AFCON
MORE TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR SENEGAL’S PAPA BOUBA DIOP
Two of Papa Bouba Diop’s former team-mates have talked about their memories of the Senegal star who died on Sunday, aged just 42.
Former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani was at Fulham at the same time as Bouba Diop and once let him move into his house.
Salif Diao played with Bouba Diop for Senegal and said: “Whenever we think about him it will be that angel face and that smile.”
Like many others paying tribute to Bouba Diop both men described him as a gentle giant.
“He was that powerhouse – when we [the Senegal squad] sent someone to the opposition dressing room we would always send him because he was the biggest in the team,” Diao recalled.
“He would always try and have that angry face but it was funny because he couldn’t do an angry face – so we would be behind him laughing because he was a powerhouse but with a babyface.
“When I heard the news my heart just felt shredded he lived with bravery and humility and that’s what we will remember.”
Diao was part of the team for one of Bouba Diopi’s career highlights when he scored the winning goal against France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup.
“Just a fantastic moment a legendary moment and I can still see his smile and baby face – a real gentle giant and he was special,” the former Liverpool player added.
“That’s what makes that group so special – every single individual had something that we were adding into the group. For the battle for getting ready to go onto the field he was the perfect guy who was really representing us.
“He was just so strong so powerful – the symbols of Senegal are the Baobab tree and the lion – and so he was a perfect symbol for our team as he had the heart of a lion and the strength of the Baobab tree.
“With him in the team we weren’t scared of anyone. He made a whole nation happy and proud.”
Zakuani got to know Bouba Diop while the two were at Fulham together.
“When I went there he looked after me like a younger brother – showing me the ropes so it is sad to hear of his passing.” Zakuani said.
“On the pitch you think “a beast” just an animal smashing everything that’s moving but as a person he had nothing bad about him he was just a proper nice person.
“I have never seen anyone have a bad word to say about him he was just the nicest, kindest soul.”
One of Zakuani’s abiding memories was offering to lend Bouba Diop his house while he went on holiday.
“He was having his apartment refurbished and he asked if I could use one of my bedrooms – I was going on holiday at the time so I gave him the keys to my house and said ‘do whatever you want’,” Zakuani recalled with a laugh.
“I come back from holiday a week later and he’d had the house decorated to his liking – he had his family photos everywhere and he was in my bedroom – he just saw that as normal.
“Now I look at it that he was that comfortable with me. At the time I was thinking how do I tell this 6ft 5 giant to take his stuff down and get out of my bedroom.”
-BBC
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for their impressive performance in the 4–0 victory over Benin Republic, praising the team for keeping Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Adebayo Onanuga, the President lauded the players for their “hunger, passion, and determination” during the crucial qualifier in Uyo, describing their display as one that has “reignited Nigerians’ football pride.”
“While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs,” Tinubu said. “The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host.”
Reaffirming the government’s backing, President Tinubu assured the players and coaching crew of full Federal Government support as they prepare for the decisive play-off stage.
“Nigerians everywhere believe in you, and I do too,” he said. “We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage.”
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The Organizing Committee of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 has announced a strong start to ticket sales, confirming that 58,000 tickets had been sold as of Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.
According to an official update, the enthusiasm for the continental showpiece has also been reflected on the Yalla App, where 145,731 applications have been received so far. In addition, a total of 121,924 FAN IDs have been issued, including 31,058 belonging to foreign nationals representing 108 countries around the world.
In response to the overwhelming demand, the committee disclosed that technical teams are working round the clock to enhance the ticketing and FAN ID systems to ensure smooth processing for fans.
To assist applicants and ensure better communication, the organizers have provided a dedicated customer service line: +212 5 30 30 20 30. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in Arabic, English, and French, and is staffed by over 600 agents trained to respond to inquiries and provide user support.
Fans can also reach the support team via email at info@yallamorocco.ma.
The Organizing Committee expressed gratitude to supporters, media representatives, delegations, and partners for their enthusiasm and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a seamless and memorable experience for all stakeholders during AFCON Morocco 2025.
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Ticket sales for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 will officially open on Monday, 13 October 2025, with an exclusive 48-hour pre-sale window reserved for Visa cardholders, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced.
Fans across Africa and around the world will be able to secure their seats for what promises to be the continent’s biggest football spectacle, which will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
The special Visa pre-sale period will run from Monday, 13 October at 09:00 Moroccan time (08:00 GMT) until Wednesday, 15 October at 08:00 GMT, before general ticket sales open to all fans using other payment methods.
To streamline ticket purchases and enhance security, the Local Organizing Committee has launched the YALLA App, an integrated digital platform for fans to obtain their Fan ID — a mandatory requirement for buying tickets — and apply for E-Visas (AEVM) where necessary.
According to organizers, each registered Fan ID allows supporters to buy only one ticket per match, ensuring wider access and transparency in ticket distribution.
The process for obtaining tickets is straightforward:
- Download the YALLA App, available on Google Play and the App Store.
- Apply for a Fan ID and E-Visa (if required) through the app.
- Once approved, Visa cardholders can visit tickets.cafonline.com starting from Monday, 13 October at 09:00 Moroccan time (08:00 GMT) to purchase their AFCON 2025 tickets.
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is expected to deliver a festival of football and culture, with fans urged to complete their Fan ID registration early to avoid last-minute rushes.
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