On Saturday, June 14, shortly after the Qatar Airline plane carrying some members of the Nigeria Supporters Club and the TELL reporter arrived Doha International Airport, a mild drama ensued. It began shortly after the Qatar Airline officials collected the visas of Nigerians heading to Brazil enroute Doha, which included about 22 members of Nigeria…
Football Fans and the Prediction Game
Onboard a flight from Doha to Brazil, I asked Muhajin, an Iranian who was on his way to Curitiba to watch his country’s World Cup match against Nigeria, his prediction for the Iran–Nigeria game. He began by first paying his respect to Nigeria, saying that Nigeria is an experienced soccer nation unlike his, and that…
I Dreamt About Scoring Against Ghana – John Brooks
John Brooks, a player on the U.S national team, born to an American serviceman and a German mother, scored the late winner in the 86th minute of his country’s opening match against Ghanaon Monday night. The decisive goal sealed the U.S. triumph over the Black Stars, who had beaten the American squad in two previous…
Nigeria Held by Iran
It was a disappointing maiden outing for Nigeria at the Brazil 2014 World Cup as the Super Eagles, who were tipped by many analysts to defeat Iran in their first match, failed to do so. Many who expected the Nigerians to overrun their opponents were disappointed by the team’s rather casual approach to the very…
Brazil 2014:Viewing Centres Banned in Adamawa
As the Brazil 2014 World Cup kicks off today, the Adamawa State Government has banned the operation of football viewing centres indefinitely in the state. The decision was takenfollowing theJune 1, 2014 bomb attack on a pub in Mubi. Ahmad Sajoh, director, press and public affairs in a statement issued on behalf of thestate government…
NFF to earn $8m for World Cup Participation
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, is to receive a minimum of $8 million from the Federation Internationale de Football Association, FIFA, for participating in the 2014 World Cup. Regardless of whether the Super Eagles wins the first round or not, $8million would be disbursed to the federation, as it is the minimum graduated prize on…
Louis van Gaal confirmed as Manchester United manager
Louis van Gaal confirmed as Manchester United manager By Temitope Adeogun Louis van Gaal has been named as Manchester United Manager, with Ryan Giggs as his assistant. Van Gaal, 62, has signed a three-year contract to succeed David Moyes. The Dutchman, who has won titles with Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AZ Alkmaar, will take…
NFF Denies 2010 World Cup Match-Fixing Claim
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has refuted the claim by Wilson Raj Perumal, a convicted Singaporean match-fixer, that he helped the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2010 Federation International de Football Association, FIFA, World Cup finals in South Africa. Perumal claimed to have ensured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa…
Ex-Barcelona Coach Dies at 45
Tito Vilanova, ex-Barcelona Football Club coach has died after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was aged 45. Vilanova had a tumour removed from his throat in November 2011 before suffering a relapse in December 2012. He stepped down as Barcelona’s boss last July to continue his treatment, while Gerardo Martino took charge. Announcing the…
Manchester United sacks David Moyes
David Moyes, Manchester United Manager has been sacked, just 10 months after succeeding Alex Ferguson. He was dismissed at a meeting with Ed Woodward, executive vice-chairman at the club’s Carrington training ground on Tuesday. Moyes, 50, was chosen by Ferguson as the man to succeed him when he retired after 26 years…