AFCON
AMAZING FACTS: 16 TAKE AWAYS AHEAD OF BENIN –NIGERIA AFCON QUALIFYING MATCH
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Neighbours, Benin Republic and Nigeria will be engaged in an Africa Cup of Nations qualification match this Saturday. Sports Village Square hereby presents some amazing facts ahead of the encounter.
- The Nigerian national team travelled by sea to Benin Republic for the match. It was the first time in 72 years that a Nigerian team made a sea voyage for a match. The first was on 16 August 1949 when the then UK Tourists boarded the RMSS Apapa to Liverpool and played their first international match in Sierra Leone on 8 October 1949 on their return sea voyage.
- The Super Eagles will be seeking their first victory in 497 days since they beat Lesotho 4-2 in Maseru in 2019. They have since gone four matches without a win, including throwing away a four-goal first have lead against Sierra Leone at home.
- Nigeria were the opponents of Benin Republic (then called Dahomey) when they played their first ever international match on 8 November 1959.
- Porto Novo, the venue of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on Saturday was also the venue of the first ever Benin versus Nigeria match on 8 November 1959.
- Saturday’s match will be 21st encounter of both teams.
- Benin Republic have never beaten the Super Eagles of Nigeria. In 20 preceding matches, Nigeria won 15 and drew five.
- In total, Nigeria have scored 55 goals against Benin Republic. The scorer of the very first of the goals is Albert Onyeawuna in a Nigerian 1-0 triumph in Porto Novo in 1959.
- Both teams will qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, even before firing any shot if Sierra Leone fail to win the corresponding Group L match against Lesotho in Maseru. That match kicks off three hours to that of Benin versus Nigeria and would certainly be concluded except other factors creep in.
- Nigeria will be attempting their 19th appearance at the African premier football competition as against Benin Republic who have had just four appearances.
- It was against Benin Republic (then Dahomey) that Nigeria recorded their biggest win, a 10-1 victory on 29 November 1959.
- Nigeria’s first ever scorer of a hat trick is Abudu Buraimoh and it was in the 29 November 1959 match against Benin Republic. Elkanah Onyeali followed up in that same match by scoring four goals in the Nigerian 10-1 triumph.
- Nigeria have on Valentine date (14 February) beaten Benin Republic with magical 7-0 win. That was in 1977. They followed up with another 7-0 win on 14 January 1978.
- Retired Nigeria mesmerizing left winger, Adokiye Amiesimaka made his international debut while still being an undergraduate at the University of Lagos in a match against Benin Republic on 14 February 1977.
- Nigeria Professional League first top scorer, Ishaya Jatau scored his only international goal in a 1990 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Benin Republic in Cotonou on 30 September 1990.
- It was a Benin versus Nigeria match that ended the unbroken field appearances of Joseph Yobo in the Africa Cup of Nations matches from 2002 to 2010. Before the match of 16 January 2010 in Benguela, Angola, Yobo had played every of Nigeria’s 23 consecutive AFCON matches. It was in the 24th match which was against Benin Republic that he got injured in the 55th minute and had to be replaced by Onyekachi Apam.
- Over a decade ago, there existed ‘the other Super Eagles’ in Benin Republic as scores of their internationals were actually Nigerians. They included Muri Ogunbiyi, a native of Otta in Ogun State, Jonas Oketola, Emmanuel Fabiyi, Razak Omotoyossi, Babatounde Bello, Moussa Latounji and Wasiou Oladikpikpo among others.
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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