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Tag: CAF

  • CAF name AGL Official Logistics Partner for 2025 AFCON, 2026 WAFCON  

    CAF name AGL Official Logistics Partner for 2025 AFCON, 2026 WAFCON  

    The Confederation of African Football  (CAF) and Africa Global Logistics (AGL), the trusted logistics operator in Africa, has  announced a new strategic partnership, establishing AGL as the Official Logistics Partner for Africa’s two flagship football competitions; the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 and the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa

    Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026.

    The partnership was officially signed in Johannesburg yesterday  (23rd  April) by CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe and AGL President, Philippe Labonne. Building on a successful collaboration that began with the  last AFCON,  Côte d’Ivoire 2023, AGL will once again play a key role as CAF’s Official Logistics Partner for the AFCON  Morocco 2025 and  WAFCON Morocco 2026.

    CAF President Dr. Motsepe said: “CAF is delighted to once more establish a partnership with AGL with whom we successfully worked together at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (“AFCON”) Côte d’Ivoire 2023. AGL is a leading logistics company and its partnership with CAF reflects the substantial commitment by both parties to the development and growth of football for men and women in Africa. The CAF Africa Cup of Nations (“AFCON”) is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, attracting over  1.5 billion TV audiences in a 178 countries and numerous African and global sponsors and partners. The partnership of CAF and AGL will also contribute to the socio-economic uplift of our rural and urban communities on the  African Continent.”

    Labonne, President of Africa Global Logistics, added: “We are honoured to extend our collaboration with CAF. We  share the same vision of unity and excellence for Africa. We aim to support the successful organization of major tournaments like  AFCON and WAFCON, and also to transform African football into a lasting driver of economic and social development. Thanks to  our partnership with CAF, we celebrate the passion of millions of Africans for football, while reinforcing our commitment to local  content, engaging with communities, and promoting women’s inclusion. Together, thanks to the power of football, we’ll keep moving  Africa forward”

    Read Also: NPFL  hammer falls on  El-Kanemi with N3.5m fine

    Beyond sporting competitions, this partnership reflects a shared vision: making football a catalyst for sustainable development  across the Continent. Drawing on its deep-rooted expertise in Africa and a vast logistics network spanning 47 African countries,  AGL plays a key role in the Continent’s economic and social transformation. This partnership illustrates its ambition to contribute sustainably to African sport while strengthening its positive impact on the communities it serves.

    The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) the most watched sporting event on the African Continent, will benefit from AGL’s advanced logistics support. AGL is committed to providing innovative and sustainable solutions to support the successful  delivery of CAF’s major competitions. Through this renewed alliance, AGL reaffirms its mission to be at the heart of Africa’s transformation. More than just a sporting event, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (“AFCON”) Morocco 2025 represents  an opportunity to stimulate local economies, create jobs, and build capacity across the value chain, from logistics and infrastructure  to tourism and services.

    The TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) sponsorship reflects AGL’s dedication to promoting gender  equality and encouraging the development of Women’s football.

  • CAF names two Nigerian arbiters for U20 AFCON

    CAF names two Nigerian arbiters for U20 AFCON

    Two Nigerian referees have been included in the list for the upcoming U20 AFCON billed for Egypt.

    Their inclusion ended  the  non-inclusion of Nigerian arbiters in  recent continental  championships including the ongoing U-17 AFCON in Morocco.

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the official list on yesterday confirming that Nigerian referees Aminu Shamtali Shuaibu and Muhammadu Yakubu have been selected.

    Read Also: NDSF: Bayelsa’s Sobere shares early  frustrations with volleyball

    The list comprises 14 centre referees, 15 assistant referees, 10 Video Assistant Referees (VAR), 1 CAF committee member, and 3 assessors.

    Additionally, it includes  six  instructors,  five CAF staff members, and three  IT support and VAR technicians.

    The U20 AFCON tournament is set to take place in Egypt and will kick off on April 26, 2025.

  • CAF Awards Countdown: Rich history of Men’s Player of the Year

    CAF Awards Countdown: Rich history of Men’s Player of the Year

    The 2024 CAF Awards will see a new Men’s Player of the Year crowned when they are staged in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday, 16 December, the latest recipient of a prize that has celebrated the continent’s elite players in various guises since 1970.

    This year’s gala ceremony will be at the Palais des Congrès with the ceremony set to kick off at 19h00 local time, 7pm Nigerian time.

    One of the highlights of the night will be the unveiling of the Men’s Player of the Year, with five nominees still in the running.

    Cote d’Ivoire and Brighton & Hove Albion winger Simon Adingra is among the contenders, along with Borussia Dortmund’s Guinea international striker Serhou Guirassy and Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain.

    Atalanta’s exciting winger Ademola Lookman will be the pick of Nigeria fans, while Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams will hope his exploits for South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 see him claim the prize.

    The African Footballer of the Year was first established by France Football magazine 54 years ago, with the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) taking over the award in 1992.

    Former Mali international Salif Keïta was the very first recipient in 1970, earned while he was playing for Saint-Étienne in France.

    Read Also: PSG to cough  N131.8 billion for Osimhen next month

    As a teenager he was in the Stade Malien side that lost in the first CAF Champions Cup final in 1965 and thereafter moved to Saint-Étienne, where he won three successive Ligue 1 titles from 1968-70 and became a fan favourite in a golden period for one of France’s most beloved clubs.

    He scored 42 goals alone in the 1970-71 season when St Etienne finished second to Marseille, where he moved in 1972.

    Ibrahim Sunday (Ghana & Asante Kotoko) claimed the award in 1971 and Chérif Souleymane (Guinea & Hafia) the following year.

    The France Football Award continued until 1994, by which time CAF has created their own prize two years earlier.

    Abedi Pele of Ghana claimed the Award three years in a row between 1991-1993, and future Liberia President George Weah was a winner in 1995 as he also became the first player from Africa to lift the Ballon d’Or.

    The record for the most Men’s Player of the Year titles is shared between ex-Cameroon international Samuel Eto’o (2003, 2004, 2005, 2010) and former Cote d’Ivoire midfielder Yaya Toure (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014). Toure is the only player to lift the award four years in a row.

    Among current players, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah has two wins and Senegal forward Sadio Mane also a brace of victories.

    PAST CAF AWARD WINNERS

    Men’s Player of the Year

    1992 Abedi Pele (Ghana)

    1993 Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria)

    1994 Emmanuel Amunike (Nigeria)

    1995 George Weah (Liberia)

    1996 Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)

    1997 Victor Ikpeba (Nigeria)

    1998 Mustapha Hadji (Morocco)

    1999 Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)

    2000 Patrick Mboma (Cameroon)

    2001 El Hadji Diouf (Senegal)

    2002 El Hadji Diouf (Senegal)

    2003 Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

    2004 Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

    2005 Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

    2006 Didier Drogba (Cote d’Ivoire)

    2007 Frédéric Kanouté (Mali)

    2008 Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo)

    2009 Didier Drogba (Cote d’Ivoire)

    2010 Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

    2011 Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire)

    2012 Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire)

    2013 Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire)

    2014 Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire)

    2015 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)

    2016 Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

    2017 Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

    2018 Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

    2019 Sadio Mané (Senegal)

    2020 Awards not held due to COVID-19

    2021 Awards not held due to COVID-19

    2022 Sadio Mané (Senegal)

    2023 Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

  • A well-deserved big stick

    A well-deserved big stick

    • CAF’s fine against Libya for maltreating Nigerian team is in order

    Football, like all games is ruled by often very strict rules. Obedience to these rules guarantees that sports play its socially functional rules. The idea of sportsmanship stems from the expectation that sports in its purest form be taken as recreational and uniting, not just in communities but on the global scale. Global sports has more than politics or economic activities been a more uniting force across nations, in spite of racial, religious or class differences.

    Football is globally described as the ‘beautiful game’ for a reason. It is the most universally popular game across the world. It has become the most popular and most economically viable game with very strong national leagues, sub-national, regional, sub-regional, continental and global (World Cup) competitions that provide entertainment and passionate following for lovers of the game.

    The  Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), is the international governing body for association football, futsal, and beach soccer. Founded in1904, the body oversees the organisation of football globally. Continental and regional organisations like Confederation of African

    Football (CAF) and Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and others are charged with organising competitions and maintenance of law and order.

    It was therefore very apposite that CAF wielded the big stick on Libya penultimate week, when they investigated the treatment meted to the Nigerian Super Eagles who were due to play a second leg AFCON qualifying match in Benghazi, Libya. The Nigerian team had their flight diverted from Benghazi to Al-Abraq International Airport without prior notice. The flight was diverted to Al-Abraq and the players and crew were kept waiting for over 12 hours, with no decent accommodation, food or water.

    CAF Disciplinary Board said because Libya violated AFCON Regulations and the CAF Disciplinary Code —specifically Articles 31, 82, and 151 –  CAF had declared the match forfeited by Libya and awarded Nigeria a 3-0 victory. In addition, Libya was fined $50,000 to be paid before 60 days from the date of the ruling. Even though Libya has indicated its readiness to appeal the decision, it remains to be seen what their new arguments would be.

    Read Also: Anti-graft: Lawyers’ platform seeks more powers for EFCC

    The controversy raging in Libya over the decision of the committee has shocked many, given that every football governing body across the footballing nations is expected to be familiar with the rules of the game. However, the allegation that the decision has elicited a political reaction from some Libyans has raised outrage in Nigeria. It is alleged that some Libyan citizens are using the social media to call for the deportation of some Nigerians, and a tax of about $500 in a seeming punitive measure.

    This tastes very sore in the mouth as a continental competition is supposed to be about displaying the best form of sportsmanship and camaraderie. However, CAF takes a part of the blame. Given the political chaos in Libya since the death of its former leader, Muammar Gaddafi, there has been no stable government in the country. There have been internal conflicts and struggle for power. A ban from competitions for Libya might just have spurred the people to reunite and organise credible elections.

    CAF might claim that they do not allow politics to meddle with the game, but tragedy can be avoided by being more circumspect, especially for a conflict-ridden country like Libya. On another hand, many commend CAF for wielding the big stick against Libya in this instance. It is a good lesson to send to other nations that might decide to toe the same path.

    We however recommend that the Federal Government, through the foreign affairs ministry, must investigate the allegation about Nigerians being threatened with deportation and illegal taxes. While we do not recommend illegal migration into any country, a football issue should not offer any country the cover under which to punish citizens of other countries. FIFA has always tried to separate politics and the game of football. Libya has a very notorious relationship with black immigrants that have been seen through videos and pictures being physically and sexually abused for just being black. Nigeria must protect its citizens by rejecting extra-judicial maltreatment of Nigerians as retaliation for any CAF punishment.

  • Botched match: Libya to appeal ‘unjust’ CAF sanctions

    Botched match: Libya to appeal ‘unjust’ CAF sanctions

    Libya plan to appeal what they described as the “unjust” ruling by CAF over a botched 2025 AFCON qualifier earlier this month in favour of the Super Eagles.

    CAF ruled that Libya forfeit the match and pay a $50,000 fine for breaching various articles of their rules and regulations.

    Libyan Football Federation (LFF) secretary-general, Nasser Al-Suwai said the CAF was “unjust”.

    Read Also: AFCONQ: CAF verdict is justice served, says Troost-Ekong

    He said the LFF are studying the decisions of the CAF Disciplinary Board and could escalate the matter to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) were the ruling not reversed.

    A top Tunisian lawyer, Ali Abbas, has been engaged in this respect.

    Libya Akhbar newspaper said the CAF verdict was “great injustice”.

  • Four big names snubbed in CAF’s player of the year list

    Four big names snubbed in CAF’s player of the year list

    The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) has released the list of nominees for the men’s categories for the #CAFAwards24, scheduled for 16 December 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco.

    The awards 2024 covers the time period between January 2024 and October 2024.

    Ten (10) players were been shortlisted for the coveted CAF African Player of the Year, including; Amine Gouiri (Algeria / Rennes), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso / Bayer Leverkusen), Simon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire / Brighton & Hove Albion), Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo / Olympique de Marseille), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea / Borussia Dortmund), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain), Soufiane Rahimi (Morocco / Al Ain), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta), William Troost-Eking (Nigeria / Al Kholood), Ronwen Williams (South Africa / MamelodiSundowns).

    The shortlist announcement for the African player of the year award usually draws comment – but the nominations for the 2024 prize has sparked heated debates.

    Some big names were left off the list, Victor Boniface and Egypt captain Mohamed Salah are chief among them, with Boniface expressing his own frustrations on X.

    Here are four players who were snubbed in the 2024 Africa Player of the Year nominations:

    1. Victor Osimhen:

    Last year’s winner Victor Osimhen did not make the shortlist for this year’s award, despite leading the Super Eagles to the AFCON final earlier this year.

    2. Mohammed Salah:

    The Liverpool star will be disappointed that his form with Liverpool wasn’t enough to get him a nomination. He has bagged seven goals and seven assists in twelve games  for the English side so far this season.

    3. Victor Boniface:

    Boniface expressed his frustrations on X saying, “Rookie of the season. Team of the season. No worry I [don’t] play Afcon.”

    He was a crucial part of Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten league title won in May scoring 21 goals in all competitions.

    Read Also; Inside CAF disciplinary codes that nailed Libya

    4. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang:

    The striker, who currently plays for Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League, scored 30 goals in all competitions while playing for Marseille last season and currently has three goals in seven appearances for Al Qadisah was also one of the big names omitted from the list.

    Responding to his omission on X, Aubameyang said: “Do we play squash?!”

  • Inside CAF disciplinary codes that nailed Libya

    Inside CAF disciplinary codes that nailed Libya

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded the Super Eagles three points and fined the Libya Football Federation 50,000 USD. 

    In the statement  by Ousmane Kane, Chairperson of CAF Disciplinary Board on October 26, 2024, the Governing body ruled on the botched Africa qualifiers between Nigeria and Libya. 

    It reads: “The Libya Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

    “The match No.87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi) is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).”

    However, not many know the contents of the disciplinary codes. 

    Read Also: Troost-Ekong rejoices as CAF rules in favour of Nigeria

    Below are the contents of the disciplinary codes CAF found Libya guilty of. 

    1. CAF Disciplinary Code 31: Absolute Discretion Regarding Proof
    2. CAF Disciplinary Code 82: Principles Of Conduct
    3. CAF Disciplinary Code 151: Security For Organization Of Matches 
  • Troost-Ekong rejoices as CAF rules in favour of Nigeria

    Troost-Ekong rejoices as CAF rules in favour of Nigeria

    Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has celebrated the ruling of the disciplinary board of the Confederation of African Football on the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifier between Libya and Nigeria.

    Ekong, who had earlier detailed the incident on social media lamenting how the airport gates had been locked, leaving players and officials with no food, drink, or phone connection, rejoiced over what he deemed a ‘just’ ruling.

    Read Also: Troost-Ekong blasts Libyan authorities over Al-Albraq  Airport ordeal

    The Nation reports that the Disciplinary Board of Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Nigeria, three points and three goals from the botched Matchday 4 encounter of the 2025 AFCON qualification series scheduled to be played by Libya and Nigeria in Benina on 15th October.

    The Eagles skipper wrote: “JUSTICE: CAF awards three points and three goals to Nigeria. Libya fined $50,000.

    “Plane was diverted 300km from scheduled airport even when the pilot told them he was low on fuel.

    “One step closer to our target AFCON 2025.”

  • JUST IN: Super Eagles on course for AFCON 2025 after CAF sanctions Libya

    JUST IN: Super Eagles on course for AFCON 2025 after CAF sanctions Libya

    The Super Eagles Nigeria is poised to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with two matches to spare.

    This comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded the Super Eagles three points and fined the Libya Football Federation 50,000 USD

    The Eagles are now on 10 points from four matches, four points better than second-placed Benin Republic, while Rwanda have five points. Bottom-placed Libya have only one point and are out of the running for qualification.

    With the earned three points, the Super Eagles only need a draw against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday, November 14, which will guarantee them a ticket to the finals in Morocco, December2025/January 2026

    The Nation reports that the Disciplinary Board of Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Nigeria, three points and three goals from the botched Matchday 4 encounter of the 2025 AFCON qualification series scheduled to be played by Libya and Nigeria in Benina on 15th October.

    In its ruling on Saturday, signed by the chairman, Ousmane Kane, the Disciplinary Board ruled:

    1) The Libya Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

    Read Also: Super Eagles shoot  to 36th in  FIFA ranking

    2) The match No. 87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October in Benghazi) declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).

    3) The Libya Football Federation is ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000.

    4) The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision.

    5) All other and further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.

  • UPDATED: CAF awards Nigeria three points, fines LIbya

    UPDATED: CAF awards Nigeria three points, fines LIbya

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sanctioned Libya and awarded three points and three goals to Nigeria for the abandoned game against Libya.

    This was disclosed in a statement by the chairperson of CAF Disciplinary Board, Ousmane Kanethe on Saturday.

    Nigeria walked away from the tie following poor treatment by the host country that left Super Eagles players and staff stranded at an abandoned airport for almost a day.

    The Libya Football Federation was also fined $50,000, which must be paid within 60 days of the decision’s notification.

    The penalty, aimed at holding Libya accountable for regulatory violations, reflects CAF’s stance on maintaining discipline and fairness in the tournament.

    CAF, in its ruling, said it found the Libya Football Federation to have breached Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

    The five-point decision in the statement reads: “The Libya Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

    Read Also: BREAKING: CAF awards three points to Nigeria, fines Libya 50, OOO USD

    “The match No.87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi) is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0).

    “The Libya Football Federation is ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000.

    “The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision.

    “All other and further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.”

    With the decision, Nigeria has 10 points from four games.