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Tag: AFCON

  • AFCON final: Ivory Coast will win in error – Prophet

    AFCON final: Ivory Coast will win in error – Prophet

    A self-acclaimed prophet, Dr Kan Ebube Muonso of the Power and Victory in Christ Church, has predicted hosts Ivory Coast will win the AFCON 2023 tournament.

    He stated that Ivory Coast will go home with the cup in error.

    However, he said that he has been interceding for Nigeria in his mountain programme by the power of God and would collect the cup from Ivory Coast and hand it over to Nigeria.

    In a post on his church’s Facebook page on Friday, Kan predicted that the error would be caused by the referee.

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

    According to him, Nigeria is the rightful team to go home with the cup.

    “IVORY COAST VS NIGERIA.

    “I saw Ivory Coast going home with the cup in error by ref/partial against Nigeria but Nigeria is the rightful team that is supposed to go home with the cup, but I will collect the cup from Ivory Coast to Nigeria by the power of God after my mountain program which will commence tomorrow.

    “In my next post after mountain, you will know that there is power in God.

    “Operation show your power. My God will prove himself again,” the post reads.

  • AFCON: We’re rooting for Nigeria in final – Fulham Coach Silva

    AFCON: We’re rooting for Nigeria in final – Fulham Coach Silva

    The manager of Fulham, Marco Silva, declared that he will be rooting for Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, two Nigerian players, in Sunday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

    Silva revealed this in the pre-match press conference ahead of Fulham’s game against Bournemouth on Saturday.

    He said: “Of course, we have been watching. It’s a mixed feeling for us. It’s been a long time without two key players for us. Right now, we are supporting them in the final.”

    Iwobi and Bassey have been instrumental in Nigeria’s race to the competition’s final.

    Read Also: AFCON: ‘Save your husbands from death’ – Shehu Sani advises Nigerian women

    Midfielder Iwobi has started all six of Nigeria’s games in the competition, while Bassey came off the bench in the first game and has been in the starting 11 ever since.

    The Super Eagles will play hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final at the Alassanne Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, on Sunday evening.

  • AFCON 2023: Musa, Omeruo set to make history

    AFCON 2023: Musa, Omeruo set to make history

    Ahmed Musa, the captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, and the midfielder Kenneth Omeruo are poised to make history as the first Super Eagles players to clinch two AFCON titles.

    Both players were integral to the remarkable Super Eagles squad that secured the AFCON trophy in 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi.

    The Super Eagles will square off against Ivory Coast in a highly anticipated match in the upcoming finals.

    Read Also: AFCON: Super Eagles vs Cote d’Ivoire final will be Nigeria’s easiest game – Segun Odegbami

    The encounter marks the second meeting between the two teams, with the Super Eagles emerging victorious with a 1-0 win during their previous group-stage clash.

    The 2023 African Cup of Nations final will kick off at 20:00 (GMT) on Sunday, February 11, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

  • Don’t watch AFCON final if you have heart condition – Doctor

    Don’t watch AFCON final if you have heart condition – Doctor

    An Akure-based medical practitioner and Chief Medical Director of Sckye Hospital, Dr Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, has warned Super Eagles fans and football lovers who are highly emotional and have heart conditions to avoid Sunday’s final.

    Ikubese, who stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Akure, said these category of persons should instead involved in diversionary measures instead.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Super Eagles of Nigeria will face host nation, Elephants of Cote D’ivoire, on Sunday in final of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Reports said that about four Nigerians were reported to have lost their lives while watching the Eagles’ semi-final match against South Africa on Wednesday.

    Ikubese suggested that such people should pick their phone and follow the live scores, to avoid screaming and leave the update if they were feeling uncomfortable.

    “I will counsel that this category of persons should not watch the live transmission of the match.

    “If they must do, however, they should deliberately engage in diversionary therapy as to minimize their systemic reactions to the activities therein.

    “They can pick up their phones and be engaged therein while watching the match and deliberately play down their emotions, acting like the outcome of the match is of no consequence to them.

    Read Also: AFCON: Super Eagles vs Cote d’Ivoire final will be Nigeria’s easiest game – Segun Odegbami

    “On no account should they scream or jump up. If in spite of all these, they yet begin to feel uncomfortable, they should quit watching.

    “If they are not sure of conducting themselves with such level of decorum, they should boycott the live transmission and watch the highlights thereafter,” he said.

    Ikubese later condoled with the families of those who lost their loved ones while watching the football encounter.

    He wished Nigeria luck in the coming encounter.

    (NAN)

  • AFCON: Super Eagles vs Cote d’Ivoire final will be Nigeria’s easiest game – Segun Odegbami

    AFCON: Super Eagles vs Cote d’Ivoire final will be Nigeria’s easiest game – Segun Odegbami

    Segun Odegbami, a former Nigerian international, expressed confidence that the Super Eagles’ final match against the host nation Cote d’Ivoire in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be their easiest in the tournament.

    Odegbami, a member of the Green Eagles (now Super Eagles) that clinched Nigeria’s first AFCON title in 1980, asserted that the Super Eagles are better than their opponents, saying that the Ivorians reached the final game through sheer “luck.”

    He revealed this on Friday, February 9, during an interview on Channels TV’s Morning Brief.

    He said: “We have beaten Ivory Coast before; we defeated them in the group stage, which gives us a psychological edge. Also, the hosts have not played well; they are not one of the top teams; they’ve been lucky. It’s a miracle they’ve gotten to this stage; they haven’t earned or deserved it on the pitch.

    “In the final on Sunday, it will be a noise-making, vociferous crowd trying to lift their players against a team that should be prepared for no distractions and focused for 90 minutes.

    “The Super Eagles play their game against a team that respects us; on the street, the Ivorians know we are superior; we just need to display it.

    “Our players must believe, and I know we shall outplay them. It’s going to be our easiest match; it’s going to be a training session, and Nigeria will defeat them hands down.

    Read Also: Segun Odegbami: I’m not a polygamist

    In addition, Odegbami demanded that the government provide Nigeria with enough fans for the match.

    He said: “We’re going to be up against 60,000 Ivorian fans, and they will overwhelm any kind of support we provide. I urge the government to provide support for our supporters; we need their voices. When we score, you see the players rush to the stands because they know how important they are.”

  • Actress Remmy Njoku seeks Aso Ebi for AFCON final

    Actress Remmy Njoku seeks Aso Ebi for AFCON final

    Actress Mary Remmy Njoku has called for help ahead of the 2023 AFCON final.

    The Nation reported that the Super Eagles defeated South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Wednesday in a 4-2 penalty shout-out. 

    Following their victory, Super Eagles will compete with Cote D’Ivoire who defeated DR Congo in a 1-0 match. 

    The two countries are slated to battle for the AFCON’S cup on Sunday, February 11th.

    Ahead of the match, Mary is soliciting help on where she can get Aso ebi for her family.

    Read Also: Change of name should be optional if a marriage ends, says Mary Remmy Njoku

    Questioning where she can buy original jerseys, she stated that it is her way of supporting the Super Eagles.

    She wrote: “I haven’t gotten our Asoebi for the AFCON final on Sunday. Where can I buy some? For the whole Njoku clan, please. Original Jersies oh! We need to support our boys. Please tag a vendor. Good jerseys abeg.
    Good morning”.

  • Eight African legends who didn’t win AFCON

    Eight African legends who didn’t win AFCON

    Despite their stellar performances for their club sides and respective national teams, some African football legends failed to secure victory in the AFCON throughout their careers. 

    The following football legends didn’t win the AFCON:

    1. Nwaknkwo Kanu

    Kanu’s success in Nigerian football and around the world in clubs like Ajax, Inter Milan and Arsenal cannot be overemphasised.

    However, Kanu could only hope to add the African Cup of Nations trophy to his collection after reaching the final in 2000 with Nigeria but lost via penalty shootouts to Cameroon.

    2. Didier Drogba

    Didier Drogba undoubtedly regarded as one of the best African strikers of all time had a splendid career in Chelsea where he won many titles but couldn’t replicate the feat with his country side Ivory Coast as he reached the finals of AFCON twice ( 2006, 2012) but lost both on penalties. It became a story of woe as Ivory Coast won the prestigious trophy a year after his retirement.

    3. El – Hadji Diouf

    El – Hadji Diouf was a crucial force for the Senegalese national team in the early 2000s and led them to reaching the quarterfinals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. However it wasn’t a good tale in AFCON as Diouf only reached the AFCON 2002 final and lost to Cameroon.

    4. Micheal Essien

    Growing to become a legend in Chelsea and winning awards with the English side, Ghanian talisman, Michael Essien would have loved to add an AFCON trophy to his remarkable career but lost to Egypt in the 2010 finals.

    Read Also: AFCON 2023: You have gifted hands, Aproko Doctor hails Nwabali

    5. George Weah

    George Weah’s achievements in football are unmatchable among African players, the biggest off is winning the greatest individual award, The Ballon d’Or.

    However, he was unable to bring this prowess to his home country as he could only lead his country to two AFCON tournaments in his career and didn’t move past the group stages in both encounter.

    6. Asamoah Gyan

    Asamoah Gyan known for his goal scoring abilities and records in multiple World Cup competitions for Ghana was one to look out for. 

    However his story in AFCON took a different turn as he reached the finals twice with Ghana in 2010 and 2015 but couldn’t savour victory in both encounters.

    7. Emmanuel Adebayor

    Emmanuel Adebayor known for his blistering moments in the Premier League especially with Arsenal and Manchester City and his legendary move in Togo’s football.

    He was the 2008 African Player of the Year, but couldn’t lead Togo to an AFCON glory. The closest he came was the quarterfinals 2013.

    8. Frederick Kanoute

    Frederick Kanoute is another Premier League player, who also had a great spell at Sevilla and was a key player for Mali.

    With his best AFCON performance at the 2024 competition where he led his country to the semi-finals, he was awarded African footballer of the year in 2007.

  • AFCON: ‘Awalokan’, says Tinubu

    AFCON: ‘Awalokan’, says Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, February 8, said it is Nigeria’s turn to win the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) while echoing the word ‘Awalokan.’ 

    ‘Awalokan’ is a Yoruba word, which means ‘It is our turn.’

    Tinubu spoke on Thursday, 8, during the official launching of the 3,112 housing units in the Karsana area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns late Cairo Ojougboh

    In a video monitored by the Nation, the president congratulated the Super Eagles and Nigerians once again for qualifying for the AFCON final after defeating South Africa 4-2 on penalties.

    He said: “Congratulations once again everybody on the attainment of victory just last night.

    “It was a moment of joy for every one of us, united as a nation, very hopeful that it is our turn for the trophy. Awalokan.”

  • ‘Build on Eagles’  AFCON momentum to revamp NPFL’

    ‘Build on Eagles’  AFCON momentum to revamp NPFL’

    Chairman of 100% Focus Nigeria, Dr. Ibrahim Muhammed , has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and  Nigeria Premier Football League (NPL) to build on the momentum generated by the Super Eagles’ participation in the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations to revitalize the country’s domestic league.

    Speaking during an interactive session with the media in Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire, Dr. Muhammed emphasized that the team’s impressive performances at the  AFCON 2023  have reignited passion for football across Nigeria, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to develop grassroots football.

    He  stressed that investing in football has the potential to stimulate economic growth by creating employment opportunities. He pointed out the success stories of countries like South Africa, whose AFCON squad predominantly comprises players from their local league, demonstrating the effectiveness of developing domestic football structures.

    He said: “We can take a cue from what South Africa is doing,  almost all their players in this AFCON are from their league and today that team is in the semifinal. What are they doing right? How about Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, they have leagues that develop their football and earn them money which boost their economies.

    Read Also: Navy warns against drug abuse, offers rehabilitation

    “We were doing well before, at a time we had two Nigerian clubs Iwuanyanwu Nationale and Ranchers Bees in the final of both the CAF Winners’ Cup and CAF Cup before BCC Lions won one of the competitions. The Lions were successful because BCC were committed; where is First Bank FC, Leventis United, New Nigeria Bank and the rest? “

     “We have the richest man in Africa who doesn’t own a club here, he doesn’t even invest in our football.

    “Our focus as an organization is not to over-flog these problems but to galvanise Nigerians at all levels to solve them because this is the only country that we have. Sports administration; especially  football must be rejigged to attract investment,” he added.

  • AFCON semi-final: APC Youth Wing to host viewing Party in Abuja

    AFCON semi-final: APC Youth Wing to host viewing Party in Abuja

    The APC Youth Wing is set to host a viewing party in Abuja ahead of the Super Eagles African Cup of Nations semi-final clash with South Africa on Wednesday, February 7, under the leadership of Hon. Dayo Israel.

    The event is also hosted as part of the Community Action Through Sport (CATS) Initiative of the National Youth Leader, with the APC National Youth Strategic Plan 2024-2027, which emphasizes youth engagement and national unity.

    With the Super Eagles capturing the hearts of millions across the nation, Hon. Israel understands the significance of rallying support for the team. The viewing party aims to bring together APC youths from all corners of the country to celebrate and cheer on our national football team.

    Read Also: AFCON: Super Eagles starting XI for South Africa clash

    Israel said: “The Super Eagles symbolize the pride and unity of our nation. As young leaders within the APC, it’s imperative for us to unite and demonstrate unwavering support for our team.

    “This viewing party isn’t solely about football; it’s about nurturing camaraderie and national pride among our youth.”

    Attendees can anticipate an electrifying atmosphere filled with camaraderie, cheers, and chants as they watch the Super Eagles in action.

    The event will also include refreshments, entertainment, and opportunities for networking and engagement among APC youth members.

    All APC youth members, supporters, and football enthusiasts are warmly invited to join Hon. Dayo Israel and fellow party members at the APC national secretariat for an unforgettable evening of football and camaraderie.

    Together, let’s rally behind the Super Eagles and exemplify the true essence of Nigerian unity.