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Tag: Russia 2018

  • Russia 2018: the winner is…

    Russia 2018 World Cup will be the showpiece of the best soccer players. I don’t expect big surprise, given the hectic season which most players have gone through, even though most of the big leagues’ winners were decided as far back as mid-January. Today, not a few players are nursing injuries. Brazil’s Neymar and Argentina’s Sergio Aguero are the biggest casualties. Others, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, are tired due to their roles for Real Madrid and Barcelona. They play close to 60 matches seasonally and with World Cup’s seven fixtures, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if they don’t give their best in Russia. Will they recover on time to make the difference? A World Cup without Ronaldo and Messi is a commercial disaster for FIFA and a kill-joy for football faithful.

    The past eight World Cup winners – Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Uruguay, England, Spain and France – look good to win the diadem, except for the Italians who are absent-  no thanks to their seeming ageing players. These countries have mastered the act of qualifying for the Mundial by developing on the gains of the previous editions for the present squads. Indeed, the big eight World Cup winners (without Italy) have at least 70 per cent of those who were in Brazil four years ago, unlike others who have radically restructured their teams from the coaching crew to the players.

    Whereas the other 24 countries would be improving on their performances during the Mundial, these big seven would be doing things on impulse arising from playing together through big games, such as the  World  Cup and the Confederations Cup. The biggest beneficiary of these two competitions are the Germans, who used virtually two sets of players to win the World Cup in Brazil four years ago and the Confederations Cup two years ago.

    Germany’s manager Loew was pummelled by the press and  nationals when he dropped the nucleus of the World Cup team to the Confederations Cup. They couldn’t understand what points the manager wanted to prove to the world. For them, those who won the World Cup should be allowed to annexe the Confederations Cup, possibly to join the league of players who have achieved this feat in other countries.

    Not so for Loew, who was looking at the bigger picture- the future of the German side beyond the era of the golden generation. Today, Loew is the victor, as he has over 30 players who can win the World Cup back-to-back, if he gets his tactics right.

    Germany’s problem at the Mundial would not be blending, it would be how to manage the players’ tendencies to be overconfident, but this could be addressed easily by Loew’s tactical substitutions. He has at least two players per position who have delivered performances for club and country. It won’t be out of place to tip Germany to win the World Cup again. Well, that is one permutation for the Mundial. The history of the World Cup is full of fairytales where minnows humble the past winners.

    With players, such as Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Julian Draxler (PSG), Ýlkay Gündoðan (Manchester City) and Leroy Sané (Manchester City) in the midfield,  it will take more than just ill-luck for the Germans to beaten by pre tenders. Loew has a load on his shoulders with this galaxy of midfielders who would deliver defence-splitting passes to renowned and ruthless strikers, such as Mario Gómez (VfB Stuttgart),Lars Stindl    (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Sandro Wagner (Bayern Munich) and Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich). Need I list the German goalkeepers and defenders who have done well with their clubs? It will take lot to beat these Germans because they are young and immensely skilful.

    Would it be fair to tip the Brazilians as the next likely country to lift the World Cup in Russia? Why not? The Brazilians hosted the Mundial and were taught lessons about the game. In Brazil, the samba drumbeats were silent as their nationals watched in awe when the Germans decimated the Samba Boyz 7-1 in the semi-finals. It looked like an horror film, but the Brazilians have since learned the lesson of building on their youths. Equally horrifying was how Brazil lost the third-place bronze to Holland. They hosted the Mundial to lose, but they would be in Russia with a young crop of players who are the defending champions of the Olympic Games’ soccer event. Brazilians at home are doing everything possible to get Neymar back on his feet to play in Russia.

    So, who are the Brazilians to watch at the Mundial? There are midfielders such as Willian (Chelsea), Paulinho (Barcelona), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona), Casemiro (Real Madrid) and Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk). They are youthful but lack the big stage experience to ruffle the feathers of the big boys. But the Samba Boyz attackers have tremendous club side experience, which could count for them with forwards, such as Douglas Costa (Juventus), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Gabriel Jesus   (Manchester City) and Neymar (PSG).

    If there is a country that can dethrone the defending champions, Germany, it is Argentina, with an array of vastly experienced stars. It won the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008. Besides, most of them were members of the Argentina side that won the World Youth U-20 Championship in Holland.

    Lionel Messi is Argentina’s biggest player, but, if the coach decides to list Carlos Tevez in the squad for Russia, then the Argentines could be contenders for the title. That Kun Aguero being injured  isn’t strange. He has an unenviable history with injuries. He will be in Russia but  Higuain looks like the striker to deliver the goals, only if he isn’t as wasteful as he was in Brazil, four years ago.

    Manchester City FC’s doctors have ruled Aguero out for the season, which gives him time to recuperate for the World Cup.  The Argentines must look for another goalkeeper as it appears Romero won’t be fit for the Mundial, which makes matters worse since he is a reserve with Manchester United this season. He played a few matches but he looked unconvincing to bench De Gea.

    Argentina’s squad comprising Javier Mascherano Hebei (China Fortune) Ángel Di María (PSG), Éver Banega (Sevilla), Lucas Biglia  (Milan), Marcos Acuña (Sporting CP), Eduardo Salvio  (Benfica), Diego Perotti (Roma), Giovani Lo Celso (PSG) and Leandro Paredes             (Zenit Saint Petersburg). Their attacking options include Messi (captain)  (Barcelona), Agüero (Manchester City), Higuaín  (Juventus), Paulo Dybala (Juventus) and Ángel Correa  (Atlético Madrid). The problem with this squad is the manager’s tactics and ability to effectively utilise the potential of his players. With a better tactician, the Argentines could surpass their final appearance in 2014 by winning the trophy? I’m not suggesting a repeat of the 2014 final. If it happens, there is a justification for it, given the issues raised here. The French were winners in 1998 when they hosted the competition. They have been also-ran in spite of their potential. They have a coaching problem, which has rendered their big stars otiose during matches.

    If names could win the World Cup, then you can count on the French, with such players as Paul Pogba (Manchester United, Thomas Lemar (Monaco) Corentin Tolisso (Bayern Munich), N’Golo Kanté (Chelsea), Blaise Matuidi (Juventus) and Adrien Rabiot (PSG). Others include Antoine Griezmann   (Atlético Madrid), Olivier Giroud  (Chelsea), Kylian Mbappé (PSG), Ousmane Dembélé  (Barcelona) and Anthony Martial (Manchester United).

    The Spaniards were the defending champions at the Brazil 2014 World Cup, having won the previous edition held in South Africa. In fact, they were the Confederations Cup defending champions. Purists tipped them to defend the trophy creditably, even if they don’t win the diadem. The Spaniards were taught the lesson of investing in the products of their youth teams. They fell like a pack of cards, largely because they came to Brazil with the team everyone was expecting. Nothing hurts more than a team that continuously hits your soft belly.

    Have the Spaniards learned from the Brazil 2014  fiasco? A bit: they have changed their squad. They will be fielding fitter players, but may not abandon their tiki-taka style. This could be their albatross since most of the countries in Russia know how to ground that style. Any chance for Spain of lifting the trophy? Read my lips.

    The new look Spain side will comprise Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Koke (Atlético Madrid), Isco (Real Madrid), Thiago (Bayern Munich) and Marco Asensio (Real Madrid). Álvaro Morata (Chelsea), Diego Costa (Atlético Madrid), Lucas Vázquez  (Real Madrid), Rodrigo (Valencia) and José Callejón (Napoli) complete the list.

    Belgium, Argentines and Spain look alike in terms of their players’ club form. But club football is a different ball game. Most of the club coaches are top tacticians, with most of the players being  internationals in their countries. Coaching may be Belgium’s Achilles hills. Their players include Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Michy Batshuayi (Borussia Dortmund), Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace) Mousa Dembélé (Tottenham Hotspur), Axel Witsel (Tianjin Quanjian), Simon Mignolet   (Liverpool),  Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) and Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United). There are also Radja Nainggolan(Roma), Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur), Thomas Meunier (Paris Saint-Germain), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur),  Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea), Divock Origi (VfL Wolfsburg) and Yannick Carrasco (Dalian Yifang). What a squad! But where is a manager to show the team the way during matches.

    England  may make the desired impact at the Mundial during the 2022 edition when the products of their grassroots competitions, who are the world’s best in two age-grade competitions become stars. For now, the English would only ruffle feathers, especially as their domestic league is one of the best. But those who make the English Premier League tick are foreigners who would be playing for other countries. God help England when they play such countries.

    No word on Super Eagles? Not a day for fairytale countries at the Mundial, dear reader.

  • Brands court consumers ahead of 2018 World Cup

    The Nigeria Football Federations have lately attracted a lot of corporate and brands goodwill on the back of the Super Eagles’ qualification for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, with the likes of TomTom, Star, Amstel Malta, Coca-Cola, Payporte and WAPIC signing long-term sponsorship agreements with the governing body to connect more deeply with their various consumers, hence grow brands equities.

    TomTom and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) recently signed a three-year contract that confers TomTom as the Official Candy of the Super Eagles. TomTom, a product from the stables of Cadbury Nigeria Plc has supported the Super Eagles for a decade.

    At a joint media parley to announce the partnership and official signing of the contract, the Managing Director of Cadbury Nigeria Plc. Mr. Amir Shamsi said, “we are delighted to announce TomTom as the official candy of the Super Eagles. This year makes it the tenth year since we first announced this valued partnership in 2008. We are proud to say our partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation and by extension; the Super Eagles of Nigeria is not a coincidence. It remains a deliberate effort by Cadbury and TomTom to connect with Nigerians and their passion for the beautiful game.”

    According to the Category Marketing Lead, West Africa, Mrs Uwadiae Chidinma, “TomTom is a candy with a purpose. It delivers soothing relief and mental invigoration. It has remained relevant over the decades despite other competitive offerings in the market. TomTom is undisputedly one of the most ubiquitous brands in the country.”

    The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, lauded Cadbury Nigeria and revealed that the NFF will work in tandem with TomTom and leverage on the partnership to bring glory to the national teams at every tournament. Pinnick said, “We are grateful to TomTom for being a backbone of all our national teams. TomTom is a premium brand from Cadbury Nigeria Plc.”

    Clamouring for support, the Brand Manager, Candy West Africa, Mr Aruleba Olumide said “Cadbury Nigeria Plc, are happy to support the Super Eagles. We urge all Nigerians to go all out and support the Eagles cheering them to victory. TomTom loves the Super Eagles.”

    Also NFF and Nigerian Breweries also signed a five-year contract worth N2.2 billion aimed to support Nigerian football. Both parties happily called ‘a minimum five-year contract.’ At the premises of the brewing giant in Lagos, laced with laudable innovation and flowing remarks by Amaju Pinnick, NFF President and Jordi Borrut Bel, NB Plc’s Managing Director/CEO pledged the total commitment of their establishments to every letter of the contract.

    This is just as the NFF President restated his position that NB Plc is ”an organisation that has been a torchbearer of excellence and corporate social responsibility for the several decades it has operated in Nigeria.”

    The agreement makes Star Lager the ‘Official Alcoholic Drink of the Super Eagles’ while Amstel Malta is now the ‘Official Malt Drink of the NFF and the National Teams,’ including Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup-bound Super Eagles.

    For Coca-Cola and its bottling partners, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited NBC, delight to have unique opportunity to connect with the consumers through partnering with FIFA on World Cup Trophy Tour that would see the trophy touch 91 cities and 51 countries, spreading happiness and psyching up the people to get ready for what is unarguably the greatest sporting fiesta coming up this year in Russia.

    The Managing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, Mr. George Polymenakos said at a media parley that heralded the arrival of the FIFA World Cup Trophy in Nigeria for the third time that NBC and Coca-Cola would always be committed to bringing happiness and refreshment to Nigerians. The Super Eagles will face Croatia, Iceland and familiar foes Argentina in Group D of the World Cup in Russia.

     

  • RUSSIA 2018 WORLD CUP No special plan to stop Messi-Rohr

    COACH Gernot Rohr has said that he will not put a man on Argentina superstar, Lionel Messi when both countries clash at the World Cup in Russia. Nigeria have lost on all four occasions they faced the twotime world champions at the World Cup with skipper Messi grabbing a brace when Argentina beat the Eagles 3-2 at the last World Cup in Brazil. Rohr has now said the Eagles will defend as a team so as to reduce the threat posed by one of the best players in the world. “At this stage, there is no special plan (to stop Messi). We don’t even know whether he will play. Of course, we all know him and we know of his quality,” the Nigeria coach said in an interview published by Soccer Laduma Wednesday.

    “But we also played against some really good players in our qualification and we were able to deal with them. We had Riyad Mahrez in Algerian team, 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 is that there will be no man-marking of Messi. We did this in the old days, even me, but it’s not used too often these days. We will deal with Messi or any big player as a unit. But often you won’t be able to keep top players quiet over the whole 90 minutes.”

    Messi missed his team’s 4-2 loss to Nigeria in a friendly in November in Russia and Rohr said on that the result may now be a big disadvantage for the Eagles as the South Americans will take them a lot more seriously at the World Cup. He said: “We are very cautious and have to analyse this great result in context. Argentina had played another friendly against Russia before facing us. Perhaps, they were a bit tired – they also left Russia soon after our game. “I think no one should overrate the result. I definitely won’t overrate it. It was definitely not to our advantage because Argentina will take us more seriously now. “

  • Eagles… How to do well in Russia

    Eagles… How to do well in Russia

    Last Saturday, the Super Eagles qualified for its sixth World Cup after a 1-0 win over Zambia in Uyo to become one of the 23 teams that have booked their place at the soccer fiesta in Russia next year. In this piece, ADEYINKA ADEDIPE takes a look at the road to qualification and what the authorities need to do to ensure that the team does better at the World Cup.

    The celebration that greeted Nigeria’s qualification for the Russia 2018 World Cup (the sixth time) reverberated all around the country. Fans relished the performance of the Super Eagles against a resolute Chipolopolo of Zambia who were in Uyo to scuttle or delay Nigeria’s passage to Russia. The match will, no doubt, go down as the most difficult in the qualifying series for the Eagles who had to dig deep into their arsenal for the hard-earned victory. It was clear that the Zambians came to Nigeria with a strong conviction that they could upset the Nigerian team at its backyard.

    They hassled the Eagles throughout the game and even had a goal disallowed for offside before Alex Iwobi finally scored the decisive goal in the second half. The ‘patient’ fans, who had stood by the Eagles all through the game singing and chanting the names of their heroes, rose in unison to begin the party. They had so much belief in the team and never gave the Zambians any chance of levelling the scores even when they threatened. Inspirational forward Victor Moses had the opportunity to put the result beyond doubt, but he missed a glorious chance in the dying minutes of the games.

    Against the Zambians, the trademark pressing game of the Eagles was lacking as they failed to string passes together, but they made up for that deficiency with their physical presence and ensured that the Zambians were thwarted each time they had a goal scoring chance. The game was a nervy one for the Eagles who knew that a win was what they needed to take them to the ‘promise land’. The Zambians, on the othehand, were also aware that upsetting the Eagles would be put them in good stead for qualification. The Eagles inability to put passes together could also be attributed to the bumpy nature of the pitch.

    Like the biblical Israelites who went through thick and thin to get to Canaan, the Eagles waded through the Zambians hurdle and eventually made it to the promise land. Just like Canaan flowed with milk and honey, Russia surely flows with good football artistry as top class players converge for the biggest football show from June 14 to July 15.

    The beautiful scenes that heralded the vital win were breathtaking. Players threw Coach Gernot Rohr and boss of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick into the air, while they also went close to the stands to applaud the fans that have stood by them this far. Some went on their knees in prayers to thank God for the achievement; others simply danced before exiting the pitch.

    No one would have thought that the Eagles would be home and dry after five games when the draws were made pitching Nigeria against reigning Africa Nations Cup (AFCON) champions, Cameroun and past winners, Algeria and Zambia. The group was labelled the proverbial group of death with many predicting that the fight for the sole ticket would go down to the wire. The four teams have strong pedigree in African football with Zambia the only team yet to play at the World Cup.

    Despite winning three and drawing one after four games, including an opening day away win over Zambia in Ndola, Coach Rohr knew his ward were in for a torrid time in the reverse fixtures in Uyo. The Zambians had just recoded two victories against the Algeria national team, which boosted their morale before the game in Uyo. They knew they had nothing to lose but everything to gain if they beat the Eagles.

    And Rohr was desperate to have his stars in camp early so he could put forward his match plan to them. He had admitted that the Zambians were tough customers and that the Eagles needed to be at their best to win. Though the game was very tough, the Nigerian side did what they had to do to nip victory.

    After the victory in Ndola, the Eagles followed it up with a 3-1 win over Algeria, while the Camerounians also fell 0-4 to the Eagles in Uyo. After a 1-1 draw in Cameroon on match day four and amassing 10 points in the process, it was clear that the Eagles were on their way to Russia and only the Nigeria team could truncate its ambition of playing in Russia. However, the Eagles stuck to the plan by grinding out a 1-0 win over Zambia last Saturday to berth in Russia despite having an away game left against Algeria.

    Pundits have suggested that the home-based Eagles should be allowed to play the’ inconsequential’ game in Algiers, but Rohr has insisted that the foreign-based stars would be used to prosecute the game as he continues to rebuild the Eagles into a world and worthy brand once again. Also, the Eagles performance in the qualifiers should boost Nigeria’s rating in the monthly FIFA ranking hence the need to approach the game against Algeria with upmost importance.

    Rohr said he is not carried away by their qualification for the World Cup, describing the game against the Chipolopolo as difficult. “I must admit that it was a very difficult game for the Eagles. We didn’t underrate this team because we saw on video what they did to Algeria and Cameroon.”

    “We knew it would be a very tough game and they gave us a chase. We didn’t want to concede a goal and we were lucky to get the goal which took us to Russia.Starting with Simon Moses and bringing in Alex Iwobi was not easy for us, but that made the difference.

    “In five games, we have four victories and one draw – a result I didn’t believe because of the teams in this group. It is not finished because the most difficult will be to prepare for a good outing at the World Cup.”

    Expectedly, congratulatory message poured in after the win. President Muhammadu Buhari through his spokesman, Femi Adesina, described the hard-earned victory as “very sweet, soothing and a 57th Independence Anniversary gift to the nation.” He applauded the Eagles for the feat of making Nigeria the first African country to qualify for Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament.

    Buhari called on all Nigerians to apply the values of perseverance, resilience, discipline, hard work and team-spirit which propelled the footballers to excel since the beginning of the qualifying matches, to all sectors of national life.

    He promised that the Federal Government would continue to support the team within available resources so that the nation would maximise the unifying potentials of sports in general and football in particular. He enjoined the entire team and Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officials to remain steadfast and focused when they begin preparations for the global football fiesta in order to make Nigeria proud.

    The President urged public, private organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to continue to assist the Super Eagles as the team heads for a sixth appearance at the summit of football competition. He also appreciated the government of Akwa Ibom State for the invaluable support it has been rendering to the football team, describing it as worthy of emulation.

    With Eight months to the World Cup, it is clear that there is more work to be done than before the qualifier started. It is a welcome development that the coach has said he was not carried away by the feat of the Eagles. So, he will have to monitor the progress of his players at their different clubs, while also hoping that they stay injury-free and stay in top form for the fiesta. The NFF should take advantage of the international window to organise top friendly games for the Eagles. With proper planning it will not be difficult to get quality friendlies considering that the Eagles have qualified for the World Cup.

    With everything in place, the Eagles should surpass their second round finish at the World Cup.

  • Russia 2018: Erico wants compact Eagles for Lions

    Russia 2018: Erico wants compact Eagles for Lions

     

     

    Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper Coach Joe Erico says Nigeria will need to prepare very well ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in August.

    Erico who hailed the lions fighting spirit as they came from behind to beat Egypt 2-1 for their 5th Nations Cup title in Gabon, opined that the team were determined to emerge champions and they did all they could to achieve their aim, despite the absence of most of their regulars.

    “I watched the final and I saw a team that was determined to win and they won, they refused to give up and the effort paid off, I congratulate them,” he said adding that their blend and form is an indication that they will not be cheap when the face Nigeria in the qualifiers.

    on the best approach to ensure that Eagles emerge victorious in the qualifiers and earn a ticket to Russia 2018, the former NEPA of Lagos ace canvassed for  quality friendlies to ensure that the Eagles blend enough just like the victorious Lions have blended to point of playing as a team with determination.

    “We have to work harder to be able to overcome them; we can achieve this by organising quality friendlies.  We should be able to play at least three quality games before August,” he submitted.

    Nigeria will host Cameroon August 27 just as Zambia and Algeria battle it out same day in Lusaka. The Eagles are at the moment in good standing after 2-1 and 3-1 defeat of Zambia and Algeria respectively in the first of two legged encounters.

  • Russia 2018: I can help Eagles qualify-Adeniji

    Russia 2018: I can help Eagles qualify-Adeniji

    Super Eagles striker and former Sunshine Stars of Akure star player, Tunde Adeniji, says he is confident the Super Eagles will qualify for Russia 2018 World Cup.

    Adeniji who was capped four times under former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh added that with the quality of players available to new coach Gernot Rohr he is sure they can beat Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia to the sole ticket in group B of the world cup qualifier.

    “I believe Super Eagles can qualify for the World Cup because all the players invited for the Zambia game are very good players and with determination, they can make it.

    “My hope is that I will soon get an invite to come help my country because I know my goals can take the team to the world cup,” Adeniji said.

    Last season, Adeniji, nicknamed “The Tiger” because of his ability to wear down opposition defense, scored 16 goals for Sunshine Stars, one goal short of Gbolahan  Salami who won the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL highest goal scorer award with 17 goals.

     He moved to Europe in February after signing a contract with top Bulgarian club Levski Sofia and has since fired in four goals in eight matches played this season, winning five man-of-the-match awards in the process.

    “My coach in Sofia has a lot of confidence in me, I have played eight matches, scored four goals, won five man-of-the-match awards, one player of the month award and I am still looking for more,” he said confidently.

    The Super Eagles will face the Chipolopolo of Zambia in a 2018 world cup qualifying game in Ndola on Sunday, 9th October 2016 without “The Tiger”.

  • RUSSIA 2018: Super Eagles can qualify

    RUSSIA 2018: Super Eagles can qualify

    NIGERIA players have bare their mind on the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifying draw conducted on Friday evening in Cairo.

    The Super Eagles were zoned in a threatening Group B alongside Algeria, Zambia and Cameroon for a ticket to Russia.

    As reactions continue on the team’s chances to make a sixth World Cup appearance in the global football showpiece, the footballer were not left out as they fancy their chances to pick the ticket ahead the three African heavyweights.

    AS Monaco defender Elderson Echiejile believes the Super Eagles can scale the hurdle to qualify for the World Cup.

    “Yes we can! #SuperEagles #2018WorldCupDraw #EUE3,” Echiejile tweeted.

    Sharing in this optimism is Watford forward Odion Ighalo who feels nothing is impossible to achieve.

    “Impossible is nothing @AllanNyom @AdleneGUEDIOURA”

    In the same vein, John Ogu is positive that the Super Eagles will qualify with a good fighting spirit and hardwork though admits that the zone is tough.

    “Top football Nations but with hard work and fight, we can come out strong. #IBELIEVE”

    And Olympiacos’ Brown Ideye bared with mind with a hash tag [#Believe] followed by a symbol of the Nigeria flag.

  • Russia 2018 Organising Committee in budget deficit

    Russia 2018 Organising Committee in budget deficit

    The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2018 World Cup in Russia will have a budget deficit for the next year, the country’s minister for sport said on Friday.

    Mutko was speaking at a meeting held by the organisation’s directorate of which he is a member.

    “We will have a budget deficit for 2015. The Organising committee is looking for support from independent sources,” the minister told the R-Sport news agency.

    “The construction costs of the stadiums has not changed at the moment, however market prices could lead to changes in this respect.”

    Mutko also said the opening ceremony could take place in the Dynamo stadium, which will not host any matches during the tournament, rather than the Luzhniki Stadium as was originally planned.

    “The Organising committee is looking into the possibility of holding the opening ceremony a day before the opening match at the Dynamo Stadium.”

    A contract was signed on Friday regarding the construction of the stadium in Rostov-on-Don, the last to be approved.

    The 2018 World Cup will use 12 stadiums in 11 cities, including two in Moscow and one each in St. Petersburg, Samara, Saransk, Rostov-on-Don, Sochi, Kazan, Kaliningrad, Volgograd, Nizhny Novgorod and Yekaterinburg.

  • Russia 2018: FBI to Probe FIFA officials

    Russia 2018: FBI to Probe FIFA officials

     

    Few hours after FIFA, the world football governing body, gave itself a clean bill of health, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has said it is stepping up the pace of a corruption investigation into senior leaders of FIFA, U.S. law enforcement officials have said.

    The FIFA ethics committee Thursday announced that it was closing its investigation into alleged corruption in the 2018 and 2022 bidding process that awarded the World Cup to Russia and Qater, respectively.

    According to reports from CNN.com, FIFA said its investigation found no corruption and has no reason to reopen the bidding process, but the FBI, which is leading the U.S. probe, is not ready to do the same.

    Investigators are moving ahead with their probe, which could result in charges against senior FIFA officials, the U.S. law enforcement officials said.

    FBI agents based in New York are moving ahead with their 3-year-old investigation, which will likely benefit from the findings of a former U.S. prosecutor, Michael Garcia, who was hired by FIFA to do an internal probe.

    The FBI plans to seek access to Garcia’s report, which FIFA has not yet released. So far, the FBI has declined to offer an official comment on the development.

    Garcia on Thursday distanced himself from the FIFA ethics announcement, saying: “Today’s decision by the Chairman of the Adjudicatory Chamber contains numerous materially incomplete and erroneous representations of the facts and conclusions detailed in the Investigatory Chamber’s report. I intend to appeal this decision to the FIFA Appeal Committee.”

    The FBI investigation includes the cooperation of a former top FIFA official who has provided documents and recordings of meetings with colleagues, law enforcement officials said.

    The New York Daily news, which reported on the cooperation of former FIFA official Chuck Blazer, quoted Blazer as saying: “I just can’t talk about that.”

    FIFA has long been dogged by allegations of corruption. In 2011, the FIFA banned for life Mohamed bin Hammam, a Qatari member of its top governing body, for ethics violations.

    Consequenly, the organization says it is planning unspecific improvements in the way it conducts World Cup bids.