AFCON
Cote D’Ivoire Defeat Nigeria To Win AFCON –
A packed-to-the-rafters Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan was the perfect setting for Cote d’Iovire to add a third African title in front of their loyal supporters who rallied them to a pole finish as a result of a 2-1 comeback victory.
Below are facts and figures from the final match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations:
- For the 12th time in history, the host country have won the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, and the first since Egypt in 2006. For Côte d’Ivoire, this is their third title ever, after 1992 in Senegal and 2015 in Equatorial Guinea.
- Nigeria have been eliminated in the Africa Cup of Nations final for the fifth time (after 1984, 1988, 1990 and 2000), equalling Ghana for the joint-most a side has finished as the tournament’s runners-up.
- Emerse Faé is the very first manager to win a CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournament without starting the edition as head coach of his team.
- Nigeria only attempted five shots on Sunday, their fewest tally in a Africa Cup of Nations game since Opta collects this data (2010).
- Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong is the first defender/full back to score three goals in a same CAF Africa Cup of Nations edition since Opta collects this data (2010).
- William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria) and Sébastien Haller (Côte d’Ivoire) are the first players to score in both CAF semi-final and final in a same CAF Africa Cup of Nations edition since Gedo with Egypt in 2010.
- Franck Kessié has scored two goals in his last four CAF Africa Cup of Nations games (1 v Senegal in the last 16, 1 v Nigeria today), after finding the net just once in his first 15 in the tournament. He has scored the very first goal for Côte d’Ivoire in a CAF AFCON final, for their fifth game at this stage.
- Côte d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra is the first player to assist twice in a CAF Africa Cup of Nations final in the 21stcentury.
- At 36 years and 73 days, Côte d’Ivoire’s Max-Alain Gradel became the oldest outfield player to appear in a CAF Africa Cup of Nations final since Opta collects this data (2008) and the second overall behind Egypt’s goalkeeper Essam El Hadary (37 years in 2010 and 44 years in 2017).
-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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