Saudi Arabia came from a goal down to record the first shocking result of Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. Playing at the Iconic Stadium in at Lusail on Tuesday, the Asians subdued Lionel Messi and company to win 2-1. The former world champions converted a penalty through Messi in the 10th minute and held on to that advantage until the …

Lionel Messi leads twice champions Argentina into their first match of Qatar 2022 as they line up against Saudi Arabia at the Iconic Stadium in at Lusail. It’s been 36 years — nine editions ago — Diego Maradona lifted the cup after beating West Germany at Mexico City. Since then, the Messi era got closest at Brazil 2014 reaching the …

African champions, Senegal conceded two goals in the closing stages of the Group A Matchday 1 against the Netherlands to make their progression to the knockout phase of Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup difficult. Without their captain and talisman Sadio Mané, Senegal could not raise to the occasion, recording 47 percent possession even as they had more shots at goal …

Nigerian born Bukayo Saka scored twice as England walloped Iran 6-2 in the opening match of the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Twenty-one-year old Saka, born in Ealing, Greater London, to Nigerian parents — Adenike and Yomi Saka — struck in the 43rd and 62nd minutes; his goals arriving inbetween those of Jude Bellingham (35th minute, first goal of the match) …

For the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup hosts lost their opening match as Ecuador beat Qatar 2-0 with both goals in the first half. Ecuador’s striker Enner Remberto converted from the spot in the 16th minute after having his first disqualified. The 33-year-old Fenerbahçe player went on to add the second in the 31st minute. The South Americans …

Thirty-two teams — the only debutante being the host country — have hopes as the 22nd edition of the world’s biggest one-sport competition gets underway in Qatar. Some of the teams have high hopes in the peninsular Arab country, some others have contained hope, while yet another group bear unrealistic expectations. With stars ready to shine, and some others missing in action …

In the buildup to the 2022 FIFA World Cup opening on Sunday, one Nigeria’s stars in the competition has come into focus. Former Super Eagles captain, Austin JJ Okocha, it has been revealed, tops the list of most dribbles in a single FIFA World Cup game since 1966. According to a survey by Opta, the former Paris Saint Germaine midfielder …

As football-loving fans eagerly await the commencement of the 2022 FIFA World Cup holding in Qatar from 20th November to 18th December, the Embassy of Nigeria in Doha, Qatar has warmly welcomed fans travelling for the tournament, and urged them to respect the laws of the host country. In a statement by the spokesman of the embassy, Mr Kimiebi Imomotimi …

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs have a deadline of this Friday complete and submit all processes of club licencing for the 2022/23 season. In a circular by NPFL’s Head of Operations, Prince Davidson Owumi, the clubs were told that “any club that fails to complete the club licencing requirements risks being foreclosed from participating in the 2022/23 season”. Several …

The management of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has set a benchmark of N10 million insurance policy for players of the 20 Premier League clubs, beginning from the 2022/2023 league season. In a letter dated 10th November 2022 and signed by the Head of Operations, Prince Davidson Owumi, the clubs in the top flight were informed that the minimum …