AFCON
‘Let’s do it again’ is Super Eagles’ slogan; but can they really do it?
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
It is days to the kick-off of Nigeria’s opening match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The team, as stated by the NFF, has adopted ‘Let’s do it again’ as their mantra.
It is believed that the Super Eagles are eager to replicate the team spirit exhibited 10 years ago when against public perception, they defied all odds to win the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
The mixture of home boys with some experienced players under a focussed coach performed that magic. The scenario is far different from the present.
The signals are loud and clear. It is only there for perspective observers to decode. For a championship holding in Cote d’Ivoire which has a relatively the same weather condition like Nigeria, the Super Eagles, most of which players are currently under winter condition in Europe, will be camped in Abu Dhabi from January 3.
What is the objective? One does not need to undergo rigorous geography lesson to imagine what the weather will be in the United Arab Emirate city.
A simple check on the internet will reveal that January in Abu Dhabi is the coolest month of the year. Because of the pleasant temperatures, this is a busy month for tourism in the city. January is a great time to check out the fossil dunes in the desert of Al Wathba.
In contrast, Abidjan, the theatre of Nigeria’s group matches the average temperature in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 89°F (31°C) to a low of 76°F (24°C).
While should a team dreaming to regain old glory spend scarce resources to fly their players from different parts of Europe, first to the Middle East, and then to Nigeria before travelling to Cote d’Ivoire?
It was a similar lack of Geography lesson that made the NFF camp the Super Eagles in the United Kingdom while preparing for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
A secondary school geography student will know that in the Southern Hemisphere where South Africa belongs, the weather condition is direct opposite of what is obtained in the north of the equator.
Thus, June-July is the height of winter condition South Africa whereas it would be summer in most parts of southern Europe, including the UK.
England and other European teams left their countries and moved northwards where the climates are generally cold.
The Super Eagles trained under warm summer conditions in the UK before flying to the winter situation in South Africa where their first two matches were to be under severe winter conditions, especially at Bloemfontein.
Only their third match was to be in Durban which enjoys an all season summer condition. Yet, the Super Eagles set their camp in Durban.
If they had survived the last group match against Korea Republic, they would had to have their Round of 16 match in the colds of Johannesburg/Pretoria.
The team officials failed the geography lesson. Yet that was not the first instance.
In the build-up to the final qualification for the 1982 World Cup in which Nigeria had Algeria to contend with, the then Green Eagles went on playing and training tour of coldest regions of Europe in UK, Norway and Iceland for a match in hot weathered Lagos. Off course, the result was a foregone conclusion.
Nigeria crashed 2-0 at home to trigger the inability to qualify for the World Cup.
The Super Eagles appear on that same path. Even as squad sizes are now being cut to the 27, Nigeria still have 41 and there seems to be difficulties in pruning to the required figure.
In the preliminary list is Ahmed Musa. From body languages being read, he will most likely make the final list, although, he may just have cameo appearances in the group matches.
Of what value is the inclusion of a player that is surplus to requirement?
The argument will be the influence he wields in the team. He may as well make the Nigerian contingent as a back-room staff without being in the squad.
We can only think of an encore of AFCON 2013 if the NFF re-evaluates the strategies for Cote d’Ivoire 2023. Those who have ears, let them hear!
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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