International Football
Morocco success hands Arab world its first World Cup quarter-finalist
Morocco rode a wave of passionate support and kept the World Cup dreams of the Arab world alive as they eliminated fancied Spain in a penalty shootout on Tuesday to reach the quarter-finals.
In doing so, they became the first Arab nation to advance to the last eight, ensuring a breakthrough for the region in the first global tournament in the Middle East, and also became the fourth African side to go this far in World Cup history.
Their victory will be seen as not only a triumph for Morocco but vindication of the controversial FIFA decision to hand Qatar the hosting rights, adding significant gloss to another Arab success at the tournament like Saudi Arabia beating Argentina and Tunisia upsetting holders France in the group phase.
Morocco, who edged Spain 3-0 in the shootout after a 0-0 draw at the end of two hours of energy-sapping action, now have a chance to become both the Arab world and Africa’s first-ever semi-finalists if they continue to use the overwhelming support that has backed them through an impressive array of results.
They will play on Saturday in the quarter-final at Doha’s Al Thumama Stadium against either Portugal or Switzerland, who are in action later on Tuesday.
The ear-shattering cacophonic combination of singing, drumming, jeering and whistling from Morocco’s supporters has created an atmosphere like no other in Qatar’s stadiums.
They were again the vast majority in the capacity 44,667 crowd at the Education City Stadium, completely drowning out the Spain fans.#There is no ambiguity about their support as they cheer their team and barrack the opposition in equal measure, and the Moroccan players often turn to them for a lift when needed.
Morocco were happy to allow Spain possession but in the end were desperately hanging on for the shootout as they battled injury and fatigue and lived dangerously in the closing stages.
Spain had a dominant 63% of the possession in the game and, even given the 30 minutes of extra time, made an extraordinary 1,068 passes, 988 of them successfully completed.
But most of them shuffled from one side to another, rarely producing the penetrative pass Spain were looking for.
Morocco had moments of enterprise on the counter-attack and were carried by the individual efforts of the likes of midfield destroyer Sofyan Amrabat and wing backs Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui.
They will however be mightily concerned to have lost centre back Nayef Aguerd, who limped off in tears in the second half, having just made the World Cup after ankle surgery kept him out for most of the season at his new English club West Ham United.
-Reuters
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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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle will put his impressive record on the line when the Super Eagles face Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in an international friendly on Wednesday.
Since assuming control of the national team 15 months ago, Chelle has transformed the Super Eagles into a difficult side to beat. The Franco-Malian coach has supervised 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in normal time.
That record will be severely tested against a Portuguese side brimming with quality and confidence ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has every reason to be optimistic. His team are unbeaten in their last four outings and possess one of the strongest squads heading to the World Cup finals.
The Seleção das Quinas will rely on the experience of Cristiano Ronaldo and the creativity of Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, while Ruben Dias marshals a defence that has been difficult to break down.
Nigeria will be without star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, but Chelle still has significant attacking options in Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi.
The Eagles have also received encouraging news with the availability of defenders Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Emmanuel Fernandez despite the injury-enforced departure of Igoh Ogbu from camp.
A positive result in Leiria would further strengthen belief in Chelle’s methods and provide another indication that the Super Eagles are moving in the right direction under his leadership.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. in both Portugal and Nigeria.
NIGERIA’S LAST FIVE MATCHES
- Iran I Nigeria 2 (International Friendly: 27/03/26)
- Jordan 2 Nigeria 2 (International Friendly: 31/03/26)
- Nigeria 2 Zimbabwe 0 (Unity Cup 2026: 26/05/26)
- Jamaica 0 Nigeria 3 (Unity Cup 2026: 30/05/26)
- Poland 2 Nigeria 2 (International Friendly: 03/06/26)
PORTUGAL’S LAST FIVE MATCHES
- Ireland 2 Portugal 0 (2026 World Cup Qualifier: 13/11/25)
- Portugal 9 Armenia 1 (2026 World Cup Qualifier: 16/11/25)
- Mexico 0 Portugal 0 (International Friendly: 29/03/26)
- USA 0 Portugal 2 (International Friendly: 01/04/26)
- Portugal 2 Chile 1 (International Friendly: 06/06/26)
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By Kunle Solaja
Alexander Iwobi will join an elite group of Nigerian footballers this Wednesday when he earns his 100th international cap in the Super Eagles’ friendly against Portugal in Leiria.
The midfielder will be honoured before kick-off at the Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa as he reaches the significant landmark in a career that has spanned more than a decade with the national team.
Iwobi’s milestone provides an additional layer of significance to a high-profile encounter against a Portuguese side packed with global stars and preparing for the FIFA World Cup.
The former Arsenal player is expected to play a central role in coach Eric Chelle’s plans as Nigeria seeks a positive result against Roberto Martinez’s men.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi is likely to partner Iwobi in midfield, with Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Tochukwu Nnadi among the options available to complete the engine room.
Despite the absence of key attackers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Chelle, according to a press release by the NFF, remains optimistic. Samuel Chukwueze has returned after missing the recent friendly against Poland, while Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi and Akor Adams are available.
The Super Eagles coach will also draw confidence from the recent performances of Philip Otele, whose displays at the Unity Cup in London and against Poland have earned widespread praise.
Iwobi’s century appearance will place him among the most-capped players in Nigeria’s football history and provide added motivation for the Super Eagles as they seek to upset one of Europe’s most talented squads.
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