World Cup
Prayers for Finidi George
BY CORNELIUS EHIMIAGHE (A supporter of Bendel Insurance FC).
The fact that Finidi George is now the Super Eagles coach is no longer news. What will be news is how long is he going to last on this hot seat. Is he going to be kicked out after two matches? Are his players going to play to his instructions? Are the fans going to be singing: “all we are saying, no more indigenous coach?” Will the NFF be able to pay his salary?Decades ago, millions of Nigerians used to be inspired by the gallant performances of the Super Eagles. Recent inconsistent display by Super Eagles has led to the average Nigerian football followers diverting their attention to other diversionary activities in order to survive the current economic hardship. Gone are the days when Nigerians put all their hopes on the Super Eagles using the “never say die Naija spirit” to win a losing match. With two international matches experience under his belt, can Finidi George become the lucky general that Napoleon Bonaparte talked about, or is he going to be the field marshal that failed to deliver the World Cup ticket to millions of Nigerians?As the Super Eagles start their bid to revive their 2026 World Cup hopes, can a tree make a forest? Mind you, Finidi did not lay the shaky foundation of Nigeria’s quest for a 2026 World Cup ticket. The NFF has just bestowed on him the herculean task of awakening the Super in the Eagles. Finidi needs all the best wishes and prayers of Nigerians and the intercessions of our ancestors. Let us pray:· May your assistant coaches not back stab you. Ise (Amen).· May your star strikers not hit the post during time added on. Ise (Amen).· May the spirit of “Odiye” not enter the body of any Super Eagles players, during your tenure. Ise.· Under your watch, may no Super Eagles player die on the football field or in hospital after a football or training match. Ise.· May you and your players not be invited by state security officials to be tongue lashed and frog marched for not being able to sing the Nigerian national anthem (Nigeria we hail thee). Ise.· Under your watch, may no Super Eagles supporter at home or abroad be stabbed, shot at by trigger happy police officers, soldiers, or rival football supporters. Ise.· May you not be sacked because the kit man of the Super Eagles forgot the jerseys of the Super Eagle players in the hotel room. Ise.· The day football match fixers are looking for someone to collaborate with them, may they not find your telephone number or email address. Ise.· May you or your assistant coaches not collect money or undeclared gift items, aid, or abet the collection of money to invite any player to the Super Eagles camp. Ise.· May the NFF not owe you salary arears beyond one month. Ise.· May the irresponsible actions of an over zealot football fan or ball boy not lead to the abandonment of a Super Eagles match. Ise.· May the “oga of the oga at the top” not change your team selection of the Super Eagles in a crucial World Cup match. Ise.· Under your watch, may no referee or VAR conspire against the Super Eagles. Ise.· May members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) not write your professional obituary. Ise.· May you not be held hostage by football fans, football administrators, kidnappers or unknown gunmen. Ise.· May the “ladies of pleasure” not twist the waist or reduce the pace of acceleration of any Super Eagles player. Ise.· Under your watch, may FIFA or CAF not deduct any point of the Super Eagles. Ise. · May you not qualify the Super Eagles for the 2026 World Cup, and be relieved of your duty before the commencement of the tournament. Ise.
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Uruguay will look to maintain their unbeaten FIFA World Cup record against African opposition when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a crucial Group H encounter on Sunday.
The two-time world champions face a Cabo Verde side brimming with confidence after the island nation earned a remarkable goalless draw against Spain in their previous outing, one of the biggest results in their football history.
Uruguay have never lost to an African team at the World Cup, recording three victories and two draws in five previous meetings. However, the South Americans know they cannot afford complacency against a Cabo Verde side that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate established football powers.
For Cabo Verde, the match represents another opportunity to enhance their growing reputation on the global stage. The Blue Sharks impressed observers with their disciplined defensive display against Spain and will be eager to prove that result was no fluke.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will rely on their vast World Cup experience as they seek maximum points and a stronger foothold in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
With confidence high in both camps, the clash promises to be a fascinating contest between one of football’s traditional giants and one of the tournament’s most inspiring newcomers.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
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