Latest News
THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) has claimed that hundreds of millions of football fans from at least 180 countries across the world will watch the matches of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).
The tournament will begin on Saturday and end on February 11, with 24 national teams, including the Super Eagles of Nigeria, competing across five cities in Cote d’Ivoire.
“The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) today announced the conclusion of extensive global broadcast agreements with TV-Broadcasting Rights Holders from Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, North America and the Caribbean ahead of the kick-off of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (“AFCON”) Côte d’Ivoire 2023,” CAF stated today.
“The global TV-Broadcast partners include Sky (United Kingdom), BBC (United Kingdom), LaLiga+ (Spain), SportItalia (Italy), Sport Digital (Germany & Switzerland), SportTV (Portugal), Viaplay (Nordics) and Band TV (Brazil).
“BeIN Sport, CANAL+, New World TV and approximately 45 Free To Air broadcasters have also concluded partnership agreements with CAF and this will result in the TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 being broadcast in approximately 180 countries.
“The significant increase in financial investment by TV-Broadcasting Rights Holders from Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, North America and the Caribbean will result in a substantial global increase in viewership of the TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023.”
CAF is projecting a big raise in its revenue due to the unprecedented interest in the continental showpiece, in which African players from across the world’s top leagues will feature.
“CAF’s Broadcasting revenues will also increase significantly and this will assist with the development and growth of football in Africa,” the continental ruling body added.
“The TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 is expected to be the most competitive as all the prominent and successful African Football Nations will be competing in Côte d’Ivoire for the prestigious AFCON Cup.”
CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “African football and the TotalEnergies AFCON competition is recognised as being amongst the most competitive and exciting in world football.
“We are delighted by the extensive global broadcast agreements concluded by CAF with the TV-Broadcasting Rights Holders. Huge investments are being made in youth football, including schools football, professional leagues, training of coaches and referees, as well as the building and upgrading of football infrastructure in Africa. This is contributing enormously to the quality of African football being globally competitive and as good as the best in the world.
“CAF is committed to working together and assisting the Media during the TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 and at all future CAF competitions and events.”
[NaijaTimes]
Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, have arrived at the Aéroport International Felix Houphouet Boigny d’Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire ahead of the 2023 African Cup of Nation (AFCON).
That Super Eagles stormed the West African country on Wednesday afternoon with all team members stylishly dressed in native attires.
The players and team officials were adorned in white kaftan with green caps, showcasing Nigeria’s national colours.
The Super Eagles departed the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos around noon local time today.
Coach Jose Peseiro and his coaching crew, including his countrymen from Portugal, jointed the Nigerian players in dressing in the stylish native wear with a crown-like cap that was made to go with it.
The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) has announced that it will broadcast all 52 games of the forthcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) live.
In a post on X on Wednesday, the federal government-owned television station said it had signed a memorandum of understanding with AfroSports TV, a cross-continental Free-To-Air (FTA) sports channel.
“NTA signs a memorandum of understanding with Afro Sports TV for transmission of 52 games of African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire,” the post read.
The announcement by NTA follows a few weeks of confusion after MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, disclosed that it had failed to acquire the broadcasting rights for the AFCON billed to hold Ivory Coast.
The broadcast powerhouse said its SuperSport channel would not show the competition billed to commence on January 13.
Shortly, it was revealed that Multichoice was beaten to the broadcasting rights by New World TV, a Togolese audio-visual group.
New World TV had won the rights to broadcast all CAF’s 13 competitions to the sub-Saharan African audience for two years.
The deal will hold from 2023 to 2025, encompassing the forthcoming AFCON and the tournament’s next edition.
There were concerns about the cross-continental reach of New World TV, which only has footholds in majorly French-speaking African countries.
However, StarTimes announced it had struck a sublicensing deal with New World and would air the competition on its sports channels.
The 34th edition of the AFCON will be held in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are in Group A alongside Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria will take on Equatorial Guinea in their opening game on January 14 before facing Ivory Coast four days later and rounding off the group stage with the Guinea-Bissau tie.
The Eagles recently returned from a one-week training camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), where they thrashed Al Gharaib, a local club, 12-0 before losing 2-0 to Guinea a day later.
The team will proceed to Ivory Coast on Wednesday
Former Portugal manager, Fernando Santos has given two reasons he benched captain, Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2022 FIFA World Cup knockout games.
Santos insisted it was a ‘tactical and technical decision,’ adding that Ronaldo was not happy to sit on the bench.
Santos benched the Al-Nassr forward during the win over South Korea in the Round of 16 and the defeat to Morocco in the quarterfinal.
His decision sent shockwaves across the world.
Reflecting on the incident at his unveiling as new Besiktas manager, Santos said (via Goal): “It was a tactical and technical decision.
“There was no other situation. Strategic decisions are always the most important things for me. I had to make these decisions and I made them correctly. If we had not been eliminated from the World Cup, there would have been no problem.”
“I told him that he was not going to start in the Round of 16. He was not happy with the conversation, as is normal. But I assure you that he never wanted to leave.”
[DailyPost]
Samuel Eto’o, a former captain of Cameroon has asserted that Africans are more gifted football players than Europeans.
Eto’o who made the assertion on Tuesday said that an African nation can triumph in the FIFA World Cup with ease.
Speaking before this weekend’s 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the former Barcelona and Chelsea player noted (via SportBible’s Instagram handle): “Africans have a lot of talent, Europeans a bit less.
“I don’t see why an African country will not win a World Cup. It’s one of the easiest things to do. It’s just a couple of football matches.”
Former France, Barcelona and Arsenal striker, Thierry Henry, has revealed that he struggled with his mental health during his career, adding that he “must have been in depression.”
The 46-year-old ended his glittering 20-year club career in 2014, which also included stints at Monaco, Juventus and New York Red Bulls.
He scored 228 goals for Arsenal during his two spells, winning two Premier League titles before moving to Barça, where he won a pair of LaLiga titles as well as the Champions League.
A World Cup winner with France, Henry has also managed Arsenal’s youth teams, served as assistant coach of Belgium, and was the head coach of Monaco and Montreal Impact in MLS. He was appointed as the head coach of France under-21s in August.
“Throughout my career, and since I was born, I must have been in depression,” Henry told The Diary Of A CEO podcast.
“Did I know it? No. Did I do something about it? No. But I adapted to a certain way.”
Henry said it had been a difficult time for him during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he was managing Montreal.
“I was in isolation in Montreal, and not being able to see my kids for a year was tough,” he added.
“Tears were coming alone. Why I don’t know, but maybe they were there for a very long time.”
[Leadership]
Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand has warned Axel Disasi that he could lose his spot at Chelsea next season if Thiago Silva remains at the Premier League club.
Since his £38.5 million move from Monaco last summer, Disasi has made 22 appearances for the Blues.
The defender has played at both centre-back and right-back under Mauricio Pochettino due to injuries.
Silva’s future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain, with the 39-year-old’s contract due to expire at the end of the season.
The Brazilian remains one of Chelsea’s standout performers and Ferdinand feels he should partner Levi Colwill if he extends his stay at Stamford Bridge for another campaign.
“I don’t think he gets to play.
“Next season I’d keep Thiago Silva still and I’d play Colwill left centre-back,” Ferdinand said on Vibe With Five when asked about Disasi’s start at Chelsea.
[DailyPost]
Senegal forward Sadio Mane has entered marital bliss with his longtime girlfriend, Aisha Tamba, in an intimate ceremony held in Dakar, Senegal.
The nuptial event unfolded on Sunday in Keur Massar, Dakar, the capital city of Senegal.
Captured in a post by Senegalese photographer Magvision, Tamba radiated elegance in her white gown.
In a separate video shared by Dakar Live, a Senegalese TV station, the bride was escorted into a vehicle, surrounded by members of the community showing their support and joy.
The footage also featured Tamba capturing moments with some of her family members.
Mane, adorned in a traditional white Arabian outfit, showcased cultural flair.
The Al Nassr player is presently in training camp with his Senegalese teammates, gearing up for the upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Mané initiated his professional journey with Metz, the Ligue 2 club, at the youthful age of 19.
In 2012, he made a transition to Red Bull Salzburg, the Austrian club, securing triumphs in both the league and domestic cups.
Subsequently, Mané joined the Premier League club Southampton later that summer and then moved to Liverpool in 2016.
Departing from the Merseyside club in 2022, he ventured to Bayern Munich and is presently active in the Saudi League.
Mané’s exceptional prowess on the field earned him the title of African Player of the Year in both 2019 and 2022.
The Super Eagles faltered 2-0 against Guinea in a pre-AFCON friendly game in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Monday, raising concerns about Nigeria’s readiness for the competition which begins this week.
Nigeria named a strong side for the game with returning William Troost-Ekong captaining the side while South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali manned the post.
But the Syli National drew first blood when Aguibou Camara netted in the 14th minute of the game.
The Super Eagles had a chance to go level when Real Sociedad forward Sadiq Umar was hacked down in the box. Nantes’ Simon Moses stepped up to take the resultant spot kick but his effort was saved by the Guinean goalkeeper.
Coach Jose Peseiro’s men rallied for an equaliser before half-time. That did not, however, happen as Nigeria went into the tunnel trailing against their fellow West Africans.
In the 64th minute, Guinea doubled the lead to compound the Super Eagles’ woes no thanks to a Facinet Conté’s strike.
While Peseiro made some changes in attack, midfield, and defence, the Syli Nationals held on for a famous win over the three-time African champions.
Monday’s defeat is coming hours after the Super Eagles wallopped a Dubai-based club 12-0 in another friendly tie.
The Nigerian boys are expected back in the country from their UAE camp on Tuesday. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State will host them in a send-forth ceremony on the same day. Thereafter, the 25 players and officials will head out for Cote d’Ivoire where the competition is billed to begin on Saturday.
Nigeria, winners of the tournament in 2013, are in Group A alongside the host nation; Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea. They begin their quest for a fourth continental title on Sunday, January 14th against Equatorial Guinea.
The hosts nation face Nigeria on Thursday, January 18th, before they battle Guinea-Bissau on Monday, January, 22nd.
A total of 23 teams have so far qualified for this season’s FA Cup fourth round.
This follows the conclusion of Sunday’s third round fixtures.
Recall that Manchester City thrashed Huddersfield 5-0 to qualify for the next round of the FA Cup.
Leeds United won Peterborough 3-0 in an away tie.
Liverpool won 2-0 against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Sunday night.
Jakub Kiwior’s own goal and Luis Diaz’s strike ensured the Reds eliminated Arsenal from the competition.
However, here are the teams that have booked their place in the FA Cup fourth round after Sunday’s games:
Fulham, Tottenham, Maidstone United, Coventry, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Newcastle, Watford, Brighton, Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers, Bournemouth, Plymouth Argyle, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday, Chelsea, Swansea, Aston Villa, Leeds United, Wrexham, West Brom, Manchester City and Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Wigan Athletic will host Manchester United in the third round tie on Monday, while third round replays will take place on January 15, 16 and 17.
More...
The Super Eagles walloped Al Gharbia FC, a local team based in Dubai 12-0 in a training match in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ademola Lookman scored four goals, while Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon grabbed a brace each.
Also, Sadiq Umar and Ahmed Musa weighed in with a goal each, while there were also two own goals to complete the dozen-goal rout.
Calvin Bassey as well as substitutes Alex Iwobi and Bright Osayi-Samuel all gave a good account of themselves as an aggressive Super Eagles team laid seize on their opponent’s defence line in a one-sided encounter.
The team, Al Gharbia, play in the third division and paraded a Nigerian midfielder.
A post on the team’s official X account noted that it was indeed a comfortable win for the Eagles, adding that coach Jose Peseiro must be pleased his team are firing from all angles.
It noted, however, that the bigger test for the Eagles will come on Monday when they face another AFCON-bound team Guinea in a final warm-up game before they jet out to Lagos.
“Osimhen’s overall play showed that he is in fine shape to justify his coronation as the best player in Africa at the AFCON.
“Fulham defender Bassey was calm and collected in the heart of the back after he started the test match alongside Portugal-based Chidozie Awaziem.
“Both Iwobi and Osayi Samuel did not start the game, but they impressed when they were introduced to the fray.
“Late replacement for injured Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf also saw action as he played the last 15 minutes of today’s match, which was played behind closed doors at the Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
“NPFL lone representative Olorunleke Ojo will later replace Francis Uzoho, who started in goal.
“Enyimba shot stopper Ojo kept out a penalty to ensure a clean sheet for the team.
“Coach Jose Peseiro made many changes in the game as he tried to have a closer look at all options available before the team’s opening AFCON game next Sunday against Equatorial Guinea,” it said.
It added that Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface and South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali did not see action as they were probably rested ahead of the Guinea clash.
The 34th edition of the AFCON is expected to kick off on Jan. 13 and end on Feb. 11. (NAN)
The Super Eagles will play a friendly match against Guinea’s Syli Nationale in Abu Dhabi on Monday, according to a statement by Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The statement, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja, indicated that the friendly match was part of the Super Eagles’ preparation ahead of a feast of Guinean attrition in the group phase at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Côte d’Ivoire.
“Head Coach José Peseiro has the opportunity to put to the crucible different patterns and tactics against quality opposition.
“The friendly game is coming only seven days before the three-time champions’ opening game against Equatorial Guinea’s Nzalang Nacional inside Abidjan’s Stade Alassane Ouattara,” it said.
NAN reports that the Super Eagles are in Group A of the four-week, 24-nation finals alongside host nation Cote d’Ivoire and Africa’s other two Guinean nations – Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.
The Syli Nationale was one of Africa’s strongest teams in the 1970s and 1980s, winning the silver medals at the 1976 AFCON in Ethiopia.
They gave the so-called big teams a good run for their money at the Africa Cup and in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
The Eagles pipped Syli Nationale 1-0 in a group phase encounter at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.
Far back in 1981, Syli Nationale held the Eagles to a 1-1 draw in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Conakry, and in Lagos, Nigeria won with a long-range Henry Nwosu strike to the far corner of Abdoulaye Keita’s goal.
“Monday’s encounter has been scheduled for the Bani Yas Stadium.
“It is sure to slightly open a window into the mind of Coach Peseiro and how he intends to line up his army when Africa’s flagship football championship begins next weekend,” it added.
The 2023 AFCON which kicks off on Jan. 13 will end on Feb. 11. (NAN)
Brazilian football legend Mario Zagallo, who won four World Cups as a player and coach, has died aged 92. Zagallo was a winger in the Brazil team who won back-to- back World Cups in 1958 and 1962, starting in both finals. He managed the side widely regarded as the greatest international team of all time, includ- ing Pele, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto, to glory in 1970.
Zagallo’s final World Cup triumph came as Carlos Alberto Parreira’s assistant coach in 1994. He returned as Brazil manager after that tournament and led them to the final in 1998, where they were beaten by hosts France. Zagallo was the first person to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager – a feat that has since been matched by Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer and France’s Didier Deschamps.
“With enormous sadness, we inform you of the death of our eternal four-time world champion Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo,” a statement on his official Instagram account said. “A devoted father, loving grandfather, caring father-in-law, faithful friend, victorious professional and a great human being. Giant idol. A patriot who leaves us a legacy of great achievements.”
Africa Footballer of the Year award winner, Victor Osimhen, has said the Super Eagles’ target going to the fast-approaching Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire is for the team to win the ultimate prize. The Napoli of Italy forward during the team’s dinner in Abu Dhabi, the Super Eagles’ camp, where he was honoured by his teammates after winning the award as the best player on the continent, said they are going to do well.
“The most important thing now for us is to go to Ivory Coast and win the trophy,” he said. “I believe in this group, and we have a bunch of talented players to execute the job, fingers crossed, and we are going to do so well.” Nigeria would be seeking their fourth title after winning it in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
The Super Eagles are in Group A alongside host, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau. The Jose Peseiro side will begin their quest for the title with a game against Equatorial Guinea on January 14 before confronting the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on January 18, before a final group phase clash with the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau on January 22.
Their first two matches will hold at the brand-new Stade Alassane Ouattara, while the date with the Wild Dogs will be at the Stade Houphouet-Boigny – where the Eagles tackled Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions in the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations.