Sports
2021 Tokyo Olympics to Gulp $15.9bn
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Tokyo Olympics, which was initially scheduled to hold this year but was postponed to 2021 because of coronavirus, will cost at least 1.64 trillion yen ($15.9 billion).
The amount was unveiled at a final budget conference on Tuesday, with the organisers saying that the amount was increased due to the pandemic induced measures.
The extra costs, up 294 billion yen ($2.8 billion) from figures released a year ago, come as officials work to build enthusiasm as some participants are already losing interest because of COVID-19.
According to reports, a poll last week showed that majority of Japanese oppose holding the Tokyo Games next year, favouring a further delay or outright cancellation of the massive event, and the latest budget could make the Tokyo Games the most expensive Summer Olympics in history.
Organisers, who have ruled out another delay and insist the games can be held next year, defended the increased costs.
Speaking on this, the Chief Executive Officer of Tokyo 2020, Mr Toshiro Muto, stated that, “Whether you see this budget as expensive or not depends on how you look at it.
“You can look at it from a cost perspective or an investment perspective. If you look at it purely in terms of cost, it doesn’t make sense. But if you look at it as a positive investment, I think there are areas where it can be identified as such.”
Organisers have tried to scale back elements of the games in a bid to save money, putting in place measures like scrapping athlete welcome ceremonies among others.
But these savings — along with an expected 76 billion yen ($735 million) in extra revenue from sponsors and insurance payments — have been outweighed by extra costs.
It was noted that these came from rebooking venues and transport to retaining the huge organising committee staff.
Organisers increased the service budget of the games to 731 billion yen ($7.1 billion), with extra money allotted for the opening and closing ceremonies, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has agreed to cover the costs of moving the marathon and race-walking to northern Sapporo to beat Tokyo’s summer heat.
A 96 billion yen ($929 million) budget will cover virus countermeasures, including the creation of an infection control centre in the Olympic Village — part of a blueprint announced earlier this month along with plans to regularly test athletes and ban cheering in venues.
The Tokyo Games could become the most expensive Summer Olympics ever after the 2012 London Games, which is the most costly to date, with a $14.96 billion price tag, the most expensive of the games was $21.89 billion, which was spent on the Sochi Winter Games in 2014.
Speaking further, Mr Muto said, “We are trying to hold a global event during a pandemic, and if we are able to do that, it would mean that we can co-exist with COVID-19.
“We would be able to provide a model for living with the virus, and I think in that sense this event can be a meaningful one.”
Tokyo’s governor, Ms Yuriko Koike told AFP last week she can see no circumstances under which the games will be cancelled, despite rising infections in Japan.
Since the inception of different football websites, staying updated with every single happening of the game has become much easier and quicker for football fans. There are a number of websites that will help you to get live scorecards, match statistics, league tables as well as upcoming fixtures just in a single click. However, the problem is that usually a single website offers a single feature only.
You will hardly find a website that offers all these features in a single place. Isn’t it? Well, then there is a surprise for you because today we are going to talk about one such site that offers everything related to the soccer world in a single plate. Read the article further and find out the details.
Name of the site
Without beating around the bush, we will come directly to the point and tell you the name of the site. Well, it is https://papa-score.com/. The site is quite new on the market. Despite this fact, it has managed to garner a huge fan following and become a favorite of masses of football fans. The reason for the fact that it has emerged to be one of the most loved football sites is that it offers almost every feature related to the soccer world. Plus, it is incredibly lightweight and makes sure to offer live updates in real time.
What makes Papascore the best
You might be thinking that there would be hundreds of other sites as well that offer all these features then what is unique about papascore.com that makes it the best in this category? Right? Well, let us tell you there are not one or two but many things that make this site different from its competitors and the best in the eyes of the users. Let us tell you about them in detail.
- Authenticity
Of course, there would be tons of websites that offer you different football features together in a single place but what makes Papascore the best is its authenticity and reliability. The biggest problem with sports sites is that the scorecards, statistics, and the latest news regarding the game are hardly reliable. However, you don’t need to worry about this thing with papascore.com because this site gets updated every 2 seconds and makes sure to offer only genuine data.
- User-friendliness
Another thing you would have noticed with other football sites is that they have a complex user interface because such types of sites have to maintain huge amounts of data. Given this fact, they usually fail to have an easy and clean user interface. This is where Papascore puts itself differently and bags the tag of being the best because it has an incredible user interface and the design of the site is user-friendly.
- Lightweight
Above everything, the best thing about Papascore is that it is extremely lightweight. Despite the fact that the site is multipurpose and offers many features related to the soccer world, it is incredibly lightweight and can be accessed through any device even through mobile. You would be surprised to know that the loading time of the site is just a couple of seconds.
Features of the site
Before we conclude the article, let us tell you the incredible features of https://papa-score.com/ briefly. Though there are a number of notable features of this site, we will talk about the prominent ones.
- It offers you the live scorecard of football matches regardless of your location. Means, the site does not have geographical restrictions.
- You can get football matches from any country on this site. It is not limited just to only the most popular countries.
- It covers the matches from almost every international tournament. Given the fact, you can get all football matches on this site.
- Other than live scorecards, it also offers a detailed analysis and brief overview of football matches.
- You will get all the latest news related to the soccer world on this site without any hassle. All you need to do is to visit the news section.
FAQs
Is Papascore reliable?
Don’t worry about the reliability factor of the site because it has already impressed thousands of football fans with its reliability and authenticity. You are sure to get only authentic news and live updates of football matches on the website.
Is this site safe to browse?
Of course, it is. This site is not like those game sites that contain malicious content. Instead, it is completely safe and malware-free. So, don’t worry about the safety factor.
Conclusion
When you can get the live scorecards, match analysis, overview of the matches, league tables, upcoming fixtures, and latest news of the football world all together in a single place, why do you need to visit different sites for that? Right? So, just get your hands on it.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Indonesia has been stripped of the hosting rights of the 2023 Under-20 soccer World Cup, FIFA said on Wednesday in a statement.
The decision to stop Indonesia from the tournament scheduled to hold from May 20 to June 11 was taken after the country’s football federation said it had cancelled the draw because the governor of the largely Hindu island of Bali refused to host Israel’s team.
Protesters, who consisted of the country’s predominantly Muslim population, marched in the capital Jakarta this month, waving Indonesian and Palestinian flags and demanding that Israel was not allowed to participate in the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
“FIFA has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023,” the statement said.
The statement seen by Business Post also said, “FIFA would like to underline that despite this decision, it remains committed to actively assisting the PSSI, in close cooperation and with the support of the government of President Widodo, in the transformation process of Indonesian football following the tragedy that occurred in October 2022.
“Members of the FIFA team will continue to be present in Indonesia in the coming months and will provide the required assistance to the PSSI, under the leadership of President Thohir.
“A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged. Potential sanctions against the PSSI may also be decided at a later stage.
“The decision had been taken following a meeting between its President Gianni Infantino and PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir.
“Indonesia is a FIFA member, so for any international soccer matters, we have to abide by the rules.”
A new meeting between the FIFA President and the PSSI President for further discussions will be scheduled shortly, it was further revealed.
Indonesia was looking to participate in the tournament for the first time in 44 years after automatically qualifying for the Under-20 World Cup. They have not played in the tournament since 1979.
Highest-Paid footballer from Nigeria
The phrase “Naija no dey carry last” has been evident in football recently as there has been an influx of Nigerian footballers playing abroad. Football is the most popular sport in Nigeria with millions of fans supporting their clubs abroad. Nigeria has always been a home of incredible football talents and with more amazing young footballers showing in recent years, the weekly wages of Nigerian footballers has been on a rise.
The huge wages being paid to Nigerian footballers isn’t a surprise as the impact of the players is evident in those teams. Aside from the high wages they earn, Naija footballers are being traded for a huge amount of money. In the summer of 2020, Victor Oshimen became the most expensive African footballer of all time as he joined Napoli from Lille for about $80 million-plus add-on. Hardly any top European league without a Nigerian footballer performing at a high level and earning huge wages. A good sign for the Super Eagles as the national squad is now full of top talents.
We have decided to go on an adventure to reveal the highest-paid footballers from Nigeria, who are also featured in the best football predictions bettors will find on Takebet Nigeria. We have searched all leagues where Nigerian players compete, from European leagues such as English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, Bundesliga to other top leagues.
Let’s dig into the list of the highest-paid footballers from Nigeria.
Odion Ighalo – Striker, Al-Hilal – $170,000 (last know)
Odion Ighalo is one of the most popular Nigerian players. The striker became the first Nigerian international to play for Manchester United after he joined the club on loan from the Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in January 2020. Odion Ighalo scored five goals in 23 appearances before returning to Shanghai Shenhua at the end of his loan.
The Nigerian international joined Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab from the Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua in 2021. Ighalo scored 10 league goals in 19 appearances for Shanghai Shenhua. Odion made his debut in 2005 and moved to Europe in 2008 where he joined Udinese. The Nigerian international joined Watford during the 2014-15 and scored 36 league goals in 90 appearances for the club.
Odion Ighalo represented the Super Eagles during the 2018 World Cup. The Nigerian international holds the record for the most goals scored during a single Africa Cup of Nations with seven goals in 2019.
Ighalo earned $170,000 per week in Al Shabab. Odion Ighalo joins Al-Hilal, another Saudi football club, after the AFCON 2021. His salary in the new club is currently unknown, but the striker is sure to keep his #1 spot.
Victor Osimhen – Striker, Napoli – $110,000
Victor Osimhen is currently one of the best strikers in Europe. The Nigerian international has been amazing for Napoli this season after a slow start to life in the Italian Club. Victor Osimhen became the most expensive Africa striker in history after he joined Napoli from Lille for a fee of about $80 million in the winter transfer of 2020.
The Napoli striker has scored 19 goals in 45 appearances for the Italian side. Osimhen had an incredible rise to glory as he wasn’t able to join either Zulte Waregem or Club Brugge in his early days due to Malaria. Victor was in Nigeria’s under-17 team that won the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The Nigerian international won the Golden Boot in the tournament with 10 goals. He also won the Silver Ball award during the tournament.
Osimhen missed out on the 2018 World Cup squad. He made his debut for the national team in 2017. The Nigerian international made the squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and has been brilliant since then. He has scored 10 goals in 18 appearances for the national team.
Victor currently plays in Napoli and he earns $110,000 per week.
Wilfred Ndidi – Midfielder, Leicester City – $100,000
Wilfred Ndidi is currently one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. The Nigerian international has been incredible since he joined Leicester City from Genk in the winter transfer of 2017 for $20m. Ndidi has scored 10 goals in 196 appearances since he joined the club.
The Nigerian international won the most tackles in the Premier League (138) during the 2017-18 season. He also won the most tackles in the league in the following season of 2018-19. Wilfred Ndidi was an important player of the squad that won the 2020-21 FA Cup as they defeated Chelsea by a goal to nil.
Ndidi represented Nigeria during the 2016 Summer Olympics. He made the squad for the 2018 World Cup as they were knocked out in the group stage. Ndidi also represented the Super Eagles in the 2019 and 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. He has 47 caps for the Nigerian national team.
Wilfred Ndidi currently plays for Leicester City and earns $100,000 per week.
Kelechi Iheanacho – Striker, Leicester City – $80,000
Seniorman Kelz as he is widely regarded came into the limelight after an impressive outing during the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The Nigerian international won the Golden Ball award as the Super Eagles won the tournament. Iheanacho scored six goals during the competition as he won the Silver Boot.
Kelechi Iheanacho joined Manchester City in 2015. Iheanacho scored 21 goals in 64 appearances for Manchester City as he won the English Football League Cup. The Nigerian international joined Leicester City for a fee of about $30 million in the summer of 2017. Iheanacho was brilliant during the 2020-21 season as he scored 12 goals in the Premier League, overperforming his expected goals of 8.20.
Iheanacho represented Nigeria during the 2018 World Cup. The Leicester City striker also represented the Super Eagles during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Iheanacho has scored 12 goals in 42 appearances for the national team.
Kelechi Iheanacho currently plays for Leicester City and earns $80,000.
Alex Iwobi – Midfielder, Everton – $68,000
Alex Iwobi started his club career with Arsenal as he joined the youth team in 2004. The Nigerian international made his senior debut in 2015 for Arsenal against Sheffield Wednesday.
Iwobi scored 15 goals in 149 appearances for Arsenal as he spent four seasons with the senior team. The Nigerian international joined Everton from Arsenal for a fee of about $45 million in the summer of 2019. Iwobi won the FA Cup and two Community Shields with the Gunners. The Nigerian international has scored six goals in 80 appearances for Everton.
Alex made his international debut for Nigeria in 2015 although he started as a youth international for England. The Everton player has scored nine goals in 53 appearances for the Super Eagles. Iwobi scored the winning goal against Zambia to secure a spot for the Super Eagles in the 2018 World Cup. He was featured in the 2018 World Cup as Nigeria was knocked out in the group stage.
Iwobi played for the Super Eagles in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The Nigerian international was sent off in the Round of 16 of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations as the Super Eagles suffered a 0-1 defeat to Tunisia.
Alex Iwobi currently plays for Everton and earns $68,000.
Victor Moses – Midfielder, Spartak Moscow – $56,000
Victor Moses was a popular player amongst Nigerian fans after he played a huge role in Chelsea’s Premier League triumph during the 2016-17 season. The Nigerian international started his club career in Crystal Palace before joining Wigan in 2010. Chelsea signed Moses in the summer of 2022 from Wigan. Moses went on loan to Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham United before returning for the 2016-17 season.
The Nigerian international was converted to a right wing-back under Antonio Conte as Chelsea won the league. Moses was later loaned out to different teams such as Fenerbache, Inter Millan and Spartak Moscow. The latter club signed the player on a permanent basis in July 2021. Victor Moses scored 18 goals in 128 appearances while playing for Chelsea. He won the Premier League, FA Cup and two UEFA Europa League titles with the Blues.
Victor Moses scored 12 goals in 37 appearances for the Nigeria national team. The Spartak Moscow player was an important player in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations triumph. Moses featured for the Super Eagles in the 2014 World Cup and the 2018 World Cup where he scored a goal in the 1-2 defeat to Argentina.
Victor Moses currently plays for Spartak Moscow and earns $56,000.
Moses Simon – Winger, Nantes – $40,000
Moses Simon was Nigeria’s best player during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. The Nigerian international started his senior club career with AS Trencin in 2014 where he scored 17 goals in 39 appearances before joining Gent in 2015. Moses scored 21 goals in 136 appearances with Gent as he spent four seasons at the club before joining Levante. The Nigerian international won the Belgian Pro League and Belgian Super Cup while in Gent.
Moses joined Levante on loan for the 2019-20 season with an option to buy. The deal was made permanent the following season as he signed a four-year deal. Moses has scored 17 goals in 85 appearances for Nantes.
Simon made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2015 against Uganda. He has scored six goals in 45 appearances for the national team. Simon represented Nigeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Highest paid Nigerian footballer FAQ
Who is the highest-paid footballer in Nigeria?
Odion Ighalo is the highest-paid Nigerian footballer. Ighalo joined Al Shabab from Shanghai Shenhua in January 2020 where he was being paid $402,000. The Nigerian international was the first player to play for Manchester United after he took a pay cut and received $200,000 to join the club on loan.
The Nigerian international was paid $170,000 in Al Shabab, and he is thought to stay in the same salary range in his new Saudi club, Al-Hilal, which he joins after the AFCON 2021.
Who is the richest Nigerian football player overall?
John Obi Mikel is the richest Nigerian footballer with a net worth of about $57 million. The Nigerian international is one of the greatest footballers in the country’s history. Mike Obi made his fortunes while playing for Chelsea in the Premier League. He spent 11 seasons at Chelsea where he scored six goals in 372 appearances for the club. Mikel won two Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Europa League, three FA Cup, one English Football League Cup and one FA Community Shield during his time at Chelsea.
Mikel Obi is currently a free agent after his contract with Kuwait SC was terminated just four months after joining the club.
Who is the most expensive footballer from Nigeria?
Victor Osimhen is the most expensive Nigerian footballer. Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille for a fee of about $80m in 2020 after scoring 18 goals in 38 appearances for the French club. The Nigerian international has scored 19 goals in 45 appearances for Napoli. Osimhen is being paid $110,000 per week in Napoli.
