International Football
VIDEO: ETO’O BECOMES QATAR 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP AMBASSADOR
BY DANIEL ETCHELLS
Samuel Eto’o, one of the most decorated players in world football, has joined the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) – the organisation responsible for delivering tournament infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and its associated legacy programmes – as a global ambassador.
Eto’o has won 15 major honours during his glittering career to date, a haul which includes three UEFA Champions League victories, four league titles across spells in Italy and Spain with Inter Milan and Barcelona, respectively, and one FIFA Club World Cup.
He joins Spain’s Xavi Hernández and sports broadcaster Mohammed
Saadon Al Kuwari as official SC ambassadors.
Former Cameroon international Eto’o earned 118 international caps and made appearances at four FIFA World Cups between 1998 and 2014.
In August 2018, he joined Qatar Stars League side Qatar Sports Club and made a new home in the host country of the next FIFA World Cup.
During a special signing ceremony with SC secretary general Hassan Al Thawadi, he became part of the journey on the road to 2022.
“It’s a great honour for me to be an ambassador for the SC
and hope I am able to deliver what is expected of me,” said Eto’o, a
four-time African player of year.
“The World Cup is the biggest competition in football – there is nothing bigger – and for the players who have had the chance to play in the World Cup, there is nothing more beautiful.
“Football goes much further than politics and it’s important that football travels the world because it’s everywhere, it’s an incredible social force.
“It has an impact on our lives even if some do not like football, we are always paying attention to football and I am happy that Qatar is and will be the face of it for a month during the World Cup, and Qatar will also be the face of the Middle East.”
he legendary striker, who in 1998 appeared at his first FIFA World Cup at the age of 17, has also made an impact away from the professional game.
In 2017, he was named the United Nations International Children’s Education Fund goodwill ambassador for Cameroon.
Additionally, in March 2006 he launched the Samuel Eto’o Foundation and has since built football schools across Africa with the goal of encouraging young people to have access to sporting facilities to hone their skills, while also providing the frameworks required for them to continue their studies.
The Foundation also provides healthcare and social integration opportunities for those who attend.
“It always humbles me to know I can bring a smile to someone’s face with small acts of kindness like lending an ear,” Eto’o said.
“What may seem benign to us, can mean the world to others.
“I told myself I have to share my experience with some and above all, the grassroots in Cameroon in particular and in Africa in general.
“I can establish football schools which will allow young people to overcome obstacles which they might face in Europe.
“This is why I embarked on this beautiful project that excites me every day and I’m happy because I have some players who play with some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
“It gives pride for me as the face of the Foundation but all those backing me have also played a big role in giving the youth this opportunity.”
Commenting on the announcement, Al Thawadi welcomed Eto’o to the team.
“Samuel is one of the most successful footballers in the history of the game and we welcome him to join us on this unique journey,” he said.
“As well as his remarkable achievements on the field, what makes him stand out is the commitment he has shown to using his profile to effect positive change away from the professional game.
“We have always been steadfast in our commitment to ensuring this World Cup is not only about the 28 days of on-pitch action, but about the impact it will have across the Arab world and beyond, for generations to come.
“I am confident that working alongside someone of Samuel’s calibre, stature and character can only help us to achieve these goals together.”
FIFA is set to expand the size of Qatar 2022 from 32 teams to 48 after the FIFA Council agreed the idea was “feasible” at a meeting in Miami last month.
Football’s global governing body has been considering broadening its flagship tournament for some time and it has already been confirmed the 2026 edition will feature 48 teams.
After analysing a feasibility study, the Council has agreed expanding the 2022 edition could work, so long as countries other than Qatar, the current sole hosts, agree to help.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been asked to confirm that any country being considered as a co-host of the 2022 World Cup complies with the governing body’s new human rights standards.
Before the FIFA Council meeting in Miami, Amnesty International and a coalition of non-Government organisations, trade unions and fans’ and players’ groups told the official about his “corporate responsibility”.
FIFA must ensure any country wishing to hold a World Cup first provides credible guarantees to meet international human rights law and labour standards, Infantino has been told.– INSIDE THE GAMES
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.
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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.
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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.
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