AFCON
THREE YEARS ON THE SADDLE, ROHR SAYS HIS TEAM IS STILL YOUNG
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
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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CAF is promising the “most connected AFCON ever” with the launch of the Yalla App on September 25, 2025, alongside the start of ticket sales for AFCON Morocco 2025.
The Yalla App will serve as the one-stop digital hub for fans, doubling as the portal for Fan IDs, which will be required for stadium and fan zone access.
It also introduces a groundbreaking E-Visa feature, allowing supporters from around the globe to apply digitally for travel documents tied directly to their match tickets.
Fans will also receive real-time updates, tailored content, and exclusive tournament information through the platform.
With this innovation, CAF and the LOC are positioning Morocco 2025 as a modern, tech-driven tournament, designed to enhance both local and international fan experiences.
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