TheNewsGuru

Tag: Cote D’Ivoire

  • Shettima departs Nigeria for Côte d’Ivoire

    Shettima departs Nigeria for Côte d’Ivoire

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, departed Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire to attend the opening of the International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources 2024 conference.

    The event holds from November 27 to December 2, 2024, at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre.

    Shettima’s visit is “At the invitation of Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné,” Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, said in a statement on Wednesday.

    The statement is titled ‘VP Shettima Leaves For Abidjan, To Attend SIREXE 2024 Opening Ceremony.’

    SIREXE conference is an international event organised by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire that focuses on “Policies and Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Extractive and Energy Industries”.

    “The VP will utilise the event to share Nigeria’s experience in the hydrocarbon exploration and production sectors,” said Nkwocha.

    The Vice President is expected to return to Abuja later today (Wednesday).

  • WAFU B U-20: Nigeria pip Cote D’Ivoire to squeeze into semi-final

    WAFU B U-20: Nigeria pip Cote D’Ivoire to squeeze into semi-final

    Nigeria’s U-20 national team, Flying Eagles, have qualified for the semi-final of the ongoing 2024 WAFU B U-20 championship in Lome, Togo.

    This was after the team on Thursday defeated  Cote D’Ivoire 2-1 in their last group game.

    Goals from Clinton Jephta and Kparobo Arierhi ensured a hard earned victory for the Nigerian side.

    Even with the lackluster performance, Nigeria still managed to top the group with a better goal difference, ahead of Cote D’Ivoire and Burkina with same points.

    NAN reports that Nigeria will now clash with Niger Republic in one of the semi-final matches for a place in the final,  and a ticket to the U-20 AFCON slated for South Africa in January 2025.

  • AFCON Final: Don’t watch Nigeria v Cote d’Ivoire if you have heart condition – Doctor warns

    AFCON Final: Don’t watch Nigeria v Cote d’Ivoire if you have heart condition – Doctor warns

    An Akure-based medical practitioner and Chief Medical Director of Sckye Hospital, Dr Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, has warned Super Eagles fans and football lovers who are highly emotional and have heart conditions to avoid Sunday’s final.

    Ikubese, who stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Akure, said these category of persons should instead involved in diversionary measures instead.

    Super Eagles of Nigeria will face host nation, Elephants of Cote D’ivoire, on Sunday in final of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Reports said that about four Nigerians were reported to have lost their lives while watching the Eagles’ semi-final match against South Africa on Wednesday.

    Ikubese suggested that such people should pick their phone and follow the live scores, to avoid screaming and leave the update if they were feeling uncomfortable.

    “I will counsel that this category of persons should not watch the live transmission of the match.

    “If they must do, however, they should deliberately engage in diversionary therapy as to minimize their systemic reactions to the activities therein.

    “They can pick up their phones and be engaged therein while watching the match and deliberately play down their emotions, acting like the outcome of the match is of no consequence to them.

    “On no account should they scream or jump up. If in spite of all these, they yet begin to feel uncomfortable, they should quit watching.

    “If they are not sure of conducting themselves with such level of decorum, they should boycott the live transmission and watch the highlights thereafter,” he said.

    Ikubese later condoled with the families of those who lost their loved ones while watching the football encounter.

    He wished Nigeria luck in the coming encounter.

  • Cote d’Ivoire tackles cocoa trafficking to neighboring countries

    Cote d’Ivoire tackles cocoa trafficking to neighboring countries

    Ivorian authorities seek collaboration with farmers to tackle cocoa bean trafficking to neighboring countries.

    “We must stop selling your cocoa to neighboring countries, because this will lead to the loss of money in Cote d’Ivoire.

    “ Through these actions, we were unable to control our production,” Seydou Kiebre, president of the Central Agricultural Syndicate of Cote d’Ivoire, said during a meeting with local farmers on Wednesday in Gbangompleu, a Western town on the border with Guinea.

    “It is the profit from the sale of cocoa in Cote d’Ivoire which allows the State to build infrastructure such as schools, roads, hydraulic pumps. Any planter who wants development must sell his cocoa in the country,” he added, promising that efforts will continue to facilitate bean sales to Ivorian buyers.

    Farmers said it is essential to repair the road connecting their town so that Ivorian buyers can reach them.

    Cote d’Ivoire has been confronted with cacao beans trafficking towards Guinea, Liberia, and Togo, where the price is 200-300 CFA francs (0.3-0.5 U.S. dollars) higher per kilogram on average, according to local media.

    Such practices add pressure to the Ivorian economy, the world’s largest cocoa producer, as the plants’ productivity has reduced due to El Nino-induced drought in the recent harvest seasons.

    In December 2023, the country’s Coffee-Cocoa Council, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Interior and Security jointly launched an action to strengthen the security system on borders.

  • BREAKING: Côte d’Ivoire set up 2023 AFCON final against Nigeria

    BREAKING: Côte d’Ivoire set up 2023 AFCON final against Nigeria

    Hosts Côte d’Ivoire won their semi final fixture against Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Côte d’Ivoire will therefore play the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Sebastian Haller snatched the victory for the Elephants with a superb second half volley against DR Congo.

    The Bafana Bafana of South Africa, earlier defeated by the Super Eagles, will square up for third place against DR Congo.

    Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will lock horns with Nigeria in the final showdown of the 2023 AFCON in Abidjan.

    Haller was the matchwinner in Wednesday’s semi-final, superbly flicking in Nicolas Pepe’s cross to break Congolese hearts.

    His goal has thus knocked the Leopards out, setting up this fascinating clash in Sunday’s final.

    The Borussia Dortmund hitman has established himself in the Elephants after recovering from testicular cancer.

    Now, the 29-year-old returns intent on breaking Nigerian hearts.

    Haller will spearhead the Cote d’Ivoire attack alongside Pepe as they target a historic triumph.

    Victory would spark jubilation in Abidjan given this AFCON is on home soil.

    After struggling in their group, the Elephants have momentum despite unconvincing performances.

    Against DR Congo, they rode their luck, with Cedric Bakambu having a goal disallowed.

    But Haller’s quality shone through as he rifled home to book Cote d’Ivoire’s passage.

    The Super Eagles, on their part, had largely made light work of all before them at this year’s AFCON.

    But they were forced into a dramatic penalty shootout by a dogged South Africa side in the semi-finals.

    Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning spot-kick to put Nigeria within touching distance of a fourth continental crown and first since 2013.

    Though 1992 and 2015 champions Cote d’Ivoire have been on quite the journey themselves over recent weeks, but Nigeria will prove a sterner test.

    The striker, who is in great form, threatens to inspire Cote d’Ivoire to their first AFCON crown since 2015.

    The Stade olympique Alassane-Ouattara d’Ebimpé in Abidjan will host the final on Sunday from 8.00 p.m.

  • AFCON 2023: Diakite reacts after helping Cotê d’Ivoire into Semis

    AFCON 2023: Diakite reacts after helping Cotê d’Ivoire into Semis

    Ivorian midfielder Oumar Diakite has credited home fans for their comeback win over Mali on Saturday in the quarter-finals of the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

    Diakite, who scored the winning goal, admitted the game was a difficult one but they had their home fans who supported them throughout the 120 minutes.

    “The supporters did what they had to do and since this tournament started, we have seen the support of Ivorians, they have been pushing.

    “Today, we had a difficult time in the game including the red card, but they continued to push us and for us as players, when things begin to go like that, we only have the option to give our very best and look out for the victory and it is the reason why we were the winners,” he said.

    Cotê d’Ivoire had a player sent off in the first half before going down by a goal to nil.

    They however managed to come back into the game and won it at the closing stages of extra time.

    Diakite added that they knew the game was going to be difficult after the red card.

    “We knew it was going to be complicated, it made it difficult for us, but we were able to do what we wanted with our mentality in place.

    “We ran and we made efforts and I think we were paid at the end of the day, and we all went out to get this particular victory.

    “We are happy, because I scored the second goal. With this goal, I think I put happiness on the faces of about 30,000 Ivorian fans who were at the stadium.

    “No words can describe how I’m feeling right now, but I’m happy,” he said.

    Cotê d’Ivoire will now meet DR Congo in the semi-finals at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Wednesday.

  • AFCON 2023: Late drama as Cotê d’Ivoire come from behind to beat Mali

    AFCON 2023: Late drama as Cotê d’Ivoire come from behind to beat Mali

    10-men Cotê d’Ivoire came from a goal down to beat Mali 2-1 in extra time to progress to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire.

    The Elephants had a sloppy start to the game as Mali created majority of the chances which led to them getting a penalty in the early stages of the game.

    Lassine Sinayoko was brought down in the penalty box by Côte d’Ivoire’s Odilon Kossounou, and a penalty was awarded after the latter was shown a yellow card.

    Adama Traore’s effort from the spot was saved by goalkeeper, Yahia Fofana.

    Kossounou was sent off in the first half after he received a second yellow card following another challenge on Lassine Sinayoko.

    Mali’s dominance continued in the second half as they had a man more than Côte d’Ivoire, but the host managed to contain them for some time.

    The Eagles finally had what they kept pushing for throughout the game; the opener in the 71st minutes.

    Substitute Nene Dorgeles weaved through the Côte d’Ivoire defence to find open space, and hit from outside the box to beat Yahia Fofana who was rooted to score the opener.

    Cotê d’Ivoire unexpectedly got the equalizer through Simon Adingra who scored from a rebound, following Seko Fofana’s long-range which hit the Malian defence.

    Oumar Diakete scored late in extra-time to win it for Cotê d’Ivoire with a clever back heel finish.

    Cotê d’Ivoire will play D.R Congo in the semi-finals at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Feb. 7.

  • AFCON 2023: Football titbits from Cote D’ Ivoire

    AFCON 2023: Football titbits from Cote D’ Ivoire

    AFCON 2023 is gradually winding down as the competition has entered its semi-final stages.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) brings you behind the scenes from the tournament.

    Divided Ivorians

    Prior to the match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Palancras Negras of Angola, many Ivorians supported the Nigeria and even wore Super Eagles jerseys, while others saw them as a big threat and competitor and want them out.

    Boastful Angolans

    Apart from their coach, Pedro Gonglaves and few players who boasted they would defeat Nigeria, many Angolans living in Ivory Coast and the ones who travelled for the purpose of the AFCON started boasting of having a complete team, saying they were sure of victory against Nigeria.

    Scarcity of Tickets

    It’s been a herculean task getting tickets to watch games at the 2023 AFCON. Ticket sales are a little bit on the high side as they are not readily available in stores or stadia across the country.

    The scarcity has made it possible for some persons to hoard the tickets for sale at different points in the country, and they have been selling at exorbitant rates.

    Between Obi Cubana and Peter Obi

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general election, Peter Obi came all the way to support the Super Eagles of Nigeria. He wore the supporters club jersey and cheere the team with other members of the club.

    Obi said football is one of the unifying factors in the country and he has come to his love for his country.

    Another football lover, Obi Cubana also travelled all the way from Lagos to lend his hand of support to the Super Eagles. He was seen cheering them whilst the game against Angola was going on.

     

    Ademola Lookman’s dad too

    Call him a proud dad and you will never be wrong, Mr Ademola was physically present at the Felix Houhouet stadium to watch his son don the green white green jersey of Nigeria and of course his presence was worth it.

    The Atalanta forward scored a beautiful goal in the dying minutes of the first half to earn Nigeria the semi-final ticket at the expense of Angola.

    His dad was full of praises for his son, saying he was overwhelmed with his perfomance and that of the team generally.

    He urged them to continue to make the country proud.

    ……Senator Akpabio also in attendance

    Nigeria’s senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio flew in from Abuja to physically support the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

    He was spotted at the VIP section of the Felix Houghpouet stadium to cheer the boys against the Palancras Negras of Angola

    Highly Motivated Super Eagles

    Feelers from the camp of the Super Eagles has it that each player has been given the huge sum of $30,000 with additional $4000 camp allowance.

    Fair Officiating

    So far, officiating at AFCON has been judged to be largely fair.  Referees, VAR and match officials have been given thumbs -up for a job welldone in the tournament.

    The tournament also made history as four female officials took charge of the match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Djurtus of Guinea Bissau.

    Ivory Coast Jersey In Hot Demand

    The orange coloured jersey made the most sales as fans from other African countries even demand for it. The replica jerseys are being sold between 6,000 and 15,000 CFA.

    Ivorians love to don their jerseys as a means of supporting the national team.

    It’s very easy to identify most Ivorians as a result of their beautiful jerseys and caps to match.

  • AFCON 2023: Elephant of Cote D’Ivoire send Senegal packing from tournament, qualify for quarter-final

    AFCON 2023: Elephant of Cote D’Ivoire send Senegal packing from tournament, qualify for quarter-final

    Hosts, Cote d’Ivoire pulled off a monumental upset by defeating defending champions Senegal 5-4 on penalties, after extra time to advance to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals.

    In front of a raucous home crowd at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Senegal made a blistering start and took the lead just four minutes into the match.

    A superb cross from Sadio Mane found Habib Diallo, who calmly chested the ball down before firing a rocket into the top corner.

    Stunned by conceding so early, the hosts gradually grew into the game with neat interplay in midfield between Franck Kessie and Jean Michael Seri.

    Ibrahim Sangare posed a constant threat on the wing while strikers Sebastien Haller and Nicolas Pepe stretched Senegal’s defence.

    The Elephants had the better of the first half but in spite of several near misses, a Senegalese wall of Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo,  repelled everything thrown at them.

    Senegal almost doubled their lead early in the second half when a spectacular Ismaila Sarr’s effort forced a fingertip save. Cote d’Ivoire were unfazed and continued pressing.

    The game turned on a pivotal 86th minute moment. Pepe burst into the box and was clumsily brought down by Edouard Mendy.

    After a VAR-reviewed incident, Franck Kessie coolly sent Mendy the wrong way from the spot to equalise,  sending the home crowd into a frenzy mood.

    In extra time, chances came and went for both sides but the scores remained level.

    In the shootout, each side netted their first four penalties.

    But when Kalifa Coulibaly’s effort came off the upright, Kessie stepped up to smash home the winning kick, capping a remarkable turnaround for the hosts.

    After a disastrous group stage, Cote d’Ivoire showed tremendous resilience and spirit to dethrone Senegal, who will have to relinquish their title.

    The Elephants march on, redemption complete.

    Few gave the Elephants hope coming into this last 16 clash against star-studded Senegal.

    However, led by captain Serge Aurier, the spirited hosts fought until the end and rode their luck at times against profligate opponents.

    This result blows the tournament wide open.

    The defending champions are out, and the unfancied hosts march on in dramatic style.

  • BREAKING: AFCON 2023 hosts Côte d’Ivoire sack head coach

    BREAKING: AFCON 2023 hosts Côte d’Ivoire sack head coach

    Hosts of the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Côte d’Ivoire have fired their head coach, Jean-Louis Gasset.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Gasset was sacked by Ivory Coast after failing to qualify the host nation from the group stage of the AFCON 2023.

    This was confirmed by the country’s football federation (FIF) on Wednesday.

    “The contracts of coach Jean-Louis Gasset and his assistant Ghislain Printant are terminated due to insufficient results,” the FIF said in a statement.

    Recall Gasset, 70, took charge of the side in 2022, replacing Patrice Beaumelle.

    The team were thrashed 4-0 by Equatorial Guinea in their last Group A game on Monday.

    Gasset is not the first coach to leave their team halfway through the ongoing AFCON.

    Ghana’s coach Chris Hughton was sacked on Tuesday, while Tanzania’s Adel Amrouche was suspended.

    Gambia’s coach Tom Saintfiet resigned after his team suffered a group-stage exit.