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Tag: CAF

  • 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

  • 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: CAF boss assures top-notch tournament

    AFCON 2023: CAF boss assures top-notch tournament

    President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has assured of top-notch organisation and security for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

    Motsepe gave the assurance on Friday 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 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 dozens more injured, during the round of 16 match between Cameroon and the Comoros.

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

    “For as long as I am president, whether I know or don’t know, whether I am aware or not aware, I ultimately have to take responsibility for anything that happens,” he added.

    The Cote d’Ivoire government has invested around $1.5 billion in improving infrastructure as it prepared to host the tournament for the first time since 1984.

    That has included the construction of the 60,000-capacity Ebimpe Olympic Stadium on the northern outskirts of Abidjan, which will host Saturday’s opening game, as well Super Eagles group matches.

    There will be about 17,000 police and soldiers deployed during the month-long tournament to ensure security.

    The tournament which kicks off on Saturday with 24 nations in six stadiums across five cities, will draw to a close on Feb. 11.

  • AFCON increases price money from $5m to $7m

    AFCON increases price money from $5m to $7m

    The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has announced an increment in the prize money for winners of the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire to $7 million, up from the previous amount of $5 million.

    The body announced the 40 per cent increase in a statement on Tuesday.

    It also stated that the runner-up of AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 will now get $4 million. Each of the two semi-finalists will receive $2.5 million, and each of the four quarter-finalists will receive $1.3 million.

    CAF President, Patrice Motzepe, said he’s confident that the increase will help the development of football on the continent.

    His words: “CAF has made significant progress over the past two years in increasing the Prize Money of the AFCON and all its other major competitions. We have increased the Prize Money of the AFCON Winner to USD 7 000 000 which is a 40% increase from the previous AFCON Prize Money.

    “I am confident that a portion of the Prize Money will contribute to developing football and also benefit all the football stakeholders, as well as assist our Member Associations with their administrations.”

    AFCON 2023 will kick off on Saturday, January 13, with host Cote d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

  • CAF increases AFCON prize money

    CAF increases AFCON prize money

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a 40 per cent increase in the prize money for the Winner of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

    CAF said on its official website on Thursday that the winner of the TotalEnergies AFCON will receive seven million dollars.

    It said the runner-up will now get 4 million dollars while each of the two Semi-finalists will receive 2.5 million dollars and each of the four Quarter-finalists will get 1. 3 million dollars.

    The President of CAF, Patrice Motsepe said: “CAF has made significant progress over the past two years in increasing the prize money of the AFCON and all its other major competitions.

    “We have increased the prize money of the AFCON Winner to seven million dollars which is a 40 per cent increase from the previous prize money.

    “I am confident that a portion of the prize money will contribute to developing football and also benefit all the football stakeholders, as well as assist our member associations with their administrations,” he said.

    The 2023 AFCON will kick off on Jan. 13  to Feb. 11 in Cote d’Ivoire with 24 nations participating.

  • AFCON 2023: CAF ranks Nigeria fourth in ticket purchase

    AFCON 2023: CAF ranks Nigeria fourth in ticket purchase

    Nigeria has been ranked fourth position in terms of tickets purchased by participating countries ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    This was information was revealed by the Confederation of African Football, (CAF) on its official X account.

    Message reads “Ticket sales for Nigeria are among the top five on the continent,”.

    According to CAF, a total of 12,544 tickets have been purchased by the country.

    According to CAF, host Cote d’Ivoire top the chart with 32,307 tickets sold and are closely followed by Nigeria Group A opponents; Guinea-Bissau (28,614) as well as Equatorial Guinea (16,237).

    Defending champions Senegal are in fifth position with 10,959 purchased.

    The 2023 AFCON finals will run from January 13 to February 11, 2024.

    The Super Eagles will face Equatorial Guinea in the opening fixture at the Alssanne Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan, on Sunday, January 14.

  • AFCON 2023: Again, CAF ignores Nigerian officials

    AFCON 2023: Again, CAF ignores Nigerian officials

    For the umpteenth time, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has neglected Nigerian referees from the list of officials that will officiate at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations slated for Cote d’Ivoire in 2024.

    Nigerian officials have struggled to gain recognition from CAF and the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) in recent years.

    In the list released by CAF, 19 nationalities selected by CAF, Egypt and Morocco have three representatives each.

    Algeria, Gabon and Mauritania have two each.

    The 2023 AFCON finals will run from January 13 to February 11, 2024.

    The Super Eagles are drawn in Group A with hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.

  • CAF to enforce restrictions on filming AFCON 2023

    CAF to enforce restrictions on filming AFCON 2023

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has said it will introduce new guidelines for non-rigths holders and enforce restrictions on filming and other activities to protect media (TV) rights holders.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports CAF said this on its official website on Saturday concerning the 2023 AFCON scheduled to kick off on January 13 2024 to Feb 11 in Cote d’ Ivoire with 24 nations participating.

    CAF disclosed that it has received over 5,000 media accreditation applications for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations. It disclosed that the  applications are  90 per cent  more than that received for Cameroon in 2021.

    The media accreditation  closed on  Nov. 24 . It said that more than  70 nationalities have applied to cover the Africa’s biggest event.

    “The high demand has necessitated that CAF implement quotas for all the countries due to space demands.

    “CAF remains committed to ensure that fairness is applied across the board in allocation and implementation of quotas.

    “CAF believes in creating access for media and promoting media freedom,” it said.

    On the filming restrictions, CAF said priority will be, however, given to the host nation at 30 per cent,  participating countries, 35 per, regional (neighbouring) countries,  10 and rest of the world (countries) 25 per cent.

    “CAF is currently working closely with all the participating member associations to ensure that there is a fair representation in allocating the quotas of each country,” it said.

    It said that priority would  also be  given to Agencies.

  • AFCON 2023: CAF receives over 5,000 media accreditation requests

    AFCON 2023: CAF receives over 5,000 media accreditation requests

    The Confederation of  African Football (CAF) has received over 5,000 media accreditation applications for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

    CAF said on its official website on Saturday that the applications are  90 per cent more than that revived for Cameroon in 2021.

    The media accreditation closed on  Nov. 24.

    It said more than  70 nationalities have applied to cover Africa’s biggest event.

    “The high demand has necessitated that CAF implement quotas for all the countries due to space demands.

    “CAF remains committed to ensure that fairness is applied across the board in allocation and implementation of quotas.

    “CAF believes in creating access for media and promoting media freedom,” it said.

    It said that it will introduce new guidelines for non-rigths holders and enforce restrictions on filming and other activities to protect media (TV) rights holders.

    It said that priority will be given to the host nation at 30 per cent,  participating countries, 35 per, regional (neighbouring) countries,  10 and rest of the world (countries) 25 per cent.

    “CAF is currently working closely with all the participating member associations to ensure that there is a fair representation in allocating the quotas of each country,”it said.

    It said that priority would also be given to Agencies.

    The 2023 AFCON will kick off on Jan. 13 2024 to Feb. 11 in Cote d’Ivoire with 24 nations participating.

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