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Sport

Belgium squad handed hero’s welcome on World Cup return

Welcome

Brussels, July 15, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) – Belgium’s soccer team received a hero’s welcome in Brussels on Sunday, after achieving their best-ever World Cup result in Russia.

Belgium beat Panama, Tunisia and England in the opening round, staged a dramatic comeback against Japan in the last-16 and fought past Brazil in the quarter-finals.

Their dreams of World Cup glory, however, were shattered by France in the semi-finals, but another win against England on Saturday sealed third place.

Belgium, who bettered their fourth-place finish in 1986, were greeted by tens of thousands of enthusiastic flag waving fans.

Some climbed street signs and traffic lights to catch a glimpse of the players who rode in on open-top buses along the streets of central Brussels.

The team then headed to the city’s picturesque Grand Place square.

After being treated to some fries, Belgium’s national delicacy, at Brussels town hall, the team moved to the balcony overlooking the sun-drenched renaissance square.

There, a crowd of thousands had been waiting since the early morning, clad in the country’s tricolour flags.

“When we were in Russia, we received many messages that you believed this team would make history.

“I hope we made you proud. We showed the world that we are Belgium,” Belgium manager Roberto Martinez told the crowd.

Some of Belgium’s key players will now have difficult decisions to make about where they play their club football next season.

Playmaker Eden Hazard, currently at Chelsea, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and burnished his already lofty reputation with several strong performances in Russia.

After scoring the second goal in Belgium’s 2-0 win over England on Saturday, Hazard said he was considering leaving Chelsea.

In what could be another blow for the Stamford Bridge club, keeper Thibaut Courtois is also reported to be on Real’s radar.

“Wherever I go, Hazard has to come.

“We won’t let each other go no more. Oh well, we shall see. Holidays first, then I’ll think about it with my people,” Courtois told Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws.

Midfielder Nacer Chadli could also be set to leave West Bromwich Albion, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.

By scoring 16 goals in seven games, Belgium also forced an electronics retailer to refund the purchase price of flat screen televisions for thousands of customers.

The retailer had launched a promotion before the World Cup promising to pay out if Belgium scored more than 15 goals. (Reuters/NAN)

KIA/YAZ

Sport

Russia 2018: Sweden united ahead of Mexico showdown

Showdown

Gelendzhik (Russia), June 25, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) Sweden’s players have put a turbulent 36 hours behind them and are ready to take on Mexico in a game they must win to advance to the knockout stages of the World Cup.

After losing in the closing minutes to Germany and seeing their winger Jimmy Durmaz subjected to a storm of racial hatred on social media, the players and staff presented a united front.

They were spotted packing their bags and in visible harmony before heading to Ekaterinburg to meet Mexico.

“We were a strong group from day one, and obviously this can help.

“We were clear after the match that this (the abuse of Durmaz) was unacceptable. We backed him up in a good way, together,” defender Pontus Jansson told reporters.

Racial abuse and threats against Durmaz were reported to the Swedish police by the FA on behalf of the player, and the Swedes want to put the incident and the Germany loss behind them.

“It (the Mexico match) is like a last 16 game, we know we have to win to go through. We’re not nervous, it’s more that it’s a great task to have,” Jansson said.

Sweden can qualify with a win over Mexico if Germany lose to South Korea, and if both Sweden and Germany win it is possible the Swedes could advance on goal difference.

A draw will give Mexico victory in Group F but may not be enough for the Swedes to go through.

“Normally they like to play a high press, they like to keep the ball in possession…

“Now, we have a situation that they can go through without winning the game,” Sweden scout Tom Prahl told reporters.

Having been caught out late by Germany, the Swedes will be cautious in pursuit of victory.

“The main thing is that we score one goal more than Mexico after 90 minutes, and if it will come in the 85th minute that’s quite alright,” Prahl said. (Reuters/NAN)
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(Editing by Peter Ejiofor)

Sport

Senegal left back, Ciss, out of World Cup after ankle injury

 

Injury

Moscow, June 17, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) Senegal defender, Saliou Ciss, has been ruled out of the World Cup in Russia and will be replaced by Adama Mbengue, the Senegal Football Federation said on Sunday.

The left back, who plays club football at Valenciennes in France’s Ligue 2, suffered an ankle injury in last month’s friendly against Luxembourg.

His departure comes two days after his 29th birthday.

Mbengue, 24, arrived on Sunday, having been on standby over the last weeks. He is from Ligue 1 club, Caen.

Senegal’s change came a day before the deadline for final injury replacements. World Cup participants can only swap injured players up to 24 hours before their first game at the tournament.

Senegal will take on Poland in their opening Group H game in Moscow on Tuesday. (Reuters/NAN)

KIA/OPI

Sport

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

 

Draw

Rostov-On-Don (Russia), June 17, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) 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)

KIA/OPI

Sport

Uruguay beat Egypt with 89th-minute Gimenez goal

World Cup

Yekaterinburg (Russia), June 15, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) Jose Gimenez thumped home a powerful 89th-minute header to give Uruguay a dramatic victory over heartbroken Egypt in a World Cup Group A game on Friday.

The game had looked likely to be a low-key goalless draw, before Uruguay dealt Egypt a heavy blow.

Gimenez rose to meet a Carlos Sanchez free kick to take the South Americans to three points alongside Russia, who beat Saudi Arabia 5-0 on Thursday.

The goal finally broke the resistance of Egypt, who had been without injured key striker, Mohamed Salah, but defended resolutely.

Uruguay struggled to impose themselves until the latter stages when keeper, Mohamed El-Shenawy saved brilliantly from Edinson Cavani.

The striker then hit the post with a late free kick, before Gimenez secured their first win in a World Cup opening game since 1970 when they went on to the semi-finals. (Reuters/NAN)

KIA/KOLE

Edited by Remi Koleoso

Sport

First match crucial to Eagles’ progression, say football enthusiasts

First match crucial to Eagles’ progression, say football enthusiasts

Super Eagles

By Kayode Adebiyi
Abuja, June 12, 2018 (NAN) A cross-section of Nigerians have expressed hope that the senior national football team, the Super Eagles, would progress beyond the group stage at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Those who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday at the popular Banex Plaza, Wuse II, Abuja noted that winning their first match would boost their morale.
“For me, if we win our first match against Croatia, we stand a good chance of qualifying for the second round,” said Edoh Michael, a hair stylist and die-hard Eagles supporter.
NAN reports that Nigeria is in Group D, alongside arch-rivals Argentina, newcomers Iceland and 1998 World Cup bronze winners Croatia.
One of Michael’s customers, who identified herself simply as Rose, supported his opinion, saying four points might be enough to qualify from the tough group.
“If Argentina picks maximum points, then a win and a draw could be good enough to send the second team through to the second round,” Rose said.
Two teams are expected to progress from the group stage from each of the eight groups.
On his part, Femi Alo, a software service provider, hoped that the Eagles would “get something” from the match against Croatia, even if it is a draw.
He argued that being the first match; both teams could be nervous and cagy, thereby being cautious.
“It will be nice to win the first match but at least even if we can get a draw, it won’ be bad. My own is that we should get something from the match as against a loss,” said Alo.
He, however, warned that the Super Eagles should be mindful of the calibre of players paraded by Croatia and approach the game with a good plan.
“They have big names such as Modric, Perisic, Rakitic, Mandzukic and Kovacic.
“We need to be careful and approach the game with caution. People are talking about Argentina but Croatia presents their own threat,” he advised.
Other respondents who spoke with NAN were optimistic about Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the knock-out stage.
Many also appealed to fellow Nigerians and Eagles’ fans not to be discouraged by the dismal results recorded by the team during their pre-World Cup warm-up matches.
“We should not judge the team by friendly matches,” Ayanacho Chidi, a phone vendor, advised.
“Maybe they didn’t want to get injured or don’t want eyes to be on them,” he added.
NAN reports that the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks-off on Thursday, with the host nation taking on Saudi Arabia, who are the lowest-ranked team in the 32-nation tournament.
The Super Eagles would lock horns with Croatia on June 16 at the Kaliningrad Stadium on the Oktyabrsky Island, a must win match for Nigeria.
In the buildup to the World Cup, Nigeria won two out of six build up matches against Argentina and Poland, but lost to Serbia, England and Czech Republic.
Nigeria also recorded a draw 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on May 28. (NAN)
KIA/ERO/SA

Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Salif Atojoko
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Sport

Mitrovic brace helps Serbia sink Super Eagles in pre-World Cup friendly

Defeat

Abuja, March 27, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, lost 0-2 to Serbia in a pre-World Cup friendly match at the Hive Stadium in London on Tuesday.

The Eagles, managed by coach Gernot Rohr, ended their six-match unbeaten run no thanks to a second half brace by Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Rohr made four changes to the side which started against Poland on Friday, with Ogenyi Onazi given the nod in the midfield while Ahmed Musa replaced Kelechi Iheanacho in attack.

At the back, Chidozie Awaziem was picked following Leon Balogun’s injury concern.

Mitrovic was a thorn in the flesh of the Super Eagles defence led by William Troost-Ekong throughout the match, as he kept on creating chances for the Serbians.

Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was jittery at the opening stage and almost gifted the Serbians the lead in the first half when his indecision led to Mitrovic heading a loose ball into the net.

The Serbian forward protested that the ball had crossed the line but there was no goal-line technology or video assisted referee in use.

However, his persistence paid off in the 68th minute when he guided the ball home following a good footwork by Dusan Tadic, before completing his brace the 81st minute.

Serbia had lost 1-2 to Morocco in their previous friendly match and needed a morale-boosting display against the Super Eagles.

The Eagles’ best chance fell to Alex Iwobi after a deft touch by Wilfred Ndidi but the Arsenal player saw his effort blocked by a Serbian defender.

Odion Ighalo was introduced in the second half in place of Victor Moses, who was unusually quiet in the match but it didn’t stop the Serbians from dominating proceedings.

Rohr threw in John Ogu and Moses Simon to firm up his side but the Serbians exploited the right side of Eagles’ defence to the advantage of Mitrovic.

Junior Ajayi was introduced late on for his senior national team debut nothing could deny the Europeans a perfect outing against the three-time African champions as they went home winners. (NAN)

KIA

 

Sport

Rohr invites Mikel, Onazi, Moses, 25 others for Poland, Serbia friendlies

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Super Eagles
Abuja, March 7, 2018 (NAN) Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has called up team captain Mikel Obi, midfielder Ogenyi Onazi and Victor Moses in a 28-man squad for the Poland and Serbia friendly matches.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the friendly matches are in preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Russia.

Home-based goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who stood between the sticks for the very crucial last four 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying games, leads the goalkeeping section.

He will be joined by Spain-based Francis Uzoho and South Africa-based Daniel Akpeyi.

Former junior international Kenneth Omeruo is also back among the defenders, as well as Joel Obi among the midfielders.

Eagles’ Team B regulars such as defender Stephen Eze and forward Gabriel Okechukwu were also handed opportunities.

Russia-based Brian Idowu, who scored against Argentina on his debut in a friendly in Krasnodar in November, has also got another call-up.

Junior Ajayi of Egyptian side Al Ahly, who earned an Olympic bronze in Brazil in 2016, also made the list.

Nigeria will trade tackles with Poland at the 43,000-capacity Stadium Wroclaw on March 23.

Four days later, the Eagles will take to the pitch against Serbia at The Hive in London, the home ground of Barnet FC and London Bees.

The matches are the first two in a list of six friendly games planned for the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ahead of the World Cup in Russia.

THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC) and Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa).

Defenders: Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Tyronne Ebuehi (Ado Den Haag, The Netherlands); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England); Elderson Echiejile (Cercle Brugge KSV, Belgium) and Brian Idowu (Amkar Perm, Russia).

Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey) and Stephen Eze (Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Bulgaria).

Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Las Palmas, Spain); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium) and Joel Obi (Torino FC, Italy).

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Odion Ighalo(Changchun Yatai, China); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Junior Ajayi (Al Ahly, Egypt) and Gabriel Okechukwu (Akwa United).(NAN)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sport

World Cup Trophy Tour another show of Coca-Cola’s commitment to football, company official says

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Trophy
Lagos, Feb. 21, 2018 (NAN) Coca-Cola as a brand is passionate about the development of football, particularly as the sport is loved by its Nigerian consumers, Bhupendra Suri, the Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria, has said.

Suri spoke ahead of the arrival of the World Cup Trophy in Nigeria, courtesy Coca-Cola Nigeria.

It is an event that will give football lovers in Nigeria the opportunity of a close contact with the authentic iconic FIFA World Cup.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Cup trophy will be in Abuja from March 7 to March 8 and in Lagos from March 9 to March 10.

“The arrival of the FIFA World Cup Trophy will be an opportunity to stir emotions for the coming FIFA World Cup competition and also relive the past World Cup moments,” Suri said in a statement in Lagos on Wednesday.

NAN reports that the Coca-Cola Company is one of the long-standing corporate partners of FIFA, with a formal association since 1974 and an official sponsorship of FIFA World Cup since 1978.

Coca-Cola has joined forces with FIFA to take the trophy to fans across the world and Nigeria is one of the destinations the trophy will be arriving at.

Speaking also, Georgios Polymenakos, the Managing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company, said: “We are quite excited that the original one-of-a kind FIFA World Cup trophy will be in Nigeria.

“This is the same trophy that will be presented by FIFA to the winning country and we hope that it will inspire the desire by the Super Eagles and Nigeria World Cup fans to finally bring the trophy home.”

The line-up of events during the trophy tour shows that there will be a Press Conference, Media and Private Viewing Events and Consumer Fan Experience Events in Abuja and Lagos.

They are part of on-ground activations for the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour in Nigeria.

There will be consumer and stakeholder engagements that will be organised in Abuja and Lagos, where the trophy will be on display for interactions with FIFA World Cup lovers.

Apart from the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, Coca-Cola Nigeria recently has been involved in deeds that reinforce the brand’s commitment to the game of football.

There is a recent partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), where Coca-Cola became the official soft drink of the Super Eagles and the other Nigerian national football teams.

The annual COPA Coca-Cola competition is also one of the several platforms the soft drink giant created to engage young people.

It also helps to encourage the development of football potential among Nigerian teenagers by targeting secondary schools across Nigeria.(NAN)
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara and Olawale Alabi)

 

Sport

Argentina tell Messi to play less football before World Cup in June

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Messi
Barcelona, Feb. 13, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) Claudio Tapia , Argentina’s national football association (AFA) president, says he has spoken to national captain Lionel Messi about playing fewer games for La Liga side FC Barcelona before June.

He said this was in order to enable the Argentine striker stay fresh for his country ahead of the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Argentina will face Nigeria, Iceland and Croatia in Group D of the preliminary round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The World Cup is expected to kick off from June 14 and end on July 15 in Russia.

Tapia’s plea has however largely gone unheeded by Barca coach Ernesto Valverde, who has started Messi in 33 of the team’s total 39 games this season.

He only left him out of the match day squad in three King’s Cup games.

The coach did leave Messi out of the starting line-up for the first time in the league against Espanyol on Feb. 4.

But he later threw the Argentine on as a substitute to help salvage a 1-1 draw.

“I hope all the players arrive at the level they are at the moment. Sergio Aguero is playing outstanding football right now and Messi is always at the top of his game,” Tapia said.

“That’s vital for the directors and the coaching staff. We have spoken to Messi about taking care of himself and about playing less for FC Barcelona.”

Tapia also said Argentina are planning to play a friendly against Catalonia in June as part of their preparations for the World Cup in Russia.

A game against Catalonia could theoretically see Messi come up against Barca teammates Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto and Gerard Pique, among others.

However, such a fixture could prove controversial in Spain after increased tension between the central government and the region over its independence drive.

“(Argentina coach) Jorge (Sampaoli) told me it would be good for us from a football point of view and it’s important for us from a financial point of view. But we haven’t closed the deal yet,” added Tapia.

Argentina are hoping to do better in Russia than their runners-up finish four years ago in Brazil.(Reuters/NAN)
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(Edited by Omolade Morayo and Olawale Alabi)