The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Russia

  • IOC lifts Russia’s Olympic ban after Pyeongchang

    IOC lifts Russia’s Olympic ban after Pyeongchang

     

    The International Olympic Committee have lifted their suspension of Russia just few days after the curtain fell on the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang South Korea.

    The decision was announced by the Russian Olympic Committee on Wednesday, and later confirmed by the IOC.

    President Alexander Zhukov stated that the remaining doping tests on the neutral Olympic Athletes from Russia team had come back negative from Pyeongchang 2018.

    Russia was banned from the Olympics because of a massive doping scandal at the 2014 Sochi Games.

    Two of more than 160 athletes competing as Olympic Athletes from Russia in South Korea tested positive for banned substances, including a curler who had to forfeit his bronze medal.

    Aleksandr Krushelnitckiy was stripped of his mixed doubles curling bronze medal after failing a doping test, while bobsledder Nadezhda Sergeeva tested positive for banned stimulant trimetazidine.

    The confirmation means Russia have been reinstated just three days after the end of the Winter Games.

    ‘Today we received a letter from the IOC about the restoration,’ said Zhukov.

    ‘The restoration of the ROC was connected with the end of the doping tests from the Olympics in Pyeongchang, the IOC can confirm that all other results are negative.

    ‘It means that the ROC is fully restored in its rights.’

    The letter sent by Pere Miro, the IOC’s National Olympic Committees relations said: ‘On behalf of the Olympic Athlete from

    Russia implementation group, I wish to inform you that, following the IOC Executive Board decision on February 25, 2018,

    the final notification has now been received from the Doping Free Sports Unit and the IOC can confirm that all the remaining results from the OAR delegation are negative.

    ‘Consequently, the second point of the IOC EB decision on February 25 comes into effect automatically and immediately.

    ‘This means that the ROC can again exercise all rights and duties conferred upon it by the Olympic Charter, as any other National Olympic Committee.’

  • “Road to Russia”, Geo travels partners NFF

    “Road to Russia”, Geo travels partners NFF

    Geo travels and Tours has announced its partnership with the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF for the FIFA 2018 world cup finals in Russia.

    The country Director, Geo Travels and Tours, Mr Alex Ekeoma announced this at a media conference tagged “Road to Russia” in Lagos on Monday where the partnership with NFF was unveiled.

    The event aimed at sensitising the public on the opportunities of travelling to Russia to support the Super Eagles in the three group matches and beyond.

    Unveiling the partnership package, the NFF Vice chairman, Alhaji Shehu Dikko who represented the chairman, Amaju Pinnick sought the support of Nigerians in realising the objectives of the Russia 2018 Super Eagles campaign which is, seeing the Super Eagles go beyond the group stages of the mondial.

    Ekeoma said, Geo Travels and Tours in its commitment to redefining travel will present packages that all football-loving Nigerians and supporters could choose from to make it to the world cup with packages, starting from as low as N500,00.

    He further added “Nigerians will also have the option of choosing from a number of our customized packages that gives them the flexibility of choosing from the first, second and third, or all the three games.”

    Still on the package, the Head of Business, Geo Travels and Tours, Damilola Osikoya, said the synergy with NFF is the company’s own way of making travelling to the World Cup as easy as a phone call.

    “Geo Travels and Tours aligning with NFF is our own way of making travelling to the World cup as easy as a mere phone call”.

    Miss Osikoya continued that Geo Travels and Tours will also adopt a flexible payment plan for Nigerians wishing to book now and pay on a later date.

    In another arm of the Travel and Tours package, Geo travels and Tours in partnership with Crenov 8, a leading management and Digital Consulting firm, will also be hosting two major events in 2018. This include the Geo celebrity crush Faster Dubai Tour in the first quarter of this year.

    According to Mr Daniel Jones, a management staff of the company, the celebrity Tour will come up from the 30th of March-April 4th, 2018. This event is geared towards connecting fans of Nigerian music, and culture in an affordable package with the rest of the World.

    “Later in the year”, he said, “We shall also be hosting meet the farmers conference in November. It is an annual conference focused on agriculture, which aims to connect large scale agro commodity producers to buyers alike.

    Geo Travels and Tours is an Independent subsidiary of the Nepal Group, a leading downstream oil and Gas trading company in Nigeria. Geo travels and Tours is a leading travel company with more than two decades of experience in inbound and outbound travels. Over the last two years, the company had experienced significant growth. It offers services in visa assistance, flight bookings, Hotel bookings and tourism.

    “Our team of dedicated professionals offers the best service available to make travelling experience memorable”, he said.

    Mr Jeffrey Ikepeze, the business Development manager, added that the company believe it’s the job of a travelling agency to not only offer its customers the most enjoyable trips possible, but also give them a travel experience where their personal comfort is enhanced and their needs are met in a manner that is most convenient to them in a speedy and cost-efficient package, hence this media conference.

    Dignitaries at the occasion were: NFF Vice Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, NFF Board Member, Alhaji Musa Nuhu, Alhaji Ahmed “Fresh” Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, chairman , Managing Director, Nepal oil and Gas, Barrister Ngozi Ekeoma, Director, Geo Travels and Tours, Mr Alex Ekeoma, CEO, Payport, Mr Bassey Eyo, CEO, Instance Group, Mr Ubi Frankline, Chairman Nigerian Supporters Club, Mr Femi Okumagba, Head, Sales KLM, Ikeobasi Akpan, Chairman, Plateau State NFA , Mr Yahaya Kwande, Business Development Head, Crenov 8, Mr Ajodo Gbemishola and a host of other dignitaries.

  • NFF ensuring coaches succeed — Sanusi

    NFF ensuring coaches succeed — Sanusi

    Mohammed Sanusi, General-Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Friday in Abuja said the federation was committed to creating an enabling platform for coaches to succeed.

    Sanusi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the success of coaches and football administrators were the priority of the federation.

    He said that Nigeria’s football development could not be realised without the important role of coaches.

    The scribe explained that the federation would not relent in promoting excellence in the handling of players.

    “A coach’s role has a lot to do in the skill development of individual players and a team collectively.

    “So, we are doing our best in giving coaches chances to improve and succeed which by extension impact on our football,’’ he said.

    Sanusi, who urged Nigerian coaches to tap into the opportunities created by the federation, called for more support for Super Eagles’ coaches.

    He said that the federation was determined to see that the Eagles excel in Russia.

    According to him, we are not leaving anything behind to support our coaches.

    The scribe expressed confidence in the Eagles, saying that both the coaching crew and players were in form.

    He said the federation was optimistic that the team would come out stronger after the series of quality friendlies before the World Cup.

    NAN reports that Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be playing friendlies against Poland on March 23 and England on June 2.

     

  • World Cup: Authorities warn against Scammers

    World Cup: Authorities warn against Scammers

     

    Soccer fans and other tourists visiting Russia for the 2018 World Cup, have been told to look out for fake Automated Teller Machines and avoid them or risk losing their money to scammers who are hoping to record a boom within the period of the Mundial.

    A Russian law enforcement official according to Kommersant business daily (Newspaper published in Russia mostly devoted to politics and business) said fake ATM machines installed in the 11 World Cup cities in Russia will pose a “significant problem” for visitors.

    “Our residents usually use the same ATM and are unlikely to try to withdraw money from a suspicious and unfamiliar device.

    Newcomers, however, can find it difficult to tell the difference between a fake ATM from a real one,” the official was cited as saying by Kommersant.

    Scammers are reportedly buying retired ATM machines for up to 100,000 rubles ($1,700) or N612, 000 and refitting them to target tourists, the source said.

    According to digital security consultant Andrei Gayko, fraudulent ATMs can be made to “mimic a popular bank’s machine.”

    “If it doesn’t arouse suspicion from anyone, it can continue to work for a very long time,” he said.

    The authorities are however not folding their hands on the issue as the Russian Central Bank has issued a set of recommendations ahead of the competition, urging card owners to avoid “malfunctioning” ATMs, among other suggestions.

    Other banks are also said to have learned how to prevent ATM Skimming which involves stealing information from customer’s bank cards with intent to producing fake cards.

    Based on ticket sales and requests, at least 1.5 million foreign tourists are expected to visit Russia during the World Cup between June 14 and July 15.

    Thirty two countries including five African countries, Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal, Morocco and Tunisia successfully jumped the hurdles posed by other contenders to qualify for the World cup in Russia.

    Only eight countries Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, Uruguay, France, England and Spain have won the World cup with Brazil having the highest record of wins, five times.

     

     

     

     

  • JSC Russian Export Centre joins Afreximbank to boost African trade

    JSC Russian Export Centre joins Afreximbank to boost African trade

    The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) says JSC Russian Export Centre ( REC ) has become the latest international financial organisation to join Afreximbank as a shareholder to boost African trade.

    A statement on Tuesday in Lagos by Mr Obi Emekekwue, the bank’s Head of Corporate Communication and Event Management, said that REC’s shareholding followed its successful subscription to Class “C” shares of the bank.

    Emekekwue said that the shareholding became effective on Dec. 29, 2017.

    He said that the shareholding agreement was signed by Dr Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank and Petr Fradkov, Chief Executive Officer of REC on Dec. 11, 2017.

    He said that the new partnership would focus mainly on mining and transport infrastructure.

    REC is owned by the State Corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs (Vnesheconombank (VEB).

    Read Also: Assembly to Ambode: dissolve  JSC

    Afreximbank shareholders are a mix of public and private entities divided into four classes.

    The Class “A” shareholders are African states, African central banks and African public institutions, including the African Development Bank, while Class “B” is made up of African financial institutions and African private investors.

    Class “C” shares are held by non-African investors, mostly international banks and export credit agencies, while Class “D” shares, a tier approved in December 2012, are shares that can be held by any investor.

    Afreximbank is the foremost pan-African multilateral financial institution devoted to financing and promoting intra and extra-African trade.

    The Bank was established in October 1993 by African governments, African private and institutional investors, and non-African investors.

    Its two basic constitutive documents are the Establishment Agreement, which gives it the status of an international organization, and the Charter, which governs its corporate structure and operations.

    Since 1994, it has approved more than 51 billion dollars in credit facilities for African businesses, including about 10.3 billion dollars in 2016.

    Afreximbank had total assets of 11.7 billion dollars as at December 31, 2016 and is rated BBB+ (GCR), Baa1 (Moody’s), and BBB- (Fitch). The bank is headquartered in Cairo.

    NAN

  • Blatter against use of VAR at Russia 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)

  • From bronze to ice: Another funny Ronaldo in Russia!

    From bronze to ice: Another funny Ronaldo in Russia!

     

    A new Ronaldo sculpture has been unveiled at the ongoing Ledovaya Moskva festival in Russia.

    40 statues have been put up in Russia to represent the countries that will be featuring in this year’s World Cup.

    Unfortunately Ronaldo’s sculpture has generated a lot of controversy as it shares striking similarities with the disastrous bust that was put up in his honour at Madeira airport last year.

    The unveiling of the statue in Portugal last year sent fans into frenzy and a new artist was called in to produce a new model.

    One person likened the original statue to Bowser from the Super Mario Brothers film while another said it reminded them of the talking head from the ITV show Art Attack.

    Spanish sculptor Jose Antonio Navarro Arteaga, 52, was called in to redeem the errors made my mocked artist Emanuel Santos.

    Ronaldo is however not the only footballer to has been comically represented by a statue. Former Argentina international Diego Maradona and recently former Chelsea ace Micheal Essien have had their fair share of the trend. Maradona had his erected in India while Essien had his erected back home in Ghana

    As regards the sculptures in Russia, Moscow Times revealed that 2,000 tons of ice from Lake Baikal and other lakes nearby were used to make 40 football-related statues.

    The sculptures are featuring symbols from the 32 participating countries, including ice replicas of their architectural gems, football stars and literary characters. They will reportedly include England’s Sherlock Holmes, Germany’s Baron Munchausen and Sweden’s Karlsson.

    The Portugal international will hope to make a major impact when his Country drawn in Group B face Spain, Morocco and Iran. Portugal who made their first appearance at the world cup in 1966 crashing out in the Group stage will be making their sixth appearance at the world cup in Russia. Their best outing has been fourth place finish at the 2006 edition in Germany followed by Group of 16 finish at the first Africa hosted World cup in South Africa in 2010. One of their remarkable matches in the 2010 outing was the 7-0 demolition of North Korea in the Group stage with Meireles, Simão, Almeida, Tiago, Liédson and Ronaldo on target.

  • World cup: Russia to hammer greedy hotels

    World cup: Russia to hammer greedy hotels

     

    Hotel operators eager to make excess profit at the expense of visitors to Russia for the World cup next year, are to be taught a lesson they will never forget in a jiffy.

    Russia’s Federal Tourism Agency dished out the warning adding that the country is determined to host a hitch- free Mundial.

    The Agency hinted that it will create a public blacklist for hotels that hike their prices for the 2018 World cup.

    The agency has already identified several hotels guilty of price inflation in Volgograd and Saransk, among other cities. Prices for hotel rooms in these cities rose 40 times, the head of the agency Oleg Safonov was cited as saying by the Izvestia newspaper..

    Earlier in December, the Russian consumer rights watchdog Rospotrebnadzor initiated a case against a hotel in Volgograd that increased prices 20-fold, the state-owned TASS news agency reported.

    The Gallery Park Volgograd Hotel asked 130,250 rubles ($2,262) or N814, 320 for a one-night stay in its presidential suite during the World Cup, which will be held in Russia between June 14 and July 15. The regular price for the room is 5,990 rubles.

    The standard room in the Volgograd hotel also went up in price, up from the usual 1,600 rubles to 55,000 rubles during the tournament.

    The Federal Agency for Tourism plans to publish a blacklist of such hotels in early 2018.

    Based on ticket sales and requests, at least 1.5 million foreign tourists are expected to visit Russia during the World Cup. The Federal Agency for Tourism estimates that they will spend up to $2 billion during their stay in the country.

    Nigeria has been grouped alongside Argentina Croatia and Iceland with the Super Eagles expected to play Iceland at the Volgograd Arena, Volgograd area on June 22nd. The Minister of sports Solomon Dalung recently confirmed that it will take about N3 billion to prosecute the world cup in Russia.

  • Russia, Vatican disagree with Trump over Jerusalem

    Russia, Vatican disagree with Trump over Jerusalem

    Russia and the Vatican disagree with the decision of President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to relocate the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv, Alexander Avdeyev, the Russian ambassador to the Vatican City has said.

    Avdeyev recalled that Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, in one of his recent statements said that the status quo of Jerusalem, which is a place of pilgrimage and worship for Jews, Christians and Muslims, should be respected.

    “This is a city of three Abrahamic religions and it should not be politicised by recognition as a capital.

    “I draw attention to the fact that this statement was made by the Pope, who usually expresses his position very carefully in order not to offend anyone.

    “So we can see a clear disagreement with the U.S. decision here. We have the similar position,” Avdeyev told Sputnik.

    On December 6, Trump announced his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and instructed the State Department to launch the process of moving the U.S. Embassy, which is currently located in Tel Aviv, to Jerusalem.

    The step has prompted criticism from a number of states, first and foremost Middle Eastern states and Palestine, and triggered a wave of protests in the region.

    On December 7, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Jerusalem’s legal status.

    The document called on UN member states to refrain from the establishment of diplomatic missions in the city.

    The diplomat also said that Russia and the Vatican share similar views on the world and the threats posed to it in the 21st century.

    “We have much in common in our vision of the threats and dangers of the 21st century. This is an important issue that unites us.

    “First of all, I speak about the threat of any terrorism, criminal, religious or separatist one. The second threat is the weakening of non-proliferation regimes.

    “Of particular concern is the drug trafficking and the separation into rich and poor in the world,” Avdeyev said.

    The Russian diplomat added that the two states also had a common view on the threats posed by social and economic inequality and terrorism, which were behind migration.

    According to the diplomat, unregulated globalisation that was closely tied with neoliberal values could result in “a significant deformation of the civil societies.”

    Avdeyev added that the two states were supportive of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and backed the negotiating process and dialogue as a path toward these goals.

    The ambassador also said that the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church were concerned over the destruction of the moral and ethical values of the Christian civilisation.

    (Sputnik/NAN)

  • World Cup 2018: team-by-team guide

    World Cup 2018: team-by-team guide

    The draw for the World Cup has been made; each country now know their fate. Though with over six months to go for the biggest Mundial in football, some countries might have already been gauging expectations on how far they would go.

    Most countries, immediately after the draw in Kremlin have started preparation for the Mundial; looking for suitable opponents to engage in friendlies to prepare their players, where to camp, modalities on players’ bonuses (conundrum in African football) and so on, we would ensure we don’t fail you in discharging one of our most sacrosanct duties; to inform you and feed you with some of the things to expect in 2018 World Cup.

    Without much ado, we preview each of the 32 countries that will participate at the World Cup:

    Note: the preview is done alphabetically.

    Argentina (Albiceleste)

    It took the Albiceleste three coaches and some magic from captain, Lionel Messi in the final qualifying game against Ecuador to book a place in Russia. Though they had a disastrous qualifying campaign, Argentina remains one of the most successful football teams in the world. Having won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986 and emerged as runners up on three occasions, including the last edition – the Albiceleste will be going into this competition as one of the favourites.

    How will they fare? They’ve been grouped alongside Nigeria, Croatia and Iceland – ceteris paribus, they should come out top in this group, setting up a probable meeting in Last 16 with any other team in Group C aside France, who will be expected to top that group. Argentina should see off any of the team in Round of 16, but from the quarter final no one knows.

    They are one of the favourites but the curse that South American teams don’t win the World Cup on European soil might be a big factor.

    Key Player: Lionel Messi.

    Manager: Jorge Sampaoli

    Australia (Socceroos)

    The Socceroos were the 31st team to qualify for the World Cup having had to defeat Honduras 3-1 in Sydney after they initially drew 0-0 away to their inter-confederation playoff counterpart.

    Three goals from Jedinak saw the Australia qualified for their fourth World Cup – the third in a row.

    How they will fare? After booking their place at the World Cup, coach, Ange Postecoglou stepped down for reasons best known to him. This might go a long way as the Socceroos now have less than seven months to find a new manager, who will definitely start afresh.

    In Group C with France, Denmark and Peru, Australia, as always should be pleased with only group stage appearance as the other teams seem to be better off, although with veteran Tim Cahill in the side, they might fancy their chances.

    Key player: Tim Cahill

    Manager: —-

     

    Belgium (Red Devils)

    Belgium was one of the best teams during the qualifying series. They broke a couple of records in the qualifying stage – as they were unbeaten in all 10 games, they dropped just two out of 30 points and scored 43 goals in the process.

    But with the unconvincing draws against Russia and Mexico and complaints by Kevin de Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois on the tactics of manager Roberto Martinez, much is left to be worried about the Belgians going to the World Cup. The Belgians always seem to walk on thin fence between class and capitulation.

    How they will fare? The Red Devils lost in the quarter final of the last edition to eventual runners-up Argentina in the last edition but with permutations they should reach same stage or possibly matched their 1986 semi-final’s feat.

    Whether they finish first or second in Group G; same group that houses England, Tunisia and Panama, they should easily dispatch any team that comes their way in Group H in Round 16.

    Key Player: player for player, it’s only the French national team that seems better than Belgium – as this team is star studded. Tough call between Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne but the latter edges the former based on his present stellar form.

    Manager: Roberto Martinez.

     

    Brazil (La Selecao)

    La Selecao were unbeaten in all qualifying games under Tite, as they emerged as the winners of the CONMEBOL series. They didn’t only emerge as winners, they were the first nation to book a ticket for the World Cup in 2018 – qualifying with four games to spare.

    How they will fare? You won’t have so many things as sacrilegious as Brazil going to the World Cup and not being considered as favourites. The most successful team in the history of this Mundial – winners in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002- will also have to deal with the curse of no South American World Cup winner on European soil.

    You wonder no mention on their group? We don’t need to waste our time: we know what it’ll look like.

    Key player: Neymar

    Manager: Tite.

     

    Colombia (Los Cafeteros)

    Colombia emerged as the fourth best team in the CONMEBOL qualifying series – picking 27 points out of a possible 54. Their last game in the qualifying series left so many football fans with much to worry about match fixing in football.

    Radamel Falcao was caught on camera whispering to Peru players’ in the latter stage of a match that was at a stalemate to slow down the tempo of the game, as the draw was likely see the two sides through, knocking out Chile in the process.

    How will they fare? Colombia, who were knocked out in the quarter final of the last edition by Brazil should all things being equal progress in Group H; group that houses Poland, Senegal and Japan. But they haven’t quite hit the heights they did in Brazil, so the rest will more than fancy it against them.

    Key player: James Rodriguez

    Manager: Jose Pekerman

     

    Costa Rica (La Sele)

    La Sele qualified with two games to spare and came second in the CONCACAF qualifying series – five points behind Mexico. They’ve been a sensation and a joy to watch since the awesome performance in the last World Cup in which it took Netherland’s Tim Krul brilliances to keep them from reaching the semi-finals.

    How will they fare? In a group that comprises Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia, La Sele will be fighting not for the presumed heir to the top of the group but find a way to wrestle both Serbia and Switzerland for the second spot. Then again, they were written off four years. Remember how that turned out?

    Key Player: Keylor Navas

    Manager: Oscar Ramirez

     

    Croatia (The Blazers)

    Croatia was second to Group D opponents, Iceland during the qualifiers but dispatched Greece in the play-off to book their way to Russia. Though they struggled at the initial stage of the qualifiers, a new manager looks to have brought some form of light to the team.

    How will they fare?: In the same Group with Iceland, Nigeria and Argentina, they might find it tough to progress as Argentina are favourites to top the group and they were bested by Iceland qualifying. Their star-studded midfield has always underperformed in tournaments, and this might be their last.

    Key player: Luka Modric

    Manager: Zlatko Dalic

    Denmark (Danish Dynamite)

    Denmark came second to Poland in the European qualifying series but went on to play off to annihilate Republic of Ireland – thanks to star man, Christian Eriksen who was awesome in the two-legged affair.

    With a fifth World Cup appearance, Denmark will be looking at the 2018 World Cup to match or better their record at the Mundial – a quarter final appearance at France 1998.

    How will they fare? In Group C with France, Australia and Peru, the Danish Dynamite should be looking at the second spot in the group – setting up a possible second round meeting with Argentina– we probably know the end of the story.

    Key player: Christian Eriksen

    Manager: Age Hareide

     

    Egypt (The Pharaohs)

    The Pharaohs, who last qualified for a FIFA World Cup in 1990, toppled the Black Stars of Ghana in the qualifying series. Though a household name when it comes to the Nations Cup, not many fancied them qualifying for the World Cup.

    Going to the World Cup, the Pharaohs defensive solidity in conjunction with the greatness of speedster, Mohammed Salah, might see them go far.

    NOTE: Legendary goalkeeper, Essam El-Hadary is set to become the oldest player at the World Cup at 45 – usurping that set by Colombian goalkeeper, El Mondragon, 43, at the 2014 World Cup

    How will they fare? In Group A, with Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, Egypt should fancy their chances against these teams. But either they come first or second in the group, they will most likely meet their waterloo in Round 16.

    Key player: Mohammed Salah

    Manager: Hector Cuper

     

    England (Three Lions)

    Always one of the top performers at any qualifying series, the Three Lions kept the record of not losing any qualifying matches since 2009 intact – as they go through the 2018 World Cup qualifying phase without losing a game. Performing at major competition, they were always shambolic, appalling, devastating …. Maybe we stop at that and look at how they will fare at 2018 World Cup.

    They were winners of European Group F ahead of Slovakia and will be the only country representing Great Britain at the World Cup.

    How will they fare? Based on precedence, maybe another shambolic performance. But with the hype always around the team before any competition, we should assume for now that they will go pass the group stage. And whether they come first or second, they should be able to beat any team that comes their way in Group H in Round 16. Then again, it’s England…

    Key player: Harry Kane

    Manager: Gareth Southgate

     

    France (Les Blues)

    The star-studded French team will be going into the World Cup as one of the favourites to win it. The strength and capability of the Les Blues was shown at EUROS 2016, where they unluckily lost out to Portugal in the final.

    With even their third line-up, France should still be up to compete with the very best at this Mundial.

    The winners at the 1998 edition won their group during the qualifying stages ahead of Sweden.

    How will they fare? With the likes of Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Ngolo Kante and the likes at Didier Deschamps’ disposal, no need to discuss about their group matches. And if the unlikely doesn’t happen and they avoid Argentina in the last 16, they should be at least in the semi-finals.

    Key Player: Paul Pogba

    Manager: Didier Deschamps

     

    Germany (Die Mannschaft)

    The defending champions remain one of the biggest favourites to win the World Cup. History wise, Germany will always be a team to beat at the World Cup – the last time they failed to reach the quarter final of the World Cup was in 1938, and since 2002, they’ve always been at the semi-finals. They emerged second in 2002, third in 2006, second in 2010 and won the last edition.

    Having top their group in the qualifying series as expected, the biggest worry for the Die Mannshaft as winning this competition is that no country that emerged as winner of the Confederations Cup has been able to win the World Cup.

    All fingers crossed till they upset and unseat the status quo.

    How will they fare? Grouping Germany in the same group with teams like Mexico, Sweden is almost demeaning to the strength of the Die Mannschaft. Anything less than reaching the semi-finals will always be a failure for Germany.

    Key Player: Toni Kroos

    Manager: Joachim Low

     

    Iceland (Strakarnir Okar)

    The meteoric rise of Iceland’s football is one of the biggest stories of this century. Whatever one has read or heard about how they rose, it’s still quite a miracle for a country with that kind of population. After an exhilarating performance at their first major competition; EURO 2016, which saw them dispatched England in the second round they refused to stop there as the Strakarnir Okar became the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup, topping fellow group D opponent Croatia.

    How will they fare? Topping the group isn’t realistic (or isn’t it?), but they should stand their ground to compete with Croatia and Nigeria for second spot.

    Key Player: Gyfli Sigurdsson

    Manager: Heimir Hallgrimsson

    Iran (Team Melli)

    Iran are ranked 24th in the World and are one of the most successful football teams in Asia. They’ve qualified for the World Cup on five occasions but have failed to make it past the group stage on the all five – with their only win in the competition was against the United States in 1998.

    Team Melli was the first Asian team to qualify for the World Cup and did so with 12 consecutive clean sheets.

    How will they fare?  In the same group with Portugal, Spain and Morocco, let’s hope they record their second win at the World Cup against the African side.

    Key player: Sardar Azmoun.

    Manager: Carlos Queiroz

     

    Japan (Samurai Blue)

    Co-host of the 2002 World Cup, Japan have been mainstays in the competition since 1998. The Samurai Blue, who are famously known for their counter attacking style of play, emerged as winners of the Asian Group B ahead of Saudi Arabia in the qualifying series.

    How will they fare? Samurai Blue have reached the round of 16 on two occasions, but will find it hard to qualify ahead of Poland and Colombia, who are Group H favourites. And if they find their way past the group stage, most likely, the status quo of not getting beyond the last 16 is unlikely to change – as they will most likely face England or Belgium.

    Key Player: With the likes of Shinji Okazaki, Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda, finding it to hold a starting berth under the new system of coach, Vahid Halilhodzic, the key player for the Samurai Blue for the World Cup, should be Southampton defender, Maya Yoshida.

    Manager: Vahid Halilhodzic

    Korea Republic (The Reds)

    Historically, The Reds are the most successful football team from Asia and up till today they are the only team from Asia to have reached the semi-finals of the World Cup; a feat achieved when they co-hosted with Japan in 2002.

    Having qualified for their 10th World Cup – the highest of any Asian team, The Reds will be looking forward to making a statement.

    How will they fare? Making a statement by topping Germany is most likely out of hand for The Reds – they will be looking at cementing a second spot ahead of Mexico and Sweden.

    Key player: Heung-min Son

    Manager: Shin Tae-Yong

     

    Mexico (El Tri)

    El Tri had no problem qualifying for the World Cup but their performances at the Confederations Cup and Copa America Centenario have left people with worries as to what they will bring to the table in Russia.

    The Mexicans were the winners of the CONCACAF qualifying series ahead of Costa Rica and Panama.

    How will they fare? Mexico have reached the knock out stage in each of the past six World Cups and matching that record is a mountain that shouldn’t be too high this time around as well.

    The highest they have gone in the World Cup was a quarter final appearance in 1986, but that looks unachievable as they will most likely finish second, setting up a probable meeting with Brazil, who, all things being equal, should top Group E.

    Key Player: Javier Hernandez

    Manager: Juan Carlos Osorio

     

    Morocco (Atlas Lions)

    The Atlas Lions are first African team to win a group at the World Cup, a feat they achieved in 1986 – finishing ahead of England, Portugal and Poland. That year they also became the first African country to reach the knockout stage. Like their moniker ‘the Atlas Lions,’ Morocco have been roaring and ready to prey any team that comes their way. Their ability to not concede in the qualifying series is a testament on the preparedness of the Atlas Lions to devour any team that comes their way.

    How will they fare? In the same group with Spain and Portugal, Morocco will have to summon the spirit of ’86 once again.

    They unfortunately failed to reach the knockout stage in France 1998 but in Russia 2018, all things being equal they should successfully fail to break through pass the group stage as Spain and Portugal look like the outright favourites.

    Key Player: Hakim Ziyech

    Manager: Herve Renard

     

    Nigeria (Super Eagles)

    The three time African champions were placed in the toughest group in the African qualifying series but against all odds were able to book their sixth appearance at the World Cup with ease.

    They did not only see off the likes of Algeria, Cameroon (African champion), and Zambia, they became the first African country to qualify for the World Cup. The Super Eagles qualified with a game to spare and without losing a game in the qualifying series.

    How will they fare? After qualifying in style, many Nigerians have been dreaming and predicting that the team will go as far as reaching the semi-finals.

    Reality check, the Super Eagles will need to first battle for a second spot in Group D with Croatia and Iceland, and if they eventually make it through, a repeat of 2014’s round of 16 encounter with France is possible.

    France? Nigerians should be looking at going past the group stage first.

    Key player: Victor Moses

    Manager: Gernot Rohr

     

    Panama (La Marea Roja)

    La Marea Roja came third in the CONCACAF qualifying rounds, behind Mexico and Costa Rica, to qualify for their first ever World Cup.

    Just like Costa Rica in 2014, Panama will be heading to Russia with the hopes of pulling some surprises.

    How will they fare? Even if am to play a devils’ advocate, it will be on Tunisia. A group stage appearance should be well enough for Panama as they were handed a group that has England and Belgium

    Key player: Gabriel Gomez

    Manager: Hernan Dario Gomez

     

    Peru (La Blanquirroja)

    After a fifth place finish in their region’s qualifying series, Peru were able to book a play-off meeting with New Zealand whom they beat 2-0 in a two legged affair.

    Peru, who last played at the World Cup in 1982, emerged as the last nation to qualify for the 2018 edition.

    How will they fare? Grouped alongside France, Denmark and Australia, the Peruvians stand a very good chance of making it to the round of 16.

    And from there? Ceteris paribus, they should be on their way home.

    Key player: Jefferson Farfan

    Manager: Ricardo Gareca

     

    Poland (Bialo-Czerwoni)

    Having last qualified for the World Cup in 2006, the Poles will be making their seventh World Cup appearance – thanks to Captain, Robert Lewandowski, who netted a record 16 goals in the qualifying series.

    This present crop of Polish players is considered to be the best since the renowned set of 1970 – early 1980, and they are being rooted to go far in Russia. Their defence line could be the standing blocks to achieving this.

    How will they fare? : In a group considered the most balanced, Poland, with Lewandowski, should book a place in last 16. What happens if he does not come to the party? Maybe a group stage exit.

    On the other hand, the Polish team may look like a one-man team, but they fared well when Lewy floundered in France two years ago.

    Key Player: Robert Lewandowski

    Manager: Adam Nawalka

     

    Portugal (A Selecao)

    With their EURO 2016 triumph, Portugal will be going to the 2018 World Cup full of confidence and hoping to pull some surprises at the biggest stage. According to their coach, they are not part of the favourites to lift the World Cup – he considered his team as part of the second class teams, who only wanted to go far in the Mundial.

    They unsurprisingly won their group ahead of Switzerland in the qualifying series and will be hoping they make it pass the group stage this time around – having failed to break through the group stage in 2014.

    How will they fare? All things being equal, they should qualify alongside Spain in Group B – and whether they top or second the group, Portugal should conveniently dispatch with any team that comes their way from Group A in round 16.

    Key player: Cristiano Ronaldo

    Manager: Fernando Santos

     

    Russia (The National team)

    Having qualified for the World Cup on ten occasions, Russia will be making their eleventh appearance as the host.

    How will they fare?  Even with the home backings, Russia will hardly go past the round 16 stage. Their appalling display at the Confederations cup is an indication of what one should most likely expect next year.

    Key Player: Aleksandr Kokorin

    Manager: Stanislav Cherchesov

     

    Senegal (Teranga Lions)

    2018 World Cup will be the Teranga Lions’ second appearance at the Mundial. In their first, in 2002, they shocked the World, defeating World and European champions France 1-0 in the tournament’s opening game. They also reached the quarter final of the 2002 World Cup – making them one of the three African countries to have gone that far.

    Under the leadership of Aliou Cisse, who was the captain of the 2002 World Cup team, Senegal trumped the likes of South Africa, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde to book their spot in Russia.

    How will they fare? In a group considered as the most balanced that features the likes of Japan, Poland and Colombia, Senegal are not one of the two favourites to go through, but the upsets they caused in 2002, will surely be on the minds of their group opponents.

    Key Player: Sadio Mane

    Manager: Aliou Cisse

    Serbia (The Orlovi)

    Considered by both UEFA and FIFA as the sole and direct successor of the Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro teams, Russia 2018 will be the 12th appearance of Serbia at the FIFA World Cup.

    After their last qualifying for a major tournament in 2010, Serbia qualified for Russia 2018 by pipping both Wales and Republic of Ireland to first place in the qualifying phase, although their decision to part company with Slavojab Muslin is still a mystery.

    How will they fare? With Germany, Mexico and Sweden in their group, Serbia will surely be vying for the second spot at least, or at best. Orlovi’s greatest achievement so far was defeating Germany 1-0 at the World cup in 2010 but that was not even enough to see them progress to the next stage.

    Key player: Branislav Ivanovic

    Manager: Mladen Krsajic (caretaker)

     

    Spain (La Furia Roja)

    The La Furia Roja will be looking at Russia 2018 to redeem their image as one of the super powers in football after shambolic performances at the last FIFA World Cup and EURO 2016. Though, on paper, the 2010 World Champion have been considered as one of the top sides for the World Cup but one cannot dispatch the ongoing Catalonia crisis. How well the squad manages this will go a long way in determining what they will bring to the table.

    They won their qualifying group over the Italians, who knocked them out at EURO 2016.

    How will they fare? Spain should progress through the group and should rise above any of the teams that comes their way in Round of 16. With the quality of players they have and their records in major tournament in the last 10 years, anything less than a semi-final appearance for the La Furia Roja would be considered a failure.

    Key Player: Isco

    Manager: Julen Lopetegui

     

    Switzerland (Rossocrociati)

    Switzerland national football over the years has been one that has always been knocking at the door – qualifying for tournaments is not a big deal but over the years, football fans have been longing for that tournament where they will make a statement.

    According to manager Vladimir Petkovic, they would be going to Russia hoping to at least reach the second round of the competition.

    How will they fare? Petkovic wasn’t dreaming too much when he said they would be looking at reaching the second stage of Russia 2018 – this looks realistic as the Swiss team stand a good chance to book the second spot ahead of both Costa Rica and Serbia – with Brazil destined for the number one spot.

    Key Player: Skodran Shaqiri

    Manager: Vladmir Petkovic

     

    Sweden (Blaguit)

    The Blaguit caused one of the biggest upsets in football’s history when they defeated four-time World champion Italy 1-0 en route to booking their eleventh World Cup appearance.

    Undeterred by their greatest footballer of all time and maybe the most popular man in the history of Sweden, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s retirement after EURO 2016, Sweden were able to cement a place in Russia against all odds.

    How will they fare? With Mexico, Korea Republic and Germany in their group, Sweden should give a good fight for at least second spot.

    Key Player: And if Ibrahimovic decides not to call off his international retirement, how well RB Leipzig forward, Emil Forsberg, does will go a long way in deciding how Sweden will fair at the World Cup.

    Manager: Janne Andersson

    Tunisia (Carthage Eagles)

    After a below-par outings at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, the 2004 AFCON champions had to introduce a new manager who championed the campaign that saw the Carthage Eagles book a place in Russia for their fourth World Cup appearance.

    How will they fare? : With Belgium, Panama and England in their group, as an African, I shall celebrate their group stage appearance.

    On the flip side, England could come doing what they know how to do best; disappoint. If this happens, they might find their way to the Round of 16 ahead of Panama.

    Key player: Aymen Abdenour

    Manager: Nabil Maaloul

     

    Uruguay (La Celeste)

    Uruguay, the winners of the first World Cup in 1930 and champions again in 1950, came second behind Brazil in the CONMEBOL qualifying series.

    In the last two editions of the World Cup, Uruguay have been one of the most talk about teams – will anyone forget the Uruguay-Ghana drama of 2010?

    How will they fare? : La Caleste are the favourites in Group A ahead of Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

    And if they qualify for the second round a big match awaits them as they would most likely meet either Spain or Portugal.

    Key player: Luis Suarez

    Manager: Oscar Tabarez. 

    Edited by Olakunle Ajao and Noah Honawon