International Football
CAF Election 2017: Tension All The Way
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
The Africa Hall in Addis Ababa is already used to high tension wired politics. It is the seat of African Union and it was there that the old OAU was founded and had held most of it meetings attended by African heads of states.
Another set of politicians are meeting there on Thursday morning. These are the African football politicians who are holding, perhaps, the most volatile election to constitute the executive of the 60-year old Confederation of African Football.
Palpable tension pervades the various hotels delegates to the CAF 39th Ordinary Assembly are staying as the clock ticks down to the 9am time of election of officers to direct the confederation’s affairs for the 2017 -2021 cycle. According to sources in the Sheraton Hotel, Addis Ababa abode of Issa Hayatou and most members of the CAF Executive Committee, there was apprehension as it is feared that Ahmad of Madagascar may have made inroad into the number of votes they expected.
“I must tell you, the Hayatou camp is jittery”, an Egyptian staff of CAF remarked in a message sent to Sports Village Square. According to information from the president’s camp, Hayatou was heard telling loyalists that he would not step down, no matter the odds.
Benin Republic’s Moucharafou Anjorin, one of the most trusted allies of Hayatou was seeing talking to Nigerian delegates, pleading they should back Hayatou and himself in the election and should not put powers in the hands of strangers.
Obinna Ogba, a senator and chairman of the senate committee on sports, is the leader of the Nigerian delegation to the CAF General Assembly. But it is Amaju Pinnick that has the voting power.
Other Nigerians at the assembly are Solomon Ogba, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s boss, NFF senior vice president, Seyi Akinwunmi, General Secretary Sanusi Mohammed and Hon. Nduka Irabor.
Ifeayi Ubah, the chairman of FC IfenyiUbah was being expected, even though there were fears he might not arrive before the election.
Kayode Tijani, Nigerian journalist in Addis Ababa, reported that the spirits of delegate in the Nigerian camp was high.
He dismissed as rumour, the stories going round that the sports minister has directed Amaju Pinnick to vote for Hayatou.
Most of the loyalists of Ahmad of Madagascar are staying in Hilton Hotel in Addis Ababa. FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, who did not get the support of Issa Hayatou in the FIFA election last year, appears to be the rallying person for the anti-Hayatou forces.
Ahead of the election, Nigeria’s Amaju Pinnick, according to Kayode Tijani who is on ground at Addis Ababa, is very confident.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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