World Cup

Osimhen may be fit for Nigeria’s World Cup Matchday 2 duel with Zimbabwe

Published

2 years ago

November 8, 2023

In Napoli, fans and officials are anxiously awaiting Victor Osimhen’s speedy recovery.

According to a news outlet in Naples, Italy, Tuttonapoli, the rumour mill has it that there is no delay in the player’s recovery.

They are looking forward to 25 November for him to feature in a very important away match at Atalanta.

If Osimhen is fit enough for the 25 November Serie A match, he may as well be available for Nigeria’s potentially challenging World Cup qualifying duel away to Zimbabwe six days to the Atalanta versus Napoli Match.

He is certain to miss the Super Eagles’ opening World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho in Uyo.

Gazzetta dello Sport quoted his club’s coach, Rudi Garcia saying he hoped Osimhen would be available sooner than expected.

“I didn’t deal with this thing, the doctors and the managers did. I’ve exchanged messages with Victor, because for now I’ve been taking care of those who can play. After these two games there is a break and I think he will be ready for Atalanta when the league resumes”, said Garcia.

It however reports that “obviously it will be the training sessions that will make it clearer.”

Osimhen has been in Nigeria for a while and is being expected back in Napoli on Wednesday and could watch his club’s Champions League match with Union Berlin.

World Cup

FIFA Plans Three Opening Ceremonies in All Host Nations for 2026 World Cup

Published

4 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Kunle Solaja

Michael Buble and Katy Perry are performing at FIFA's opening ceremonies in Canada and the U.S. Getty Images

FIFA is preparing an unprecedented entertainment rollout for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with separate opening ceremonies planned for each of the first matches involving the three host nations, the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to a report by The Athletic, the ceremonies will take place before the opening matches of the host countries during the tournament scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Canadian music stars Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette and Alessia Cara are reportedly set to perform at Canada’s opening group game against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12.

Later that day, the United States will face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, where pop icon Katy Perry is expected to headline the entertainment show.

The report added that rapper Future and DJ Sanjoy are also among the performers engaged for the tournament festivities.

Planning documents seen by The Athletic indicate that fans will be encouraged to arrive at venues 90 minutes before kick-off to witness the ceremonies.

Mexico’s pre-match show is expected to run for more than 16 minutes, while ceremonies in the United States and Canada are expected to last about 13 minutes each before the teams begin warm-ups.

FIFA is also planning a major opening ceremony and half-time show for the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

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World Cup

FIFA to Mark America’s 250th Anniversary During 2026 World Cup

Published

4 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Kunle Solaja

FIFA will incorporate celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a report by The Athletic.

The report revealed that special “America 250” tributes are planned ahead of the Round of 16 matches scheduled for July 4 in Houston and Philadelphia.

The commemorations are expected to align with ongoing initiatives championed by U.S. President Donald Trump as part of the country’s Semiquincentennial anniversary celebrations.

Trump’s administration has established the White House Task Force 250, which has encouraged sports organisations to align major events with the anniversary.

According to The Athletic, proposals linked to the World Cup include the placement of large “Freedom” trailer trucks decorated with American flags at official FIFA Fan Festivals across host cities.

In an earlier interview with the publication, Andrew Giuliani, director of the FIFA World Cup 2026 White House Task Force, described the tournament as “an incredible opportunity to show off America’s first 250 years.”

The report also highlighted the growing relationship between FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Trump. Infantino attended Trump’s inauguration events and later joined meetings of the president’s “Board of Peace” initiative.

FIFA is expected to use the July 4 matches as a platform to blend football with celebrations of American history and patriotism during the expanded 48-team tournament.

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World Cup

Nigeria’s Burna Boy, Shakira Lead Expanding Musical Build-Up to 2026 World Cup

Published

4 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Kunle Solaja

Nigeria’s Grammy-winning star Burna Boy continues to strengthen his connection with global football after joining Shakira on the official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The song, titled Dai Dai, is part of FIFA’s broader entertainment programme for the tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to The Athletic, FIFA is also preparing an extensive World Cup music campaign featuring artists from across the globe.

The tournament’s official music album will include Illuminate, a collaboration between Jessie Reyez and Elyanna, alongside Por Ella by Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda.

FIFA has also lined up a series of live performances for opening ceremonies in Canada, the United States and Mexico, with artists such as Katy Perry, Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette expected to feature.

For Nigerian fans, Burna Boy’s involvement further reflects the growing global influence of Afrobeats and Nigeria’s expanding footprint in international football entertainment.

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