Sports
2010 W/Cup: Is It Time For African Glory?
With Pele’s prediction that an African team would win the FIFA World Cup™ by the end of the last century having proved wide off the mark, Africans are desperate for the continent’ first finals to witness a meaningful achievement. Many see a semi-final place for one of the African contenders at South Africa 2010 as an absolute must, especially with the backing of a football-mad people that are sure to support their home side first and any other African nation second.
Considering that Cameroon at Italy 1990 and Senegal at Korea/Japan 2002 are the only African sides to reach the quarter-finals of the world’s showpiece football event and that no FIFA World Cup has ever had more than one African side in the knockout rounds, it seems a tall order. And while there is no doubt that the continent has continued to produce some of the world’s best players, the inconsistency of its national teams has left many scratching their heads.
However, typical of Africa, optimism somehow triumphs in the face of any odds, and many legendary figures, past and present, have gone on the record predicting success. For current players, the idea of lifting the spirits of the continent’s people to the level of ecstasy is the ultimate. “My team-mates and I want to make history and want to change the way the world sees African football. I hope that we’ll be the team that is going to go to the Final and win the competition,” said injury-worry Didier Drogba, who may miss the tournament with a broken arm, but who captains what many consider to be the most talent-laden side on the continent.
Ghana legend Abedi Pele has also been in bullish form, hinting that there is a good chance for ultimate glory in the Final on 11 July. He is, however, also careful to insist that, at such a difficult event, in which the draw was not particularly kind to the African hopefuls, performance may matter more ultimately than advancement.
“It’s going to be a very tough tournament for the African teams,” Pele, who has two sons – Andre and Rahim Ayew – on the current Ghana team, admitted.”They have tough groups and it’s not going to be easy for them to get out. There is a theory that says this is the best time for an African team to win the tournament – maybe that is true. We will have to wait and see, but whatever happens, I think our teams will do us proud.”
Pele no doubt has in his mind the success of his home country at the end of last year in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, when they broke through to become the first African winner of the competition. Many of those impressive youngsters have worked their way into the Black Stars side and shown at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year in Angola.
Another team on the up are South Africa, who have not lost in 12 matches, and are hitting peak form at just the right time under veteran boss Carlos Alberto Parreira. And the hosts of the FIFA World Cup typically get a huge boost from their home crowd, which will surely be the case for Bafana Bafana. South African great Lucas Radebe sees potential for the hosts to reach the semi-finals, but he also stressed that how far the African teams advance is not the ultimate measure of success.
“This World Cup is not only about football, it’s about Africa reinventing itself,” said the former Leeds defender. “Of course we want success on the field, but at the same time, we would like to see this event a success off the field. We want the world to trust Africa, we want everyone to know that we are capable of organising these events. After July 12, everyone should be proud of being an African.”
For the first time, Africa has six teams at the finals, and two of the continent’s sleeping giants will be there desperate to make an impact. This will be Cameroon’s sixth FIFA World Cup, but the Samuel Eto’o-led side have failed to make a significant impact since 1990. Nigeria are playing in their fourth finals, but they have also disappointed since reaching the second round at both USA 1994 and France 1998. However, some shaky friendly results and an injury to central midfield lynchpin John Obi Mikel has hurt the Super Eagles, while the Lions of Cameroon have also been inconsistent in their warm-up matches.
Algeria are considered the biggest outsiders of the bunch, but the Desert Foxes proved themselves wily and cool customers in qualifying and at the last CAF Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished fourth. For all of the African teams, the difficulty of the groups are such that none can be considered favourites to advance, but the potential would seem to be there for almost all of them to find form and embark on a creditable run.
“We are in a different and better position than previous tournaments, and I think we are better prepared,” Kalusha Bwalya said recently. “We have the confidence and experience, and I believe our teams now believe they can achieve success at this level.”
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Saturday declared open the 2026 Port Harcourt Amateur Open Golf Championship during which he renewed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth development and the wellbeing of Rivers people.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Barr. Sunny Ewule, at the ceremonial Tee -off to kickstart the tournament, said the event holding in Port Harcourt, is a clear indication that Rivers State is safe, peaceful and open for sports, tourism and business.
“This championship bringing over two hundred and fifty golfers from across Nigeria to Port Harcourt is a testament to the fact that Rivers State is safe, peaceful and open for sports, tourism and business. You have demonstrated that sports is a powerful tool for social cohesion and for projecting the positive nature of our State,” he said.
The Rivers State Government, the Governor stated, identifies with the championship and will continue to support initiatives that promote youth development and the wellbeing of the people.
Governor Fubara described golf as more than a sport, emphasising that it teaches patience, discipline, focus and integrity. According to him, these values were in line with his administration’s commitment to peace, unity and healthy living for all the people of Rivers State.
He commended the Local Organizing Committee for their hard work in putting the event together. He also commended the Port Harcourt Club Golf Section for sustaining the historic Club since 1928, while wishing all golfers participating in the championship an injury-free and worthy tournament.
The President of the Port Harcourt Club, Barr. Victor Omubo Frank-Briggs, expressed appreciation to the Governor honouring their invitation, noting that with the government’s presence the golfers have been energised and inspired to do their best in the championship
MFM, First Bank eye AWBL finals in Liberia (5)
Nigerian clubs MFM Basketball Club and First Bank Basketball Club will battle for places in the African Women’s Basketball League finals when they compete in the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers in Monrovia, Liberia, from November 2 to 9.
The six-team competition will take place at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Indoor Gymnasium in Paynesville, with the top two teams earning qualification for the continental finals in Cairo, Egypt, scheduled for December 11 to 19.
MFM and First Bank will be seeking to carry their domestic form into the qualifiers after meeting in the final of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League, where MFM claimed a narrow 66-64 victory.
The result underlined the close rivalry between the Nigerian sides, who will now look to establish themselves against opponents from across the region and secure their places in Cairo.
Defending FIBA Africa Zone 3 champions Friends of Basketball Association of Côte d’Ivoire will also compete, alongside Benin Republic’s Energie Basketball Club of Cotonou.
Hosts Liberia will be represented by Flames Basketball Club, the domestic league runners-up, and reigning national champions D’Rockers Basketball Club.
The Nigerian clubs secured their places in the qualifiers after FIBA Africa and the Liberia Basketball Association extended the registration deadline and adjusted the competition schedule following the late conclusion of their domestic league campaign. The intervention was facilitated by FIBA Africa Zone 3 President, Colonel Sam Ahmedu (retd.).
Preparations for the tournament are also gathering momentum, with Flames president and Liberia Basketball Association Secretary-General Calvin Diggs saying the organisers are working to deliver a successful competition.
FIBA Africa Zone 3 Secretary Joe Apu also expressed confidence in Liberia’s readiness, citing the experience of the country’s basketball community in hosting international events.
With six teams competing for just two qualification places, MFM and First Bank will face a demanding test as they seek to progress to the continental finals in Egypt.
Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is expected to spend at least two months on the sidelines with a hip injury, ruling him out of AC Milan’s upcoming fixtures, including the derby against Inter Milan.
According to Italian sources, the 27-year-old has consulted a specialist over a problem with his left hip and commenced treatment with injections.
Chukwueze will undergo another assessment in 10 to 15 days, but he is not expected to return before the end of the year, dealing a blow to Nigeria and Milan’s options on the right flank.
The Nigerian reportedly experienced discomfort in his hip after Milan’s Serie A fixture against Atalanta and missed training ahead of last Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash with Bournemouth, which the Italian side lost 3-0.
Chukwueze has made eight appearances across all competitions this season, providing two assists since returning to Milan following a loan spell at Premier League club Fulham.
His absence adds to Milan’s injury concerns, with defender Matteo Gabbia and winger Alexis Saelemaekers also sidelined by long-term injuries.
The Rossoneri are reportedly considering recalling Zachary Athekame from his loan spell at Lyon to provide additional cover during Chukwueze’s recovery.
Milan, who remain unbeaten in Serie A this season, face Udinese on Sunday before taking on Inter in the derby on October 31.
There is better news for the Italian side regarding striker Gonçalo Ramos, who has returned to full training after missing the Bournemouth defeat with fatigue in his left calf.
A scan revealed no muscle damage, making the Portuguese forward available for Sunday’s trip to Udinese.
Three Nigerians, David Samuel, Patrick Ocheme and Raphael Uchegbu, will fight for titles at the PFL Africa finals after the Professional Fighters League confirmed PFL Rwanda for December 12 at the BK Arena in Kigali.
The promotion announced on October 23 that the event will crown three African champions in the welterweight (170 lbs), lightweight (155 lbs) and bantamweight (135 lbs) divisions.
In the main event, the undefeated Samuel, who has a record of 7-0, will meet Angola’s Shido “Machine” Boris Esperança, who is 13-2, in the welterweight final.
Esperança reached the final with a first-round finish in his semi-final, while Samuel went the distance to keep his perfect record.
“My Nigerian roots opened the door for me to compete in PFL Africa, and reaching the final is a special source of pride for me,” Samuel said. “On December 12, I will step into the cage not just as a finalist, but as a man determined to finish what he started and become a champion.”
Esperança said, “I believe that I can be that champion that the promotion deserves because I have been crafting myself for that.”
Ocheme, whose record stands at 10-1, headlines the co-main event against Senegal’s Demba “Black Tiger” Seck, who is 11-3, in the lightweight final. Ocheme booked his place with a devastating first-round body kick in his semi-final.
“This means a lot to me because finishing fights is what I do best; I am a knockout artist by nature,” Ocheme said. “I trust my preparation, my fight IQ and my ability to get the job done, God willing, in the first or second round.”
Seck responded, “Patrick is a tough opponent, and I always knew our paths could cross in the final. I respect his skills, but I truly believe I am the most complete, technical, strongest, and the most experienced fighter in this division.”
In the bantamweight final, Uchegbu, a former FCC champion with a record of 11-2, faces Liberia’s Dwight Joseph, who is 17-3 and won his semi-final by split decision.
“Winning in the final will change my life, and I look forward to bringing the belt back to the motherland and showing the next generation of African fighters what is possible,” Uchegbu said.
Joseph said, “Coming up short last year motivated me to push even harder this time around. I am getting my hand raised, leaving with that belt, and taking it back to Liberia.”
PFL Rwanda will be shown across Africa on SuperSport for English-speaking viewers and Canal+ for French-speaking audiences. It will also be available on free-to-air television via SportyTV.
PFL Africa General Manager, Elias Schulze, said, “Kigali will take centre stage as we crown Africa’s next champions in front of a global audience. Together with our Rwandan partners, we are giving African talent a world stage, and the next generation something to fight for.”
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