FEELING HOMESICK AFTER 25 DAYS IN RUSSIA

After 25 days in Russia, crisscrossing one city to the other covering the 2018 FIFA World Cup, most Nigerian sports journalists remaining in the host country have become homesick, waiting for the Mundial to end on Sunday.

Apart from communication problems that most faced at the beginning of the tournament and braved to get the job going, some have become tired of the routine food from eateries. Those who can no longer live on the ‘leaves and half cooked’ meals have taken to life of just fries and buggers. One fellow from the south of the Niger is almost on ‘hunger strike’. He has started his own count down to Sunday when curtain will fall on Russia 2018. Pray he does not fall ill before then as he is going lean everyday.

SMART NIGERIANS SEEKING EASY STAY IN PUTIN’S COUNTRY

Despite the fact that all African teams fell in the first round hurdles, some of the fans that came here for the tournament are still very much around. Some smart ones exploited the relaxed atmosphere to cross borders into some of the countries around Russia. Several others with no intentions to go back home have been making moves to hook Russian babes with the prospects of getting papers to stay. A Nigerian who has been resident in Moscow told THISDAY that Russia is not like any other European city where asylum is easy. “For you to get papers here, it takes more than getting hooked to a Russian girl here. Asylum is even more difficult as it is very rare for the authorities to grant someone coming from Africa. It may take years and even then, only the President has the power to grant that.” Given the scenario painted by this Nigerian who schooled here and has been living in the Russian capital city for more than 20 years, it remains to be seen how these our brothers will survive here.

THIERRY HENRY’S DILEMMA

At yesterday’s pre-match conference preceding today’s first semi final of the 2018 World Cup here between France and Belgium here at the St Petersburg Stadium, a funny scenario played out.

Remember the legendary Arsenal’s Thierry Henry? Yeah, the former Gunner is an assistant coach to Roberto Martinez. Henry who was part of Les Blues squad that won the 1998 World Cup at home was in the Belgian side as Eden Hazard and his teammates trained briefly at the main-bowl of the stadium, plotting how to beat France to the ticket to the final this evening. Was Henry feeling awkward? Not at all, as a professional, he kept a straight face doing his job unmindful of whether his national team was the opponent. He truly exhibited professionalism. Not one of the journalists that witnessed the scenario was disappointed with Henry. One burly Dutch reporter muttered to this reporter that he was going to pay special attention on the former Gunner to see his reaction if eventually Belgium beats France this evening. Whether Henry will celebrate Belgum’s victory is another matter entirely as a professional.