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Tag: World cup

  • Nigeria Set to Host ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour

    Nigeria Set to Host ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour

    By Daniel Edu

    Nigeria has been selected as one of the African nations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy tour, scheduled for August 29 and 30. This prelude to the upcoming championship in India aims to celebrate the sport and engage fans.

    The tour will commence in Abuja on Tuesday, August 29, where the Nigeria Cricket Federation’s board will receive the trophy. The newly appointed Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, will then take possession of the trophy. On the subsequent day, August 30, the tour will continue in Lagos, with the trophy being displayed at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval, a revered cricket ground in Nigeria. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will also be part of the ceremony.

    Uyi Akpata, the president of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, expressed enthusiasm about the trophy’s return to the country, emphasizing the nation’s cricketing progress over the past five years. He remarked that hosting the trophy tour twice in succession signifies Nigeria’s significance in cricket development, especially within the African context. He praised those who have contributed to the growth of cricket in the country.

    Nigeria’s cricket achievements have been notable in recent years, including winning global developmental awards and securing a place in its first World Cup in 2019. Notably, Nigeria received the Global Award for 100% Female Cricket Initiative of the Year this year, recognizing their efforts in promoting women’s participation in the sport. Additionally, the women’s senior team, the Female Yellow Greens, clinched victory in the NCF Women’s T20i Invitational Tournaments for the first time, marking a significant achievement in their cricket journey.

  • Pele’s 5 Greatest World Cup Moments

    Pele’s 5 Greatest World Cup Moments

    Pele, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, died aged 82 on Thursday in his native Brazil.

    Here is a look at five of the best goals the three-time World Cup winner scored at the global showpiece:

    1958 quarter-final v Wales (1-0 win) June 19, 1958 at Gothenburg, Sweden

    The first of Pele’s 12 World Cup goals came in the 1958 last eight against a strong Wales side led by John Charles. The then-17-year-old had become the youngest player ever in the tournament in Brazil’s final group game against the USSR.

    Pele decided a tight match with a moment of brilliance in the 66th minute. He controlled the ball inside the box with his chest, before flicking the ball over a bewildered defender and volleying a low finish into the bottom corner. Photographers swarmed onto the pitch to capture his celebrations with his teammates in the back of the Welsh net.

    1958 semi-final v France (5-2 win) June 24, 1958 at Stockholm

    Pele did not waste much time in adding to his World Cup tally, decisively turning a close semi-final against France in Brazil’s favour. Leading 2-1 at half-time against Just Fontaine’s Les Bleus, Pele plundered a second-half hat-trick to power Brazil into the final.

    He bundled in after a goalkeeping error to make it 3-1, before lashing home following some exquisite skill for his second. But the coup de grace was the goal which capped his only World Cup hat trick, as he killed Garrincha’s right-wing cross with one touch and thumped an unstoppable volley into the corner.

    1958 final v Sweden (5-2 win) June 29, 1958 at Stockholm

    Pele wrote himself into footballing folklore by becoming the first teenager to score in a World Cup final, a feat only matched 60 years later by France’s Kylian Mbappe. His first goal of a double in the 5-2 triumph over hosts Sweden was unforgettable, as he scored after three touches when the ball never hit the ground.

    He controlled a long pass on his chest, knocked it over the advancing defender and slammed a now-trademark volley into the bottom corner.

    1970 group stage v Romania (3-2 win) June 10, 1970 at Guadalajara, Mexico

    Having injured himself during the second game of Brazil’s 1962 World Cup win and then effectively being kicked out of the 1966 edition in England, Pele arrived in Mexico with plenty to prove in 1970.

    The 29-year-old underlined his status as the world’s top player, in arguably the greatest team ever. His first goal of a brace in a 3-2 group-stage victory against Romania was a thunderous free-kick from 30 yards out which flew into the net.

    1970 final v Italy (4-1 win) June 21, 1970 at Mexico City

    After a tournament for which he will best be remembered for two misses – a shot wide after an incredible dummy to confound a goalkeeper and an effort from the halfway line which drifted narrowly off target – Pele scored his last World Cup goal in the final.

    Rivelino ran onto a throw-in from Tostao in the 18th minute and hooked a left-footed cross towards the back post, where Pele hung in the air and powered a magnificent header into the bottom corner.

    Italy equalised through Roberto Boninsegna, but Brazil cruised to a famous win, with Pele providing the assist for the fourth goal for Carlos Alberto, waiting for his captain to arrive late on the scene from right-back and score what is widely regarded as the best-ever World Cup goal.

    (AFP)

  • World Cup: Messi Finally Reacts to Embarrassing Loss to Saudi Arabia

    World Cup: Messi Finally Reacts to Embarrassing Loss to Saudi Arabia

    Lionel Messi said Argentina’s shock loss to Saudi Arabia was a “very heavy blow” but vowed the South American champions would bounce back from the defeat.

    “It’s a very heavy blow, a defeat that hurts, but we must continue to have confidence in ourselves,” Messi said after Argentina crashed to a stunning 2-1 loss in Group C.

    “This group is not going to give up. We will try to beat Mexico,” he added.

    Messi gave Argentina a 10th-minute lead from the penalty spot on Tuesday at the Lusail stadium but second-half goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari helped the Saudis pull off one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history.

    It could have been so different but for three tight offside calls in the first half that went against Argentina, denying them three potential goals.

    In the second half, coach Lionel Scaloni’s men failed to exploit the Saudis’ high defensive line.

    “We know that Saudi Arabia is a team with good players, who move the ball around well and play a high line,” said Messi.

    “We worked on that but we rushed it a bit. At 2-1 we got disorganised, we lost our performance level and started desperately putting the ball into the middle.”

    Messi insisted that the team accepted their defeat and said the players were determined to put things right for the next game.

    “There are no excuses, we’re going to be more united than ever before,” he said.

    “This group is strong and has shown it before. We had not been in this situation for a long time. Now we must show that this is a true group.”

    The Albiceleste have two Group C games remaining — against Mexico on Saturday and then Poland the following Wednesday — to try to salvage their hopes of claiming a third world title.

    “This is the time to stick together, to turn the page and not think about what happened,” said Messi.

    “We always said we were going to (try to) win every game and now more than ever.”

    Playing in his fifth and probably final World Cup, Messi has the weight of an entire nation’s expectations on his shoulders.

    One of the greatest players of all time, this may be his last chance to lift football’s greatest prize, which his predecessor as Argentina’s idol Diego Maradona did in 1986.

    “We have to go back to the basics of who we are. We have to think about what’s coming next,” said the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

    AFP

  • Saudi Arabia Beats Messi-led Argentina 2-1 in Shocking World Cup Match

    Saudi Arabia Beats Messi-led Argentina 2-1 in Shocking World Cup Match

    The Lionel Messi-led Argentina national team has been beaten by a lowly-rated Saudi Arabia.

    Lionel Messi put Argentina ahead from the spot in the 10th minute and Lisandro Martinez thought he had scored the second 19 minutes later but was disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

    The Saudis returned to the second half with a different mindset with Saleh Al-Shekri levelling the scoreline in the 49th minutes and Dawsari secured the victory for Arabians ahead in 53rd minute.

  • World Cup Host Qatar Lose 2-0 To Ecuador In Opening Match Of Tournament

    World Cup Host Qatar Lose 2-0 To Ecuador In Opening Match Of Tournament

    Qatar became the first home team to lose their opening World Cup match as Ecuador cruised to a 2-0 victory over the hosts, with Enner Valencia scoring twice in the tournament curtain-raiser on Sunday.

    Asian champions Qatar enjoyed the backing of the majority of the crowd at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium, but could not follow a glitzy opening ceremony with a statement performance.

    Ecuador thought they had made a dream start when they silenced the home fans as Valencia headed in, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for an offside in the build-up.

    Valencia did break the deadlock with a penalty in the 16th minute and doubled his tally just after the half-hour mark.

    Qatar improved slightly in the second period, but by the end of the 90 minutes, the excitement which greeted the build-up — featuring Morgan Freeman and BTS star Jung Kook — was a distant memory as thousands of fans left early amid a deflated atmosphere.

    Felix Sanchez’s Qatar will likely need a positive result in their second Group A match against Senegal on Friday just to avoid the ignominy of becoming only the second hosts, after South Africa in 2010, to be dumped out in the first round.

    Hopes were high among the crowd that Qatar could make a winning start, but the deficiencies of the World Cup debutants were ruthlessly exposed by an impressive Ecuador.

    Qatar failed to even muster a shot on target in the game, with spectators filing out of the stands long before the final whistle.

    In the 92-year history of the tournament, home countries had previously won 16 and drawn six of their opening matches.

  • Qatar to Ban Sale of Beer at World Cup Stadiums

    Qatar to Ban Sale of Beer at World Cup Stadiums

    World Cup host, Qatar, is pressuring FIFA to stop the sale of beer at the eight World Cup stadiums, according to reports.

    The sale of alcohol is strictly controlled in Qatar, but it is due to be available in the area immediately outside match venues and fan zones, as well as within hotels.

    Budweiser is one of FIFA’s biggest sponsors, but was told on Saturday to relocate stalls selling its product at stadiums to less prominent locations.

    The Times reports that Qatar 2022, now wants to go even further and that discussions are ongoing between FIFA and Budweiser.

    The PA news agency has approached FIFA and Budweiser owner AB InBev for comment.

    In response to the request to move its outlets, AB InBev told Sky News, “AB InBev was informed on November 12, and is working with FIFA to relocate the concession outlets to locations as directed.

    “We are working with FIFA to bring the best possible experience to the fans. Our focus is on delivering the best possible consumer experience under the new circumstances.’’

  • Costa Rica 2022: Falconets to know World Cup opponents on Thursday

    Costa Rica 2022: Falconets to know World Cup opponents on Thursday

    By Mike Oboh

    Nigeria’s U20 girls, Falconets will on Thursday know which opponents they would have to deal with in the group stage of this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals, as the draw ceremony takes place at the Teatro Nacional (National Theatre) in San José, the capital of Costa Rica.

    All the 16 participating countries at the tournament scheduled for 10th – 28th August are now known, with Nigeria’s Falconets and Ghana’s Black Maidens to fly Africa’s flag.

    Only four countries, namely Germany, Brazil, USA and Nigeria have played in all editions of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup since the competition was launched as an U19 championship in Canada 20 years ago. Germany have won the championship thrice (2004, 2010 and 2014); USA have won thrice (2002, 2008 and 2012) while Nigeria have twice reached the Final, losing to Germany in 2010 and 2014.

    Ghana, Africa’s other flagbearers, have reached the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup on five previous occasions, crashing out at group stage each time.

    This year’s finals will be played at the same two venues that hosted the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in 2014: Estadio Nacional in San José and the Morera Solo Stadium in Alajuera.

    Thursday’s draw ceremony coincides with the 100 Days To Gospecial event of this year’s championship, which has as slogan Vamos Juntas (Let’s Do It Together).

    Nigeria have been placed in Pot 2 for the purpose of the draw. Spain are the defending champions, after beating Mexico 2-1 in the 2018 final in Montevideo, Uruguay. New Zealand picked the bronze medals.

    TEAMS BY CONFEDERATIONS:

    AFRICA: Nigeria, Ghana

    ASIA: Australia, Japan, Korea Republic

    CONCACAF: Costa Rica, Canada, Mexico, USA

    OCEANIA: New Zealand

    EUROPE: Germany, France, The Netherlands, Spain

    CONMEBOL: Brazil, Colombia

    POTS (FOR DRAW PROCEDURE)

    Pot 1: Costa Rica, Germany, Japan, France

    Pot 2: Nigeria, Spain, USA, Mexico

    Pot 3: South Korea, Ghana, New Zealand, Brazil

    Pot 4: The Netherlands, Canada, Colombia, Australia

  • 2022 World Cup Draw Confirmed

    2022 World Cup Draw Confirmed

    The draw for the 2022 World Cup have been conducted on Friday.

    They were conducted by Cafu (Brazil), Lothar Matthäus (Germany), Adel Ahmed MalAllah (Qatar), Ali Daei (Iran), Bora Milutinović (Serbia/Mexico), Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria), Rabah Madjer (Algeria) and Tim Cahill (Australia).

    The tournament will be played between November 21 and December 18.

    GROUP A
    Qatar
    Ecuador
    Senegal
    Netherlands

    GROUP B
    England
    Iran
    USA
    Wales vs Scotland/Ukraine

    GROUP C
    Argentina
    Saudi Arabia
    Mexico
    Poland

    GROUP D
    France
    Peru vs Australia/UAE
    Denmark
    Tunisia

    GROUP E
    Spain
    Costa Rica vs New Zealand
    Germany
    Japan

    GROUP F
    Belgium
    Canada
    Morocco
    Croatia

    GROUP G
    Brazil
    Serbia
    Switzerland
    Cameroon

    GROUP H
    Portugal
    Ghana
    Uruguay
    Korea

    Image

  • Angry Fans Vandalise National Stadium as Nigeria Lose World Cup slot to Ghana

    Angry Fans Vandalise National Stadium as Nigeria Lose World Cup slot to Ghana

    There was pandemonium on Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    Nigeria was beaten to a place in Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup by Ghana after playing a 1-1. The Black Star of Ghana qualified on an away goal advantage.

    After the game, Nigeria fans, who were angry the Super Eagles did not qualify, invaded the pitch, trying to attack Ghana players and destroying any objects in sight.

    A video of the riot showed smoke of tear-gas billowing in an attempt to disperse the crowd.

    Ghana had held Nigeria to a goalless draw on Friday in the first leg of the playoff at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

    Nigeria hosted arch-rivals Ghana in the return leg on Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja amid high hopes that the Super Eagles would scale through.

    Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen made five changes to the team that played in Kumasi last Friday while his Ghana counterpart Otto Addo stuck to an unchanged XI.

    Ghana opened the score line in the 10th minute of the game after Francis Uzoho made a huge error, allowing Thomas Partey to fire a powerful shot from outside the penalty box into the back of the net.

    The Super Eagles’ Captain, William Troost-Ekong, responded nine minutes later by scoring from a penalty kick after Ademola Lookman was brought down by Dennis Odoi.

    Four minutes after the half-hour mark, Osimhen had the ball in the back of the net after connecting to a through-ball from Leon Balogun but it was ruled out for offside by the VAR.

  • D’Tigress Beat France To keep World Cup Qualifying Hopes Alive

    D’Tigress Beat France To keep World Cup Qualifying Hopes Alive

    The D’Tigress have inched closer to the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup following a 65-67 victory over France in a qualification match on Friday.

    Friday’s win was the first time the African champions have beaten their European counterpart.

    The Nigerian girls were down by 20 points after the opening exchanges but gradually fought back, thanks to a Promise Amukamara’s half-court buzzer-beater at the end of the third.

    Midway through the last quarter, Nigeria then took the lead to set up a dramatic ending. Although either of the countries could have gotten a win, it was Nigeria who did the job.

    Victoria Macaulay had 19 points, 5 steals, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while France were punished by a massive 25 turnovers in the game.

    “We came. We saw. We triumphed,” the D’Tigress tweeted on their handle, minutes after the game. “What was your best part of the game today?”

    Despite the loss, France joined China to book their spot for the Sydney tournament due to their positive point average (+9) in case of a tie with Nigeria and Mali. The Asians were the first to join the USA at the event after an 84-64 mauling of Mali in another Group B encounter in Belgrade.

    Mali and Nigeria have to vie for the remaining ticket in the group. Coach Otis Hughley’s side will qualify with a win against their fellow West Africans. They will also qualify if they lose by 6 or less points if France beats China on Sunday.

    On the other hand, Mali will get qualification by winning by 7 or more points against Nigeria. If they win by less than 7 points, they will need France to beat China in order to qualify. The game against Mali comes up on Sunday.

    Before Friday’s game, Nigeria had lost their first match against China. They were beaten 90-76. But the Nigerian coach was optimistic that his team will bounce back from the setback.

    “China is really good but no excuses,” Hughley said after the China defeat. “I thought the girls did not quit. I thought they played hard; I thought they had a physical game and by the second half, they were up to the task.”

    The FIBA Women’s World Cup is billed for September in Australia.