Sports
Nigeria to Benefit from $1.5bn FIFA Relief
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria alongside 210 other countries will benefit from $1.5 billion grants and loans that have been made available by the Federation of the International Football Association (FIFA) Relief Plan to support countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The football governing body noted that the fund, which will be given through a system of combined grants and loans under strict compliance requirements, is meant for the football community including men’s and women’s professional, youth and grassroots football.
This means each member association will benefit from $1 million grant to protect and restart football, and an additional $500,000 specifically for women’s football during the third phase.
Under the terms of the COVID-19 Relief Plan, $1.5 billion is being made available to support all 211 FIFA member associations and the six confederations to assist in the alleviation of the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plan was originally drawn up by the FIFA administration in close cooperation with the confederations and subsequently approved by the FIFA Council on June 25, 2020.
The body also noted that the interest-free loans of up to $5 million were available to member associations.
The requirement for the grants establishes strict compliance and audit requirements, as well as clear loan repayment conditions, under the supervision of a steering committee. This means beneficiaries will have to account for how the money is expended.
Speaking on this, the FIFA President, Mr Gianni Infantino, noted, “This relief plan is a great example of football’s solidarity and commitment in such unprecedented times.
“I would like to thank my colleagues of the Bureau of the Council for approving the decision to move forward with such an important initiative for the benefit of all member associations and confederations.”
In the first phase of the plan, the maximum amount of FIFA Forward operational‑cost entitlements to member associations was released.
For the second phase, member associations have now been given the ability to transform remaining FIFA Forward development project grants into COVID-19 operational relief funds – with a minimum of 50 per cent of released funds to be allocated to women’s football.
Following on from today’s approval by the Bureau of the Council, FIFA will implement the third phase of the plan which completes the total amount of $1.5 billion being made available to the worldwide football community.
The final phase will comprise a universal solidarity grant of $1 million to all FIFA member associations, and an additional grant of $500,000 is being allocated specifically to women’s football. In addition, a grant of $2 million is being made available to each confederation. The full amount will be made available by January 2021.
In terms of loans, all FIFA member associations will be able to apply for interest-free loans amounting to up to 35 per cent of their audited annual revenues. In the interest of solidarity, a minimum loan entitlement of $500,000 and a maximum loan entitlement of $5 million will be available. In addition, each confederation will have access to a loan of up to $4 million.
With these, FIFA believes that member associations will be able to use the funds for activities such as the restart of competitions, the implementation of return-to-play protocols, the participation of national teams in competitions, the hiring and re-hiring of staff, the maintenance of football infrastructure, and general administration and operating costs.
It added that in coming months, it will closely work with its member associations and with the confederations to assist them in the implementation of the plan through educational content and additional guidelines.
The race for knockout spots in Europe’s elite football competitions reaches the crunch phase this week, with matchday seven action in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.
The stakes are high with some of the big names in danger of elimination. From Tuesday to Thursday, GOtv will broadcast live action of some of the big matches. Here are the key matches you can access on GOtv:
Benfica vs Barcelona: The Catalans go to Portugal knowing a win will seal their qualification spot. But the job won’t be easy. Benfica have all to play for in this tie. With 10 points from their first 6 matches, only a win can keep them in a favourable position for the playoff spot. Watch this intriguing tie live on GOtv channel 65 at 9 pm tonight.
Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Leverkusen: This heavy-weight clash will be live on GOtv channel 64, tonight at 9 pm. Leverkusen are 4th in the table while Atletico are 11th, just a point behind their visitors. The coveted top eighth finish will be at stake in this clash, as all big teams try to avoid the two extra matches that come with finishing below 8th position.
Real Madrid vs Salzburg: The most successful team in UEFA Champions League history, Real Madrid, are in danger of crashing out in the group stage. Los Blancos sit 20th in the log and must win their remaining two matches, starting with this tie. Catch the action live on GOtv channel 64, at 9 pm on Wednesday.
Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb: With 5 teams tied on 13 points, the Gunners, though third in the table, know this is a perfect opportunity to solidify their claim to one of the top 8 slots. On the other hand, Dinamo Zagreb currently occupy the last playoff spot in the table, and thus have everything to play for. With Arsenal in unstable form, this could be a banana pill for them. This match will be live on GOtv channel 65, at 9 pm on Wednesday.
AC Millan vs Girona: With 7 UEFA Champions League titles, AC Milan are the second most successful team in the competition. The Rosonerri are just a point outside the top 8, and a win against Girona will surely put them in the top 8 and a chance to steal a rounf-of-16 slot. Watch the action unfold live from San Siro at 9pm on Wednesday on GOtv channel 62.
Manchester United vs Rangers: This British derby will be the key match of matchday 7 in the Europa League. Manchester United are 7th, one point ahead of Rangers in 8th. The need to avoid the two extra playoff matches will make this feisty encounter which will broadcast on GOtv at 9 pm on Thursday.
Customers can take advantage of the Step-Up offer to enjoy more football action across the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Champions League, and Europa League.
GOtv subscribers on the Jolli package who upgrade to Max will be upgraded to the Supa package, while those upgrading to Supa will enjoy access to the Supa Plus package within 48 hours. The offer runs till March 31. Simply dial *288# to renew or upgrade your subscription.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria made history after it beat New Zealand in one of the biggest ever upsets in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia on Monday morning.
The Nigerian team, known as Young Female Yellow greens, defeated New Zealand by 2 runs in the World Cup. It is their first win against a non-African team in a major ICC tournament.
The Group C clash was played at the Sarawak Cricket Ground in Sarawak and was reduced to 13 overs per side encounter due to wet outfield.
Nigerian captain, Lucky Piety, and Lillian Udeh reached double-digits for Nigeria, scoring 18 and 19 runs, respectively.
Nigeria could only hit four fours and a six in their innings and at the halfway mark, creating opportunity for New Zealand to easily chase the target down.
The New Zealand U19 bowlers were able to restrict Nigeria to just 65 runs.
The intensity then saw both countries lose their openers with just seven runs on the board in 2.1 overs.
The New Zealand middle-order batters trio of Eve Wolland, Anika Todd and skipper Tash Wakelin lost their wickets at the wrong time.
Nigeria’s Udeh did really well in the final over to restrict the opposition conceding only three runs with the bat.
New Zealand could only score 63 runs in their 13 overs for the loss of six wickets and fell short eventually by two runs.
As soon as Captain Wakelin got run out on the last ball of the innings, Nigeria players began celebrating in ecstasy as they created history, knocking over one of the big full-member teams at the international level.
Nigeria skipper won the player of the match award for her all-round show scoring 18 runs and picking up one wicket for just eight runs in three overs.
Watch the highlights here.
The WWE Universe is in for an electrifying night this Friday as SmackDown returns to California. With high-stakes matches, dramatic returns, and the inaugural defense of the new WWE Women’s Champion, fans can expect a blockbuster evening of action. Catch all the drama live from San Diego, California, on WWE Network, GOtv Channel 68 at 1 am on Saturday.
Here’s a preview of what’s in store:
Motor City Machine Guns vs. Los Garzas: The Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, will clash with Angel and Humberto of Los Garzas in a high-octane tag team match.
Last week, Los Garzas triumphed over Pretty Deadly, while the Motor City Machine Guns took down A-Town Down Under. The stakes are high as these two powerhouse teams battle for the chance to become the next contenders for the Tag Team Championship, currently held by DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano.
WWE Women’s Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton vs. Bayley: Bayley, the self-proclaimed “Role Model,” earned her shot at the WWE Women’s Championship last week in a grueling Fatal Four-Way match. Now, she faces her toughest challenge yet against the newly crowned champion, Tiffany Stratton.
Stratton seized her opportunity two weeks ago, cashing in her Money in the Bank contract to become the WWE Women’s Champion. Determined to keep “Tiffy Time” alive, she’s ready to prove she belongs at the top.
But Bayley, a Grand Slam Champion, brings over a decade of experience to this matchup. Will Stratton defend her title successfully, or will Bayley reclaim the championship she once held?
The Return of Solo Sikoa: Solo Sikoa returns to SmackDown after falling short in his quest to dethrone Roman Reigns as the Tribal Chief. Despite giving everything in their brutal showdown, Sikoa was left without the coveted Ula Fala.
With Reigns now focused on the Undisputed WWE Championship and an entry into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble Match, the question remains: what’s next for Sikoa? Fans won’t have to wait long for answers, as the self-proclaimed former Tribal Chief will address the WWE Universe live this Friday.
Other WWE Superstars confirmed for this Episode of SmackDown: “Undisputed WWE Champion” Cody Rhodes, Nia Jax, United States Champion” Shinsuke Nakamura, La Knight, Women’s Tag Team Champions” – Bianca Belair & Naomi Prizefighter” Kevin Owens, The Enforcer” Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Apollo Crews, among others are expected to make an appearance on the night.
Stay connected to your GOtv to enjoy Smackdown and other WWE action live by downloading the MyGOtv app or dial *288# to reconnect/upgrade your package.
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