AFCON
Afcon 2022: Super Eagles will be at home in Garoua, says Cameroonian journalist
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, who was in Douala
It is 89 days to the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their 2-0 win over Central African Republic on Sunday had a feel of the Japoma Stadium, one of the designated six arenas for the delayed tournament.
The victory seems an harbinger to what they should expect when they begin the hunt for their fourth title at the Stade Roumdé Adjia in Garoua.
The venue is the furthermost stadium to the major theatre of activities in Douala, Yaounde, Bafoussam and Limbe. Owing to the distance and the weather condition, Garoua, the home town of former CAF President, Issa Hayatou, is considered unfavourable for the Super Eagles.
But a Cameroonian journalist, Lialian Neg is disabusing the minds of Nigerians. She was one of the Camerounian journalists locked out, along with those from Nigeria, from the proceedings of the Central African Republic – Nigeria World Cup qualifying match last Sunday.
Neg, like most Cameroonians, is looking forward to a Cameroon versus Nigeria final match as it had happened in 1984, 1988 and 2000. “Of course, I will wish Cameroon to win”, remarked Lillian Neg.
She said that ordinarily, there is a huge population of Nigerians in Camerooun, although largely in Yaounde and Douala, the proximity of Garoua to the Nigerian northern boarder is a ‘huge advantage’, said the journalist who is the Public Relations Officer of the Cameroonian Footballers’ National Union.
A Master Degree in International Law, she also worked at Le Démocrate newspaper as chief desk editor in charge of the English version specialized in national and international politics. Eight years of experience in this domain permitted her to write and publish a book in 2014 about the Iraqi war.
She has since the publication, she has been more active within football management and communication and writes for the Swedish independent on-line magazine, NewsVoice.se.
According to her, the Super Eagles are at great advantage in Garoua as against Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau whose territories are further and most likely not going to have enough supporters.
According to her, Garoua, located on the bank of River Benue, has proximity to many Nigerian towns such as Yola, Jimeta, Mubi, Numan and Biu.
The only disadvantage could be the hot weather which most Europe-based Nigerian players may have challenges in adapting to.
When asked to comment on what appeared to be epileptic form of the Super Eagles which saw them losing at home to Central African Republic in Lagos, Lilian Neg remarked that it was sometimes difficult for a star-studded side to overcome a team without stars as the match will often be devoid of patterns.
“That am sure was what happened to your Super Eagles in Lagos”, Neg explained.
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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