Peseiro targets elusive fourth TotalEnergies CAF AFCON crown for Nigeria

Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro has set his sights on landing a fourth TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations title for the Super Eagles when the tournament kicks off on January 13th.

The Portuguese manager believes Nigeria can conquer the continent again despite their last triumph coming back in 2013.

“We will fight to win the Africa Cup, even though it won’t be easy,” Peseiro declared in an interview.

Nigeria has been drawn against hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau in a tricky Group A.

But Peseiro insisted: “Our group is not easy because we are up against Cote d’Ivoire, who have a good squad and are playing at home.”

He added: “Equatorial Guinea reached the quarter-final at the last Afcon, better than Nigeria.”

Three-time champions Nigeria are camping in Abu Dhabi this week for a training camp before traveling to Abidjan for the tournament.

They kick off their campaign against Equatorial Guinea on January 14th.

Peseiro monitored over 70 players before settling on his final 25-man squad.

“It was not easy to choose the 25 players,” the manager admitted.

Nigeria is seeking to close the gap on record seven-time winners Egypt and Cameroon’s five titles.

The Super Eagles triumphed most recently in 2013 in South Africa thanks to Sunday Mba’s winner against Burkina Faso.

Peseiro believes his talented side can conjure another memorable Afcon triumph despite a tricky draw.

With Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen in their ranks, Nigeria has the quality to go all the way.

But they face stiff competition from hosts Cote d’Ivoire and an Equatorial Guinea side that reached the last eight in 2021, among others.

As TotalEnergies CAF AFCON kick-off edges closer

In a few days, Africa will vibrate to the rhythm of the 34th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023. African football talent will be displayed between 13 January and 11 February.

CAFOnline presents a Top 10 list of players to watch.

Sadio Mané (Senegal, 31)

He is the best player of the previous edition. The Lions of Teranga star player will again be the man to watch when he captains his side in their title defense this year. After leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia last summer, Sadio Mané has lost none of his sharpness. He remains the guiding light and leader of a Senegalese team whose ambition is to achieve the double.

Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon, 31)

For several competitions now, he’s been carrying the Indomitable Lions. Vincent Aboubakar is Cameroon’s captain and trusted goalscorer. His mental strength and leadership will guide his teammates to a 6th star for Cameroon.

Sehrou Guirassy (Guinea, 27)

The center-forward has been coming back to life in Germany this season. He’s racking up goal after goal and rivaling other top Bundesliga strikers. Guirassy is undoubtedly the striker missing from Syli de Guinée’s puzzle to excel in the TotalEnergies AFCON finals.

Sébastien Haller (Ivory Coast, 30)

For his second TotalEnergies AFCON, he couldn’t have dreamt of anything better than playing it at home and in front of supporters who quickly adopted him from his first steps with the Elephants. At 29, Sébastien Haller has matured and intends to make a significant impact at Africa’s biggest football spectacle in front of his fans.

Mohamed Amoura (Algeria, 23)

While other illustrious elders in the Algerian squad (Mahrez, Feghouli, Slimani) need no introduction, Mohamed Amoura should be the big attraction of this TotalEnergies AFCON 2023 for the Fennecs. The midfielder has excelled for his Belgian club over the past two seasons and has the opportunity to lead his national team into a major competition.

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, 25)

It’s hard not to include the Best African Player of the Year in this thread. Victor Osimhen, fresh from his recent accolade as the best African footballer, is celebrating his new status on the continental stage. He is the figurehead of Nigeria’s rich attacking frontline, which he must guide in Côte d’Ivoire.

Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco, 24)

He was part of a strong collective with the Moroccan team at the 2022 World Cup. Azzedine Ounahi once again has the opportunity to confirm his high regard with the star-studded Atlas Lions.

Mohammed Kudus (Ghana, 23)

A livewire for West Ham United in England’s Premier League, Mohammed Kudus has set one of the best leagues in the world alight with his explosive speed, skill, and goalscoring prowess. Boasting seven man of the matches accolades this season with his side, the 23-year-old Ghanaian sensation will be one of the key players for the Black Stars in their pursuit of an elusive fifth TotalEnergies AFCON title.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt, 31)

Mohamed Salah

As he has done for the last three finals, Mohamed Salah will once again be one of the attractions on the banks of the Ebrié Lagoon. A Liverpool star (top 5 scorer in the club’s history) with a string of goals every weekend, the Pharaoh remains the leader of his national team. Under his leadership, Egypt made it through the qualifiers unscathed.

Peter Shalulile (Namibia, 30)

Peter Shalulile is at the prime of his career with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns. Fresh from lifting the inaugural African Football League and currently a vital member of the team’s chase for a second TotalEnergies CAF Champions League gold medal, Shalulile will be essential for the Brave Warriors of Namibia in Cote d’Ivoire.

A sense of pride for Cote d’Ivoire in hosting Africa – Didier Drogba

With just days to go before Cote d’Ivoire kicks off the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, Ivorian football icon Didier Drogba has expressed his pride in seeing his nation host the 34th edition of Africa’s biggest event.

Cote d’Ivoire hosts the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023 between 13 January and 11 February, with 24 nations expected to contest for Africa’s most sought-after trophy.

Speaking to CAFOnline recently, the global football icon who has contributed immensely to African football’s rich history says seeing his nation host the competition brings a sense of pride for him.

“It brings a sense of pride for me. The last time was in 1984. The fact of having worn the national team’s jersey and now seeing the tournament hosted on home soil is exceptional. We are delighted to welcome all of Africa. It is going to be a party”, said Cote d’Ivoire’s all-time leading goalscorer (65).

Despite not lifting the title, Drogba has good memories of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON.

“It is the most beautiful competition for all Africans. I was inspired by Roger Milla, Gadji Celi, Youssouf Fofana, and many others. Our legends were revealed in this tournament. Laurent Pokou, for example, and others. For us, it’s the celebration of African football. The unity of a continent to see Sadio Mané, Obi Mikel, it’s Africa’s party for a month”, said the former skipper, who played in two finals (2006) (2012), where they fell against Egypt and Zambia.

The former Chelsea striker further emphasized that visitors can expect a warm and friendly reception from the people of Cote d’Ivoire.

“We have a wonderful country. We are a hospitable nation, knowing the competition will go well. We are ready to welcome the world. It’s a privilege to receive so many guests in Cote d’Ivoire”, he concluded.

Mo’ Salah desperate to end Egypt’s recent title drought

Egypt superstar Mohamed Salah has outlined his burning desire to lead the Pharaohs to TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations glory after recent near misses.

Salah stressed how representing Egypt means “a lot to me” but admitted his ultimate target is to lift the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON trophy after losing two finals.

“It’s a great feeling every time you step on the field with the national team jersey,” the Liverpool forward told reporters.

“It’s something I cannot take for granted. I am just happy to be there and play in the tournament.”

Egypt has not won the competition since Salah was a teenager in 2010, falling short in the 2017 and 2021 finals.

The 31-year-old is eager to avoid more disappointment, declaring: “I want to win this competition. I would love to win it.”

After being part of the Pharaoh’s side beaten by Cameroon in 2017, Salah agonizingly missed the decisive penalty in February’s shootout loss to Senegal.

The talismanic Liverpool attacker is on a mission to exorcise Egypt’s ghosts and lead them to a record-extending eighth TotalEnergies CAF AFCON title.

Egypt takes on Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique in Group B at the 2023 finals, kicking off on January 13th in Cote d’Ivoire.

Salah linked up with the squad as the Pharaohs’ preparations moved up a gear.

The prolific forward offers an apparent threat to any defense in Africa.

After recent near misses, the determined Salah is ready to write his name into Egyptian folklore by ending their 13-

year TotalEnergies CAF AFCON drought.

Players are set for a showdown against NFF over outstanding allowances

By Ed Emeanua

Super Eagles players have warned of hell to pay should the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) again decide against meeting their demand to be paid outstanding allowances before their first AFCON 2023 match.

The players promise the football federation and the country some major embarrassment during the tournament should the body fail to fulfill the promise to clear all lingering allowances before the team’s first game in Cote d’Ivoire.

The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is billed for five cities, spread over six stadiums in Cote d’Ivoire from January 13 through February 11. Nigeria is expected to begin Group A qualifying play against Equatorial Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, on January 14 at 14:00 local time.

Twenty-four Super Eagles players are currently in training camp in the United Arab Emirates before the start of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has allocated the sum of $1.3M in funding for the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2023 Campaign in a significant gesture to motivate Nigeria’s national football team.

The approval of the government’s financial boost is a calculated backing to confirm the team’s best grooming, endeavor, and result in the continent’s most followed football championship.

The allocated funds are targeted toward the team’s AFCON push, encompassing coordination, preparational facilities, player participatory compensations, and general administration of the team.

The communication of the officially approved funding represents a concerted engagement to enable the Super Eagles to give their best performance to the country during the event.

In a similar attempt to spur the Super Eagles to success at AFCON 2023, NFF has already announced the approval of a bonus arrangement that involves an induced payment of $5,000 for each win at the group phase of the event.

The NFF says their reliance on a graded bonus plan depends on further appraisals during the championship, showcasing the Football Federation’s adaptability to rejig remunerations depending on the team’s total performance.

Sources close to the players reveal they are unfazed over the vociferous claims from Stewards of the NFF to adequately motivate the team monetarily to ensure a successful outing during AFCON 2023.

One of the sources claims the Federation made similar promises to the players two years ago in Cameroon ahead of the 2021 Nations Cup, only to disappoint the players in the end.

“Remember that the NFF also made the same promises before the 2022 final World Cup qualifiers with Ghana, before the start of the 2023 Nations Cup qualifiers, and the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers, but they have not been able to keep any of these promises,” our source stated.

“On each occasion, the NFF also received approved budgets from the Federal Government but failed to pay the players their dues. The players are now used to empty words from the NFF and are not ready to be fooled by them again.”

Another source added: “The players feel that the NFF is treating them like kids that they could appease by handing them a football to go out and play with instead of listening to and meeting their demands.

“The players feel embarrassed by the NFF treatment and are ready to embarrass them in return. They are serious this time and will no longer settle for these empty vibes from the NFF.”

“We are talking about these grown men; most of the Super Eagles players, if not all, have children of their own.

“To continue treating them as shabbily as the NFF has done for years is a national disgrace. We are talking of over 26 accrued match bonuses and unpaid allowances dating back years.

“Are we going to say that if these players are the children of these people running our football, they would treat them the same way?

“The members of the NFF will not tell us that they are running the Federation without getting paid one way or the other. If that be the case, let them quit en mass so that others that can run the body progressively can come onboard.”