International Football
EXCITEMENT BUILDS IN SINGAPORE AHEAD OF NIGERIA’S CLASH WITH BRAZIL
With the clock ticking down to Sunday October 13 when Nigeria and Brazil clash in what is their second ever confrontation, excitement is already building up in the island city-state of Singapore, the venue for the epic clash.
The islanders have had a taste of Brazil five years ago. Sports Village Square gathered from the leading publication in Singapore, The Strait Times that a sellout crowd of 51,577 turned out at the National Stadium to catch Neymar’s dazzling tricks and flicks, as the superstar forward scored all four goals in the five-time world champions’ 4-0 friendly win over Japan.
The Singaporeans are expecting an encore as the four-time World Cup winners take on two African countries – Senegal and Nigeria.
According to the publication, fans will be able to catch Neymar and Co’s brand of samba football again.
Also, according to The Straits Times, being anticipated to be in action, are Nigeria’s duo of Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi and Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi.
Brazil, ranked second in the FIFA world rankings, will play Senegal (world No. 20) on Thursday October 10, before taking on three-time Africa Cup of Nations winner Nigeria (33) three days later.
It will be the first time Nigeria and Senegal will play in Singapore.
Brazil’s national team coordinator Juninho Paulista told the Brazilian Football Confederation website:
“We chose two of the best African teams because they are high-level confrontations and the Brazilian national team has had few encounters (with them) in recent years.”
Singapore Sports Hub chairman Bryn Jones said: “We are thrilled to host two matches of such international stature at our iconic National Stadium.
“This Brazil versus Senegal and Nigeria will be a treat for all football fans to catch some of the world’s most skilful players in action.”
Last month, The Straits Times reported that discussions were under way for Brazil to play Asean powerhouse Thailand here on Oct 11, but the deal eventually fell through.
But the Brazilians will be heading for Singapore after all, this time against two of Africa’s best sides.
Brazil’s first clash against Senegal may see Brazil’s Roberto Firmino and Fabinho come up against their Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane, with Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly possibly also in action for Senegal.
The Singapore national team will not be involved due to World Cup qualifiers during that period, as the Lions travel to face Saudi Arabia on Oct 10 before hosting Uzbekistan at the National Stadium five days later.
Brazil fan Loh Zhang Yuan is relishing the return of the Selecao. The 21-year-old was at the 2014 game and has fond memories of watching his football idol Kaka in action.
He said: “There isn’t really a more iconic symbol of international football than the Brazil national team. They may not be as strong as a couple of decades ago but the flair of their team is always unique. To see them again live would be very special.”
National footballer and Warriors FC winger Gabriel Quak added: “It’s good for fans to have these international teams that are well-supported with superstars come here. Fans can see samba football and also the power and pace of African football.”
Former national swimmer and mixed martial arts exponent May Ooi may not be the biggest football fan, but she loves the Brazilians’ flamboyant playing style. She added that stars like Neymar will “leave a long lasting impression on a child” and would encourage them to stay in the sport.
International Football
FIFA Unites 2025 Kicks Off in Morocco, Marks Historic Debut for Afghan Refugee Women’s Team
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has announced that the inaugural FIFA Unites 2025 women’s competition will take place in Morocco, beginning Sunday, October 26.
According to FIFA, the friendly tournament will feature several women’s national teams and will serve as a landmark event for women’s football, notably marking the first-ever international appearance of the Afghan refugee women’s team.
The side, officially named “Afghan Women United,” was named by the players themselves after consultations with FIFA.
In addition to Afghanistan’s historic participation, the tournament will also see the Libyan and Chadian women’s teams expected to enter the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking for the first time after the event.
FIFA expressed appreciation to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) for its cooperation and logistical support in hosting the competition, highlighting Morocco’s growing role as a major hub for women’s football development on the African continent.
The global football governing body also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s football and gender inclusion, emphasizing that the competition is part of its Action Strategy for Afghan Women’s Football, approved by the FIFA Council in May 2025.
The strategy encompasses the organization of competitive opportunities, ongoing technical assistance, and support for Afghan players during the selection and preparation stages.
Through FIFA Unites 2025, the organization aims to promote solidarity, inclusion, and empowerment through sport — underscoring football’s unique role in providing hope and opportunity, particularly for women in challenging circumstances.
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International Football
Again, it is #DestinationMorocco as FIFA takes Women’s Series 2025 to the Kingdom
By Kunle Solaja
FIFA has officially confirmed that the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series 2025 will be hosted by Morocco, with the opening matches scheduled to kick off on Sunday, October 26.
The event marks yet another milestone for Moroccan football, further cementing the kingdom’s growing stature as a global hub for the sport.
The upcoming tournament promises historic firsts for women’s football. The Afghan Women United team—formed from Afghan players living in exile—will play their first-ever international match, while Chad and Libya will make their FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking debuts at the conclusion of the round-robin competition.
In a statement, FIFA expressed gratitude to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF) for its collaboration and reiterated its commitment to advancing women’s football globally. The world football governing body also reaffirmed its support for Afghan women footballers, no
ting that the FIFA Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football, approved by the FIFA Council in May 2025, continues to guide the federation’s inclusive efforts.
“FIFA looks forward to working closely with the FMRF to host a successful and symbolic tournament that showcases the unifying power of football,” the organization said.
As part of that effort, FIFA confirmed that Afghan Women United was selected as the team’s new official name following consultations with players—a symbolic gesture reflecting unity, resilience, and identity amid global challenges.
Morocco: A Flourishing Football Destination
Morocco’s selection as host comes at a time when the North African nation’s football profile is soaring. The country is currently hosting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and, just this week, celebrated another historic milestone as its U-20 men’s team clinched the FIFA U-20 World Cup title—a triumph widely viewed as the fruit of a long-term national sports vision.
A Victory Rooted in Royal Vision
The Lion Cubs’ success is no accident. It stems from a deliberate and structured sports policy championed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has consistently positioned sport as a catalyst for human, social, and territorial development. Since the National Sports Conference of 2008, the King’s leadership has inspired a generation of athletes and administrators to see football as both a unifying national force and a tool for youth empowerment.
The Mohammed VI Football Academy: Cradle of Excellence
Central to Morocco’s football renaissance is the Mohammed VI Football Academy (AMF), inaugurated in 2010. The academy epitomizes the royal vision of using sport as a means of education, personal growth, and international competitiveness. Five players from the victorious U-20 squad—Yassir Zabir, Othmane Kountoune, Fouad Zahouani, Houssam Essadak, and Yassine Khalifi—are proud graduates of the academy.
Investing in Infrastructure and Inclusion
Morocco’s nationwide expansion of local playing fields, regional training centres, and modern football facilities has created a fertile ground for nurturing young talent. This democratization of access to sport has shaped a new generation of Moroccan youth—disciplined, skilled, and confident on the global stage.
The success of both the Atlas Lions at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Atlas Lionesses, who reached the knockout stages of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, reflects the depth of this comprehensive strategy.
A Beacon of African and Arab Football
With the hosting of the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series 2025 and the country’s string of international achievements, Morocco continues to position itself as a pioneer in African and Arab football. Its success is more than athletic—it is symbolic of a nation where sport drives progress, unity, and pride.
As the Afghan Women United, Chad, and Libya prepare to make history in Morocco this October, the Kingdom once again proves that its football journey is not only national but inspirational—anchored in vision, excellence, and the unifying power of the beautiful game.
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Brazil will round off their 2025 calendar with two friendly matches in Europe next month, taking on Senegal and Tunisia as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, the Brazilian FA (CBF) announced on Thursday.
The five-time world champions, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, will face Senegal on November 15 at Emirates Stadium in London and, three days later, they will meet Tunisia in Lille, France.
The CBF announced that these fixtures were designed to “provide the team with valuable experience against African opposition” ahead of next year’s tournament in North America.
After the conclusion of the South American qualifiers, the choice of opponents follows October’s encounters against Asian teams, which saw Brazil beat South Korea 5-0 but suffer a stunning first defeat to Japan.
With coach Ancelotti facing limited preparation time after arriving in May from Real Madrid, the matches form part of a broader plan to expose Brazil to a variety of playing styles in preparation for next year’s the World Cup.
Looking ahead to March 2026, the CBF has indicated that Brazil’s next set of friendlies will likely be against top-level European nations, with the U.S. as the expected venue.
Ancelotti has been steadily implementing his vision for the squad and has emphasised the importance of adapting to diverse tactical challenges, particularly against teams from other continents.
CBF sources indicated that the plan for the three remaining international breaks would be to make final observations regarding players and tactical adjustments in November, lock in the starting line-up in March and strengthen ties with Brazilian fans with a final friendly at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana before departing for the tournament.
The upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia will provide an opportunity to test Brazil’s readiness against two of Africa’s strongest sides.
Senegal boast a formidable squad featuring Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson and Kalidou Koulibaly. They shocked Brazil 4-2 in their last encounter, a friendly played in Lisbon two years ago.
Tunisia, meanwhile, are known for their defensive organisation and have consistently performed well in African competitions.
Back in September they were the second African team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup with two games to spare.
-Reuters
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Again, it is #DestinationMorocco as FIFA takes Women’s Series 2025 to the Kingdom