AFCON
WHY WE STRUCK AT NATIONAL STADIUM LAGOS – NAVY COMMODORE NESIAMA
Demolition exercise is on-going at the National Stadium, Lagos. Targeted are illegal structures that have distorted the once tourists attracting edifice that hosted international events.
However, according to reports in ThisDay newspaper, there had been outcry from a section of the public since the pulling down of business structures within the arena commenced.
The newspaper quoted the Co-chairman of the Ministerial Committee of the restoration’ of the edifice, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (rtd) as saying that the exercise was done in the interest of the country.
Last week, the 48-year old edify went under bulldozer with over 120 structures demolished including the popular pubs like O’Jez and Old Skool restaurants. The general outcry was largely centered on the disruption of economic lifeline of largely middle and low level business owners.
The timing was also cited in the outcry. However, the retired naval officer in an interview with Thisday said that all the occupants are aware of the demolition exercise but it’s just unfortunate that many have to sacrifice their respective means of livelihood at a time everyone is adjusting to the present reality.
“We gave every affected individual proper notification which is a normal thing between landlord and tenants and in this case there was even an extension of the process so that nothing is lost aside losing rented apartment.
“It is interesting to note that we have two categories of occupants namely Illegal ones with little or no case for their predicament and the legal ones operating illegally on government property.
“After engaging all of them individually and collectively last year, we had resolved that all those with evidence of legality will not renew their tenancy at the end of December last year and same thing applied to the other set who are here illegally.
“The Committee was working with a timeline to go ahead with the exercise in the first quarter of this year but Covid-19 which led to the lockdown slowed down the process.
“On a personal note I sympathy with all those affected but it is one action that will benefit the sport sector in the long run,” he explained.
Since 2004, the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, has been desolate with virtually all aspects of the complex, including the seats, tartan tracks, turf and the media centre in bad state.
All the stalls under the ramps leading to the main bowl of the complex have been demolished while offices in the areas harbouring some national sports associations were also not spared.
The most affected were the owners of the major businesses, popular O’jez which operates behind covered stand of the swimming pool area of the stadium and Old Skool located inside the Ayonate Boxing Gym.
The duo are said to have invested hundred on millions into the venture in the last couple of years.
However, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos Chapter were spared in the exercise mainly because they are partners in sports development according to the report of the committee.
AFCON
Nigerians, other nationals can apply, as CAF and Morocco Launch Volunteer Programme for AFCON 2025
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Morocco have launched the official Volunteer Programme for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, billed to run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
According to CAF, more than 4,000 volunteers will be recruited to play a central role in ensuring the success of Africa’s most prestigious football tournament, which will be staged across six cities and nine stadiums in Morocco.
Applications are now open at volunteers.cafonline.com and will close on 8 October 2025. The opportunity is open to anyone above the age of 18.
Volunteers will be deployed across multiple functional areas, including media operations, spectator services, accreditation, hospitality, and fan engagement. Selected individuals will receive professional training ahead of the competition and work behind the scenes to deliver a memorable AFCON.
CAF stated that the programme is designed not only to support tournament operations but also to create an alumni network of skilled Africans who can contribute to future sporting events across the continent. Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Training and skill development.
- Official uniforms and certificates of participation.
- Networking opportunities with peers and professionals.
- The chance to contribute to Africa’s football legacy.
Volunteer registration opened on 17 September 2025. Selection and training will take place in October and November, with operations commencing in mid-December through to the tournament’s conclusion on 18 January 2026.
CAF described the initiative as an “exciting opportunity” for Africans to contribute to the growth of the continent’s flagship sporting event, which is expected to draw millions of visitors to Morocco.
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AFCON
CAF Security Chief, Nigeria’s Emeruwa, Leads Inspection of Tangier Stadium Ahead of Major Tournaments
Nigeria’s Dr. Christian Emeruwa, President of the Security and Safety Division of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), on Thursday, September 18, led an inspection visit to the Grand Stade de Tangier as preparations intensify for upcoming continental and global football events.
Emeruwa, who heads CAF’s continental security architecture, was joined by CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, senior Moroccan officials, and executives of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
The delegation also included managers of operational companies at the Grand Stade and SONARGES executives.
According to Le 360, the Nigerian official expressed satisfaction with the stadium’s facilities after touring key operational areas, including the main control room with its giant surveillance screen, as well as spectator, player, and VIP access zones.
The inspection was bolstered by the presence of Morocco’s top security and administrative officers—the regional commander of the Royal Gendarmerie, officials of the Auxiliary Forces and Civil Protection, the Wali of Security, the governor in charge of Internal Affairs, and representatives of the National Agency for Public Equipment (ANEP).
A technical meeting followed the tour, where engineers presented recent safety and security upgrades. Among the highlights was the planned installation of a FIFA-standard tarpaulin roof to enhance the venue’s compliance with global hosting requirements.
For Nigeria, the spotlight on Dr. Emeruwa underscores the country’s growing influence in African football administration, particularly in the critical areas of safety and security management for CAF competitions.
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Morocco has received 723 high-end buses from Chinese manufacturer Yutong as part of preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off on December 21.
Yutong said on social media that the fleet “has officially rolled off the production line” and will provide “comprehensive transport services and reliable operational support” during the tournament.
An official handover ceremony was held on Friday at the company’s facility in Zhengzhou, Henan province, attended by Moroccan representatives and Yutong executives.
The buses were designed to cope with Morocco’s terrain and climate, including steep slopes, heat and sandstorms. They feature an independent front axle suspension to navigate narrow city streets and Yutong’s in-house “Blue Core System” for fuel efficiency.
The delivery is the largest single order of Chinese buses in Africa. Yutong will station more than 100 technicians in Morocco to provide training, maintenance and round-the-clock support during AFCON.
The deal is part of Morocco’s broader transport strategy, which includes plans to purchase 7,000 new buses by 2030—half of them electric—as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
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