TheNewsGuru

Tag: AFCON 2023

  • AFCON 2023: Yemi Alade blows minds away with spectacular performance at opening ceremony

    AFCON 2023: Yemi Alade blows minds away with spectacular performance at opening ceremony

    The much-anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicked off on Saturday with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Ebimpé Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.

    The ceremony commenced with a vibrant celebration of African diversity and culture, featuring a wide range of traditional Ivorian dances and music.

    Donning colourful attires and accessories, the performers stunned the audience with diverse local dances, moves, beats, and musical instruments.

    The stage thereafter came alive with the soulful voices of Dadju and Tayc, representing Congolese and Cameroonian origins, respectively. The duo sang in both French and English under African rhythms.

    The audience was then treated to enchanting performances by the Ivorian coupé-décalé band from Abidjan, featuring young African artists.

    In addition, renowned artists, including the Franco-Ivorian group Magic System, Nigerian sensation Yemi Alade, and Egyptian rapper Mohamed Ramadan sang the infectious rhythm of the AFCON 2023 anthem, “Akwaba.”

    Alade endeared herself into the hearts of many with her performance at the 2023 AFCON opening ceremony.

    The 24-nation tournament which will be hosted in six stadiums across five cities, will draw to a close on February 11.

  • AFCON 2023: Heavy traffic mars tournament opener in Abidjan

    AFCON 2023: Heavy traffic mars tournament opener in Abidjan

    There was heavy traffic in the city of Abidjan, the capital of Côte d’Ivoire, during and after the opening ceremony and opening game between the host, Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire and the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau.

    Despite heavy security presence in the State, motorists were still stuck in traffic after the opening game was played on Saturday evening.

    Supporters of the two nations had a hectic time accessing the stadium amid heavy security and traffic.

    Some of the motorists and pedestrians told journalists that they were disappointed with the traffic situation and called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to make better arrangements to deal with the situation.

    Some of them however said they were excited that the African Cup of Nations was taking place in their country.

    In spite of the situation, some Ivorians were seen dancing and drumming some kilometres away from the Alassane Ouattara stadium to entertain the people stuck in the traffic.

    Checks by TheNewsGuru  reporter in Abidjan show that many Ivorians parked their car in far places to navigate their way into the Stade Olympic Stadium in Abidjan

  • AFCON 2023: Nigerians lament over exchange rate in Côte d’Ivoire

    AFCON 2023: Nigerians lament over exchange rate in Côte d’Ivoire

    Nigerian journalists covering the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) have lamented the low exchange rate between the Naira and other African currencies.

    Many Nigerian journalists who hit Côte d’Ivoire by road lamented how the loss in value affected their budget and plans to cover the tournament that kicked off January 13th in Abidjan.

    Checks by TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reporter in Abidjan show that the CFA which is the official currency of the host nation is twice as powerful as the Naira.

    A Nigerian journo, Bello Omotunde said he exchanged 100,000 Naira at the Nigerian border and was given just 50,000 CFA.

    He added that when he lamented they referred him to the Nigerian government.

    “I changed my 100,000 notes thinking I will get something above that or something close in CFA but I was utterly disappointed when I was given a paltry 50,000 CFA.

    “When I complained, they said I should go to my government to complain”.

    Another Nigerian journalist, Soji Oluwaseun, said he’s contemplating returning home because his plans have been disrupted due to the abysmal exchange rate and the high cost of living in Côte d’Ivoire.

    According to him, he doesn’t want to continue to suffer in a foreign country, after expending all his budget for the tournament in the early days.

    Another journalist, who came all the way from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, Sunday Braihmah, also lamented the high exchange rate and how it spoiled his plans.

    “I was thinking of staying here for one month but as it is, I can’t.

    “Five of us had to contribute to rent an apartment where we pay 20k per day.

    “Calculate that in a week. Plus, we are inconveniencing ourselves just to get this tournament covered,” he said

    However, a journalist from Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Lasinna said he doesn’t have cause to worry about the CFA or exchange rate, saying that the same currency is also used for transaction in his own country, adding that he has been getting value for his money.

    After putting calls through to accredited journalists who are not yet on ground, some of them said they would rather delay their coming or not show up at; all because of the big difference in the exchange rate between Naira and CFA.

  • BREAKING: Fofana scores first goal of AFCON 2023 as Côte d’Ivoire blast past Guinea Bissau atop Super Eagles group

    BREAKING: Fofana scores first goal of AFCON 2023 as Côte d’Ivoire blast past Guinea Bissau atop Super Eagles group

    Hosts Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday won the first match of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), defeating Guinea Bissau to top Group A.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Group A has the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau and Côte d’Ivoire.

    It was Seko Fofana who made sure the hosts started the way they meant to go on before Jean-Philippe Krasso doubled the score.

    Côte d’Ivoire ended up winning the Group A and AFCON 2023 opener by two goals.

    As it stands, Les Éléphants top Group A with 3 points and 2 goals, with the next fixture of the group scheduled for Sunday between the Super Eagles and Equatorial Guinea.

  • SEE COLOURFUL MOMENTS from AFCON 2023 opening ceremony

    SEE COLOURFUL MOMENTS from AFCON 2023 opening ceremony

    The 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) commenced on Saturday with a magnificent colourful opening ceremony at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, the capital of Côte d’Ivoire.

    Ahead of the opening ceremony, there was heavy traffic in the city of Abidjan, as football lovers from the across the continent and the rest of the world file out to the opening match of the AFCON 2023 between host, Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire, and Guinea Bissau.

    A correspondent covering the tournament in Abidjan on Saturday reports that security agencies did their best to put the situation under control.

    Newsmen as well as supporters of the two nations had a hectic time accessung the stadium amid heavy security and traffic.

    Some of the motorists and pedestrians expressed  disappointment with the traffic situation and called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to make better arrangements to deal with the situation.

    Some of them said, however, they were excited that the African Cup of Nations was taking place in their country.

    In spite of the situation, some Ivorians were seen dancing and drumming some kilometres away from the Alassane Ouattara stadium to entertain the people stuck in the traffic.

    However, the atmosphere in the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara was different totally.

    Nigerian Afro beats sensation Yemi Alade performed at the opening ceremony, leaving the stadium electric after her performance.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Alade was joined on stage by Egyptian singer, Mohamed Ramadan.

    SEE COLOURFUL PHOTOS from AFCON 2023 opening ceremony below:

    2023 AFCON: Sports administrator predicts Super Eagles, Morocco, Senegal for finals

    Meanwhile, Ebere Amaraizu, former Board Member and South-East Director of Nationwide League One (NLO), has tipped Super Eagles and national teams of Morocco and Senegal for finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Amaraizu made the prediction while speaking in Enugu on Saturday on the favourites to win the tournament.

    Amaraizu noted that it was only sheer complacency and lack of focus that would stop the Super Eagles getting into the finals of the continental fiesta.

    According to him, “I can feel the passion and hunger among players of the Super Eagles to bring the AFCON trophy back to Nigeria.

    “On paper, national teams like that of our Nigeria, Morocco and Senegal first as well as Cameroon, Egypt and Ghana following are among teams that could be the favourites to lift the trophy.

    “These national teams could also be tipped for better outing owing to their players’ pedigree and ratings.

    “However, they should also understand that other teams are there to make a valid statement,” he said.

    Amaraizu, who is also the former General Manager of 2018 Enugu State Aiteo Cup victorious Crime Busters FC, Enugu, also noted that “football is not a respecter of big names of players and countries”.

    “It is a game that requires purposefulness, hardwork, focus and high concentration with formidable team spirit devoid of complacency.

    “There are teams without big names that will try to make indelible statement in order to be known,” he said.

    The football administrator  expressed optimism over Super Eagles making it to the top of Group A table with Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau and Equatorial Guinea following in that order.

  • AFCON 2023: CAF assures of good hosting by Cote D’Ivoire

    AFCON 2023: CAF assures of good hosting by Cote D’Ivoire

    Patrice Motsepe, the President of the Confederation of African Football, (CAF) has promised that Cote d’Ivoire will put up a top-notch organization and security for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.

    Motsepe gave the assurance  in Abidjan at a news conference, ahead of the Saturday kick-off of the biennial continental showpiece.

    According to him, CAF has been working round the clock with the host country to ensure a befitting tournament and avoid the mistakes of the last tournament in Cameroon.

    “I am satisfied that there is a huge amount of determination and commitment and I think we are on the right track.

    “The Cameroon accident was absolutely avoidable.

    “I am satisfied the appropriate steps have been taken to make sure we will totally avoid the painful experience we had in Cameroon,” he said.

    Recall  that the 2021 AFCON held in Cameroon was marred by the stampede at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde that resulted in the death of eight fans and injury to others during the round of 16 match between Cameroon and the Comoros.

    The CAF boss said efforts were on deck to ensure a smooth tournament.

  • AFCON 2023: Coach Peseiro laments injury woes in Super Eagles camp

    AFCON 2023: Coach Peseiro laments injury woes in Super Eagles camp

    Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro has said it is unfortunate that a couple of players picked up injuries at the more crucial stage of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Peseiro said this on Saturday in Abidjan at the team’s news conference ahead of the country’s first game of the competition on Sunday.

    At the news conference, Peseiro confirmed the arrival of Kelechi Iheanacho and Paul Onuachu for the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.

    Iheanacho has been doubtful for the 2023 AFCON. Iheanacho along with Sadiq Umar and Victor Boniface are all out of the first game of the Super Eagles.

    Umar and Boniface were replaced by the duo of Paul Onuachu and Terem Moffi due to injury.

    Terem Moffi is expected to arrive in Côte d’Ivoire on Sunday with the opening ceremony of the AFCON 2023 set for later today.

    During the team’s training session on Friday, Osimhen was kept aside from all physical contact; a precautionary move as the only fit striker in the team.

    He was also instructed to avoid going into any tackle or aggressive contact in the team’s remaining training sessions ahead of the game.

    Team Captain, Ahmed Musa, was deployed to the role of a backup striker.

    Initially picked to play in his natural role as a winger, Musa is now expected to go into the first game as the deputy striker in the absence of Moffi, Iheanacho and Onuachu.

    With unity of purpose, Nigeria will win 2023 AFCON – Awoniyi

    Meanwhile, Super Eagles of Nigeria and Nottingham Forest of England striker, Taiwo Awoniyi has said with unity of purpose on the pitch, the Super Eagles can win the 2023 AFCON.

    Awoniyi said this in a telephone interview from his base in England on Saturday. He stressed the Super Eagles possessed the needed qualities to win the biggest football show piece in Africa.

    “If we play as a unit, I don’t see any nation at this AFCON that can stop us.

    “With God on our side and the quality of players in this present Super Eagles, we will do it again,” Awoniyi said.

    Awoniyi said he was disappointed not to be part of the tournament but had no reason to question God because he believed everything happened for good.

    He said it was a tournament that every player would like to participate in at one point or the other in their career.

    Awoniyi was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury he picked up on club duty.

  • AFCON 2023: Eagles promise to defeat Equatorial Guinea in tournament opener

    AFCON 2023: Eagles promise to defeat Equatorial Guinea in tournament opener

    Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea will conclude the first matches of Group A of the 34th Africa Cup of Nations ongoing in Cote d’Ivoire when both nations clash at the brand-new Stade Alassane Ouattare in Ebimpe, outside Abidjan, on Sunday.

     

    Matches between both nations have been few and far between, but Nigerians continue to relish a double over the neighbours to the south in qualification matches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals, when Joseph Yobo scored the only goal of the encounter in Malabo, and the Eagles then soared to a 4-0 win at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

     

    On Saturday, Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa told thenff.com after the pre-match press conference that the Super Eagles have their eyes on the three points and have no apologies for their aspiration.

     

    “It is always interesting to play in the Africa Cup of Nations. I was a champion in 2013, same as (defender Kenneth) Omeruo. However, the rest of the team want to have that feeling of what it means to win the Africa Cup of Nations. Everyone is geared towards making a statement.

     

    “It is not going to be a picnic. The teams in our group, including Equatorial Guinea that we play tomorrow, are strong and ambitious as well. It is for us to go all out for the three points in each of our games, and then take it from there in the knock-out rounds. We will take it one match at a time.”

     

    Nigeria’s campaign is woven around the aphoristic ‘Let’s Do It Again’ mantra, which was launched moments after their qualification for the finals, and is designed to galvanise and motivate the group to repeat the triumphs of 1980, 1994 and 2013, and also mobilise football-passionate Nigerians to support and encourage the group to action.

     

    This year’s final tournament is Nigeria’s 20th appearance, having made her debut in 1963, and then appeared at the 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2019 and 2021 finals.

     

    The competition is also holding in the country where Nigeria reached the Final on away ground for the first time, losing to an experienced and battle-hardened Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in the Ivorian capital.

     

    Nigeria remains the country with the most podium appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations, having in addition to wins in 1980, 1994 and 2013, finished as runners-up in 1984, 1988, 1990 and 2000, and picked up the bronze medals in 1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2019, making for a total of 15 podium appearances in 20 finals.

     

    Commentators continue to fret about a contention of lack of steel in midfield and perceived weakness in sectors of the defence, but Coach José Peseiro was bullish at the pre-match press conference on Saturday.

     

    “I believe in my team. Every team has what you may call frail areas, but the important thing is for the players to play for one another. We are positive.”

     

    Afterwards, he told thenff.com: “It is a 90-minute affair and it is always about who wants a win most. I have a group that has determination and discipline, flair and steel, and we believe we can go all the way in this tournament.”

     

    Equatorial Guinea’s senior national team is known as Nzalang Nationale (National Thunder), but Musa said the Super Eagles will fly above any thunder strikes or claps the neighbours-to-the-south may be planning for Sunday.

     

    “We are ready. This is a group that loves to compete, and we will give this match, and this competition generally, our very best.”

     

    PHOTO 1: Captain Musa at Saturday’s pre-match press conf

  • AFCON 2023: Iheanacho, Moffi arrive Cote d’Ivoire

    AFCON 2023: Iheanacho, Moffi arrive Cote d’Ivoire

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria Coach, Jose Peseiro has said that the duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Terem Moffi have arrived Cote D’Ivoire for the 2023 African Cup of Nations beginning today in Abidjan.

    Peseiro said this on Saturday in Abidjan at the team’s news conference ahead of the country’s first game of the competition on Sunday.

    He said it is unfortunate that a couple of players picked up injuries at the more crucial stage of the competition.

    Details later.

     

  • AFCON 2023: Peseiro tweaks formation ahead of Equatorial Guinea clash

    AFCON 2023: Peseiro tweaks formation ahead of Equatorial Guinea clash

    Super Eagles Coach, Jose Peseiro, has tinkered with the team’s formation ahead of their first group game of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Equatorial Guinea.

    The changes to the team are necessary due to injuries picked up by some key players and the absence of Kelechi Iheanacho.

    Nigeria will play with only one fit striker in Victor Osimhen with Sadiq Umar, Victor Boniface and Kelechi Iheanacho all out of the first game.

    Umar and Boniface were replaced by the duo of Paul Onuachu and Terem Moffi due to injury.

    However, the late call-ups are unlikely to make it on time for the opening game.

    Also, Iheanacho who is recovering from a knock, is expected to fly in from UK today (Saturday;) a day to the game, which effectively rules him out of the match.

    During the team’s training session on Friday monitored by NAN, Osimhen was kept aside from all physical contact; a precautionary move as the only fit striker in the team.

    He was also instructed to avoid going into any tackle or aggressive contact in the team’s remaining training sessions ahead of the game.

    Team Captain, Ahmed Musa, was deployed to the role of a backup striker.

    Initially picked to play in his natural role as a winger, Musa is now expected to go into the first game as the deputy striker in the absence of Moffi, Iheanacho and Onuachu.

    The three-time African champions will begin their quest for a fourth title on Sunday against Equatorial Guinea, before facing Ivory Coast Jan. 18.

    Their last group game is against Guinea-Bissau on  Jan. 22.