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Tag: AFCON

  • AFCON: CAF dashes Nigeria, Benin Republic 2027 joint bid, Morocco to host 2025 edition

    AFCON: CAF dashes Nigeria, Benin Republic 2027 joint bid, Morocco to host 2025 edition

    The 2027 African Cup of Nations will not be hosted by Nigeria and Republique du Benin, TheNewsGuru.com can authoritatively report.

    The hopes by the the two neighbouring  West African nations was dashed today in Far away Cairo the capital of Egypt.

    This follows the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to award the rights to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) made the announcement at the end of its executive committee meeting on Wednesday.

    Earlier, Morocco won the right to stage the 2025 edition of the AFCON finals.

    Nigeria last hosted Africa’s largest football competition in 2000.

    The country co-hosted the competition alongside Ghana.

  • 24 countries seal qualification for 2023 AFCON

    24 countries seal qualification for 2023 AFCON

    All 24 countries that will trade tackles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote D’Ivoire have sealed qualification for the tournament.

    Five-time AFCON champions Cameroon on Tuesday spanked Burundi 3-O to complete the star studded list of qualified teams.

    A breakdown of the qualified countries shows that 12 former AFCON champions, including three-time champions Nigeria will be on parade come January, 2024.

    Hosts, Cote d’Ivoire will be leading a strong West African contingent of 11 countries, including holders Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Burkina Faso among others.

    Tanzania representing East Africa returns for a second finals after a brave showing in the qualifiers.

    The North Africans are represented by seven-time champions Egypt, World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria.

    Egypt will be looking for an eighth unprecedented title, having reached two of the last three finals in 2017 and at the 2021 edition.

    There will be no debutants in this edition, as the continent’s football power houses managed to maintain and seal qualification.

    The 2023 AFCON will take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024, after it was postponed from it’s original June, 2023 date.

    Full list of 24 qualified countries are Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire (Hosts) and DR Congo.

    Others are Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco and Mozambique,

    Others are Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal (Title Holders), South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia and  Zambia.

    NAN

  • 2024 AFCON Qualifiers: We played with maximum commitment to win – Peseiro

    2024 AFCON Qualifiers: We played with maximum commitment to win – Peseiro

    Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles Chief Coach,  has explained that his boys played wth maximum commitment to win the last group match against  the Falcons and True Parrots of Sao Tome and Principe by 6-0.

    Recall that the Super Eagles defeated Sao Tome and Principe by 6-0 courtesy of a hat trick by Victor Osimhen, and a goal each from Taiwo Awoniyi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze.

    Peseiro, who spoke in a post match briefing at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday, after the game said his dream is to win next year’s AFCON.

    Peseiro, who was full of excitement commended the Akwa Ibom people and Government for the quality of facilities provided for  the match.

    He said the team played a fantastic match as they were not relaxed in spite of playing against a weak opponent.

    “I’ll like to say congratulations to the people and Government of Akwa Ibom because I see today was a fantastic atmosphere.

    “The fans were fantastic today, I say thank you. I like the people here, everything provided for us was good.

    “Our players played with maximum commitment. They want to play for me, I assembled them to win AFCON Cup and today they have shown good commitment in their play.

    “Normally if you play against a team that is not strong everybody relax, but today they did not relax. It is fantastic game by the players, 6-0 is very good,” Peseiro said.

    Wilfred Ndidi who spoke  on behalf the players,  said the score line will motivate them in future competitions, as they will be preparing for the World Cup qualifier.

    He said, “Of course when you win a game it gives you more confidence. It is actually a good game that will give us more confidence for the next game of world cup qualifier, of course 6-0 is good confidence for next game.”

  • Delta ready to host 2027 AFCON – Oborevwori

    Delta ready to host 2027 AFCON – Oborevwori

    The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has said that the state is prepared to serve as one of Nigeria’s host cities for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.

    Speaking when he played host to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) bidding inspection committee at Government House, Asaba on Tuesday, Governor Oborevwori said the state was peaceful and conducive to host the continental football tournament.

    The Governor said that the state was renowned for hosting such sports events, assuring of top-notch security and facilities for the event, if selected.

    “I specially welcome the inspection team of the Confederation of African Football to this second round of inspections for the 2027 African Nations Cup to be hosted by Nigeria and Republic of Benin.

    “I welcome you to Delta State and because we are a very peaceful state, Delta state would be among the ones you will select to host the competition in Nigeria.

    “Delta State will be among the six states that would be hosting in Nigeria because it’s peaceful and we have a very serene environment with top-notch security, good roads and airport infrastructure.

    “We have hosted several athletes in the past including the Senior African Athletics Championship in 2018 and the National Sports Festival in 2022.

    “As a state we are renowned for hosting such high class sports events and we have not recorded any incidence of insecurity or any negative report.

    “We have one of the best stadiums in the country and I can assure you that if Delta State is chosen we will provide excellent hosting for the event.

    “By the time you finish your inspection am quite sure that we will pass even as I assure you that Delta State is more than ready to host the 36th African Cup of Nations.

    “Since 2018 when we hosted the CAA, the hospitality industry in Asaba has witnessed more growth with the coming of more hotels to the city and more top class hotels will be completed before the hosting date,” the governor stated.

    Earlier, Bid Coordinator for Nigeria and Benin Republic, Mainasara Illoh said the team was in Delta State because Asaba has been found worthy of being put forward as a host city.

    Illoh stated that Nigeria was expected to provide six venues while Benin Republic provides two.

    He said other countries were also interested in hosting the 36th Edition of the African Cup of Nations and urged the State Government to invest more in improving on the facilities used in hosting previous sports events to increase the State’s chances of being selected.

  • AFCON Qualifiers: Super Falcons to know opponents on Thursday

    AFCON Qualifiers: Super Falcons to know opponents on Thursday

    Nigeria’s Super Falcons and other teams in Africa will know their opponents in the qualifiers for the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations on Thursday.

    The draw ceremony which will hold in Rabat, Morocco and it will be live on CAF digital platforms and CAF TV partners from 5pm.

    The 2024 Women’s AFCON finals will be hosted by Cote d’Ivoire.

    The Super Falcons are nine-time champions of the competition.

    Randy Waldrum’s side finished fourth at the last edition hosted by Morocco.

    The West Africans are currently in Melbourne Australia preparing for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

    What this means is that Cote d’Ivoire will host both men and Women AFCON in 2024.

  • Super Eagles Coach, Peseiro makes fresh demands from NFF

    Super Eagles Coach, Peseiro makes fresh demands from NFF

    Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro has made fresh demands ahead of the AFCON tournament coming up in January 2024 in Cote D Ivoire.

    The Portuguese said that the Super Eagles need better welfare and working conditions ahead of preparations for next AFCON.

    Peseiro made his demands known after the Super Eagles booked their spot with a 3-2 win over Sierra Leone on Sunday.

    The Eagles qualified for the tournament with one qualifying game to spare.

    Peseiro whose contract extension is believed to have hinged on the qualification ticket said, “The NFF need to do the best by giving good conditions for my players. Super Eagles players played for Nigeria and need better conditions.

    “NFF must work well to give better conditions to the players for good performance at the African Nations Cup.

    “I want to say we still have time for them to do the right thing for us to do well at AFCON.”

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  • Cote d’Ivoire 2023: Eagles land in Monrovia for game versus Sierra Leone

    Cote d’Ivoire 2023: Eagles land in Monrovia for game versus Sierra Leone

    Nigeria’s delegation to Sunday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying duel with Sierra Leone arrived in the Liberian capital, Monrovia on Saturday morning, aboard a chartered Air Peace airline Embraer 195.

    The aircraft conveying the contingent of 23 players, technical and administrative staff and a few other officials led by President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, landed at the Roberts International Airport at 11.08am local time (12.08pm in Nigeria), and was received by the Ambassador of Nigeria to Liberia, His Excellency Godfrey A. E. Odudigbo, the Head of Chancery, Ms Stella Ahumibe and a few other mission staff.

    There were also members of the Nigerian community in Monrovia, led by Deacon Harrison Anikwu as well as officials of the Liberia Football Association.

    President of NFF, Alhaji Gusau assured the embassy chieftains that the Super Eagles are in town for business.

    “The team is here to work hard and take the three points. It will not be an easy game, but we have the players to do Nigeria proud by winning and qualifying for the next Africa Cup of Nations finals.”

    Head Coach José Santos Peseiro reiterated that neither himself nor the players are looking forward to a picnic at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium starting from 4pm Liberia time on Sunday.

    “We know the Sierra Leoneans are also ambitious, that they want to win the three points and enhance their chances. It is our business to show that we want the three points better to qualify for the Africa Cup, and we are prepared to do that.

    “We have to be at our very best.”

    Presently, Nigeria is second in the pool with nine points from four matches, a point behind Guinea Bissau, who have played five matches and reached the top following their defeat of Sao Tome on Wednesday.

    Victory for the Eagles on Sunday will lift them back to the top of the pile and guarantee presence at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Cote d’Ivoire next year.

    Nigeria defeated Sierra Leone home and away (1-0 and 4-0) in the qualifying series for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa, and then defeated the Leone Stars 2-1 in a friendly match in Lagos in February 2011. In a WAFU Cup encounter in September 2017, the Eagles were 2-0 winners.

    Both teams clashed twice in the qualifying series for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, with the Leone Stars coming from 1-4 down to draw 4-4 in Benin City, and then forcing a 0-0 draw in Freetown.

    In this campaign, the Eagles came from behind to defeat the Leone Stars 2-1 at the MKO Abiola Stadium in June 2022, on the opening day of the series.

  • Burkina Faso edge out Mali to clinch U17 AFCON bronze

    Burkina Faso edge out Mali to clinch U17 AFCON bronze

    Burkina Faso ended their sojourn at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a place on the podium.

    This was after they edged out Mali 2-1 in the play-off in Annaba on Thursday night to finish third.

    The Burkinabe enjoyed sweet revenge against the Malians having lost by a solitary goal when they met in the group stages.

    Ousmane Camara’s first half penalty and Appolinaire Bougma’s strike after the break ensured Burkina Faso return home with a medal on their necks.

    Mamadou Doumbia scored Mali’s consolation in the second half, his fourth of the tournament, but it did little to spur a possible comeback.

    While Burkina Faso went in with their full strength squad, Mali fielded a hugely changed team as coach Soumaila Coulibaly sought to give all players an opportunity to have a taste of continental football.

    Burkina Faso had the first chance at goal with Camara having a curling effort fly inches wide in the 11th minute.

    In the 19th minute, Mali came close but defender Nouhoun Bamba made a goalline clearance to deny Salif Noah Leintu’s effort.

    After a balanced start, it was Burkina Faso who would break the deadlock with Camara slotting a 25th minute penalty after Bougma was appended in the area.

    This was the first time that the Malians were conceding at the tournament.

    They tried to level terms before the break with Doumbia having two chances, first a shot from distance that dragged just wide.

    While two minutes to the break, he had a header pushed against the crossbar by the keeper.

    Burkina Faso needed just two minutes after the break to double their tally, Bougma finishing off a cross from the right by Camara.

    Stunned and with a two-goal deficit, Mali made changes with Angel Tia and Mahamoud Barry who had been rested coming on.

    They halved the deficit in the 58th minute, thanks to some improved attack, with Doumbia netting his fourth of the tournament.

    The goal pumped in some belief in the Malian side, but despite their efforts, Burkina Faso held on for the win and a precious bronze medal to wipe their tears after failing to make the final.

  • Golden Eaglets fumble, crash out of U17 AFCON, to miss World Cup

    Golden Eaglets fumble, crash out of U17 AFCON, to miss World Cup

    Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets fumbled on Thursday and crashed out of the ongoing Under 17 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Golden Eaglets lost 1:2 against Burkina Faso in the quarter-final encounter in Algiers, failing to qualify for the U17 FIFA World Cup.

    Aboubacar Camara found the back of the Golden Eaglets’ net with a rebound, which Tochukwu Ogboji failed to clear in the 45th minute of play, putting Burkina Faso one foot forward.

    Camara again pulled the trigger in the 57th minute of play, scoring from the penalty spot after another blunder from Ogboji, which saw him tripped on Souleymane Alio in the penalty area.

    Nigeria, however, responded 10 minutes later via a simple tap-in by Abubakar Abdullahi to reduce the goal deficit for the home team.

    Assisted by Favour Daniel, following a corner, Abdullahi’s tap-in came in for the Golden Eaglets in the 67th minute but was not enough to turn the game on its head as the game finished in favour of their opponents.

    TNG reports the result means Nigeria could not secure a ticket to the 2023 FIFA Under 17 World Cup in November, after failing to reach the semi-finals of the ongoing AFCON.

    Meanwhile, Morrocco, Mali, Senegal and Burkina Faso have all booked places at this year’s Under 17 FIFA World Cup, having qualified for the semi-finals of the ongoing AFCON.

  • U17 AFCON Q/Final: We are ready for Burkina Faso – Golden Eaglets Coach

    U17 AFCON Q/Final: We are ready for Burkina Faso – Golden Eaglets Coach

    Golden Eaglets coach, Nduka Ugbade has said the Nigerian Under 17 team is well prepared for the quarter-final encounter against Burkina Faso in the ongoing U17 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ugbade disclosed this during a press briefing, where he stressed that the Golden Eaglets are focused and working hard towards achieving success.

    “We had an interesting match with South Africa and it has prepared us well for further challenges in the competition. We learnt a lot playing Zambia, Morocco and South Africa – all strong teams – in the group phase and that was good furnace for us to be a better squad.

    “The quarter-final matches will be very hard nuts to crack because that is the step that earns you the World Cup ticket. None of the four games will be easy.

    “Our interest is Burkina Faso and we are working hard towards achieving success. We have not come this far to drop out. My boys are focused hard on the World Cup ticket. After that, we can then focus on other objectives,” he said.

    TNG reports the Golden Eaglets had earlier arrived in Algiers for the crunch quarter-final match against Burkina Faso on Thursday. They played all their group games in Constantine and will now look for good tidings in Algiers.