Mali’s Withdrawal Alters Eagles’ Abu Dhabi Schedule…As Steven Ukoh Joins Squad

The change of plan by the Federation Malienne de Football concerning the Les Aiglons’ final camping ahead of the 30th Africa Cup of finals in Equatorial Guinea has slightly altered the programme of the Super Eagles’ B for their January tour of United Arab Emirates.

With this change, the Eagles B, bronze medallists at the 3rd African Nations Championship held in South Africa early this year, will now play Cote d’Ivoire and Sudan instead.

Super Eagles Training in Uyo

The game against the Elephants, 1992 African champions and Super Eagles’ quarter final victims at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations also held in South Africa, comes up on January 11, while the clash with the Falcons of Sudan will come up on January 17.

In view of these changes, the players invited to camp at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja are now expected to arrive on Tuesday, 30th December, and not 28th December as earlier planned.

Steven Ukoh FC Biel, photo credit: (UrsLindt/freshfocus)

Meanwhile, former Swiss junior international, Steven Effiong Archibong Ukoh, whose application to represent Nigeria at senior level was recently approved by world football–governing body, FIFA, has confirmed his availability for the mini-tour. He becomes the 25th player on the invitation list.

FIFA Clears Ukoh To Play For Nigeria As Semi Ajayi, Chuba Akpom Are Keen For Abu Dhabi Action

World football–governing body, FIFA, has cleared former Swiss U-20 international Steven Archibong Effiong Ukoh to represent Nigeria at senior level.

The versatile midfielder, born on 19th June, 1991 to Nigerian parents in Berne, Switzerland, currently plays for Biel-Bienne FC in the European country.

Ukoh represented Switzerland at U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19 and U-20 levels between 2006 and 2010, but had a change of mind thereafter and opted to wear the green-white-green at senior international level.

His father, Archibong Effiong Ukoh and mother, Helene hail from Itu local government area of Akwa Ibom State.

Steven Ukoh FC Biel, photo credit: (UrsLindt/freshfocus)

By the decision of a single judge of the FIFA Players’ Status Committee on 4th December, 2014, Steven Ukoh was cleared to switch his nationality from Switzerland to Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Arsenal FC of England’s youngsters Chuba Akpom and Semi Ajayi have expressed interest in being part of the Super Eagles’ international friendlies against Cote d’Ivoire and Mali in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates next month.

The three–time African champions play Cup of Nations-bound Elephants on January 9 before facing Mali’s Les Aiglons, also heading to Equatorial Guinea, on January 13.

Highly–rated duo Ajayi and Akpom could be called up by Coach Daniel Amokachi for the trip, alongside Steven Ukoh.

FIFA referees test physical fitness in Abuja

Nigeria’s FIFA–graded referees take their turn at the main bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja on Friday as the curtain falls on this year’s physical fitness exercise for the country’s arbiters.

The exercise, which started on Monday, has seen about 500 referees test their physical fitness in different ways as designed by world football –governing body, FIFA.

The FIFA–graded referees, including the likes of Opeyemi Amao, Ferdinand Udoh, Abubakar Ago, Abdullahi Shuaibu, Benjamin Odey and Henry Ogunyamodi (referees), and Peter Edibi, Abel Baba, Isah Usman, Tope Orowole, Efosa Igudia and Samuel Pwadutakam (assistant referees), will be doing the final quarter exercise for the year.

It would be recalled that Udoh, Shuaibu, Usman, Orowole, Igudia and Pwadutakam were in the delegation of Nigeria referees that traveled to the United Kingdom for a two –week capacity enhancing programme recently.

Sani Zubairu, Secretary of the NFF Referees Committee, said: “The exercise has been very successful, and we are grateful to God that there has been no casualty. We are concluding the programme on Friday with the final quarter exercise of the FIFA –graded referees.”

NFF’s Consultants on Refereeing, Linus Mba (also FIFA Referee Advisor) and Daniel Olojor, former FIFA –graded referees Bolaji Okubule, Olufunmi Olaniyan and Professor Babatunde Asagba, President of Nigeria Referees Association Alhaji Ahmed Maude and Chairman of NFF Referees Committee Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh have been supervising the exercise with a view to ensuring global best practices.

Eagles To Play Elephants, Les Aiglons In Abu Dhabi

In kick –starting its pledge to ensure that the Senior National Team, Super Eagles is engaged for all the FIFA –free days available next year, the Nigeria Football Federation has secured two international friendly matches for the team prior to the 30th Africa Cup of Nations finals.

NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, confirmed on Wednesday that the Eagles will confront two teams they battered on the way to a third African title in South Africa early last year, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in January 2015.

The Super Eagles will confront 1992 African champions Cote d’Ivoire, whom they edged 2-1 in the quarter finals in South Africa, on 9th January, and take on fellow Eagles of Mali, who were overhauled 4-1 by the Nigerians in the semi finals in South Africa, four days later.

“We are working round the clock to make sure that the Super Eagles will have opponents for all the FIFA windows available in year 2015, and we are happy that the two games with the Ivorians and the Malians are sealed.

“The Elephants and the Les Aiglons are on their way to the 30th Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, so they are sure to give our team good games.”

Already, Assistant Coach Daniel Amokachi has drawn a list of 24 players who will do battle for shirts for the two matches.

Gombe United goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim leads the invitees, with Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kwambe Solomon, Umar Zango, Rabiu Ali, Emem Eduok, Kingsley Sokari, Mfon Udoh, Gbolahan Salami and Gambo Muhammad also called.

Players are expected to report at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja on Sunday, 28th December with their international passports and four passport photographs.

Nigeria Super Eagles starting 11 With Babatunde Micheal at the 2014 World Cup photo credit Reuters

Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United); Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves); Theophilus Afelokhai (Kano Pillars)

Defenders: Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars); Idris Aloma (El-Kanemi FC); Chimma Akas (Sharks FC); Nelson Ogbonna (Heartland FC); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Erhun Obanor (Bendel Insurance); Bright Esieme (Enyimba FC); Umar Zango (Kano Pillars)

Midfielders: Ammel Angel Wilfred (Kogi United); Joseph Nathaniel (Sharks FC); Charles Henlong (Giwa FC); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Chinedu Udeaga (Enugu Rangers); Emem Eduok (Dolphins FC); Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba FC)

Forwards: Mfon Udoh (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Osaguona Christian (Enugu Rangers); Gambo Muhammad (Kano Pillars); Christian Obiozor (Enugu Rangers)

NFF Lauds Seina Marine, ARIK On Support For Referees’ Training

The Nigeria Football Federation has applauded Seina Marine Limited and ARIK airline for the support both companies are offering to 20 Nigerian elite referees going to the United Kingdom for the arbiters’ next capacity enhancing programme.

NFF President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick said: “Seina Marine Limited is bankrolling the cost of the three –week exercise as well as the stay of the 20 referees in London.

“On their part, ARIK Airline has offered to fly the referees at only half the fare and we are very appreciative of this gesture. I can tell you that this is the beginning of what is sure to be useful relationships between Seina Marine and NFF, as well as ARIK Airline and NFF.

“There were 10 referees involved in the first batch that returned to the country on Sunday. There will be 20 referees in the second match that will leave the country on January 25, 2015, for another two –week capacity building exercise.”

It is confirmed that 17 highly –qualified persons, including coaches and ex-internationals will fly to the United Kingdom mid –January for a three –week match reading technique and backroom analysis exercise, aimed at helping all the National Teams in international engagements.

…Congratulates MFM On World Cup Triumph

MFM FC

The Nigeria Football Federation has congratulated the MFM Football Club on its victory at the inaugural Church World Cup which ended in Goa, India on Sunday.

In a letter of congratulations addressed to the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr. Daniel Olukoya on Wednesday, and signed by General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, the NFF lauded the feat and affirmed that it was worthy of recognition and good mention.

“The new Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation is determined to celebrate excellence in all spheres of the Nigeria game, and the laudable achievement of your football team, which has brought honour to our dear country, deserves recognition and good mention.

“We also want to express deep appreciation of the NFF and the Nigeria football family for the keen interest of the General Overseer and the entire leadership of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries in football, and also commend your huge investment in the football sector, which has seen MFM Football Club become one of the strongest teams in the Nigeria National League – the second tier of our country’s domestic football.

“The NFF believes that the excellent feat of MFM FC in India will encourage the leadership of your church to invest even more in football for the benefit of the youth of our nation.”

Jayawardene And Shahid Afridi Set To Become The Most Experienced Players In The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

Jayawardene and Shahid Afridi set to become the most experienced players in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

UAE names oldest and youngest players of the tournament in its provisional squad

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 to be the first event without either Miandad or Tendulkar

Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene and Shahid Afridi of Pakistan are in line to become the most experienced players in ICC Cricket World Cup history, after they were named in provisional squads for the tournament that starts on 14 February.

The two players made their World Cup debuts at the ICC Cricket World Cup 1999, and have appeared in every event since then.

While Jayawardene featured in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 and 2011, as well as the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003, Shahid Afridi was a member of the Pakistan side that played the final at Lord’s in 1999. He captained Pakistan at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 where Pakistan reached the semi-final.

If the two players are named in the final line-ups, likely to be announced around 8 January 2015, then they will join the exclusive company of Wasim Akram, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Aravinda de Silva, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Sanath Jayasuriya, Jacques Kallis, Imran Khan, Brian Lara, Muttiah Muralidaran, Thomas Odoyo, Ricky Ponting, Arjuna Ranatunga and Steve Tikolo, who have each played in five ICC Cricket World Cups to date.

Pakistan’s Javed Miandad and India’s Sachin Tendulkar, with six ICC Cricket World Cups each, share the record for the most appearances at ICC’s pinnacle event.

Interestingly, this will be the first ICC Cricket World Cup which will be held without either Javed Miandad or Sachin Tendulkar. Javed Miandad played from 1975 to 1996, while Tendulkar represented his country from 1992-2011.

Miandad featured in semi-finals in 1979, 1983 and 1987, final in 1992 and quarter-final in 1996, while Tendulkar appeared in the 1996 quarter-final, and 2003 and 2011 finals.

Besides Jayawardene and Shahid Afridi, seven other players are in line to appear in their fourth World Cup: James Anderson, Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, Younis Khan, Robin Peterson, Kumar Sangakkara and Daniel Vettori.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is returning the ICC Cricket World Cup for the first time since 1996, has named the oldest and youngest players of the tournament in its 30-player provisional squad. Khurram Khan at 43 is the oldest players (born 21 June 1971) while Yodhin Punja, who turned 15 on 24 April 2014, is the youngest player.

The provisional squads are:

Australia (squad submitted but has opted not to release the names)

Afghanistan – Afsar Zazai, Aftab Alam, Amir Hamza, Asghar Stanekzai, Dawlat Zadran, Fareed Ahmad, Fazal Rahman, Gulbadin Naib, Hamid Hassan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Izatullah, Javed Ahmadi, Karim Sadiq, Merwais Ashraf, Mohammad Mujtaba, Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Shahzad, Najeeb Tarakai, Najibullah Zadran, Nasir Jamal, Nawroz Mangal, Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shinwari, Shabir Noori, Shafiqullah, Shapoor Zadran, Sharafudin, Usman Ghani and Yamin Ahmadzai.

Bangladesh – Abdur Razzak, Abul Hasan Raju, Al-Amin Hossain, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Arafat Sunny, Imrul Kayes, Jubair Hossain, Liton Kumar Das, Mahmudullah, Marshall Ayub, Masrafe Bin Mortaza, Mohammad Elias, Mohammad Mithun, Mohammed Sahid, Mominul Haque, Muktar Ali, Mushfiqur Rahim, Naeem Islam, Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Shabbir Rahaman, Shafiul Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, Shamsur Rahman, Shuvagata Hom, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, Tamim Iqbal and Ziaur Rahman.

England – Alastair Cook (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Gary Ballance,
Ian Bell, Sam Billings, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Jack Brooks, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, Harry Gurney, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Eoin Morgan, Stephen Parry, Samit Patel, Liam Plunkett, Boyd Rankin, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Taylor, James Tredwell, James Vince, Chris Woakes and Luke Wright.

Ireland (squad submitted but has opted not to release the names)

India – Varun Aaron, Ravichandaran Ashwin, Stuart Binny, Shikhar Dhawan, Ashoke Dinda, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav, Virat Kohli, Dhawal Kulkarni, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Amit Mishra, Manish Pandey, Axar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Parveez Rasool, Ambati Rayudu, Wriddhiman Saha, Sanju Samson, Ishant Sharma, Karn Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Manoj Tiwary, Robin Uthappa, Murali Vijay, Kuldeep Yadav and Umesh Yadav.

New Zealand – Corey Anderson, Hamish Bennett, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Neil Broom, Dean Brownlie, Colin de Grandhomme, Anton Devcich, Grant Elliott, Andrew Ellis, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Ronnie Hira, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Rob Nicol, Luke Ronchi, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, BJ Watling and Kane Williamson.

Pakistan – Ahmad Shahzad, Anwar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Bilawal Bhatti, Ehsan Adil, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Junaid Khan, Kamran Akmal, Misbah Ul Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Talha, Nasir Jamshed, Raza Hasan, Saeed Ajmal, Sami Aslam, Shahid Afridi, Sharjeel Khan, Shoaib Malik, Sohaib Maqsood, Sohail Tanvir, Sarfraz Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Younus Khan and Zulfiqar Babar.

Scotland (24 player announced) – Preston Mommsen (captain), Kyle Coetzer (vice-captain), Richie Berrington, Frederick Coleman, Matthew Cross, Joshua Davey, Alasdair Evans, Hamish Gardiner, Gordon Goudie, Majid Haq, Moneeb Iqbal, Michael Leask, Matt Machan, Calum MacLeod, Gavin Main, George Munsey, David Murphy, Safyaan Sharif, Ruaidhri Smith, Robert Taylor, Andrew Umeed, Craig Wallace, Iain Wardlaw, Mark Watt

South Africa – AB de Villiers (captain), Hashim Amla (vice-capt), Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, Marchant de Lange, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Rory Kleinveldt, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Justin Ontong, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Andrew Puttick, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Mthokozisi Shezi, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Morne van Wyk and David Wiese.

Sri Lanka – Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Shaminda Eranga, Lahiru Gamage, Rangana Herath, Mahela Jayawardene, Dimuth Karunaratne, Tharindu Kaushal, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Farveez Maharoof, Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Ajantha Mendis, Jeevan Mendis, Dilruwan Perera, Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Pradeep, Dhammika Prasad, Seekkuge Prasanna, Ashan Priyanjan, Lakshan Sandakan, Kumar Sangakkara, Sachithra Senanayake, Ramith Rambukwella, Lahiru Thirimanne, Upul Tharanga and Kithuruwan Vithanage.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Ahmed Raza, Ahsan Ali, Amjad Ali, Amjad Javed, Andri Raffaelo, Asadullah Shareef, Chirag Suri, Fahad Alhasimi, Faizan Asif, Fayyaz Ahmed, Irfan Sajid, Kamran Shahzad, Khurram Khan, K. Karate, Manjula Guruge, Mohammad Naveed, Mohammad Shahzad, Mohammad Tauqir, Nasir Aziz, Noor Ul Amin, Rohan Mustafa, Rohit Singh, Salman Farooq, Saqib Ali, Saqlain Haider, Shaiman Anwar, Swapnil Patil, Usman Mushtaq, Umair Ali and Yodhin Punja.

West Indies – Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Sulieman Benn, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Miguel Cummins, Narsingh Deonarine, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Leon Johnson, Imran Khan, Evin Lewis, Marquino Mindley, Nikita Miller, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Veerasammy Permaul, Keon Peters, Keiron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Dwayne Smith, Lendl Simmons, Devon Smith and Jerome Taylor.

Zimbabwe – Sikandar Butt, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Brian Chari, Elton Chigumbura, Justice Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Luke Jongwe, Neville Madziva, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Winstone Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Timycen Maruma, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Natsai M’shangwe,
Solomon Mire, Peter Moor, Tawanda Mupariwa, Cuthbert Musoko, Richmond Mutumbami, John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Brendan Taylor, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams and Cephas Zhuwao.

ISAF SAILING WORLD CUP FINAL, ABU DHABI – MEDAL RACE VIDEO ALERT

Racing at the 2014 ISAF Sailing World Cup Final in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates has wrapped up with praise in abundance for the venue.

Abu Dhabi has spoilt the 270 competitors from 38 nations over four days of racing. Medal Races across the ten Olympic events and Open kiteboarding brought proceedings to a close in an exciting finale in the Emirati capital.

Highlights are available below:

Zbogar And Giard On The Money – Finn And Men’s RS:X Highlights
URL – http://youtu.be/e8bhP7FqwYc
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Super Shaw & Brilliant Burton – Abu Dhabi Women’s RS:X & Laser Highlights
URL – http://youtu.be/SYPqdKaZRiA
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Kiwi And Austrians Strike World Cup Gold – 49erFX and Women’s 470 Highlights
URL – http://youtu.be/Bp7dluC05vI
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French Dominance And Polish Delight – Nacra 17 and 49er Highlights
URL – http://youtu.be/0KT8uqcsdyA
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Van Acker and Australians Rule The Waves – Laser Radial and Men’s 470 Highlights
URL – http://youtu.be/4FCN1YXgObw
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Bridge Blows Away The Competition – Open Kiteboarding Highlights
URL – http://youtu.be/yNl0sMTHLLY
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ISAF SAILING WORLD CUP FINAL, ABU DHABI – DAY 3 VIDEO ALERT

ISAF SAILING WORLD CUP

The Medal Race places in the ten Olympic and open kiteboarding events were decided at the ISAF Sailing World Cup Final in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates after a tense day of competition.

The top ten in each fleet will advance to the Medal Race in a do or die battle for ISAF Sailing World Cup Final glory and a share of the $200,000 prize fund.

It was another beautiful day in Abu Dhabi with clear blue skies, a north westerly breeze at 10-13 knots with the Emirati waters filled with the sails of 270 sailors from 38 nations.

Highlights are available below:

Abu Dhabi Medal Race Places Decided – Day 3 Highlights Part 1
Find out what went down on the water in the Laser, Laser Radial, Nacra 17, Men’s and Women’s RS:X and the Men’s and Women’s 470.
URL – http://youtu.be/O7tfDiIAFEU
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Close Calls On Penultimate Abu Dhabi Day – Day 3 Highlights Part 2
See what happened in the Finn, 49erFX, 49er and Open Kiteboarding.
URL – http://youtu.be/-v0F23vc_Mc
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ISAF SAILING WORLD CUP FINAL, ABU DHABI – DAY 2 VIDEO ALERT

The leaderboards across the ten Olympic and open kiteboarding event at the 2014 ISAF Sailing World Cup Final in Abu Dhabi, UAE are shaping up ahead of the penultimate day of racing.

A lighter breeze in the region of 9-12 knots with gusts up to 13 knots made for an intriguing day of racing in the Emirati capital. At the midway stage of the regatta there is minimal separation of the top racers. The level has been raised and every competitor is aiming to put in their best display as they bid to for glory and a share of the USD $200,000 prize fund.

The waters of Abu Dhabi were blessed with the sight of 270 of the world’s finest competitors from 38 nations from 12:00 as racing commenced around Lulu Island and off the stunning Corniche.

Highlights are available below:

Abu Dhabi Leaderboards Shape Up – Day 2 Highlights Part 1
Find out what went down on the water in the 49er, 49erFX, Nacra 17 and the Open Kiteboarding.
URL – http://youtu.be/RwMf2nXT8R0
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Tight Racing On Second Abu Dhabi Day – Day 2 Highlights Part 2
See what happened in the Men’s and Women’s 470, Men’s and Women’s RS:X.
URL – http://youtu.be/qiHVs6EBl38
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ISAF SAILING WORLD CUP FINAL, ABU DHABI – VIDEO ALERT

2013 ISAF Sailing World Cup, photo credit ISAF © Sport the library / Jeff Crow

Over 270 sailors from 38 nations are prepared for the on-coming battle at the ISAF Sailing World Cup Final in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

With practice racing done and dusted the sailors, racing across the ten Olympic and open kiteboarding fleets, are ready to kick start at 12:00 local time on 27 November.

Welcome To Abu Dhabi

ISAF President Carlo Croce gives his views on the ISAF Sailing World Cup Final and we catch up with several of the sailors who are looking forward to competing in Abu Dhabi.
URL – http://youtu.be/psq3rmVjR7I
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ABU DHABI ISAF SAILING WORLD CUP FINAL ‘EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME’

Coupe du Monde Isaf de Hyères photo credit ISAF

The ISAF Sailing World Cup Final in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is set to be ‘an experience of a lifetime’ according to American Women’s 470 sailor Briana Provancha.

Some of the world’s top Men’s and Women’s 470 teams will make up the individual fleets with some excellent racing on the cards. Across four days of competition the 470 sailors will fight it out bow to bow across six fleet races and a final day Medal Race with ISAF Sailing World Cup Final gold and a share of the prize purse of $200,000 up for grabs.

“For the racing, we are going to bring our best. This will be an experience of a lifetime, and we’re planning to enjoy ourselves and have fun, maybe even ride a camel,” commented Provancha.

Provancha with helm Anne Haeger have been one of the most consistent Women’s 470 teams throughout 2014 with consistent top five finishes. The pair will be ones to watch in Abu Dhabi and have been working hard to prepare for the event, “We recently returned to the USA after doing some training in Rio,” said Haeger, “As of lately we have been taking some time off preparing for the event.

“Before we head over to new venues we will usually research the common weather patterns and see if we know any locals who are willing to pass along some information. It is also nice to get to know the area you’re going to be travelling to, researching past history and tourist stops.

“Personally I am excited to travel to Abu Dhabi and see the city. The Sailing World Cup Final is great in concept, especially if the locals get into the event. Our goal is to work on some upwind technique and enjoy the beautiful country.”

The Americans will face stiff competition in the fleet from 2014 World and European Champions Lara Vadlau and Jolanta Ogar (AUT).

Vadlau and Ogar went into 2014 with one aim, to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Sailing Competition. As a result they have emerged as serious contenders taking top honours at two of three high profile regattas. With the third, the ISAF Sailing World Cup Final to go, they’ll be aiming for a clean sweep, “Our main goal of the season was to get the ticket for Rio and everything that’s come next is just another present for our great season,” said Vadlau.

“We want to win a medal and if all is going well, of course we want to win the event. For us this event is really exciting. It’s a great idea especially as there will be, for the first time, some prize money to win and it finally feels like we are a real professional. We are really looking forward to Abu Dhabi as it is a really cool city.”

Sime Fantela Igor Marenic, photo credit

The Women’s 470 fleet will see the return of former World #1 Sophie Weguelin and Eilidh Mcintyre to high level competition following an injury to Weguelin. Further strong contenders come in the shape of World #3 Tina Mrak and Veronika Macarol (SLO), two time Olympian Ai Kondo Yoshida with Miho Yoshioka (JPN) and 2014 ISAF Sailing World Cup gold medallists Mengxi Wei and Yani Xu (CHN).

Sixteen strong Men’s 470 teams will go head to head for the right to be crowned the 2014 ISAF Sailing World Cup Final Champion.

Mat Belcher and Will Ryan (AUS) head into Abu Dhabi with an excellent record. The pair were crowned World and European Champions for the second consecutive year together in 2014. For Belcher his world’s victory was his fifth in a row. With a strong fleet in Abu Dhabi the Australians are looking forward to getting stuck in, “To have this calibre of fleet is no surprise,” commented Belcher on the elite level athletes in all fleets. “The sailors are after top level competition and well run events. The profile of ISAF events are high and the quality of sailors reflect this.

“We do have six of the top seven teams from the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Santander. I’m looking forward to heading over to Abu Dhabi, it’s a new venue for us so I hope we can adapt quickly when we arrive.”

2013 ISAF Sailing World Cup, photo credit ISAF © Sport the library / Jeff Crow

Belcher has been a mainstay on the ISAF Sailing World Cup circuit since it was introduced in 2008 and has more World Cup silverware than most. Belcher has seen the circuit evolve and with Abu Dhabi set to host the ISAF Sailing World Cup Final from 2014 through to 2017 he is optimistic about the future, “We are looking forward to seeing how the event develops moving forward. With the ISAF Sailing World Cup now in its sixth year, we really hope this format is the new pathway to make sailing more attractive to the broader community.”

The Australians will have their work cut out in Abu Dhabi with high flying youngsters Jordi Xammar and Joan Herp (ESP) heading in on a high. The pair, who won ISAF Youth Worlds gold together at Istanbul 2009, took their first major senior title together at ISAF Sailing World Cup Qingdao in October.

Under serious pressure from experienced and seasoned competitors the Spaniards held their nerve on the final day to seal the deal and come in up for the challenge, “Qingdao was a perfect championship for us and it won’t be easy to repeat. I think the podium is going to be very difficult seeing the entry list of this race. Our goal is to give our best in every race and learn as much as we can from every sailor that will be sailing there.”

The Spaniards have dominated the Junior 470 scene and hold world titles from 2013 and 2014. With such a high calibre of racing in the Men’s 470 fleet they were delighted to qualify, “We are very excited for this Final. The first time we heard about it we were not sure if we would be able to qualify but with the Medal Race of Santander [2014 ISAF Worlds] we had secured our place there and we are very excited to be in the startling line with the best boats of the world.

Lara Vadlau and Jolanta Ogar, photo credit ISAF

“We have done some training in Santander with our coach and after that we have been training with our sail maker and some of the top teams in Sanremo [Italy]. We are looking at some wind statistics to try and get ready for it.”

World #3 pair Sime Fantela and Igor Marenic (CRO) were the last pair to take the Men’s 470 World Championship title before Belcher asserted his dominance. They took victory in 2009 and have been mainstays atop of the 470 pack ever since. They won gold at the 2014 ISAF Sailing World Cup Mallorca and will be gunning for the top spots in Abu Dhabi.

World #2 Panagiotis Mantis and Pavlos Kagialis (GRE), World #4 Stu McNay and Dave Hughes (USA) and World #8 Onan Barreiros and Juan Curbelo Cabrera (ESP) will also be strong challengers.

The Men’s 470 will kick start racing on Thursday 27 November at 12:00 local time. The Women’s fleet will follow at 14:00.

2014 ISAF SAILING WORLD CUP FINAL QUALIFICATION SYSTEM PUBLISHED

The qualification system to the ISAF Sailing World Cup Final – the world’s pinnacle sailing regatta contested by the best Olympic class competitors – has been published.

Fleets of twenty boats in the Olympic events and Open Kiteboarding will race in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in and around Lulu Island off the UAE capital’s stunning Corniche from 27-30 November 2014.

The first qualification places will be awarded at the Santander 2014 ISAF Sailing World Championships which takes place in the Spanish city from 8-21 September. The top ten finishers in each Olympic event will be rewarded with a spot on the Abu Dhabi start line.

The next places will be awarded based on the ISAF World Sailing Rankings issued on 22 September 2014. The top six highest ranked sailors who have not qualified at Santander 2014 will be awarded a place.

Two more spots will be up for grabs at the 2014 ISAF Sailing World Cup Qingdao which will be held in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition venue from 12-18 October 2014. The highest placed finisher and highest placed Asian sailor, who has not already qualified, will take an ISAF Sailing World Cup Final spot.

Up to two places in each event may be awarded as wild card places at the discretion of ISAF.

The kiteboarding fleet at the ISAF Sailing World Cup Final will be made up of 16 male and four female racers. The top two male and first female sailors qualified for a spot at the Delta Lloyd Regatta. At the 2014 IKA World Championship in Istanbul, Turkey the top five male and top three females will take spots on the start line.

The male winner of each Continental Championship (South America, North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania) will be also be awarded a spot. The remaining places will be awarded to the four highest IKA World Ranked individuals as of 10 September 2014.

ISAF WORLD SAILING

Click here to view the 2014 ISAF Sailing World Cup Final Qualification System.

2014-2015 ISAF Sailing World Cup
Qingdao – 12-18 October 2014
Melbourne – 7-14 December 2014
Miami – 25-31 January 2015
Europe1 – TBC
Europe2 – TBC
2015 Final Abu Dhabi – November 2015

ISAF SAILING WORLD CUP FINAL ON COURSE FOR UAE CAPITAL

ISAF Sailing World Cup Final

The ISAF Sailing World Cup Final – the world’s pinnacle sailing regatta contested by the best Olympic class competitors – is on its way to the United Arab Emirates with the first event due 26-30 November 2014.

Following a multi-stakeholder approach by Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club (ADSYC) with the support of the UAE Sailing & Rowing Federation (UAE SARF) and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), ISAF has agreed to stage the ISAF Sailing World Cup Final in the UAE capital for the next six years, starting this year.

“This is a major surge forward in Abu Dhabi’s campaign to be recognised as an international sailing hub and another fantastic opportunity for our youngsters to compete with and learn off the world’s best,” said HE Ahmed Thani Al Romaithi, Chairman, ADSYC and Vice-President, UAE SARF.

“It is somehow apt that the sailing world is convening in the Arabian Gulf which has such a long and rich maritime history and in Abu Dhabi which is bent on preserving its maritime heritage and traditions while building a destination attractive to sailors worldwide and nurturing young UAE sailors to take its ambitions forward.”

An associated deal sealed today between ISAF and TCA Abu Dhabi will also see the UAE capital host the 2016 ISAF Annual Conference when delegates, who include representatives of national governing bodies, class associations, leading industry personalities, manufacturers, sponsors and the media, discuss the hottest topics facing the sport. The 2016 Conference, which is estimated will deliver 1,500 hotel room nights to Abu Dhabi, will also feature a Presidential election.

“We have found a highly committed partner in Abu Dhabi and look forward to helping move forward the sailing ambitions of the emirate and the Arabian Gulf. This is a great opportunity for sailing as a sport” said Carlo Croce, ISAF President.

“We have struck a ground-breaking partnership with a world-class destination for a Tier-1 event.”

The 2014 ISAF Sailing World Cup Final will take place in Abu Dhabi from 26-30 November. Around 350 sailors from 20 countries are expected in Abu Dhabi to compete in all 10 Olympic events and a kite-surfing event, in and around Lulu Island off the UAE capital’s stunning Corniche.

The events will be covered by the international sailing media and an ISAF television audience in over 100 countries.

“This year’s Final is only three weeks before Abu Dhabi hosts a Volvo Ocean Race stopover when again, the city will be alive with all things maritime, sailing and entertainment,” said Sheikh Khaled Zayed Saqr Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Sailing & Rowing Federation.

“By the time we enter the New Year, the emirate’s watersports credentials of an ambient winter climate, over 400 kilometres of coastline, Blue Flagged beaches, state-of-the-art marinas, a plethora of natural islands and warm, clean waters, will have reached new international heights. Abu Dhabi will be synonymous with sailing and water-borne activities.”

The 2014 Final will also be just days after the emirate hosts the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

“November is shaping up to be an action-packed sporting month in Abu Dhabi and we hope that the many motorsport fans arriving in the emirate for the Grand Prix will be persuaded to extend their stay to witness the Final which promises to be an inspiring spectacle,” said Sultan Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director Tourism, TCA Abu Dhabi.

“Abu Dhabi Corniche will serve as a superb backdrop for this world class event during which around 200 Olympic dinghies will be plying our waters at any given time over this five day period.”

The athletes are expected to arrive early to train for the event and, in all, TCA Abu Dhabi estimates each Final will deliver around 7,500 hotel room nights to the UAE capital.

ADSYC is to increase its laser and 49er fleets to accommodate the Finals with the fleets later being available for sail training to its members, residents and visitors.

“This will be part of the legacy of Final”, added Al Romaithi. “Another part, we hope, will be awareness among the sailing fraternity of the UAE capital, its plans and achievements and the creation of an aspiring cadre of young, talented sailors who will later bring international honours back to our shores.”

Meanwhile, the Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF) has welcomed the deal saying it would have a significant regional impact.

“This is great news for Asian sailors aspiring to go to the Olympics as the world’s best sailors will be seen in action in Asia and the GCC. This is a big boost to the region and we hope it will grow sailing here,” said Dr. Malav Shroff, President, ASAF.