International Football
SENEGAL CAN MATCH BRAZIL, COACH CISSE INSISTS
Senegal coach Aliou Cisse insisted yesterday that there is “nothing at stake” in today’s friendly against five-time world champions Brazil.
But the Senegalese appear serious enough about the clash to plot an unscheduled training session at Jalan Besar Stadium on Tuesday, just hours after arriving in Singapore from Paris.
And despite his words to the contrary, Cisse, 43, has nothing but victory in sight, telling a pre-match press conference: “What’s important is to come out of the game victorious.”
While some would rate the Lions of Teranga as the underdogs in
tonight’s game at the National Stadium, the former Paris Saint-Germain and
Birmingham defensive midfielder is confident his men will be able to hold their
own against the likes of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho.
He explained: “Their strength is in attacking together and defending together. It is important to play our own game and to our talent.”
While world No. 20 Senegal may boast names such as Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye of PSG, Sadio Mane, who joined Liverpool for £34 million (S$57.3 million) in 2016 to briefly become Africa’s most expensive player, is undoubtedly the team’s biggest star.
Cue the chants of “Mane, Mane” from Liverpool fans gathered at Swissotel the Stamford to catch a glimpse of the 27-year-old star as he boarded the team bus for a training session at Bukit Gombak Stadium yesterday evening.
The roar of the 50 fans even attracted the attention of two curious Hong Kong tourists, who wandered in and wondered aloud in Cantonese who the football squad walking through the lobby were.
But despite his status, Mane, with a black-and-green snapback perched on his head, was relaxed as he fielded questions at the press conference.
And he is looking forward to facing Liverpool teammates Roberto Firmino and Fabinho on the pitch.
“Brazil are one of the best teams in the world and I’m always talking with Fabinho about it before the game,” said the soft-spoken player.
“I say, ‘Listen, we’re going to win 4-0’,” he added with a grin. “I love to win, to play against Brazil and win is a big thing for me, my teammates and my country, and I’ll try to get a positive result.”
Having netted 50 goals in 100 appearances for his club and 19 for his country, he has received accolades from Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who recently voted for Mane as the best player in the world.
“Wow, what a compliment, I wish, I wish,” said the Senegalese, when asked about the vote. “I take it as a compliment, try to do my best and never give up.”
After leading the team to a runners-up finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in July, Cisse is aiming for his talented side to go further at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and better Senegal’s best finish of a top-eight placing in 2002.
He had captained the 2002 squad that stunned France 1-0 in the group stage before losing 1-0 to Turkey in the quarter-finals.
When asked to compare the 2002 team with his current side, he said: “We can’t compare the two generations because the mentality, approach are different.
“In terms of results, I can say the 2002 generation is a little bit better because we reached the quarter-finals. If they want to be better than us, they must reach the semi-finals.”
Mane certainly got his coach’s message yesterday, as he leaned in, gave a knowing smile and nodded.
-The Sraits Times
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Côte d’Ivoire End Ecuador’s Record Unbeaten Run
Amad’s Late Strike Gives Côte d’Ivoire Dramatic Victory Over Ecuador
Iran Arrive in Los Angeles for Historic and Highly Charged World Cup Opener
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- International Football1 week ago
Eriksen Suffers Fresh Collapse During Denmark Friendly, Reviving Memories of Euro 2020 Ordeal
- World Cup1 week ago
Pelé’s 1970 World Cup Hideaway Becomes Tourist Attraction as Mexico Hosts Tournament for Record Third Time
- Uncategorized1 week ago
Iran World Cup squad still in visa limbo 10 days before first match, ambassador says
- World Cup1 week ago
Strike Threat Looms Over USA-Paraguay World Cup Match at SoFi Stadium
- World Cup1 week ago
Iran’s World Cup team arrive in Tijuana with US tensions high
- International Football6 days ago
Iwobi Salutes Nigerians Ahead of Landmark 100th Super Eagles Appearance
- World Cup1 week ago
Nine injured in shooting near England’s World Cup base camp
- World Cup1 week ago
Iran World Cup players granted visas to enter the US, says White House official