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Tag: World cup

  • German World Cup winner Frank Mill is dead

    German World Cup winner Frank Mill is dead

    Frank Mill, who was part of West Germany’s 1990 World Cup winning squad and won an Olympic bronze in 1988, has died at age 67. His former club Rot-Weiss Essen said on Tuesday, citing his family.

    Essen confirmed a report from the Bild paper, which said that Mill never recovered from a stroke he suffered in May in Italy.

    Striker Mill started his professional career in 1981 in his birth town of Essen at Rot-Weiss, and spent five years at Borussia Mönchengladbach from 1981 to 86.

    He also spent eight years at Borussia Dortmund until 1994 before ending his career with two seasons at Fortuna Düsseldorf.

    Mill scored 123 goals in 387 Bundesliga matches and won the German Cup with Dortmund in 1989.

    He is, however, also remembered for one of the embarrassing misses in Bundesliga history when, in 1986, against Bayern Munich, he rounded goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff but then hit the post instead of the empty net.

    “Mill was not only one of the greatest footballers Rot-Weiss Essen has ever produced, he was also a fine person: down-to-earth, authentic and full of positive energy,” Essen board member Alexander Rang said.

    He added that Mill “not only characterised our club and the Ruhr area with his manner, but he was also an ambassador for football throughout Germany.”

    Mill earned 17 West Germany caps and was a non-playing member of Franz Beckenbauer’s World Cup squad that won the 1990 title in Italy.

    Two years earlier, he helped West Germany to an Olympic bronze in Seoul.

    Mill also admitted a few years ago that he once took a doping tablet before a Bundesliga match.

    After his career, he set up a football school focusing on children, young people, and integration.

    He also featured regularly for Dortmund’s veterans team.

  • Ajibade reveals how Super Falcons can win World Cup

    Ajibade reveals how Super Falcons can win World Cup

    Super Falcons Captain, Rasheedat Ajibade has outlined what Nigeria must do to evolve from continental champions to FIFA Women’s World Cup winners.

    ‎Ajibade who Spoke to NAN after the team’s reception by President Bola Tinubu at the State House on Monday, said there was need for structural support for the team.

    The 10-time WAFCON champions have long dominated African football but have struggled to replicate that success on the global stage.

    ‎Their best World Cup result remains a quarter-final finish.

    At the Olympics, they have also failed to break past the last eight.

    ‎Ajibade, a former Atlético Madrid Femenino star said the team’s recent WAFCON triumph in Morocco proved they can aim higher if given the right backing.

    ‎She called for urgent investment in facilities, professional conditions, and tournament preparation to elevate the team’s global standing.

    ‎”We want to be global contenders, not just local champions. We have dominated in Africa and it is time to take it to the world stage.

    ‎”So, all we need to do is just support and to keep promoting women football and set the platform for generations to come.

    ‎”When we talk of support, I am talking about proper preparations for tournaments and proper professional conditions for players,” she said.

    ‎Ajibade said that the warm reception from President Tinubu was a major morale boost that could inspire greater achievements.

    ‎”Our vision is bold. We want to become the best women’s football team in the world.

    ‎”We dream of standing at the top of the global stage, not just as competitors, but as champions.”

    ‎She emphasised the importance of world-class training infrastructure and player welfare to sustain success.

    ‎”To achieve this, we only seek the continued and enhanced support of the NFF, NSC and the Federal Government.

    ‎”With your partnership, we can have world-class training facilities, and we will be able to prepare in the best way possible, and create a pathway for the next generation of Super Falcons to score even higher.

    ‎”Together, we can show the world that Nigeria is not just a participant in global football, but a leader.” Ajibade said.

    The Super Falcons have featured in every FIFA Women’s World Cup since 1991, reaching the knockout stage on three occasions – 1999 in (U.S.), 2019 in (France) and 2023 (Australia and New Zealand).

    ‎In their last outing in 2023, they stretched two-time European champions England to a penalty shootout in the second round.

  • Brazil qualify for 2026 World Cup with win over Paraguay as Ancelotti claims first victory

    Brazil qualify for 2026 World Cup with win over Paraguay as Ancelotti claims first victory

    Brazil qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the South American qualifiers, handing Carlo Ancelotti his first win as head coach of the Seleção.

    The only goal of the match came in the second half, courtesy of Vinicius Jr, who slotted home from close range after an impressive buildup led by Matheus Cunha, who is expected to join Manchester United this summer.

    The result follows a goalless draw against Ecuador in Ancelotti’s debut match last week, and cements Brazil’s unbroken record of qualifying for every World Cup tournament since its inception.

    “We needed to win and qualify for the World Cup,” said Vinicius Jr after the game. “Now the coach will have more time to work. Of course, today wasn’t one of our best performances, but the important thing is always to win. Now it’s time to celebrate qualifying.”

    Elsewhere, defending World Cup champions Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Colombia in an entertaining clash in Buenos Aires.

    Luis Diaz put the visitors ahead with a brilliant solo effort, weaving past three defenders before firing past Emiliano Martinez.

    Argentina were reduced to ten men with 20 minutes left after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a straight red card for a dangerous high-footed challenge on Kevin Castaño.

    Despite the numerical disadvantage, Thiago Almada salvaged a point for the hosts with a late equaliser in the 81st minute. The draw leaves Colombia four points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela in the qualifying standings.

    Ecuador also booked their place in the 2026 tournament after securing a goalless draw against Peru in Lima. The result was enough to confirm their qualification alongside Brazil and Argentina for next summer’s competition to be hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

  • Brazil, Ecuador qualify for 2026 World Cup finals

    Brazil, Ecuador qualify for 2026 World Cup finals

    Brazil and Ecuador secured their spots at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, taking the second and third of South America’s six automatic qualifying berths after champions Argentina booked their ticket in March.

    Brazil beat Paraguay 1-0 while Ecuador drew 0-0 with Peru as both teams climbed to 25 points with two matches to play, beyond the reach of Venezuela in seventh place.

    Uruguay (24 points), Paraguay (24) and Colombia (22) occupy the remaining three automatic qualification positions ahead of the final two fixtures in September.

    Venezuela (18) would earn a playoff spot against a team from another confederation by finishing seventh.

    In Sao Paulo, a goal from Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Jr. on the stroke of halftime made it a winning home debut for Brazil’s new coach Carlo Ancelotti.

    “I’m very happy with today’s result. We needed to win at home for our fans too and qualify for the World Cup, which was our goal,” Vinicius said.

    “Now (Ancelotti) will have more time to work, to see what he can improve. Today wasn’t one of our best games, but the important thing in qualifying is to win and prepare well for the World Cup.”

    Brazil extended their record as the only team to play in every edition of the World Cup, with the five-times winners set to make their 23rd appearance in next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

    Ecuador qualified for their second straight World Cup by avoiding defeat in Peru. The visitors were penned in their own half for the final 20 minutes after midfielder Alan Franco was shown a second yellow card.

    The draw all but ended Peru’s hopes of qualifying, leaving them with 12 points, six behind Venezuela.

    Earlier on Tuesday, Uruguay took a step closer to securing a spot with a 2-0 home victory over Venezuela at the Estadio Centenario, a victory which also snapped a four-match winless run in South American qualifiers.

    Uruguay dominated much of the first half but struggled to break down a well-organised Venezuelan defence until Rodrigo Aguirre put the hosts ahead in the 42nd minute, heading in at the far post from a Maxi Araujo corner.

    Giorgian De Arrascaeta doubled Uruguay’s lead just two minutes into the second half, firing a superb shot into the top-left corner to seal a win that secures Marcelo Bielsa’s side of at least an inter-confederation playoff berth.

    Uruguay need only one point from their final two matches against Peru and Chile to make sure of a place at the finals.

    Argentina needed an 81st-minute equaliser from Thiago Almada to cancel out Luis Diaz’s goal and secure a draw with Colombia, avoiding a second straight defeat to Nestor Lorenzo’s side.

    Chile’s hopes of reaching the finals ended with a 2-0 loss in Bolivia. Chile coach Ricardo Gareca resigned after the match.

  • Flamingos play goalless draw with Algeria to qualify for World Cup

    Flamingos play goalless draw with Algeria to qualify for World Cup

    Nigeria’s Under-17 female football team, Flamingos, on Friday played a goalless draw with Algeria to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

    The 2022 bronze medalist, who were determined to win their last match of the qualifying series, absorbed the pressure of the Algerian girls in the return leg played at Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida.

    NAN reports that the Flamingos battled for supremacy to be one of the countries to represent the continent in the World Cup in October

    In spite of the wintry conditions in Blida on the outskirts of the Algerian capital, Algiers, the Nigerian girls dug their feet into the ground and achieved a scoreless draw that qualified them for this year’s Women’s World Cup finals.

    Holding on to a 4-0 first-leg advantage, the 2002 bronze medalists adopted a calm and collected pattern that easily soaked up the pressure from the hosts.

    They then relied on fast breaks to try and pull the trigger on their opponents

    Although they created better chances, the Flamingos failed to take advantage of their dominance in possession.

    They, however, collected the ticket to Morocco on a 4-0 aggregate win.

    The difference over two legs of the final round was a remarkable display in the opening leg by the Flamingos.

    The Flamingos will now be one of Africa’s five representatives (including hosts Morocco) at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals taking place from Oct.17 to Nov 5.

    The final competition will feature 24 teams for the very first time.

    Since the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup competition was launched in New Zealand in 2008, Nigeria failed to make the finals only once.

    This was at the 2018 tournament hosted by Uruguay.

  • I thought we will defeat Zimbabwe – Super Eagles coach, Chelle

    I thought we will defeat Zimbabwe – Super Eagles coach, Chelle

    The Super Eagles Head  Coach Eric Chelle, has expressed his disappointment with the 1-1 draw against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in a matchday six of the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

    Chelle said this during the post match briefing at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.

    The coach said he expected the players would score goals when they had the opportunities in the first half and win the match.

    Chelle said the team deserved to win because they played well in the first 45 minutes only to concede the  equalising goal almost in the last 90 minute.

    “I thought we will score goals in the first half and win the match. We made some mistakes and Zimbabwe  equalised.

    “We had a lot of chances to score goals but the chances were not utilised well,” Chelle said.

    Chelle assured Nigerians that he will analyse the match and strategise for future games to qualify for  the world cup.

    On his part, the Coach of the Warriors of Zimbabwe, Michael Nees, who was excited with the result, said his  team came prepared, knowing the strength of the  Nigerian players.

    He said the team came with planned strategy to play good football because the Super Eagles were so confident of victory.

    “We played with Strategy to create chances and showed resilience in the match, this resulted in the last minute equaliser,” he said.

    He, however, said that the group is unpredictable and anything could happen.

    Victor Osimhen had put Nigeria ahead in the 73rd minute with a well-placed header from Ola Aina’s cross.

    A last-minute goal from Tawanda Chireda denied Nigeria the much needed victory as the Warriors held the Super Eagles in their Group C World Cup qualifying encounter.

  • Zimbabwe hang Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup hopes

    Zimbabwe hang Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup hopes

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Tuesday succumbed to a disappointing 1-1 draw against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in a matchday 6 World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

    A last-minute goal from Tawanda Chirewa denied Nigeria a much needed victory as the Warriors held the Super Eagles in their Group C World Cup qualifying encounter.

    Victor Osimhen had put Nigeria ahead in the 73rd minute with a well-placed header from Ola Aina’s cross.

    The Super Eagles appeared to be heading for three points until Chirewa struck in the 90th minute, slipping past defenders and toe-poking the ball under goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

    The match, played in front of a packed crowd at the ‘nest of champions,’ saw Nigeria dominate possession and create several chances.

    Tolu Arokodare, who replaced Samuel Chukwueze in the 59th minute, was involved in the opener.

    He held up play before passing to Aina, whose precise delivery found Osimhen at the far post.

    Nigeria had multiple opportunities to extend their lead but were wasteful in front of goal.

    In the 83rd minute, Wilfred Ndidi missed a clear chance after being played in by Moses Simon, skewing his shot wide.

    Moments later, Osimhen was substituted due to cramp, with Victor Boniface coming on.

    Zimbabwe nearly equalised in the 76th minute, when Walter Musona’s effort struck the underside of the crossbar after a mix-up between Nwabali and his defenders.

    The visitors eventually found their goal in stoppage time through Chirewa, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to earn Zimbabwe a crucial point as the Eagles were left to rue their missed opportunities.

    The result leaves Nigeria in third place in Group C, as Lesotho’s late equaliser against Rwanda meant the Super Eagles missed the chance to move up to second.

    Nigeria’s next fixture will be a crucial opportunity to regain momentum as they continue their horrendous World Cup qualifying campaign.

    The Eagles resume their World Cup qualifying campaign on Sept. 1, when they host Amavubis of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in a matchday 7 encounter.

    They will then travel to take on log leaders South Africa on Sept. 8 on matchday 8.

  • Osimhen hits brace to restore Nigeria’s World Cup hope

    Osimhen hits brace to restore Nigeria’s World Cup hope

    On-loan Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen scored twice on Friday to revive Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico with a crucial victory over Rwanda’s Amavubi.

    The Super Eagles started the match brightly, controlling proceedings from the outset.

    Osimhen opened the scoring in the 11th minute, converting Ademola Lookman’s free-kick.

    The former Napoli forward doubled Nigeria’s lead three minutes into first-half injury time, finishing off a counterattack to silence the packed Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

    Details to follow…

  • Cricket: Nigeria makes history, claims first World Cup win

    Cricket: Nigeria makes history, claims first World Cup win

    Nigeria has made history with a first win in her first game at the International Cricket Council (ICC) U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia.

    Nigeria defeated 2023 semi finalists, New Zealand, by 2 runs on Monday morning at the Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak.

    Having seen their first game against Samoa abandoned with both teams sharing a point apiece, Nigeria finally got on the park in Sarawak in a reduced 13-over match.

    Nigeria, losing the toss and sent in to bat first, Captain Piety Lucky led the charge scoring Nigeria’s first World Cup six.

    New Zealand, however, hit back, applying the squeeze and claiming two wickets to see Nigeria slip to 28 for three after the powerplay.

    Nigeria’s Lilian Ude had the most runs with 19 before a four off the final ball from Omosigho Eguakun saw Nigeria set New Zealand 66 to win.

    The Junior Yellow Greens got off to a flying start in the defence, taking their first World Cup wicket off their first ball as Kate Irwin was run out without facing.

    Her opening partner, Emma McLeod, was dismissed for three in the third over as the other pair of New Zealand’s Eve Wolland and Anika Todd scored patiently but their dismissals gave Nigeria Renewed Hope.

    Ude bowled a perfect final over, conceding only six runs with a run out on the final ball as Nigeria claimed a historic win.

    Captain Lucky is Player of the match for  her batting contributions 18(22) and with the ball 1/8 (3).

    Nigeria are now second in group C with three points, behind South Africa with four points. Samoa are third place with a point while New Zealand are bottom place without a point.

    Nigeria will face South Africa in the last group game on Wednesday.

  • Saudi Arabia to host 2034 World Cup, Morocco/Portugal/Spain to host in 2030

    Saudi Arabia to host 2034 World Cup, Morocco/Portugal/Spain to host in 2030

    Saudi Arabia has been elected host of the 2034 men’s football World Cup, world football’s governing body FIFA announced on Wednesday.

    This is coming amid criticism from human rights groups and concerns that the decision by the congress of ruling body FIFA could mean another tournament in the northern hemisphere winter.

    At an extraordinary virtual congress, and in the absence of rival bidders, the 211 FIFA members confirmed via one acclamation that Morocco, Portugal and Spain will co-host the 2030 World Cup.

    That event will start with three matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to celebrate a century since the first World Cup 1930 in Uruguay.

    All countries presented videos before the vote to showcase their bids, with Portugal great Luis Figo starring in a humorous film for the joint 2030 bid.

    Two 13-year-old youth representatives starting the Saudi presentation, and the nation pledged to deliver “a next generation World Cup for a new generation of fans.”

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino spoke “a historic moment” and added: “Let’s unite the world with football and through football.”