AFCON

THREE YEARS ON THE SADDLE, ROHR SAYS HIS TEAM IS STILL YOUNG

Published

6 years ago

July 16, 2019

Just as he said after the Super Eagles under performed at the Russia 2018 World Cup, Nigeria’s manager, Gernot Rohr is still singing the same song, claiming his team will learn and later mature.

According to CAF publication, Rohr, though hugely disappointed that the Super Eagles could not get into the final of the Africa Cup of Nations he has chosen to look at the positives, believing his young side will learn from their experiences and misgivings.

The Super Eagles lost 2-1 to Algeria in a tightly contested semi-final in Cairo on Sunday night, conceding a late Riyad Mahrez masterpiece of a freekick.

“I think this team has come a long way after making a good world cup. We can be proud of our performances,” said Rohr who led the Eagles to an AFCON return for the first time since they won the title in 2013.

The tactician stated that the main difference between them and Algeria in the semis was the experience.

“We have to work more and we have to learn with this young team. I think sometimes a little bit of experience cost us in the game especially because our midfielders Etebo and Ndidi are very young,”

“They need to learn better in terms of communicating and pressing the game. These are lessons that we take home and I am sure we will be better. I started this journey when I was appointed to rebuild with young players and we have come from a long way,” the German tactician further stated.

Looking back at the tie, Rohr was dejected that they could not respond to Algeria’s tactical pressing, saying they made a better second half but were unlucky not to see the game go into extra time.

“It was a great fight until the last minute. Algeria had a better first half than us but we came back in the second half. We thought Algeria could be tired in extra time and we could win it.

“We are sad that we lost of course, but congratulations to Algeria. We won the last game against South Africa late and today we lost late. That is football,” the tactician further added.

Nigeria will now shift their focus to Wednesday evening’s third and fourth place play-off match against Tunisia at Al Salam Stadium and Rohr hopes in the least, his players will go back home with a medal around their necks.

AFCON

Royal Air Maroc Unveils AFCON 2025-Themed Aircraft as Tournament Preparations Soar

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2025

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja.

Exactly 50 days to the kick-off of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has unveiled a specially branded aircraft in the vibrant colours of the competition. It is a special way of celebrating the Kingdom’s role as host of Africa’s biggest football event.

The unveiling ceremony took place on Saturday, marking a symbolic milestone ahead of the tournament, which will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

“Our aircraft proudly displays the colours of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, through a special livery — a symbol of pride, passion, and unity,” the airline stated.

“From the pitch to the sky, Royal Air Maroc carries the spirit of African football.” In anticipation of a surge in travel during the competition, Royal Air Maroc announced a major boost in its flight operations, with more than 660 additional flights planned over the tournament period.

This extensive mobilization is designed to facilitate the smooth transportation of supporters, teams, officials, and media representatives between Morocco’s six host cities — Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir, and Fez — all of which are preparing to welcome visitors in a festive, football-inspired atmosphere.

The launch of the AFCON-themed aircraft comes as part of a strategic partnership signed in April 2025 between the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Royal Air Maroc, under which the national carrier was named the Official Global Partner of CAF’s major competitions.

This collaboration underscores RAM’s growing role as a key ambassador of Moroccan hospitality and a pan-African brand committed to supporting the continent’s premier sporting events.

With its AFCON-themed livery soaring across the skies, Royal Air Maroc seeks to embody Morocco’s passion for football, commitment to excellence, and readiness to host Africa in what promises to be a spectacular celebration of sport and unity.

As the countdown to AFCON Morocco 2025 continues, the airline’s message is clear:
“From the pitch to the sky, Morocco is ready to welcome Africa.”

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AFCON

Global Fans Snap Up Tickets for Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025

Published

4 days ago

November 1, 2025

Kunle Solaja

Next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated sporting events on the continent, with strong global ticket sales reported in the first two phases of release.

According to figures from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), fans from across the world have rushed to secure their seats for Africa’s premier football competition, which will take place in nine stadiums across six host cities from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

While ticket demand has been high across Africa, France has emerged as the leading market outside the continent, with an impressive 109,237 tickets sold so far — a figure that underscores the country’s deep-rooted connection to African football. Belgium (7,046) and the Netherlands (5,958) round out the top three, followed by the United Kingdom (5,127) and Canada (3,849).

The rest of the top ten includes Germany (3,056), Switzerland (1,714), the United States (1,245), Spain (1,193) and Italy (970).

CAF officials said the global enthusiasm demonstrates the event’s growing international appeal. “Fans from around the world are eager to be part of one of football’s most vibrant and celebrated tournaments,” the organization said in a statement.

The 2025 edition marks Morocco’s first time hosting AFCON since 1988. The North African nation — which is also set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup — is preparing to showcase both its football passion and its reputation as a premier tourist destination.

To attend matches, supporters must register for a mandatory Fan ID, available through the Yalla App on Google Play and the Apple App Store. The Fan ID system is designed to simplify the entire fan journey, from stadium entry to visa facilitation, ensuring a smooth and secure experience for both local and international visitors.

Fans are encouraged to complete their Fan ID registration early to guarantee quicker access when the next phase of ticket sales opens.

How to get your Fan ID:

Download the Yalla App on Google Play or the App Store.
Apply for your Fan ID and E-Visa/AEVM (if required) directly in the app.
Once approved, visit tickets.cafonline.com to purchase your AFCON Morocco 2025 tickets.

With anticipation building and global fans securing their places early, Morocco 2025 is on track to deliver a festival of football that celebrates the spirit and unity of the African game.

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AFCON

VIDEO: AFCON Morocco 2025: Ticket Sales Open Wider as Organizers Ease Access for More Fans

Published

1 week ago

October 28, 2025

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja

The Organizing Committee for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 has expanded access to ticket sales, allowing nationals from Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa, and Zambia to apply using a new manual registration system.

Beginning today, October 28, 2025, at 12:30 PM (CET), fans from these countries — whose citizens do not possess biometric passports — can now use the manual data entry option on the official YALLA app, the gateway for all AFCON ticketing and travel formalities.

“This measure reflects our commitment to inclusivity and to making the AFCON experience accessible to all African fans,” the Organizing Committee stated.

The YALLA app now allows applicants to manually enter their data to obtain both a Fan ID and an Electronic Visa (eVisa/AEVM) — both mandatory before purchasing match tickets.

Each Fan ID entitles its holder to purchase one ticket per match, and no tickets will be sold without prior Fan ID registration.

Tickets are available exclusively through CAF Official Ticketing Website: https://tickets.cafonline.com and YALLA Fan ID Portal: https://www.yallamorocco.ma

“Any other website or app claiming to sell tickets is fraudulent and must not be used,” the committee warned. To support fans navigating the registration and ticketing process, the organizers have launched a dedicated 24-hour customer service line.

The hotline is +212 5 30 30 20 30. . It operates in three languages (Arabic, English, and French) and is operated by a dedicated team working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to answer inquiries and assist users.

A trained support team is on standby to assist users with Fan ID registration, visa processing, and ticket inquiries.

The Organizing Committee expressed gratitude to fans, delegations, and media partners for their enthusiasm and cooperation ahead of what is expected to be one of the most technologically advanced editions of the tournament.

“We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all supporters attending AFCON Morocco 2025,” the statement concluded.

The ticketing update marks another milestone in Morocco’s preparation for hosting Africa’s biggest football event, continuing its reputation for organizational excellence and fan-friendly innovation.

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