Sports
St Petersburg Prepares to Hold UEFA Euro 2020 Matches
By Kester Kenn Klomegah
Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city, has prepared all the necessary infrastructure and facilities for hosting UEFA Euro 2020 matches this June and through July, according to information emerging from the office of City Governor Alexander Beglov.
The organizers assured that they would try to do everything to make the tournament as safe as possible. For those who have purchased tickets for football matches, it is enough to obtain a Fan ID. But before entering Russian territory, they will need to pass a coronavirus test. Fans who come to Russia for the European Championship will be able to stay in the country until July 12.
In addition to maintaining all the required security measures during the tournament, the City Administration also assured that the matches would be organized with strict adherence to safety measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus. These measures worked out by the steering committee within the requirements set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
“As far as general security is concerned, our law enforcement services work very well. They will have a command centre directly at the stadium,” Alexander Beglov told local Russian media in late May. “Training is underway, and we have the understanding of what to do and how it should be done. We have the experience of hosting various tournaments.”
In and around St. Petersburg, the venue for the matches, the playing fields have been prepared. “We have the main arena, and we have prepared three more venues – the Petrovsky and Turbostroitel stadiums, and the facility in Zelenogorsk, where teams will train. There will be fan zones on Konyushennaya Square and Palace Square. Besides, another fan zone will be set up near the Yubileyny (Sports Palace),” he said,” adding that, “All the necessary infrastructure is ready.”
In March last year, UEFA announced a decision to postpone the 2020 UEFA Euro Cup for exactly one year as a preventive measure against the ongoing global spread of the novel coronavirus.
St. Petersburg was among the 12 cities initially proposed in Europe to host the European championship’s matches. It was granted the right to host three group stage matches and one of the quarterfinals of the UEFA Euro Cup. This was after Dublin (Ireland) and Bilbao (Spain) pulled out from the organization of the European football games citing anti-COVID-19 measures.
Overall, Russia’s second-largest city is scheduled to host the following matches: Belgium vs Russia (June 12), Poland vs Slovakia (June 14), Finland vs Russia (June 16), Sweden vs Slovakia (June 18), Finland vs Belgium (June 21), Sweden vs Poland (June 23) and a quarterfinal on July 2.
According to RIA Novosti report, the Head of the Government of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Mishustin, said that foreign fans would not need Russian visas to attend the European Football Championship in St. Petersburg and that corresponding order was already signed. In addition, UEFA official representatives, staff involved in the preparation and holding of the tournament, athletes and volunteers will get entry documents under the simplified procedure.
In order to attract fans as it was during the FIFA matches, Russia’s diplomatic missions abroad have started informing potential fans of the procedure for entering the Russian Federation during the Championships, specifically, how to obtain personal spectator cards or FAN IDs.
Russia’s diplomatic missions abroad have received FAN ID samples and related pamphlets for fans. FAN IDs allow their holders to enter the Russian Federation multiple times visa-free from May 29, through July 2, and to exit from the Russian Federation multiple times. The visa is provided exclusively free of charge, that is without any payment of fees, from May 29 through July 12, 2021.
The Foreign Ministry has instructed Russia’s diplomatic missions abroad to issue high-priority visas to media representatives, participants in sporting events and certain other categories of foreign citizens planning to take part in the Championships.
During the weekly media briefing, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova discussed the situation about electronic visas to Russia. “It began with the FIFA World Cup. When football lovers, tourists and fans came to Russia despite spooky stories about Russia in Western media, they were shocked by the difference between what they had read and what they actually saw. They saw that our country is truly interesting, wonderful and spectacular,” she said at the briefing.
She, however, recalled how many people wanted to stay here longer and extended their visas and how many wanted to return. It was at that time that discussions began on the need to take relevant efforts to attract sports fans and change the negative social attitudes and image among foreigners.
The World Cup has left an indelible impression on the memory of many foreign fans who arrived in the country from all over the world. “I think the point here is not about our response to something, but about the desire to show what we really are, our country and give people an opportunity to decide for themselves,” explained Zakharova.
Significant to recall here that at the end of the last FIFA World Cup, President Vladimir Putin said: “We prepared responsibly for this major event and did our best so that fans could immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a magnificent football festival and, of course, enjoy their stay in Russia – open, hospitable, friendly Russia – and find new friends, new like-minded people.”
FIFA World Cup also ran in summer, from June 14 to July 15, in ten (10) different cities in Russia. The foreign fans who received Fan IDs and purchased tickets for the matches went to Russia without visas. After the World Cup, President Putin declared that the Fan ID holders would have the right to visit repeatedly visa-free until the end of that year.
UEFA Euro Cup is set in 11 cities, namely in London (England), Munich (Germany), Rome (Italy), Baku (Azerbaijan), Saint Petersburg (Russia), Bucharest (Romania), Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Budapest (Hungary), Glasgow (Scotland), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Seville (Spain). The European Championship 2020, for the first time, played in different countries. The tournament includes 12 cities in honour of the anniversary of the competition. The European Championship in 2020 marked 60 years.
The Super Bowl is far more than a football game. Each year, it becomes a global cultural moment, where sport, music, and social conversation collide. Super Bowl LX promises to be no exception. While fans anticipate the on-field clash between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, much of the world’s attention has shifted to the halftime stage airing on both ESPN and ESPN2 (DStv Channel 219), where three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny will make history.
The Puerto Rican superstar, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is set to become the first non-English-speaking artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. His selection has sparked debate in the United States, particularly amid ongoing anti-ICE protests, but it also signals a broader recognition of his cultural impact. Known for pushing artistic boundaries and amplifying underrepresented voices, Bad Bunny brings a rare combination of commercial appeal and social consciousness to the NFL’s biggest stage.
The timing of his performance carries added weight. Just a week before the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny made history at the 2026 Grammy Awards, winning Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos). He used his acceptance speech to address immigration and human dignity, declaring: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say, ICE out,” and calling on audiences to respond to hate with love. That statement has heightened expectations that his halftime show will blend spectacle with message, marking a performance that is about identity as much as entertainment.
As anticipation builds, questions linger over how Bad Bunny will translate this cultural moment on the field. Will the show lean entirely into his chart-topping hits, or will it echo the themes of unity and resistance he spoke of at the Grammys? Either way, the performance is already being framed as a defining cultural moment of 2026, with viewers worldwide eager to witness history in the making.
For audiences in Nigeria, Super Bowl LX and Bad Bunny’s historic halftime performance will air live on both ESPN and ESPN2 (DStv Channel 219) on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 12:30 am WAT. Be sure to also take advantage of the ongoing We Got You offer, where you pay for your current package and DStv upgrades you to the next higher package at no extra cost. This offer runs till February 28, 2026.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
One of the leading financial services groups in Africa, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, is championing great experiences and heritage by being the main sponsor of NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament.
The competition is one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious sporting events and for this year’s edition, it will bring together top local and international polo teams and spectators from across the continent and beyond.
The contest commenced on Tuesday, January 27 at the Lagos Polo Club in Ikoyi and will end on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
The 2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament will feature top‑tier teams competing for major prizes, including the Majekodunmi Cup, Independence Cup, Open Cup, Silver Cup and Low Cup, among others.
Guests can expect a fusion of thrilling equestrian action, polo-inspired lifestyle showcase, and curated hospitality experiences. The event will also be livestreamed, allowing audiences online to share in the excitement and spectacle.
Commenting on GTCO’s role as main sponsor of the Lagos International Polo Tournament, the chief executive of the firm, Mr Segun Agbaje, said, “This tournament, one of the oldest in Africa, celebrates not only the noble sport of polo but the values we hold dear as a brand: teamwork, discipline, fair play, and a commitment to excellence.
“Beyond the field, it showcases Nigeria and Africa to a global audience, reinforcing the continent’s place on the world stage. Our longstanding sponsorship of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament reflects our conviction that sport can amplify opportunity, foster connections, and deliver world-class experiences for all.”
The NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament has long been celebrated not only for its thrilling competition and equestrian excellence but also for its rich heritage and cultural resonance within Africa’s sporting tradition. GTCO’s sponsorship embodies the Group’s commitment to creating platforms that unite communities and drive social impact across diverse audiences.
If you’re looking for a fun, reliable, and exciting online betting experience in Nigeria, you’re in the right place. PariPesa Nigeria brings together casino entertainment, sports betting, and modern gaming options designed just for you. Let’s break it all down.
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The filters on the left let you pick based on provider, feature, theme, and game types. If there is a title you particularly like, you can also favorite it! There are two separate categories of casino entertainment that depend on your individual casino activity. Recent games are all the ones you have tried, and the favorites section, as you can guess, lists the ones you starred.
Take a look at the main categories of games available.
Slots
Slots are the most popular casino games. They’re beginner-friendly, simple to follow, and you can try them for free in demo mode! At PariPesa Nigeria, you’ll find classic, video, and jackpot slots. Some have Nigerian-themed designs, bright colors, and sound effects that bring the experience close to home.
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Are you a blackjack fan or do you prefer to watch the wheel spin in roulette? Either way, PariPesa Nigeria has a large selection of table games for you to choose from. You will find multiple variations of these titles, along with tables with varying betting ranges. Poker has by far the largest number of variants.
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PariPesa is synonymous with a complete gaming experience in Nigeria. From casino games and betting to eSports and virtual sports, everything is covered. The navigation is simple, reliable, and let’s be honest, entertaining! So, join PariPesa Nigeria today and enjoy top choices made for people like you!
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