| SALVADOR // It is fitting that one of the most important cities in the Islamic history of Brazil should host the World Cup’s first match in 20 years between two countries with substantial Muslim populations. On Thursday, only a few kilometres from where an Islamic slave revolt occurred 179 years ago, Iran will take on Bosnia-Herzegovina in Salvador. Iran are looking to secure a place in the second round for the first time in their history. Should they succeed, Nigeria will be eliminated. It is a fact that resonates with Sheikh Abdulhamid Ahmed, the spiritual leader of Islam in the Brazilian state of Bahia. He was born in Osun, west Nigeria. “In 1992, I was invited from Nigeria to be the sheikh here,” he told The National by phone from his office at Salvador’s Islamic Culture Centre. “Many of the slaves that arrived all those years ago came from Lagos, so we have a heritage. I did not know the history of Bahia before I arrived, but I quickly learnt about it. It is fascinating.” To continue reading, click here. |
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Below are a series of short features published in The National looking at some of the World Cup's most memorable figures. While not necessarily the greatest players the game has ever seen, they are undoubtedly among football's most intriguing characters. The object of the series was to uncover some little-known facts about these iconically popular players. From René Higuita and his new home in Saudi Arabia to a Swedish magazine named after a long-forgotten Brazilian defender, the collection includes plenty. The wonderful illustrations are by Matthew Kurian. ISWAS The Goalkeepers The Defenders The Midfielders The Strikers The Managers
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Gary MeenaghanSports scribbler. Pedant with prose. Alliteration addict. Omnivore. Archives
June 2015
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