President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has applauded the Super Eagles for beating Angola to qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria sailed through to the semi-finals after a hard-fought 1-0 win over giant-killers, Angola at Stade Felix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Friday.
This was after a pass by Moses Simon, to Ademola Lookman who slotted the ball calmly beyond goalkeeper Guilherme da Costa to score the only goal for Nigeria in the 41st minute.
The Super Eagles had to work hard for the victory against the Palancas Negras that had exceeded expectations in reaching the last eight.
Akpabio who represented President Bola Tinubu at the crucial encounter, told newsmen after the match that he was excited about the victory, adding that the Super Eagles had indeed shown that they were unstoppable.
“I feel very happy. Nigeria is a very large country with over 250 million people.
“It’s a great day for the country. We have now entered into the semi-finals.
“Angola couldn’t stop us. I think we are unstoppable.
“I paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Parliament of Cote d’Ivoire and I promised him that if Cote d’Ivoire should qualify for the finals, Nigeria will defeat Cote d’Ivoire.
“Then, we will leave the trophy here for them to bring it to Nigeria for us,” he said.
Simon Lalong, the Minister of Labour and Employment, who was also part of the government delegation to the match, said that with the much needed support and determination, the Super Eagles can go all the way and win the cup.
“I think for us it is a usual thing in Nigeria. When there is this very huge support and determination, Nigerians don’t let Nigeria down.
“Today we have seen it with the very powerful delegation led by the senate president and so we have to support them.
“With what we saw, we are going back to celebrate today,” he said.
Lalong charged Nigerians to be hopeful in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, especially in the area of sports development.
He said that football was also an instrument of peace and unity.
“Football always brings peace. It’s only when you are playing football that you don’t know the difference between who is coming from the South, North West or North Central.
“So, today you can see that all of us are very happy that Nigeria won.
“Let this be the spirit in Nigeria, so that we will have one united country.
“I am sure there is joy now back home. Everybody is very happy; even the different political parties, this is where they meet together; football. So, this victory is for all Nigerians,” he said.
NAN also reports that Nigeria will face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Cape Verde and South Africa for a place in the final.
The tournament which began on Jan. 13 in Cote d’Ivoire will end on Feb. 11. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Super Eagles and FC Nantes of France winger, Moses Simon, said he was undecided either to pass the ball to Victor Osimhen or score himself before passing it to Ademola Lookman for the winning goal.
Simon provided an assist for Nigeria’s 1-0 win over the Palancas Negras of Angola on Friday, in the quarter-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Benue-born player disclosed this at the post-match news conference on Friday in Abidjan.
“I was undecided if I should pass to Victor Osimhen, go inside and shoot or find Ademola Lookman, “he said.
“It was either pass the ball to Victor or I score, or pass to Lookman but at this moment, you don’t need to be selfish, we just need to feed them to score and I am really happy he utilises the chance.
“I feel really happy, the most important thing is the victory, you could be the man of the match and lose,” Simon said.
Simon who won the Man of the Match award, said he was happy not because he won the award, but because the Eagles progressed to the semi-final of the competition.
He said who scores in a match doesn’t interest them anymore but winning the match was much more important than putting pressure on one person to score.
Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw in its first game against Equatorial Guinea, dispatched host, Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire, 1-0 in the second game, and a 1-0 win over Guinea Bissau in the last group B match.
The three-time African champions, defeated the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 2-0 in the round of 16 to set a date with the Palacas Negras of Angola in the quarter-final and recorded another 1-0 win.
Nigeria will play the winner between Cape Verde and South Africa in the semifinal of the competition on Wed. Feb. 6, in Bouake. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition has entered the semi-final stage with four teams set for what analysts believe will be a fierce battle for slots in the final.
On Saturday, hosts Cote d’Ivoire came from a goal down to throw out Mali while South Africa eliminated the stubborn Cape Verde 5-3 on penalties.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria became the first country to book a spot in the semi-finals with a composed 1-0 victory over the hard fighting Angolans, while DR Congo came from behind to beat Guinea 3-1.
Nigeria, who are now the highest ranked team in the tournament, will lock horns with perennial foe, Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake by 6pm (Nigerian time).
It will be hosts Cote d’Ivoire against DR Congo at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan in the second semi-final fixture by 9pm (Nigerian time).
Semi-finals,Wednesday (Feb. 7)
1: Nigeria vs South Africa (Stade de la Paix, Bouake, 6pm)
2: Cote d’Ivoire vs DR Congo (Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, 9pm)
Nigeria’s Super Eagles advance into the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals after a 1-0 defeat of Angola in the quarter-finals, after Ademola Lookman’s 41st minute goal. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Despite its relative youth, the mobile casino industry has skyrocketed in popularity, swiftly making its name as a central figure in the world of digital entertainment. Fuelled by advancements in technology, changing user needs and increasing internet access, it’s a sector going through a major transformation. In fact, far from resting on its laurels, the mobile casino industry is driven by an ongoing culture of innovation, with enhancements involving the likes of 5G, VR, and blockchain technology, combining to great effect to offer users a more engaging and secure iGaming experience.
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Mutiu Adepoju, Nigerian ex-international, has urged the Super Eagles to keep their defence strong and maintain their style of play in their next match against Angola in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition in Côte d`Ivoire.
Adepoju, who was part of the Eagles squad that conquered the continent in Tunisia in 1994, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.
NAN reports that the eagles will play against the Black Sable Antelopes on Friday at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Côte d`Ivoire, in a quarter-final encounter.
Adepoju, optimistic of Nigeria’s triumph, said that the formation the Super Eagles were adopting had been working effectively.
“I do not know the pattern the coach has been using, we can call it anything, but I think it is working. We have a very strong defence and our midfield is tight.
“They are going into the attack very well. I believe with all these, we will be able to win, I do not think there is a need for any change,’’ he said.
He also advised the players to keep the team spirit and also avoid cross clashes amongst them.
“Another thing we require tomorrow is the spirit of unity and putting everything they have into the game.
“We should not give space for any mistake and also no cross clashing,’’ he said.
Olanrewaju Elijah, a football enthusiast, said that the performance of the Eagles at the ongoing AFCON was encouraging.
“The team has identified its major problem.
“Nigeria has been doing well in the ongoing AFCON. We are beginning to understand our defence already.
“We know what it is all about, I believe we will win tomorrow,’’ he said (NAN) www.nannews.ng
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is perhaps Africa’s most prestigious sports competition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2023 AFCON, a month-long event holding from Jan. 13 to Feb. 11 is currently taking place in Cote d’Ivoire.
A lot of people from across the continent are following the tournament closely, sitting close to their television sets and talking about it on social media.
The host nation spent over one billion dollars to build four new stadiums along with roads and hospitals for the competition.
Some football’s most famous players are participating, and it is winter in Europe, so they arr not splitting attention with any other contest.
Also, the winner’s prize money was increased to 40 per cent higher than their predecessor’s — a new record.
However, in spite of all these, low turnouts and attendance rates at stadiums have been a recurring theme across all AFCON editions.
With the 34th edition of the competition ongoing in Cote d’Ivoire, it is quite evident that this phenomenon would continue to rare its ugly head.
On the opening day of the tournament, thousands of supporters flooded the streets of Abidjan to the town of Ebimpé which caused a huge traffic as vehicles found it difficult to access the stadium
The stadiums, where all the actions was happening, was mostly empty, and this is not the first time this scenario has been playing out.
For instance, only 8,500 people attended the game between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, this is a 60,012-capacity stadium; barely 14 per cent of the stadium capacity
Previous tournaments in Ghana, Angola, South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Cameroon had similar stories.
Some matches, especially those involving Senegal, Mali, Benin, Nigeria, and Cote d’Ivoire, turn out livelier than others, owing largely to organised supporters’ groups, usually including bands which play throughout the games.
But these groups don’t come for free; Federations, governments, or sponsors often bankroll these 500-1,500-strong performers to show up at games.
Meanwhile, regular citizens, who have no incentives other than having a good time are hardly present.
The reasons for this phenomenon ranges from infrastructural issues to financial, political and socio-cultural.
One of the major factors is the economic hardship currently prevalent in Africa and the world at large.
Football tournaments are one of the most popular methods of attracting tourists. This is why countries compete for the right to host the World Cup.
But these empty seats show how much the continent misses out on intra-African tourism.
Getting to AFCON, for instance, it is too difficult or expensive for many Africans.
Officially, match tickets alone cost 5,000 FCFA (about eight dollars) for Category three, 10,000 FCFA (about 16 dollars) for Category two and 15,000 FCFA (about 24 dollars).
The prices go up as the competition progresses. These prices cut out at least 85 per cent of Africans who live on less than 5.50 dollars daily.
Most participating countries are also battling high inflation and currency devaluation, so their middle class is depleting.
Nigeria, for instance, just had its worst year for the naira in 2023, and inflation is now near 28.9 per cent as at December 2023 according a National Bureau of Statistics report.
Ghana’s inflation also went as high as 43 per cent in 2023.
Egyptian authorities have implemented three sharp devaluations of the currency since early 2022.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted Equatorial Guinea to fall back into a recession in 2023.
Also, the intra-African commute is burdensome.
Flying from Berlin, the capital of Germany, to Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, might cost you around 150 dollars for a direct flight lasting three hours.
Members of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club in Cote d’Ivoire
Meanwhile, travelling a similar distance between Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, could cost between 500 dollars and 850 dollars, often involving at least one layover and taking as much as 20 hours.
A flight from London to Warsaw, which spans about two hours 15 minutes for a non-stop flight, costs 30 pounds.
But if a Nigerian wanted to travel to Cote d’Ivoire for the tournament, he or she would spend 945 pounds (approximately N 1.1 million) on a 1 hour 40 mins non-stop flight
Taxes, statutory charges and levies, high jet fuel costs, airport taxes, and ground handling fees are some of the reasons airfare costs are so expensive.
Africa-based airlines struggle with economies of scale because there’s not enough demand for intra-African travel.
Little demand is leading to high prices and vice versa. On the other hand, patriotism is approaching zero because of the state of the nations.
Nigerian Currency (Naira) which in recent times facing serious devaluation is been exchanged for an official rate of 1 dollar to N960, is now been subjected to another test in Ivory Coast at the ongoing AFCON.
My colleague and I are Nigerian journalists covering the continental showpiece in Abidjan.
Indeed, it has not been easy as we have continued to cry out on the impact of the naira devaluation in Ivory Coast which has affected their initial budget and led to a high cost of living for us, barely three days after the event kicked off.
Another journalist, David Oku from Umuahia, complained of how bad the situation has been degrading by the day.
“We were initially exchanging N100,000 for CFA 50,000 but now it has dropped to CFA 44,000,” Oku told NAN.
“Also, by the time you begin to factor in the cost of transportation and feeding, you discover that you necessarily need more naira to enable you to keep going in Cote d’Ivoire”, he said.
Also, worthy of note is the high cost of accommodation in Abidjan, which has rendered some of our colleagues homeless, as the lowest cost for a space is N30,000 (CFA 15,000) per night in Abidjan.
While doing our job diligently at the event, journalists now think of where to sleep in the night as this happens to be a serious issue that has been affected by the naira devaluation in recent times.
Another journalist, Jennifer Okoye from Lagos said that the issue of accommodation, had also exposed colleagues to hoodlums who take advantage of the situation to rob them of their valuables, including cameras, laptops, ipads, phones and other media gadgets needed to enable them do their job.
Indeed, I, have been a victim as I was robbed of almost all my valuables on arrival in Abidjan and left to survive under very harsh living conditions.
As the AFCON enters the knockout stages this weekend, we will have to live with the fact that the stadiums may become even more scantier without the hosts who are on the brink of crashing out early at the group stage.
It is, therefore, time to rethink how to engage with the fans of African football.
We must think about ways to keep ticket prices within the reach of locals in order to ensure their buy-in and sustained the interest in a competition like the AFCON.
Turning this around would require a huge shift in the continent’s infrastructure like railway networks and sub-stations as well as quality of life, which is unlikely in the near future.
However, the reduction of flight and match ticket prices is one of the greatest factors to consider, which could see a well attended, more vibrant and lively AFCON in subsequent editions.(www.nannews.ng) (NANFeatures)
Some basketball stakeholders have harped on grassroots development of the sport in the country, saying that identifying and developing talents at the grassroots cannot be overemphasised.
Some of the stakeholders spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the unveiling of the Abuja Metro High School Basketball League organised on Friday by Mo Basketball Foundation at the Mo Arena in Abuja.
The stakeholders called for concerted efforts to actualise the country’s “catch them young” sports policy.
Ex-international and National basketball player, Samuel Oguche, said investing in grassroots sports programme was the right step in the direction for the future of Nigeria’s basketball.
“I feel great about this programme. Whatever has to do with youth development, you can count me in.
“It’s a very good initiative because these kids will learn how to play basketball at a very young age.
“So, for the founder to come up with such an iniative and to see the number of children from various schools that came out here to participate is quite commendable,” he said.
Oguche pointed out that investment in youths and sports development was key in curbing crimes and other vices.
He added that investment in youths was necessary because they were the future of the country.
“There is nothing that brings youths together and keep them away from social vices like sports and entertainment.
“The more we are able to organise such programmes, the less crime there will be in the country.
“A lot of these kids are going to have a safe space to be in to train and develop their talents,” he said.
Also, basketball enthusiast and founder, Mo Basketball Foundation, Mohammed Shehu, said the ultimate goal of the proposed Abuja Metro High School Basketball League was to provide the young boys and girls a veritable platform to aspire for a career in basketball without any hindrance to their academic pursuit.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome all the participating schools, students and relevant stakeholders who at a very short notice have responded positively to this noble call.
“The game of basketball and school are intertwined, hence we insist that every child who aspires to engage in the sport must also take his or her education very seriously.
“Also, with the numerous challenges which have stunted the growth of the game in the country, we are still keeping the faith and trying in our own little way to develop the game at the grassroots.
“Basketball plays a crucial role in our lives and your presence here shows that you really love and are interested in playing the game,” he said.
Shehu noted that the Mo Sports foundation, which was established in 2018, embodied his vision of utilising the convening and transformative impact of sports to achieve its objectives.
“One of our objectives is grassroots basketball development and that is what we are missing in Nigeria.
“We want to start developing the game from the youth at grassroots, so that by the time that you get to a certain level you can now be on your own.
“We also want to provide a successful basketball model; one that is non-existent in this country, because we are not following the curriculum.
“So, what we are trying to do now is to correct all those anomalies so that the youth can have a better environment where they can study and at the same time play basketball.
“We also want to align with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) with our emphasis on youth development,” he said.
Victor Ochiebi, the Technical Director, Abuja Metro High School Basketball League, said the league was a project of the Mo Sports Foundation to encourage grassroots participation in sports.
“We noticed that there was a big gap in the organisation of basketball at the school level.
“So, we wanted to come up with something different to spice up that level of basketball and to use the game as a convening platform to educate, encourage and motivate our high school adolescents to be the best they can be in life,” he said.
Some students who spoke to NAN said they already had plans to leverage the benefits the league offered.
Trevor Orji, a male participant from African Community School, Asokoro, said the opportunity to play basketball while in school was a dream come true for him.
“This feels like a dream come true for me.
“I started playing football at an early age but later switched to basketball because I had a passion for it.
“My dream is to play professional basketball for Cleveland Cavaliers in U.S. alongside some of the greatest players in the world,” he said.
Daniella Olasanya, a female participant from New World Emerald Private School, Abuja, said playing basketball had so far been a great experience.
“I started playing basketball from J.S. 1 and it has been a great experience.
“I am grateful for the opportunity offered to me by my school to learn and play the game as I have participated and represented my school in various competitions.
“I also thank God for the idea of the school league initiative and thank the organisers for putting this together,” she said.
NAN also reports that no fewer than 100 students in their hundreds across different private schools within the FCT participated in the unveiling of the league expected to dunk off before the end of the term. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Rep. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Youths in Parliament, has charged the Super Eagles to go all out to defeat Cameroon on Saturday in Abidjan.
The lawmaker said the win will be a moral booster for the team to ultimately lift the fourth AFCON, which will be a spring board to renewing Nigerians hopes in the nation.
The lawmaker told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abidjan, ahead of the round of 16 clash at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
“As a nation we need hope, we need our hope to be renewed and I can tell you winning this match and ultimately the tournament will go a long way in that regard.
“I know our boys can do it, because we have seasoned players, but we need to go all out, play as a team and take our chances,” he said.
He said he has been impressed with how Ivorians have used the AFCON to rally national pride and infrastructural development
The son of late former Oyo governor, Alao Akala, who represents Ogbomoso North, South and Orire Federal consistency , urged Nigerians to continue to support the team to propel them to the finals on Feb. 11.
The highly anticipated clash is billed for the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan by 9.00 p.m. (Nigerian time). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
An analysis by Muhyideen Jimoh from Cote d’Ivoire, News Agency of Nigeria
Amidst a plethora of block burster fixtures in the AFCON 2023 Round of 16 fixtures, the mouth watering clash between perennial rivals, the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on Saturday in Abidjan stands out as an African classic.
Between both countries, they have eight AFCON titles in their kitty, with Cameroon boasting of five, a feat bettered only by Egypt (seven), while Nigeria have three.
Nigeria and Cameroon have clashed seven times at the AFCON, with each team winning thrice and drawing on one occasion.
Nigerian fans are still smarting from the fact that the Indomitable Lions gave the Super Eagles a bloody nose in three epic finals to lift the continental trophy (1984, 1988 and the most traumatic in Lagos in 2000).
Nigeria, however, got back some pound of flesh from the thirsty Lions in the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, when the Eagles came from behind to devour the Lions 3-2 in a thrilling knock out game.
On current form, the Super Eagles have the edge, but with the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire already billed as the tournament of surprises, it will boil down to who wants it the most on Saturday in Abidjan.
While the Super Eagles went through the group stage unbeaten with seven points and just one goal conceded, the lacklustre Lions lost to Senegal and only squeezed through to the knock out stage thanks to a pulsating 3-2 win over Gambia in Bouake.
The Lions who have not roared at this tournament were on the verge of a shock exit at the hands of Gambia when two stoppage-time goals sent them through in dramatic fashion.
The Super Eagles have been solid and tight at the rear, but being clinical in from of goal still remains a nemesis, even with the fire power of current African footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen.
Jose Peseiro in his pre-match news conference on Friday said the Eagles would approach the match with a strategy to cage the Lions.
“I don’t want to concede goals tomorrow (Saturday), I want to score at least one. If we do this, we will beat Cameroon.
“We are in the round of 16 and playing against a great team. We don’t want to concede, we want to score a goal and maintain our lead,” Peseiro said.
Coach of of the Indomitable Lions, Rigobert Song, on the hand said the team would take the match seriously against a formidable Super Eagles, because there was no room for slips anymore.
“We started slowly, moving up gradually. At this stage of the competition, I think there are no more things to look for.
In three matches, I no longer have the right to calculate, I have to correct what didn’t work. I will do everything necessary to obtain a positive result,” Song said.
The highly anticipated match is slated for the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan by 9.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
The Super Eagles are expected to be more at home at the stadium, having played two of their group matches there, while the Cameroonian team flew in from Yamoussoukro on Thursday.
But interestingly the iconic stadium is where theIndomitable Lions won their very first trophy in the competition in 1984 against the Super Eagles by 3-1. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Salif Atojoko
**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria
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