of play. While everyone knows that Africa houses some great football talent, the World Cup might just make us witness some great action. Which of these players are you looking forward to playing the most? Let us know below!

  • Russia 2018: Septuagenarian becomes millionaire in StarTimes promo

    A 71-year old civil engineer from Akure, Tony Fakuade has emerged as the first millionaire in the on-going StarTimes World Cup millionaire promo through a raffle draw in Lagos.

    The draw which produced Fakuade as the first winner in the 3-month promotion, held under the supervision of the National Lottery Board Commission.

    The official broadcaster of the FIFA 2018 World Cup had earlier promised a special experience for Nigerians who watch the games on any of its platforms, promising a never-like-before-experience.

    “We are happy to announce our first winner in the ongoing promotion, Mr. Tony Fakuade, a civil engineer who resides in Akure. He subscribed for 1 month on StarTimes Classic bouquet. He has been contacted and will receive his money on Wednesday at our premises.” says Qasim Elegbede, the Brand & Marketing Director at StarTimes.

    He added that “14 winners will be drawn from across the country, selecting only from a poll of subscribers who pay for one month and above on any of our bouquets and new subscribers who purchase a new decoder for the first time.”

    The World Cup millionaire promo is expected to run from May 7 till July 31, with 1 lucky subscriber taking home N1,000,000 weekly. Other prices available include 43-inch StarTimes HD TV for 5 subscribers weekly, 1-year free subscription for 20 subscribers weekly and other branded items.

  • Mixed reactions trail Coach Rohr’s provisional 30-man World Cup list

    Mixed reactions on Monday trailed Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr’s 30-man provisional list for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

    It be recalled that Coach Rohr’s 30-man Provisional squad was released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday.

    Rohr named Captain Mikel Obi, goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Abdullahi Shehu, Elderson Echiejile and Leon Balogun in Nigeria’s 30-man provisional list.

    Others were midfielders Ogenyi Onazi, Oghenekaro Etebo, including forwards Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses.

    The list also includes Spain-based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Joel Obi and John Ogu as well as forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi.

    Chelsea wingback Moses was Nigeria’s top scorer in the qualifying campaign with three goals, while Captain Mikel, Iwobi, Simon and Iheanacho weighed in with two goals each.

    A cross section of football enthusiasts who spoke to our reporter noted that there was nothing really new about the list, while others expressed doubts about the goalkeeping and defence departments.

    Nduka Ugbade, an ex-international and former assistant coach of the Nigeria under-17 national football team said he was satisfied with Coach Rohr’s selection.

    Read Also: Rohr Releases 30-Man Provisional World Cup List

    “I think the list is made up of the usual suspects and these are the players that we should indeed be taking to the World Cup.

    “Looking at our options upfront, I think the likes of Ighalo, Moses and Iheanacho should be able to keep their jerseys barring any injury worries.

    “I am also so thrilled to see Lokosa’s name on that 30-man provisional list. He truly deserves it especially having scored 18 goals in 20 games for Kano Pillars in the NPFL so far this season.

    “I think he needs to be encouraged and let’s see how far he can go in competing for a shirt and it will be a major surprise if the young man makes it to the World Cup.

    “However, even if he does not make it to Russia, the experience in the Super Eagles camp and training will be very good for his growth and development,” he said.

    Emmanuel Babayaro, former Super Eagles goalkeeper and Atlanta ’96 Olympic gold medalist, also noted that the names were purely based on merit, adding that Junior Lokosa’s call up was the biggest surprise in the list.

    “I think the list is okay. Seriously looking forward to see if we can finally break that last 16 hurdle and get to the quarters for the very first time.

    “I think this is long overdue and hopefully Russia is where history will be made.

    “I am delighted that at least three home-based players namely; Dele Ajiboye, Junior Lokosa and Ikechukwu Ezenwa made the provisional list and my guts tell me Lokosa will make the 23-man final list.

    “He is the surprise package for me.

    “The goalkeepers however need to train thrice harder and work more on their confidence. I tip Uzoho for first choice,” he said.

    Godwin Bamigboye, the Chairman, FCT Football Coaches Association said the inclusion of the country’s biggest goal contributors in the list was a welcome development.

    “There were really no major surprises in the list as the country’s biggest goal contributors namely; Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses and Kelechi Iheanacho are destined for Russia.

    “Also, the partnership of the China-based players namely; Odion Ighalo and Mikel Obi will yield a lot of goals for the Super Eagles. I can’t wait for the tournament to start already.

    “My advice however to those whose names were missing is that they must dig their heels in, do better than their previous best and make it impossible for the Coach to overlook them for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019,” he said.

    Emmanuel Amakiri, the proprietor of Amakson Football Academy said he wasn’t completely satisfied with the list, adding that the goalkeeping and defence departments still looked weak.

    “For me, the list is not bad, but I feel our goalkeeping and defence department are weak and how Rohr sets up the midfield will be crucial.

    “I still don’t know what Ezenwa and Echiejile are doing in that squad? They better not make the final list.

    “Ezenwa isn’t the best goalkeeper in the NPFL so I am wondering what informed his selection.

    “So sad for the likes of Brown Ideye and Henry Onyekuru whose names were omitted from the list as they have both struggled in their efforts to get back to fitness ahead of the World Cup.

    “Some however discovered their form when it mattered most, such as Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa who had to go back to Russia to begin to command attention once again,” he said.

    The Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals is scheduled to kickoff from June 14 to July 15.

    NAN