International Football
FIRST FIFA WOMEN’S FOOTBALL CONVENTION HOLDS TODAY
BY NANCY GILLEN
The first FIFA Women’s Football Convention is due to begin in Paris, with the 2019 Women’s World Cup set to kick off in the same city on Friday
Leaders from the world of football, business and politics will descend upon Expo Porte de Versailles in the French capital for the two-day convention.
The first day will be dedicated to women’s football
practitioners and representatives of FIFA’s 211-member associations and six
confederations.
It will explore and debate the five strategic pillars from FIFA’s first Women’s Football Strategy, launched last October.
This includes growing participation, increasing commercial value and building upon the foundations of the game.
On the second day, political leaders, commercial partners, senior representatives from international organisations and high-profile players will be welcomed to the convention to discuss the challenges, barriers and opportunities for growth and development of women’s football.
Particular focus will be placed on sustainable strategies and building a more diverse and inclusive society.
Moderators include several high-profile female sports broadcasters, such as former England player Alex Scott and Amanda Davies of CNN.
“The inaugural FIFA Women‘s Football Convention is a crucial stepping stone in promoting the women’s game, making football a sport for all and to use it as a platform to empower women and girls around the world,” said Sarai Bareman, FIFA chief women’s football officer.
Parc des Princes in Paris will host the opening match of the World Cup on Friday, with the hosts taking on South Korea in Group A.
The competition will then continue across nine French cities until the final on July 7.
It is set to be the most high-profile Women’s World Cup yet, with more than 720,000 tickets sold at the 50-day mark.
The opening clash sold out within 48 hours.
In his opening comments for the convention’s programme, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that it was “an unprecedented time for women’s football.”
“The sport is thriving as never before, filling iconic stadiums and attracting unparalleled levels of global fan interest and media coverage,” he said.
“It is no exaggeration to say that we are entering a new era for the women’s game.” “On the eve of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, which is poised to set records, this is the perfect moment for us to assess the progress of the women’s game and how to fully implement our strategy.”
–insidethegame
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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