Sports

Ahead of FIFA World Cup: First lady Remi Tinubu to host Super Falcons

Published

3 years ago

June 30, 2023

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The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, alongside top government functionaries, will attend the send-forth dinner of the Super Falcons ahead of the team’s departure for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup is scheduled to take place over a period of one month, starting from July 20 to August 20.

In a statement on Thursday, Head of Communications of the NFF, Ademola Olajire, noted that the dinner, organised by the country’s football body, will be held on Saturday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

“We are expecting the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Ismaila Abubakar, as well as other top sports officials.

“A good number of the team as well as technical and administrative officials are expected alongside the rank and file of the NFF led by the President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and the General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi.

“The event at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel will also attract corporate chieftains, members of the diplomatic corps, and a range of football stakeholders.

“On Sunday, the nine-time African champions will depart the shores of Nigeria for a 15-day camping programme in Australia, before they enter into camp for the tournament beginning from July 20 to Aug. 20,” Olajire noted.

Nigeria’s first match of the finals is against Canada, at Melbourne’s Rectangular Stadium, on July 21 before clashing with Australia and the Republic of Ireland on July 27 and July 31, respectively, at Lang Park in Brisbane.

NAN reports that Australia and New Zealand 2023 will be the biggest-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in history, as it welcomes 32 teams—the same number as featured in the men’s finals in Qatar last year.

It is also the first to be hosted by two countries as well as the first-ever FIFA senior competition to be hosted by two nations in two different confederations: Australia in the Asian confederation and New Zealand in Oceania.

Nigeria’s captain, Onome Ebi, will be one of the oldest players at the tournament, at 40, alongside Brazil’s Marta and Canada’s Christine Sinclair.

The three women will be featured in their sixth FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament.

According to the NFF, 24 hours before the Send-Forth at the Transcorp Hilton, the Australian High Commission will host the Falcons to a dinner, courtesy of the Ag. High Commissioner, Her Excellency Leanne Johnston.

NAN reports that the Super Falcons are in Group ‘B’ alongside Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland.

Nigeria has previously played the Canadian and Australian women’s national teams at the FIFA World Cup.

The Canadians have been unable to defeat Nigeria at the World Cup, drawing 3-3 in 1995 and losing 1-0 in 2011.

Nigeria’s meeting with Australia at the FIFA World Cup in 2015 ended in a 2-0 victory in favour of the Australians.

(NAN)

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Man United set to confirm Carrick as permanent coach

Carrick has reversed Manchester United’s fortune as they now look set for a return to the UEFA Champions League.

Published

5 hours ago

May 15, 2026

OCHEFA

26 Views

Photo: Michael Carrick

Manchester United is set to confirm Michael Carrick as its permanent manager, ending weeks of speculation about the club’s managerial future.

” The deal is expected to be either a two-year contract with the option to extend, or a straight three-year deal. Carrick has given his full agreement and is ready to sign the contract,” said football journalist, Fabrizio Romano.

According to Romano, a new contract is now set to be signed in the coming days, with the plan fully approved by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s new leadership structure.

The former Manchester United midfielder and coach has impressed the hierarchy with his work since stepping in as interim manager.

Carrick’s deep knowledge of the club, calm leadership, and tactical approach are believed to have convinced the board that he is the right man to take the team forward.

Carrick has reversed Manchester United’s fortune as they now look set for a return to the UEFA Champions League.

Sports

FIFA confirms release of official World Cup 2026 song “Dai Dai” by Shakira, Burna Boy

Featuring motivational lyrics centered on resilience, ambition, and unity, “Dai Dai” pays homage to football legends including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Paolo Maldini, Romário, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrés Iniesta, David Beckham, Kaká, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Mohamed Salah.

Published

7 hours ago

May 15, 2026

OCHEFA

32 Views

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has confirmed the release of “Dai Dai,” the official anthem for the FIFA World Cup 2026 track via Sony Music Latin and its immediate availability on all major streaming platforms.

“Dai Dai” was performed by global superstar Shakira in an collaboration with Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy.

The Colombian singer made the announcement herself on social media on Friday, posting: “Dai Dai is here. The @FIFAWorldCup 2026 starts now!”

“Dai Dai” also celebrates various football nations such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, the United States, England, Germany, France, South Africa, Spain, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands.

Beyond its infectious rhythm, the anthem carries a meaningful purpose. All royalties from “Dai Dai” will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million by the end of the tournament.

Sports

Madonna, Shakira, BTS to headline FIFA World Cup final halftime show

The halftime show lineup was announced yesterday by Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, who is curating the show.

Published

7 hours ago

May 15, 2026

OhiBaba

32 Views

Pop music superstars Shakira, Madonna and BTS are set to headline the World Cup’s first-ever halftime performance, which is slated to take place July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.Organisers are calling the halftime show a “singular moment’ that will be broadcast live globally.

The halftime show lineup was announced yesterday by Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, who is curating the show.

In the announcement, Martin took performance suggestions from several Muppets, including Elmo, Miss Piggy and Cookie Monster.

“How about Madonna? Elmo loves Madonna,” Elmo said. The beloved Sesame Street character then called BTS on speed dial to confirm whether they would join the show.

“Shakira’s in, and she’s bringing cookies,” said Elmo.

The selection of musical acts appears to be a reflection of the international teams reflected in the World Cup, per the Washington Post.

Shakira, from Colombia, was scheduled to release “Dai Dai,” the official World Cup song, yesterday. The song also features Nigerian singer Burna Boy.

The “Whenever, Wherever” singer is no stranger to World Cup anthems, having previously sung “Waka Waka” in 2010 and “La La La” in 2014.