Sports

By Muhammadu Sabiu

Ahead of the 2022 World Cup, which begins on November 20, the tournament host, Qatar, has released a list of dos and don’ts, especially for fans from other countries.

The wealthy Gulf nation has disclosed that spectators coming should note the bans that have been in place on alcohol, the LGBT community, exposing parts of the female body, and swearing are still in effect.

The host added that disrespect for mosques, loud music and sounds, dating, and taking pictures of people without their consent, are also banned.

Apart from the moral rules, there are also regulations concerning COVID-19 and its vaccine.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy mandated that all visitors six years of age and older show proof of a negative PCR test result obtained within 48 hours of their departure or a positive rapid antigen test result obtained within 24 hours of arrival.

Rapid antigen test results from legitimate medical facilities that are not self-administered only will be accepted. If visitors do not exhibit COVID-19 symptoms, no additional testing will be necessary in Qatar.

Additionally, everybody above 18-year-old must download the Ehteraz contact tracing phone app, which the government manages.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

After losing 1-0 to Inter Milan on Tuesday, Barcelona is in danger of not making it out of their Champions League group.

They now have three points from three games as a result of the outcome.

At the San Siro stadium, Hakan Calhanoglu scored the game’s lone goal to give Inter all three points.

Bayern Munich leads the group with a perfect nine points after defeating Barcelona 2-0 in the most recent round of games.

With six points, Inter is in second place, ahead of Barca, as there is still no point for Viktoria Plzen.

Next week’s matchup between Inter and Barcelona will take place at Camp Nou.

Barcelona have also gone five games in a row in the Champions League without scoring.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

Real Madrid have condemned the “racist and xenophobic” attack on their Brazilian player Vinicius Jr. 

Real Madrid said, in a statement released via its website on Friday, that the club has instructed its legal staff to pursue legal action against anyone using racist remarks toward its players before this weekend’s LaLiga clash against Atletico Madrid.

“Real Madrid CF rejects all kinds of racist and xenophobic expressions and behaviours in the field of football, sport, and life in general, such as the regrettable and unfortunate comments made in recent hours against our player Vinicius Junior.

“Real Madrid wants to show all its love and support for Vinicius Junior, a player who understands football as an attitude towards life-based on joy, respect and sportsmanship.

“Football, which is the most global sport that exists, must be an example of values and coexistence.

“The club has instructed its legal services to take legal action against anyone who uses racist expressions towards our players,” Real Madrid said in the statement

Remember that for his dancing celebration, Vinicius was the target of a racial comment made by Pedro Bravo.

The Brazilian international is well-known for dancing at the corner flag in front of fans, whether they are in the home or away end of the stadium, to celebrate the majority of his goals.

Pedro Bravo, the head of Spanish football agents, did make a statement on Vinicius’ celebration while appearing on El Chiringuito.

Bravo said, “You have to respect your opponents. When you score a goal, if you want to dance Samba, you should go to sambodromo in Brazil. You have to respect your mates and stop playing the monkey.”

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

As a mark of respect to the Queen, this weekend round Premier League has been postponed and fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course, Premier League disclosed on their official website on Friday.

The full statement reads, “As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.

“This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation, but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”

Further updates regarding Premier League fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course.”

The Queen died on Thursday after a reign which spanned seven decades.

By Muhammad Sabiu

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro is set to leave Real Madrid for Manchester United for close to £60m after negotiations between the Laliga and the Premier League giants.

Fabrizio Romano, a journalist in the know of the deal, quoted Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti to have said, “I have spoken with Casemiro. He wants to try a new challenge. We understand his decision”.

“Negotiations are ongoing, but he has decided to leave Real Madrid”.

The Brazilian footballer has been playing at Santiago since 2013. He won 5 Champions League trophies, Laliga titles and other domestic trophies.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

British long-distance runner Sir Mo Farah disclosed that he was not who the world knew him to be.  

Sir Mo Farah revealed that he was a victim of child trafficking and was brought into the UK illegally under the name of another child at the age of 9. He disclosed that his real name is Hussein Abdi Kahin

“The truth is I’m not who you think I am,” Sir Farah said.

“Most people know me as Mo Farah, but it’s not my name, or it’s not the reality.”

According to him, the woman who flew with him to the UK told him he was being taken to live with relatives and to say his name was Mohamed as she had fake travel documents that showed his photo next to the name “Mohamed Farah”.

Sir Farah, the first British track and field athlete to win four Olympic golds, said his children motivated him to tell the truth about his past.

“I’ve been keeping it for so long; it’s been difficult because you don’t want to face it, and often my kids ask questions, ‘Dad, how come this?’ And you’ve always got an answer for everything, but you haven’t got an answer for that,” he said

Farah’s recent revelation is in sharp contrast with previous interviews he granted, in which he claimed otherwise.

By Muhammad Sabiu

Real Madrid have secured a place in the Champions League final. They will play against the English Premier League Giants, Liverpool, after crashing Manchester City out of the competition today, Wednesday.

City had their opener through Mahrez in the 73rd minute, while Madrid had their goals thanks to Rodrygo’s brace—the first one in the 90th minute and the second one in the 91st minute—and Benzema’s third penalty goal in the 95th minute. That made the match end 3-1.

The goal aggregate emerged 6-5 as Madrid made it to the final even after being beaten 4-3 by the City last week.

By Muhammad Sabiu

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of eight Manchester United stars who could depart this summer, Danny Mills, a former Manchester City right-back, claimed.

According to Mills, Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, and Nemanja Matic might depart United at the end of the season.

Ronaldo has struggled since joining Manchester United from Juventus last summer, despite scoring 22 goals in all competitions for the Premier League giants.

Mills told Football Insider that making Ronaldo a part of the rebuilding process at Man United is pointless because Erik Ten Hag will take over from Ralf Rangnick.

“Ronaldo might be a difficult one, but I am sure somebody would take him. Remember, they didn’t pay too much for him. It’s not like they are going to take a huge hit in terms of a transfer fee.”

“Ronaldo still has something to offer, but if you are talking about a rebuilding process, and he’s only going to be there for one season, what’s the point? He becomes more of a hindrance than a help. Every time you lose, it is ‘Why is Ronaldo not playing?’ That is the difficulty that you have. If you’re going to start afresh, give yourself that opportunity to start fresh,” Mills was quoted as saying.

By MMuhammad Sabiu

Office of the Head of Service of the Federation has announced to civil servants that work would Tuesday be closed at 1:00 am so as “to mobilise support for the Nigerian Team [Super Eagles]” ahead of its World Cup Qualifier against Ghana.

This is contained in a circular signed by Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, Permanent Secretary (Service Welfare Office), on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The circular reads, “As you are aware, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will be meeting the Black Stars of Ghana in continuation of the 2022 FIFA World-Cup Qualifier, Playoff, (Return Leg).

“Consequently, I am directed to inform you that all offices will be closed at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, 29th March 2022.”

Dr. Ngozi also urged Permanent Secretaries to disseminate the information contained in the circular more widely.

By Muhammad Sabiu

Angel Di Maria, a winger for Paris-Saint-Germain, is scheduled to depart the French Ligue 1 club at the end of the season.

PSG will not give Di Maria a new contract in the summer, according to L’Equipe (as relayed by AS), allowing the Argentine to depart for free.

PSG’s current contract with Di Maria will expire at the end of the season.

PSG is yet to offer the former Manchester United player a new deal.

The 34-year-old moved to PSG from Manchester United in 2015 for a reported £56.7 million.

Di Maria’s playing time has been severely curtailed as his current manager, Mauricio Pochettino, continues to favour players like Neymar.