Sports

St Petersburg Prepares to Hold UEFA Euro 2020 Matches

Published

5 years ago

31/05/2021

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.

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Aston Villa vs Arsenal Lead a Packed Football Weekend Live on SuperSport

Published

6 hours ago

05/12/2025

Business Post Contributor

Club football continues with major clashes across Europe’s top leagues, headlined by Arsenal’s trip to red-hot Aston Villa, and a strong slate of fixtures in La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. All matches will be live on SuperSport across DStv and GOtv.

Premier League: Villa Test Arsenal’s Mettle, City Push the Pace

On Saturday at 1:30 p.m., Aston Villa host league leaders, Arsenal. Villa have surged into third with four straight wins, including a dramatic 4–3 result against Brighton. Arsenal remain five points clear after a composed 2–0 win over Brentford.

At 4:00 p.m., Man City welcome Sunderland to the Etihad. City edged Fulham 5–4 in a wild contest and sit second, one point ahead of Chelsea. Sunderland arrive with just one win in their last five.

At the same time Tottenham face Brentford. Spurs remain winless in six and have slid to 11th, while Brentford, coming off a 2–0 loss to Arsenal, continue to battle inconsistency. This match airs live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205).

Leeds United meet Liverpool at 6:30 p.m. after ending their losing run with a morale-boosting victory over Chelsea. Liverpool, held 1–1 by Sunderland, need rhythm and stability after several poor results.

On Sunday at 5:30 p.m., Fulham host Crystal Palace. Fulham showed impressive fight despite losing 5–4 to Man City, while Palace remain solid in fifth with three wins in their last six.

The round wraps up on Monday at 9:00 p.m. as Wolves face Man United. United have managed one win in five, while Wolves stay bottom with twelve losses in fourteen.

La Liga: Barca Protect Lead, Madrid Stay Close

On Saturday at 2:00 p.m., Villarreal face Getafe. Villarreal are third after five straight wins and sit four points behind Real Madrid with a game in hand. Getafe have won three of their last five and remain difficult opponents.

At 6:30 p.m., Barcelona travel to Real Betis. Barça sit top after extending their winning run to five matches, while fifth-place Betis aim to close the seven-point gap to the Champions League spots.

At 9:00 p.m., Athletic Club host Atlético Madrid. Both sides suffered defeats to La Liga’s top two in midweek. Atlético have won eight of their last ten but remain fourth behind Villarreal, while Athletic have struggled with only two wins in seven.

On Sunday at 9:00 p.m., Real Madrid face Celta Vigo. Madrid ended a three-game winless spell in La Liga with a strong victory over Athletic Club and look to reclaim top spot. Celta have picked up form with three wins in their last five.

Serie A: Napoli vs Juventus Takes Centre Stage

On Saturday at 6:00 p.m., Inter take on Como. Inter, sitting third, continue to chase the top after beating Pisa, while Fabregas’ surprise package Como remain fifth with only one defeat this season.

On Sunday at 3:00 p.m., Cagliari host Roma. Roma, currently fourth, look to recover from their narrow home loss to Napoli. Cagliari remain desperate for points after a close defeat to Juventus.

At 8:45 p.m., Napoli meet Juventus in the weekend’s marquee Serie A fixture. Second-placed Napoli go into the game confident after beating Roma, while seventh-place Juventus aim to climb the table after defeating Cagliari.

The round concludes Monday at 8:45 p.m. as Torino host AC Milan. Milan remain league leaders and seek another steady result to hold off Napoli and Inter.

Ligue 1: Marseille Chase the Top Two, PSG Seek a Response

Action begins Friday at 9:00 p.m. as Lille face Marseille, live on SS Africa 1 (GOtv Ch. 63, DStv Ch. 207). Lille arrive after edging Le Havre, while third-place Marseille aim to rebound from a 2–2 draw with Toulouse.

On Saturday at 9:05 p.m., PSG host Rennes. The champions look to recover quickly from a 1–0 loss to Monaco, while fifth-place Rennes continue their strong form and push for European qualification.

On Sunday at 8:45 p.m., Lorient welcome Lyon. Lyon, fresh from a convincing 3–0 win over Nantes, look to break into the European conversation. Lorient, boosted by a 3–1 victory over Nice, will aim to make their home advantage count.

Weekend Highlights

Premier League

Aston Villa vs Arsenal — Sat, 1:30 p.m.
Man City vs Sunderland — Sat, 4:00 p.m.
Tottenham vs Brentford — Sat, 4:00 p.m. (SS Football)
Leeds United vs Liverpool — Sat, 6:30 p.m.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace — Sun, 5:30 p.m.
Wolves vs Man United — Mon, 9:00 p.m.

La Liga

Villarreal vs Getafe — Sat, 2:00 p.m.
Real Betis vs Barcelona — Sat, 6:30 p.m.
Athletic Club vs Atlético Madrid — Sat, 9:00 p.m.
Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo — Sun, 9:00 p.m.

Serie A

Inter vs Como — Sat, 6:00 p.m.
Cagliari vs Roma — Sun, 3:00 p.m.
Napoli vs Juventus — Sun, 8:45 p.m.
Torino vs AC Milan — Mon, 8:45 p.m.

Ligue 1

Lille vs Marseille — Fri, 9:00 p.m. (SS Africa 1)
PSG vs Rennes — Sat, 9:05 p.m.
Lorient vs Lyon — Sun, 8:45 p.m.

Where to Watch

All Premier League action airs on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).La Liga matches are live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62). Serie A games are on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64). Ligue 1 fixtures air on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61) and SS Africa 1 for selected matches. Stream every match live on DStv Stream or GOtv Stream.

Sports

Most Popular Games at Pin Up Casino Nigeria

Published

11 hours ago

05/12/2025

Dipo Olowookere

Online casino entertainment in Nigeria revolves around three core segments: slot games, live casino rooms and traditional table games. Each category appeals to different types of players, from beginners learning how to play casino games to experienced users who prefer strategic formats. As mobile casino Nigeria platforms and Android apps expand accessibility, many reviews discussing popular games reference resources such as Pin Up casino when analysing which titles Nigerian players explore most actively. More users also pay attention to modern slots and live dealer formats that combine convenience with engaging gameplay.

Slot games as a leading category in Nigeria

Pin Up slots remain the most widely played casino games online due to their simplicity, fast pace and large selection of themes. They suit both newcomers and experienced players, making them an accessible entry point for anyone exploring the online casino environment.

Why Nigerian players choose slot games

Slot entertainments offer straightforward mechanics that make learning how to play casino games easy for beginners. Key reasons for slot popularity:

Simple rules and easy-to-understand mechanics
Compatibility with Android and mobile casino platforms
Wide range of themes, features and visual styles
Fast-paced gameplay suitable for short sessions

These features allow players to enjoy slot entertainments without needing complex strategies or advanced knowledge.

Types of slot games popular in Nigeria

Nigerian players explore a wide mix of slot categories, each offering a different style of gameplay. Understanding these slot types helps players choose a format that matches their gameplay expectations and entertainment preferences.

Common slot types enjoyed by Nigerian players

Classic fruit slots — simple three-reel games with familiar fruit symbols, BAR icons and sevens
Video slots — modern five-reel games with animations, storylines and bonus features
Adventure and themed slots — titles inspired by mythology, treasure hunting, history or fantasy worlds
Crash games like Aviator — fast-paced multipliers where players cash out before the line drops
Megaways slots — games with changing numbers of winning ways on every spin
High-volatility slots — suitable for players who prefer infrequent but potentially larger wins

These categories offer something for every player, whether they enjoy simple three-reel mechanics or complex bonus features.

Growing interest in live casino experiences

Live formats attract players who want a more immersive and realistic environment. These Pin Up casino games combine the comfort of online play with the atmosphere of a land-based casino, allowing users to interact with real dealers and follow the action in real time.

Types of live casino games

Live casino rooms permit players to play online casino sessions with full transparency, realistic pacing and opportunities for communication. These sessions recreate the casino feeling while maintaining online convenience.

Most played live formats

Live Roulette
Live Blackjack
Live Baccarat
Game-show inspired titles

These entertainments appeal to players who enjoy authentic interaction and visual transparency. Platforms widely discussed in the Nigerian gaming community — including Pin Up — offer structured live sections where each table has clearly defined rules and gameplay formats.

Table games appealing to strategic players

Traditional table games remain popular among Nigerian players who prefer strategy-based formats. These entertainments combine elements of chance with decision-making, offering more control and deeper engagement.

Common table game selections

Players who enjoy analysing situations and applying basic strategies often choose table games. Such formats allow users to test tactics, track outcomes and develop a more structured approach to play casino sessions.

Key trends shaping Nigeria’s casino gaming landscape

In 2025, Nigerian online casino preferences remain focused on slot games, live dealer formats and traditional table entertainments. Users interested in play online casino Nigeria titles increasingly choose mobile and Android-friendly platforms where these categories are easily accessible. Discussions within the gaming community often mention Pin Up as a platform offering a wide range of options, though the core choice for players always depends on personal interests, gameplay style and responsible decision-making. Exploring different formats helps users understand the strengths of each category and enjoy an engaging and balanced online casino experience.

Sports

SuperSport to Broadcast Midweek Football Action in the Premier League and La Liga

Published

3 days ago

02/12/2025

Business Post Contributor

Midweek football returns with crucial fixtures across the Premier League and La Liga, as title contenders look to maintain momentum and struggling sides fight to steady their campaigns. Fans can watch all the action live on SuperSport, exclusively on DStv and GOtv.

Premier League: Key Battles Across the Table

On Tuesday, Fulham host Man City at 8:30 p.m. City edged Leeds 3–2 at the weekend, with Phil Foden scoring twice to keep them five points behind leaders Arsenal. They now face a revitalised Fulham side who have won back-to-back matches, including a gritty 2–1 victory away at Tottenham, and are steadily pulling clear of the relegation zone. The match will air live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203)

Also at 9:15 p.m., Newcastle welcome Tottenham to St James’ Park. Spurs remain winless in their last seven games across all competitions and have dropped to fifth after their 2–1 home defeat to Fulham. Newcastle, meanwhile, arrive with renewed confidence after a commanding 4–1 win at Everton and continue to be one of the league’s toughest home sides. The match will air live on SS Action (GOtv Ch. 66, DStv Ch. 206)

On Wednesday, league leaders Arsenal return at 8:30 p.m. when they face Brentford at the Emirates. Arsenal were held to a 1–1 draw by Chelsea but remain firmly in control at the top. Brentford, who beat Burnley 3–1 last time out, continue to show strong form at home but have struggled to replicate those performances on the road. Watch live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203)

At 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Leeds United take on Chelsea at Elland Road live on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61). Chelsea battled to a 1–1 draw against Arsenal despite going a man down, and a win here could push them into second place depending on other results. Leeds, however, have lost four straight and sit in the relegation zone, needing a turnaround to avoid deeper trouble.

Also at 9:15 p.m., Liverpool face Sunderland at Anfield. Liverpool stopped their run of defeats with a controlled 2–0 win away at West Ham and now aim to re-establish rhythm against a Sunderland side sitting near the top of the table. Sunderland edged Bournemouth 3–2 in their last outing, ending a three-game winless stretch. The match will be live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204)

On Thursday, Man United host West Ham at 9:00 p.m., airing live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). United came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2–1 at Selhurst Park, recording their first victory in four matches. West Ham, meanwhile, remain close to the relegation zone after a 2–0 loss to Liverpool and need a stabilising result.

La Liga: Top Contenders Face Crucial Tests

On Tuesday, Barcelona face Atlético Madrid at 9:00 p.m. Barcelona’s 3–1 win over Alavés moved them top of the table, but they now confront an Atlético side in exceptional form. Atlético have won six straight league matches and remain unbeaten in more than ten across all competitions, making them one of the most dangerous teams in Spain at the moment.

On Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., Athletic Club host Real Madrid at San Mamés. Real Madrid have drawn their last three league matches, including a 1–1 result against Girona, a run that has cost them top spot. Athletic, meanwhile, arrive after a confident 2–0 win away at Levante and continue to show strong defensive discipline. With Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal and Atlético all tightly packed at the top, every point now carries significant weight. Both games air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).

Midweek Highlights

Premier League

Fulham vs Man City — Tue, 8:30 p.m.
Newcastle vs Tottenham — Tue, 9:15 p.m.
Arsenal vs Brentford — Wed, 8:30 p.m.
Leeds United vs Chelsea — Wed, 9:15 p.m.
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Wed, 9:15 p.m.
Man United vs West Ham — Thu, 9:00 p.m.

La Liga

Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid — Tue, 9:00 p.m.
Athletic Club vs Real Madrid — Wed, 7:00 p.m.

Catch Every Game

Stream every match live on select SuperSport channels or on the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, or visit www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.