•As Moscow expands walkways for World Cup
By Prince Osuagwu, in Moscow

The Super Eagles may have found a good reason to go far in the Russia 2018 World Cup as Russians have vowed to back the team all the way. Nigeria is in Group D alongside Argentina, Croatia and Iceland.

Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel celebrates after receiving the bronze medal during the medal ceremony after defeating Honduras in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games men’s bronze medal football match at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on August 20, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / GUSTAVO ANDRADE

Many of the Russian nationals who spoke to Sports Vanguard on the streets of Moscow and Voronezh cities are excited that the Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi is married to a Russian.

According to them, Mikel’s choice has linked Nigeria to Russia and any team playing against Nigeria in the World Cup would have to contend with two powerful sets of crowd rolled into one.

The world cup which kicks off in June will be hosted in over 5 cities in Russia including Moscow the Russian capital.

Meanwhile, as a way of ensuring a spectacular World Cup host, Russia has started giving face lift to all the cities.

Sports Vanguard gathered that there is a special order from the government to expand all walk ways in the city of Moscow in anticipation of the huge human traffic expected during the Word Cup.

Sports Vanguard advance team which went to see the level of work going on in preparation for the competition reports that all the streets of Moscow and other towns World Cup matches would be played are wearing new looks even as construction works were still going on, round the clock.

A Tourist guide, Ms Tatiana who took our team round the city confirmed that Russia is determined to host a .memorable World Cup.

She said. “while you may not like to say that Russians are crazy for football, what you cannot take away is our desire to host a memorable World Cup fiesta.

“As you can see, everywhere is wearing new looks, the roads are being upgraded and the walkways are being expanded. So also are the stadiums, from Moscow to St Petersburg and others where the matches would be played. I can just say that we are ready to host the world.

On the streets of Moscow, the three popular teams coming to the World Cup appear to be Brazil Argentina and Nigeria. But those who spoke to our reporter appear to have soft spot for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and said Nigeria would be cheered as if it were Russia on the days the team will meet its opponents.

“We are waiting for Nigeria. We will support the Nigerian team as we would our own national team. A Nigerian player is married to a Russian national, that makes the country part of us. Anybody playing the Eagles should be ready to play against Russian and Nigerian supporters together” said Viktor Oleg, a Russian national whose comment was translated by Tatiana.