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Tag: AFCON

  • FULL LIST: All Nigeria’s 2023 AFCON Fixtures, Date, Time and Venue

    FULL LIST: All Nigeria’s 2023 AFCON Fixtures, Date, Time and Venue

    The Nigerian Super Eagles will play Equatorial Guinea on Sunday to kick off their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.

    The Super Eagles are competing in a Group A match with Cote d’Ivoire, aiming to secure their fourth AFCON title.

    Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 Games, Dates, Venue and Kick-off Time:

    Sunday, 14 January, 2024

    Nigeria vs Equatorial Guinea

    Kick-off Time: 3:00 pm (WAT).

    Venue: Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé

    Thursday, 18 January, 2024

    Nigeria vs Ivory Coast

    Kick-off Time: 6:00 pm (WAT)

    Venue: Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé

    Read Also: 12 important things you need to know about AFCON 2023

    Monday, 22 January, 2024

    Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau

    Kick-off time: 5:00 pm (WAT)

    Venue: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny

    The remaining fixtures will be announced when the group stage games are over and Nigeria qualifies to the next round

  • 12 important things you need to know about AFCON 2023

    12 important things you need to know about AFCON 2023

    For the second time, Ivory Coast is the host of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), commencing the tournament with a match against Guinea-Bissau on Saturday at 9 p.m.

    Here are twelve things to know about the competition.

    1. The 2024 competition will feature 52 matches spanning 30 days

    2. Matches will be held at six stadiums across five cities.

    3. The capital, Abidjan, offers two venues – the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium and the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, which will also host the final, Yamoussoukro, Bouake, Korhogo and San Pedro will host the remaining fixtures.

    4. There are six groups made up of four teams each.

    5. The top two teams in each group and the four best-ranked third-placed teams will advance to the last 16.

    6. The winners of the latest edition in Ivory Coast will receive 5.5 million pounds ($7m).

    7. The runners-up will get 3.165 million pounds ($4m), with each of the two semifinalists receiving 1.979 million pounds ($2.5m) and the four quarterfinalists taking 1.029 million pounds ($1.3m) each.

    8. The matches will be shown on Supersport, NTA among others

    Read Also: AFCON: Cote d’Ivoire striker Haller to miss Guinea Bissau opener

    9. Nigerian Musician, Yemi Alade will be part of the entertainers for the opening event in the AFCON 2023

    10. VAR will be used in all 52 matches, with 12 officials selected to monitor matches. There will also be 26 referees and 30 assistant referees at the tournament.

    11. In the knockout phase, drawn matches will go to extra time, then a penalty shootout if necessary to determine winners.

    12. Senegal are favorites to win according to Opta AI

  • Lagos govt. increases AFCON viewing centres, introduces more attractions

    Lagos govt. increases AFCON viewing centres, introduces more attractions

    The Lagos State government on Saturday said the number of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) viewing centres had been increased from 15 to 20.

    Mr Damilare Orimoloye, Special Assistant to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sports, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Orimoloye, at the monthly ‘Keep Fit Lagos’ programme organised by the state government, promised that Lagos residents would have more to cheer during the AFCON matches.

    “The idea to increase the AFCON viewing centres across Lagos State is in line with the THEME plus agenda of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which emphasises on social inclusion.

    “The idea is that our people will have the opportunity to go out and mingle while watching the AFCON 2023; people will come out to interact with other football fans.

    “This project will increase bonding and networking among our people in a more friendly environment.

    “We now have five additional centres added to the previous 15 which makes a total of 20 centres across Lagos, which will enhance more proximity so that more people will come out,” he said.

    The Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Oluwatoyin Gafaar, noted that more side attractions had been introduced at the viewing centres.

    Read Also: AFCON: Cote d’Ivoire striker Haller to miss Guinea Bissau opener

    “Last two years, we had 15, but this time around we are making it 20 centres and we will continue to expand.

    “Lagos government is ready to provide all the needed support to the people as dictated by Gov. Sanwo-Olu. We want to increase the atmosphere of bonding in Lagos State.

    “The centres will be opened at 3.00 p.m and will remain open until the last match is played. The centres are not for Nigeria’s fixtures alone, but all the matches of AFCON 2023.

    “Other incentives include feeding of the spectators, drinks, pop corn, among others. It’s going to be an exciting moment for football fans in Lagos during AFCON 2023,” he assures.

    (NAN)

  • Eyes on Abijan as AFCON begins

    Eyes on Abijan as AFCON begins

    • Elephants, Wild Dogs in titanic opening clash

    Cote d’Ivoire  begin their bid for a third Africa Cup of Nations crown when they take on Guinea-Bissau in the tournament’s opening game at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium tonight.

    The tournament hosts are favourites to top Group A, while the Djurtus seek group-stage progress for the first time.

    The pressure is on Jean-Louis Gasset’s Elephants when they take to the field on Saturday as AFCON 2023 commences, keen to impose themselves against Guinea-Bissau.

    The West African side partook in qualifying despite being assured of a spot at the finals, finishing second after ending level with Zambia on 13 points, winning four of their six games (one loss).

    Cote d’Ivoire  have group-stage history on their side, having progressed from that phase in eight of the previous nine times they have played at the Cup of Nations, and they seek to boost their prospects of making it nine in 10 with a strong showing against Guinea-Bissau.

    Asset’s troops wiped the floor with Sierra Leone in their tune-up game, claiming a 5-1 victory over the Leone Stars last weekend, as they impressed with their decisive execution in the final third.

    Carrying that form into today’s AFCON opener with the expectant home support is anyone’s guess, but their goalscoring form at least gives the Elephants reason to be optimistic in the lead-up to facing Guinea-Bissau.

    Read Also: Yemi Alade to perform at AFCON, says it is a dream come true

    As for the Djurtus, they aim to progress from the group stage for the first time at the fourth time of asking, having failed to play a fourth game at the continental showpiece in the past three tournaments.

    Part of that process includes winning their first game at the finals, a feat they have not managed despite playing nine times in 2017, 2019 and 2021.

    Even though Baciro Cande’s men ended second in their qualifying group, the Djurtus secured a shock victory over Nigeria in the latter’s home, and they could pick up another positive result against the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023.

    First, they must battle the host nation, hoping to frustrate the Elephants and take their counter-attacking opportunities and set-piece chances on Saturday.

    However, it is easier said than done for Guinea-Bissau, who sit 54 places below Cote d’Ivoire  in FIFA’s rankings heading into the competition.

  • Top stars to watch

    Top stars to watch

    In a few days’ time, Africa will be vibrating to the rhythm of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 with an array of African football talent will be on display between 13 January – 11 February, reports CAFOnline.com

    Sadio Mane (Senegal, 31)

    Best player of the previous edition, the Lions of Teranga star player will once again be the man to watch when he captains his side in their title defense this year. After leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia last summer, Sadio Mane has lost none of his sharpness. He remains the guiding light and leader of a Senegalese team whose ambition is to achieve the double.

    Vincent Aboubakar (CMR, 31)

    For several competitions now, he’s been carrying the Indomitable Lions. Vincent Aboubakar is Cameroon’s captain and trusted goalscorer. His mental strength and leadership will be key in guiding his teammates to a 6th star for Cameroon.

    Serhou Guirassy (Guinea, 27)

    The centre-forward has been coming back to life in Germany this season. He’s racking up goal after goal and rivalling other top Bundesliga strikers. Guirassy is undoubtedly the striker who was missing from the Syli de Guinée’s puzzle to excel in the AFCON finals.

    Sébastien Haller (I’Coast, 30)

    For his second AFCON, he couldn’t have dreamt of anything better than playing it at home and in front of supporters that adopted him very quickly from his first steps with the Elephants. At 29, Sébastien Haller has reached maturity and intends to make a big impact at Africa’s biggest football spectacle in front of his fans.

    Mohamed Amoura (Algeria, 23)

    While other illustrious elders in the Algerian squad (Mahrez, Feghouli, Slimani) need no introduction, Mohamed Amoura should be the big attraction of this AFCON 2023 for the Fennecs. The midfielder has excelled for his Belgian club over the past two seasons and has the opportunity to lead his national team into a major competition.

    Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, 25)

    It’s hard not to include the Best African Player of the Year in this thread. Victor Osimhen, fresh from his recent accolade as the best African footballer, is celebrating his new status on the continental stage. He is the figurehead of Nigeria’s rich attacking frontline, which he will have to guide in Côte d’Ivoire.

  • BetKing backs Super Eagles for AFCON 2024 success

    BetKing backs Super Eagles for AFCON 2024 success

    BetKing Nigeria, a house-hold name in the sports betting industry expresses support for the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they gear up for the thrilling challenge of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Managing Director, BetKing Nigeria, Gossy Ukanwoke expressed the company’s passion, stating, “Our commitment to the Super Eagles is unyielding, a belief in their triumph and a celebration of Nigerian football.”

    Emphasising the commitment of the Super Eagles to secure victory at the Africa Cup of Nations once again, a decade after their last triumph in South Africa, heightens the intensity of BetKing backing. 

    The Super Eagles are housed in Group A, alongside host nation Ivory Coast, Guinea- Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea.

    Read Also: Yemi Alade to perform at AFCON, says it is a dream come true

    As anticipation builds for AFCON 2024, BetKing stands resolutely behind the national team. Ukanwoke underscored the significance of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in nurturing football talent and steering the Super Eagles towards triumph. “The NFF plays a pivotal role, and we are resolute in our support for them and the Super Eagles in their relentless pursuit of victory,” Ukanwoke affirmed.

    BetKing, renowned for its dedication to sports development, extends its dynamic support behind the scenes, beyond the ordinary spectatorship. Ukanwoke added, “Our commitment to sports goes beyond the commonplace. We believe in actively supporting events that showcase the diversity and resilience of athletes, as exemplified in our participation in the National Sports Festival held in Delta State 2022 and the National Wheelchair Basketball Championship in Ogun State respectively.

    With this dynamic and resolute support, BetKing aims to not only contribute but stand as an unwavering pillar in the journey toward national pride and success for the Super Eagles in the upcoming AFCON 2024.

  • Koulibaly predicts best AFCON ever in Cote d’Ivoire

    Koulibaly predicts best AFCON ever in Cote d’Ivoire

    Senegal national team captain, Kalidou Koulibaly, has hinted that  the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote  d’Ivoire  could be the  best ever  with the attendance of virtually  all the traditional  big teams .

    The Lions of Teranga touched down in Yamoussoukro, their base for their Group C matches admitting that they will face a tougher challenge to retain their title because of the presence of the top teams.

    Senegal are drawn in one of the toughest groups of the competition consisting of five-time winners, Cameroon, The Gambia as well as Guinea who will all pose a serious threat for the champions.

    The Teranga Lions are without a doubt one of the strong title contenders as the reigning champions who have made it to two consecutive TotalEnergies CAF AFCON finals (2019, 2021).

    “I think that the Côte d’Ivoire edition will be the best in history of the competition because all the big teams are present and are fully prepared. It will show the true image of African football, and I think that whoever wins the title in the end will deserve it,” the former Napoli defender told CAFOnline.com.

    Read Also: AFRICA GAMES: Minister pledges to tackle funding challenge in sports

    The Senegal skipper went on to urge his nation to keep the team in their prayers as they prepare to defend the title against the best African teams on the continent over the next few weeks.

     “I ask the Senegalese fans to be behind us during the competition and to pray for us in their prayers. Their support we will take us far in the competition, and we will represent them well and give them a big gift in the end.”

    Senegal kick off their title defense on 15 January against Gambia before facing the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a battle of the lions three days later on the 18th  before concluding their group campaign against Guinea on 23 January.

  • AFCON 2023; No sharks, no minnows

    AFCON 2023; No sharks, no minnows

    • By Jubril Hammed

    Sir: Africa is back again. This time, it is for the biggest prize in football; the main international men’s association football competition sanctioned by CAF. It is the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Biennially, Africa’s biggest football nations slug it out with one another to claim this prestigious crown. Power for power, brain for brain, and passion for passion, the African battle is always a cagey affair.

    West Africa is the destination this time, Cote d’Ivoire is hosting for the second time. The competition was initially slated for June – July 2023 but had to be shifted to this year to avoid the tropical rains that reaches its peak around the time.

    The 24 participating nations have been grouped into six, the top two in each group will qualify automatically for the knockout stage while the four best third placed team will join them to complete the round of 16.

    One interesting thing to point out is that no team has been tagged as the clear favourite. Football pundits and analysts can’t seem to figure out the most formidable squad. Of course, the old powerhouses will usually be tipped, but none seems to look solid and reliable.

    Read Also: N1.5 trillion road project debt: FG asks contractors to begin verification

    Senegal has lost touch of its recent football zest, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon doesn’t seem able to dominate anymore, and the Super Eagles of Nigeria have declined to its lowest. Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco are looking just average. In fact, Cote d’Ivoire can only bank on the strength of being the host. All the teams just look a cut above one another. The supposed smaller teams are sprouting up. The qualifiers and recent games are eye opener to this. Mali, Guinea, DR. Congo, Burkina Faso and Gambia have proven to have what it takes to take on any team. They have refused to be push-overs in the continental game and will surely bring forth their grit and courage again. This time around, there will be no sharks, there will be no minnows. The play will mostly be at level.

    The Akwaba was unveiled as the official mascot of the AFCON 2023. It’s an elephant that means “Welcome.” The elephant is the animal symbol of Cote d’Ivoire’s national team. They will look towering and will be Nigeria’s first major test. The Super Eagles will need to be careful treading the elephant’s path.

    It’s a whole new history set to be written. Africa has come again, this time to deliver a mouth-watering showpiece. The teams are looking full steam ahead and geared up for the big contest.

     We can’t wait to see how these nations of black descent will battle for glory.

    • Jubril Hammed,

    jubrilhammed96@gmail.com

  • BREAKING: SuperSport to show AFCON 2023

    BREAKING: SuperSport to show AFCON 2023

    In what should be cheery news to millions of its subscribers, Multichoice, owners of Digital Satellite Television (DStv) have concluded arrangements to broadcast the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Cote d’Ivoire 20223 on its sporting channel, SuperSport.

    Earlier, the company reportedly said it would not transmit the tournament ‘because the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament.’

    Read Also: AFCON 2023: NPFL juggles Matchday 18 ties for Super Eagles

    But a credible source has now hinted that SuperSport will indeed show AFCON 2023 games starting from Saturday’s opener between hosts Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea Bissau.

    According to the source privy to the arrangements, SuperSport rights are non-exclusive and will therefore be available on most bouquets on DSTV and GOtv.

    Details later…

  • AFCON 2023: AI predicts winners of prestigious tournament

    AFCON 2023: AI predicts winners of prestigious tournament

    The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the year 2023 is scheduled to commence on Saturday, January 13, 2024.

    Ivory Coast, the host country, will face Guinea-Bissau in the opening match.

    According to Opta’s artificial intelligence prediction model, Senegal, the current title holders, are the narrow favourites to win the tournament this time.

    If they win, they will become the fourth team to win consecutive AFCONs and the first team since Egypt, who won three in a row between 2006 and 2010.

    The prediction model uses betting market odds and Opta’s team rankings to assess the probability of each match outcome, victory, draw, or defeat, to provide a more comprehensive picture of who will win the delayed 2023 AFCON.

    The odds and rankings are determined based on past and present team performances.

    Read Also: NTA secures right to transmit all AFCON matches

    Using match result probability, group composition, and possible knockout round match-ups, the model then takes opponent strength and the difficulties of their route to the final into account.

    Senegal is the most likely winner according to the model, with a 12.8% chance, just ahead of hosts Ivory Coast (12.1%), who are attempting to win the trophy for a third time, after 1992 and 2015,

    Morocco (11.1%) is given the third-best chance of winning by the predictor model. Algeria (9.7%) is the fourth-most likely winner, with Egypt fifth (8.5%) to round off the top five.