Last time out on the continental stage, the Super Eagles displayed multiple personality disorder after a stupendous group stage run met a horrendous Round of 16 tie, ending Nigeria’s AFCON ’21 campaign back in January 2022.
More woes befell the team months after, as the Black Stars of Ghana clinched one of five African tickets available for the World Cup hosted in Qatar at the detriment of Nigeria, with the impending appointment of a new coaching crew.
After recovering from a French-German ex (Rohr), and coping with an indigenous interim (Eguavoen), accommodating a fresh Portuguese (Peseiro) felt overwhelming for the team, who subsequently lost all four international friendlies in 2022 (2-1 vs Mexico, 1-0 vs Ecuador, 2-1 vs Algeria, 4-0 vs Portugal) barring the 2-0 lose to Costa Rica played by the CHAN Eagles.
However, 2023 flowed in with a twist of fortune, as the Super Eagles booked a place in the ’23 Africa Cup of Nations finals staged in Côte d’Ivoire, following an impressive qualifying series against Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Sao Tome & Principe in Group A.
Nigeria scored the most goals in the qualification round (22) with the best goal difference tally (18), following five wins from six games to gain fifteen points from a possible eighteen to qualify with a game to spare.
But with the Nations Cup less than a month away in January 2024, three drab draws from four games with six goals conceded from open play in the last three months cast a spell of doom and gloom over the team’s form and readiness.
The group stage draw may look harmless on paper, but facing host nation Ivory Coast alongside Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau cites more of a bumpy ride than an expressway into the knockout stages.
In mid-December, the Confederation of African Football confirmed Jose Vitor Peseiro’s 40-man provisional squad for the Nation’s Cup, featuring six goalies, thirteen defenders, eight midfielders, and thirteen forwards.
The list met with mixed feelings considering the +/- involvement of domestically based players in the National team, with only the goalkeeping department featuring three Nigeria Premier Football League stars – Christian Nwoke of Sporting Lagos, Amas Obasogie of Bendel Insurance, and Ojo Olamilekan of Enyimba.
In context, only three of the six goalies boast of match fitness and regular starts for their respective clubs, and two of those ply their trade in the NPFL, citing Amas Obasogie and Christian Nwoke as case studies, with Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabili as the foreign-based with decent form.
Francis Uzoho has just three appearances for FC Omonia this season in Cyprus with Adebayo Adeleye competing for a start at Hapoel Jerusalem, leaving Olorunleke Ojo to share his position at Enyimba with Togolese goalie Sabirou Bassa-Djeri and Henry Ozoemena.
Outfield players like Ismail Sarki of Bendel Insurance and Sikiru Alimi of Remo Stars, among others, who dazzle in the NPFL, were unceremoniously left out of the reckoning, while GD Chaves’ Kelechi Nwakali who seems out of favor and Ahmed Musa with two caps this season continue to receive call-up letters.
The striking department remains the team’s front liners, with all thirteen players having merit for inclusion. However, a right or wrong combination in formation by the head coach could make or mar the Eagles’ chances come January 2024.
With these few points, the Jose Peseiro-led Super Eagles who currently rank fourth in Africa and 42nd in World football, remain unconvincing beyond reasonable doubt as one of the favorites for the continental gong in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria shone the brightest collectively with the National Team Of The Year (Women) award in the bag, while Victor James Osimhen, Asisat Lamina Oshoala, and Chiamaka Cynthia Nnadozie hoisted Nigeria’s flag individually.
The NFF President received the award on behalf of the Super Falcons, while the Naija super trio of Victor, Asisat, and Chiamaka received theirs themselves, with the recognition for Men’s player coming to the green land of Nigeria after twenty-four (24) years in exile.
“I am happy today, and the award is dedicated to women’s football on the continent.”
– Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF President
Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, and Asisat Oshoala all made the cut-off to CAF’s Best XI (eleven) for Women in a 4-3-3 team formation, with Chiamaka Nnadozie losing the goalkeeping slot to South Africa’s Andile Dlamini of Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Paris FC Féminines goalie compensated for the omission by clinching the award for the Goalkeeper Of The Year (women) following her tremendous performance within the period in review.
Chiamaka helped Paris FC finish third-best in the 2022-23 Division 1 Féminine, conceding 18 goals in 22 league games (third-best defense) and keeping 11 clean sheets.
She also featured in the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying win against Kryvbas Women of Ukraine and Arsenal Women of England in September, keeping a clean sheet against the former, while making 3 key saves versus the latter.
“I want to thank the organizers for remembering the female goalkeepers this year, and also the Nigeria Football Federation President for his support for women’s football in Nigeria of which I am a product.
Thanks to Paris Football Club Women for their encouragement, and everyone who nominated and voted for me.
To the young girls growing up in Africa, dreams do come through. My dad never wanted me to play, but I am sure he will be happy when he sees me now.
Keep dreaming and working hard, and you shall achieve the desired success.”
– Chiamaka Cynthia Nnadozie, Super Faclons & Paris FC Féminines
For the record sixth time, Nigerian international and Futbol Club Barcelona Femení striker, Asisat Lamina Oshoala duly received the award for the Player Of The Year (Women), following her feat for club and country, having clinched the 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022 editions.
Asisat was lethal in front of the goal in 2022-23, notching 26 goals and 6 assists across the board with 21 of those coming in the Primera División de la Liga de Fútbol Femenino, and 5 in the Champions League, barring the 1 goal and assist versus Real Sociedad Femení in the Super Cup over two legs.
“I thank everyone who has been part of my journey from grassroots football, national level, and club side, without whom there would be no me.
I urge all football federations in Africa to unite and build our confederation into the best worldwide. We shocked the world in the last Cup, and we can get better at winning the title in subsequent editions.
If we don’t support ourselves, nobody will do so from abroad. We have to work together because football is a team sport.”
– Asisat Lamina Oshoala, Super Falcons & Barcelona Femení
For the men’s category, Victor James Osimhen made the headlines by clinching his first-ever CAF Player of the Year award, and Nigeria’s first since the late 90s (1999).
Victor clinched the Italian Serie A’s capocannoniere with 26 goals and 5 assists while netting five more in the UEFA Champions League with Napoli reaching the quarter-finals.
He also galvanized the Super Eagles to AFCON qualification with 10 goals and two assists in 6 games (the
Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amunike (1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 1999), and Victor Ikpeba (1997), were the previous winners during the glory years.
“Firstly, I thank God for everything and special appreciation goes to Mr. Emmanuel Amunike, without whom I won’t be standing here tonight holding one of the most prestigious awards in world football.
I thank everyone that has seen me through life’s journey, and in achieving my dreams. I appreciate Nigerians for the support and Africa for putting me on the map, encouraging and defending me regardless of my shortcomings.
I thank Emmanuel Adebayo, Solomon Kalou, and every other African legend I grew up watching, especially Didier Drogba for their encouragement as well.”
– Victor James Osimhen, Super Eagles & Napoli
With these few points, fans of Nigeria football can heap a sigh of relief following a resounding wrap to the year.
Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe, 61, addressed the crème de la crème of African football at the Palais des Congrès, located within the red clay walls of Marrakech’s touristic and scenic city in Morocco on Monday, December 11th, 2023.
With all protocols; involving the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, the Federal Government, citizens, 54 Football Associations, and CAF Executives duly observed, the Players, coaches, sponsors, and partners, among others were deservedly recognized and celebrated.
“Africa has produced some of the best players in the world for many decades, with some succeeding in Europe and on the highest level in Africa,”
– Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe, CAF President
The South African mining billionaire businessman announced that he would become a candidate to become CAF’s president In November 2020, before getting elected to the helm in March 2021. And has maintained his stance on global appeal from within Africa.
“The best must continue to get recognized globally, while football in Africa remains comparative, self-sustaining, to eventually produce the best club and national team in the world.
“Two of the Heads of State in Africa are duly recognized, for their support, contribution, encouragement, provision of funds, infrastructure, youth development, and partnership; President Macky Sall of Senegal, and President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire.”
– Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe, CAF President
The period in review for the CAF awards between November 2022 and September 2023, showcased an array of global feats achieved by African clubs and national teams across the board.
Egyptian giants Al Ahli finished fourth in the 2022 Club World Cup in February 2023, after losing to Brazil’s Flamengo in the third-place game at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco.
The Super Falcons among other African teams impressed beyond expectations at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, reaching the knockout stages, and finishing with three clean sheets in four games.
The Atlas Lions of Morocco reached the final four stage of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, albeit losing to Croatia in the third-place game to finish fourth-best in the world.
Individual players like the Moroccan duo of Yassine Bounou and Achraf Hakimi, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala, and Chiamaka Nnadozie, alongside Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Zambia’s Barbara Banda, and Thembi Kgatlana of South Africa, to mention but a few all dazzled in 2023.
“A look at the nominee lists shows an array of fresh candidates who performed against the odds; the achievements of the five African nations in Qatar 2022, and Morocco’s record-setting feat as the first African country to play in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup, showing we can compete globally and succeed.
“We have a clear commitment amongst all 54-member associations to invest in grassroots football, academies, and inter-school competitions which is already producing the best.
“And through consistent investment, confidence, and encouragement, the results will come through.
– Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe, CAF President
The highlight of President Motsepe’s speech came at the tail end when the officiating department of the game was cited, with a promise to commence recognition and accolades to the referees moving forward.
“The good work done by referees, VAR, and match commissioners, goes unnoticed which is an oversight of the award, but will become a part of the event from next year’s edition.
“We love football, we live for football, and we recognize the power of football to bring us together from different ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds. We are proud when our national team wins on the continent, and also when an African team wins globally.
“The recognition and success of football make us realize the work we do to create unity among Africans for greater cooperation, and to make the African continent, the best place to live in the world.”
In July 2023, Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball secured the services of Victor Okoh Boniface for €20.50 from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, to accompany Adam Hlozek who was the sole striker in the team for an assault on the new season.
The Akure-born Nigerian striker dazzled in Belgium during the 2022-23 season producing 29 goal contributions from 51 games (17 goals. 12 assists), to return double value for the €6.10 million paid to bring him from FK Bodø/Glimt in Norway.
His 3-year tenure in Norway between 2019 and 2022 also caught the eye with an impressive return of 23 goals in 66 games across the board while creating eight more in that period.
With five months into his Leverkusen stint, Boniface has ticked all the boxes provided having picked up four consecutive Rookie of the Month awards for August, September, October, and November 2023.
Die Werkself (Leverkusen) under 42-year-old Xabi Alonso has been a revelation in the German Bundesliga this season with their latest result at the MHPArena against Stuttgart extending their baffling lead at the summit to four points, barring Bayern’s outstanding fixture against Union Berlin.
Victor clinched his 7th assist in all competitions following his pass across the face of goal for Florian Wirtz to help Die Werkself clinch a point away from home with a 1-all draw in the Bundesliga.
His goals, alongside the team’s elite full-backs in the mold of Jeremy Frimpong on the left and Alejandro Grimaldo on the right, with Lukas Hradecky’s fine form in between the goal all culminate in Xabi’s team remaining undefeated in 2023-24 of all the top five league clubs thus far.
Nigerian fans will hope for a replica of club form for the Super Eagles when the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations commences in January 2024, which is a glaring challenge in the squad for attackers.
His assist for Samuel Chukwueze in the AFCON qualifiers against Sao Tome and Principe in September, and the equalizer for Nigeria’s first goal versus Saudi Arabia in the October friendlies cite his statistics for the national team in five outings.
Everton continued their dogged run in the English Premier League against the odds with a well-worked 2-nil win against Chelsea at Goodison Park, as the Toffees stay four points off the relegation zone despite a ten-point deduction slotted in the books in November.
Malian international Abdoulaye Doucoure netted his sixth goal of the season to commemorate his 100th appearance for Everton, while 20-year-old academy grade Lewis Dobbin scored his first senior career goal after five games in the team.
Sean Dyche’s side had endured a torrid start to the 2023-24 league campaign, suffering three consecutive losses to Fulham, Aston Villa, and Wolves after narrowly escaping relegation last season with two points.
Subsequent losses to Arsenal, Luton, and Liverpool saw Everton record six losses in their first nine games, sustaining the pressure on Dyche, who had just witnessed an exodus of creatives from his team over the summer transfer window.
Nigerian international Alexander Iwobi completed a €25.70 million move to Fulham, as Italian forward Moise Kean returned to his roots to join Juventus for €30 million. At the same time, Jamaican winger Demarai Gray traveled to the Middle East to join Al-Ettifaq for €9.30 million (according to Transfermarkt).
However, when the going went tough, the tough got playing as Everton went on to pick up seven points from a possible nine against West Ham, Brighton, and Crystal Palace to rack up 14 points from 12 outings to sit 14th on the log, and eight points clear relegation waters.
Albeit admitting at a five-day hearing of a breach of the league’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) led to the inspiring voyage hitting the iceberg to join Burnley on 4 points.
The imminent news broke on the 18th of November following a statement released by an independent commission imposing the sanction with immediate effect. A move that saw Everton nosedive from 14th position to 19th on the log (joint-bottom on points).
According to the commission, Everton’s PSR calculation for the period in review accrued a loss of £124.5 million, which exceeded the threshold of £105 million as permitted.
The point deduction would be the heaviest in the league’s records, as the 12-point deduction handed to Tottenham before the 1994-95 season for financial irregularities was initially reduced to six and later revoked.
Other cases like the 1996-97 season when Middlesbrough endured a three-point deduction for failing to fulfill a fixture against Blackburn, alongside Portsmouth’s nine-point docking after entering administration in March 2010, are also in the chronicles.
Today, Everton maintains a three-game winning streak off the victory against the Blues in front of home fans barring the 3-nil defeat to Manchester United a week after the sanction, with more to come in the EFL Cup which they still feature.
Following Enyimba’s 9th title-winning season in 2023, the Nigeria Premier Football League has seen a plethora of sponsorships and partnerships, ranging from pre-season tourneys to streaming/TV broadcasting rights, to mention but a few.
Midway through the year in July, the Naija Super 8 tournament graced the views of fans and stakeholders, as organised by Flykite Productions in partnership with MultiChoice Nigeria alongside sponsors like; MTN, Hero Lager, DStv, GOtv, SuperSport, Moniepoint, Pepsi, and Custodian Assurance according to The Punch.
A month later, Value Jet Nigeria, a virtual carrier for scheduled flights within the country returned with another pre-season tourney in August, with Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SCs) of Akure cinching the gong over Remo Stars academy – Beyond Limits FC, a win worth ₦2 million.
As the 2023-24 league campaign kicked off in September, the Gbenga Elegbeleye-led council of committee announced the joint venture between the NPFL and two partners – GTI Assets Management and Propel Sports Africa, to stream about eight NPFL games live weekly, counting up to 300 matches per season.
In November, Premium Times reported a five-year broadcast rights deal worth ₦1 billion signed between the NPFL and StarTimes to put the league on television (TV), with a proposed ₦50 million increment annually from 2023 to 2028.
On Thursday, 7th December, reigning NPFL, and 2-time CAF Champions League title winners – Enyimba Football Club of Aba, were the latest to strike a sponsorship deal with United Nigeria Airlines at their Corporate office – Plot C2A, Garden Avenue, GRA, Enugu.
The People’s Elephant put pen to paper with the Aviation firm, sealing a two-year sponsorship deal reportedly worth ₦100 million, that will usher in an array of mutual benefits between both parties.
The deal is poised to create an avenue for the use of branded t-shirts and other related merchandise by Enyimba, while also facilitating inter-state travels alongside other essential requirements.
Reacting to the development, 47-year-old Super legend of the game for club and country, and chairman of the club – Nwankwo Christian Nwosu Kanu expressed delight and intent via his X handle to commemorate the deal.
“KAN U believe this? Proud to help facilitate this partnership between Enyimba FC and United Nigeria Airlines.
“Thank you Prof Obiora Okonkwo for a great welcome in Enugu and we hope to do some good work together to improve the players and team’s transportation for football.”
The delight was contagious as Prof Obiora who chairs the board of directors at the UNA made his remark on the deal while noting a free-of-charge clause on behalf of Kanu’s alumni set during his regime.
“Football is one thing that if it’s being played, you always place emotional attachment and it gives one joy, and in our Corporate Social Responsibility, we see that as an important thing that we should identify with and we didn’t find anyone better than working with the King himself, Papilo (Kanu Nwankwo).
“The happiest moment in my life had to do with Super Eagles, that was the Atlanta 1996.
“I’ll go with those players anywhere they want to go to. It may not be important to this occasion, but because of the joy of that era, no member of that team will pay for any service that I’m in charge of because they have contributed much to the lives and joy of Nigerians.”
Alas, the long-awaited era of the footballing business in Nigeria has finally come, with hopes of due progression and relative benefits on behalf of the domestic game.
Aston Villa gets one better over table toppers Arsenal via a John McGinn 7th-minute strike to sustain an unprecedented run of victories at Villa Park in front of 42,789 fans with 16 games into the 2023-24 league campaign.
For better context, the 15 home wins for Villa at the Park in Aston City in 2023 centers around the English Premier League, albeit 3 group games plus 1 qualification match in the Europa Conference League this season, takes the tally to 19 home wins from a possible 20, barring the sole loss to Everton in the English Football League Cup.
Villa’s winning streak at home has lasted ten months, counting from the 1-nil win against Crystal Palace back in March – a victory inspired by an own goal gifted by the opposition’s skipper – Joachim Anderson.
The impressive run of form gets more interesting given that Villa’s last loss at the Park in Aston City came at the hands of their latest victim – Arsenal, who came twice from behind at the time to clinch a 2-4 victory on the 18th of February.
However, a decisive 1-nil win on the 9th of December against the Gunners, albeit featuring a plethora of controversial incidents plus a secured third-place spot, caps a laudable journey for Unai Emery and the Villan gang.
As it stands, Villa is 1 point behind Arsenal, who’s 1 point behind Liverpool, who’s seven points ahead of Manchester City in the top four spots.
Home games for Villa since March 2023
2022-23 1 – 0 vs Crystal Palace (EPL) 3 – 0 vs Bournemouth (EPL) 2 – 0 vs Nottingham (EPL) 3 – 0 vs Newcastle (EPL) 1 – 0 vs Fulham (EPL) 2 – 1 vs Tottenham (EPL) 2 – 1 vs Brighton (EPL)
2023-24 4 – 0 vs Everton (EPL) 3 – 0 vs Hibernian (ECL QL) 3 – 1 vs Crystal Palace (EPL) 1 – 2 vs Everton (EFL) 6 – 1 vs Brighton (EPL) 1 – 0 vs Zrinjski (ECL) 4 – 1 vs West Ham (EPL) 3 – 1 vs Luton (EPL) 2 – 1 vs AZ Alkmaar (ECL) 3 – 1 vs Fulham (EPL) 2 – 1 vs Legia (ECL) 1 – 0 vs Mancity (EPL) 1 – 0 va Arsenal (EPL)
The Super Falcons of Nigeria commenced their 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Brisbane with a draw and a clean sheet against Olympic Champions – Canada, who failed to capitalize on their possession on Friday morning.
The Super Falcons forced Canada to settle for a draw, to extend a worrisome run of form for the Ladies in Red who have won just once in their last six games, while Nigeria has three wins, two losses, and today’s draw in that same run.
The Canadians were touted to dominate the game based on their prestige and record especially from the Olympics, against a Nigerian side riddled with internal friction and disputes. However, the reverse was the case in all shades of grey.
The first half ended goalless as Canada registered zero shots on target, the second half began with Christine Sinclair missing a penalty in the 50th minute, thanks to a brilliant left-handed save by Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the game closed with Super Falcons’ Deborah Abiodun getting sent off with the help of the VAR.
The Nigeria Women’s team played with long balls and defensive compatibility, with Asisat Oshoala single-handedly troubling the Canadian back line with her physicality and blistering runs, based on the 4-5-1 formation deployed by Randy Waldrum.
Christine Sinclair will rue her chance of becoming the first ever player (man or woman) to score in six different FIFA World Cups due to a penalty miss, but still has two more group games to achieve the feat, as five-time World Cup participant – Onome Ebi of Nigeria sat out the opening fixture for Oluwatosin Demehin.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria will now focus on their next opponents, the Kerr-less Matildas of Australia, who happen to be co-hosts of the global tournament, next Thursday.
The 22nd edition of FIFA’s global tournament in Qatar is a month away, with the Qatari Federation reportedly committing over $US200 billion towards preparation for the 2022 World Cup. Building state-of-the-art stadiums, most of which would be converted into city hubs, with some having their roofs removed and about half of the seats donated to developing countries, post-tournament.
According to FIFA’s website, President Gianni Infantino met with a host of world leaders at the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in Newyork this year, notably, Nigeria’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iwuala who’s the Director General of the World Trade Organization, discussing Football’s role in impacting economic growth amongst other strategic issues.
As the countdown continues towards the first game of the competition, between Qatar and Ecuador, on November 20, we dive into the eight air-conditioned stadiums, that will host 64 games involving the 32 teams.
Lusail Iconic Stadium
The 80,000-capacity stadium is Qatar’s biggest stadium located in Lusail, situated about 20 kilometers north of the Capital city of Doha. It will host Argentina’s opening game vs Saudi Arabia in Group C, Brazil versus Serbia game in Group G, the first semifinal match on the 13th, and the final game on the 18th of December.
The procurement process for the stadium started in 2014 as a joint venture between HBK Constructing and CRCC (China Railway Constructions Company) and got inaugurated on the 9th of September 2022 hosting the Lusail Super Cup. The City is termed ‘planned’ with its current 250,000 population estimated to be 50% residents, 30% workers, and 20%, retailers.
Al-Bayt Stadium
The 60,000-capacity stadium constructed in the form of a Bedouin tent (nomadic Arab tribes) will host the opening group stage match between one of Africa’s teams Morocco and last term’s finalist Croatia in Group F, also the host nation’s opener against Ecuador in Group A, plus the second semi-final game on the 14th of December.
Al Bayt is situated on Qatar’s northeast coast, 35 kilometers from the capital city of Doha which is beyond the reach of the capital’s metro system, making it one of the harder venues to access especially for the North African supporters looking to hype the Atlas Lions to progress.
The stadium operates a retractable skylight roofing system which allows for an outdoor feel and would roll back over for an indoor chill.
Education City Stadium
Located in AL Rayyan with a 40,000 sitting capacity, the Education City is situated to the west of Doha making it accessible by the metro system and would host the first Group D clash between 2020 Euros semifinalist Denmark and Africa’s third-best team Tunisia, as the North Africans would be looking to make it to the knockout stage over defending champions France and Australia.
It is given the nickname “Diamond in the Desert” with 20 percent of its building materials identified as green and is among the world’s most environmentally sustainable stadiums, located on the outskirts of Doha within several University campuses in the Qatar Foundation Education City and hosted its first official game in 2020 during the 2020-21 Qatar Stars League.
Ahmad Bin (Al Rayyan) Stadium
The 40,000-capacity stadium is located in Al Rayyan where the city meets the desert and is one metro stop beyond the nearby Education City, making the venue accessible to fans and would host the first set of games in Group B featuring the United States and Gareth Bale’s Welsh team.
The multi-purpose stadium is home to both Al-Rayyan SC and Al-Kharitiyath SC, and is named after Ahmad Bin Ali Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar between 1960 and 1972, who was famed for enriching the economy via discoveries of new oil fields, and fostering Qatar’s independence as a Sovereign State in 1971.
The inauguration of the stadium took place on the 18th of December 2020, Qatar’s National Day, exactly 2 years ago from this year’s final game date.
Khalifa International Stadium
The 40,000-capacity stadium is located in the capital city of Doha and is the only venue that existed before Qatar secured hosting rights for the World Cup, as it hosted the 2011 Asian Cup final and also the 2019 Club World Cup final between Liverpool and Flamingo.
The venue which was named after the Emir of Qatar between 1972 and 1995 received a four-star rating from the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) and will host the opening day fixture between the Three Lions and the Iranian team in Group B on the 21st of November.
The stadium is also estimated to employ close to 30,000 workers.
Al Thumama Stadium
The 40,000-capacity stadium is located in the Al Thumama district of Doha, close to the city’s Hamad International Airport, and is built in the form of a Gahfiya (the traditional cap worn by men across West Asia).
The venue will host the opening game between 2022 AFCON winners Senegal and the Netherlands, as the Teranga Lions will look to make it out of Group A which houses the Host nation Qatar.
The area is one of Qatar’s newest districts with a well-planned layout according to strict grid patterns and is resident to Qataris and Arab expatriates as major groups.
Stadium 974
The 40,000-capacity stadium was built out of 974 recycled shipping containers on Doha’s waterfront, with 974 also representing Qatar’s international dialing code, and is located in Ras Abu-Aboud, Doha.
The venue will host CONCACAF’s finest, Mexico, in their opening game against the Polish national team on 22nd November, as well as a Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal versus the Black Stars of Ghana on the 24th, but would be completely dismantled after the tournament for alternative purposes. It is therefore the first temporary stadium in FIFA World Cup’s history.
Al Janoub Stadium
The 40,000-capacity stadium commonly known as Al Wakrah Sports Complex is located in the city of Al Wakrah south of the Capital City of Doha. The structural design was inspired by the traditional boats used for pearl diving and fishing and would host Switzerland’s opener against five-time AFCON champions Cameroon on the 24th of November.
The venue also operates a retractable skylight roofing system which was inaugurated on the 16th of May in 2019.
Europe’s elite continental stage has all its perks, as national leagues from most centers converge annually for glory, laying it all bare on the pitch of play for the crown of champions. Most interestingly, fans of the beautiful game get to cheer their favorite club sides away from the domestic front, traveling far and beyond, mixing cultures and identities while airing bragging rights.
For the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League season, 15 national leagues are well represented in the form of 32 teams into 8 groups of 4 each, some more than others, based on their standings, coefficient, and rankings. As Matchday 2 roundoff, sportxclusive brings you all the analytical points from how each league has faired thus far in the competition, in relation to their team’s progression domestically.
15 national leagues are represented in the Champions League this season summing up 32 teams in total
Some leagues have more clubs featuring than others based on standings and rankings
The German Bundesliga has the most representation with 5 teams with Eintracht Frankfurt qualifying off their triumph in last season’s Europa League
England, Italy, and Spain all have 4 clubs on deck, Portugal has 3, Scotland and France have 2, while Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech, Denmark, Israel, Netherlands, and Ukraine have 1 apiece
The reigning champions and most successful teams on the continent have been from Spain
The unanimous Group of death (Group C) housing Bayern Munich from the Bundesliga, FC Barcelona from La Liga, Internazionale from Serie A, and Viktoria Plzen from the Fortuna Liga in the Czech Republic, seems to garner more attention, as it is left to be seen which would top the group, second, get relegated to the 2nd tier or go home after matchday 6. As it stands, the German giants have 2 wins from 2 defeating Barça and Inter with 2 goals to nothing each, while both teams remain tied on 3 points having only found joy against Plzen, who expectedly are the whooping boys, with more guts to be shared subsequently.
Since the turn of the new century in the 2000s, only Bayern have hoisted the Bundesliga flag in victory on the continent, doing so thrice (2000-01, 2012-13, & 2019-20), with the latest accompanied with a sextuplet as they swept 2020 clean of all available trophies in their wake (Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UCL, DFL-Supercup, UEFA Super Cup, & FIFA Club World Cup). Before then, only Hamburg FC (1982-83) and Borussia Dortmund (1996-97) have won the European Cup from Germany, meaning just 3 clubs have made the Bundesliga proud continentally.
Group B tickles our fancy also, as Club Brugge KV have flattered to impress with 2 wins from 2 and sit comfortably atop the standings, with revolutionary wins over Bayer Leverkusen (1 – 0) and FC Porto (4-0) while keeping clean sheets in the process. The Jupiler Pro League team from Belgium also impressed domestically, currently sitting 3rd with 6 wins, a loss, and a draw from 8 games, also winning the league twice in 4 years, albeit, Antwerp who currently leading the pack has 9 wins from 9, but do not feature outside the league this season.
Diego Simeone’s men from Spain, Atletico Madrid, have struggled to impress thus far, as they sit 7th on the La Liga log having 3 wins from 5 games with a loss and a draw, also winning 1 against Porto, and losing the other against Leverkusen in the UCL, as they tie 3 points with the latter after matchday 2. The Colchoneros need to up the ante if they are to repeat the 2020-21 feat of winning the La Liga, which they have done only twice in the last decade, while also getting to the final of the UCL in-between. FC Porto hasn’t done the Primeira Liga proud on the continent just yet (0 points), despite sitting 3rd in the league with 5 wins from 6 games.
Group E is yet to feature a 6-pointer with AC Milan leading the pack with 4 points from 2 games, sharing the spoils with RB Salzburg and defeating Dinamo Zagreb, but Chelsea looks to have lost their bearing with 1 loss and a draw keeping them below the pecking order while licking their wounds after seeing their Champions League hero in Thomas Tuchel getting the axe just hours after their first game out. No ties on the standings, with the group still wide open, as Chelsea faces Milan back to back when the UCL returns in October.
In Group A, Glasgow Rangers came with lots of expectations, but have been dealt huge blows with consecutive defeats against Ajax (4-0) and Napoli (3-0), also suffering the same fate domestically with a 4 nil defeat to rivals Celtic. Giovanni van Bronckhorst and the Gers will need to find some magic if they are to even make it to the Europa League, where they were last season’s finalist.
Liverpool, who were last season’s UCL finalist have struggles of theirs, garnering a win against Ajax and a loss against Napoli, but will pick up where they left off in October when they faceoff with Rangers home and away. Napoli also impressed, defeating both Liverpool and Ajax convincingly to clinch the top spot thus far, while also sitting atop in the Serie A with 4 wins from 6 games as they remain unbeaten in all competitions.
The Italian Serie A has produced 3 winners in Champions League history, Inter, Juventus, and Milan, with the latter the most successful with 7 titles, while Inter and Juventus have 3 and 2 respectively. However, none have tasted victory for over a decade, and would hope to rewrite history once more, should any go the distance.
Sporting Club de Portugal, commonly known as Sporting Lisbon, top Group D with maximum points from their first 2 games, defeating both Tottenham and Eintracht Frankfurt convincingly without conceding, and would hope to maintain the status quo for a chance at the knockout stages. Only Porto has tasted UCL glory twice in history (1986-87, 2003-04) from Portugal hopefully Sporting CP has a new agenda, as they sit 7th domestically in the Primeira Liga.
Maccabi Haifa from the Israeli Premier League and FC Copenhagen from the Superliga in Denmark belong to the underdog category in the UEFA Champions League and are yet to show workings on the continental stage in their respective groups. Maccabi has PSG, Benfica, and Juventus to contend with in Group H, while Copenhagen has Manchester City, Dortmund, and Sevilla in Group G, with Maccabi topping the Israeli standings, while Copenhagen hangs in 7th domestically.
With these few yet detailed points addressed, it is expedient that fans realize there are more than meets the eye in terms of national leagues in Europe and beyond, and as the English top-flight continues to mourn the passing of the Great Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for a prestigious 70 years, subsequently affecting game scheduling and postponement of matchdays, attention can effectively be tilted to other top-flights where talking points, upsets, and banter never ceases to exist.
Project Exclusives 