AFCON

Libya FA explains their inhumane treatment of Super Eagles delegation

Published

2 years ago

October 14, 2024

Following the outrage that followed Libya’s inhumane treatment to the Super Eagles delegation who had arrived for a scheduled Match Day 4 of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, the Libyan FA has denied complicity in the plot.

In a statement issued via a reel in the official X handle of the Libyan Football Federation, the body confirmed the inhumane treatment and explained as follows:

“We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya

“While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.

“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon. We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.

“There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities. Football, in its essence, unites nations, and we are committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.

“In Libya, we pride ourselves on our hospitality and our welcoming nature. We have always prioritized treating all visiting teams, includingour African brothers and other international delegations, with the respect and dignity they deserve

“Hosting these events is a great honor for us, and we strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as our guests. This commitment to equality and hospitality is a core aspect of our culture and tradition.

“We hope that this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill. Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams, and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in the world of football.”

AFCON

Motsepe Hails King Mohammed VI Over Royal Pardon of Jailed Senegalese Fans

Published

2 weeks ago

May 24, 2026

Kunle Solaja

Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for what he described as a powerful gesture of unity and reconciliation following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted over offences linked to the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

In a statement released on Saturday, Motsepe expressed deep appreciation on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations, hailing the Moroccan monarch’s decision as a demonstration of football’s ability to foster peace and solidarity across the continent.

“I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe stated.

The CAF president said the pardon reflected Morocco’s enduring commitment to African unity and highlighted football’s growing role as a bridge between nations and cultures.

“CAF has consistently emphasised its commitment to utilise football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.

“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”

Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Morocco and Senegal, he had been struck by the deep historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.

“I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco,” he added.

The statement further reinforced Morocco’s rising influence within African football, especially after successfully hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

Motsepe also extended CAF’s best wishes to Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the continent’s teams would perform strongly on the global stage.

Among the African nations mentioned were Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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AFCON

Group I: Algeria Face Tough Challenge from Zambia in AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Published

2 weeks ago

May 20, 2026

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja.

Former African champions Algeria and Zambia are set for an early showdown after the release of the Group I fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Algeria host Zambia on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, in what is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the qualifying campaign, while Togo entertain Burundi in the group’s other opening tie.

The Desert Foxes are favourites to qualify, but Zambia’s growing consistency and Togo’s unpredictability could make the race highly competitive.

Algeria travel to Burundi on Matchday Two before facing Togo in back-to-back encounters across Matchdays Three and Four. Zambia also meet Burundi home and away during the same period.

The potentially decisive fixture comes on March 22, 2027, when Zambia host Algeria in a clash that could determine the final standings.

Group I Fixtures

Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026

Algeria vs Zambia
Togo vs Burundi

Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026

Zambia vs Togo
Burundi vs Algeria

Matchday 3 — October 2026

Algeria vs Togo
Zambia vs Burundi

Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026

Togo vs Algeria
Burundi vs Zambia

Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027

Zambia vs Algeria
Burundi vs Togo

Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027

Togo vs Zambia
Algeria vs Burundi

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AFCON

Group J: Senegal Begin AFCON 2027 Campaign Against Mozambique

Published

2 weeks ago

May 20, 2026

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja.

African heavyweights Senegal will launch their quest for another Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a home clash against Mozambique in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

The Lions of Teranga, among the continent’s strongest teams in recent years, headline a group that also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.

Senegal host Mozambique on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Sudan tackle Ethiopia in the other opening encounter.

Senegal are strong favourites to dominate the group, but Sudan and Mozambique are expected to battle fiercely for qualification points.

The key fixtures may emerge in the double-header between Senegal and Sudan across Matchdays Three and Four, while Mozambique and Ethiopia also face each other home and away.

Senegal travel to Mozambique on Matchday Five before ending their campaign at home against Ethiopia on March 30, 2027.