Muhammad Ali paid heartfelt tribute and Ashes cricketers donned black armbands Friday as the sports world united in respect and mourning after the death of Nelson Mandela.

African champions, the Super Eagles will today know the opponents they will face in the group stage of the World Cup when the draw for the 2014 football spectacle is held today in Brazil.

World football chief Sepp Blatter described Nelson Mandela as one of the “greatest humanists of our time” on Thursday after the former South African president passed away.

Super Eagles may have disappointed at their last two FIFA World Cups but expectations are high of a better showing in Brazil next year, irrespective of the first-round group they are drawn in on Friday.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF)yesterday unveiled the top ten nominees for the 2013 Glo-CAF Awards African Footballer of the Year.