Latest Report

All five African teams competing in Qatar: records, chances

Published

1 year ago

December 11, 2022

While it is clear that Africa has largely underachieved on the global stage, some of her representatives have put in strong performances at World Cups.

Here are some of the more impressive outings by African countries.

Algeria 1982

Despite controversially failing to advance beyond the Group Stage, Algeria made history in two ways.

First, they became the first African team to defeat a former World Cup champion, defeating an arrogant Germany 2-1 in the opening match. Second, despite winning two of their three matches, the manner in which they exited prompted FIFA to change its round robin scheduling rules.

Algeria believed they had done enough to advance after shocking Germany and beating Chile 3-2. However, Austria and Germany played out a cooperative, disgraceful 1-0 result in the final group match, ensuring that they both qualified instead. The public in Gijon could see it as well, and they protested by waving white handkerchiefs.

Although they did not advance, the Algerian team of Rabah Madjer, Lakhdar Belloumi, and others captured the imagination. Following the injustice they experienced, FIFA mandated that all final group matches be played simultaneously.

Cameroon 1990

The Indomitable Lions established the gold standard of African World Cup performance in 1990.

They made their intentions clear early on, defeating reigning world champions Argentina 1-0 in a brutal, hard-fought match before defeating Romania to advance to the Round of 16. They then beat Colombia in extra time thanks to the quick thinking of star forward Roger Milla, becoming the first African country to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

There, they led England 2-1 going into the final 10 minutes before committing two penalties either side of the full-time whistle, resulting in an extra-time defeat.

Cameroon delivered a brilliant performance, introducing the world not only to Milla’s dancing, but also to the steel and flair embodied by Emmanuel Kunde, Cyrille Makanaky, and Francois Omam-Biyik.

Nigeria 1994

The Super Eagles only advanced to the Round of 16 in 1994, but their expansive attacking style and skill on the ball won them hearts. Nigeria scored in every match in their debut appearance, topping a group that included a Diego Maradona-led Argentina.

After shaking off the jitters, Clemens Westerhof’s team defeated Bulgaria 3-0, with Rashidi Yekini’s iconic celebration for the opener becoming one of the tournament’s defining images. After narrowly losing 2-1 to Argentina, they outplayed and outpointed Greece 2-0 to advance to the Round of 16.

Nigeria took the lead against Italy thanks to Emmanuel Amuneke, but injuries to the winger and Daniel Amokachi significantly weakened the Super Eagles. Roberto Baggio scored late, equalising with a minute remaining and then winning from the penalty spot in extra time.

The manner of their exit was painful, but the Nigeria team demonstrated their talent and daring.

Senegal 2002

Senegal made their debut in 2002, and no one could have predicted how far they would eventually go.

Despite a difficult Group Stage draw, the Teranga Lions began their campaign in spectacular fashion, defeating reigning world and European champions France 1-0 in Seoul. They then came from behind to tie Denmark 1-1 before drawing 3-3 with Uruguay in a tense match in which Senegal surrendered a 3-0 half-time lead.

Sweden was up next, and the Teranga Lions once again came from behind to win 2-1 thanks to Henri Camara’s golden goal, becoming only the second team to reach a World Cup quarterfinal.

Senegal eventually succumbed to fatigue when confronted with Turkey. They weren’t at their best, but they fought hard before falling to Ilhan Mansiz’s half-volleyed winner in extra time.

It was a run that brought the attention of the world to Senegalese football, with players like El-Hadji Diouf, Papa Bouba Diop, and Camara shining and securing big moves abroad as a result.

Ghana 2010

Ghana achieved the same milestone as Cameroon and Senegal, but in their own unique way. The Black Stars were defensive, organised, and counter-attacking, and it propelled them to the brink of history.

After a 1-0 win over Serbia and a draw with Australia, a 1-0 loss to Germany did not derail Ghana’s progress to the Round of 16 against the United States. Ghana took an early lead against the Americans, but was pegged back in the second half before winning in extra time thanks to star striker Asamoah Gyan’s powerful finish.

This set up a final-eight meeting with Uruguay. Once again, Ghana led, but the opponent equalised late in extra time, when Luis Suarez parried a goal-bound header on the goal line. He was sent off for this offence, but Gyan smacked the resulting penalty against the crossbar. After 120 minutes, missed penalties by John Mensah and Dominic Adiyiah broke Ghanaians’ hearts.

African Teams Competing in 2022 World Cup

The action begins on November 20th, when the host, Qatar take on Ecuador, with the final scheduled for December 18th.

Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, and Tunisia will compete in the tournament, which will be held for the first time in the Arab world.

Speaking of African chances in the forthcoming world cup, African Footballer of the Year in 1994, Emmanuel Amuneke, said Senegal and Morocco represent the continent’s best chance of success in the Middle East.

He said: “The five teams have been tested enough in recent friendlies and they know they must first come out of the group before thinking of a semi-final ticket, one step at a time will do. The tournament in Qatar is a great opportunity for African teams to fix what happened in Russia when no team progressed into the second round.”

In a similar manner, Zakuani said: “I think there’s always a wildcard at the World Cups. I fancy Senegal to get to the semi-finals. A lot of people may look at me like I’m crazy but for me, Senegal are the team that can shock everyone this time around. The five African teams will definitely be out there to compete. I don’t think they’ll be there to make up the numbers. There’s a lot of promise and talent.”

Their Groups

Group A: Senegal will compete against the hosts, Qatar, the Netherlands, and Ecuador.

Group D: Tunisia will compete alongside defending champions France and Denmark, as well as Australia.

Group F: Morocco will compete against Canada, Belgium, and Croatia.

Group G: Cameroon will compete against Brazil, Switzerland, and Serbia.

How GOAL grades the continent’s representatives

Senegal

Africa’s highest-ranked team enters the World Cup with perhaps the best chance of matching, if not exceeding, Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002), and Ghana (2006) and (2010).

Some things have changed since their Nations Cup victory in February, with both starting full-backs (Bouna Sarr and Saliou Ciss) expected to miss the finals, Keita Balde banned until December, and the form of key players such as Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy being called into question.

Surprisingly, these haven’t been a problem in recent friendlies, with the African champions defeating Bolivia 2-0 and drawing 1-1 with Iran.

Formose Mendy and Ismail Jakobs performed admirably in Tuesday’s draw, indicating that the West African country’s full-back replacements are capable.

Grade : 8/10

Morocco

Many were surprised when Vahid Halilhodzic was fired in August, just three months before the Atlas Lions’ first game against Croatia on November 23.

Despite guiding three countries to the World Cup finals, the Bosnian has been dropped by three of them: Ivory Coast, Japan, and Morocco. Regragui will lead the North African country to Qatar.

Morocco’s change means that for the first time in the competition’s history, all five of the continent’s sides will be managed by native coaches.

While the Atlas Lions’ post-Afcon form has been outstanding, the managerial change has observers wondering about their prospects.

Grade : 6.5/10

Tunisia

On the one hand, you’re not inclined to be pessimistic after Tunisia’s 5-1 thrashing by Brazil, who were likely pre-tournament favourites, especially given the North African team’s form since the Nations Cup.

However, the naive and unforgiveable pressing and defending against Tite’s crew left a lot to be desired.

With the stakes so high, the Eagles of Carthage cannot afford such schoolboy tactical errors against top-tier opposition in Qatar, which includes France, Denmark, and Australia.

Grade : 5/10

Cameroon

Rigobert Song’s team appears to have arrived in Qatar through good fortune rather than significant tactical acumen. The Indomitable Lions defeated Algeria at the death in the playoffs, prompting Djamel Belmadi to yell.

The defeats of Cameroon by Uzbekistan and South Korea have done little to dispel those doubts about the Central African country.

Grade : 4/10

Ghana

Otto Addo’s most difficult task was to integrate the team’s new players who had pledged allegiance to the Black Stars.

Ghana’s combination of experience and youth inspires optimism, but the lack of goals in their forwards may jeopardise the Black Stars’ chances at the quadrennial showpiece.

Grade : 5.5/10

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Africa

Three Best Electrical Wires and Cables in Nigeria 2024

Published

3 days ago

April 14, 2024

QTA News

Cables come in different materials, casing, and sizes to accommodate different electrical loads and different conditions in which they’ll be used. While they can be made of aluminium or other materials, most electrical wires are copper.

Safety is the most important factor to consider when choosing an electrical cable. Because cables are the primary carrier of electricity in your home, you need to make sure every aspect of safety is taken into account. Electric wires are designed to withstand constant electrical current, which means they won’t cause a fire in the event of an accident/short circuit.

Power cables and wires are one of the most common causes of electrical failure. People often overlook the importance of this material. A good power cable must perform better in the event of electrical failure, overload or sudden electrical spikes. It should also be fire-retardant in the event of any danger. We have put together the best 4 electrical wires in Nigeria for 2024.

Nigeria is home to a wide variety of wire and cable brands, most of which are produced in the country. We have compiled a list of the best wire and cable brands to help you find the right one for your needs.

1. Zobis Cables & Wires is a leading brand of electrical cables. It specializes in the development and deployment of advanced house-wiring and industrial cables to meet the needs of energy and industrial companies. Their range of technologies and solutions are revolutionizing the way the industry operates today and into the future. They guarantee safety through quality and technology, and their cables are designed to withstand extreme conditions.

Entertainment

10 things you should know about Sisi Quadri

Published

2 months ago

March 2, 2024

QTA News

1. The late Quadri Oyebamiji was well-known as Sisi Quadri in Yoruba films.
2. He was born December 26, 1979, in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria.
3. He attended primary and high school in Ore, Ondo State.

4. Before becoming a celebrity in the entertainment industry, Quadri was a Muslim, a skilled makeup artist, and a fashion designer.
5. He began acting in 2002 with the film ‘Koto Aye,’ directed by the late Alhaji Ajileye.
6. Sisi Quadri, who was well-known for his humorous personality and consistently played roles recognized for their keen wit and mocking.
7. In addition to performing, he worked as an entertainer and comedian.

8. He appeared in several Yoruba films and even invested in a tailoring company. Quadri was also sought after as a Master of Ceremony (MC) at parties.
9. Sisi Quadri’s personal life revolved around his family.
10. He was married with four children: three sons and one daughter.

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Business

Boosting Business Productivity and Profitability with Advanced CRM Software Development

Published

2 months ago

February 28, 2024

QTA News

In today’s competitive business landscape, organizations strive to enhance their productivity and profitability through the efficient utilization of cutting-edge technology. One such transformative tool is Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. By investing in advanced CRM software development, businesses can streamline their operations, improve collaboration, and ultimately boost productivity and profitability.

Streamlined Communication and Collaboration

One of the key benefits of advanced CRM systems is the facilitation of seamless communication and collaboration within an organization. By centralizing customer data, communication history, and transaction details, teams can access real-time information, reducing the need for multiple touchpoints. This fosters efficient collaboration, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals. With improved communication and collaboration, productivity is enhanced, leading to increased profitability.

Enhanced Customer Insights

Understanding customer needs and preferences is essential for delivering personalized experiences and building long-lasting relationships. Advanced CRM software goes beyond basic data storage, offering sophisticated analytics tools. By harnessing data analytics, businesses can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, enabling targeted marketing strategies and personalized engagement. This deep understanding of customers not only enhances satisfaction but also increases the likelihood of repeat business, driving overall profitability.

Automation for Efficiency

Automation is a cornerstone of advanced CRM systems. By automating routine tasks such as data entry, lead nurturing, and follow-ups, businesses can significantly reduce manual effort and minimize human error. This not only frees up valuable time for employees but also ensures that critical processes are executed consistently. Improved efficiency translates directly to increased productivity and, consequently, higher profitability.

Seamless Integration with Other Tools

An advanced CRM system seamlessly integrates with other business tools and applications, creating a unified ecosystem. Whether it’s integrating with marketing automation platforms, e-commerce systems, or project management tools, a well-developed CRM system ensures a smooth flow of information across all departments. This integration eliminates data silos, enhances overall business efficiency, and allows for better collaboration between teams.

Real-Time Analytics for Informed Decision-Making

Timely and informed decision-making is crucial for business success. Advanced CRM software provides real-time analytics and reporting, allowing stakeholders to make data-driven decisions. Whether it’s identifying sales trends, assessing marketing campaign performance, or tracking customer satisfaction metrics, having access to up-to-date information empowers businesses to adapt quickly and stay ahead of the competition. Informed decision-making based on real-time analytics leads to increased productivity and profitability. Find more here

Customization for Specific Business Needs

Every business has unique requirements and processes. Advanced CRM software development allows for customization to meet specific business needs. Whether it’s creating custom workflows, adding industry-specific features, or integrating with existing systems, a tailored CRM solution ensures that the software aligns perfectly with the organization’s goals and processes. Customization maximizes productivity by providing a solution that is specifically designed to address the challenges and requirements of the business.

Mobile Access for Remote Productivity

In today’s mobile-centric world, remote work has become increasingly prevalent. Advanced CRM software development includes mobile access, allowing employees to access critical information and perform tasks on the go. Whether it’s updating customer details, reviewing sales pipelines, or responding to leads, mobile access to CRM systems ensures that productivity is not hindered by physical location. This flexibility enables businesses to maintain productivity and profitability, even in remote work environments.

Training and Support for Optimal Utilization

To fully leverage the benefits of advanced CRM software, organizations should invest in training and support for their employees. Proper training ensures that employees understand the features and functionalities of the CRM system, enabling them to utilize it to its full potential. Ongoing support and guidance from CRM experts can help businesses overcome any challenges and optimize their usage of the software. By providing the necessary training and support, organizations can maximize productivity and profitability.

Data Security and Privacy Measures

With the increasing importance of data protection and privacy, advanced CRM software development prioritizes robust security measures. CRM systems employ encryption, access controls, and regular backups to safeguard customer data and sensitive business information. Compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR or CCPA, demonstrates a commitment to data security and builds trust with customers. By ensuring the security and privacy of data, businesses can focus on productivity and profitability without compromising sensitive information.

Scalability for Future Growth

As businesses grow, their needs and requirements evolve. Advanced CRM software is designed to scale alongside the organization, accommodating increased data volume and user demand. Scalability allows businesses to continue utilizing their CRM system efficiently, even as customer bases expand and operations become more complex. By investing in a scalable CRM solution, organizations can ensure long-term productivity and profitability, without the need for a complete system overhaul.

Integration with AI and Automation Technologies

The integration of AI and automation technologies with advanced CRM software opens up new possibilities for productivity and profitability. AI-powered chatbots can handle customer inquiries, freeing up human resources to focus on more complex tasks. Automated workflows and predictive analytics can identify patterns and opportunities, optimizing sales and marketing efforts. By harnessing the power of AI and automation, businesses can achieve higher levels of productivity and profitability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in advanced CRM software development is a strategic move for optimizing business processes, improving collaboration, and ultimately boosting productivity and profitability. With streamlined communication, enhanced customer insights, automation, seamless integration with other tools, real-time analytics, customization, mobile access, training and support, data security measures, scalability, and integration with AI and automation technologies, businesses can unlock new levels of efficiency and profitability. Embracing the power of advanced CRM solutions allows organizations to thrive in today’s dynamic and competitive market, achieving sustained growth and success.

Remember, the success of CRM software lies in its implementation and utilization, so choose a reputable CRM software provider that understands your business needs and offers comprehensive support throughout your CRM journey.

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