AFCON
THIS DAY IN HISTORY: AFRICA LOSES 1ST PILLAR OF SPORTS
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
Africa’s all-time sports philanthropist, Bashorun MKO Abiola died on this date 7 July 1998. He was the continent’s best-known sports financier.
He died in controversial circumstances while in detention in Abuja under the military regime.
Perhaps more than most other Nigerians, Abiola’s influence loomed large on the Nigerian and African sports scene. He was for a time strongly associated with sports, both as participant and sponsor.
Between the ages of 18 and 19, he won the All Nigeria School Athletics Championship awards and the middleweight amateur boxing title. He sponsored various sports activities in Nigeria and 14 other African countries.
Among them are Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia and Tunisia. Such was his unparalleled support for sports that no other African has been able to fill his position as Africa’s First Pillar of Sports since 1980 when the African Sports Journalists Union (ASJU) bestowed the honour on him.
Even in death, he remained the only pillar of sports as no other person had been bestowed the honour since his investiture in 1980.
Not many deeply involved in business and political activities have the kind of devotion that Abiola had for sports.
His commitment was beyond the mere donation of money, materials and trophies. He graced sports arenas with his presence. Although, he was best associated with the national passion, football, Abiola’s interest cut across the broad spectrum of sporting activities.
He rendered such tremendous support to boxing that the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) made him a member of its World Business Commission.
Abiola was the sole-sponsor of the African Footballer of the Year award until his death in 1998 when CAF had to seek corporate sponsorship for the event.
In Nigeria, Abiola ran three football teams in Nigeria – the ITT in Lagos, the Abiola Babes and Concord FC. With Abiola Babes, he set the pace in players’ welfare package and motivation.
For his extra ordinary support for many disciplines of sports, Abiola was installed as the First Pillar of Sports in Africa.
Even in death, he remained the only pillar of sports as no other person had been bestowed the honour since his investiture in 1980.
His motivational activities cut across the national frontiers that he donated the now rested CAF Cup trophy which he endowed with100, 000 US dollars.
The trophy was merged with the African Winners’ Cup competition to form the current CAF Confederation Cup in 2004.
In acknowledgement for football development in Africa, he was awarded the CAF Order of Merit in Gold in 1992.
Today, he is the only Nigeria who has two major sporting arena named after him. In his native town, Abeokuta, the MKO Abiola Stadium in the prime sporting arena of Ogun State.
Last year, the lead sporting arena by the Federal Government was renamed the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
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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