Nigerian broadcasting icon, Dr. Nasir Danladi Bako has praised the Nigeria Football Federation for settling for former international and ex-Enyimba FC strategist Finidi George as Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

The Kogunan Sakwatto, 66, who created a plethora of famous TV programmes including Morning Ride, Mastersports and Second Chance, among others, and served as Special Adviser to a number of Sports Ministers many years ago, insisted the NFF leadership struck a bull’s eye with the appointment of the two-time FIFA World Cup star, stating that George oozes class and character, and an iron determination to succeed despite his public carapace of a quiet person.

“Finidi George has that cultured, disciplined mien and personality that makes you want to trust him with a big project. He understands the meaning of constituted authority and right from his playing days, has always displayed the attribute of a team player. He has always had that calm, collected nature even in the face of pressure or danger.

“Above all, he is not someone who thinks he is doing the nation a favour. He is grateful for the opportunity and I believe that he has all it takes to succeed. I am calling on the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, the NFF and Nigerians as a whole to support him to take the Super Eagles to brand-new heights.”

Bako, who holds a doctorate degree in development communication from the Ahmadu Bello University and was Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission between 1999 and 2002, says all hands must now be on deck to ensure victories in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic on 7 June and 11 June respectively.

“No doubt, the NFF got this one appointment right. Very much on point. Now, they should endeavour to give George all the support he needs to succeed in his task of qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, are back in the country following their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying match against Burkina Faso’s U17 girls in Bamako, Mali on Saturday that ended in a 1-1 draw.

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere said on arrival in Abuja on Tuesday that the support of Nigerians based in Bamako helped put the Flamingos in the spirit during the first leg, and the tactician is calling on Nigerians based in Abuja and environs to storm the MKO Abiola National Stadium this Saturday to support the girls as they aim to stroll past the Burkinabes into the final round of the race.

“We appreciate the support of Nigerians for the Flamingos over the years, but we are calling specially for their support this weekend when we take on the Burkina Faso girls in the return leg of our qualifying fixture. The Flamingos will be ready to do the nation proud by winning to reach the last round of the qualification series.

“I have the players to do the job. All we are asking for is support from the stands. Our objective is to not only win the ticket, but to go to the World Cup and surpass our last outing of third-place finish in India in 2022.”

Chidi Harmony scored for Nigeria in the 55^th minute but poor communication in the defence led to Burkina Faso equalizing with six minutes left through Rainata Oubda.

Victory over the Burkinabes will set the Flamingos up for the final qualifying fixture, against the winner of the Senegal/Liberia fixture. The Senegalese lead 3-1 going into the second leg in Monrovia this weekend.

Germany will be hoping for sporting success as host of the 2024 Euros soccer championship kicking off in a month’s time, but it will also be looking for a consumption boost from all the fans guzzling beer and staying in hotels and rented rooms.

Europe’s largest economy is expected to grow around 0.3% this year, slower than other large industrialised countries. The following is an overview of how the tournament could give it a welcome boost.

WHO CAN HOPE FOR BETTER BUSINESS?

There are 2.7 million tickets available for the four-week event from June 14 to July 14. The hosting venues Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Dortmund, Duesseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Leipzig and Stuttgart can expect a rush of domestic and foreign guests.

“People are more active when it comes to travelling, for example going to major events and concerts by international stars,” said Norbert Kunz, Managing Director of the German Tourism Association (DTV).

“It could well be that 2024 will be a new record year for tourism in Germany – also thanks to the many enthusiastic football fans who want to experience this event live.”

Breweries can also expect a boost.

“Large football events in the past have shown that more beer is drunk during the tournament than is normal in the summer weeks,” said Holger Eichele of the German Brewers Association. During the 2006 World Cup, which Germany also hosted, beer sales rose around 5% before and during the tournament.

That would be especially welcome as 2023 was a difficult year for the beer industry, with sales in the country falling by 4.5% to 8.4 billion litres, continuing a long-term downtrend, according to government data.

WILL THE TOURNAMENT CREATE A CONSUMPTION BOOM?

“The experience of the World Cup in 2006 shows that major sporting events are not economic fireworks,” said Michael Groemling of the German Economic Institute (IW).

Many consumers are likely to use the tournament as an opportunity to buy a new television or drink an extra beer.

“But they save money elsewhere: bratwurst instead of a restaurant, a TV evening instead of going to the cinema,” said Groemling. “As a result, consumer spending is not necessarily increasing but rather shifting.”

Commerzbank economists say the economy could stagnate in the second quarter – which includes the first half of the tournament – after growing by 0.2% from January to March.

WHO ELSE COULD BENEFIT?

Retail sales could receive a consumption boost if the home team does well on the pitch, said a spokesperson for the industry association HDE.

“Only if the German national team survives the first phase of the tournament can consumer sentiment also benefit,” the spokesperson said. Grocery stores tend to do well during major sporting events as fans stock up on drinks and food while watching together.

The booking portal AirBnB (ABNB.O), opens new tab expects the Euros to provide an additional tailwind for the rental of holiday apartments.

The advertising space marketer Stroeer (SAXG.DE), opens new tab also expects a boost, as well as sporting goods manufacturer Adidas. World market leader Nike (NKE.N), opens new tab has nine teams under contract at the European Championships, Adidas (ADSGn.DE), opens new tab six and Puma (PUMG.DE), opens new tab four.

WHAT ABOUT GERMANY’S IMAGE?

“A major sporting event can brighten the mood and improve the image of the host country,” said the IW’s Groemling, speaking about its allure at a time when foreign direct investment into the country has fallen.

“At the same time, the economy is shaped by expectations and moods – the emotional return from the EM should not be underestimated.”

-Reuters