The Nation Newspaper

Tag: #Russia2018

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

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

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

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

    Zuber rose unmarked to head home a corner kick.

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

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

  • World Cup: Police assures football viewers 24-hrs protection

    Enugu State Police Command says it will provide adequate protection for residents during the World Cup through its 24-hour patrol and surveillance.

    The Command’s spokesman, SP Ebere Amaraizu, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Enugu.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria’s Super Eagles and 31 other countries would trade tackles at the June 14 to July 15 football fiesta.

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles are in Group D comprising Argentina, Croatia and World Cup debutantes, Iceland.

    The event would feature 64 matches, all of which would be televised by various Pay Television Networks being subscribed to by football match viewing centres, relaxation spots and hotels.

    Amaraizu said that residents of the state are free to watch the World Cup matches even very late into the night without fear as there would be adequate police presence.

    “We don’t sleep in our duty especially on minute-by-minute patrols in the state. That is why there is always night life in Enugu.

    “However, we are redoubling our efforts to strengthen the existing patrol and other security frameworks during this World Cup season.

    “This is knowing what it means for the residents and visitors to watch the matches live in a secured environment,’’ he said.

    The spokesman also urged football lovers and residents to be of good conduct especially in the aspect of controlling their emotions as a match progresses.

    “Do not allow your emotions to cause commotion. Football is a game meant to promote peace, love and oneness among people.

    “Residents should watch matches and make new friends notwithstanding the outcome,’’ he said.

    According to him, the officers and men of the command are wishing the Super Eagles a fruitful outing and superlative performance that would make the country proud.

    “For those who cannot make it to Russia due to one circumstance or the other; the person, family or group can come to Enugu and watch the matches through Pay Television Network in viewing centres and hotels as well as experience the peace and hospitality the state offers,’’ he advised. (NAN)

  • World Cup: Amuneke urges Super Eagles to remain focused

    Former Super Eagles winger, Emmanuel Amuneke, has urged the team to remain focused in their preparation and at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

    Nigeria is in group D alongside Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in the competition which kicks off on June 14 and ends on July 15.

    Amuneke, Coach of the Nigerian U-17 team that won the World Cup in Chile in 2015, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Eagles were blessed with young players.

    “The team has done the country proud so far in their preparations. They should remain focused. The coaching crew should look at their weak points and strengths and improve on them.

    “ I wish them all the best. Nigerians are expecting a lot from them.

    “I pray that this young generation of players we have now should have the strength to do the country and continent proud,’’ he told NAN on telephone from Spain.

    Amuneke, also a former FC Barcelona of Spain winger, said that it was a plus for Nigeria to present young players in the World Cup.

    “The good thing is that we have young players, people with a lot of determination.

    “For some of our players, this will be their first experience in the World Cup, this will be the first time in their careers playing in the World Cup.

    “I see a lot of enthusiasm and hunger in them,’’ he said.

    According to him, in the world now, football has changed a lot.

    “ At the club level, people are going for young players that can fit into their plans.

    “I am happy with the Coach Gernot Rohr for the changes he made in the team. We have a continuity for the future.

    “ But, I must caution that the World Cup is not a child’s game,’’ he told NAN.

    Amunuke said that other teams in Nigeria’s group were good and capable of giving a good account of themselves.

    He said: “These teams are good with quality players. Argentina, Croatia and Iceland are good.  We must know how to manage the game.

    “We must know how to play when we have the ball and when we do not have the ball.’’

    Nigeria will be making its sixth appearance I n the Mundial having featured in the USA 1994, France 1998, Korea/Japan 2002, South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014. (NAN)

  • Mikel: We are keen to finish what we started

    Mikel: We are keen to finish what we started

    Mikel John Obi- led Super Eagles arrived Yaounde on Sunday afternoon for Monday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

    A statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Sunday quoted Mikel as saying that the team was keen on consolidating on Friday’s 4-0 victory over Cameroon in Uyo.

    Nigeria achieved its highest win ever over Cameroon with the thumping of the Lions on Friday, but Mikel said he was aware the wounded Lions would want to salvage some pride.

    “We are just very keen to finish what we started. We started a job in Uyo and it is time to finish it.

    “If we can pick the World Cup ticket by Monday, why wait any longer? We are all very confident because we know our ability and what we are ready to bring to the party.

    “We are as hungry, perhaps, even more hungry than they are. It will be a tough affair but we will give our very best to take the three points.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria could become the first African team to earn a slot in Russia as early as Tuesday.

    The Eagles will qualify if they defeat the Cameroonians on Monday in Yaounde and Zambia fails to beat Algeria at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida on Tuesday.

    Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr has 23 fit players to select from, with goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Dele Ajiboye and Dele Alampasu.

    Also are defenders Uche Agbo, Abdullahi Shehu, Elderson Echiejile, Ola Aina, Leon Balogun, William Ekong, Tyronne Ebuehi and Chidozie Awaziem.

    Midfielders Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Mikel Agu, are also in contention for the game.

    The forwards include Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Odion Ighalo, Moses Simon, Anthony Nwakaeme and Kelechi Iheanacho.

    At the Hilton Hotel on Sunday to receive the Nigerian team was Cameroon’s Minister of Sport, Bidoung Mpaktt, who chatted briefly with NFF President Amaju Pinnick.

    FIFA has appointed respected Senegalese official Bakary Papa Gassama as the referee for Monday’s encounter.

    Gassama is to be assisted by Jean Claude Birumushahu from Burundi (Assistant 1), Marwa Aden Range from Kenya (Assistant 2) and Maudo Jallow from Gambia (Reserve Referee).

    Osama Hassan from Sudan will be match Commissioner at the game which will kick off 6 p.m.