Sports
Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau Kicks Off AFCON 2023
The much-anticipated 34th Africa Cup of Nations commences today, and would be showcasing the opening clash between Ivory Coast’s Elephants and Guinea-Bissau.
This premier football extravaganza brings together 24 top teams representing Africa’s finest, in Abidjan and five other designated Ivorian cities.
The thrilling tournament is set to unfold its magic, captivating fans until its grand conclusion on February 11.
In 1957, the inaugural edition of the tournament featured only three nations: Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia.
South Africa, initially slated to participate, faced disqualification due to the apartheid policies of its government.
Since 1968, the Africa Cup of Nations has been a biennial event, transitioning to odd-numbered years in 2013.
Since its inception, the tournament has seen significant expansion, growing from 12 to 16 participating nations in 1996, though Nigeria’s withdrawal in 1996 left organizers with 15 teams.
In 2017, the Confederation of African Football decided to further expand, increasing the number of finalists from 16 to 24.
Egypt holds the record as the most successful nation, securing seven titles.
Their remarkable achievement includes an unprecedented three consecutive victories in 2006, 2008, and 2010.
Following closely is Cameroon with five titles, while Ghana trails as a distant third with four.
The reigning champions, Senegal, clinched their first AFCON title in 2022, defeating Egypt in a thrilling final in Cameroon through a nail-biting penalty shootout.
The Local Organising Committee affirms its preparedness to host Africa, aiming to highlight the continent’s capabilities in organizing major tournaments.
Beyond the realm of sports, the biennial tournament serves as a platform to showcase African culture and tourism.
Anticipation is building among thousands of visitors and the nearly one billion global television audience.
The infectious excitement is palpable across cities in Ivory Coast, signaling the eager anticipation of the event by the country’s people and the entire African nations.
The Africa Cup of Nations not only offers a stage for showcasing athletic prowess but also provides talented African youths, who have illuminated foreign football leagues, the chance to display their skills on home soil, captivating local fans and a global audience alike.
For CAF, the 2023 AFCON stands as the most lucrative to date, with television networks spanning Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia securing live broadcasting rights.
This substantial financial gain is evident in the notable increase in prize money, now set at 7 million American Dollars for the winner, along with other commendable consolation prizes for participating teams.
The prolonged anticipation for the tournament, initially slated for October-November 2023, has finally come to an end.
![AFCON: Teni In Tears As Nigeria Suffers Defeat To Ivory Coast [Video]](https://biztellers.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_20240212_000228_400_x_300_pixel-400x240.jpg){kind=tracking}
![AFCON: Teni In Tears As Nigeria Suffers Defeat To Ivory Coast [Video]](https://biztellers.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_20240212_000228_400_x_300_pixel-80x80.jpg){kind=tracking}
In a significant development for Nigerian football, former Super Eagles winger Finidi George has been appointed as the new head coach of the nation’s senior men’s national team.
This decision, announced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday, follows the endorsement of its Technical and Development Committee.
George, a 52-year-old former player for Ajax Amsterdam and Real Betis, previously served as an assistant to outgoing coach José Santos Peseiro.
He took on the role of interim coach after Peseiro’s departure following the Super Eagles’ impressive performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
During his interim tenure, George oversaw two friendly matches in Morocco, where the team secured a historic 2-1 victory against Ghana but suffered a 0-2 loss to Mali.
The NFF statement reads, “George, a member of the so-styled ‘Golden Generation’ that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Tunisia and emerged as the second most entertaining team in Nigeria’s debut at the FIFA World Cup finals in USA the same year, won 62 caps for Nigeria, including featuring at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals.”
The statement commemorating George’s appointment as the new head coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team also paid tribute to his esteemed playing career.
It underscored George’s remarkable achievements, including securing gold, silver, and bronze medals from the 1992, 1994, 2000, and 2002 AFCON tournaments.
Additionally, the statement fondly recalled one of George’s defining moments when he assisted Rashidi Yekini, may he rest in peace, in netting Nigeria’s inaugural FIFA World Cup goal against Bulgaria in Dallas, USA, on June 19, 1994.
The newly appointed Super Eagles boss faces an immediate challenge as he prepares to lead the team in two pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic.
Set to take place in Uyo and Abidjan within the next five weeks, these matches are deemed must-win encounters, as emphasized by the Nigeria Football Federation statement.
With the Super Eagles currently trailing behind in third place in Group C of the African campaign, behind Rwanda and South Africa, securing victories in these upcoming fixtures is imperative for the team’s advancement in the competition.
Thiago Silva has confirmed his departure from Chelsea, marking the end of his four-year journey at Stamford Bridge.
The announcement was shared on the club’s official website on Monday.
In a poignant farewell message to the fans, Thiago reflected, “Chelsea means a lot to me. I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years. Not just for me but for my family, too.”
‘My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family – literally because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers here at this victorious club that many players wish to be part of.
‘I think in everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end. That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end.
“I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here. But…it’s an indescribable love. I can only say thank you.”
Barcelona has been fined 25,000 euros ($26,680) by UEFA on Thursday for the racist conduct of their fans during the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain.
Alongside the fine, Barcelona faces a suspended ban on selling tickets to their supporters for their next away European match.
The tie concluded with Barcelona’s defeat, losing 6-4 on aggregate after PSG secured a 4-1 victory in the second leg.
Following the incident, Paris police questioned two individuals after videos emerged on social media showing one fan making monkey noises and another performing Nazi salutes at the Parc des Princes on April 10th.
UEFA said “The UEFA Appeals Body has decided to fine FC Barcelona 25,000 euros and to ban the FC Barcelona from selling tickets to its away supporters for its next UEFA competition match, for the racist behaviour of its supporters.
“Said ban from selling tickets to its away supporters is suspended for a probationary period of one year, starting from the date of the present decision.” It added
Subsidy Removal, Currency Reforms Vital For Economic Revival – VP Shettima
Another Premium Under-Bridge Apartment Uncovered In Lagos
SYNLAB Nigeria Champions Industry Standards, Coordination
JUST IN: Police Apprehend Abuja-Kaduna Train Attack Mastermind
EFCC, Cubana Chief Priest Opt For Out-of-Court Agreement
JUST IN: NDIC Boosts Deposit Insurance For Banks
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Adeosun: We are investing in infrastructure to grow the private sector
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Shell launches Nigeria campaign on energy efficiency
