Trump’s World Cup stress test and prospects of Europe’s boycott
As the United States prepares to co-host the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, political realities threaten to intrude on football’s biggest stage. From visa restrictions and immigration enforcement to fears of boycotts and declining global appeal, Ugo Onuoha argues that Donald Trump’s America poses a defining test for FIFA’s promise of unity through sport.
FIFA selects Morocco to co-host the 2030 World Cup and Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 tournament.
Global footballing body, FIFA has sustained its mantra of bringing football to more countries by voting to stage the 2034 soccer fiesta in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Voting at its Extraordinary Congress meeting, Wednesday in Saudi Arabia, FIFA also confirmed Morocco, Spain and Portugal as co-host for the 2030 games. FIFA President Gianni Infantino made the announcement. There was only one bid for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups, and both were accepted with great cheers. KEEP READING: Israel Has Killed the Palestinian Boy Who Wanted to be Like Ronaldo “We are bringing football to more countries and the number of teams has not diluted the quality. It actually enhanced the opportunity,” Infantino said about the 2030 World Cup. The 2030 tournament will span three continents and six countries, with Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay hosting commemorative games to commemorate the tournament’s centennial, according to the joint proposal from Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. The World Cup was first hosted by Uruguay in 1930, and it has since been held in Argentina and Spain. Morocco, Portugal, and Paraguay will all be hosting for the first time.
AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Group D leaders, Nigeria held to a goalless draw
Group D leader in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier Nigeria, was held to a goalless draw in Kigali on Tuesday, by Rwanda.
List Of of Nigerians Who Died Watching Super Eagles vs Bafana Bafana Semi-Final Clash
The thrilling Semi-final clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the ongoing AFCON tournament has left a sombre note for some football enthusiasts in Nigeria. Tragically, amidst the tension and excitement of the match, several Nigerians lost their lives while watching the game at various locations across the country. Here are some of the notable incidents: 1. Dr. Cairo Ojougboh: A former member of the House of Representatives representing the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, passed away on Wednesday evening during the Nigeria vs. South Africa AFCON semifinals match. Dr. Ojougboh reportedly suffered a massive heart attack and slumped when South Africa scored a penalty against Nigeria. 2. Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi: The Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University Malete, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi, also succumbed during the semi-finals between Nigeria and South Africa. He complained of feeling dizzy and collapsed at home after watching the match, eventually passing away before receiving medical attention. 3. NYSC Corps Member: A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Adamawa State, identified as Samuel from Kaduna State, reportedly collapsed and died during the penalty shootout stage of the Nigeria vs. South Africa match. Samuel fainted just before the final kick, and despite efforts to rush him to the hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. 4. Mikail Osundiji: In Abeokuta, Ogun State, 43-year-old Mikail Osundiji tragically died while watching the semi-final match. Osundiji went into shock and collapsed after Nigeria’s second goal was cancelled by the referee, despite showing no signs of sickness prior to the incident. These heartbreaking incidents serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the need for caution even during moments of excitement. While football brings joy and unity, it’s essential to prioritize one’s health and well-being. As the Super Eagles advance to the final, Nigerians mourn the loss of these passionate fans and hope for victory in their honour. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time. May their souls rest in peace.
William Troost-Ekong Insists Super Eagles Can Still Do Well In 2023 AFCON
Super Eagles of Nigeria vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong is adamant that the players possess the proper mindset to do well in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). William Troost-Ekong stated this following the Super Eagles’ abysmal performance in their opening game at the 2023 AFCON which ended in a 1-1 draw against lowly-rated Equatorial Guinea. During the game, Troost-Ekong and his teammates had to fight from a goal down to grab a 1-1 draw courtesy of a header from the team’s talisman, Victor Osimhen. This terrible start from the three-time winners of the tournament has raised fear in the minds of football enthusiasts ahead of their second group stage game which is against the hosts, Ivory Coast on Thursday. Hence, Jose Peseiro’s men are currently under pressure ahead of their clash with the hosts, who already lead Group A with three points after winning their opening game 2-0 against Guinea-Bissau. After the 1-1 draw on Sunday, the attitude of the players towards winning a fourth AFCON title was questioned, but Troost-Ekong said they were not unaware of the task ahead as he confirmed that the team had a meeting ahead of their next game. “We’ve spoken about this so much, we have Kenneth (Omeruo) and (Ahmed) Musa who have won the AFCON with us and they told us exactly how that journey was. Some of the guys like myself, who were there in 2019, also explained exactly how it was to get to the semi-final and take the bronze,” William Troost-Ekong said. “You know in football, it’s not always when you want something that you get it. The other teams too, you have to respect them as well.” As it stands, the Super Eagles must not be defeated when they face Ivory Coast on Thursday. A draw or a win will keep them comfortably in the competition. If they beat Ivory Coast, a draw against Guinea-Bissau on Monday will be enough to seal a place in the round of 16. But if they lose to Ivory Coast, they must beat Guinea-Bissau and hope that Ivory Coast beat Equatorial Guinea.
FIFA suspends Spanish football chief, Rubiales over Hermoso kiss
The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) on Saturday suspended Spanish federation chief, Luis Rubiales from all football related activities for three months over allegations of an unwanted kiss on the lips of player Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s women won the World Cup. Rubiales` suspension from national and international activities takes immediate effect, FIFA said in a statement about the action taken by its disciplinary committee chief Jorge Ivan Palacio. FIFA had opened disciplinary measures against Rubiales on Thursday over his actions last Sunday in Sydney. He said he would defend himself to prove his “complete innocence”. Rubiales, 46, has been defiant over the kiss which has been condemned as unwanted by Hermoso, her team mates and the Spanish government – arguing it was consensual. Earlier on Saturday the Spanish federation he heads had said it would stick by him. After the FIFA statement, a spokesperson for the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said: “We respect all the pronouncements of FIFA.” In a statement hours before FIFA’s announcement on Saturday, the Spanish federation said it would show there had been lies told about what happened by Hermoso or people speaking for her. The statement, issued on the RFEF website, said it would take appropriate legal action to defend Rubiales’ honour, but did not say what the action would consist of. In a statement through the federation, Rubiales said: “Luis Rubiales has stated that he will legally defend himself in the competent bodies.”
Women’s World Cup: 736 players ready as FIFA confirms squad lists
With the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 just nine days from kick-off, world football governing body, FIFA has confirmed the full squads for all 32 teams set to participate at the tournament. 736 of the world’s best female footballers will converge in the southern hemisphere for the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, each with the dream of lifting the iconic trophy at Stadium Australia in Sydney/Wangal on Sunday, 20 August. The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ kicks off on Thursday, 20 July with New Zealand facing 1995 winners Norway at Eden Park in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau. The action will continue in Australia on the same day, with Australia facing Women’s World Cup debutantes Republic of Ireland at the Stadium Australia in Sydney/Wangal. Tickets for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 matches are on sale now via fifa.com/tickets, while fans that want to take their tournament experience ‘above and beyond’ can access ticket-inclusive hospitality packages at fifa.com/hospitality.
FIFA WWCup: CAF hosts Technical Analysts workshop in Casablanca
With the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ New Zealand and Australia 2023 fast approaching, Technical Analysts of the four African Nations at the global showpiece gathered for a two-day Technical Analysts Workshop in Casablanca, Morocco on 13 and 14 June. See This is in line with CAF’s commitment to invest in women’s Football and empower African nations participating in global events. The workshop, organized through the CAF Women’s Football Division in collaboration with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, was attended by the technical staff members and analysts of the four Participating Member Associations. Reigning African champions South Africa, along with Morocco, Nigeria, and Zambia, are the four African nations set to compete at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ after securing their places in New Zealand and Australia by finishing in the top four of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco last year. CAF Director of Technical Development, Raul Chipenda, said the workshop was in line with CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe’s vision of making African football to be globally competitive. “Africa is becoming competitive on the global stage, and this was recently demonstrated in Qatar with Morocco’s historic semi-final qualification. We want to build on this momentum with our women’s teams as this speaks back to Dr Motsepe’s vision of making African football globally competitive,” said Chipenda. “The workshop was designed to empower the teams’ analysts and technical staff with the necessary tools to harness their full potential – using data and technology. By leveraging this invaluable resource, the teams can optimize their preparations ahead of the World Cup. We will also be on standby should they need any form of support from CAF,” he concluded. In addition to the workshop, CAF has signed an agreement with a Data company to provide insightful support to all African teams at the Women’s World Cup. Nigeria face co-hosts Australia, Canada and Republic of Ireland in Group B. At the same time, Zambia take on Costa Rica, Japan and Spain in Group C. Africa’s champions South Africa are in Group G with Argentina, Italy and Sweden, with Morocco, who will be looking to draw inspiration from the Atlas Lions’ unforgettable run in Qatar preparing to take on Colombia, Germany and South Korea in Group H.
Enyimba FC win NPFL title, N100m prize
Enyimba International FC of Aba are champions of the 2022/2023 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season. The People’s Elephant won the league on Sunday after they played out a one-all draw with former champions, Rivers United in the final match of the 2023 NPFL Super 6 in Lagos. Going Into the crunchy tie, the 2019 champions needed a draw to claim their nineth League title and the recorded the draw after Rivers United forced them to a 1-1 scoreline. Ekene Awazie scored the opening goal in the 40th minutes for the Aba boys but Nyima Nwagua restored parity in the 47th minute for the Pride of Rivers. Both teams could not find the winning goal in the remaining moments of the encounter but the full time score line gave the two-time Africa Champions their deserved title, and nineth in history. Enyimba won the title after accruing 9 points from 5 matches while Remo Stars came second with same number of points but lesser goal difference. 2022 champions, Rivers United came 3rd with 8 points By the virtue of their positions, Enyimba and Remo Stars have qualified for the CAF Champions League while Rivers United will join the winner of the 2023 Federation Cup between Rangers and Bendel Insurance in the CAF Confederation Cup. Rivers United were quarter-finalist in the 2023 edition of the CAF second tier league. For emerging champions of the NPFL, Enyimba will receive a cash reward of ₦100, 000, 000 from the organizers of the league, the Interim Management Committee, IMC.
AFCON Qualifier: Peseiro lists Osimhen, Simon, 21 0thers for Sierra Leone
Super Eagles’ Coach, José Santos Peseiro has invited captain Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye, defender William Ekong, midfielder Alex Iwobi and forward Moses Simon among others for next weekend’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in Monrovia. In-form forward Victor James Osimhen, whose 31 goals in all competitions for SSC Napoli this season helped the Italian giants to the semi finals of the UEFA Champions League and to their first Italian Serie A title in 33 years, tops the strikers’ list. Osimhen has also recently been honoured with the National Award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by the Government of Nigeria, and has received a special ball and jersey from world football-ruling body, FIFA for his magnificent season. Home-based goaltenders Victor Sochima and Olorunleke Ojo are also called, as well as Rivers United defender Ebube Duru and Bendel Insurance FC midfielder Divine Nwachukwu. Defenders William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel are in, with midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Taiwo Awoniyi and Kelechi Iheanacho also in the 23-man roster. The Super Eagles are top of their qualification group with nine points out of four matches, followed by Guinea Bissau’s Wild Dogs who have seven points. Leone Stars, who gave the Eagles a tough run in Abuja on Day 1 of the qualification series before succumbing 2-1, are on five points. Sao Tome and Principe, who play the Super Eagles on the final day of the series in September, are bottom with only one point. Nigeria and Sierra Leone clash at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia on Sunday, 18 June, as Sierra Leone do not have any stadium in their country approved for international matches. ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS: Goalkeepers: Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel); Victor Sochima (Rivers United); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC) Defenders: William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Calvin Bassey (Ajax FC, The Netherlands); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany); Chidiebube Duru (Rivers United); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey) Midfielders: Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Divine Nwachukwu (Bendel Insurance); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England) Forwards: Moses Simon (Nantes FC, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor K, Turkey)