The Nation Newspaper

Tag: world cup

  • World Cup: Lagosians hail Ambode’s viewing centres

    …govt provides insurance cover, adequate safety, medicals for viewers

    Residents of Lagos State on Saturday commended the state government’s decision to set up six viewing centres across the State to enable them watch the ongoing World Cup matches in Russia. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, had last month promised to set up viewing centres in key locations for residents to watch all the 64 World Cup matches live. The six centres include Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island; Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere; Abesan Estate in Alimosho; Naval Yard Ajegunle; Bishop Aggrey School Mushin and Epe Recreation Centre In Epe.

    At the Campos Mini Stadium, residents, shortly after the thrilling Group B match between Portugal and Spain, described the initiative as laudable and novel adding that due to unstable electricity in some parts of Lagos Island, the Centre gave them the opportunity to watch the games. For some other spectators at the Centre, it afforded them the opportunity of watching the World Cup matches in a relaxed mood with stable electricity.

    A resident, Lukman Atanda said, “I enjoy watching football games among the people and the creation of viewing center by the Lagos State Government gave me joy because the atmosphere here at the Campos Stadium is lively. Kudos to the Lagos State Government.” Also, Kelvin Obase disclosed that the viewing center at the Campos Stadium has guaranteed him that some of the matches he would like to watch during the World Cup is certain. “I don’t need to worried about electricity for the period of the World Cup,” Obase said.

    Speaking on some of the benefits of the viewing centres, Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Kweku Tandoh said because football is a unifying activity that brings the people together, football lovers therefore sees the government as one that touches other sectors such as sports. He said the creation of viewing centre by the State was also complementing the various grassroots sports development championships and competitions that the administration of Governor Ambode has solely sponsored, which according to him is an added advantage to the numerous achievements of the Governor in other sectors of the Lagos economy.

    Besides, Tandoh said the Government has made adequate provisions for medical coverage, adequate security, traffic control and general sanitation at all the viewing centres. He also disclosed that a Public Liability Insurance Cover is also in place covering the six centres for the period of the World Cup. “Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who is a member of the Federal Government’s delegation to the Russia 2018 World Cup finals, wants Lagosians to have a feel of football action in the ongoing tournament and he believes the viewing centres will also serve as fun and relaxation spots for the people,” he said.

  • IRVIN AND MACLAREN: From U-12s to the World Cup

    IT’S circa 2005 and there’s a group of 11 and 12-year-olds running around a football field in Victoria, Australia. There are two boys, however, who seem to stand out from the rest.

    Two future Socceroos, perhaps? Playing side-by-side, unaware of what lies ahead in their footballing careers.

    Fast forward to 2018, Jackson Irvine and Jamie Maclaren find themselves team-mates once again, this time with an Australian badge stitched onto the front of their shirts.

    The scene is Russia and they’re just one day out from their debut FIFA World Cup™ game where a big-name France side awaits.

    “We probably dreamed about it at the time but I don’t know how realistic you think those things are as a kid,” Irvine told FIFA of their U-12 days.

    Maclaren’s path to World Cup squad selection has been more dramatic than most. While holidaying in Dubai after being left out of coach Bert van Marwijk’s initial squad of 26, Maclaren received a phone call that changed everything and cut his vacation short.

    “I actually took a pair of boots to Dubai on holiday, with that feeling that maybe something might happen,” Maclaren explains.

    With a slight injury niggle plaguing Tomi Juric, Maclaren was put on the next flight to Turkey to bolster Australia’s strikers stock in camp.

    Having made the final squad and with a few days training in Kazan completed, the focus in camp has taken a slightly more serious turn, but Maclaren admits it is nice to have an old friend along for the ride.

    “We’ve had that bond since we were 11 years of age and it’s just grown – and obviously our families are so close. I’m sure my dad and his dad will have a few beers when they link up here in Russia.”

    The two seem to share many similarities. Irvine and Maclaren were born to Scottish fathers who played football, both have Maltese mothers and they’ve spent time in the United Kingdom plying their trade.

    With their families set to join them in Russia, these two will no doubt have double the amount of support from the stands. Maybe there will even be a recreation of the goal celebration in the above photo from all those years ago.

  • Eagles Will Get N18M for Every Goal Not Replied – Aiteo

    Super Eagles of Nigeria will get 50,000 USD (N18m) for every unreplied goal scored at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, oil giants Aiteo have revealed.
    Aiteo who are the official partner of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) made the disclosure on Thursday.
    According to the Executive Vice Chairman of Aiteo Global Group, Benedict Peters in a statement, the Energy company has now signed a N2.5 billion (about USD 7 million) sponsorship agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation {NFF}, to cater for the salaries of all national team coaches for a period of five years.

    “Aiteo has signed a N2.5 billion (about USD 7 million) sponsorship agreement with NFF in the bid to cater for the salaries of all national team coaches for a period of five years and to further demonstrate that we are solidly behind the Nigeria Football Federation in their quest for football development in the country.”

    Super Eagles
    He said, “Football is a phenomenon in Nigeria. We can see and feel its power on every street. It has galvanised unity amongst Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic or class differences. As the World Cup kicks off, we at Aiteo Group have solidly thrown our weight behind Nigeria national team and its ever-effervescent supporters spread across the globe.
    “We look forward to great football moments that will become historic as the Super Eagles play to covet the World Cup trophy. Last Saturday we premiered to the official theme song produced to boost the Super Eagles of Nigeria to go for glory at the Russia 2018 World Cup. This is also as we pledged to donate $50,000 to the team ‘for every unreturned goal’ scored at the Mundial.
    To raise the spirit of the Super Eagles and their supporters an official theme song for the Nigeria’s World Cup campaign in Russia has been launched. The song, titled “Dem Go Hear Am,’’ was done by Olamide and Phyno, two of Nigeria’s hottest hip hop stars.
    According to the Aiteo Director, the company sponsored the song to also authenticate their space as the optimum sponsors of the Nigeria national team.

  • Video review system makes World Cup debut

    If the strongest advocates of Video Assistant Referees are to be believed, World Cup football will never be the same again after the TV review system makes its debut at the finals on Thursday.

    With this one innovation, they believe, contentious refereeing decisions will be a thing of the past, wrongs will be righted and the prospering of cheats brought to an end.

    Had VAR been around, goes the thinking, German keeper Toni Schumacher’s assault on France’s Patrick Battiston in 1982 would have been properly punished.

    Similarly, Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal in 1986 would have led only to a direct free kick.

    For the opponents of this technology, video reviews, particularly of goals, interrupt the natural rhythm of the game as tension builds before being released when the ball hits the back of the net.

    Others suggest it brings only confusion where it should bring clarity and some question the technology itself, pointing to some embarrassing failures in leagues around the world which were early adopters.

    One of such was this year’s A-League final between Melbourne City and the Newcastle Jets, when the Australian title was decided by a single goal despite three City players being offside.

    Football Federation Australia (FFA) later conceded the VAR had been unable to review the footage from the relevant camera because of a software glitch.

    Read Also: At last, the World Cup!

    However, while accepting the technology is not yet perfect, FIFA believes it has this eventuality covered by the sheer number of feeds the VAR and his assistants will have at their disposal.

    And whatever the flaws of the system, the possibility of a retrospective red card for an incident missed in real time by the referee is certainly going to concentrate the minds of defenders.

    Australia’s Matthew Jurman is used to VAR from his club football in the K-League.

    He would be highly aware of the all-seeing eye of the camera if he is handed the task of shackling France’s attack in Kazan on Saturday.

    “These days you can’t do much without everybody seeing it,” the center half said on Wednesday.

    “So you have obviously to be smart about defending, especially around the box.”

    In spite of VAR’s World Cup debut, the battle over its future in the game is not yet won and a high-profile failure in Russia could be fatal to the cause.

    For players such as Australia midfielder Jackson Irvine, such considerations are well above their pay grade.

    “It’s one of those things we don’t have control of,” he said. “Hopefully, it’s going to make sure the big decisions are clear and decisive with no issues.”

     

    NAN

  • 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.

  • At last, the World Cup!

    •Today, the greatest single-sport festival, the FIFA World Cup, kicks off in Russia. Football-crazy Nigerians hope the Super Eagles would soar

    From 4 pm today, hosts Russia kick off the 2018 FIFA World Cup, facing Asian qualifiers, Saudi Arabia, in front of home crowds, in Luzhiniki, Moscow. The world waits with bated breath, for that opening whistle!

    But as everyone knows the June 14 Russia vs Saudi Arabia opener, nobody for now knows the July 16 closer — not even Achilles the Cat, the deaf cat-predictor, set to out-shine Octopus Paul, the octopus-predictor of the South Africa 2010 World Cup fame.

    All everyone is sure of is that it’s going to be a fantastic feast of football, with a huge global table already set, and football aficionados already salivating at the prospect of the best World Cup ever. That may not necessarily be the case, as South Africa 2010, won by Spain, was adjudged by not a few not to have measured up to that stellar dream. But that wouldn’t stop ball fans and pundits from craving the best of attacking and entertaining football, with the dash and panache of Mexico 1970.

    And why not? Many countries are coming into this World Cup with excellent records. Brazil, perpetual favourites, but who suffered a 1-7 slaughter at the Maracana, on home soil in the semi-final in 2014, are in a furious rebound, in the run-up to this World Cup. They have won so often, even without Neymar, their talisman, hardly anyone remembers the last time they lost.

    Though World Cup defending champions, Germany, lost 1-2 to Austria — such first loss in more than two decades — that was just a blip. Hope springs eternal in England, who chalked a 2-1 win against Nigeria at Wembley, in one of the Super Eagles pre-World Cup build-up friendly matches. Even then, England have loads of reasons to back up their eternal hope with concrete dreams, being current FIFA U-17 and U-21 World Cup holders, with young, vibrant and stylish lads, grafted with experience in the Three Lions mesh.

    From continental Europe come Spain, the tiki-taka masters, only second in sublime beauty to Brazil’s Jogo Bonito, in arresting football. Also come to party are Spain’s perpetual underachiever-neighbours, but nevertheless European champions, Portugal, with Ronaldo, fondly called CR7. Argentina, deliriously furious, imperious and stylish on a good day, with the incomparable Lionel Messi, are also there. Though Argentina crumbled 1-5 to Spain in a famous win to the Spaniards, that in no way reduces the Argies’ potency at Russia.

    Add the eternally stylish France, that boast an excellent mix of talent and tactical discipline, the Slav giants, Croatia and Serbia, from the defunct Yugoslavia, and you can imagine what our Super Eagles are up against.

    So, do the Eagles stand a chance? Their Africa zone qualification Cinderella story made not a few to tout them for as far as the semi-final spot. But their rather unimpressive build-up, managing only one win (1-0, Poland), one draw (1-1 DR Congo) and three loses (1-2 England, 0-2 Serbia and 0-1 Czech Republic), has also made many to tamp down expectations.

    Still, is that enough to write them off? Hardly. Before France 98 World Cup, they went on a losing spree, including a 0-3 loss to former Yugoslavia. But in France they recorded the memorable victory against Spain, beating them 3-2 in their opening match and making the second round, before the 4-0 capitulation to Denmark. Even the history-making debut squad of USA 1994 posted indifferent pre-championship build-up results. Yet they hit USA with Nigeria’s most memorable performance to date.

    So, when Nigeria face their first Group D opponents, Croatia, at 8pm in Kaliningrad, on Saturday June 16, Nigerians would be hoping for a piece of magic, fuelled by the Nigerian spirit, that often triumphs at crucial moments, in global sporting competitions. Their follow-up Group D matches are against Iceland and Argentina. We wish the Super Eagles the best of luck.

    Whatever happens, however, this World Cup might not define this generation of Eagles. They are the youngest squad going to Russia, spotting a 19-year old goalkeeper in Francis Uzohor, other enchanting lads like Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho. They stand the chance to post even a better result in 2022 in Qatar.

    But for the globe, it’s a 32-day sumptuous feast of football that climaxes on July 16.  Enjoy it!

  • World Cup: I don’t know these Eagles – Messi

    Argentina captain Lionel Messi has revealed that the present crop of the Super Eagles of Nigeria are not known to him, but is aware they are a strong side that can cause problems for any opponent.

    Both teams clash on June 26 in the last game of group D at the 2018 FIFA World Cup at Saint Petersburg, a result that Messi says won’t be as important as the Iceland and Croatia encounters which the South Americans are aiming to win before facing their Africa opponents.

    “It will be important to start strongly. Iceland did well in their last tournament so the first match
    will not be comfortable. But these are the ones to win if you don’t want the next matches to be even
    more complicated.”

    We don’t know so much about Nigeria but the African teams are normally compact, tough and strong. So it will be no walkover,” Messi told UK tabliod, Express.co.uk.

    “We know it won’t be easy but I’m certain that Argentina has a squad capable of being a champion in
    Russia. If the players all believe the same then we can be contenders.”

    Argentina and Nigeria will be meeting for the fifth time at the World Cup with Nigeria yet to win the
    La Albiceleste in previous outings.

  • 24 Hours to Kickoff: Goalkeeping dept worries Siasia

     

    Just 24 hours to the kick off  of the World Cup in Russia and three  days to Super Eagles first match against Croatia, former international Samson Siasia is hoping and praying that nothing happens to young goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.

    The former Super Eagles coach faulted Coach Gernot Rohr decision to use only the Deportivo La Coruña goalkeeper in all the friendly matches ahead of the World cup rather than put all the keepers to the test, and wondered what would happen if anything happens to the 19 year old former Aspire Academy safe hand who incidentally did not feature during the qualifiers.

    “When you use same goalkeeper for all the friendly matches what happens if such a goalkeeper gets injured?” he asked

    Siasia, a member of the impressive 1994 squad to the World cup in USA, however described the Nigerian side as one that is not predictable but capable of springing a surprise on a good day.

    “If the likes of Victor Moses choose to play their game anything can happen,” he said while contributing to countdown to the world cup Tuesday on Supersports.

    On the play pattern he thinks can produce the needed result for the highly fashionable Super Eagles team, Siasia noted that there is need for the efforts of Captain John Obi Mikel to be adequately complimented by Victor Moses and Ahmed Musa on both wings.

    “Mikel right now may not be as fast as he should but with Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses on both wings you can be sure to get it right because these guys can run,” he submitted

    The former U-23 and 20 Coach however added that the back line needs to Work better together.  “They have to know when to move forward and when to return it is very important,” he said 

    Most analysts agree that it is important get a good result in the first match against Croatia on Saturday to serve as a morale booster; they nonetheless agree that the match will not a tea party for either side.

  • Breaking! Spain Fires Coach on Eve of World Cup

    Spain has sacked coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup.

    The news broke mid-day of Wednesday.

    The country’s soccer federation fired Lopetegui for agreeing to join Real Madrid after the Russia mundial.

    The federation claimed they learned of Lopetegui’s appointment five minutes before it was announced on Tuesday.

    Former team captain Fernando Hierro, already in Russia as Sporting Director, has been directed to take over as coach for the tournament, the federation said on its website.

    “You cannot do these things two to three days before a World Cup. We had to take this decision,” Spanish Football President, Luis Rubiales said in the statement posted online.

    Lopetegui agreed to join the Champions League winners this week following the resignation of Zinedine Zidane in May.

    Spain, the 2010 winners, are third favorites to win this year’s competition, according to bookmaker SkyBet. Their first game is against Euro 2016 winners Portugal on Friday and they will also play Morocco and Iran during the group stage.

    The national team is seeking to rebuild after a disappointing defense of the trophy in 2014, combining a new generation of players with the last of its world champions.

    “Maybe I get a call up now!” joked Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who created the winning goal in 2010 but wasn’t included in this year’s squad.

  • World Cup: Spectranet Begins Data Bonanza for Nigeria’s Supporters

    Spectranet 4GLTE on Monday said its new consumer promotion, Connect & Win Big World Cup Bonanza is to show support for the Super Eagles at the FIFA mundial in Russia.

    The Internet Service Provider company also said the promotion was to participate in the happy moments of its customers, new and existing, and multiply their joy by offering incredible price deals on data renewals and device purchase.

    Speaking on the timing of the promo, Head of Marketing, Mike Ogor explained  that, “The Win Big World Cup Bonanza was coined and structured to make customers enjoy more of our affordable and smart internet experience, purchase devices at amazing prices and renew data plans. It is coming at a time we decided to show our solidarity to the national team’s participation at the 2018 World Cup.”

    “We’ve got a prize for everyone. We want to make our customers happy, thus we are propelling the promotion with major open market activations in our coverage areas- Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Ibadan. Winners will be picked via monthly draws.

    New customers can participate in the promotion by purchasing any of Spectranet MiFi s  at N20,000 with 40GB and 50% data bonus on six renewals within 210 days from activation as added benefits or Freedom MiFi at N16,000 with 25GB free data and 50% data bonus on six renewals within 210days from activation as added benefits.

    Top on the list of prizes in the promotion is a trip to Dubai for 2 winners. The second prize is one year unlimited data for 10 winners while 40 Inch TV Sets will be given to 20 customers.

    Consolation prizes include: 7GB data for 200 customers and Bluetooth Speaker for 200 customers respectively.

    Existing subscribers are not left out of the world cup exciting offers. All existing customers who renew their Spectranet accounts before Nigeria matches in June and July, 2018, will be awarded 1GB data bonus for every goal scored by Nigeria during the World Cup and 5GB data bonus for every win.

    Customers can log on to www.spectranet.com.ng or visit Spectranet  Shops, Express service Outlets  and Dealer shops to participate in the promotion.

    Spectranet Limited was the first Internet Service Provider (ISP) to launch 4G LTE internet service in Nigeria. The brand is known for providing an affordable, faster and more reliable internet broadband to Nigerian homes and offices. Its internet service is currently available across Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and Port Harcourt. Its state of the art network ensures high speed internet connectivity for the customers.

    Spectranet 4G LTE is a recipient of multiple awards for Best Internet Service and 4G LTE Provider in Nigeria in 2016, 2017 and 2018.