AFCON
Gernot Rohr turns attention to Qatar 2022 qualifiers after Cameroon friendlies
Nigeria’s coach Gernot Rohr is already looking forward to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September, after completing two friendly matches against Cameroon at the Stadion Wiener Neustadt in Vienna, Austria.
On Tuesday, both continental arch-rivals played out a goalless draw in what was an energy-sapping encounter with no quarter given. Earlier last Friday, the Indomitable Lions claimed a 1-0 win over the Super Eagles with a spectacular goal from Fulham midfielder André-Frank Zambo Anguissa behind goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
Yet Rohr, who drafted some new faces to the Nigerian side after late withdrawals by some established stars, was in buoyant mood at the end of the double-header against Cameroon in Vienna.
“We had some difficulties today and started with Valentine Ozornwafor in the defence and ended with Simon Moses (a winger) at the left back position; but I’m happy we did not concede any goal,” explained the German coach.
Rohr underlined the importance of the friendly ties with Cameroon, adding it was a good opportunity to assess what qualities other players can bring into the Super Eagles’ squad.
“It is not easy when you are missing the qualities of players like Osimhen, Chukwueze, Aribo and the rest, but it was good we came and worked together in the last 10 days; though we didn’t score any goal against Cameroon, the fruits of our work will come in September,” Rohr reiterated. “I think we would be ready in September for our World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde.”
Rohr who has overseen Nigeria since 2016, led the Super Eagles to the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt where they won bronze.
He has also qualified the Super Eagles for the forthcoming 2021 AFCON, to be held next year in Cameroon, and would be the first to qualify the Super Eagles for a successive FIFA World Cups should he guide his wards safely to Qatar 2022.
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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