TheNewsGuru

Tag: Fifa

  • FIFA, CAF set to sanction Nigeria over fans pitch invasion

    FIFA, CAF set to sanction Nigeria over fans pitch invasion

    Nigeria faces FIFA and CAF sanctions after thousands of football fans invaded the Moshood Abiola stadium football pitch, following a 1-1 stalemate with the Black Stars of Ghana on Tuesday.

    Thomas Partey scored for Ghana in the 10th minute of the encounter before Williams Troost Ekong equlized in the 22nd minutes from the spot.

     

    The away goal rule still being used by FIFA ensured Nigeria fail to grab the Worldcup ticket.

    The angry supporters invaded the pitch and destroyed properties worth millions of Naira.

    The irate fans destroyed the substiture bench and called for the removal of Super Eagles coaching team and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick.

     

  • Falconets earn World Cup ticket after trouncing Senegal 7-2 aggregate

    Falconets earn World Cup ticket after trouncing Senegal 7-2 aggregate

    Nigeria’s national under-20 women football team on Saturday in Benin City earned a ticket to the 2022 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

    The Falconets achieved this after a comfortable 4-1 win over their counterparts from Senegal, for a 7-2 aggregate victory, after having won the first leg tie 3-1 away.

    Flourish Sebastine who scored a hat-trick during the first leg at the Stade Lat-Dior in Thies two weeks ago was again the cynosure of all eyes.

    She scored a brace in the eighth and 19th minutes at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

    Elegant midfielder Esther Onyenezide made it three on 25 minutes after converting from the penalty kick spot.

    However, just as they did at home in Senegal, the Young Lionesses of Teranga scored from the penalty kick spot as well, after one of their strikers was upended in the Nigerian penalty box.

    In the second half, the Falconets sat comfortably on the game and allowed it run their way, taking things easy and cutting off the few onslaughts of the visitors.

    Just before the final whistle by Eswatini referee Letticia Viana, Joy Jerry made it four for the two-time FIFA World Cup runners-up.

    The result sends the Falconets straight to the World Cup finals holding from Aug. 10 to Aug. 28 in Costa Rica.

  • Italy miss another World Cup as Portugal, Wales, Sweden advance

    Italy miss another World Cup as Portugal, Wales, Sweden advance

    European champions Italy will miss a second straight FIFA World Cup after being shocked 1-0 in stoppage time by North Macedonia in a play-off on Thursday.

    Four-time world champions Italy dominated the entire game in Palermo and recorded 32-4 attempts at goal but only a few were on target.

    Aleksandar Trajkovski did better on the other end when he found the net with a low shot from 25 metres into the left corner two minutes into added-on time.

    “It is difficult to explain. There is a great disappointment, even today (Thursday) we played a good game but we couldn’t score,” Italy’s veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini, who came on late, said.

    “From September to today we have made mistakes and we have paid for them. I am proud of a team that has given everything.

    “But it is clear that we are destroyed and crushed, a great void will remain within us.”

    While Italy and their coach Roberto Mancini will be licking their wounds some eight months after winning the Euro title, North Macedonia face a deciding match against Portugal on Tuesday.

    They will be looking for a place at their first World Cup finals, set to start Nov. 21 in Qatar.

    “The way that July of last year was the most beautiful achievement of my professional life, I think this is also the greatest disappointment,” Mancini said after the match, leaving questions about his future with the national team pending.

    “We’ll see, at the moment the disappointment is too great, for everyone, to talk about the future,” Mancini said.

    Also through to the play-off finals to join Portugal and North Macedonia are Wales and Sweden.

    Portugal beat Turkey 3-1 in Porto, after Turkey veteran Burak Yilmaz missed a penalty kick for a 2-2 equaliser with six minutes left.

    The hosts got a 15th-minute lead when Otavio slotted home from a tight right angle in his home stadium off Bernardo Silva’s shot against the post.

    Liverpool’s Diogo Jota doubled the lead in the 42nd minute.

    Turkey were back in the game in the 64th minute from Yilmaz’ low shot off Cengiz Ünder’s through ball.

    But Yilmaz then fired an 84th-minute penalty kick over the bar after Enes Ünal was adjudged upon video review to have been hit by José Fonte.

    Matheus Nunes then wrapped up matters on the other end.

    Gareth Bale hardly sees any playing time at Real Madrid but he scored a brace in a 2-1 win over Austria to keep alive Wales’ dream of playing at a first World Cup in 64 years.

    Bale curled a free-kick into the top right corner in the 25th minute in Cardiff and smashed the second into the same place with a diagonal drive six minutes after the restart.

    But they had to sweat it out after Marcel Sabitzer’s shot was deflected by Ben Davis over the diving goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

    Wales will play for a spot in Qatar in June, with their opponents either Scotland or Ukraine whose game was postponed after the Russian invasion.

    Sweden beat the Czech Republic 1-0 in extra time from Robin Quaison to set up a Tuesday date with Poland who advanced by walkover after the suspension of their opponents Russia.

  • Nigeria vs Ghana: What is most important for us – Eguavoen

    Nigeria vs Ghana: What is most important for us – Eguavoen

    Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen has said the most important for the Nigerian national football team at the moment is to get the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup ticket.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Eguavoen made this known as the Super Eagles depart for Kumasi aboard a chartered Air Peace flight to face the Black Stars of Ghana in the World Cup qualifier.

    For Super Eagles players, nothing, not even home support, can stop Nigeria from beating Ghana on Friday to make the second leg a mere formality.

    At a media briefing yesterday in Abuja, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, who will be facing Ghana for the third time in his coaching career, described the Black Stars as familiar foes, who are not so easy to beat, especially at home.

    The Ghanaians played a mind game with the Eagles and did not release their squad list until Monday, but Eguavoen said it has no effect on his team.

    Eguavoen said the Black Stars chose to hold on to their squad list for reasons best known to them, adding that it did not change the way the Eagles prepared for the game.

    On the absence of Wilfred Ndidi, he said, “We wish him quick recovery because he is an important player for us, but his absence will not change anything. We have a couple of players who can play in that position.

    “The philosophy will not change, the style of play will not change. What will change is only the personnel. I am not going to tell you who will take over that position until match day.”

    He said a lot is at stake in the game, adding that the most important thing is to get the World Cup ticket and be in Qatar when the competition kicks off. “We are on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup. We have a lot of quality players to pick from for the game,” he said.

    Eguavoen added: “We are privileged to be representing Nigeria out of more than 200 million people. We are grateful for that and we want to show that we deserve that honour.

    “The squad, the officials and the federation are all working to ensure we qualify for the World Cup.

    “With due respect to Ghana, they are no pushovers. We know they have a strong team, but we are hungrier about the ticket. We will go out there to fight and ensure that we do the job right.”

    The Super Eagles will leave for Kumasi this morning aboard a chartered Air Peace flight, and return with the same aircraft immediately after the match.

  • BREAKING: Maduka Okoye out of Nigeria vs Ghana WCQ clash

    BREAKING: Maduka Okoye out of Nigeria vs Ghana WCQ clash

    Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye has been ruled out of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier clash with the Black Stars of Ghana.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Okoye, who plays for Sparta Rotterdam, was ruled out of the encounter due to illness.

    Although no official statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the development yet, Okoye may miss the two-legged qualifiers against the Black Stars.

    With the illness, Okoye joins the Leicester City duo of Ademola Lookman and Wilfred Ndidi on the ‘uncertain/unavailable list’. Lookman was absent at the weekend over fitness issues when the Foxes beat Brentford in the Premier League.

    Meanwhile, TNG gathers the Sparta Rotterdam goalie has been replaced by Enyimba FC goalkeeper, John Noble. Noble is being expected in camp by Wednesday.

    TNG reports the two-legged affair of Nigeria vs Ghana Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers will take place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Ghana this Friday and the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria next week Tuesday.

  • Early arrivals: 6 players hit Super Eagles camp ahead of Ghana vs Nigeria’s WCQ

    Early arrivals: 6 players hit Super Eagles camp ahead of Ghana vs Nigeria’s WCQ

    Six (6) players have arrived in the Super Eagles camp ahead of Nigeria’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier encounter against eternal rivals, Black Stars of Ghana.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the six early arrivals are William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka and Odion Ighalo.

    The six players are the ones to hit camp earlier ahead of 25 players invited for the encounter, with Ademola Lookman making his first call up for Nigeria.

    The goalkeepers invited for the encounter are Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Daniel Akpeyi.

    The defenders are Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Balogun, Aina, Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi and Shehu Abdullahi.

    The midfielders are Innocent Bonke used to replace Wilfred Ndidi, who got injured, Joe Aribo, Onyeka, Oghenekaro Etebo and Akinkunmi Amoo.

    The forwards invited are Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Ighalo, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Emmanuel Dennis and Lookman.

    Meanwhile, on standby are Chidozie Awaziem, Jamilu Collins, Chidera Ejuke, Taiwo Awoniyi, Paul Onuachu, Peter Olayinka and Ogenyi Onazi.

    TNG reports Nigeria and Ghana face off in a two-leg fixture for one of Africa’s five slots at Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, first in Cape Coast on March 25 and then in Abuja on March 29.

  • Russia remains suspended from 2022 World Cup qualifiers

    Russia remains suspended from 2022 World Cup qualifiers

    The Russian Football Union (RFU) has failed in a bid to stay the suspension of its national team from World Cup qualifying, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Friday.

    The RFU had wanted a decision from the ruling body FIFA frozen until a full decision from CAS on its appeal against a FIFA suspension in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    The CAS said: “The challenged decision remains in force and all Russian teams and clubs continue to be suspended from participation in FIFA competitions.”

    Russia were originally due to host Poland in a play-off match next Thursday.

    The winners are to advance into a deciding game for a place at the World Cup against Sweden or the Czech Republic on March 29.

    FIFA declared Poland winners by walk-over after Russia’s suspension.

    Poland, Sweden and the Czechs said before the suspension they would refuse to play against Russia.

    The CAS had earlier in the week also rejected a Russian appeal to stay a suspension of its national teams and clubs by the European body UEFA.

    Germany’s RB Leipzig got a walk-over in the Europa League last 16 against Spartak Moscow.

    Arbitration proceedings will now continue, but a date for a hearing is yet to be set while the CAS said that written submissions are being exchanged by the involved parties.

    Russian athletes and those from Belarus have been banned from competing in many sports after the invasion.

  • FIFA kick Russia out of 2022 World Cup qualifiers

    FIFA kick Russia out of 2022 World Cup qualifiers

    Russia have been kicked out from the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-off, which allows scheduled opponent Poland to automatically advance to the Path B final, where they will play either Sweden or Czech Republic.

    The action comes in response to Russia’s recent military invasion of Ukraine, which has been condemned around Europe and led Poland to say they would refuse to play Russia.

    Also related to the invasion, Ukraine’s play-off with Scotland has been postponed until June.

    A statement from FIFA read: “Subsequent to the decision of 28 February 2022 taken jointly with the UEFA Executive Committee to suspend all Russian teams from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice, the Bureau of the FIFA Organising Committee decided that Poland will receive a bye to the final of Path B due to take place on 29 March 2022, in which they will face the winners of the match between Sweden and the Czech Republic.”

  • Flamingoes brush DR Congo in U17 Women World Cup qualifiers

    Flamingoes brush DR Congo in U17 Women World Cup qualifiers

    Flamingoes, Nigeria’s U17 women’s team on Sunday bagged a comprehensive win over their Democratic Republic of Congo counterparts.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Flamingoes won the match 0-3 away in Kinshasa as they began their journey to the FIFA U17 World Cup in India.

    The goals came from Blessing Emmanuel, Oluwatunmininu Adeshina and Taiwo Ajakaye in the 36th, 66th and 76th minutes of play respectively.

    The Flamingoes got the crucial advantage, heading towards the second leg in two weeks time at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

    With the win, the Flamingoes are in pole position to qualify for the third-round in the African qualifying campaign of the FIFA U17 World Cup.

    Nigeria started the game on the front foot, showing their intent as early as the fifth minute, but Ajakaye and Taiwo Afolabi could not convert their chances.

    Seven minutes later, Ajakaye was presented with another chance, but she was denied by Congolese goalkeeper Luleme.

    The chance sprung the home side into action, forcing Flamingoes goalkeeper Omilana into a smart save.

    However, their resistance was finally broken in the 36th minute as Emmanuel fired home from Usani’s cross to put Nigeria ahead.

    Emmanuel’s goal ensured Nigeria went into the break with the lead. The second half resumed the way the first half ended, with Nigeria dominating possession.

    However, they had to wait until the 66th-minute before doubling their lead, courtesy of a fine strike Adeshina.

    Adeshina’s goal killed off any hope DR Congo had left, and it got worse for them when they were reduced to ten girls after Alvine Dah Zossu was sent off for a dangerous tackle.

    Nigeria took advantage of the numerical advantage as they scored their third of the game through Ajakaye, who rounded the goalkeeper for a simple finish.

    Ajakaye’s strike proved to be the final goal of the match as Nigeria secured an emphatic win going into the second leg in two weeks.

  • FIFA sanctions Belarus, orders its clubsides and national teams to play home games on neutral ground

    FIFA sanctions Belarus, orders its clubsides and national teams to play home games on neutral ground

    For being a Russia ally the European country of Belarus has been hit with a sanction by FIFA.

    On Thursday, UEFA in a statement stated that Belarussian clubs and national teams competing on the continent would play their home games on neutral grounds following the Russia -Ukraine crisis.

    Authoritarian Belarus and Russia are closely linked and Belarus has been used as a key staging ground for the invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

    The decision follows Russia’s expulsion from the World Cup on Monday after FIFA and UEFA suspended all Russian clubs and national teams from their competitions “until further notice”.

    UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has admitted there is no timeline for Russia’s readmittance into European football.

    “At this moment, impossible to say,” Ceferin said at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit.

    “At this moment our decision was the only right decision, a unanimous decision from the executive directors of UEFA. What happens tomorrow, nobody knows.

    “I cannot give you an answer. For now it stays like that and we are waiting for peace to come. Football will be the least important thing then.”