AFCON

NIGERIA AND LAST MINUTE GOALS AT AFCON

Published

7 years ago

July 15, 2019

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Sunday’s last minute goal for Algeria was not the first of such to be conceded by Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, even though, Super Eagles have also profited from the cliff-hanging situations as the clock ticked down.

It is well known that it was the last minute goal against South Africa that shut them into the semi finals. Also in 2008, it was the late minute goal that Yakubu Aiyegbeni scored against Benin Republic that earned Nigeria a passage into the knockout stage on goal difference over Mali.

Two years earlier in Egypt, even though Nigeria had won their two group games against Zimbabwe and Ghana, the Super Eagles were at the risk of possible elimination going into the third match with Senegal.

Senegal had beaten Zimbabwe 2-0 before losing 1-0 to Ghana. With that scenario, all possibilities were open for Zimbabwe to advance, should they beat Ghana and if Nigeria beat Senegal silly.

Similarly, Nigeria’s advancement was at risk had they lost to Senegal by at least two goals and also Ghana beating Zimbabwe by the same margin or more. The three tops teams would have ended with six points apiece.

Nigeria would have been eliminated on goal difference. Zimbabwe did the unexpected beating Ghana 2-1 in Ismalia. With the match and that of Nigeria and Senegal going on simultaneously, Senegal took an early lead before Nigeria leveled up 11 minutes to regulation time.

But a win was needed for Nigeria to advance. The needed goal only came two minutes to end the game. That was not the first time Nigeria had a late goal against Senegal.

On their home soil in Dakar, Stephen Keshi fired a long range shot that enabled Nigeria get a 89^th minute goal with which the host team was defeated in the opening game of 1992 Africa Cup of Nations.

Was it history repeating itself at the semifinals when a dying minute robbed Nigeria a place in the final on Sunday? It was also so in 1976 when Guinea’s Papa Camara’s last minute goal confined Nigeria to struggle for third a third=place match with Guinea.

AFCON

CAS to hear Senegal’s appeal against African Cup of Nations title removal on October 8

Published

1 day ago

July 24, 2026

Kunle Solaja

Senegal lawyers give press conference on AFCON appeal case - The Court of Arbitration for Sport, Paris, France - March 26, 2026 Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese football federation, with lawyers Seydou Diagne, Juan de Dios Crespo-Perez and Pierre Olivier Sur during the press conference REUTERS/Abdul Saboo

Senegal’s appeal against being stripped of their African Cup of Nations title will be heard on October 8, ‌the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Friday.

Senegal were ruled to have forfeited the game in Rabat on January 18 because they walked off the pitch ⁠in protest at a potentially decisive penalty awarded to opponents Morocco.

They returned after 14 minutes to win the match 1-0, but the appeal board of African soccer’s governing body (CAF) replaced that result with a 3-0 victory for Morocco in March.

The Senegalese government called for an inquiry ‌into ⁠the removal of the title, and the country’s soccer federation (FSF) appealed to CAS.

A CAS panel will hold the hearing behind closed doors at its ⁠headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, CAS said in a statement.

“After the hearing, the panel will start its ⁠deliberations. At this stage, CAS cannot state when a final decision will be rendered ⁠but it will not be on the day of the hearing,” CAS added.

-Reuters

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AFCON

CAF Opens Bidding for AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036, Confirms Abuja for 2026 General Assembly

Published

3 days ago

July 22, 2026

Kunle Solaja

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially opened the bidding process for countries interested in hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2028, 2032 and 2036, with several member associations already submitting proposals.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe disclosed that the bidding exercise is progressing smoothly and described the level of interest from prospective hosts as encouraging.

“The bidding process is progressing very well, and numerous exciting bids have been submitted by potential host countries,” CAF said, adding that announcements on successful hosts will be made in due course.

Meanwhile, CAF confirmed that its 48th Ordinary General Assembly will be held in Abuja, Nigeria, on November 21, 2026.

The continental governing body expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their cooperation in preparations for the event.

CAF said the General Assembly is expected to attract football leaders from across the continent and will play a significant role in shaping policies aimed at accelerating the development and growth of African football.

The organisation added that the Abuja gathering is expected to be one of its most significant assemblies in recent years as CAF continues implementing reforms across competitions, infrastructure development, youth football and governance.

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AFCON

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso Launch Joint Bid to Host 2032 AFCON

Published

3 days ago

July 22, 2026

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have taken the first step towards jointly hosting the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations after submitting an expression of interest to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The Nigerien Football Federation announced that CAF had accepted the joint declaration submitted by the three West African nations, marking the opening phase of the bidding process.

However, the acceptance of the expression of interest does not amount to an award of the hosting rights, as the countries must still undergo CAF’s comprehensive evaluation process before a final decision is made.

The three football federations unveiled their joint project following a meeting with CAF President Patrice Motsepe in the United States during the closing stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The proposed bid brings together the three members of the Alliance of Sahel States, reflecting their ambition to co-host one of Africa’s biggest sporting events and strengthen regional cooperation through football.

Earlier this month, CAF officially opened the bidding process for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, inviting all 54 member associations to submit expressions of interest. The continental governing body said all bids would be assessed based on strict technical, financial and legal criteria.

As the next stage of the process, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso must prepare a comprehensive bid dossier outlining the proposed host cities, stadiums, training facilities, transport infrastructure, accommodation capacity and security arrangements.

CAF has yet to announce the timetable for selecting the 2032 host nation(s) or reveal the full list of countries expected to compete for the hosting rights.

Should the joint bid eventually succeed, the tournament would return to Mali for the first time since it staged the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations. It would also mark a historic first for both Niger and Burkina Faso, neither of which has previously hosted the continent’s flagship football championship.

The bid underscores the growing trend of joint hosting arrangements for major football tournaments, allowing neighbouring countries to pool infrastructure and resources while expanding the reach of the competition across multiple nations.

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