AFCON
Cote D’Ivoire -Nigeria Match Ranks Among Top 10 Of AFCON Group Stage –
The anticipated ‘Thunder and Blood’ encounter of Cote d’ivoire and Nigeria on Thursday is among the top 10 matches even CAF expects to be explosive.
Sports Village Square recalls that Nigeria have won the Africa Cup of Nations trophy on three occasions that the Super Eagles avoided defeats to Cote d’Ivoire.
This is a pointer to what is expected when both clash in what is expected to be the most explosive and possibly decisive in Group A leadership.
The opening match this evening of Cote d’Ivoire versus Guinea Bissau has the colouration of a routine encounter for the hosts. But in situations of this nature, nothing is too certain. Below are the 10 matches CAF has designated as top picks
- Senegal – Gambia: 15 January, 14h00 GMT
On paper, the fixture seems unbalanced, but this is without knowing the rivalry between two border countries which are similar in several points. A David against Goliath that will be worth the detour.
- Cote d’Ivoire – Nigeria: 18 January 17h00 GMT
A match of former African champions with five titles between them. Hosts Cote d’Ivoire have lifted the AFCON title twice while the Super Eagles have one so three times, setting up what promises to be an action packed encounter.
- Egypt – Ghana: 18 January, 20h00 GMT
The meetings between these two nations has always been electric. A total of 11 AFCON titles between them, with both sides looking at adding to their collection.
- Senegal – Cameroon: 19 January, 17h00 GMT
The battle of the African lions is definitely one of the marquee fixtures. The Lions of Teranga against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will certainly be one to look out for.
Algeria – Burkina: 20 January, 14h00 GMT
The last confrontations between these two teams has been full of suspense. They meet again on the 20thhoping to get a confidence boosting win at the start.
- Tunisia – Mali: 20 January, 20h00 GMT
Two teams that never quit. From the World Cup qualifiers to the AFCON, there is always a confrontation between Aigles de Carthage and Aigles that keeps you in suspense.
- Morocco – DR Congo: 21 January, 14h00 GMT
The Atlas Lions face a tricky opponent in DR Congo. While Morocco may be deemed as favourites, both sides have what it takes to clinch what should be an evenly balanced tie.
- South Africa – Namibia: 21 January, 20h00 GMT
A southern derby that is fast growing into a fierce one. Bafana Bafana, winners of the 1996 edition welcome a highly motivated side led by the youngest coach of the tournament in Collin Benjamin (45)
- Guinea – Senegal: 23 January, 17h00 GMT
An exciting duel of a West African derby guaranteed to entertain. Guinea will be hoping to cause an upset against the reigning champions while the Lions of Teranga look to defend their title.
- Tanzania – DR Congo, 24 January 20h00 GMT
With football in full expansion, the Tanzanian championship is full of several Congolese players who make it rain or shine. A derby also for supremacy.
Tanzanian football has been on the rise over the last few years, with a number of Congolese players plying their trade in the East African nation. The two nations clash on 24 January in what should be an interesting tie.
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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