In World Cup news, Japanese organizers say 23 of the 32 teams that will compete at the Asian soccer spectacular are expected to set up training camps in Japan, including all 5 teams from Africa.
"The Lions" of Senegal will play defending champion France May 31 in the opening World Cup match in Seoul, South Korea. The Senegalese are planning to pitch their training tents in Fujieda, Japan.
"Bafana Bafana" of South Africa, which will play their first World Cup match against Paraguay June 2 in Pusan, South Korea, will set up their training camp in Ueno, Japan.
African and Olympic champion Cameroon will play Ireland in its first World Cup match June 1 in Niigata, Japan. "The Indomitable Lions" of Cameroon will have their training camp in Nakatsue, Japan.
"The Super Eagles" of Nigeria are slated to face three-time World Cup champion Argentina in their first World Cup match June 2 in Ibaraki, Japan. The Nigerians are setting up their training camp in Hiratsuka, Japan.
The fifth and final World Cup team from Africa is Tunisia. The Tunisians will play their first World Cup match June 5 versus Russia in Kobe, Japan. Tunisia is going to set up its World Cup training camp in Saiki, Japan.