Tag: General Sports

Nigeria will play Cote d’Ivoire in the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, February 11, 2024 in Abidjan.

Below are the facts and figures for the match:

• This is the second time Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire will face off in the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, following the 1-0 victory for the Super Eagles in the group stages. Côte d’Ivoire haven’t beaten them at AFCON since the 2008 group stages, a 1-0 win.
• Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire are meeting for the eighth time at the Africa Cup of Nations (three wins for Nigeria, two for Côte d’Ivoire, D2), including in all three AFCON editions where the Super Eagles have won the competition (group stage draw in 1980, a 4-2 Nigeria win on pens after a 2-2 semi-final draw in 1994, and a 2-1 Nigeria win in the quarter-finals in 2013).
• Following their 1-0 win in the group stages over Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria will be looking to beat the same nation twice at in a CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournament for the first time since 2006 when they beat Senegal in the group stage and third-place playoff.
• Côte d’Ivoire is the first host nation to reach the CAF Africa Cup of Nations final since Egypt in 2006, who won the trophy that year on penalties against Côte d’Ivoire after a 0-0 draw. Five of the last six host nations to reach the final have won the tournament, the exception being Nigeria in 2000 (drew 2-2 with Cameroon, lost 4-3 on penalties).
• Nigeria is playing in their eighth Africa Cup of Nations final; only Egypt and Ghana (both 9) have played in more such games in the competition (excluding final groups). The Super Eagles have been victorious in two of their last three (1994 and 2013, lost on penalties in 2000) having lost their three beforehand (1984, 1988, and 1990).
• All four of Côte d’Ivoire’s previous CAF Africa Cup of Nations finals have ended goalless and gone to penalties – they won two of those shootouts (1992 and 2015, both vs Ghana) and lost two (2006 vs Egypt and 2012 vs Zambia).
• Côte d’Ivoire has won 17 of their last 18 matches at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations when scoring the first goal (D1) – their last such defeat was in the 2010 quarter-final against Algeria, losing 3-2. Nigeria, meanwhile, is unbeaten in 22 AFCON games when scoring first (W19 D3) since a 3-1 loss to Egypt in 2010.
• The two most common scorelines in CAF Africa Cup of Nations finals are 1-0 (eight times) and 0-0 (seven times) – since 2002, nine of the 11 finals have ended in one of those scorelines, with the other two 2-1 wins for Tunisia in 2004 and Cameroon in 2017.
• Since the last time they conceded three goals in a CAF Africa Cup of Nations match (1-3 vs Egypt in 2010), Nigeria has only conceded 16 goals in 28 games at AFCON (0.57 per game). Only eight of those 16 goals have come in open play, including just one at this year’s tournament.
• William Troost-Ekong has scored from four of his five shots on target at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations overall for Nigeria, converting two penalties at this year’s tournament. He’s one of only four Nigerians to score two penalties at a single AFCON, along with Samuel Ojebode (1976), Jay-Jay Okocha (2004), and Victor Moses (2013), although, excluding shootouts, the last penalty scored in an AFCON final was in 1988 (Emmanuel Kundé for Cameroon vs Nigeria).
• All six of Côte d’Ivoire’s goals at AFCON 2023 have been scored by different players (Fofana, Krasso, Kessié, Adingra, Diakité, and Haller), they last had more goal scorers in a single edition in 2008 (8).
• Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has had 24 shots at the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, although he’s only managed one goal so far (4% conversion rate). Since 2010, the only players to attempt more shots at a single AFCON tournament are Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan (25 shots, 1 goal in 2013) and Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar (31 shots, 8 goals in 2021).
• Côte d’Ivoire’s Evan Ndicka has completed 367 passes at this year’s CAF Africa Cup of Nations – since 2010, that is a record by a player at a single tournament. In an AFCON final in that time, the most passes completed by a player is 81 by Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly in 2021 vs Egypt.
• Ola Aina has created seven chances for Nigerian teammate Victor Osimhen at this year’s CAF Africa Cup of Nations – it’s the most by one teammate to another at an AFCON tournament since 2013, when Charles Kaboré created nine chances for Aristide Bancé for Burkina Faso.

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In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has secured their place at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, despite facing defeat in their recent match.

Despite a challenging 100 – 46 loss to the formidable USA team in their second game at the Olympic qualifying tournament held in Antwerp, Belgium, D’Tigress managed to clinch one of the coveted tickets for the Olympic event.

The team’s qualification was confirmed following Senegal’s defeat to Belgium, with a final score of 97-66, which eliminated Senegal from contention and solidified Nigeria’s spot in the Olympics.

Belgium and Nigeria now join the USA, who had already secured qualification as reigning world champions, in the women’s basketball event at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

D’Tigress demonstrated their mettle earlier in the tournament by securing a crucial victory against Senegal in their first game, providing a significant boost to their qualification hopes.

This marks Nigeria’s third appearance at the Olympics for women’s basketball, following their participation in the Athens 2004 and Tokyo 2020 games.

The team’s qualification for Paris 2024 is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and perseverance in the face of tough competition.

READ ALSO: South Sudan becomes first African team in history to qualify for FIBA Basketball World Cup

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Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire will Clash in thrilling 2023 AFCON finals as Jose Peseiro acknowledges opponent’s favoritism

In a heart-stopping showdown at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals on Sunday, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire will battle for glory in an electrifying match that will keep football fans on the edge of their seats. The tension will be palpable as both teams have already demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in the group stage and the tournament.

In a surprising turn of events, Super Eagles’ coach Jose Peseiro in a pre-match statement acknowledges the host Country Cote d’Ivoire as the AFCON favorite but insists he will win the AFCON for the people of Nigeria.

Peseiro and Musa, who appeared before the Press on Saturday for their pre-match conference ahead of Sunday’s big final, reiterated the desire of the team to achieve their goal, which is to win the AFCON at the end of the encounter.

“Playing a final is always important. This is my first AFCON. Some were saying it’s been special, and I can attest to that. The emotions in Africa are very special. All of this, in my opinion, is a great way to learn and I would love to win it with the Nigerian team tomorrow,” said the gaffer at a press conference in Abidjan on Saturday.

“I learned tremendously here. There is joy when you win but difficult when you lose so it is very important to find a balance. We have a great squad of players that want to win this for Nigeria. Some are newcomers to the squad but have played in other competitions. Football brings a lot of emotion, more than any sport and this is important for Nigeria

“Congratulations to Cote d’Ivoire for reaching the final, they are the favourite, but we want to win the AFCON”.

Musa, who has not featured much for the Super Eagles in Cote d’Ivoire is a very important player for the squad according to Peseiro, who said that the experience he brings was very important to the squad.

“Ahmed is much more than a player. He helps us a lot. He advises and informs me about many things. Up to now, he has done so many things. He has won the AFCON. He is the captain and I want to win the AFCON tomorrow so I can see Ahmed lift this cup”, concluded Peseiro.

The acknowledgment from Peseiro has already added an extra layer of anticipation to the already high-stakes encounter. Fans are speculating on whether Nigeria will live up to the expectations set by their coach or if Cote d’Ivoire will defy the odds and secure a historic AFCON victory.

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Zaidu Sanusi’s participation in Nigeria’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations final against Cote d’Ivoire remains uncertain as the FC Porto left-back battles a fitness issue.

Throughout the tournament, Sanusi has been a key figure in the Super Eagles’ lineup, providing stability in defense and contributing to four clean sheets in five appearances. However, his availability for the highly anticipated final on Sunday hangs in the balance as he races against time to recover from injury.

Sanusi’s absence was notable in Nigeria’s semifinal clash against South Africa, where Bright Osayi-Samuel admirably filled in at right-back, with Ola Aina shifting to the left-back position.

Coach Jose Peseiro clarified that Sanusi sustained a knock in the previous game against Angola, casting doubt on his fitness for the final. Peseiro revealed that the 26-year-old is still working to regain full fitness and will undergo a late assessment to determine his availability.

“Sanusi Zaidu had a conditioning training session yesterday. We will conduct the final training session today, and we will assess him to see if he will be available,” Peseiro stated, as reported by Soccernet.ng.

Should Sanusi be unable to recover in time, Peseiro can rely on Osayi-Samuel to step up once again and contribute to Nigeria’s pursuit of victory in the AFCON final against Cote d’Ivoire.

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President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set to attend the highly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final match between the Super Eagles and Cote d’Ivoire.

This announcement comes amidst heightened excitement surrounding the clash between two formidable teams who previously faced each other in the group stage of the tournament.

The confirmation of President Tinubu’s attendance was made by the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the already electric atmosphere surrounding the final match.

The AFCON final promises to be a spectacle worthy of its status, as Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria prepare to battle it out in a winner-takes-all encounter.

READ ALSO: Ghana Football Association boss dreams of AFCON and World Cup title win for Black Stars

Fans can expect an intense showdown on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara.

With the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire enjoying maximum support on home soil, the stadium is expected to be filled with fervent backing from the Ivorian fans, led by their country’s President.

However, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will also have their share of vocal support, with traveling fans and Nigerian residents in Cote d’Ivoire rallying behind their team.

President Tinubu’s attendance at the AFCON final marks a significant moment, as it will be his first appearance at the tournament. Nigerians worldwide will undoubtedly hope that his presence in the stadium serves as a source of inspiration for the Super Eagles, fueling their determination to secure victory in the prestigious competition.

As President Tinubu aims to guide Nigeria to their fourth AFCON title in history, having previously won in 1980, 1994, and 2013, all eyes will be on the outcome of the final match as the nations’ footballing dreams hang in the balance.

READ MORE: Sebastien Haller vows revenge in AFCON final against Nigeria

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Ahead of the 2023 AFCON final clash, Côte d’Ivoire striker Sebastien Haller has said the Elephants will go into Sunday’s AFCON 2023 final against Nigeria’s Super Eagles with revenge in mind.

Looking ahead to the big clash, Haller said via BBC Sport Africa, “It’s a final and you’re there to win it. We’ll analyze everything to gain our revenge.”

The Borussia Dortmund striker reflected on his team’s journey in the competition, the striker admitted the home fans have played a huge role for them to have come this far.

“The public certainly pushes us in every moment,” he said. “When the public is there and makes noise and pushes us, that makes the difference.

“We knew we had the potential to succeed and go far in the competition. The quality on the field is all over. There were lots of things missing from the start of the competition, and we have been trying to find the things that were missing to perform.”

Cote d’Ivoire, the AFCON 2024 host,  booked their place in the final with a 1-0 win over DR Congo.

Sébastien Haller scored the goal that took the Elephants into Sunday’s final against Nigeria.

Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria met in the group stage, where the Super Eagles won 1-0, courtesy of a penalty from William Troost-Ekong.

The host country’s path to the final was turbulent. It performed poorly in its group matches, defeated by Nigeria 1-O and humiliated by Equatorial Guinea 4-0.

The Elephants will look to win a third AFCON title when they confront Nigeria at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan on Sunda

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Irette Ward 10 (Owerri West) emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter during the 2023 Ikukuoma Mbaise U-20 football tournament, as Nnorom Mmesoma’s late strike secured their place in the knockout stage. 

The hard-fought 1-0 win over Emil (Owerri North) on Matchday 3 of Group B solidified Irette Ward 10’s position as one of the standout teams in the competition with a perfect record after three games.

The first half of the game concluded without any goals, despite numerous opportunities for both sides to take the lead. However, the turning point came in the 84th minute of the second half when Mmesoma’s decisive goal secured the crucial victory, propelling Irette Ward 10 into the tournament’s knockout stage.

Ogwa Community 0-0 Mpam Ekwereazu 

In the day’s second fixture at the Ezeagbogu Central School Field in Ezinihitte, Mbaise, Ogwa Community (Mbaitoli) and Mpam Ekwereazu (Ahiazu) played to a goalless draw in a Group C Matchday Three clash. Ogwa Community continued to seek their first win in the tournament, while Mpam Ekwereazu also struggled to break the deadlock, resulting in a shared point for both teams.

With these results, the Ikukuoma Mbaise U-20 tournament sets the stage for an exciting journey into the knockout stages. Teams are showcasing their skills and determination on the field, leaving fans eager for more thrilling moments as the tournament progresses.

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Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has articulated his ambitious vision for the future of Ghanaian football in the aftermath of the Black Stars’ disappointing exit from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

Despite the recent setbacks, Okraku remains resolute in his belief that the Black Stars will soon rise to conquer both the continent and the world, as reported by SportsRation.

The Black Stars’ struggles were evident in the 34th edition of the AFCON currently underway in Ivory Coast. Ghana, with high hopes of a strong performance, concluded their campaign with just two points in Group B. They suffered a defeat against Cape Verde and managed draws against Egypt and Mozambique.

Reflecting on Ghana’s recent performances in major competitions, it is clear that the team’s track record has been less than stellar. In the 2021 AFCON, they were eliminated in the group stages after securing only one point. Similarly, their performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup saw them collecting three points against Korea Republic but failing to advance further as Portugal and Uruguay progressed.

Despite these setbacks, Kurt Okraku maintains unwavering optimism about Ghana’s footballing future. He expressed his ambition to see Ghana emerge victorious in every competition they participate in, including the AFCON and the FIFA World Cup. Okraku emphasized that this ambitious mindset is shared among his fellow Executive Council members.

“I want to win the Afcon, I want to win the [Fifa] World Cup, I want to win every competition Ghana finds itself in,” Okraku said, as quoted by Pulse Ghana.

Looking ahead, following the dismissal of Chris Hughton due to the team’s poor showing in the AFCON, the GFA is now in search of his successor. The focus will then shift to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, set to resume in March, where the Black Stars will aim to secure their place on the global stage once again.

READ MORE: AFCON 2023: GFA Parts Ways with Coach Chris Hughton

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MTN Nigeria, the official communications partner of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), has applauded the Super Eagles following their remarkable victory over South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the 2023 AFCON semi-final.

The Super Eagles exhibited exceptional skill and determination during the intense match at the Stade de la Paix Stadium in Bouake, Ivory Coast.

Their performance, characterized by resilience and dedication, earned them a spot in the tournament’s final, bringing them closer to potentially securing a historic fourth trophy.

Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, conveyed elation at witnessing the national team’s success, hailing their performance as a reflection of Nigeria’s spirit. He emphasized MTN Nigeria’s pride in supporting the Super Eagles and expressed solidarity with the team, backed by over 200 million passionate fans across the nation.

In addition to praising the Super Eagles, Toriola acknowledged the efforts of the Bafana Bafana team, commending their sportsmanship despite the loss and highlighting the spirit of brotherhood shared among African nations.

As the Super Eagles prepare to face Ivory Coast in the highly anticipated final on February 11th, MTN Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the growth and development of football in Nigeria. The company continues to invest in the sport, nurture young talent, and promote grassroots initiatives, recognizing the significant role of sports in fostering national pride and unity.

MTN Nigeria extended heartfelt congratulations to the Super Eagles and expressed best wishes for their success in the upcoming final, reflecting the nation’s collective support and enthusiasm for the team’s journey.

“We are elated to witness the exceptional performance of our national team, the Super Eagles, as they soar towards victory,” said Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria. “Their resilience and dedication on the field embody the spirit of our nation, and we stand proud to be on this exhilarating journey alongside them. With over 200 million passionate fans rallying behind our team, we are united in our support and commitment to cheering them on.”

In a similar vein, Toriola also commended the Bafana Bafana team for putting up a good fight, and taking their loss in good faith, conscious of the spirit of brotherhood that binds all Africans. “They played very well too, and it could easily have gone the other way. For that, they deserve our respect, and we salute their diligence,” he said.

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Emeneogu Ifeanyi strike helped Obukwu Community (Ezinihitte) to secure their second group points in the tournament, after they held Uvuru Aboh (Mbaise) to a 1-1 draw in a Group G Matchday 2 encounter.

Samuel Owiriwa gave Uvuru Aboh an early lead inside seven minutes, when he scored an individual solo strike from outside the box. Before Emeneogu levelled it 1-1 three minutes later from a brilliant close range finish.

The draw means that Obukwu Community have yet to secure a win in their first two games in Group G after her matches against Oru Community and Uvuru Aboh ended in a draw. With just two points after two games.

Aguneze 0-0 Umuhu Okwuato

In the second game of the day, Aguneze Ahiazu (Mbaise) continued on their impressive run as they held Umuhu Okwuato (Aboh Mbaise) to a goalless draw, in a Group F Matchday 2 Clash.

Aguneze Ahiazu, who secures a comfortable 2-0 victory over Onicha Nwankwo in Group F opener, dropped two points against Umuhu Okwuato In the second group game.

The encounter which was played at the Ezeagbogu Central School Field Ezinihitte, Mbaise still leaves Aguneze Ahiazu Top in Group F log on four points from two games.

These results set the stage for an exciting tournament with teams showcasing their skills and determination on the field, leaving fans eager for the next matchups in the group stages.

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