Sports
FIFA U-20 World Cup: NFF Commends Flying Eagles
The Nigeria Football Federation has commended the Flying Eagles for giving a good account of themselves at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Argentina.
After an impressive match at the tournament, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria were able to make it to the quarter-finals where they faced Korea Republic.
Two-time runners-up Nigeria dominated for large parts of the game but were eliminated from the tourney by a single goal on Sunday as the Korea Republic surged into the semi-finals for the second successive tournament.
The Flying Eagles, who eliminated hosts and six-time champions Argentina in the Round of 16 on Wednesday, created few chances despite passing the ball around the field quite well.
However, the lack of punch in the final third was the greatest undoing of the seven-time African champions.
NFF’s General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, on Monday in Abuja told NAN that the Flying Eagles gave their best at the world cup, adding that they did not disgrace the country.
“The Flying Eagles have done their very best. I can say they have not disgraced Nigeria.
“In every competition, there has to be a winner and there has to be a time when some teams will be eliminated.
“Yesterday, it wasn’t our day. The team played very well but the goals refused to come.
“So, I think we should take it in good fate and move forward.
“As I have always said, anytime we go for competitions, we go to fulfil God’s righteousness because whatever God has destined to happen will happen, you cannot change it.
“If you have looked at the game, you would know that it wasn’t our game at all.”
He said the team could have equalised towards the end of the full-time but the goal “refused to come.”
The NFF Scribe apologised to Nigerians for the failure of the team to progress to the semi-finals, stressing that the Flying Eagles gave 100 per cent.
“We want to say we are sorry to Nigerians who believed in the team that they could go all the way.
“Going by their progression and improvement from match to match, Nigerians expected us to defeat the Koreans.
“But as I said earlier, it wasn’t the wish of God. He did his wish and we were eliminated by the Koreans,” he added.
NAN
Sports
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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