The Nation Newspaper

Tag: AFCON final

  • Morocco to face Senegal in AFCON Final

    Morocco to face Senegal in AFCON Final

    Hosts Morocco  last  night booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic penalty victory over Nigeria in Rabat.

    In a dour goalless draw that never looked like finding a winner, it was the hosts who won the battle of nerves from 12 yards at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

    The match itself was a dour affair, with both sides unwilling to open themselves up for fear of being countered on the biggest stage in African football.

    Despite both managers’ star-studded squads, both Eric Chelle and Walid Regragui were both more concerned with not losing than taking the game to their opponents.

    Brahim Diaz and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli were the danger men for Morocco out wide, with the latter skinning Nigeria right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel for fun down the left flank.

    Both men had chances, stinging the palms of Stanley Nwabali, but neither side could find that elusive winning goal.

    Read Also: NFF  suspends many referees to protect game integrity

    In the penalties, Morocco scored four of their five shots, whereas Nigeria scored two.

    The victory brings Morocco closer to its second title, which they have been seeking since its last AFCON victory in 1976.

    Earlier, Senegal faced Egypt in the first semi-final match, where they beat the Pharaohs 1-0.

    The Lions of Teranga took full control of the match, with 65 percent ball possession and 11 shots.

    The Pharaohs kept their sheet clean with solid defending until Sadio Mane finally took the lead for Senegal in the 78th minute.

    The final match will determine which of Senegal and Morocco will secure their second AFCON title, while Egypt with seven titles will face Nigeria, which holds three titles for the third place.

  • AFCON final: prioritise your health, Lagos advises residents

    AFCON final: prioritise your health, Lagos advises residents

    In anticipation of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, the Lagos state Ministry of Health has extended warm wishes to all residents supporting the Super Eagles.

    The commissioner for health, Prof Akin Abayomi emphasized the importance of prioritising health during today’s exciting match against the Ivory Coast.

    He said: “Residents are urged to consider the following health tips such as understanding physical limits, staying hydrated, taking breaks, maintaining good posture, staying calm, and being prepared for emergencies.

    Here are some essential tips for citizens:

    Know Your Limits: Understand your physical limitations and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions before engaging in activities that could potentially exacerbate them.

    Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Crowded poorly ventilated hot environments should be avoided with attention to good hydration. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and ensure you drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods to keep your body fueled and hydrated, especially during prolonged periods of sitting and watching the game.

    Read Also; Wigwe: Acting CEO for Access Holdings Board to be unveiled soon

    Take Regular Breaks: Stand up, stretch, and move around periodically to prevent stiffness and promote circulation. This can also help maintain alertness and prevent fatigue.

    Maintain Good Posture: Sit in a comfortable chair with proper back support and avoid slouching to reduce strain on your muscles and spine.

    Stay Calm and Relaxed: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness to manage stress and emotions during intense moments in the game.

    Be Prepared for Emergencies: Familiarize yourself with the location of medical facilities and emergency exits at the venue, and know how to access help quickly if needed. Contact the Lagos Emergency Medical Team, LASAMBUS, at 767 or 112 toll-free line in case of a medical emergency.

    We also urge viewing centers to ensure that venues where football matches are watched have adequate medical facilities and trained personnel on hand to respond swiftly in case of emergencies. This can make a significant difference in outcomes.

    If you experience any unusual symptoms or discomfort, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention promptly.

  • Fans with nine medical conditions that should not watch AFCON final

    Fans with nine medical conditions that should not watch AFCON final

    The death of some football fans while watching the semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has raised concerns over cardiovascular health of many Nigerians.

    A warning was issued ahead of the final match between Nigeria and the host nation, Cote d’Ivoire scheduled for Sunday.

    Nigerian businessman, Osondu Nwoye, who was based in Cote d’Ivoire; former lawmaker Cairo Ojougboh; and the Kwara State University Deputy Bursar, Ayuba Abdullahi are among those who died while watching the intense semi-finals between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

    Experts have cautioned Nigerians to avoid getting overly excited during games and emotional events while advising taking breaks if needed.

    Read Also: AFCON: Tears as remains of corps member who died watching S’Africa vs Nigeria leave for burial

    Here are nine categories of fans who should not watch the game:

    1. Arrhythmias – An arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. Your heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm. It is normal for your heart rate to speed up during physical activity and to slow down while resting or sleeping.

    2. Sudden Heart Attacks – Sudden cardiac death can be defined as death resulting from abrupt loss of cardiac function with or without previous heart disease unexpected within one hour of onset of symptoms.

    3. Stroke

    4. Underlying heart conditions

    5. Complications of hypertension – Experts observed that in heart diseases three out of every 10 adult Nigerians have high blood pressure, many of whom are unaware of their hypertensive status.

    6. Cardiomyopathies

    7. Valvular disorders

    8. Pulmonary thromboembolism

    9. High blood lipids/cholesterol (dyslipidaemia)

  • AFCON final: Shettima leads FG’s delegation for Super Eagles

    AFCON final: Shettima leads FG’s delegation for Super Eagles

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead a presidential team to the final of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

    This was contained in a statement on Saturday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, in Abuja. 

    The Vice President represented the President at the semi-finals when the Super Eagles defeated South Africa in a pulsating encounter. 

    The national team is set to face hosts Côte d’Ivoire, in a thrilling rematch at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday, February 11.

    Read Also: AFCON final: Ivory Coast will win in error – Prophet

    The match will rekindle the memories of Nigeria’s 1-0 victory in the group stage secured through Captain William Troost-Ekong’s penalty.

    “Recognising the unifying power of football and the immense role the Super Eagles play in fostering national pride and unity, the President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, believes that Vice President Shettima’s presence at the finals alongside the delegation is a testament to the government’s unwavering support for the team and its dedication to their success.

    “The Federal Government calls on all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of the Super Eagles, and to raise their voices in encouragement, and create a wave of national pride that propels the team to glory,” the statement reads. 

  • Tinubu to attend AFCON final

    Tinubu to attend AFCON final

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to attend the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday.

    Nigeria will face Cote d’Ivoire in the final at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé, Cote d’Ivoire.

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe confirmed President Tinubu’s intention to grace the final during the press briefing yesterday at the Palace de la Culture, Abidjan.

    Read Also; Ex-soccer star, estranged wife bicker over mysterious death of two-year-old daughter

    Responding to a question, Mosepe stated that Vice President Kashim Shettima told him that President Tinubu would come for the final game on Sunday.

    “I was with the Vice President (Kasheem Shettima) on Wednesday and he said that Nigeria’s president will come for the final,” Mosepe said.

    Before now, many government officials and dignitaries from Nigeria have come to Cote d’Ivoire to support the Super Eagles.

    Notable among them are Vice President Kasheem Shettima, Senate President God’swill Akpabio, Kwara State Governor Rasaq Abdul Rahman and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.

  • AFCON final: Moses, Uche start

    AFCON final: Moses, Uche start

    Victor Moses will start for Nigeria versus Burkina Faso in the African Nations Cup final, but injured Emmanuel Emenike is out for Ikechukwu Uche.

    MTNFootball.com has again specially gathered that Chelsea winger Moses has overcome a left ankle injury he picked up against Mali in Wednesday’s semi-final in Durban and so will be in action from the start.

    However, the same cannot be said of four-goal striker Emmanuel Emenike as he suffered a more serious hamstring injury, which officials informed MTNFootball.com will sideline the Spartak Moscow striker for at least two weeks.

    The 25-year-old Emenike has not trained since the injury leading up to Sunday’s final.

    His place will now be taken by Uche, who was top scorer in the qualifying tournament with three goals.

    The Villarreal striker lost his first-team place to Emenike during the tournament, but he returned for the crucial group game against Ethiopia with very little effect.

    He will now lead the attack along with the lively Ukraine-based striker Brown Ideye.

    Interestingly, Lazio youngster Ogenyi Onazi will also keep his place in the first XI ahead of Norway-based Fegor Ogude, who has not featured for the team since he returned from a one-match suspension for the Cote d’Ivoire clash.

     

    Eagles starting XI vs Burkina Faso

     

    Vincent Enyeama – Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo – Ogenyi Onazi, Mikel Obi, Sunday Mba – Victor Moses, Ikechukwu Uche, Brown Ideye.

  • AFCON final: Mark warns Eagles against complacency

    AFCON final: Mark warns Eagles against complacency

     

    Senate President David Mark, on Saturday warned the Super Eagles against complacency in the final of the African Nations Cup in South Africa.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Super Eagles’ Media Officer, Ben Alaiya.

    The statement quoted Mark as assuring the Super Eagles that the people and government of Nigeria were solidly behind them in their quest to win the AFCON for the third time.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mark made a surprise appearance at the Super Eagles last training session at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    Mark was at the Eagles training to deliver President Goodluck Jonathan’s message to the team.

    President Jonathan had appointed the Senate President to lead the government’s delegation to the final match following his visit to Europe.

    Mark expressed optimism that the Super Eagles would win the trophy against the Stallions of Burkina Faso on Sunday.

    He said that Nigerians were thrilled by their performance so far.

    “Yes, the job has been well done, but like we say in local parlance the snake is dead and it’s time to cut its head,” Mark said.

     

  • Emenike to miss AFCON final

    Emenike to miss AFCON final

     

    African Nations Cup joint top scorer, Emmanuel Emenike, has been ruled out of Sunday’s final by a muscle tear.

    Nigeria is gunning for a third Nations Cup title after Super Eagles won the tournament in 1980 and 1994.

    MTNFootball.com reports that a scan has showed that the Spartak Moscow striker suffered a thigh muscle tear of the right leg and so will miss the tournament final against Burkina Faso.

    A top team official informed MTNFootball.com: “Emenike has been ruled out after a scan showed he suffered a thigh muscle tear of the right leg during the semi-final against Mali. It’s a big, big blow for Nigeria.”

    The big, all-action centre-forward, who has emerged as one of the shining stars at only his first AFCON, has fired four goals, just short of the 10 goals scored by Nigeria to propel the Super Eagles to the Sunday’s championship game.

    One of his goals was the opening Group C match against Burkina Faso, which underlined his power-play style as he literally bulldozed his way past his markers to give Nigeria the lead.

    The 25-year-old striker has missed training for the past two days and both he and team officials have worked overtime to ensure he will be fit for Sunday.

     

  • Pitroipa cleared for AFCON final

    Pitroipa cleared for AFCON final

    The Confederation of African Football has cleared Burkina Faso’s Jonathan Pitroipa for Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Nigeria, futaa.com reports.

    The continent’s football governing body on Friday overturned the decision of center referee Slim Jdidi who sent off the Burkinabe talisman with a second booking in Wednesday’s semi-final victory over Ghana that ended in a penalty shoot-out.

    CAF’s disciplinary committee rose from a meeting on Friday to announce Pitroipa’s clearance following the referee’s admission of a wrong decision.

    The Rennes midfielder will therefore be available for selection on Sunday and the latest development will come as a big boost for the team and the Burkina Faso football fans back home.

    It could be recalled that CAF on Thursday suspended the Tunisian referee for his below-par performance in the semi final clash between the two West African nations.

     

  • Jonathan to miss AFCON final

    Jonathan to miss AFCON final

    President Goodluck Jonathan will not be available live in South Africa to cheer the Super Eagles when the team takes on Burkina Faso in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

    Instead, the president will send a delegation to represent him in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the epic soccer duel, futaa.com reports.

    The president had promised the players and officials of the Super Eagles that he would be in South Africa if they qualified for the finals of the tournament, but that is not to be anymore.

    This was confirmed by the Presidential Spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, who tweeted that the president will be in London and Paris for other official engagements, but has sent representatives to cheer on the team.

    Abati also revealed that members of the Super Eagles will be hosted to a dinner reception on February 12 in Abuja.

    He wrote: President Jonathan sends high-powered delegation to South Africa to support the Super Eagles ahead of AFCON final on Sunday.

    “The delegation that will be led by Senate President David Mark includes Governors Peter Obi and Isa Yuguda of Anambra and Bauchi States, Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda and Prof. V. Onwuliri.

    “President Jonathan due to official commitments in London and Paris will not be in Johannesburg to lead cheering for Super Eagles as he would have wished.

    “He has charged the delegation to ensure the Super Eagles are properly motivated and in best possible spirits to record a resounding victory on Sunday.

    The President will host the team to a dinner reception on Tuesday, February 12 at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja by 7 pm.”