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FOUR PICNIC ZONES; 4 BATTLE GROUNDS DEFINE RUSSIA 2018 AFRICA’S LAST MATCH DAYS

Published

7 years ago

November 7, 2017

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Three more World Cup qualifying tickets are up for grabs in Africa as the race to the Russia 2018 event gets to the home stretch. Eleven matches are on the card, but in the calculations by the Sports Village Square, only four are technically active as at least four others have become dead rubbers.

Two of such formality matches would ordinarily have been thrillers but for the fact that nothing other than prestige is at stake. One of such is Algeria versus Nigeria and the other pitches two Africa Cup of Nations’ record setting sides – Ghana and Egypt.

The four teams could easily be ideal African flag bearers at the World Cup. But two of them, Ghana and Algeria are already eliminated before now.

The only other match that could be crucial will be the Tuesday’s return leg of Senegal versus South Africa, should the latter win the ordered replay duel scheduled to hold this Friday.

As such, the nine matches are either team party occasions or battlegrounds. Below are Sports Village Square’s rating of the nine matches.

THE BATTLE GROUNDS:

Friday 10 November, South Africa vs. Senegal:

This is perhaps the most emotional and passion-laden fixture this weekend. In Polokwane, South Africa, Bafana Bafana will be attempting to do what they did about the same time last year – a defeat of Senegal.

The previous match having been annulled by FIFA on account of the referee’s manipulation of the result has made the Friday match a do-or-die affair for South Africa which languishes in the bottom of Group D.

Winning is the only survival pill. No other remedy. With just four points, South Africa will need to win the match as well as the reversed fixture which has been pushed to Tuesday next week to be able to garner 10 points.

The other match of the group, Burkina Faso versus Cape Verde was pushed to Tuesday to ensure all the matches are played simultaneously to avoid manipulation.

Senegal however appear to hold the ace. A draw on Friday will offer a sufficient lifeline as South Africa would have been eliminated. It will find it easy winning the last of the back-to-back encounter in Dakar. The possible threat by both Burkina Faso and Cape Verde would have also been seen off.

Two South Africans against one Senegalese and the final scores stood at 2-1. The result was however overturned necessitating a replay this Friday.

11 November, Cote d’Ivoire vs. Morocco:

It is advantage Morocco which requires just a draw in the away match to pick the ticket. But in encounters of this nature, nothing is decided until the final whistle.

Morocco with nine points leads the group. The results of Group C have largely fallen within predictions as it was expected that the final outcome would be decided in the last match pitching the two giants.

There is a common denominator – Coach Herve Renard who is leading Morocco having in the past led Cote d’Ivoire. His ambition is simple – terminating the aspirations of his previous employers!

It will be crunchy battle in Abidjan on Saturday.

Saturday 11 November, Tunisia vs. Libya:

The match on paper offers huge advantage to Tunisia who are already at 13 points. Just a draw in this home match will see the first African team to win a match at the World Cup qualifying again for the global soccer fiesta.

The permutation is that Tunisia which defeated Mexico at Argentina ’78 to become the first African team to win a World Cup match will not allow a type of slip that occurred eight years ago to happen again.

Just in need of a draw in November 2009 to pick a South Africa 2010 ticket, a late strike by Mozambique ended their aspiration while Nigeria beat Kenya away to pick the ticket.

But in the event of an upset by Libya, and if DR Congo expectedly beat Guinea, Tunisia’s hope will be ruined and DR Congo will be returning to the World Cup stage again since their calamitous outing of 1974.

Tuesday 14 November, Senegal vs. South Africa:

This could turn a battle of epic proportion should South Africa win the first match slated this Friday in Polokwane. The return leg will be so crucial that it may call for close monitoring for its explosiveness. It will be a winner-takes-all affair.

But on the other hand, should Senegal shock their hosts on Friday, the encounter of next week will be a mere picnic for Senegal.

THE NEUTRAL GROUND

14 November, Burkina Faso vs. Cape Verde:

The relevance of this match is hinged on the outcome of the back-to-back encounters of South Africa and Senegal. Group D holds a unique setting where all teams still have varying degree of chances of survival.

No team is eliminated yet. No team has also qualified. Burkina Faso and Cape Verde will be hoping that the first of the twin encounters of South Africa and Senegal ends in a stalemate.

With that South Africa will be eliminated. Then both Burkina Faso and Cape Verde will then hope that the eliminated South Africa will shock Senegal in Dakar to put point haul for South Africa at seven, and nine for Senegal.

Then both Burkina Faso and Cape Verde at six points each will attempt to outdo one another in goal scoring. With goal difference possibly in favour of Burkina Faso, it will require a 3-0 or 4-0 win to pick the ticket if either Senegal or South Africa slips.

THE PICNIC PARK

Friday 10 November, Algeria vs. Nigeria:

This ordinarily should have been a clash of two continental giants who were the last African teams standing at the Brazil 2014 World Cup. Of the five African teams in Brazil, Algeria and Nigeria were the only ones to make it to the second round where both crashed out on the same day.

But with the Group B already decided, Algeria may not put up spectacular performance as there is virtually nothing for the troubled side to fight for. It had prosecuted virtually every match of the final qualifying round with new coaches.

The legendary Rabah Madjer is the latest man on the saddle. In the six-match series of the final round that began last year’s October, Algeria secured just one point from the 1-1 draw it played against Cameroon in Match Day 1.

The team lost all others. Friday’s match may not be an exception. On the other hand, Nigeria has had almost a stress-free flight in the final qualifying series.

The Super Eagles were, expectedly, only stretched to almost breaking point in the last match with Zambia last month where both teams nervously have everything to fight for.

But the side facing Algeria may slightly be a different one as Coach Gernot Rohr could be tempted to try new options as he focuses on his final World Cup squad. Besides, some regulars have been unavailable owing to varying degrees of injury.

But all the same, the team will try to maintain its World Cup qualifying unbeaten run which could be stretched to an all-time African record of 35 matches.

On Friday, it would be 13 years, four months and 21 days (4,891 days) since Nigeria last lost a World Cup qualifying match.

It is a record good to be carried over to the qualifying series of Qatar 2022.

Nigeria will be attempting a double against Algeria and extend unbeaten streak in the World Cup qualifiers to 35 matches.

Saturday 11 November, Zambia vs. Cameroon:

For a different reason, this is another formality match. Both teams are already eliminated from the race and had virtually nothing to fight for. Zambia would had hoped it picked maximum points last month in Uyo when it faced Nigeria and possibly fire full cylinder against a hapless Cameroon this weekend.

But after strong resistance coupled with sporadic offensive, the Zambians finally caved in when Alex Iwobi scored the decider for Nigeria.

The possibly scenario in Lusaka on Saturday is that Cameroon may not travel with their best of stars and in the best of spirits for a mere formality match.

Saturday 11 November, DR Congo vs. Guinea:

This is a match the hosts may like win. But owing to the possible outcome of the corresponding match in group where Tunisia will be facing the weak Libyan side, there may not be anything to fight for in the DR Congo versus Guinea encounter.

That may lead to both not putting in their best, but with the hosts still trying to maintain their prestige and hope for a possible slip in the Tunisia – Libya encounter.

The possibility exists as it happened in 2009 when Tunisia’s advantage was lost six minutes to end their South Africa 2010 World Cup qualifier in Mozambique.

Saturday 11 November, Gabon vs. Mali:

A formality match as both teams are out of contention. Their result will also not impact on that Group C of the contenders – Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire who will be involved in epic battle in Abidjan.

Sunday 12 November, Ghana vs. Egypt:

Flash back to the last qualifying battle to Brazil 2014. Ghana were high riding, beating Egypt 6-1 in Kumasi. The result put Ghana in vantage position for the eventual qualification. Time have changed.

Even if Ghana achieves any victory of any kind on Sunday, it is a labour in vain as Egypt are through to the World Cup. But for that, this should be a heavyweight clash of two of Africa’s strongest teams.

So inconsequential is the outcome of the match that star player, Mohamed Salah asked to be excused from the fixture.

Egypt and Ghana in the Match Day 2 clash. The Egyptians have taken their pound of flesh after Ghana denied them the opportunity at Brazil 2014 World Cup.

Sunday 12 November, Congo vs. Uganda:

The encounter is better relegated to the realms of a friendly match as both have been eliminated from the World Cup.

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Enugu Rangers vs Bendel Insurance: A Historic President Federation Cup Clash

Published

1 week ago

April 14, 2025

Kunle Solaja

The star match of the President Federation Cup Round of 16 is the potentially epic confrontation of Enugu Rangers and Bendel Insurance.

The history of the Nigerian National Cup is littered with the epic duels of the two who have three times contested the final matches in 1978, 1981 and recently in 2023.

They clash again four steps before the final match. The two teams were involved in two of the most memorable final matches of Nigeria’s Cup competition in its 80-year history, with honours shared in 1978 and 1981.

The Benin Arsenal tore apart the form books to shock the nation’s football fraternity by spanking Rangers 3-0 in the final in Lagos in 1978, but the Flying Antelopes somewhat repaid the compliment with a 2-0 win at the same venue in 1981.

The setting for this Round of 16 clash is also in Lagos, though a different venue. But fireworks are expected by the waterfront from two teams aspiring for continental football.

Two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC, who eliminated Cup holders El-Kanemi Warriors in the Round of 32, will take on Abakaliki FC at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

Nasarawa United and Bayelsa United will square up to each other in the university town of Anyigba, while Warri Wolves and Wikki Tourists battle things out in the Federal Capital, Abuja.

Two great entertainers, Ikorodu City and Beyond Limits will be at each other’s jugular at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, where Solution FC will tango with Kwara United in an earlier game. Plateau United will confront Osun United in Anyigba.

Akwa United and Inter Lagos are at loggerheads in Abuja.

Round of 16 fixtures (Men) on Wednesday

Enyimba FC (Abia) Vs Abakaliki FC (Ebonyi) – Asaba – 4pm
Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) Vs Bayelsa United (Bayelsa) – Anyigba 10am
Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) – Area 3 Abuja – 1 pm
Ikorodu City (Lagos) Vs Beyond Limits (Ogun) – Benin City – 4 pm
Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) Vs Inter Lagos (Lagos) – Area 3 Abuja – 4 pm
Solution FC (Anambra) Vs Kwara United (Kwara) – Benin City – – 10 am
Plateau United (Plateau) Vs Osun United (Osun) – Anyigba – 1 pm
Bendel Insurance (Edo) Vs Rangers Int’l (Enugu) – MJA Lagos – 4 pm

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Key Upgrades at Mohammed V Complex for Upcoming AFCON 2025

Published

1 week ago

April 13, 2025

Kunle Solaja

The Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca, which underwent a significant renovation, reopened on Saturday as Wydad and Raja played to a 1-1 draw during the 26th matchday of the Botola Pro D1 “Inwi” football league.

The stadium is one of the designated venues for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations holding in December.

The redevelopment project of the iconic stadium in Morocco’s economic capital is part of the broader program to upgrade sports venues in preparation for upcoming major sporting events, notably the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Launched in March 2024 and completed in March 2025, the works included, according to the National Agency for Public Facilities (ANEP), the replacement of 45,000 seats in this temple of Moroccan football, the upgrading of the press stand, sound system, video surveillance, and access control systems.

The renovations also covered the development of four changing rooms and warm-up areas, the creation of a mixed zone and a new central players’ tunnel, the replacement of the turf with the latest-generation hybrid grass, refurbishment of the athletics track, lighting upgrades, and replacement of the advertising screens.

Additionally, the project involved the construction of a regulation building to manage and fully separate different access flows, the development of a new ramp for team buses, VIP and VVIP parking areas, and the TV compound.

The works also included the renovation of VIP and media lounges, the construction of a new press conference room, the creation of private boxes, the upgrading of restrooms, food and beverage areas, and public infirmaries, as well as an increase in the number of gates and access control points.

Outside the stadium, the renovations focused on the refurbishment of sidewalks and green spaces, upgrading of exterior lighting, renovation of the surrounding fence, and refurbishment of the annex area.

Officially inaugurated in 1955, the Mohammed V Sports Complex has hosted the greatest sporting events and tournaments in the Kingdom. Morocco, a true land of sports and athletes, is increasingly positioning itself as a leader in the sports sector—not only in Africa but also on the global stage.

Indeed, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco is pursuing an ambitious policy of developing its sports infrastructure in preparation for hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

This proactive strategy aims to meet the international standards required by FIFA and CAF, while strengthening Morocco’s position as a continental, regional, and global sports hub.

In this regard, Morocco continues to invest heavily in its sports infrastructure to host large-scale international events such as the AFCON and the 2030 World Cup.

Ongoing projects include the construction of the Hassan II Stadium in Benslimane, the reconstruction of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, and the expansion and upgrading of the Grand Stade of Tangier in accordance with FIFA’s specifications.

The rehabilitation of the main stadiums in Fez, Marrakech, and Agadir is also underway, initially to meet CAF standards, followed by a second phase aimed at aligning with FIFA’s requirements. Studies for this second phase are already complete, with work scheduled to begin right after AFCON 2025.

Finally, ongoing efforts also include the reconstruction of the Al Barid Stadium and the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

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LA28 to award most Olympic medals

Published

2 weeks ago

April 12, 2025

Kunle Solaja

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will feature 351 medal events —22 more than at Paris 2024— the International Olympic Committee Executive Board confirmed this week in a press conference in Lausanne.

The Executive Board has approved the event programme and athlete quotas for the LA Games, with gender equality in mind. For the first time, all team sports will have at least the same number of women’s teams as men’s teams. The LA28 programme also added 698 quotas for the five sports proposed by the LA28 Organising Committee (baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse and squash), in addition to the core athlete quota of 10,500.

“We are opening the door for more athletes to compete, win, and live out their Olympic dream at the LA28 Games where athletes have always been, and always will be, the heart of the Games.

“We are proud to champion an athlete-centric vision that celebrates excellence and the unifying spirit of the Olympic Movement,” LA28 Chief Athlete Officer, Janet Evans, said in the organisation’s official press release.

New medal opportunities

In addition to the new sports set to debut at the Los Angeles Games, exciting new podium opportunities will be available for the established sports on the Olympic programme.

Coastal rowing will debut at the Games with the women’s solo, men’s solo and mixed double sculls in Beach Sprints, which will see competitors sprint across the sand, before navigating waves and surf for the top prize.

Also making a splash are swimming’s fast-paced 50m distance swim and water polo. There will be six additional medal opportunities for the fastest swimmers in the world with the women’s and men’s 50-metre competitions in backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. The women’s water polo tournament will expand to 12 teams, matching the men’s —making it gender-equal for the first time at the Games.

Sport climbing also gained two medal opportunities by separating a previously combined event and creating three distinct medal events: speed, boulder and lead. The sport will have a total quota of 76 athletes (38 women and 38 men).

“From the very beginning of our Olympic journey, we have always had the target of three sets of medals for our athletes. Each of our disciplines has its own unique strengths, and now everyone will see these at LA28,” IFSC President Marco Scolaris said in the federation’s press release.

While the medal events will stay the same, basketball 3×3 will also expand to include 12 teams per gender, from eight teams at the previous Olympics. This expansion reflects the sport’s growth over recent years and further highlights the sport’s global appeal and development.

“The additional quota allows more National Federations and players from all around the world to dream that they can make it from the streets to the Olympics. Los Angeles is one of the world’s most iconic basketball cities and has a thriving 3×3 basketball culture. We are very excited to be once again at the heart of a vibrant, urban sport festival atmosphere during the Games,”said FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, according to FIBA’s press release.

Spotlight on women’s sport

Just weeks after boxing was approved for the Olympic programme after its controversial run at the Paris Games, the sport is set to achieve full parity at the next Olympics with an additional weight class added to the women’s competition: resulting in seven weight classes for both the women’s and men’s tournaments.

Women’s football will be showcased in LA28, with a record 16 teams, while adjusting the men’s tournament to 12 teams to maintain the overall tournament size consistent with previous Olympic Games.

“We’ve seen incredible growth in women’s participation in team sport and in popularity and visibility in women’s team sport, with football being an absolute leader in that regard,” The IOC’s Kit McConnell said. “Women’s football and men’s football have been hugely successful in the Olympic Games in terms of ticketing and broadcast audiences, and media coverage around the world. And what better place to increase the number of women’s teams than the USA itself?”

More mixed-teams

Six new mixed-gender team events will be part of the competition in Los Angeles. Compound archery will be at the Olympic Games in the form of a mixed-team event. It joins the five recurve events currently in the programme.

Athletics will feature a mixed 4x100m, becoming the second mixed-gender event in the sport, joining the 4x400m relay. Golf, table tennis and artistic gymnastics will also add a mixed-team event at LA28.

Overall, the LA28 programme will bring together 10,500 Olympians across the 31 sports on the initial sports program, with up to 700 more athletes competing in the five new sports proposed by LA28 and added to the Olympic sports programme by the IOC.

-Inside The Games

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