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All eyes on hosts Cote d’Ivoire

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All eyes on hosts Cote d’Ivoire

As TotalEnergies CAF AFCON heavyweights set sights on glory

World-class commentary for AFCON 2023

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World-class commentary for AFCON 2023

CAF lines up star-studded ensemble of commentators for TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023

 

Countdown to AFCON 2023, presented by Ed Emeanua

 

CAF has assembled a star-studded line-up of leading African and global voices for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 competition that will kick-off on Saturday, 13 January 2024.

 

For the first time in the history of the flagship of the tournament, CAF will have on-site commentary – ensuring that viewers experience is enhanced.

 

As part of the new product offering, CAF has recruited some of the top former footballers including Daniel Amokachi, Alassane N’Dour, Amanda Dlamini, Samba Sow, amongst others to the commentary team to add color during the matches.

 

Spearheading the English commentary team is Africa’s leading voice Mark Gleeson from South Africa, who is also considered a doyen of the African game.

 

The rest are Duane Dell’Oca, a familiar voice at previous TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations and various global sporting events in across the world; Piers Edwards, a veteran BBC commentator with a strong knowledge of African football; Robbie Nock, a regular voice at various African football and global competitions, veteran Zimbabwean broadcaster Steve Vickers and rising star from Uganda, Jermaine Egesa.

 

For French, veteran Ivorian commentator Ricardo Xama Alain José will lead the pack. Ably supported by Cameroonian, Charly Merinos, Abdelhakim Kachroud from Algeria, Tunisia’s favourite Amine Ben Hassan, Frenchman Frank Simon who has followed African football for more than 30 years and popular Senegal commentator Aboubacry Ba.

 

Amokachi, winner of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 1994; former Namibia captain and coach Ricardo Mannetti; N’Dour, a member of Senegal squad that reached the final of TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in 2002, former Malian midfielder Samba Sow, who won bronze with Les Aigles at both the 2012 and 2013 editions of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, former South African captain Amanda Dlamini, Ivorian Roger Boli and Zambian Clifford Mulenga are some of the legends who will be part of the team.

 

Meanwhile, CAF has partnered MediaLuso, a global leader in the production to offer world-class television production for the tournament.

 

The tournament is scheduled for 13 January to 11 February 2024 in the Ivorian cities of Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro and Yamoussoukro.

 

AFCON Group A – Facts & Figures

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AFCON Group A – Facts & Figures

Cote d’Ivoire v Guinea Bissau

 

 

The 34th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF African Cup of Nations kicks off on Saturday, with hosts Cote d’Ivoire taking on Guinea Bissau.

 

CafOnline.com looks at some interesting facts and figures of the two sides ahead of the tricky match.

 

  • This will be the first encounter between Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
  • Côte d’Ivoire is participating in its 25th CAF Africa Cup of Nations; only Egypt has appeared more in the continent’s premier competition (26). They will attempt to win the trophy for the third time, after 1992 and 2015.
  • Côte d’Ivoire is hosting the CAF Africa Cup of Nations for the second time, 40 years after being held in the country in 1984. Cameroon won the title, while Côte d’Ivoire was knocked out in the group stages.
  • The hosts/co-hosts of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations have systematically reached the knockout stages of the tournament in all but one of the last 14 editions – the exception was Gabon in 2017. However, no host has won the AFCON since Egypt in 2006.
  • Côte d’Ivoire are unbeaten in their last 12 opening matches at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (W7 D5) – the last time they lost their first match in an edition of the tournament was in 1996 (0-2 v Ghana). Their opening match will be their 100th in the AFCON, becoming the third team to reach that tally after Egypt and Ghana.
  • This is Guinea-Bissau’s fourth Africa Cup of Nations appearance after making their debut in the competition only six years ago in 2017. They have finished at the bottom of their group in their three previous participations, with three draws and six defeats.
  • Only Benin (14) and Mozambique (12) have played more matches than Guinea-Bissau (9) at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations without ever winning one.
  • Guinea-Bissau have failed to score in their last seven matches at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, a record for any team in the competition’s history. It’s been over 11 hours since they last found the net (707 minutes), a goal by Piqueti against Cameroon on 18 January 2017.
  • If Max Gradel plays, this will be his seventh CAF Africa Cup of Nations, equaling Boubacar Barry, Siaka Tiéné, and Kolo Touré as the Ivorians with the most AFCON appearances. He was part of the winning squad in 2015.
  • The duo of Zinho Gano and Jorginho scored 55% of Guinea-Bissau’s goals in the qualifiers for the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (3 goals each, out of a total of 11 team goals).

 

It’s a joke – Vincent Kompany

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It’s a joke – Vincent Kompany

‘Shocked’ by the decision to allow Luton equalizer

 

 

Ian Parker, PA, reports that Vincent Kompany fumed over the decision to allow Luton’s controversial stoppage-time equalizer as Burnley was denied a crucial three points in a 1-1 draw against their relegation rivals at Turf Moor.

 

Carlton Morris headed the ball into an empty net after Elijah Adebayo blocked Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford as he tried to claim Alfie Doughty’s cross. Still, referee Tony Harrington was unmoved, and VAR Peter Bankes upheld the goal following a lengthy check.

 

After Zeki Amdouni’s 36th-minute goal, Burnley had been moments away from celebrating a win that would have put them a point behind Luton and within touching distance of safety. Still, instead, the Hatters moved level on points with 17th-placed Everton.

 

 

“It’s a joke, a joke,” the Burnley boss said. “I will start by saying 100 percent respect and credit to Luton; they’re a terrific outfit, what they do as a club, the players, managers, they deserve whatever is coming to them, a perfect club.

 

“In that phase, I’ve just got to defend my team, my club. I don’t understand how we can go through this phase, and those events and not conclude it’s a foul.

 

“The striker, good luck to him; his first look is at the goalkeeper; he has a look and takes a couple of steps back and backs into him, clears a way for his colleague, then has a look at the referee to see if he gets away with it. The ball goes in, none of the Luton players celebrate, nobody.”

 

JJ Watt, Burnley co-owner, described the decision to allow the goal to stand as “truly disgraceful.”

 

The former NFL star wrote on X: “I’m new to this ownership thing, so if I get fined by the Premier League, so be it…

 

“This is as blatant and obvious of a foul as you could have.

 

“To miss this on the field AND miss this on VAR is truly disgraceful.”

 

Kompany also pointed to a series of controversial decisions against his side this season.

 

“For those who were there for Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Forest, how often will it keep happening? A couple of lines in the newspaper and on we go. Consequences? Zero,” he said.

 

“Maybe we get a bit on one of the specialist things where they explain the referee decision, but we won’t spend too much time on it because we need to talk about Manchester United and Liverpool. And we move on…

 

“It’s against my nature because I would like to congratulate Luton and tell my players what we must do to improve. I’m shocked.

 

“I’m disappointed but if you know me tomorrow the only people I will blame is ourselves, what can we do better? But hopefully, it will balance out, and then we’ll get a lot of angry managers from the opposition when it does.”

 

Burnley v Luton Town – Premier League – Turf Moor

Rob Edwards (right) saw his side claim a point late on (Martin Rickett/PA)

 

Luton boss Rob Edwards admitted he would have been disappointed to have been on Burnley’s end of the decision but did his best to argue there had been no foul.

 

“I’m pleased to get a point,” he said. “In the end, that’s nothing less than we deserve. We were excellent. We dominated large spells of the game. In the first half we dominated and looked a threat. In the second half, we blocked things up a bit more, making it difficult to get behind…

 

“We showed a lot of control without hurting them but we kept going, the team doesn’t give in and we found a way, whatever way it was.

 

“It’s difficult. VAR is there to show if a decision is blatantly wrong, and I don’t think it is blatantly wrong. But I can understand their frustration. There is contact there with James Trafford, but if it hadn’t been given, I would have been frustrated because it was minimal.”

 

The AFCON tinge of Brothers’ Affair

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The AFCON tinge of Brothers’ Affair

Siblings that have together played in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON

 

 

Countdown to AFCON 2023, presented by Ed Emeanua

 

  • Mauritania to have four brothers in TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023
  • Hassan brothers are the only siblings to have lifted the title together twice
  • The Toure and Ayew brothers have played the most TotalEnergies AFCON titles together (6)

 

The 34th edition of Africa’s biggest event, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, kicks off in less than 48 hours, with 24 solid African nations set to battle it out for Africa’s most coveted title.

 

With all 24 teams raring to go, CAFOnline looks at interesting statistical information about brothers playing in the same national team at the various editions of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON.

 

In the history of the competition, six siblings have managed to win the trophy: the Ethiopians Italo and Luciano Vassalo in 1962, the Congolese Albert Bwanga and Robert Kazadi in 1974, the Cameroonians André and François Biyik in 1988, the Zambians Christopher and Felix Katongo in 2012, the Ivorians Yaya and Kolo Touré in 2015.

 

Egypt’s Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan won two TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 1986 and 1998.

 

Kolo and Yaya Touré (Cote d’Ivoire – AFCON 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013 & 2015)

 

Football-wise, Kolo and Yaya have experienced almost everything. For years, they were teammates and opponents in the English Premier League. When asked about their most considerable emotion as players, they pointed out their victory in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2015.

 

Before reaching the holy grail in Equatorial Guinea, the Touré brothers had played in 5 TotalEnergies AFCON competitions.

 

André and Jordan Ayew (Ghana – AFCON 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 & 2023)

 

 2023 will be the sixth TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations that Abedi Pelé’s sons will play together. In 2015, André and Jordan Ayew were on the verge of winning their first continental title but couldn’t wrestle the might of Côte d’Ivoire during an endless penalty shootout.

 

André Kana Biyik and François Omam Biyik (Cameroon – AFCON 1988, 1990 and 1992)

 

The two wield distinct skill sets. The youngest François is an elegant striker; he scored a goal in the 1990 World Cup against Diego Maradona’s Argentina and lives on.

 

The two brothers played together in three TotalEnergies CAF AFCON competitions.

 

Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan (Egypt 1986 & 1998)

 

Until now, no siblings have managed to do better than them. The Hassan brothers achieved the feat of winning two TotalEnergies CAF AFCON titles.

 

Alain and Traoré (Burkina Faso –  2015 and 2017)

 

Finalists in 2013, and after an unsuccessful attempt in 2015, the two brothers had to settle for a bronze medal in 2017.

 

Sambou and Mustapha Yatabaré (Mali – 2015 and 2017)

 

Now retired, the two Malian brothers defended the colors of Mali in 2015 and 2017. The two participations ended in elimination in the first round of the competition.

 

Christopher and Felix Katongo (Zambia – 2012 and 2013)

 

Zambia won its first TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in 2012. Christopher Katongo participated in this fantastic odyssey alongside his younger brother, Félix.

 

But this wasn’t a Zambian first. In 1994 and 1996, Kenneth and Mordon Malitoli became the first Zambian siblings to compete in the competition.

 

Italo and Luciano Vassalo (Ethiopia – 1962)

 

Luciano and Italo Vassalo are the first brothers to have played in the same team during the 1962 edition in Addis Ababa. Luciano would later be crowned best player of the competition, a first for an Ethiopian player.

 

Nouh Mohamed El Abd, Sidi Ahmed Mohamed El Abd, Lamine Ba and El Hadji Ba (Mauritania – 2023)

 

For the 2023 edition, four brothers are making an appearance for Mauritania. Nouh Mohamed El Abd and his little brother Sidi Ahmed Mohamed El Abd. Both players play at FC Nouadhibou, Nouh in defense, and Sidi in the middle.

 

His brother, El Hadji, will also accompany Lamine Ba. Born in France, Ba brothers will play their first Africa Cup of Nations with Mauritania.

 

Albert Bwanga and Robert Kazadi (DR Congo – 1974)

 

Albert Bwanga and Robert Kazadi represented the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are one of six siblings to have won the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON.

 

Ghana also had two pairs of brothers during the 2008 edition; Asamoah Gyan was accompanied by his big brother Baffour. Richard and Laryea also represented the Kingston family.

 

In 2004, Zimbabwean Peter Ndlovu played in the competition with his brother Adam.

 

During this same edition, Benin had Tchomogo Oumar and Seidath. 2000 Salou, Bachirou, and Tadjou brought joy to Togo, just like Mohamed and Musa Kallon with Sierra Leone in 1996. The 1994 AFCON saw Samir and Adel Sellimi defend the colors of Tunisia.

 

The race to Paris 2024 is on

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The race to Paris 2024 is on

Road to the Paris Olympics Games

 

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

This year’s Olympic Games’ qualifying series for athletics events commenced officially on July 1, 2023, and goes through June 2024. To state it more clearly, the race to Paris 2024 is on!

 

And it is just as well. So far, 86 top stars across the globe have been given the green light to participate in Athletics events at the Games. More entrants are expected to make the grade before the start of the Olympics events this year.

 

As World Athletics reports, below are the qualified athletes and the qualification parameters.

 

Entry number: 56Qualification period for entry standard: 01 JUL 2023- 30 JUN 2024
Entry standard: 11.07
World rankings period: 01 JUL 2023 – 30 JUN 2024
Maximum quota per MF**: 3

Number of athletes

  • By entry standard: 18
  • By finishing position at designated competitions: 0
  • By world rankings position: to complete the required entry number: 38
  • By top list: 0
  • By universality places: 0
QP: quota place in event (counts max 3 per country) CP: country place in event -in bold first three** per country.
*NB: the final list of athletes/teams eligible for entry through the world rankings will be that of February 21, 2024
** In case of a wild card, the maximum quota is 3
QP CP Nat Athlete Status Details
1 1 JAM Shericka JACKSON Qualified by Entry Standard 10.65 – (+1.0) – National Stadium, Kingston (JAM) – 07 JUL 2023
2 1 USA Sha’Carri RICHARDSON Qualified by Entry Standard 10.65 – (-0.2) – Nemzeti Atlétikai Központ, Budapest (HUN) – 21 AUG 2023
3 1 CIV Marie-Josée TA LOU Qualified by Entry Standard 10.75 – (+1.2) – Olympic Stadium, London (GBR) – 23 JUL 2023
4 2 JAM Shelly-Ann FRASER-PRYCE Qualified by Entry Standard 10.77 – (-0.2) – Nemzeti Atlétikai Központ, Budapest (HUN) – 21 AUG 2023
5 3 JAM Elaine THOMPSON-HERAH Qualified by Entry Standard 10.79 – (+0.8) – Hayward Field, Eugene, OR (USA) – 16 SEP 2023
6 2 USA Twanisha TERRY Qualified by Entry Standard 10.83 – (+0.8) – Hayward Field, Eugene, OR (USA) – 16 SEP 2023
7 1 GBR Dina ASHER-SMITH Qualified by Entry Standard 10.85 – (+1.2) – Olympic Stadium, London (GBR) – 23 JUL 2023
4 JAM Natasha MORRISON Qualified by Entry Standard 10.85 – (+0.8) – Hayward Field, Eugene, OR (USA) – 16 SEP 2023
8 1 LCA Julien ALFRED Qualified by Entry Standard 10.89 – (+0.7) – Bregyó Athletic Center, Székesfehérvár (HUN) – 18 JUL 2023
9 3 USA Brittany BROWN Qualified by Entry Standard 10.90 – (+0.7) – Hayward Field, Eugene, OR (USA) – 07 JUL 2023
10 1 POL Ewa SWOBODA Qualified by Entry Standard 10.94 – (+0.2) – Stadion Śląski, Chorzów (POL) – 16 JUL 2023
11 1 NZL Zoe HOBBS Qualified by Entry Standard 10.96 – (+2.0) – Stade de La Charrière, La Chaux-de-Fonds (SUI) – 02 JUL 2023
5 JAM Shashalee FORBES Qualified by Entry Standard 10.96 – (+1.0) – National Stadium, Kingston (JAM) – 07 JUL 2023
4 USA Tamari DAVIS Qualified by Entry Standard 10.96 – (+0.4) – Hayward Field, Eugene, OR (USA) – 07 JUL 2023
12 2 GBR Daryll NEITA Qualified by Entry Standard 10.96 – (+1.2) – Olympic Stadium, London (GBR) – 23 JUL 2023
5 USA Tamara CLARK Qualified by Entry Standard 10.98 – (+0.4) – Hayward Field, Eugene, OR (USA) – 07 JUL 2023
6 USA Aleia HOBBS Qualified by Entry Standard 10.99 – (+1.2) – Olympic Stadium, London (GBR) – 23 JUL 2023
13 3 GBR Imani LANSIQUOT Qualified by Entry Standard 10.99 – (0.0) – Stadio Comunale, Bellinzona (SUI) – 04 SEP 2023
6 JAM Briana WILLIAMS Qualified by Entry Standard 11.01 – (+1.0) – National Stadium, Kingston (JAM) – 07 JUL 2023
7 USA Melissa JEFFERSON Qualified by Entry Standard 11.03 – (+0.7) – Hayward Field, Eugene, OR (USA) – 07 JUL 2023
14 1 GER Gina LÜCKENKEMPER Qualified by Entry Standard 11.03 – (+0.3) – Auestadion, Kassel (GER) – 08 JUL 2023
15 1 SUI Mujinga KAMBUNDJI Qualified by Entry Standard 11.04 – (-0.4) – Nemzeti Atlétikai Központ, Budapest (HUN) – 21 AUG 2023
16 1 GAM Gina BASS Qualified by Entry Standard 11.05 – (+2.0) – Stade de La Charrière, La Chaux-de-Fonds (SUI) – 02 JUL 2023
17 1 LUX Patrizia VAN DER WEKEN Qualified by Entry Standard 11.05 – (+2.0) – Stade de La Charrière, La Chaux-de-Fonds (SUI) – 02 JUL 2023
8 USA Mia BRAHE-PEDERSEN Qualified by Entry Standard 11.05 – (+0.1) – Hayward Field, Eugene, OR (USA) – 06 JUL 2023
18 1 BAH Anthonique STRACHAN Qualified by Entry Standard 11.05 – (+0.2) – Stadion Śląski, Chorzów (POL) – 16 JUL 2023
7 JAM Ashanti MOORE Qualified by Entry Standard 11.06 – (+1.0) – National Stadium, Kingston (JAM) – 07 JUL 2023
19 1 TTO
Michelle-Lee AHYE
 In World Rankings quota* 20th – 1231p
20 1 HUN
Boglárka TAKÁCS
 In World Rankings quota* 22nd – 1223p
21 1 NED
N’Ketia SEEDO
 In World Rankings quota* 24th – 1219p
22 1 RSA
Carina HORN
 In World Rankings quota* 25th – 1214p
23 1 SGP
Veronica Shanti PEREIRA
 In World Rankings quota* 26th – 1213p
24 1 CUB
Yunisleydis DE LA CARIDAD GARCÍA
 In World Rankings quota* 27th – 1205p
25 1 POR
Lorène Dorcas BAZOLO
 In World Rankings quota* 28th – 1205p
26 1 CHN
Manqi GE
 In World Rankings quota* 29th – 1204p
27 1 BRA
Vitoria Cristina ROSA
 In World Rankings quota* 30th – 1202p
28 1 NIG
Aminatou SEYNI
 In World Rankings quota* 31st – 1202p
29 2 SUI
Géraldine FREY
 In World Rankings quota* 32nd – 1202p
30 1 ITA
Zaynab DOSSO
 In World Rankings quota* 34th – 1202p
31 1 CAN
Khamica BINGHAM
 In World Rankings quota* 38th – 1191p
32 3 SUI
Salomé KORA
 In World Rankings quota* 39th – 1191p
8 JAM
Jonielle SMITH
 In World Rankings quota* 40th – 1187p
9 USA
Kennedy BLACKMON
 In World Rankings quota* 41st – 1185p
10 USA
Maia MCCOY
 In World Rankings quota* 43rd – 1183p
33 1 BEL
Delphine NKANSA
 In World Rankings quota* 44th – 1180p
4 SUI
Melissa GUTSCHMIDT
 In World Rankings quota* 45th – 1180p
34 1 IRI
Hamideh Esmaiel NEJAD
 In World Rankings quota* 46th – 1178p
35 2 CIV
Maboundou KONÉ
 In World Rankings quota* 47th – 1172p
36 2 BRA
Ana Carolina AZEVEDO
 In World Rankings quota* 48th – 1170p
37 1 AUT
Magdalena LINDNER
 In World Rankings quota* 49th – 1169p
38 1 ECU
Ángela Gabriela TENORIO
 In World Rankings quota* 50th – 1168p
39 2 IRI
Fasihi FARZANEH
 In World Rankings quota* 51st – 1162p
40 2 GER
Rebekka HAASE
 In World Rankings quota* 52nd – 1159p
9 JAM
Jura LEVY
 In World Rankings quota* 53rd – 1159p
41 1 COL
Natalia LINARES
 In World Rankings quota* 54th – 1158p
42 2 POR
Arialis GANDULLA
 In World Rankings quota* 55th – 1156p
43 2 POL
Magdalena STEFANOWICZ
 In World Rankings quota* 56th – 1156p
10 JAM
Serena COLE
 In World Rankings quota* 57th – 1156p
44 1 BRN
Hajar AL KHALDI
 In World Rankings quota* 58th – 1153p
45 1 SVK
Viktória FORSTER
 In World Rankings quota* 59th – 1153p
46 1 AUS
Bree MASTERS
 In World Rankings quota* 60th – 1151p
47 3 POL
Krystsina TSIMANOUSKAYA
 In World Rankings quota* 61st – 1149p
48 1 CGO
Natacha NGOYE AKAMABI
 In World Rankings quota* 62nd – 1148p
5 SUI
Nathacha KOUNI
 In World Rankings quota* 63rd – 1148p
49 2 CAN
Sade MCCREATH
 In World Rankings quota* 64th – 1146p
50 2 ITA
Anna BONGIORNI
 In World Rankings quota* 65th – 1145p
51 3 CAN
Jacqueline MADOGO
 In World Rankings quota* 66th – 1144p
11 JAM
Krystal SLOLEY
 In World Rankings quota* 67th – 1143p
12 JAM
Alana REID
 In World Rankings quota* 68th – 1141p
52 2 CHN
Yongli WEI
 In World Rankings quota* 69th – 1141p
4 GBR
Bianca WILLIAMS
 In World Rankings quota* 70th – 1140p
53 2 TTO
Leah BERTRAND
 In World Rankings quota* 71st – 1139p
54 1 SRB
Milana TIRNANIĆ
 In World Rankings quota* 72nd – 1137p
55 3 POR
Rosalina SANTOS
 In World Rankings quota* 73rd – 1137p
5 GBR
Asha PHILIP
 In World Rankings quota* 74th – 1137p
56 2 SRB
Ivana ILIĆ
 In World Rankings quota* 75th – 1135p
57 3 GER
Chelsea KADIRI
 Next best by World Rankings 76th – 1134p
58 1 NGR
Faith OKWOSE
 Next best by World Rankings 77th – 1133p
59 1 DOM
Liranyi ALONSO
 Next best by World Rankings 78th – 1133p
60 2 NED
Marije VAN HUNENSTIJN
 Next best by World Rankings 79th – 1132p
13 JAM
Tia CLAYTON
 Next best by World Rankings 80th – 1131p
4 CAN
Audrey LEDUC
 Next best by World Rankings 81st – 1131p
61 1 MEX
Cecilia TAMAYO-GARZA
 Next best by World Rankings 82nd – 1130p
62 1 FIN
Lotta KEMPPINEN
 Next best by World Rankings 83rd – 1129p
6 GBR
Amy HUNT
 Next best by World Rankings 84th – 1128p
63 1 ARG
Maria Florencia LAMBOGLIA
 Next best by World Rankings 85th – 1128p
14 JAM
Tina CLAYTON
 Next best by World Rankings 86th – 1127p
7 GBR
Finette AGYAPONG
 Next best by World Rankings 87th – 1127p
64 1 NOR
Line KLOSTER
 Next best by World Rankings 88th – 1122p
4 GER
Sina MAYER
 Next best by World Rankings 89th – 1122p
65 1 FRA
Gémima JOSEPH
 Next best by World Rankings 90th – 1122p
66 2 ECU
Aimara NAZARENO
 Next best by World Rankings 91st – 1121p
67 1 ESP
Carmen MARCO
 Next best by World Rankings 92nd – 1121p
68 3 NED
Jamile SAMUEL
 Next best by World Rankings 93rd – 1121p
69 2 FRA
Mallory LECONTE
 Next best by World Rankings 94th – 1120p
70 1 GUY
Jasmine ABRAMS
 Next best by World Rankings 95th – 1120p
71 2 NOR
Helene RØNNINGEN
 Next best by World Rankings 96th – 1120p
72 1 EST
Ann Marii KIVIKAS
 Next best by World Rankings 97th – 1120p
73 1 PHI
Kristina Marie KNOTT
 Next best by World Rankings 98th – 1120p
74 3 ITA
Alessia PAVESE
 Next best by World Rankings 99th – 1120p
75 1 CHI
Anais Valentina HERNÁNDEZ ALEGRÍA
 Next best by World Rankings 100th – 1119p
76 2 HUN
Jusztina CSÓTI
 Next best by World Rankings 102nd – 1118p
77 1 CZE
Nikola BENDOVÁ
 Next best by World Rankings 103rd – 1117p
78 3 FRA
Marie-ange RIMLINGER
 Next best by World Rankings 105th – 1117p
4 POL
Martyna KOTWIŁA
 Next best by World Rankings 106th – 1117p
79 1 VIE
Thi Nhi Yen TRAN
 Next best by World Rankings 107th – 1117p
5 POL
Monika ROMASZKO
 Next best by World Rankings 108th – 1115p
80 2 NGR
Justina Tiana EYAKPOBEYAN
 Next best by World Rankings 109th – 1114p
81 2 BEL
Elise MEHUYS
 Next best by World Rankings 110th – 1114p
8 GBR
Kristal AWUAH
 Next best by World Rankings 111th – 1114p
82 1 MAD
Claudine NJARASOA
 Next best by World Rankings 112th – 1114p
83 2 ESP
Elena DANIEL
 Next best by World Rankings 113th – 1113p
84 2 COL
Angelica Maria GAMBOA
 Next best by World Rankings 114th – 1113p
85 3 BEL
Rani VINCKE
 Next best by World Rankings 115th – 1112p
5 GER
Lisa NIPPGEN
 Next best by World Rankings 116th – 1111p
86 2 ARG
Victoria WOODWARD
 Next best by World Rankings 117th – 1110p

 

Olowookere invites 35 Flamingos for CAR

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Olowookere invites 35 Flamingos for CAR

Ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifier

 

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has called 35 players to the Nigeria U-17 girls’ camp, the Flamingos, ahead of their 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against their counterparts from the Central African Republic.

 

The list comprises five goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders, and 14 forwards.

 

Olowookere, who, along with his assistants from the FIFA World Cup bronze medal-winning feat from India 2022, was restored to his position by the NFF Executive Committee earlier in the week, will lead his new birds to the first leg of the qualifiers scheduled for the weekend of 2nd – 4th February in Bangui, with the return leg to take place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, 10th February.

 

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup was launched in New Zealand in 2008. Nigeria has featured in every edition of the competition except one – the 2018 finals held in Uruguay. This year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be staged in the Dominican Republic from 16th October to 3rd November.

 

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

 

Goalkeepers: Ayomiposi Anifowose (Dream Stars Ladies); Elizabeth Boniface (Kwara Ladies); Chiamaka Enebeli (Remo Stars Ladies); Favour Edward (Naija Ratels); Jacqueline Opara (Imo Strikers).

 

Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Ayoade Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Kausara Akanji (Dream Stars Ladies); Omolola Ibidun (Naija Ratels); Rokibat Azeez (Royal Queens); Patricia Habilah (Fosla Academy); Pelumi Olaleke (Royalton Queens); Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies).

 

Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Mary Aderemi (Bayelsa Queens); Aishat Sanni (Dream Stars Ladies); Olanike Olanipekun (Jagunmolu Queens); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Busayo Akinfolaju (Kaduna State).

 

Forwards: Edidiong Etim (Bayelsa Queens); Yetunde Ayantosho (Osun Babes); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Suliat Ajibade (Sunshine Queens); Precious Oscar (Imo Strikers); Tessy Ojiyovwi (Nasarawa Amazons); Dorothy Eshiet (Remo Stars Ladies); Chisom Chima (Ekiti Queens); Wuraola Olayinka (Ogun State); Tobiloba Sarafa (Ekiti Queens); Ijeoma Joseph (First Mahi Babes); Adanna Nwachukwu (Naija Ratels); Amarachi Ohiaeri (Green Foot); Ramota Kareem (Honey Badgers).

 

Why Athletics hold the ace this year

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Why Athletics hold the ace this year

Ten reasons to be excited for 2024

Noah Lyles with fans at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 (© Getty Images)

As World Athletics reports, there are many things to look forward to in athletics this year.

 

There’ll be six global championships in 2024, with ever-expanding one-day meeting circuits spread throughout the year. Rivalries will be renewed, and record-breakers will continue to push boundaries in their respective disciplines.

 

Here are ten reasons to be excited by what’s coming over the next 12 months.

 

1. Paris 2024 Olympic Games

 

Athletics is the No.1 sport in what will be the biggest event on the planet this year. One hundred years after Paris last hosted the Games, the Olympics will return to the French capital, where 2000 athletes from about 200 countries will compete for medals in 48 disciplines from 1-11 August. Expect duels, drama, and record-breaking performances as athletes compete for the highest honor in the sporting world.

 

Stade de France, venue of the athletics at the Paris 2024 Olympic GamesStade de France, venue of the athletics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (© Paris 2024)

 

2. World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24

 

The year’s first global track and field championships will start in two months as Glasgow hosts the World Indoor Championships on March 1-3. In Belgrade two years ago, pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis and triple jumper Yulimar Rojas set world records to claim gold; they’ll be looking to add to their medal – and record – tally in Glasgow, as will a host of other top track and field stars.

 

Glasgow's Emirates ArenaGlasgow’s Emirates Arena (© Getty Images)

 

3. World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24

 

For the first time since 2017, the World Relays will be held in the Bahamian capital as the global event returns to the venue of the first three editions. From 4-5 May, athletes will be vying to secure their place in the 4x100m, 4x400m, and mixed 4x400m for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games—expectations of a nation rest on their shoulders – and their baton exchanges.

 

World Relays in The BahamasWorld Relays in The Bahamas (© Getty Images)

 

4. World Athletics Cross Country Championships Belgrade 24

 

Two years after the Serbian capital hosted the World Indoor Championships, Serbia will play host to the world’s best cross-country runners this year. Recent editions of the event, in both Aarhus and Bathurst, have put athletes to the test on grueling courses, so expect more of the same on 30 March.

 

Athletes in action at the World Cross Country ChampionshipsAthletes in action at the World Cross Country Championships (© Getty Images)

 

5. World Athletics U20 Championships Lima 24

 

After the latest successful edition of the World U20 Championships in Cali two years ago, the global event will return to South America as Lima becomes the first city in Peru to host a World Athletics Series event. The championships will occur from 27-31 August, showcasing the world’s most promising up-and-coming stars.

 

Athletes compete in the women's 4x400m final at the World Athletics U20 Championships in CaliAthletes compete in the women’s 4x400m final at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali (© Marta Gorczynska)

 

6. World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships Antalya 24

 

Is there room on the calendar for one more global event? Go on, then. For the first time in the history of these championships – including all previous iterations – Turkiye will play host to the World Race Walking Team Championships on 21 April. The first 22 teams here will automatically qualify for the marathon race walk mixed relay – the newest Olympic discipline – at the Paris Games.

 

Kenya's Emily Ngii at the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships Muscat 22Kenya’s Emily Ngii at the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships Muscat 22 (© Dan Vernon)

 

7. One-day meeting circuits

 

While championship action is excellent, the likes of the Wanda Diamond League and World Athletics Continental Tour are where athletes can be seen in action week in and week out throughout the peak of the outdoor track and field season. Before that, there’s also the World Indoor Tour, while other series such as the Cross Country Tour, Combined Events Tour, Race Walking Tour, and Label road races will provide competition opportunities throughout the year.

 

Gudaf Tsegay on her way to a world 5000m record in EugeneGudaf Tsegay on her way to a world 5000m record in Eugene (© Marta Gorczynska / Diamond League AG)

 

8. Record breakers

 

Athletes continued to push boundaries throughout the past 12 months on the track, field, and roads. Expect more of the same in 2024 as Faith Kipyegon, Mondo Duplantis, Kelvin Kiptum, Yulimar Rojas, and Ryan Crouser look to run, jump, and throw better than ever.

 

Mondo Duplantis celebrates his world pole vault record of 6.23m in EugeneMondo Duplantis celebrates his world pole vault record of 6.23m in Eugene (© Marta Gorczynska / Diamond League AG)

 

9. Big clashes

 

Rivalries between the sport’s biggest stars always provide a gripping narrative for any season. For 2024, expect some mouth-watering clashes to come from the likes of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol in the 400m hurdles, Kelvin Kiptum and Eliud Kipchoge in the marathon, Gudaf Tsegay and Sifan Hassan in the 10,000m or Daniel Stahl and Kristjan Ceh in the discus to name but a few.

 

Sydney McLaughlin wins the 400m hurdles at the Diamond League final in ZurichSydney McLaughlin wins the 400m hurdles at the Diamond League final in Zurich (© Jiro Mochizuki)

 

10. New stars

 

Every year, a new generation of talent emerges. Some will be athletes who started to make a bit of a breakthrough towards the end of last year, while others may be athletes who fans have barely heard of. Either way, keep your eyes peeled as the season unfolds to witness the future stars of the sport mixing it with the world’s best athletes.

 

Jaydon Hibbert in triple jump qualification at the World Athletics U20 Championships Cali 22Jaydon Hibbert in triple jump qualification at the World Athletics U20 Championships Cali 22 (© Marta Gorczynska)

Colombia 2024: Falconets intensify training

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Colombia 2024: Falconets intensify training

 Ahead of their clash with Burundi on Sunday

 

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

Nigeria’s U-20 girls have intensified their general preparations for Sunday’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round, first leg encounter against the U-20 girls of Burundi, with another training session in Dar es Salaam on Friday afternoon.

 

Sunday’s match at the Azam Stadium Complex in the Tanzanian capital will kick off at 4 pm Tanzania time (2 pm Nigeria time), with the winner over two legs qualifying as one of Africa’s four flag-bearers at this year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Colombia. The final tournament has been scheduled for 30th August to 22nd September.

 

The Falconets, ever-present at the finals since the competition was launched in Canada in 2002, reached the quarter-finalists at the last edition in Costa Rica and are much-fancied to brush aside the Burundian challenge and pick another World Cup ticket.

 

Nigeria’s delegation arrived on Wednesday in Dar es Salaam, which is hosting the match, as Burundi does not have an approved stadium for international games. Players immediately shook off the jet lag with a light training session. They also trained on Thursday.

 

The team is looking forward to Saturday’s official training at the match venue – the same venue where they drew 1-1 with Tanzania’s U20 girls in their last round of the qualifiers before sealing qualification to this stage with a 2-1 defeat of the Tanzanian girls in Abuja in the return leg.

 

Head Coach Chris Musa Danjuma and his crew traveled with 19 players, led by Captain Oluchi Ohaegbulem, and also including goalkeeper Faith Omilana, defenders Jumoke Alani and Shukurat Oladipo, midfielders Taiwo Afolabi and Chima Olise, and forwards Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Opeyemi Ajakaye, and Janet Akekoromowei.

 

FALCONETS IN BURUNDI

 

Goalkeepers: Anderline Mgbechi, Shukura Bakare, Faith Omilana

 

Defenders: Oluchi Ohaegbulem; Jumoke Alani; Rebecca Adegbemile; Shukurat Oladipo; Oluwabunmi Oladeji

 

Midfielders: Adoo Yina, Taiwo Afolabi, Olushola Shobowale, Aminat Folorunsho, Chioma Olise.

 

Forwards: Opeyemi Ajakaye; Chiamaka Okwuchukwu; Chisom Chima; Janet Akekoromowei; Chiamaka Osuigwe; Oluwayemisi Samuel.

 

Namibia gears up for fourth AFCON contest

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Namibia gears up for fourth AFCON contest

Hotto sings high praises for youngest TotalEnergies CAF AFCON coach, Collin Benjamin

 

 

Countdown to AFCON 2023, presented by Ed Emeanua

 

Following their safe arrival in Korhogo, Cote d’Ivoire, Namibia are gearing up to compete in their fourth TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

 

The Brave Warriors will be led by their former player, Collin Benjamin who goes into the tournament as the youngest of all 24 head coaches present in Cote d’Ivoire.

 

Benjamin, who was born 45 years ago in Windhoek enjoyed a highly successful playing career in Germany representing, the likes of Hamburger SV and 1860 Munich where he eventually took up the tactics board as a coach.

 

The former defender, who represented the Brave Warriors 41 times and also captained the side worked as the team’s assistant coach between 2018 – 2022 before assuming the head coach role.

 

Speaking exclusively to CAFOnline from their base camp in Korhogo, Orlando Pirates utility player, Deon Hotto sang the praises of Benjamin, saying that he is bringing fresh ideas and energy to the team.

 

“He is one of the youngest and brightest coaches in the tournament. He played his whole career in Germany at the highest level and so he is sharing that experience with us. He is a very open coach. His door is always open for us. He is just a marvelous coach with new and fresh ideas and someone who is really great to work with”, said Hotto.

 

The Brave Warriors are drawn in an interesting Group E consisting of neighbors, South Africa, 2004 champions Tunisia as well as Mali, who are expected to enjoy the most support with the nation being on the border of Korhogo.

 

Namibia go into the tournament carrying the underdogs title, with all three of the previous appearances concluding in the group stages – something Benjamin and his Brave Warriors will be hoping to change in the Cote d’Ivoire edition this year.

 

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