As the 2022 World Cup begins on Sunday, with the host country, Qatar slugging it out with Ecuador, a Nigerian Sports Analyst, Mitchel Obi, said it is too early to predict a winner; however, a new champion may emerge....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
He also ruled out the likelihood of France and England emerging as the winner.
He said this year’s event would turn around the history of football because the host country has invested a lot in the game.
“The World Cup has changed everything, and this should be the most expensive tournament. $220billion for a show that will last for a month”, Obi said.
He hoped that African teams should reach at least the semi-finals.
He disclosed that this year’s competition is an open game; however, as the game progresses, it will become more precise.
He regretted that Senegal would play without its key striker, Sadio Mane.
“Any pundit who tells you about the winner at this stage may not be sincere. He may just be looking at stats. You have to SEE at least two or three games of this competition to size up every team; the first round should show a good picture of how ready teams are.
“Look at the Spanish team; it is a young team; The English team, when was the last time they felt the joy of winning? Without Karim Bezenma, coming as defending champion, France, I wonder whether the hunger is there to go all out to the final; Germany and Brazil are perpetual favourites. Some people say it’s Brazil’s time.
Belgium has also pretended over time, showing that they have the team, but do they carry the courage to go all out?
“In this competition we will see a new champion, ” he said.
Qatar vs Ecuador is currently ongoing, with the latter leading by two goals, netted by Enner Valencia in the 16th and 30th minutes of play.
Thirty-two countries are expected to battle for the World Cup trophy.
