Nigeria Premier League

Argentina, Spain among six countries to host 2030 World Cup

A unique 2030 World Cup is set to be played in Europe and Africa with the surprising addition of South America in a deal to allow the men’s soccer tournament to start with a 100th birthday celebration in Uruguay.

FIFA reached an agreement Wednesday between soccer’s continental leaders to accept only one candidate for hosting the 2030 tournament, the sport’s governing body said.

The Spain-Portugal bid grew to add Morocco this year and now also includes long-time bid rivals Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

A key lure of the unprecedented three-continent project will open in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo, where the Centenario Stadium hosted the inaugural 1930 World Cup final.

“The centennial World Cup could not be far from South America, where everything began,” said Alejandro Dominguez, the president of South American soccer body CONMEBOL. “The 2030 World Cup will be played in three continents.”

The consensus reached by once-rival soccer continents also let FIFA fast-track opening the 2034 World Cup bidding contest Wednesday which is limited to member federations from Asia and Oceania.

Argentina became three-time world champions when they won the tournament in Qatar last year. Juan Ignacio Roncoroni/EFE via ZUMA Press
“In a divided world, FIFA and football are uniting,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“The FIFA Council, representing the entire world of football, unanimously agreed to celebrate the centenary of the FIFA World Cup, whose first edition was played in Uruguay in 1930, in the most appropriate way.

“As a result, a celebration will take place in South America and three South American countries — Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay — will organise one match each of the FIFA World Cup 2030. The first of these three matches will of course be played at the stadium where it all began, in Montevideo’s mythical Estádio Centenário, precisely to celebrate the centenary edition of the FIFA World Cup.”

“The FIFA Council also agreed unanimously that the only bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2030 will be the joint bid of Morocco, Portugal and Spain,” the FIFA president added. “Two continents — Africa and Europe — united not only in a celebration of football but also in providing unique social and cultural cohesion. What a great message of peace, tolerance and inclusion.

“In 2030, we will have a unique global footprint, three continents — Africa, Europe and South America — six countries — Argentina, Morocco, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay — welcoming and uniting the world while celebrating together the beautiful game, the centenary and the FIFA World Cup.”

Saudi Arabia has targeted the 2034 edition and Australia also is interested after successfully co-hosting the Women’s World Cup this year with New Zealand.

The FIFA Council’s acceptance of a unified 2030 candidacy still needs formal approval next year at a meeting of the 211 member federations. That should be just a formality.

The 48-team, 104-game tournament scheduled for June-July 2030 is expected to start with games in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay before the action moves to the core host nations Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

The South American co-host bid has been promoted since the 2018 World Cup in Russia and had included Chile, which was not mentioned Wednesday.

Ukraine also was added to the European bid a year ago at a news conference at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland. However, Ukraine has not been mentioned in official comments about the UEFA-backed bid this year.

The first 48-team men’s World Cup will be hosted in 2026 by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Nigeria Premier League

Rivers United Back To Top Spot In NPFL Title Race

Rivers United are back on top of the NPFL standings after they beat visiting Kano Pillars and closest rivals Remo Stars fell at Niger Tornadoes.

Rivers United pipped Kano Pillars courtesy of a first-half strike by Aniekeme Okon to return of the table with 29 points from 15 matches.

Remo Stars slipped to second in the standings after they lost 2-1 at Niger Tornadoes.

They have 26 points, three points behind new leaders Rivers United.

Ikorodu City and Heartland FC continued their steady climb to top reckoning after they both won at home.

Ikorodu City smashed past Akwa United 4-1 to shoot to third place on the table with 24 points.

NPFL leading scorer Anas Yusuf broke his four-match run without a goal when he scored after 45 minutes to draw Nasarawa United level at 1-1 only for ‘The Solid Miners’ to fall 3-2 at Heartland.

Heartland are now ninth on the table on 20 points.

Bayelsa United held El Kanemi Warriors to a goalless draw in Maiduguri, while Katsina United edged past Sunshine Stars 1-0 at home.

Scorenigeria

Nigeria Premier League

Ahmed Musa Donates ₦500,000 Each To Kano Pillars, Mighty Teams

According to govima.com, Nigeria’s Super Eagles Icon, Ahmed Musa, has generously donated ₦500,000 each to the players of Kano Pillars FC Under-19 team and Mighty Jets Under-19 team. This gesture was in recognition of their impressive performances in the ongoing inaugural Under-19 Youth League.

The donation followed Kano Pillars Under-19’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Mighty Jets in a highly competitive match held on Tuesday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. The game showcased remarkable skill and determination from both sides, highlighting the potential of Nigeria’s budding football talents.

Musa, Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in the FIFA World Cup, personally attended the match alongside his Kano Pillars teammates. He stayed to witness the conclusion of the Youth League fixture before joining his team’s training session in preparation for their Nigeria Premier Football League Match Day 13 clash against Lobi Stars.

Known for his leadership both on and off the pitch, Musa continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration. Since rejoining Kano Pillars, he has been instrumental in the team’s performance, contributing to 95% of their goals this season. Over the weekend, he scored his fifth goal of the season, a powerful header against Heartland FC, while also providing three assists and winning three penalties for his side.

Musa’s commitment to grassroots football development was evident in this latest act of generosity, which aims to motivate young players to pursue excellence. The Under-19 Youth League, a platform designed to uncover future stars, aligns perfectly with his vision for the growth of Nigerian football.

As Kano Pillars prepare to face Lobi Stars at the Lafia City Stadium on Saturday, fans are hopeful that Musa’s leadership and stellar form will continue to drive the four-time Nigerian champions towards success.

Ahmed Musa’s unwavering dedication to supporting the sport at all levels underscores his enduring legacy in Nigerian football, making him a role model for the next generation of players. His contributions, both financial and motivational, remain unparalleled, cementing his place as a true ambassador of the game.

Nigeria Premier League

Shehu Abdullahi : The Maestro’s Midfield Magic

By Abdul A Kaugama

Shehu Abdullahi’s outstanding performance in Kano Pillars’ recent match has left fans and critics in awe. The midfielder’s clinical work and vision on the pitch prove that he’s still a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian football.

With precision passing and exceptional control, Shehu dictated the pace of the game, showcasing his mastery of the midfield.

His experience and skill were evident as he effortlessly navigated the opposition’s defense. The fans’ electrifying energy was matched only by Shehu’s infectious passion for the game.

Shehu’s resurgence is a testament to his dedication and hard work. His display of top-notch football skills is a clarion call for his return to the Super Eagles. Nigeria’s national team needs his expertise and leadership to excel on the international stage.

In conclusion, Shehu Abdullahi’s impressive form is a welcome development for Nigerian football. As he continues to dazzle fans with his midfield magic, we eagerly anticipate his next move.
May Allah continue to bless Shehu Abdullahi with strength, wisdom, and success in his football career.