FIFA.com - News

African six eye Azerbaijan prize

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:59:00 GMT

There were no surprises as Africa’s first round of qualifying for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012 came to a conclusion on Sunday, with six sides now left to fight it out for the three finals slots.

Crespo leads Indian league auction

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:49:00 GMT

Hernan Crespo will be heading the the new Indian Premier League Soccer auction tonight, ahead of the likes of FIFA World Cup™-winner Fabio Cannavaro and former Arsenal star Robert Pires.

January activity continues apace

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:44:00 GMT

With the transfer deadline fast approaching, FIFA.com rounds up this week's action in the global market, which has seen plenty of business on British shores.

QPR complete Onuoha signing

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:40:00 GMT

Nedum Onuoha has joined QPR from Manchester City on a four-and-a-half-year deal, the London-based club announced on Thursday.

Predictor enters second-half

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:01:00 GMT

Our FIFA Match Predictor prizes include a trip to Brazil 2014™, customized football jerseys and adidas Tango 12 footballs!

Ibrahim signs Celtic contract

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:33:00 GMT

Neil Lennon has made his second addition to the Celtic squad this January, signing midfielder Rabiu Ibrahim to a three-and-a-half year deal subject to a successful work permit application.

Players to watch in 2012

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:40:00 GMT

From Thiago Alcantara through Ross Barkley to Julian Draxler, FIFA.com casts an eye over some of football's most exciting emerging talents, for whom 2012 promises to be a landmark year.

Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire seek end to drought

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:41:00 GMT

With the CAF African Cup of Nations set to kick off on 21 January, both Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire have been pegged as hot favourites to win the title in the absence of such heavyweights as Egypt and South Africa.

Angola held by Nigeria in Cup warm-up

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:33:00 GMT

Angola were held to a 0-0 draw against a second-string Nigeria side in s 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations warm-up today.

Anichebe gem sees Everton beat West Brom

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 16:41:00 GMT

A fine late goal from substitute Victor Anichebe earned Everton a 1-0 win away to West Bromwich Albion in a game of few opportunities.

Yakubu double helps Rovers stun United

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:47:00 GMT

A Yakubu double and a Grant Hanley winner eanred Blackburn Rovers a stunning 3-2 win away to Manchester United that moved them off the foot of the Premier League.

Blatter saddened by Barau passing

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:42:00 GMT

Following the passing of Nigerian international referee Awalu Barau, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter sent a letter to the Nigeria Football Federation to express his sadness at the news.

Curtain falls on glittering careers

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:35:00 GMT

As the year comes to an end, FIFA.com casts an eye over the famous footballing talents who have finally called time on their careers, including the likes of Ronaldo, Patrick Vieira and Fabio Cannavaro.

A glimpse behind the scenes

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:23:00 GMT

The year is slowly but surely drawing to a close, and the biggest tournaments are a fading memory, so now is the perfect time to review 2011 in pictures.

Unlikely Gabon lead trio to London

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:28:00 GMT

Surprise packages Gabon won the CAF U-23 Championship over the weekend to join Morocco and Egypt as African qualifiers for next year's Men’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Yakubu eyes Nigeria recall, Keshi issues hope

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:45:00 GMT

Yakubu Aiyegbeni has set his sights on helping Blackburn Rovers remain in the Premier League and on an international recall under new Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi, who has lifted the 29-year-old’s hopes.

A star returns to school, Russia win again

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 07:49:00 GMT

After the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011, the development of the game has moved at incredible pace and over the last two months Russia claimed yet another crown, while an El Salvador star has hit the books.

Akide: African women destined for new heights

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:29:00 GMT

Nigerian great Mercy Akide, speaking at the recent FIFA/CAF conference on the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011, says Africa’s rapid development in the women’s game will see the continent feature in the last four at Canada 2015.

African rivals reach for London tickets

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 01:28:00 GMT

Qualifying for the London 2012 men’s tournament reaches the final stage in Africa this weekend as eight teams meet in Morocco seeking to maintain their Olympic dreams.

Asamoah joy, Uche brothers lift Nigeria

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:58:00 GMT

Derek Asamoah made his recall to the Ghana squad count, scoring the winner in a 2-1 friendly win over Gabon, while Kalu Uche and brother Ikechukwu secured a 2-0 win for Nigeria over Zambia.

Botswana bravely hold Nigeria

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:19:00 GMT

Former Nigeria captain Stephen Keshi was denied victory in his first game as coach of the national team as Botswana held firm to earn a 0-0 draw in their friendly in Benin City.

Nigeria part ways with Siasia

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:56:00 GMT

Nigeria sacked coach Samson Siasia on Friday after he failed to qualify the Super Eagles for next year's CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Closing the gap

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:49:00 GMT

The official technical report into this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup™ highlights a number of marked improvements in the women’s game and suggests that the competitive gap has become narrower than ever.

Ramzy: Egypt are among the favourites

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:22:00 GMT

Legendary Egypt centre-back Hany Ramzy spoke with FIFA.com about coaching his country's U-23 side, their preparations for the final round of African qualifiers for London 2012, and their opponents in Group B.

More Nigerian heartache looms as Stars set to fall

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 07:15:00 GMT

More heartbreak is on the horizon for Nigerian football this weekend as Sunshine Stars face elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup with Tunisia's Club Africain holding a 1-0 away advantage.

Beach soccer rolls on after Ravenna 2011

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:49:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the latest news in the world of beach soccer, with events largely dominated by September's FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Ravenna/Italy 2011.

Women's duo make history in Africa

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 06:35:00 GMT

Cameroon dramatically beat continental queens Nigeria on penalties at the weekend to join fellow debutants South Africa in qualifying for London 2012.

Cameroon stun Nigeria for London berth

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 23:47:00 GMT

Cameroon stunned Nigeria in their London 2012 qualifying tie, defeating the Super Falcons 4-3 on penalties and condemning the African champions to their first Olympic absence since 2000.

Maghreb pair set up African final clash

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 02:43:00 GMT

Tunisia’s Esperance and Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca had the better of their last four pairings to set up a North African derby for the final of Africa’s biggest club competition.

Wydad set up North African final

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 20:05:00 GMT

Wydad Casablanca snuck through to the CAF Champions League final after they held on for a 0-0 second-leg result at Enyimba to go on to face Esperance courtesy of a 1-0 aggregate scoreline.

West Brom see off Wolves

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 14:26:00 GMT

Chris Brunt and Peter Odemwingie scored in either half as West Bromwich Albion won their derby with Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 and climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone.

African last four on a knife-edge

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:47:00 GMT

Four teams desperate to lift the continent’s biggest club trophy have opportunities to reach the final this weekend as the second leg of the CAF Champions League semi-finals play out with a narrow margin in each.

Enyimba goal machine Kalu promises more

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 05:25:00 GMT

Uche Kalu has emerged as the key attacking figure for Nigeria’s Enyimba in their quest for CAF Champions League glory, and the 25-year-old knows the pressure is on to produce in the must-win semi-final second leg this weekend.

Shots, sensations and smashed records

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:55:00 GMT

New records in Greece, Uruguay and the Netherlands feature alongside impressive qualifying showings from the likes of Japan, Spain, Venezuela and Niger in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

Expectations thrown in African whirlwind

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:26:00 GMT

Nigeria and South Africa will join Egypt and Cameroon on the outside of the continental championship as they both stumbled at home, while the likes of Niger and Libya confirmed unlikely spots in the finals.

Eight qualify but big boys are denied

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 19:59:00 GMT

A dramatic day of 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action ended with elimination for Nigeria and South Africa, while Angola, Ghana and Tunisia were among those who ensured themselves a place at the tournament.

Late Guinea goal sinks Nigeria hopes

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 17:05:00 GMT

A goal deep into stoppage time for Guinea proved the final nail in the coffin that was Nigeria's failed CAF African Nations Cup qualification campaign, as the two sides drew 2-2 today to see the visitors top Group B.

All to play for on Africa’s final weekend

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:42:00 GMT

Qualifying for the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations concludes this weekend with big guns Nigeria and South Africa needing to make up ground to reach the finals, and a host of outsiders aiming to make a bit of history.

North Africans take lead in last four

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 02:38:00 GMT

Tunisia’s Esperance seized command of their CAF Champions League semi-final tie with a 1-0 away win at Al Hilal, while Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca found a last-minute goal to beat Enyimba by the same score.

Esperance take step towards final

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 20:47:00 GMT

Esperance scored a vital away goal as they sealed a 1-0 victory over Al-Hilal in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final, while Wydad Casablanca saw off Enyimba by the same scoreline.

Wydad snatch late win

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 22:31:00 GMT

Wydad Casablanca secured a 1-0 win over Enyimba in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final with Pascal Angan nodding home from an 89th-minute free-kick.

Women’s round-up: September 2011

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:58:00 GMT

Trophies in England and Korea Republic, goalscoring glory for Abby Wambach and qualification for London 2012 all feature in FIFA.com’s latest women’s football review.

Away tests for African favourites

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:15:00 GMT

The semi-finals of the CAF Champions League commence this weekend with Esperance and Enyimba seeking to maintain their good continental form on the road.

Last four clubs set in Africa

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 02:55:00 GMT

Six-time champions Al Ahly were eliminated after a nerve-shattering home draw with Esperance, while Al Hilal and Wydad Casablanca edged into the semi-finals despite failing to win.

Moghreb, Sunshine reach semi-finals

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 19:39:00 GMT

Moghreb Fes and Sunshine Stars both booked their place in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals after respective wins in Group B over Darig Club and JS Kabylie.

Titans set for Cairo clash

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:29:00 GMT

With three of the four semi-final spots still up for grabs, there are sure to be fireworks this weekend in the CAF Champions League, nowhere more so than in Egypt, where Al Ahly must beat in-form Esperance.

Nigerian clubs target cup semis

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 07:44:00 GMT

Kaduna United and Sunshine Stars of Nigeria are among five clubs chasing three CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals places in this weekend's penultimate round with only Angola's InterClube already assured of progression.

Tactical revolution unseats Brazil

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMT

More evenly contested than some of its predecessors, the sixth FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup proved an engrossing event, ending with the tactically astute Russians deposing mighty Brazil.

Enyimba qualify, Esperance edge closer

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 01:44:00 GMT

One of Africa’s Champions League semi-final spots has now been filled after Nigeria's representatives secured progression with an impressive 4-0 victory at the weekend.

Personal triumph for Russian pair

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 19:54:00 GMT

Russia swept to glory at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011, and picked up two prestigious individual honours too. FIFA.com reviews the end-of-tournament accolades.