AFCON
Consistently inconsistent Super Eagles give Guinea-Bissau the impetus to dream dreams
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
As it was last year at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations played in Cameroon, the Nigeria Super Eagles will again play against Guinea Bissau in their last group match at the same competition holding next month in Cote d’Ivoire.
Thus, the 22 January 2024 match at the Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan will be a match of familiar foes as both also met in the qualifying series in Abuja and Bissau.
Undoubtedly, Guinea Bissau gave Nigeria a big scare in what ordinarily could had been a stroll in the park.
The country previously known as Portuguese Guinea shocked the Super Eagles with a 1-0 defeat in Abuja before the Nigerian side laboured to a 1-0 revenge days later in Bissau courtesy of a 30th minute penalty kick.
Giving the Super Eagles a tough time in the qualifying series has given Guinea Bissau the drive to dream. They are grouped along with the other Guinea
While this is Nigeria’s 20th Africa Cup of Nations, Guinea Bissau are in the competition for the fourth time and had never made it past the group stage.
They now dream dreams, possibly because of their performance against Nigeria in the qualifying round as well as the fluctuating forms of the Super Eagles who lack consistency in performance.
Guinea Bissau’s key player is Mama Samba Balde. He scored the 29th minute goal with which they beat Nigeria in Abuja earlier this year.
He remains the country’s best export playing for Olympique Lyonnais, commonly referred to as simply FC Lyon. Balde is an explosive winger who is comfortable on the ball with both feet and possesses great abilities of eliminating his opponents.
The Nigerian defence line will attest to this if they reflect on their qualifying match of 24 March in Abuja.
Baldé possesses a great physique which works to his advantage in tight duels and highly physical defenders. In addition to his crossing ability, he also has a knack for goals when in good goalscoring positions. Nigeria Francis Uzoho will not forgive him as he blasted into Nigeria’s goal in the 24 March 2023 match in Abuja.
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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