The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)

  • Elephants to hold pre-AFCON training camp in Spain

    Elephants to hold pre-AFCON training camp in Spain

    Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)  cup holders, Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire , will finalise their preparations for the defence of their  title with a 10-day training camp in Spain ahead of the 2025 tournament in Morocco, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has confirmed.

    The Elephants announced their extensive preparations for Africa’s flagship sports competition as they look to defend their crown at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025.

    The reigning champions will hold a pre-tournament training camp in Marbella, Spain, where the final phase of their build-up will take place, this was announced by Ivorian FA Federation (FIF) president Yacine Idriss Diallo.

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    The Elephants, who lifted the trophy on home soil in February 2024, will assemble in Marbella from 10–20 December and are expected to play two friendly matches during the camp, President Diallo said following Saturday’s FIF general assembly in Abidjan.

    Opponents have not yet been officially announced, although one of the fixtures could be against DR Congo.

    The camp is designed to fine-tune the squad before they travel to Morocco for the competition, which begins on 21 December.

    Coach Emerse Faé will name his squad on 9 December before the team regroups the following day.

    Côte d’Ivoire endured a mixed November international window, losing 1–0 to Saudi Arabia under former Elephants coach Hervé Renard before responding with a 2-0 victory over Oman.

    With the holders set to feature in what many have labelled the “Group of Death”, the camp is seen as crucial to restoring confidence before the tournament begins on 21 December.

    Côte d’Ivoire open their Group F campaign against Mozambique on 24 December, face five-time champions Cameroon on 28 December, and conclude the group phase against Gabon on 31 December.

    The Elephants met Gabon during qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing 0-0 away and winning 1-0 at home.

    FIF president Yacine Idriss Diallo also provided an update on organisational matters surrounding the campaign. He clarified that the technical staff’s proposed preparation programme had been approved by the Ministry of Sports.

    The team will depart Marbella for Marrakech on 20 December, arriving in Morocco one day before the continental showpiece kicks off.

  • Match officials undergo  course for Morocco 2025

    Match officials undergo  course for Morocco 2025

    Ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco,  the Confederation of African Football (CAF), said  it has organised a preparatory course for the referees as countdown to the 35th edition of the  continent’s prestigious tournament begin in earnest.

    According to the continental soccer ruling body,  the session which is been  held in Cairo, Egypt, brought together referees, assistant referees, video assistant referees (VAR) and technical and physical instructors under the supervision of the CAF Referees Committee.

    CAF noted:“The objective of this course was to ensure the best possible preparation of officials before the kick-off of the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025, which will take place from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

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    “The program included physical testing, video match analysis sessions, as well as simulation workshops aimed at strengthening consistency of decisions, communication on the field and the consistent application of the Laws of the Game.

    “Participants also benefited from training on the use of VAR technologies, in accordance with the latest CAF and FIFA guidelines.”

    CAF  added that the preparatory  session illustrated the body’s  continued commitment to promoting excellence, transparency and credibility in African refereeing, which are essential to the success of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025.

    Recall that CAF  last week, named a  total of 73 highly experienced officials comprising 28 referees, 31 assistant referees, and 14 VAR officials have been appointed for this edition of Africa’s biggest football competition.

    No Nigerian   match official is pencilled for the tournament  holding in the North African country.

  • AFCON 2019: Buhari hails victorious Super Eagles

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Super Eagles for another spectacular outing that has confirmed Nigeria’s progress to the next level in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2019.

    Nigeria beat South Africa 2-1 on Wednesday night.

    With a well-deserved victory over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, President Buhari believed, like millions of other sports-loving Nigerians, that the mission of having the trophy in our hands for the fourth time is almost accomplished for the high flying Eagles.

    The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, urged the team and their handlers to remain focused, disciplined and scale the remaining two hurdles to glory.

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    He affirmed that the crop of players in the national football team represent the resilient and indomitable Nigerian spirit, which must be reflected in all other areas of national life.

    President Buhari assured the players that Nigerians are praying for them to fly higher and get to the peak of the tournament, knowing that the taste of victory is sweet and what they have achieved so far is pleasing to Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, religious or political inclination.

  • Star set to bring ‘shining’ moments to AFCON 2019

    With the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicking off in a few days, Star Lager beer is set to thrill fans with unforgettable moments.

    At a media parley event held at Warehouse Kitchen, Admiralty Way Lekki, Star Lager beer reeled out plans to engage consumers and create memorable experiences for football fans across the country during the AFCON tournament.

    Aside the top echelon of Sports media personalities at the event, former African Cup of Nations winners for Super Eagles were at the ceremony namely; Victor Ikpeba and Mutiu Adepoju of 1994 winning squad, while Efe Ambrose and Juwon Oshaniwa of 2013 team, were also present.

    Star Lager beer is an official sponsor of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as well as the official beer of the Super Eagles, one of the prime contenders of the African title when the competition kicks off on Friday, June 21.

    The Brand is set to literarily give Nigerian fans memorable experiences with 17 Star Fan Parks in eight cities across the country where fans can, in carnival-like environment, enjoy the 52 matches of the competition, which runs from June 21st to July 12th, 2019.

    Read Also: AFCON 2019: 20 players train in Asaba

    Apart from the thrillers expected from the competing teams on the fields, Star Lager will also thrill the fans to best of entertainment at the Star Fan Parks, which would be activated on all match days.

    At the Media Parley, the Portfolio Manager, National Premium, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mrs. Sarah Agha, explained that the reason is to make Nigerians enjoy the best of African football under a very relaxed atmosphere especially as the tournament is about to set a record as the most attended event by African players plying their trade in Europe.

    “Nigerians are very passionate about football and ready to stand behind the Super Eagles as they hope to conquer Africa again and with Star Lager as a foremost brand when it comes to entertainment, consumers and numerous fans are in for wonderful moments of football.

    “With the seasons across the globe in recess, the Africa Cup of Nations provides an exciting atmosphere for fans to behold most of the African stars that thrill global audiences in the various leagues in Africa and Europe” she continued.

  • 2019 AFCON: Rohr lists Mikel, 23 others

    Super Eagles’ coach Gernot Rohr  on Tuesday listed midfielder Mikel John Obi, Ahmed Musa and 23 others in a 25-man squad to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Egypt.

    A statement issued by the Director of Communications, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, said that six other players were  put on standby.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obi, who captained the team at the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia last summer, had not been with the group since Nigeria’s elimination from the finals after a 1-2 defeat by Argentina in Saint Petersburg.

    However, a recent meeting with Coach Rohr in the United Kingdom sealed his return to the three –time African champions, with the possibility of adding to his 85 international caps.

    Rohr has largely kept faith with the Trojans who earned a ticket to the AFCON finals with a match to spare.

    ”Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Leon Balogun and William Ekong, midfielders Oghenekaro Etebo and Wilfred Ndidi and forwards Odion Ighalo, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon are also on the roll-call.

    ”He has put on standby six players, among them defenders Ikouwem Utin and Valentine Ozornwafor who have also been named in Nigeria’s final 21 for the FIFA U20 World Cup starting in Poland next week.

    Read Also: AFCON 2019: It won’t be easy for us, says Rohr, Musa

    ”The Franco-German tactician explained that he has included the two players knowing the FIFA U20 World Cup will end on June 15, six days before the first match will be played at the AFCON.

    ”2018 FIFA World Cup defender Bryan Idowu is also on standby, alongside Portugal –based Mikel Agu and Egypt –based Junior Ajayi, and home –based goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai

    All invited players and officials are to report at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Asaba, on Sunday, 2ndJune, ahead of the friendly with the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Stephen Keshi Stadium on Saturday, 8th June,” the NFF official said.

    He added that the team will depart for Egypt on Sunday, June 9, aboard a chartered aircraft, for the final training camp in the city of Ismailia and tackle Africa’s number one –ranked team, Senegal in their final pre-AFCON friendly on Sunday, June 16.

    NAN reports that Nigeria has been drawn in Group B with Burundi, Guinea and Madagascar in the tournament holding from June 21 to July 19

    Full list of players
    Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Katsina United); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)

    Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Semi Ajayi (Rotherham United, England)

    Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Middlesbrough FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

    Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassar FC, Saudi Arabia); Victor Osimhen (Royal Charleroi SC, Belgium); Moses Simon (Levante FC, Spain); Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray SK, Turkey); Odion Ighalo (Shanghai Shenhua, China); Alexander Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France); Paul Onuachu (FC Midtjyland, Denmark); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain)

    Six On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai (Enyimba FC); Bryan Idowu (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia); Ikouwem Utin (Enyimba FC); Mikel Agu (Vitoria Setubal, Portugal); Junior Ajayi (Al Ahly, Egypt); Valentine Ozornwafor (Enyimba FC)

    NAN

  • Football fans urge S/Eagles to emulate Liverpool spirit at AFCON

    Football fans in Ilorin have called on the Super Eagles of Nigeria to emulate Liverpool FC’s spirit in the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt scheduled for June.

    The fans told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews on Wednesday that the Eagles need to believe in their ability and conquer Africa just as Liverpool shocked Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final.

    NAN reports that Liverpool outclassed Barcelona 4-0 with an extraordinary performance at Anfield, Liverpool, England, on Tuesday night to eliminate the Catalan giants in the competition, after being 3-0 down in the first leg.

    A soccer fan, Mr Segun Gbadebo, said the Super Eagles must emulate the spirit of the Liverpool players and play with determination to shock their African opponents in Egypt.

    “Everything is possible in football. The Super Eagles must learn from Liverpool by believing in their ability and do the impossible in June,’’ Gbadebo said.

    Another soccer fan, Joseph Ibenjo, said the Liverpool spirit is what he expects from the Eagles in AFCON.

    “After the 3-0 humiliation at Camp Nou last week, we all thought it was over; not until Liverpool pulled a miraculous surprise when they humbled Barcelona with four unreplied goals,’’ he said

    On his part, Mr Kayode Oguns, said: “Super Eagles also need the fighting spirit as demonstrated by Liverpool.

    Read Also: Liverpool’s victory hailed as the `Miracle of Anfield’

    “We need to play with passion and pull down giants as seen on Tuesday.

    “AFCON should be Super Eagles’ birth right. We can win it till our trophy cabinet is full.

    “We need to play like the Liverpool players and conquer Africa in June.’’

    Usman Balogun advised the Super Eagles to watch video clips of Liverpool’s performance against Barcelona.

    “Gernot Rohr must show and analyse the clips of the match with his players. It is very necessary to help the team spirit,’’ he said.

    Another football fan, Abiodun Odediran, called on Nigerians to support and pray for Super Eagles during the AFCON in Egypt.

    “Even the Liverpool fans are worth emulating, not only the players.

    “We need to copy the spirit of the Liverpool fans during matches to push the Eagles to victory,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that the Super Eagles are drawn in Group B with Burundi, Guinea and Madagascar for the 2019 AFCON billed to hold in Egypt from June 21 to July 19.

    NAN

  • Balogun still nursing injury

    With less than three weeks to the Super Eagles first competitive match of 2019, the availability of Brighton & Hove defender Leon Balogun for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier cannot be ascertained.

    Brighton & Hove manager Chris Hughton confirmed on Thursday that the Nigeria international will definitely miss the Premier League meeting against Huddersfield.

    Balogun has not been included in the Seagulls matchday 18 since February 6 due to a shoulder injury.

    Speaking at the pre-match press conference before the visit of The Terriers, Hughton said: ”Pascal Gross will miss the game this weekend. He felt his hamstring, the good news is it’s not as bad as we first thought, but the game comes too soon.

    “Leon Balogun will also still miss out.”

    Balogun, 30, has made only two appearances in all competitions from a possible eleven in 2019.

  • Super Eagles need more media support – Sanusi

    Super Eagles need more media support – Sanusi

    Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Thursday appealed for media support for the Super Eagles as they resume their campaign for qualification for major events.

    Sanusi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the media needed to report positive issues which could encourage the players and push them to winning ways.

    “The media stands between the players and fans but when the players realise that reports on them are only negative it discourages them.

    “When the players know that they are being supported at home, they will give their all in a match and that is what we all want to see,’’ he said.

    The General Secretary also advised the senior national team not to underrate any side in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

    NAN reports that the Super Eagles will take on the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Uyo on Saturday in a Group A match of the 2019 AFCON Qualifiers.

  • AFCON Qualifiers: Mikel, Ighalo’s absence won’t make difference -Fuludu

    AFCON Qualifiers: Mikel, Ighalo’s absence won’t make difference -Fuludu

    A former international, Edema Fuludu, says the absence of Mikel Obi and Odion Ighalo will not make any difference in the Super Eagles formation when they play South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Sunday.

    The Eagles will host the South African national team at Uyo in the ongoing qualifiers for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be staged by Cameroon.

    Fuludu, a member of the victorious 1994 AFCON squad, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that the coach, Genort Rohr, had reasons for not playing them.

    NAN reports that the captain of the team, Mikel, and striker Ighalo, will be missing in action in the qualifying match against Banana Banana of South Africa on June 11.

    “The truth is that whether they are present or not, the show must go on and it’s important that we don’t disrupt the current formation of the players.

    “They have won their matches back to back which has shown that they are making progress; the technical adviser has an approach to each match.

    “I’m sure there are still roles that they can play and also remembering that Mikel has an injury.

    “Contrary to speculations that the choice of the location of their clubs maybe a hindrance, everyone has a fair chance of playing in the team,’’ he said.

    Fuludu, a former central defender, said that one of the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) mandates to Rohtr Gohr is to ensure that the Super Eagles qualify for the Nations Cup.

    “How he chooses to go about the qualifiers is totally up to him to a large extent.

    “He has a target and in his projection, he must have been able to analyse the players that fit into his plans.

    “So, it’s totally up to him, their absence is not a snub whatsoever, we know they are experienced players, we can’t take that away from them,’’ he said.

    On his expectations, the former Manager of Warri Wolves FC, told NAN that the match won’t be a walk in the park.

    “The thing is that in as much as this match is crucial to us, we must tie all loose ends; there is no luxury for slips, we need to take our chances.

    “It’s key that they play as a team, also they should play according to instruction and they should use their discretion when necessary,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that Group B of the competition consists of Nigeria, Zambia, Algeria and Cameroon.

  • Ndidi’s award excites Amiesimaka

    Ndidi’s award excites Amiesimaka

    Ex-Green Eagles Winger, Adokiye Amiesimaka, says recent young player award bestowed on Wilfred Ndidi by English Premiership Club, Leicester, is a big plus for Nigerian football.

    Ndidi, 20, a Super Eagles midfielder and former Nigerian youth international, joined the EPL side from Genk FC of Belgium.

    Amiesimaka told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from Port Harcourt on Wednesday that the award by the former league champions showed that Ndidi was a top quality player.

    “For him to be given such an award by Leicester who won the Premier League only last season is obviously a plus.

    “It means he is a top quality player and its impact on us here is good, by virtue of the fact that he is a member of the national team,’’ he said.

    Amiesimaka, former Chairman, Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, said the award was also an indication that Nigerian football had a quality player in one of the best organised leagues in the world.

    “Even more importantly is what we’ll do with that plus, how do we make the most of that in the national team and how will it benefit us?’’ he said.

    He said that the derivation of the award should be translated to his optimal use in the national team to achieve good results in major national and international matches.

    Amiesimaka said that the welfare of Ndidi and other members of the national team should be a priority to excel in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying matches.

    NAN reports that Ndidi started his career playing for the Lagos-based Nath Boys Academy in the Lagos Junior League (J-League) and won numerous accolades.

    He then played as a central defender for Nigeria’s youth team, the Golden Eaglets in 2013 for the African U-17 Championship.

    He later played for the Manu Garba U-20 youth team of Nigeria that played in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

    Ndidi was called up to the Senior Nigeria team, the Super Eagles, on Oct. 8, 2015, making his debut in the friendly game against DR Congo.

    He also played again a few days later in the 3-0 win against Cameroon, when he replaced Mikel Obi in the 63rd minutes.

    He was selected by Nigeria for their 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.