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Tag: AFCON

  • 2023 AFCON: Super Eagles will soar high in Côte d’Ivoire – Peseiro

    2023 AFCON: Super Eagles will soar high in Côte d’Ivoire – Peseiro

    Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, who has been criticised lately for underperformance, has pledged to ensure improvement in the team and steer the national team to greatness in Côte d’Ivoire.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Peseiro made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja at a meeting with the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    Enoh had summoned the meeting to deliberate on strategic plans and preparations for a successful outing of the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that will take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire.

    The Portuguese tactician, however, underscored the need for a robust preparation, while assuring that the technical crew will work with the players to sort out grey areas in the team.

    At the meeting, Enoh expressed concern about the Super Eagles’ form, especially with the sluggish start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Recall the Eagles were forced by both lowly-rated Lesotho and Zimbabwe to uninspiring draws in November.

    The Minister stressed that Nigerians are passionate about the round leather game and are thirsty to win the 2023 AFCON again, after more than 10 years of waiting.

    “Our country is so passionate about football, such that amidst all other sports, football is about the only sport that has an entry in the nation’s national budget.

    “That is how important football is, because whatever happens to it happens to us as a country.

    “After 10 years, the country is thirsty to win the AFCON. It will matter a great deal to the Nigerian people, and to the Government of President Bola Tinubu.

    “It is important to not just leave the task to the NFF alone, but the Government is also interested in being able to tell the Nigerian people what is being done in that regard,” Enoh said.

    He reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering support for Nigerian football, and emphasised the significance of meticulous planning and cohesive strategies to propel the national team to victory at the AFCON

    Enoh said that plans are underway to settle outstanding issues with the coach and assured him of an enabling environment to help the team thrive.

    According to him, AFCON represents a pivotal opportunity for the national team to showcase its strength and resilience on the continental stage.

    Earlier, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau assured Nigerians that there is no need to panic, as all hands are on deck, working round the clock to ensure the Eagles soar high at the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

    He said that the NFF was committed to ensuring that the Super Eagles perform well at the tournament.

  • Nigeria thirsty to win AFCON – Sports Minister

    Nigeria thirsty to win AFCON – Sports Minister

    Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has said the country is thirsty to lift the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 10-year lacklustre performance by the Super Eagles in the continental football tournament.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Nigeria last won the AFCON title in 2013, being the 29th edition of the tournament hosted by South Africa.

    On Wednesday when he met with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro in Abuja, Enoh said it matters a great deal to lift the coveted AFCON trophy.

    “Our country is so passionate about football, such that amidst all other sports, football is about the only sport that has an entry in the nation’s national budget. That is how important football is because whatever happens to it, happens to us as a country.

    “After 10 years, the country is thirsty to win the AFCON. It will matter a great deal to the Nigerian people, and the Government of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. It is important to not just leave the task to the NFF alone, but the Government is also interested in being able to tell the Nigerian people what is being done in that regard,” the Sports Minister said.

    TNG reports the next edition of AFCON, Cote d’Ivoire 2023 will hold from 13 January to 11 February 2024.

  • Super Eagles has capacity to succeed at AFCON – Aghahowa

    Super Eagles has capacity to succeed at AFCON – Aghahowa

    Former Super Eagles striker, Julius Aghahowa says the Nigerian national team possesses the necessary talent and capacity to succeed at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

    Aghahowa said this in an interview with NAN on Tuesday while reacting to the below par performances of the Super Eagles and preparations for the 2024 AFCON.

    Super Eagles will play the Biennial AFCON starting from Jan. 13 to Feb. 11 and are in Group A which has the host, Cote D’Ivoire, and Guinea-Bissau, as well as Equatorial Guinea.

    Nigeria is to play the first match against Equatorial Guinea on Jan. 14, play host Cote D’Ivoire Jan. 18, and square up against Guinea-Bissau in the last match of the group on Jan. 22, 2024.

    Aghahowa, who scored 14 international goals for Nigeria, emphasised the importance of absolute commitment among players representing the Nigerian national team.

    While commending the talent within the Super Eagles squad, Aghahowa said that wearing the national jersey requires more than just skill.

    He also said that the players should demonstrate unwavering commitment and passion when playing for the country.

    He, however, raised concerns about the players’ level of commitment, particularly when facing challenges unique to playing in Africa, unlike in Europe where the style of play is more familiar.

    According to him, competing in Africa presents different difficulties, such as facing home-based players who bring a strong sense of national pride to the game.

    The former striker noted that when other African countries face Nigeria, they often put up strong fights to gain recognition on the global stage.

    “I am optimistic about Super Eagles’ chances at the AFCON, the players are talented, and they have the capacity to deliver.

    “The main issue I am having is the willpower; that’s enthusiasm and passion to deliver 120 per cent. That is the concern, their commitment,” he said.

    Aghahowa, therefore, said that the Super Eagles must approach these matches with the same level of determination and fight back to maintain their status.

    He stressed on the need for the Nigerian players to understand the tough nature of these games and prepare accordingly, as their opponents would not make it easy.

    Aghahowa, a member of 2,000 Summer Olympics, expressed his belief in the abilities of the Super Eagles, highlighting their potential to succeed.

    He, however, reiterated that the players must combine their talent with a strong commitment to winning, particularly in matches where the outcome might not go as planned.

    He encouraged the players to give their all in every game, knowing that they had done everything possible to achieve success.

    “The players are in Europe which is easier, because everybody is playing same style, but coming to Africa to play and vie for major tournament like World Cup qualifiers or AFCON, we are not going to have it easy.

    “The other African countries will come win their home-based players, and when a country has a full home-based team, what do we expect?

    “Our players need to have it at the back of their minds that it will be difficult to match and be well prepared. Once every they sort that out, the rest will be history.

    “The players can do it, and I believe in them, but that commitment and resilience the game is a must win should be added to their mentality,” he said.

    Aghahowa also admitted that it might not be realistic to win all matches, yet adequate preparations and commitment must be shown in case the results didn’t go as planned.

    “Our players should be able to beat their chest that they did all they could in case the match did not go as planned.

    “The fans themselves will see the outcome that they tried but didn’t get the result. But in another scenario, when they play without sweat and lose the game, that is not what we want.

    `Playing with commitment is for their good as well and for the country. If we miss the World Cup, many things are at stake for the economy, media, tourism, and other companies won’t bring their money.

    “Losing the World Cup ticket is not a win-win situation, because I can see that other smaller countries are beginning to have gutt to come to Nigeria and hope to win us here, we don’t want that,” he said.

  • Andre Onana rethinks AFCON commitment

    Andre Onana rethinks AFCON commitment

    Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is rethinking his commitment to Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations.

    Onana is due to turn out for Cameroon in the tournament which will run from January 13 to February 11.

    And he is rethinking his commitment after a series of poor performances for United in recent weeks, says The Sun.

    Onana is worried about his long-term place under pressure from backup keeper Altay Bayindir and feels he still needs to prove himself as the club’s outright No1.

    United manager Erik ten Hag recently stated: “We are pleased with the goalkeeping group. They have to push each other.

    “We are very pleased with Altay who is doing very well, he just has to be patient.

    “If he works well and continues his progress, he will get his chance and will have to take it.”

  • Nigeria can’t make impact in AFCON 2024 – Jalla

    Nigeria can’t make impact in AFCON 2024 – Jalla

    Harrison Jalla, Chairman, Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force, says Super Eagles can’t make much impact in 2024 African Cup of Nations(AFCON) in Cote D’Ivoire, as they lack the tactical skills for the tournament.

    Jala said in Lagos on Friday, that the team had lost its self esteem struggling to beat countries like Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

    He said that changes had to be made and this changes had to be done early enough to avert a catastrophy when Nigeria would play at the AFCON 2024 in Cote D’Ivoire.

    “Nothing has changed since Coach Jose Paseiro took over the Super Eagles, the team does not really lack talents both home and abroad, but what is missing is the managerial skills needed harness its potential, ” Jalla said.

    He said that the Eagles had not been able to secure a good coach and a manager since the death of Stephen Keshi.

    “Paseiro has no capacity to transform the team he has done too much damage by his technical ineptitude.

    “Nigeria cannot afford to carry a baggage like Paseiro to the AFCON. The Super Eagles have lost their self esteem they now struggle with countries like Guinea Bissau, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

    “Nigeria should forget about anything positive from AFCON if Paseiro is still in charge,” Jalla said.
    He added that the solution is to build a brand new Super Eagles with home base players as its nucleus.

    He said that a full fledge home base Super Eagles would have defeated Lesotho and Zimbabwe hands down.

    24 countries will feature at the biennial competition which kicks off in Jan. 13 and ends in Feb. 11 with Nigeria drawn against host country Cote Di’Voire.

  • Aaron Wan-Bissaka considers AFCON offer

    Aaron Wan-Bissaka considers AFCON offer

    Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be heading to the African Cup of Nations.

    Wan-Bissaka has been approached by the Democratic Republic of Congo to play for the African nation.

    Per The Mail, the defender is mulling the issue, as he is far away from England selection at present.

    Wan-Bissaka would be giving up any England future if he plays a competitive game for Congo.

    However, the 25-year-old may think that time is running out for him at the international stage.

    The defender, who relies on his athleticism significantly, has to beat out the likes of Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, and Tino Livramento to get in at right back for England.

  • Bayer Leverkusen manager, Alonso laments AFCON timing, set to miss five key players

    Bayer Leverkusen manager, Alonso laments AFCON timing, set to miss five key players

    Xabi Alonso the coach of German side, Bayer Leverkusen has cried out over the timing of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)

    The next edition of AFCON will run from January 13 to February 11, 2024 in Cote D’Ivoire.

    Leverkusen will be without five regular stars during the period.

    Two Players,  Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella  could miss playing for Leverkusen for the period of AFCON if called to camp by Super Eagles of Nigeria coach, Jose Peseiro.

    Moroccan forward Amine Adli, Burkina Faso centre-back Edmond Tapsoba, and Ivorian defender Odilon Kossounou are the other players Leverkusen could miss during the AFCON finals.

    Alonso said it is a situation his team has to deal with.

    “It is a concern for January and February, perhaps not having five players. It is a reality. We have to accept that,” Alonso told Transfermarkt.

  • Cote D’ Ivoire 2023: CAF releases match schedule for AFCON

    Cote D’ Ivoire 2023: CAF releases match schedule for AFCON

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the official match schedule for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Recall that the draw for the biennial competition took place in Abidjan last week.

    Four centers in Cote D’ Ivoire Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouake, San Pedro, and Korhogo have been selected for the competition that will begin from 13 January to 11 February 2024.

    The 34th edition of the biggest sports event on African soil will take place from 13 January to 11 February 2024 in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouake, San Pedro, and Korhogo.

    The opening game of the competition will hold between hosts Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau on Sunday, January 13, 2024 at Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe, in Abidjan.

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on Equatorial Guinea in their first game on Monday, January 14.

    It will be followed with games against Cote d’Ivoire on January 18 and Guinea-Bissau on January 22.

  • AFCON 2024: Super Eagles to play host Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau in Group A

    AFCON 2024: Super Eagles to play host Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau in Group A

    The draws for the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) were held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday evening.

    The draw was conducted at the brand-new Parc des Expositions, Abidjan, with many ex-footballers in attendance.

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles are placed in Group A alongside the host nation Ivory Coast.

    The AFCON defending champions Senegal are drawn in Group C alongside Cameroon, Guinea and The Gambia.

    The tournament will take place in January, 13, and run till February 11, 2024.

    See full draw Below
    Group A
    Ivory Coast
    Nigeria
    Equatorial Guinea
    Guinea-Bissau

    Group B
    Egypt
    Ghana
    Cape Verde
    Mozambique

    Group C
    Senegal
    Cameroon
    Guinea
    Gambia

    Group D
    Algeria
    Burkina Faso
    Mauritania
    Angola

    Group E
    Tunisia
    Mali
    South Africa
    Namibia

    Group F
    Morocco
    DR Congo
    Zambia
    Tanzania.

    The winner and runners up of each group automatically qualify while there will be room for best third place teams to progress to the group stage.

  • AFCON 2024: Super Eagles to know group opponents October 12

    AFCON 2024: Super Eagles to know group opponents October 12

    The super Eagles of Nigeria will know its group AFCON opponents come Thursday, October 10, 2023.

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) are gearing up for the draw ceremony of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    The draws is billed to take place at Parc des Expositions in Abidjan, one of the most iconic and impressive buildings in Cote d’Ivoire’s economic hub.

    On Tuesday, CAF will start revealing some key individuals involved during the Final Draw, including Draw Hosts, Draw Assistants, and notable musical and cultural performers.

    CAF and the host Nation, Côte d’Ivoire, have been working together to produce a world-class event for the Final Draw.

    2024 AFCON will run from January 13 to February 11, 2024.