AFCON
All set for intriguing quarter-final matches
The quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 is set to serve some interesting fixtures across the 3 host cities.
The round of 16 provided some exciting games coupled with shocks and some of the favorites ended up exiting the competition including defending champions and 2022 World Cup semi finalist, Morocco.
Here are the games to pay attention to in the quarter-finals and how things are expected to turn out.
- Nigeria v Angola
The Super Eagles will face Angola in the opening quarter-finals of the AFCON Côte d’lvoire 2023 on Friday, February at the famous Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
Angola will be hoping to continue their fairytale against one of the tournament’s favorite, Nigeria.
Nigeria’s resolute defensive unit in William Troost – Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi will be put to test by Angola’s forward’s, Jacinto Dala, Gilberto and Mabululu in this fixture.
Game will be played at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on Friday, February 2.
- R Congo v Guinea
D.R Congo who are yet to win a game in the competition will have Guinea to deal with in the quarter-finals.
Mohamed Bayo has twice been the saviour for Guinea in the AFCON Côte d’lvoire 2023. He scored against Cameroon to help them secure a point and was on target against Equatorial Guinea in the round of 16.
With the 2009 CHAN success in Cotê d’Ivoire in sight, D.R Congo will give it their all against an equally motivated Guinean side.
Game will played on Friday, February 2 at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
- Mali v Cotê d’Ivoire
The host put up a solid performance to eliminate defending champions, Senegal on penalties in the round of 16.
This followed a disappointing end to their group stage campaign where they lost to both Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea and went ahead to concede 5 goals.
Cotê d’Ivoire have failed to score from open play in their last three games and will be hoping to make amends with the return of Sébastien Haller upfront.
Mali despite a shaky performance in the group stage put up an improved performance against Burkina Faso in the round of 16.
Game is February 3 at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.
- Cape Verde v South Africa
Cape Verde, unbeaten will play South Africa who eliminated 2022 World Cup semi-finalist, Morocco in the round of 16.
The Blue Sharks have had a smooth run throughout the competition unlike South Africa who have been inconsistent with results.
Hugo Broos will count on Evidence Makgopa, Percy Tau and Themba Zwane to deliver against Cape Verde.
Though a tough one but Cape Verde have seen it all against experienced countries and have had their way through.
Game is on February 3 at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.
-CAF
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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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