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Tag: AFCON

  • AFCON 2023: Gusau says door of success has been opened to the Super Eagles

    AFCON 2023: Gusau says door of success has been opened to the Super Eagles

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau said on Friday that the Super Eagles’ victory over hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals has opened the door of success for the three-time African champions.

     

    “I have no doubt in my mind that this victory has opened the door of success for not only the Super Eagles, but Nigeria Football on a general level. The win has brought the needed confidence for us to build on, and achieve more successes. Defeating a host nation in a competition of this magnitude is no mean feat.

     

    “A lot of people will say nothing has been won yet, and that there is no need for so much excitement. My message to them is that some little wins do serve as inspiration and fillip for bigger achievements, and it is important to celebrate those little wins so that they actually lead to bigger accomplishments.”

     

    Gusau commended the players for their calmness and superb organization in a highly tactical game with the Elephants, and said it was a good response to the heavy flaks that followed Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea.

     

    “I was not happy at all over the draw with Equatorial Guinea and I didn’t hide my feelings from the team. I thank God that they responded well against the Ivorians. I believe they have enough in their tank to go all the way in the competition. Now, they have the magic wand, they will make very good use of it,” said Gusau, as he called on Nigerians from all walks of life to keep supporting and praying for the Super Eagles’ success in the ongoing finals.

     

    For the first time in 57 years, Nigeria defeated Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan at senior level. In a FIFA World Cup qualifier in 1977, Segun Odegbami and Adokiye Amiesimaka scored to draw the Eagles level after the Elephants raced to a 2-0 lead. In May 1993, in another FIFA World Cup qualifier, Nigeria scored first through Rashidi Yekini and had opportunities to wrap up the game but did not, and the Ivorians scored through Abdoulaye ‘Ben Badi’ Traore and Ibrahim Ouattara to win the game.

     

    When Nigeria hosted and won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1980, their group phase encounter with Cote d’Ivoire was a tough battle that ended scoreless. When Cote d’Ivoire hosted the competition four years later, both nations did not clash, as the Elephants were eliminated in the group phase while the Eagles went all the way to the Final.

     

    On Friday, half of the Super Eagles’ squad spent time in the gym in the morning, before the training session at the École Nationale de la Police in the evening.

     

    Now second on the group A log, the Super Eagles could finish as group winners if they win well against Guinea Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea does not humiliate the Elephants. The Elephants, on three points, will not be able to catch up with the Super Eagles who will have seven points after a win over the Wild Dogs.

     

    Should Equatorial Guinea overcome Cote d’Ivoire, it would be down to goals difference between them and Nigeria for group leadership, as both teams ended their encounter 1-1 and head-to-head does not separate them on that score.

     

    While the hosts take on Thunder at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe, the Super Eagles and the Wild Dogs clash at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, which is in the centre of Abidjan, close to the Embassy of Nigeria.

  • AFCON reporter’s diary: How life is in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire [Part 1]

    AFCON reporter’s diary: How life is in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire [Part 1]

    Abidjan is one of the major cities of Côte d’Ivoire. The city presents two beautiful stadiums for the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and by extension houses eight of the teams participating in the tournament.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reporter, Abimbola Fabunmi currently in Abidjan for the coverage of Africa’s most glamorous competition, gives readers insights about happenings and day to day events in Ivory Coast.

    According to statistics made available to TNG reporter, there are over two million Nigerians living in various cities in Ivory Coast.

    Yoruba: The domineering tribe

    Findings by this reporter show that the Yorubas are the domineering Nigerian tribe in Ivory Coast and followed distantly by the Igbos.

    The number of Nigerian Hausas living in the West African country are very minute, compared to the Yorubas and Igbos living in the country.

    It was gathered that Osun State in Nigeria has the largest share of Nigerians living in the country with the bulk of them forming a community known as Temidire and St Mitchel by the locals of Ivory Coast.

    Ejigbo in Osun State is the most popular Nigerian town here in Ivory Coast as the bulk of Nigerian Yorubas living here are from that part of Nigeria.

    Businesses Nigerians do in Ivory Coast

    Checks by TNG reporter in Abidjan show that Nigerians are involved in petty businesses as well as big trade.

    It was observed that many of the big shops selling clothes, raw food items, drinks and what have you are owned by Nigerians.

    It was further learned that many tailoring and cobbling shops in Abidjan are being operated by Nigerians.

    Nigerian food on high demand

    In Ivory Coast, food is largely available as the nationals as well as the foreigners sell food at every corner and junction.

    There are different types of Nigerian and Ivorian food on display and the prices are relatively cheap and very affordable.

    Chicken and Fish very plenty in Ivory Coast

    Roasted Chicken and fish are readily available at every nook and cranny in Abidjan and other cities in Ivory Coast.

    A full roasted and spiced chicken goes for as low as 4000 CFA while the half of it costs 2000 CFA.

    A full roasted fish goes for 2000 CFA and it’s visible everywhere in the country.

    Power Supply is 24/7

    Since the arrival of the TNG reporter in Abidjan, power supply has been 100% stable. Upon enquiry, it was realised that the country’s power system is one of the best in Africa.

    Ivorians who are on estimated bills pay once in two months for power, while those on pre-paid meter use their cards the way they like it.

    Water supply by the government

    No boreholes or wells in the country. The Ivory Coast Water Corporation supplies all houses water and it runs for 20 hours a day.

    People living here pay for water bills once in three months to the Ivorian government.

    Ivory Coast: Home of many African nationals

    Apart from the two million Nigerians currently residing here in Ivory Coast, there are other nationals living and earning a living in the country.

    Persons from Guinea, Mali Senegal, Mauritania, Ghana Togo and Benin are scattered all over the country going about their lawful activities in the country.

    Naira no longer a darling

    The Nigerian currency has not only lost its value against the dollar, it has also lost its battle against virtually all currencies on the continent.

    In time past the Nigerian Currency was in high demand in the country, according to reports from Ivorians, Nigerians and other nationals in the country.

    The TNG reporter was told that anyone was free to trade with the Naira because of its high value.

    However, the reverse is now the case as the Naira now exchanges for 1000-500 CFA, thus making the CFA twice as powerful as the Naira.

    Transportation system similar to that of Lagos

    There is public transport in the country and it offers cheaper fares compared to private and taxi in the country.

    It was surprising to see that there are conductors too in Abidjan as many of them scamper for passengers like their counterparts in Lagos, Nigeria.

    Yango like Uber in Ivory Coast

    In Ivory Coast, the transportation app is known as Yango. It’s the equivalent of Uber, Bolt and Taxify in Nigeria.

    However, the Yango charge exorbitantly here that many prefer to use public transportation.

    Here in Abidjan, they also have their own version of BRT buses, but unlike in Nigeria where you have to obtain a bus card, you pay for a ticket on entering the bus in Ivory Coast.

     

    Watch out for Part 2

  • AFCON: I owe Kanu and Okocha – Victor Osimhen

    AFCON: I owe Kanu and Okocha – Victor Osimhen

    Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has revealed that he owes his success to ex-internationals Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Jay Jay Okocha.

    The Napoli star stated that Kanu and Okocha have served as a source of inspiration to his football career.

    “I used to speak with Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha. I think I owe a lot of my success to them because they have been sort of an inspiration to me while growing up,” said Osimhen, who announced himself as the top scorer at the Under-17 World Cup in 2015.” Osimhen told AFP

    “To be up there in the same category as them — not that I am better than them in terms of football, but in terms of what I have achieved — I think is huge for me.

    He also expressed his disappointment with Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    “The first game was really disappointing,” he said.

    “Going forward we need to make sure we get it right in the next game, which is against a tougher opponent.”

  • AFCON: My country comes first, you can keep criticising me – Andre Onana

    AFCON: My country comes first, you can keep criticising me – Andre Onana

    Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana has come out fighting regarding his status at the African Cup of Nations.

    Onana completed a long journey from Manchester to the tournament in the Ivory Coast over the weekend.

    He played against Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday, before flying for Cameroon’s opener against Guinea on Monday.

    However, travel troubles meant he arrived a little later than scheduled and was not in the squad.

    “I have a lot to say but I will not say it here because we are in competition,” Onana told Canal Plus on Monday night.

    “Let me continue to be criticized, I am used to it. I do what is good for my country.

    “It’s like choosing between my father and my mother, but my country comes first; that’s why I’m here. We are together. We are here to win [the tournament].”

  • AFCON 2023: Emmanuel Adebayor tips Super Eagles to win trophy

    AFCON 2023: Emmanuel Adebayor tips Super Eagles to win trophy

    Former Hawks of Togo forward, Emmanuel Adebayor, has tipped the Super Eagles of Nigeria to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations presently holding in Ivory Coast.

    Adebayor dropped his predictions on Tuesday morning durinSeyi g his visit to the Super Eagles team hotel in Abidjan.

    The former Arsenal and Manchester City forward  expressed his support for the three-time African champions ahead of their second group game again and  hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

    “I’m rooting for the Super Eagles to win the trophy.

    “I’m with Nigeria and hope the players will deliver,” he told Completesports.

    The Eagles began their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.

    They are joint-second in Group A behind the Ivorians.

  • AFCON 2023: Tournament favourite, Senegal thrash Gambia 3-0, Cameroon, Guinea share spoils

    AFCON 2023: Tournament favourite, Senegal thrash Gambia 3-0, Cameroon, Guinea share spoils

    Senegal started off their title defense on a winning note after putting three goals past 10-man  Gambia national team.

     It took just five minutes for them to break the deadlock as Pape Gueye struck after good work from Sadio Mane. Lamine Camara then scored twice after the break – including a brilliant curling effort late on – to mark a solid start to Group C.

    Aliou Cisse’s side made the perfect start when Sadio Mane teed up an unmarked Pape Gueye, who rifled his shot into the bottom corner from inside the box.
    Gambia created some good opportunities in the first half with Musa Barrow curling a free-kick into the side netting while Ali Sowe headed over following a corner.
    Elsewhere at stade Charles Konal Banny In Yamoussoukro, the indomitable Lions of  Cameroon and the Syli national of  Guinea Conakry settled for a 1-1 draw.
    M Bayo opened scoring for the Guineans and the West Africans held on to it for the first 45minute but the
    Cameroonians equalized in the 51st minute to have a share of the spoils.
    The result meant that Senegal leads group C while Cameroon and Guinea are joint second on the log.
  • AFCON: If we continue to play like today, no team will beat Super Eagles – Peseiro

    AFCON: If we continue to play like today, no team will beat Super Eagles – Peseiro

    Coach Jose Peseiro says if the goal-shy Super Eagles continue to play the way they did against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday in Abidjan, no team will beat Nigeria at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    He said this on Sunday while reacting to the 1-1 draw with the Syli Nationale of Equatorial Guinea at the post-match conference.

    The Portuguese said he was disappointed with the result of the match because he deserved nothing but the maximum three points at stake.

    Worried by the wastefulness of the Eagles, the coach said he was doing everything possible in training and personally with individual players to improve their goal-scoring chances.

    Asked about the status of Alhassan Abdullahi, he said the player had not been checked properly as at post-match conference but expressed the hope that his is not seriously injured.

    “We have many and clear opportunities, I think we deserve to beat Guinea.

    “I am sad about the result but not about the capacity of my players; no player missed a goal because he wants to miss but it is difficult sometime,” Peseiro said.

    The wasteful Eagles squandered several scoring chances against the low-rated Equatorial Guinea in Abidjan, to the surprise of its teeming home supporters.

    The Super Eagles will face the host, Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire in the second match of the competition on Jan. 18 in Abidjan.

  • Côte d’Ivoire spent more than $1b to organise AFCON 2023 – Official

    Côte d’Ivoire spent more than $1b to organise AFCON 2023 – Official

    Amb. Kalilou Traore, the Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, has said his country spent more than US$1 billion to organise the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition.

    Traore made this known during an interview on sideline of the official unveiling ceremony of the ‘AFCON Village’ on Saturday night in Abuja, saying the AFCON village was set up in partnership with Continental Hotels.

    He said the facility will transmit live matches till the end of the tournament, which kicked off in Cote d’Ivoire with 24 countries seeking for the continent’s most coveted football trophy on Feb. 11.

    “The government of Côte d’Ivoire has spent more than US$1 billion to organise it. Most of the investment were designed to solve logistics issues like transportation, hotels, security and many others.

    “Right now, I was in touch with many people in Abidjan and they were saying that life is so good now in Abidjan.

    “So things are going very well and we pray God that it will continue like this till the end of AFCON.

    “Football tournament is an occasion for people to meet and when we meet we can talk about everything, particularly how to let things move forward.

    “When we meet, when we discuss all issues, we can solve lots of problems, so the power of football is to gather people and when they are together, we can solve problems.”

    The envoy described Côte d’Ivoire as a country of hospitality and peace, since its first president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny’s philosophy of peace, dialogue and prosperity for people.

    Traore reiterated that the country had continued to leave no stone unturned to do its beat to unite the whole of Africa.

    “In Côte d’Ivoire right now, President Alassane Ouattara’s government has all Ivorians mobilised to make this AFCON the best ever organised since the past.

    “We as the Ivorian mission in Nigeria will implement this directive, to unite people, to make this occasion one of fraternity and friendship.

    “This is why we have organised here in Abuja the AFCON village with our partner, Continental Hotel. Throughout the tournament we will be here with all our friends.

    “To view all the matches and support all the teams; I wish that the best team wins this cup,” Traore said.

  • AFCON 2023: Fourth trophy search begins as Super Eagles test might against Equatorial Guinea today (Preview)

    AFCON 2023: Fourth trophy search begins as Super Eagles test might against Equatorial Guinea today (Preview)

    Hostilities resume today at the 2023 AFCON currently holding in Cote D’Ivoire as the Super Eagles of Nigeria get ready to trade tackles with the Nzalang Nacional  of Equatorial Guinea today at the Alassane Quattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan.

    The Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire defeated the Djurtus of Guinea Bissau 2-0 in the opening group A match on Saturday to lead the group.

    However, Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa is talking tough ahead of the encounter today against the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea.

    “The goal is to do it again, it has been a long time since we won the AFCON but come February 12, Insha Allah, the Super Eagles will lift the trophy,” Musa affirmed.

    Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro said leading the Nigerian national team comes with the burden of expectation and he is ready for the big challenge.

    “To play for Nigeria is not easy, 200 million football fans want to win and we need to answer with good results on the pitch,” the Portuguese manager told the media.

    Peseiro who has had to make a series of replacements in his team remains confident his assembled squad is good enough to challenge for the top prize in Cote d’Ivoire.

    “It’s unfortunate that those players can’t be here with us, they all want to play but they can’t because of injury,” Peseiro told a press conference in Abidjan on Saturday.

    “The good thing is that we have the players to replace them.

    “It’s not much of a problem for us because we have picked players with the same profile.

    “Onuachu is similar to Sadiq, Moffi and Boniface are not different, same thing with Ndidi and Alhassan.

    “These players have different characters, but in terms of profiles, they are not different.

    However, despite being the underdog in today’s encounter, the spirit in the camp of the Nzalang Nacional is very high, coming off the heels of going undefeated throughout 2023 and claiming victories in World Cup qualifying games against Namibia and Liberia without conceding a goal.

    The coach of the side, Juan Micha is full of confidence, although not also underrating the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

    According to Micha, his team is in Cote D’Ivoire to win the tournament and not just as a participant.

    “We have an ambition in this tournament, we want to win it,” he declared at Saturday’s pre-match press conference. “We are aware of what to do, we want to give our best.”

    Accepting that Nigeria will parade array of talented stars including the current African Footballer of the year, Micha noted that his side is a team to beat at the tournament.

    This is the first time both countries will face at the AFCON but they Super Eagles defeated them twice in a World Cup qualifiers in 2010.

     

  • VIDEO: Watch as jubilant Ivorians storm streets following Côte d’Ivoire’s win against Guinea Bissau

    VIDEO: Watch as jubilant Ivorians storm streets following Côte d’Ivoire’s win against Guinea Bissau

    Following Côte d’Ivoire’s win against Guinea Bissau in the opening match of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ivorians stormed the streets to celebrate the victory.

    Recall TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) report that Seko Fofana ensured the hosts started the way they meant to go on before Jean-Philippe Krasso doubled the score, making Côte d’Ivoire top Group A.

    Group A has the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau and Côte d’Ivoire.

    In a video by our correspondent, jubilant Ivorians crowded the streets while chanting songs of victory.

    Watch video below: