International Football

UPDATED: QATAR 2022 QUALIFIERS PITCH SUPER EAGLES AGAINST MINNOWS

Published

5 years ago

January 21, 2020

BY MUYIWA AKINTUNDE

The Super Eagles’ journey to a seventh FIFA World Cup finals kicks off in October with a home fixture against Central African Republic, while Cape Verde Islands and Liberia are the other teams in Group C of Africa’s second round qualifiers.

The Super Eagles’ journey to a seventh FIFA World Cup finals kicks off in October with a fixture against Liberia, while Cape Verde Islands and Liberia are the other teams in Group C of Africa’s second round qualifiers.

Forty teams were drawn into 10 groups, but only one country per group will reach the last qualifying round where Africa’s five representatives for Qatar 2022 will emerge.

Going by current rankings and pedigree in international competitions, Nigeria have an easy group in theory. Thirty-first in the world and third in Africa, no other team in the group come close to the Super Eagles.

Cape Verde are in 78th spot in global standing (16th in Africa), while Central African Republic are 26th in the continent and 109th in the world.

Liberia are the lowest rated in the group – 44th in Africa and 152nd in the world.

Unlike the other teams in the Group C, none of which have ever advanced to the final qualifying round in the continent, Nigeria have missed only one FIFA World Cup finals (Germany 2006) since their debut at the global tournament in 1994.

Nigeria and Cape Verde have never met in a competitive game. A friendly match on January 9, 2013 ended goalless. It was a warm-up for that year’s Africa Cup of Nations which the Super Eagles won in South Africa,

While the Central African Republic will be engaging their Nigerian counterparts for the first time on the road to Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, Liberia had fallen victims to their West African “big brother” on two occasions in FIFA World Cup qualification.

For the 1986 tournament, which Nigeria would fail to qualify, the then Green Eagles stopped the Lone Star of Liberia 4-0 in the first round, winning both legs 3-0 in Lagos and 1-0 in Monrovia.

And on the road to sealing their second FIFA World Cup participation in 2002, Nigeria were in Group B of the second round qualifiers with Liberia, losing 1-2 in Monrovia and winning 2-0 in Lagos.

Nigeria won the group to go through with just a point over Liberia. Sudan, Ghana and Sierra Leone finished behind the duo in that order.

At Mali 2002 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria and Liberia were in Group A with the host nation. Julius Aghahowa’s 63rd minute goal won the last group match against Liberia, which ensured that the Super Eagles topped the group.

The qualifiers for AFCON 2013 also brought Nigeria and Liberia together; their paths crossing in the second round. Nigeria returned from Monrovia with a 2-2 outcome and wrapped up the tie 6-1 at home to progress 8-3 aggregate.

The Super Eagles recent results have given their compatriots hope of advancing from Group C. Their last two matches in the qualifiers for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations saw the Super Eagles winning at home (2-1 against Benin Republic) and 4-2 in Lesotho.

Other highlights of the draw include the disappointment that at least two of the continent’s past representatives at FIFA World Cup will miss the next edition in Qatar.

Due to their low rating and the lottery of the draw, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Ivorien Elephants, as well as the Black Stars of Ghana and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana find themselves in the same groups.

In Group D are Cameroon, Africa’s record qualifiers for the global tournament, who have been to the finals seven times. They also have the honour of being the first African team to reach the quarterfinals in 1990.

The Ivorien, on their part, qualified three times.

Both teams, who will now go head-to-head for the sole ticket in Group D, will attempt to redeem themselves after failing to qualify for the last edition in Russia.

For the Black Stars of Ghana, who recently fired and hired their coaching crew, the main hurdle in Group G are South Africa. Ghana have featured in three finals, including at South Africa 2010 where they missed the semifinals when a last minute goal-line handball by Luis Suarez ensured that Uruguay survived at the expense of the last African team standing.

Apart from playing as hosts in 2010, South Africa also qualified for 1998 and 2002 editions.

The second round of Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for Africa starts in October and will be concluded in the same month a year later. The third and final round will then hold between November 8 and 16, 2021 in a two-legged knockout format.

Forty teams were drawn into 10 groups, but only one country per group will go reach the last qualifying round where Africa’s five representatives for Qatar 2022 will emerge.

Cape Verde are in 78th spot in global standing (16th in Africa), while Central African Republic are 26th in the continent and 109th in the world.

Liberia are the lowest rated – 44th in Africa and 152nd in the world.

Unlike the other teams in the group, none of which have ever advanced to the final qualifying round in the continent, Nigeria have missed only one FIFA World Cup finals (Germany 2006) since their debut at the global tournament in 1994.

For the 1986 FIFA World Cup, which Nigeria would fail to qualify, the then Green Eagles stopped the Lone Star of Liberia 4-0 in the first round, winning both legs 3-0 in Lagos and 1-0 in Monrovia.

And on the road to sealing their second FIFA World Cup participation in 2002, Nigeria were in Group B of the second round qualifiers with Liberia, losing 1-2 in Monrovia and winning 2-0 in Lagos.

Nigeria won the group to go through with just a point over Liberia. Sudan, Ghana and Sierra Leone finished behind the duo in that order.

At Mali 2002, the Africa Cup of Nations hosted that year by that West Africa state, Nigeria and Liberia were in Group A with the host nation. Julius Aghahowa’s 63rd minute goal won the last group match that ensured the Super Eagles topped the group while Mali were runners-up.

The qualifiers for AFCON 2013 also brought Nigeria and Liberia together. Their paths crossed in the second round. Nigeria returned from Monrovia with a 2-2 outcome and wrapped up the tie 6-1 at home to progress 8-3 aggregate.

Other highlights of the draw include the disappointment that at least two of the continent’s past representatives in FIFA World Cup will miss the next edition in Qatar.

Due to their low rating and the lottery of the draw, Cameroon and the Ivorien Elephants as well as Ghana and South African find themselves in the same groups.

In Group D are Cameroon, Africa’s record qualifiers for the global tournament, together with Côte d’Ivoire. The Indomitable Lions have been to the finals seven times, and have the honour of being the first African team to reach the quarterfinals in 1990.

The Ivorien, on their part, qualified three times. Both of them however missed the last edition in Russia.

For the Black Stars of Ghana, who recently got a new coach, they will face South Africa in Group G. Ghana have featured in three finals including at South Africa 2010 when they missed the semifinals through a last minute goalie handball by Luis Suarez for Uruguay.

Apart from playing as hosts in 2010, South Africa also qualified for 1998 and 2002 editions.

The second round of Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for Africa starts in October and will be concluded exactly a year later. The third and final round will then held between November 8 and 16, 2021.

Forty teams were drawn into 10 groups, but only one country per group will go reach the last qualifying round where Africa’s five representatives for Qatar 2022 will emerge.

Cape Verde are in 78th spot in global standing (16th in Africa), while Central African Republic are 26th in the continent and 109th in the world.

Liberia are the lowest rated – 44th in Africa and 152nd in the world.

For the 1986 FIFA World Cup, which Nigeria would fail to qualify, the then Green Eagles stopped the Lone Star of Liberia 4-0 in the first round, winning both legs 3-0 in Lagos and 1-0 in Monrovia.

And on the road to sealing their second FIFA World Cup participation in 2002, Nigeria were in Group B of the second round qualifiers with Liberia, losing 1-2 in Monrovia and winning 2-0 in Lagos.

Nigeria won the group to go through with just a point over Liberia. Sudan, Ghana and Sierra Leone finished behind the duo in that order.

Here’s the pairing for the second round of 2022 FIFA World Cup (Africa draw):

Group A: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, Djibouti

Group B: Tunisia, Zambia, Mauritania, Equatorial Guinea,

Group C: Nigeria, Cape Verde Islands, Liberia, Central African Republic,

Group D: Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, Malawi,

Group E: Mali, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda,

Group F: Egypt, Gabon, Libya, Angola,

Group G: Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia,

Group H: Senegal, Congo Republic, Namibia, Togo,

Group I: Morocco, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Sudan,

Group J: DR Congo, Benin Republic, Madagascar, Tanzania

International Football

Former Chelsea manager, Pochettino takes over US men’s team

Published

5 days ago

September 11, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Nottingham Forest v Chelsea - The City Ground, Nottingham, Britain - May 11, 2024 Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino arrives at the stadium before the match REUTERS/Molly Darlington/File Photo

Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been named new coach of the United States men’s team, U.S. Soccer announced on Tuesday.

Pochettino, who parted ways with Premier League side Chelsea in May after one season in charge, will take the reins of the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.

The Argentine, a former Paris St Germain and Tottenham Hotspur manager, said his decision to join U.S. soccer was not just about football, but about the journey the country was on and he could not pass up the opportunity.

“The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here – those are the things that inspired me,” he said in a statement.

“I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we’re going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of.”

U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker said Pochettino was a “serial winner with a deep passion for developing players”.

“His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad. We are thrilled to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage.”

The U.S. have been without a permanent coach since a humiliating early exit from the Copa America on home soil in July led to the sacking of Gregg Berhalter after his second stint as head coach.

The 51-year-old boss was first appointed in 2018 and led the Americans to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup, but just weeks later found himself embroiled in a bitter public row with one of the team’s brightest emerging talents, Gio Reyna.

U.S. Soccer’s search for a new coach when Berhalter’s contract expired at the end of 2022 included names such as Canada coach Jesse Marsch, but they ultimately rehired Berhalter in June last year with the full support of the players.

However, it proved unsuccessful as the U.S. failed to progress beyond the group stages of the Copa America after a shock 2-1 defeat to Panama and a crushing 1-0 loss to Uruguay.

Pochettino will take over after Mikey Varas, who has been appointed interim coach, oversaw friendlies against Canada last Saturday and New Zealand on Tuesday.

The U.S. drew 1-1 with New Zealand in Cincinnati after Christian Pulisic’s goal was cancelled out by Ben Waine’s late equaliser.

The U.S. will next play friendlies against Panama on Oct. 12 and Mexico three days later.

-Reuters

International Football

BREAKING – Video: Osimhen accepts to join Galatasaray

Published

2 weeks ago

September 3, 2024

Kunle Solaja

At last, Nigeria’s striker Victor Osimhen is out of the limbo. He has accepted to join Galatasaray on loan.

He is now asking for a release clause at Napoli to become €75m instead of €130m

He also wants a break clause for January in case top clubs approach him over move.

The final points are being discussed. He has been videoed celebrating with the Turkey club’s fans.

International Football

Uruguay striker Suarez to play last international match on Friday

Published

2 weeks ago

September 3, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez announced his international retirement on Monday, ending a 17-year career with his national team as their top scorer with 69 goals.

The 37-year-old, who has 142 caps for his country, made his international debut in 2007 and was key in the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup and won the Copa America a year later.

“Friday will be my last match with my country’s national team,” an emotional Suarez told a press conference.

“The fact that is my decision to retire and that I’m not retired because of injuries or that they stop calling me for one thing or another, that gives me a lot of comfort, it helps me individually.

“It’s difficult but it gives me peace of mind that until the last game I have given my all, and that flame has not been extinguished little by little,” the striker added.

Uruguay take on Paraguay at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo on Friday in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup before facing Venezuela four days later.

Suarez scored the stoppage-time goal against Canada that secured third place at the Copa America in July and the striker added that one of his aims was to show he could continue to contribute to the national team.

“My dream was for my children to see me win something important with the national team … that last goal was very nice for them and even though it wasn’t a trophy to take home, it was very nice for them,” he said.

“I wanted to show people again that I can continue to contribute to the national team and, well, I had the Copa America and yes, I could have done it (retired) perfectly after that, but having analysed the situation, I want to do it with my people, in my stadium.

“I want my children to live this experience. Saying goodbye with the people here is something that I don’t know if many have done.”

Suarez has already said Inter Miami will be his last club after joining the Major League Soccer side last year to reunite with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

-Reuters