#RUSSIA2018: All you need to know, plus Super Eagles’ schedule

After a long wait, the 2018 FIFA World Cup finally kicks off today (Thursday, June 14) in Russia. And here are all the vital information that should keep the average Nigerian fan abreast:

Overview

It’s the 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup, and will run from June 14 to July 15.

The opening ceremony of the biggest sporting event in the world starts at about 3:30p.m (Nigerian time) with the opening match billed to kick off 30 mins later – 4:00p.m.

There are 32 teams competing in the tournament and spread over 8 groups of 4 teams each.

A total of 64 matches will be played, in 12 stadiums across 11 cities in Russia.

The opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia will take place at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

The same venue ( Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow) will also host the final that takes place on July 15.

Germany, who defeated Argentina in the 2014 final, are the defending champions – with lots of records to break.

Teams taking part (African nations highlighted)

Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay
Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran
Group C: France, Australia, Peru, Denmark
Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria
Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, China
Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea
Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England
Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan

The two top teams from each group will advance to the round of 16, while the bottom two will go home.

The Super Eagles

The Nigerian team are making their sixth appearance at the World Cup. They have never gone past the round-of-16 stage and are hoping to go beyond this time.

They will kick off their campaign against Croatia, before facing Iceland and Argentina in matchday 2 and 3 respectively.

Franco-German coach Gernot Rohr is the manager of the team; while China-based John Mikel Obi is the captain.

The full squad

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi.

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Abdullahi Shehu, Tyronne Ebuehi, Elderson Echiejile, Brian Idowu, Chidozie Awaziem, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo.

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu, Joel Obi.

Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Moses, Odion Ighalo, Alex Iwobi, Simeon Nwankwo.

Match schedule

Matchday 1: Croatia vs Nigeria
Venue: Kaliningrad (Kaliningrad Stadium)
Date & Time: Saturday, June 16 by 8:00p.m (Nigerian time)

Matchday 2: Nigeria vs Iceland
Venue: Volgograd (Volgograd Arena)
Date & Time: Friday, June 22 at 4:00pm (Nigerian time)

Matchday 3: Nigeria vs Argentina
Venue: St Petersburg (St Petersburg Stadium)
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 26 at 7:00p.m (Nigerian time)

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