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Will Nigeria Escape From World Cup Group D?

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What fans must do – Super Eagles security adviser

Nigeria’s focus was on the 2018 World Cup draw held in Moscow on Friday as the Super Eagles learned the teams they were to be paired with in the group stage of next summer’s showpiece in Russia.

Many anticipated a tough group, as the Super Eagles started the day in Pot Four among the lowest ranked teams, and ultimately, the West African nation was paired in Group D alongside familiar foes Argentina, Croatia and debutants Iceland.

It could have been worse, perhaps, but do the three-time African champions have any chance of making it past this first obstacle?

Fifa World Cup Draw

On one hand, this could be seen as a kind draw when one considers that Morocco were pooled with 2010 champions Spain and reigning European champions Portugal. Considering the Atlas Lions’ misfortune, Nigeria can perhaps could their blessings.

However, it could have been easier as well, and the Super Eagles will have their work cut out to advance.

Argentina will be Nigeria’s toughest opponent.

The tie needs no serious introduction, as it will be the duo’s fifth meeting at the tournament, having previously crossed paths at the 1994, 2002, 2010 and 2014 editions.

Both sides also recently met in an international friendly in Krasnodar, with the Eagles clawing their way back to claim an empathic 4-2 win after having been 2-0 down.

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Nigeria have never beaten La Albiceleste at the World Cup but considering their recent improvements, this could be the perfect chance for Nigeria to end their hoodoo.

Francis Uzoho

This will be Croatia’s fifth appearance at the World Cup, and one of the things that makes the Adriatic country a formidable force is the quality in their squad.

From defence to attack they boast names in Dejan Lovren, Luka Modric and Mario Mandzukic among others, and it will be an herculean task to stop their threat, not least because they can certainly call upon more experience than Gernot Rohr’s young Nigeria side.

Iceland are making their debut at the World Cup, and with a population of just over 300,000 people, they are the smallest nation to ever compete at the global showpiece.

They will naturally be considered minnows for the tournament, but after a surreal run at Euro 2016 – where they finished ahead of Portugal in Group F and dispatched England in the last 16 – they certainly have a lot up their sleeves, they must not be underestimated.

Iceland

The tiny Scandinavian island were also solid during their World Cup qualifiers, finishing top of Group I ahead of Croatia, Ukraine, Turkey, Finland and Kosovo. Subsequently, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side must not be taken for granted by any team this summer.

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It doesn’t need to be stressed that the Super Eagles have enjoyed a revival under coach Rohr.

Going the entire qualifying campaign against former African champions Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia unbeaten is a testament to the progress made under the German coach, but after being drawn in a tough group, they’d do well to pull out another historic victory that will be remembered alongside triumphs over Spain in 1998 and Bulgaria in 1994.

The furthest Nigeria have gone at the World Cup is the round of 16 on three occasions out of their previous five apperances, but any expectation that they’ll smash their glass ceiling emphatically this time around ought to be tempered by a tricky first-round group.

Certainly, while none of Nigeria’s Group D foe will be happy to have drawn the Super Eagles, they’ll already be looking at the uncertainty over the goalkeeping situation, the question marks at full-back and the side’s inexperience, and be plotting Nigeria’s downfall.

 

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Osimhen Crowned 2023 CAF Footballer of the Year

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Victor Osimhen has been named the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, cementing his status as one of the world’s top players.

Osimhen surpassed competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah for the prestigious award.

The Super Eagles forward concluded a remarkable year in the imperial Moroccan city of Marakesh, ending Nigeria’s 24-year wait for Africa’s top individual prize, last won by legendary Kanu Nwankwo in 1999.

During the event, Osimhen expressed gratitude, acknowledging the impact of Nigerian legend Emmanuel Amuneke, who coached him at the U-17 level, and the support from fans and fellow players.

“It’s a dream come true for me. I want to thank everyone who has seen me through life’s journey, in achieving my dreams and goals. I appreciate Nigerians and Africa for their unwavering support and encouragement,” he said.

Osimhen recognised the influence of Emmanuel Adebayo, Solomon Kalu, and other African legends, expressing gratitude to his role model, Didier Drogba.

The award reflects Osimhen’s outstanding performances with Napoli, where he played a pivotal role in their Serie A title run, scoring 26 league goals and becoming the first African to win the top scorer award, breaking George Weah’s record in the Italian top-flight.”

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Lionel Messi Secures Historic 8th Ballon d’Or Triumph

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Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine football icon, clinched the coveted 2023 Ballon d’Or, setting a new record for the 2022 World Cup champion.

In a glamorous event held in Paris, Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami, received the prestigious award on Monday night. This achievement is widely seen as a well-deserved recognition for his pivotal role in guiding the Abiscelete to World Cup victory in the previous year.

Aged 36, Messi succeeded Karim Benzema as the recipient of this award, which acknowledges his exceptional performances during the last season when he inspired Argentina to triumph at the World Cup.

His remarkable displays in Qatar, where he led his nation to a historic victory, enabled him to surpass strong competition, notably from Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. Haaland secured the second spot in the final voting, with Mbappe finishing third and Kevin De Bruyne taking fourth place.

Messi, a former Barcelona superstar, left an indelible mark at the World Cup, scoring seven crucial goals. His exceptional performance led to him being named the tournament’s best player, especially after Argentina’s victory over France in the final.

While Messi’s World Cup heroics were undeniable, his final season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was relatively lackluster. Subsequently, he made a move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

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His former PSG teammate, Mbappe, made a strong case for the Ballon d’Or with his outstanding World Cup performance, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals, including a memorable hat-trick in the final for France.

Norwegian striker Erling Haaland had a remarkable season, scoring an incredible 52 goals in 53 games for Manchester City. This stellar performance played a pivotal role in helping Pep Guardiola’s team secure a historic treble in the English Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.

Both Haaland and De Bruyne were nominated for the Ballon d’Or from their exceptional contributions to the success of Manchester City.

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“B Sample Reveals Presence of Testosterone in Pogba’s Test Results”

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Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba’s ‘B’ sample has confirmed the presence of testosterone, a source close to the case told AFP on Friday.

The 30-year-old former Manchester United player, a World Cup winner in 2018, faces a ban of up to four years.

The original test by the Italian anti-doping agency (Nado) showed the presence of testosterone metabolites.

On Friday, Pogba learned that the analysis of his B sample, carried out on the previous day, had produced the same result.

The player’s entourage declined to comment.

Under the World Anti-Doping Code, Pogba is liable to a four-year suspension, which could be halved if he proves that he was not at fault.

The ban could even be limited to a few months if the use of the substance took place “out of competition and is not related to his level of performance”.

Pogba’s representatives said last month that the testosterone came from a food supplement prescribed by a doctor he consulted in the United States.

Testosterone promotes muscle development.

Contacted by AFP, Nado was unable to confirm this information “due to a decision by the Italian privacy authority”.

Pogba has seven days to submit his defence to Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal, which will investigate his case and request a sanction, a process that could take several weeks.

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In addition to the proceedings of the Italian sports justice system, a judicial investigation will be opened by the Turin public prosecutor’s office, as doping is a criminal offence in Italy.

Since the announcement of his positive test, Pogba has been unable to train with Juventus, the club to which he returned in July 2022 after six seasons with United.

The announcement came shortly before Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri’s press conference on the eve of the Turin derby against Torino, at which he simply said he was “sorry for Paul”.

Contacted by AFP, the club, which has also suspended payment of his estimated annual salary of 8 million euros (8.4 million dollars), did not respond.

Pogba started the season attempting to bounce back from string of injuries last season and from summer surgery.

His sample was reportedly taken at his club’s opening match of the Serie A season, a win at Udinese on August 20, during which he was an unused substitute.

After the first sample tested positive on September 11,  Pogba’s agent Rafaela Pimenta said she was “awaiting the second sample and cannot have an opinion before the results”.

“What is certain is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break a rule,” she added.

 

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