logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2018
25m 12s

Nigeria: the dictator and the World Cup

Engle
About this episode
Nigeria’s performance at its first World Cup in 1994 impressed the whole world. At the same time, a military dictator took control of the country. And locked up the democratically elected president. But a dramatic loss at the World Cup changed the dictator’s plans … and the country forever... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 
Up next
Jun 2018
Portugal: no one is a prophet in his own country
2016, famed Portuguese footballer Ronaldo and his teammates win Euro Cup.Portugal is one of the top favorites at the 2018 World Cup. But CR7’s persona divides the Portuguese just as much as it unites them. Many ask if Portugal relies too much on Ronaldo. It’s a love-hate relation ... Show More
25m 5s
Jun 2018
Yugoslavia: one last time together
1990, Yugoslavia go to the world cup with a brilliant team. But because of the eastern bloc’s politics, Nationalism and other issues divided its people. The country was breaking apart, which threatened the team’s unity and success. The stakes were sky high : win the world cup and ... Show More
29m 22s
Jun 2018
Colombia: the other Escobar
1994, the whole world is excited about Colombia’s team. But Colombia’s players are under a lot of pressure, and not only to honor their team and their country: Drug lords have heavily financed football in Colombia and expecting big returns on gambling bets their team will win. Un ... Show More
21m 2s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2022
African Dictators: Muammar Gaddafi Pt. 1
The 1950s in Libya saw the dawning of a new era, when foreign rule ended and the country became an independent kingdom. Muammar Gaddafi was just a boy then. But inspired by Egypt’s anti-imperialist president, he became a devoted pan-Arab nationalist dedicated to one cause: overth ... Show More
47m 33s
Jun 2025
Cocaine, Camorra, Call Girls: Maradona's Downfall
In 1987, Argentine soccer star Diego Maradona was on top of the world. He’d just handed his nation a World Cup, and his club side Napoli its first league title in over 60 years. But Maradona’s hard-partying lifestyle and underworld friends would soon take their toll - and before ... Show More
1h 5m
Jun 2024
Messi & Argentina: A Love Story (of sorts)
It's bizarre how long it took Argentinians to learn to love Leo Messi. His exile from his declining homeland always made him suspect. The comparison with Maradona hung over him from the start. And why was he hardly ever as good for Argentina as he was for Barcelona? We tell the s ... Show More
51m 29s
Jun 2025
South Africa’s unifying Rugby World Cup win
In 1995, post-apartheid South Africa hosted, and won, the Rugby World Cup. It was a hugely unifying moment for the country.In 2013, Rob Bonnet heard Francois Pienaar, the captain of the victorious Springboks, explain what the triumph meant to the nation. Eye-witness accounts brou ... Show More
9m 45s
Dec 2022
Argentina wins the FIFA World Cup!
<p>The Qatar 2022 World Cup has ended with a spectacular final that culminated in a penalty shootout and a win for Argentina. It's been an eventful tournament: from the FIFA president’s questionable opening speech, to the sudden death of three journalists.This year was also the S ... Show More
18m 46s
Dec 2024
“One Nation, One Dream!” - Hammad Al-Balawi | A Mo Show Special | At The World Football Summit 2024
A short conversation taken just days ahead of the December 11th FIFA World Cup announcement. We had the pleasure to sit-down for an insightful fireside chat at the World Football Summit in Riyadh with Hammad Al-Balawi, head of the Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup Bid Unit. 
24m 1s
Nov 2022
Beyond the Headlines of the Qatar FIFA World Cup
The headlines continue to scream but whether you like it or not Qatar is here...the FIFA Men's World Cup is about to begin. Guests include head of International Trade Union Confederation, head of Football Australia, Socceroo Thomas Deng and more. 
50m 29s