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Expect a tough AFCON-Rabah Madjer

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Expect a tough AFCON-Rabah Madjer

Algeria legend says Cote D’Ivoire 2023 is unpredictable

 

 

Algerian legend Rabah Madjer has shared his thoughts on the upcoming TotalEnerghies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, set to kick off on January 13, 2024.

 

The tournament, which will be played until February 11, is poised to host the continent’s formidable teams, making it exceptionally fierce.

 

Speaking with CAFOnline.com, Madjer, the 1987 African Footballer of the Year winner, acknowledged the difficulty in predicting the favorites for the upcoming competition.

 

Madjer’s difficulty stems from all the powerhouses of African football that will be playing at the tournament scheduled to be held in the West African country.

 

CAFonline.com: As we approach the AFCON 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire, what are your expectations regarding the level of competition?

 

Rabah Madjer: I am highly confident about the quality of the competition because the strongest teams in the continent are all present, and by default, this makes it a tough competition. The participating sides will all be vying for glory, and I expect them to raise the bar to ensure that the tournament is captivating. With just a few days remaining before the kickoff, the expectation for a high level of performance is set with top players from across the globe playing in it.

 

CAFonline.com:  Which teams do you predict will shine in the AFCON 2023?

 

Rabah Madjer: Predicting standout teams is challenging, given the diverse pool of formidable contenders. Some teams will be aiming to go far in the continental competition, while others enter the competition with the sole aim of clinching the coveted title. Naming a specific team as the favorite is exceptionally challenging, especially with giants like the host nation Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Nigeria participating in the finals.

 

CAFonline.com:  Who are the players you anticipate will emerge as discoveries in AFCON 2023?

 

Rabah Madjer: I have difficulty pre-determining players who might shine in the AFCON 2023 because the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations is different. A player might excel elsewhere, but when he comes to the AFCON, his performance will be other because all the matches are tough. The tournament’s opening matches will offer a glimpse into the players’ performances, allowing me the proper chance to assess their capabilities on the grand stage.

 

 

Abuja club avows grassroots football support

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Abuja club avows grassroots football support

Green Lock FC pledges to key into NSF’s grassroots football development vision.

 

Greenlock’s EVC/Visioneer, Olufunsho Peters (left), presenting the club’s jersey to the NFF President.

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

An Abuja-based club, Green Lock FC, has pledged its total support for the grassroots football development programs of the present Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) administration led by Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

 

The club management made this pledge on Wednesday during a courtesy call to the NFF President in his office.

In his response, Gusau said the doors of the Federation will always be open to all individuals who are competent in their areas of jurisdiction to administer football in the right way, with particular emphasis on grassroots development, which is his administration’s cardinal pillar in ensuring that Nigeria Football attains much-desired heights in no distant future.

“You are just starting, and I don’t want you to be deterred by anything because it has to be a gradual process. There are always challenges along the way when you start a new project but do not lose sight of your objective and vision. Allow your vision to guide you and help you overcome all hurdles and obstacles to attaining your goals.“

The Executive Vice Chairman of Green Lock FC, Mr Olufunsho Peters, said he is impressed with what the Federation has achieved under the Gusau administration. He believes it is essential to identify and key into this project for the club’s growth.

“We are here to identify with you, to key into your vision for grassroots football development. We are enamored by what you have been doing and how you have been setting Nigeria Football in a fresh and positive direction,” Peters stated.

 

Chief Coordinating Executive of Green Lock FC, Mr Olayinka Oladunjoye, also thumbed up the Gusau administration and admitted that identifying with the Federation is the best way for the club to progress.

 

“We are not just here to show our faces to you, but we truly want to identify with you and your vision for Nigeria Football, and we want to be part of your dream to change the football narrative in the country,” Oladunjoye said.

Also present during the visit were NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire, and special assistant to NFF President Abubakar Barde.

 

NFF mourns Sebastian Brodricks-Imasuen

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NFF mourns Sebastian Brodricks-Imasuen

As Africa’s first FIFA World Cup-winning coach passes on

 

Sabastian Brodericks (far left) poses with his Gold winning side after the 1985 FIFA U-16 World Cup triumph in China

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed deep shock over the news on Wednesday morning of the death of the first man to lead an African team to win a FIFA World Cup, Coach Sebastian Brodricks-Imasuen, at a hospital in Benin City, Edo State.

 

The 85-year tactician, according to his family, was undergoing treatment for stroke and diabetes but gave up the ghost at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in the early hours of Wednesday, 3rd January 2024.

 

“The demise of Coach Sebastian Brodricks-Imasuen sorely pains the NFF and the entire Nigeria Football fraternity. He worked very hard at his craft and was tireless in his efforts to bring honor to the homeland through the various National Teams he worked with. No one can ever forget how he led an unsung group of boys to China to win a first-ever FIFA World Cup for Nigeria and Africa,” NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said on Wednesday.

 

Brodricks-Imasuen was Head Coach of the Nigeria U-16 squad that won the inaugural FIFA Cadet World Cup in China in 1985, defeating West Germany 2-0 in the final at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing. Two years later, in Canada, he led the team to runner-up position after a penalty shootout defeat to the former Soviet Union, and two years later, in Scotland, his team lost to eventual winners Saudi Arabia on penalties in the quarter-finals. Two years later, FIFA upgraded the competition to a U17 tournament.

 

The soft-spoken, easy-going tactician also assisted Dutchman Clemens Westerhof as Nigeria finished as runners-up at the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Algeria.

 

Nicknamed Sabara, Brodricks-Imasuen featured for Bendel Insurance in his playing days, famously scoring the winning goal when Insurance edged feisty Mighty Jets in a replayed 1972 Challenge Cup Final in Ibadan after both teams were deadlocked at 2-2 in the first match at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos, thanks to the heroics of late Sam Garba Okoye.

 

Apart from his successes at the international level, Sabara also coached El-Kanemi Warriors, Udoji United FC, and Bendel Insurance.

 

 

Chelle banks on 27 ‘Aigles’

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Chelle banks on 27 ‘Aigles’

To fight for AFCON 2023 glory

 

 

  • Mali will participate in their13th TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations
  • The Eagles are in Group E alongside South Africa, Namibia, and Tunisia
  • Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has summoned 27 players

 

Mali’s national team coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, has announced the call-up of 27 players to represent Mali at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

 

The Eagles, Mali’s national team, are in Group E with Namibia, South Africa, and Tunisia.

 

List of Mali’s national team in preparation for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023

 

Goalkeepers
– Djigui Diarra
– Aboubacar Doumbia
– Ismaël Diawara

 

Defenders
– Hamari Traoré
– Falaye Sacko
– Boubacar K Kouyate
– Mamadou Fofana
– Sikou Niakate
– Moussa Diarra
– Amadou Dante

 

Midfielders
– Diade Samassekou
– Mohamed Camara
– Doudou Haidara
– Aliou Dieng
– Lassana Coulibaly
– Kamory Doumbia
– Adama Noss Traoré
– Yves Bissouma
– Boubacar Traoré

 

Forwards
– Sekou Koita
– Nene Dorgeles
– Moussa Doumbia
– Fousseni Diabaté
– Ibrahim Sissoko
– Lassine Sinayoko
– Youssoufa Niakaté
– Serine Doucouré

 

All team lists are provisional until the final list of players is announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the deadline on January 3.

 

Stallions want nothing but AFCON win

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Stallions want nothing but AFCON win

Burkina Faso wants to get rid of ‘almost’ label

 

 

Can Burkina Faso reach the top of the podium at Côte d’Ivoire 2023?

 

Burkina Faso’s matches in Group D

 

January 16, 2024

Burkina Faso – Mauritania, 14h00 GMT, Stade de la Paix, Bouaké

 

January 20, 2024

Algeria – Burkina Faso, 14h00 GMT, Stade de la Paix, Bouaké

 

January 23, 2024

Angola – Burkina Faso, 20h00 GMT, Charles-Konan-Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro

 

How Burkina Faso qualified for the African Cup of Nations 

 

The 1-all draw against Togo away in Lomé sealed the deal for the Stallions.

 

Former Lorient player Dango Ouattara opened the scoring for Burkina Faso in the 12th minute. Despite Kodjo Laba’s equalizer 14 minutes later, this result was enough to secure qualification for their 13th AFCON appearance with two match days to go.

 

On top of Group B with 10 points, the Stallions could no longer be joined by Togo or Eswatini, who only had two points with two match days remaining. A 3-1 loss to Cape Verde before a goalless draw with Eswatini did not affect Burkina Faso’s fate.

 

The player to watch: Edmond Tapsoba

 

Edmond Tapsoba is a right-footed defender known for his sense of anticipation, maturity, healing, and recovery. He is also very rarely booked – a very crucial quality.

 

His ‘clean’ play on the pitch brings a certain serenity to his defense posture. His good game reading, compelling positioning, and excellent heading allow him to intercept numerous balls and cut off most opposing offensive plays.

 

Thanks to his technical quality, he makes good restarts. He is swift, rare for a central defender, and blessed with a powerful shot. Tapsoba has no difficulty projecting himself forward when the game requires it.

 

 

The coach: Hubert Velud

 

Hubert Velud is praised for his team’s offensive play. His style of play is based on intensity, aggressive pressing, and bags of energy.

 

His team plays a game based on conservation – a fluid and worked system and set pieces.

 

On this point, he says: “They have great importance in modern football. I want my team to produce a play and always look to play. We must not calculate.”

 

He particularly appreciates doubling passes and playing in triangles in small spaces. Full-backs play an essential role in his tactical plan by providing many offensive solutions.

 

 

Results of Burkina Faso at the AFCON

1978: 1st Round

1996: Fourth

2000: 1st Round

2002: 1st Round

2004: 1st Round

2010: 1st Round

2012: 1st Round

2013: Finalist

2015: 1st Round

2017: Third

2021: Fourth

 

Bash Alli gets April 2024 fight date

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Bash Alli gets April 2024 fight date

Chases Guinness World Record as an active sexagenarian fighter

 

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Bash Alli continues his quest for boxing supremacy when he again steps inside the roped square in April 2024 to shatter his pugilistic record to smithereens as an active sexagenarian fighter.

 

Should the Nigerian cruiserweight’s boxing mission succeed, ‘Mr. President’ would have achieved two of his outstanding dreams in one night of fighting exertion: winning the Guinness World Record as the oldest fighter ever and becoming the most senior boxer to win a world boxing title.

 

Regional and Minor Titles Won by Bash Alli

  • December 03, 1980, USBA Cruiserweight Title
  • September 12, 1984, USA California State Cruiserweight Title
  • June 19, 1985, NABF Cruiserweight Title
  • April 10, 1987, WBC International Cruiserweight Title
  • September 23, 1988, Nigerian Heavyweight Title
  • February 23, 1990, WBC International Cruiserweight Title
  • July 31, 1993, African Boxing Union Heavyweight Title
  • September 11, 2000, WBF Cruiserweight Title
  • August 15, 2004, WBF Cruiserweight Title

 

Alli will turn 68 in February, making him the oldest active fighter to engage in a competitive World Championship match should he fight in April for the World Boxing Federation (WBF) cruiserweight diadem as planned.

 

“Not only do I plan to fight in April 2024 for the world title and become the oldest boxer to fight in a world title match, I am going to win the fight and become the most aging fighter to hold a world boxing record,” Alli stated.

 

“It is my dream to retire as a boxer at 70. I also intend to retire from my career eventually a world champion.”

 

American Bernard Hopkins set the record for the oldest boxer to win a world championship on three different occasions – initially aged 46; then Hopkins upended his record in 2013 when he was 48; and Hopkins still holds the record after beating Beibut Shumenov in 2014, aged 49.

 

George Foreman is the oldest to ever win the world heavyweight boxing championship of significant honors and the second-oldest in any weight class after Bernard Hopkins (at light heavyweight).

 

It should be noted that since 2006, Ali has been making overtures to the Nigerian Federal Government to help stage his World Championship fight.
The Nigerian fighter had in the past argued that the event would lift him and Nigeria into the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest boxer to fight in a world title fight and the country of his birth.

Hughton pursues Black Stars AFCON glory

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Ghana names 27 players for TotalEnergies AFCON

 

 

  • Ghana are chasing their fifth TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations title
  • Coach Chris Hughton names 27 players 
  • Black Stars are placed in Group B with Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique

 

Ghana coach Chris Hughton has named 27 players who could represent the Black Stars at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

 

The Black Stars are placed in Group B alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.

 

The 27 Ghana players were called up for the Africa Cup of Nations.

 

The entire 27-man squad below

Goalkeepers:

Lawrence Ati Zigi

Richard Ofori

Jojo Wollacott

 

Defenders:

Alidu Seidu

Dennis Odoi

Kingsley Schindler

Gideon Mensah

Issahaku Fatawu

Daniel Amartey

Nicholas Opoku

Alexander Djiku

Mohammed Salisu

 

Midfielders:

Samed Salis

Baba Iddrisu

Majeed Ashimeru

Elisha Owusu

Richmond Lamptey

Mohammed Kudus

Andre Ayew

Ransford Konigsdorffer

Osman Bukari

Joseph Paintsil

Jordan Ayew

Ernest Nuamah

Strikers:

Inaki Williams

Antoine Semenyo

Jonathan Sowah

 

All squads are provisional until the final list of 27 players is announced by CAF after submission on January 3.

 

 

Madojiemu, others uncover athletics talents

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Madojiemu, others uncover athletics talents

Sixteen Ophaned Talents discovered at CFASF AthIetics meet in Kaduna

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi
No fewer than 16 talents, 8 boys and 8 girls were identified at the 6th Coach Felix Academic and Sports Foundation (CFASF) Annual Stakeholders Congress at Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.
In this year’s event, organizers decided to incorporate some talented boys and girls from the orphanages, with financial support from Former AthIetes Princess Mabel Madojiemu, Coach Kayode Yahaya, AFN Technical Director Samuel Onikeku, NVBF President Engr. Musa Nimrod, Mr. Musa Audu, Micromanna
Ltd, and Mohammad Aliyu.
Twelve orphanage homes contributed 116 participants in 100m and 150m races.
According to Coach Felix Osiebe, after allowing participants to express themselves and show their potential, Eight boys and Eight girls were found with the required talent, all below 16 years of age.
“They will all be taken through training and development programs next season. We will partner with the homes to create training programs for them and promote them to championships within their age range of U-16 and U-13,” Osiebe said.
The annual event, which was started in 2016 by the Founder Osiebe, aimed to discover new track and field talents from the nooks and crannies of the country, especially in schools, youth clubs, streets, and villages. The events usually involved seminars, athletics competitions, and talent hunts.
However, the organizers took it much higher in 2023 when they decided to bring in 116 competitors from 12 orphanages across Kaduna state for participation.
“Our foundation started in 2016 to discover, develop, and deliver potential athletes. We have been presenting athletes to represent Kaduna State in the Youth Games since 2016,” Osiebe added.
“We also went into the villages within the state to scout for talents, especially those not attending schools.
“I lost my childhood, and that is why I want to fill the gap and allow the youth to enjoy the best of their childhood and realize their potential.
“Kaduna state government has finally awakened to the value of athletics, and events like these help arouse that interest in athletics. People should support the program financially and morally.”
The CFASF program has produced some international athletes in both junior and senior categories.

Broncos should still draft QB

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Broncos should still draft QB

Despite a decent outing from Jarrett Stidham

Broncos should still draft QB

Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Denver backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham had a decent outing in Sunday’s victory against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, the Broncos should still look elsewhere for a Russell Wilson replacement, Clark Dalton reports for Yardbarker.

 

In the 16-9 win, Stidham — the 133rd overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft — completed 20 out of 32 passes for 224 yards, one touchdown, and an above-average 93.8 passer rating. In his post-game news conference, head coach Sean Payton said he “did great.” Others expected more.

 

 

Finding an answer at the most important position in free agency isn’t a viable plan. Spotrac estimates the Broncos will be $18.92M over the cap this off-season. Releasing Wilson with a Post-Jun. 1 designation will result in a $35.4M cap hit.

 

Taking a QB in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft makes more sense. It’s a deep class that includes Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Oregon’s Bo Nix, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and LSU’s Jayden Daniels. Per Tankathon, Denver (8-8) will have the 14th overall pick in the draft, which is within range to select one of these prospects.

 

The Broncos should hold onto Stidham as a stop-gap QB but also select a highly touted prospect who can eventually become the face of the franchise and snap an eight-year playoff drought.

 

Obiang unleashes Nzalang Nacional for AFCON

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Obiang unleashes Nzalang Nacional for AFCON

Equatorial Guinea names 27 players for TotalEnergies AFCON

 

 

  • Equatorial Guinea are set to compete in their fourth TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 
  • Coach Juan Micha Obiang has named 27 players 
  • Nzalang Nacional are placed in Group A with Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, and Nigeria

 

Juan Micha Obiang, the coach of Equatorial Guinea, has selected 27 players who could represent the Nzalang Nacional in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

 

The Equatorial Guinea team finds itself in Group A alongside Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, and Nigeria.

 

The 27 Equatorial Guinea players called up for the Africa Cup of Nations

 

Goalkeepers:

Jesus Lazaro Owono
Manuel Sapunga
Aitor Mbela Gil

Defenders:

Basilio Ndong Owono
Carlos Akapo Martinez
Hugo Buyla Sam
Charles Nduelvisi Ondo
Saúl Basilio Coco
Mavin Jose Anieboh
Nestor Senra
José Elo Ayeto
Esteban Orozco

Midfielders:

Yannick Buyla
Luis Miguel Nlavo
Alex Balboa Banderas
Federico Bikoro
Iban Salvador Edu
José Machin Dicombo
Santiago Eneme Bocari
José Miranda Boacho
Pablo Ganet Comitre
Federico Nguema

Attackers:

Noe Nsue Ela
Emilio Nsue Lopez
Salomon Asumu Obama
Oscar Siafa
José Nabil Ondo

 

All squads are provisional until the final list of 27 players is announced by CAF after submission on January 3.

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