AFCON
Blockbuster Final Beckons As Nigeria And Cote D’Ivoire Collide –
A titanic all-West African clash is just few hours away this Sunday as Nigeria face hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the Cup of Nations 2023 final. This heavyweight bout sees two bitter rivals collide with continental glory at stake.
The showpiece final promises to be a battle of footballing giants at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
When these sides last met in the group stages, Nigeria emerged 1-0 victors.
However, with redemption on the line, Cote d’Ivoire will be a different beast. And Nigeria know preventing the Elephants from winning a third AFCON on home soil represents their toughest test.
For Nigerian manager Jose Peseiro, outwitting Cote d’Ivoire boss Emerse Faé will be pivotal. Peseiro’s tactical nous guided Nigeria past South Africa on penalties in the semi-finals.
But Faé’s Elephants also showed grit to overcome DR Congo 1-0 last time out. Much will hinge on which coach ultimately prevails in this tactical tussle.
On the pitch, the stars will shine bright under the Abidjan lights. Cote d’Ivoire boast youngster Simon Adingra and prolific striker Sebastien Haller.
Yet Nigeria have talents like Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in their ranks. With such pedigree on display, a goal-fest could await.
Osimhen especially knows a defining performance could await. The Napoli hotshot has led Nigeria’s charge, but his only goal came back in the group stage.
As Nigeria aim to turn consistent performers into AFCON immortals, Osimhen’s big-game pedigree may prove pivotal. A match-winning display would elevate him into Nigerian folklore.
Cote d’Ivoire’s own dangerman Haller also approaches the final seeking redemption. After injury troubles, the striker found form when it mattered most.
Now Haller hopes to fire Cote d’Ivoire to their first AFCON title since 2015 on home soil. His goals could prove the difference as the Elephants chase their elusive third African crown.
If Haller brings his A-game, few defences could contain this marauding marksman. Nigeria’s backline faces its toughest examination yet.
Whoever prevails, African football emerges the ultimate winner. This AFCON reaches a fitting crescendo with two heavyweights fighting for continental glory.
So bring on Sunday and brace for impact. When these bitter rivals collide, expect this final to live long in AFCON folklore at 2000 GMT.
-CAF
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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