AFCON
AMUNEKE EXPECTS CAIRO FANS TO BACK HIS TAIFA STARS
Nigerian legend, Emmanuel Amuneke has made a return to Cairo, Egypt, where decades ago, he chiseled for himself cult hero status during his days with Zamalek.
He featured for Zamalek between 1991 and 1994 leading them to back to back league titles in 1991/92 and 1992/93.
He was also crowned African Player of the Year in 1994 whilst playing for the White Knights, where he ranks amongst the finest players ever in the history of the Cairo-based club.
The Nigerian still commands respect in Cairo and everywhere he went to during the draw of the Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2019 last April, enthusiastic fans always asked to pose for selfies with him.
“I am really glad to be coming here (Cairo) because this is like a second home to me. I made great memories here,” Amuneke told CAFOnline.com.
The former Barcelona midfielder appears to have made a swift transition from the pitch to the bench in 2008, with the highlight being guiding the Nigeria U-17 team to the ultimate at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile in 2015.
After he had a brief stint with Sudanese side, Al Khartoum, before the offer to coach the Taifa Stars was sealed in August 2018.
Amuneke has managed to help Tanzania back to the high table of continental football for the first time in 39 years on his maiden attempt.
The last appearance of the Taifa Stars at the AFCON was in 1980. His team secured qualification on the final day, thanks to a 3-0 victory at home over neighbours Uganda in Dar es Salaam.
“It was a very tough qualification and having not started well, we had to work hard in the last bit. We did our homework and I am glad that we achieved. I have a very good team and I have no doubt that we can do well,” stated the tactician.
Heading to the AFCON, Tanzania are grouped with neighbours Kenya, Algeria and Senegal. Knowing that he returns to his second home in Cairo, he expects the home fans to cheer on his Tanzanian side.
“Egyptians will definitely come to support me but our objective is to prepare well because even if they support you but we don’t do the right thing on the pitch it will have no meaning. But it will be good to enjoy the support from the local fans,” the AFCON winner with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in 1994 stated.
On the chances of his team, Amuneke is upbeat they can make an impact despite the pedigree of their opponents.
“It’s a good draw. We have to be realistic. All teams who made it here are all good and no team came here without fighting. If you are here, you must be ready to play anyone. You can’t wish for an easy group. All 24 teams are tough,” he noted.
On the mouth-watering East African derby expected with Kenya, Amuneke is relishing the prospect of lighting up Cairo with some football from the East. The rivals face off on 27 June at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
“Kenya and Tanzania are like brothers. There is a lot of mutual respect between Kenya and Tanzania and I know we will play some good football and showcase East African football to the rest of the world.
“This is the first time that four nations from East Africa have qualified for the AFCON and it shows that football in the region is growing.
“I am hoping we all can do well,” the coach further stressed. The Taifa Stars begin their campaign against Senegal on 23 June at the 30 June before winding up against Algeria on 1 July at the Al Salaam Stadium, also in Cairo.
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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