Premier League bonus presentation

Editor

-

December 16, 2023

0

News and projected lineups for Saturday’s action

Saturday 16th December 2023

Bournemouth 15:00 Luton

Bournemouth is poised to climb up to 13 points from the relegation zone should they defeat Luton Saturday.

BOURNEMOUTH v LUTON

Saturday 3pm Venue Vitality Stadium

Referee Simon Hooper This season G10 Y56 R3 5.90 cards/game

Bournemouth v Luton: likely lineups

Bournemouth

Subs from Radu, Randolph, Travers, Mepham, Kilkenny, Rothwell, Traorè, Marcondes, Brooks, Ouattara, Sinisterra, Semenyo, Moore

Doubtful Traorè (illness)

Injured Aarons (hamstring, 26 Dec), Scott (knee, Jan), Kelly (hamstring, unknown), Adams (hamstring, unknown), Fredericks (calf, unknown)

Suspended None

Form LWWDWW Leading scorer Solanke 8

Luton

Subs from Krul, Johnson, Andersen, Berry, Osho, Clark, Giles, Burke, Chong, Sambi Lokonga, Ogbene, Morris

Doubtful Burke (hamstring)

Injured Woodrow (calf, unknown), Potts (ankle, unknown)

Suspended Nakamba (one match)

Form DLWLLL Leading scorer Adebayo 4

Chelsea 15:00 Sheff Utd

Rear enders Sheffield United visit Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea, who actually lead Bournemouth by only goal advantage.

CHELSEA v SHEFFIELD UNITED

Saturday 3pm Venue Stamford Bridge

Referee Andy Madley This season G10 Y57 R2 5.90 cards/game

Chelsea v Sheffield United: probable starters, contenders in italics

Chelsea

Subs from Bergström, Beach, Gusto, Maatsen, Gilchrist, Mudryk, Lavia, Nkunku, Washington, Stutter, Matos

Doubtful Gusto (knee), Lavia (ankle)

Injured Madueke (knock, 19 Dec), Sánchez (leg, unknown), Cucurella (ankle, unknown), Chalobah (hamstring, unknown), James (hamstring, unknown), Chilwell (hamstring, unknown), Chukwuemeka (knee, unknown), Fofana (knee, unknown), Ugochukwu (muscular, unknown), Bettinelli (knock, unknown)

Suspended None

Form WDLWLL Leading scorer Jackson 6

Sheffield United

Subs from A Davies, Baldock, Osborn, Larouci, Slimane, Thomas, Fleck, Norwood, Amissah, McBurnie, Traoré, Peck

Doubtful None

Injured Norrington-Davies (thigh, unknown), Jebbison (illness, unknown), Brewster (thigh, unknown), Egan (achilles, Aug), Basham (ankle, Aug), T Davies (thigh, Aug)

Suspended Robinson (one match)

Form WDLLLW Leading scorer Archer, Hamer, McBurnie 2

Eberechi Eze could be the difference maker for Palace tonight

MANCHESTER CITY v CRYSTAL PALACE

Saturday 3pm Venue Etihad Stadium

Referee Paul Tierney This season G9 Y36 4.33 cards/game

Man City 15:00 Crystal Palace

Man City has drawn their last two Premier League games and the defending champions are in reset mode to retain the shield.

Manchester City v Crystal Palace: probable starters, contenders in italics

Manchester City

Subs from Ortega, Carson, Bobb, Lewis, Gómez, Akanji, Aké, Phillips, Nunes, Hamilton, Haaland

Doubtful Grealish (muscular), Haaland (foot)

Injured De Bruyne (hamstring, 27 Dec), Doku (muscular, 27 Dec)

Suspended None

Form WDDDLW Leading scorer Haaland 14

Crystal Palace

Subs from Whitworth, Clyne, Tomkins, Ahamada, Ozoh, Ebiowei, França

Doubtful None

Injured Johnstone (calf, unknown), Lerma (hamstring, unknown), Eze (ankle, unknown), Édouard (knee, unknown), Henderson (thigh, unknown), Rak-Sakyi (hamstring, unknown), Holding (ankle, Jan), Doucouré (achilles, May)

Suspended Ayew (one match)

Form WLLDLL Leading scorer Édouard 6

NEWCASTLE v FULHAM

Saturday 3pm Venue St James’ Park

Referee Sam Barrott This season G7 Y24 R0 3.43 cards/game

Newcastle 15:00 Fulham

Newcastle are going for a fourth back-to-back win over Fulham, but risk losing three consecutive league matches for the second time this season as they battle a free scoring Fulham side on Saturday.

Newcastle v Fulham: probable starters, contenders in italics

Newcastle

Subs from Karius, Gillespie, Dummett, Krafth, Hall, Ritchie, Longstaff, Isak, A Murphy, Diallo, Parkinson

Doubtful Gordon (hamstring)

Injured J Murphy (shoulder, Feb), Burn (back, unknown), Anderson (back, unknown), Willock (achilles, unknown), Botman (knee, unknown), Barnes (foot, unknown), Targett (hamstring, unknown), Manquillo (groin, unknown), Pope (shoulder, Apr)

Suspended Tonali (27 Aug), Trippier (one match)

Form WLWWLL Leading scorer Isak, Wilson 7

Fulham

Subs from Rodak, Tete, Ballo-Touré, Diop, De Fougerolles, Francois, Harris, Lukic, Reed, Wilson, Vinícius, Muniz, De Cordova-Reid

Doubtful None

Injured Ream (calf, Jan), Traoré (hamstring, unknown)

Suspended None

Form LLWLWW Leading scorer Willian, Jiménez 4

BURNLEY v EVERTON

Saturday 5.30pm Sky Sports Premier League Venue Turf Moor

Referee Anthony Taylor This season G12 Y61 R2 5.25 cards/game

Burnley 17:30 Everton

	P	GD	Pts
1	Liverpool	16	21	37
2	Arsenal	16	18	36
3	Aston Villa	16	15	35
4	Man City	16	20	33

5	Tottenham	17	12	33
6	Man Utd	16	-3	27

7	Newcastle	16	12	26

8	Brighton	16	5	26
9	West Ham	16	-4	24
10	Fulham	16	0	21
11	Brentford	16	1	19
12	Chelsea	16	0	19
13	Wolves	16	-5	19
14	Bournemouth	16	-9	19
15	Crystal Palace	16	-8	16
16	Nottm Forest	17	-13	14
17	Everton	16	0	13

18	Luton	16	-15	9
19	Burnley	16	-18	8
20	Sheff Utd	16	-29	8

Everton’s defensive stats are excellent this term, but the mainstay for the Toffees is having Dominic Calvert-Lewin healthy as a rampart the Toffeemen look to extend thier blistering form against an unpredictable Newcastle side.

Swiss international Zeki Amdouni, has the skills and wherewithal to sink the visitors on Saturday

Burnley v Everton: probable starters, contenders in italics

Burnley

Subs from Muric, Vigouroux, Roberts, Al-Dakhil, Ekdal, Cullen, Cork, Massengo, Ramsey, Redmond, Bruun Larsen, Benson, Trésor, Obafemi

Doubtful Cullen (knock), Cork (calf), Ramsey (knock)

Injured Foster (illness, unknown), Koleosho (knee, May)

Suspended Taylor (one match)

Form LLLWLD Leading scorer Brownhill, Foster 3

Everton

Subs from Virgínia, Lonergan, Godfrey, Onyango, Hunt, Dobbin, Chermiti, Danjuma, Beto

Doubtful Keane (ankle)

Injured Dele (hip, unknown), Gomes (calf, unknown), Young (hamstring, unknown), Coleman (knock, unknown)

Suspended Branthwaite (one match), Gueye (one match)

Form DWLWWW Leading scorer Doucouré 6

Paul Onuachu, from 0-11 to 7-11

Editor

-

December 16, 2023

0

Lanky Nigeria forward is back to his groove again

Watch Paul Onuachu scores a sensational goal in Turkey Süper Lig

By Ed Emeanua

Going from a zero-eleven reject at struggling Southampton last year, to a standout seven-eleven star-man for Trabzonspor Kulübü in the current Turkey Süper Lig campaign, Paul Onuachu is the proverbial stone the builders cast asunder, but has now morphed into the cornerstone.

Though failing to find the net in Karadeniz Fırtınası’s (Black Sea Storm’s) last two outings against the pair of Kayserispor (in an 0-1 loss), and Gaziantep (in a 3-1 win), the tall and lanky Super Eagles striker is certainly back to his groove again.

The Nigeria international has gained notoriety in the Turkish Super Lig, exerting his transformation in a recent enthralling road performance, and scoring in his third back-to-back outing with the Cegeka Arena outfit in a three-all tie at Sivaspor.

The high-yielding game not only illustrated the offensive ability of the sides, but showcased the encounter’s decisive star-Onuachu- who has now netted 7 times this term, topping the chart for the Black Sea Storm in the Süper Lig.

Fans were left on the edge of their seat from start to finnish of the referee’s whistle at the Yiğidolar Yigidos’ (The Braves’) Sivas 4 Eylül Stadium, with the Nigerian emerging the star of the story.

Yet, it has not been all rosy for the new sensation at high-riding Trabzonspor. Onuachu made his vaunted touchdown in Hampshire from Genk in Belgium, on an £18.6 million move to then struggling Premier League club Southampton in February.

The lanky forward had breezed into St Mary’s Stadium with the assured reputation of one of the hottest point-men in European football, with his new owners also hopeful that the man from Cegeka Arena would turn around Saints’ relegation fears around.

However, that was as far as the expectation of Saints faithful went on their Nigerian messianic prospect. Eleven games down the line, the record was grim. The tally for the man from Genk for the Saints was zero goal in 11 Premier League runouts. It was apparent to all that the Saints had successfully contrived to flush £18.6 million down the drain.

It was a calamitous adventure with huge implications. Even his new owners didn’t want to see his face around St Mary’s Park anymore. The Nigerian had no option than to leave.

Onuachu’s complete nosedive to the dust was complete when his nation’s senior football selectors also considered him surplus to requirement for the Super Eagles. He was ignored in all subsequent international engagements from that point.

So to the East Onuachu went in search of pastures anew when Trabzonspor came calling with a loan deal lifeline to Southampton. See Onuachu now.

In a swift turnaround, the Nigerian has been able to redirect his once waning footballing career back up on ascendancy. Not only has he been able to revive his reputation at Trabzonspor, Onuachu’s goals for club has also caught the attention of Super Eagles selectors.

The remarkable story of the gangling striker’s transformation would be more than complete if he is in Nigeria’s team to next month’s Africa Nations Cup event in Cote d’Ivoire. Time will tell.

Record Media presence for AFCON 2023

Editor

-

December 16, 2023

0

Everything you need to know about TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations

Confédération Africaine de Football

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has received over 5 000 media accreditation applications for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 – 90% more than Cameroon 2021 edition.

The media accreditation process closed on 24 November 2023. Over 70 nationalities have applied to cover Africa’s biggest event.

The high demand has necessitated that CAF implement quotas for all the countries due to space demands.

CAF remains committed to ensure that fairness is applied across the board in allocation and implementation of quotas.

CAF believes in creating access for media and promoting media freedom. To protect the media (TV) rights holders, CAF will introduce new guidelines for non-rights holders and enforcing restrictions on filming and other activities.

How Quotas will work: (priority list + allocation)

Host Nation: 30%
Participating countries: 35%
Regional (neighbouring) countries: 10%
Rest of the world (countries): 25%

CAF is currently working closely with all the Participating Member Associations to ensure that there is a fair representation in allocating the quotas of each country.

Priority is also given to Agencies.

Emails:

CAF Media Channel: mediachannel@cafonline.com
For Agencies: mediaservices@cafonline.com
For Generic info: communications@cafonlline.com

Regragui seeks AFCON mantle after Qatar 2022

Editor

-

December 15, 2023

0

Regragui seeks AFCON mantle after Qatar 2022

Everything you need to know about TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations

Confédération Africaine de Football

With exactly a month to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023, Morocco head coach, Walid Regragui has revealed that winning the African Coach of the Year is a strong motivation to aim for more success on the continent.

The former Morocco international, who inspired the Atlas Lions to a historic semi-final place at last year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar, says that the mood in his camp is ripe to pursue continental glory.

“I am very proud and honored to have received this beautiful award. It is not just for me. This is a collective trophy. It is a group trophy. I would never be here if it was not for the players, coaching staff, the entire team, and everyone who has supported us each step of the way,” Regragui told CAFOnline.com.

Regragui dedicated this award to his parents and especially his mother who for the first time in his footballing career – both as a player and manager left Paris to travel to watch his son in action.

“I dedicate this award to my mother. I thank both my parents for their contribution to my career but you know in Africa, mothers are more than special so I celebrate her everyday and thank her for her sacrifice over the years.”

“What we did at the World Cup was historic and when people recognize this talent, it means so much to me and everyone on the team. It was an unbelievable achievement at the World Cup. We put Africa on the world map.”

“But now, we have a different mindset. The Africa Cup of Nations is very, very tough but we are going with the same spirit and inshallah, if we do our very best, we are going to win this trophy.”

Morocco were drawn in Group F with familiar foes Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Tanzania and will play at the iconic Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro in the south western part of Côte d’Ivoire.

While the 2022 Africa Coach of the Year Aliou Cisse and coach of the reigning African champions Senegal was the very first person to stand up and congratulate him on his great success, next month will see the two in-form nations battle for continental glory in Africa’s most coveted tournament.

Morocco have only won the AFCON once – in 1976 and Regragui was just five months and 20 days old. The Atlas Lions were finalists in 2004 losing to hosts Tunisia 2-1 in a tense final. They also won bronze in 1980.

AFCON 2023: CAF receives provisional list

Editor

-

December 15, 2023

0

AFCON 2023: CAF receives provisional list

Everything you need to know about TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations

Confédération Africaine de Football

24 AFCON Qualified Nations submit provisional list
CAF Organizing Committee approves final list of 27 players
Deadline for final submission set for 03 January 2024

One of the highlights of the countdown to the kickoff of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 is the submission of provisional squads by the 24 Participating Member Associations (PMAs).

According to the Regulations of the tournament, each Member Association qualified for the final tournament are to submit a provisional list of no more than 55 players no later than 14 December 2023.

In a related development, the CAF Organizing Committee of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations has announced that the final squads for the Final Tournament will comprise of 27 players, from the initial 23 from previous events.

The registration of the four additional players on the final list of is only an option and not an obligation.

The deadline for the submission of the final squads for the tournament is 3 January 2023, exactly ten (10) days to the opening match.

However, only 23 players will be available for selection for each match during the tournament.

Also, a player in the final squad can only be replaced after a serious injury no less than 24-hours before the team’s first match following the approval of the medical certificate by the CAF Medical Committee.

The final tournament will take place from 13 January to 11 February 2024 in the Ivorian cities of Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro and Yamoussoukro.

Media Contact

CAF | Communication Department

communications@cafonline.com

CAF launches over-the counter Ticket sales

Editor

-

December 14, 2023

0

CAF launches over-the counter Ticket sales

Everything you need to know about TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations

Confédération Africaine de Football

Over 30,000 tickets already sold during online ticket sales
Over-the-counter phase to give locals opportunity to purchase tickets
CAF, LOC ensures ticket price is affordable

With 30 days to the kick-off of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, CAF has launched over-the-counter tickets sales for the showpiece African football event.

The over the counter ticket sales will ensure that locals in Cote d’Ivoire have an opportunity to purchase tickets for the global showpiece that will kick-off on 13 January 2023.

The global online sales was launched on 9 November 2023. Tickets are still available online on http://tickets.cafonline.com/AFCON for supporters and fans outside Cote d’Ivoire.

The over-the-counter ticket sales will be in 12 cities and towns across Cote d’Ivoire. Ticket sales outlets can be found in Yamoussoukro, Bouaké, Korhogo, San Pedro, Grand Bassam, Cocody, Plateau, Bingerville, Songon, Anyama, Yopougon and Adjamé.

Ticket prices range from 5000 FCFA (about 8 US Dollars) for Category Three (3), 10000 FCFA (about 16 US Dollars) for Category Two (2) and 15000 FCFA (about 24 US Dollars).

Municipalities / Cities	SALES POINTS	Location
Yamoussoukro	5	Fondation FHB (bureau)Prefecture (bureau) La sous prefecture de Yamoussoukro (bureau) Laposte (bureau) Carrefour visitation (box)
Bouaké	7	Centre Jacques AKA (bureau) L’oriental, en face du tribunal (bureau) Préfecture de région (bureau) Agence laPoste (2) Habitat de la caisse (box) Auchan (box)
Korhogo	5	Direction du Tourisme (bureau) La poste Sous prefecture (bureau Mairie (bureau) Direction des sports (bureau)
San Pedro	5	Agence de voyage Jules Ferri (bureau) Direction de Sport (bureau) Préfecture (bureau) Agence laPoste (2)
Grand Bassam	1	Agence laPoste
Cocody	6	Les agences Laposte (Campus, 2pltx Ena, 2pltx les perles, cité rouge) Playce palmeraie (2box)
Plateau	4	La mairie (Utilisation de bureau) Agence la poste (plateau Bad, plateau angoulvant, plateau postel 2001)
Bingerville	2	Foyer des jeunes de bingerville (box) Agence laposte
Songon	1	Agence laposte
Anyama	2	Mairie (bureau) Agence laposte
Yopougon	6	La mairie principale yopougon selmer Mairie Annexe toit rouge non loin de la gendarmerie Service technique de la mairie, Sideci Agences laposte (Niangon sud, niangon nord, toit rouge)
Adjamé	3	Agence la poste (marché et 220lgts,) Mairie (bureau)
Treichville	4	Mairie (bureau) Agence laPoste (Solibra , Km4 et mosquée )
Koumassi	3	Agence laposte ( 61e arr)
Port Bouet	4	Agences laposte ( vridi cité, port bouet marché, vridi CNTP, Aéroport)
Abobo	3	Mairie (bureau) Agences laposte (cité universitaire, marché)
Attécoubé	1	Agence Laposte (attécoubé marché)
Marcory	5	Agences laposte (Marcory mosquée, prima center,) Playce Marcory (3)

CAF | Communication Department communications@cafonline.com

FIFA endorses Nigeria’s referees

Editor

-

December 14, 2023

0

Places eleven Nigerian referees and eleven assistant referees, on 2024 international lists

21,800+ Referee Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images ...

By Rasheed Adewuyi

The Fédération internationale de football association (FIFA) has given approval for Nigeria’s referees to engage in its championships.

The World football-governing body has approved a total of 30 Nigerian referees to be placed on the international lists for the year 2024, among them 11 referees, 11 assistant referees, four beach soccer referees, and four futsal referees.

In a message conveyed to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the 11 referees approved by FIFA for international duty from Nigeria for next year are: Basheer Salisu, Ogabor Odey Joseph, Olufunmilayo Abigael Alaba, Nurudeen Abubakar, Abdulsalam Kasimu Abiola, Elaigwe Hannah Enekole, Akintoye Yemisi Eunice, Egba Patrick John, Madu Ndidi Patience, Mustapha Grema Mohammed and Abdullahi Abubakar.

The 11 persons approved as assistant referees are: Pwadutakam Samuel, Igudia Efosa Celestine, Abibatu Iyadunni, Muhammad Yakubu, Mfon Friday Akpan, Digbori Tejiri, Usman Abdulmajeed Olaide, Igho Hope Ogenekewe, Terah Kabenda Beauty, Ahmad Mustapha Tijjani and Agbons Faith.

Ukah Ndubuisi Odigomma, Musa Dung Davou, Umuago Paul Akpome and Bello Zuru Alhassan were put on the futsal soccer list, while Ogunmuyiwa Jelili, Fawole Olawale Adeolu, Olajide Olayinka and Rabiu Ahmad were listed for beach soccer.

‘We’re happy to welcome all of Africa’

Editor

-

December 14, 2023

0

Everything you need to know about TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations

Confédération Africaine de Football

Ivorian sharp-shooter, Salomon Kalou says Cote d’Ivoire is excited to welcome Africa to the Ivorian nation next year.

With exactly 30 Days to Kick Off, the Arta Solar7 striker spoke to CAFOnline ahead of the much anticipated TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023 set to take place between 13 January – 11 February next year.

We are 30-Days from the start of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations. How excited are you about seeing your nation hosting Africa’s biggest event?

We are happy to welcome all of Africa. We can’t wait to celebrate football. Côte d’Ivoire is a land of football. We had a lot of legends like Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, Gervinho and so on. Players who made the colours of the country shine for many years. Organizing this AFCON is something very important for us, the last time we hosted this competition was in 1984.

It has been 40 years since Côte d’Ivoire hosted AFCON, which is an eternity for a nation passionate about football like Ivory Coast. There is a lot of passion around this event. I want to thank His Excellency the President of the Republic, Alassane Ouattara, for the infrastructure put in place.

We imagine that as a footballer, you would have liked to play an AFCON tournament at home?

Absolutely! It would have been a dream for me! I would have liked to be in my younger brothers’ place. Wearing the orange jersey, playing in front of my people and my heart beating to the sounds of their encouragement – I get chills just thinking about it.

I am here to encourage the children, to give them all the strength they need. As a supporter, I also plan to take advantage of this good time and enjoy the mix of different cultures.

Côte d’Ivoire headlines Group A with Guinea Bissau, Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria. What are your thoughts on the group?

Firstly, it’s a group made up of very good teams, starting with Nigeria which is a very dangerous side. At each AFCON, the Super Eagles show great potential. During the last edition, Equatorial Guinea did well, and Guinea Bissau may be the surprise of the group.

We will have to respect all the teams and above all, win the first match to start the competition well, because that is where everything starts from.

A message for the Elephants and all of Côte d’Ivoire?

Let us rally behind the team. We need all the good vibes around this team which will give the best of itself. Our selection is made up of young players who need to be supported, and that is what we will do.

Cote d’Ivoire 2023: 30 days to kickoff

Editor

-

December 14, 2023

0

Everything you need to know about TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations

Confédération Africaine de Football

As the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023, approaches, the anticipation and excitement are reaching fever pitch.

With Cote d’Ivoire hosting the tournament for the second time, football fans around the continent are gearing up for a month of intense competition.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the 34th edition of Africa’s biggest sporting event, starting 30 days before the kickoff.

Hosts and Opening Match: Cote d’Ivoire is set to stage the finals, with the opening match scheduled for Saturday, 13 January, where the hosts will face Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

Historic Context: Cote d’Ivoire is hosting the tournament for the first time since 1984.

Venue Overview: The matches will be held in six stadiums across five host cities, reflecting Cote d’Ivoire’s commitment to sports infrastructure development. The cities of Abidjan, Bouake, Korogho, San Pedro and Yamoussoukro.

Akwaba – The Official Mascot: The official mascot, “Akwaba,” derived from the Baoulé language’s term for “Welcome.” Represented by an elephant, Akwaba’s attire pays homage to the host nation’s identity by mirroring Cote d’Ivoire’s home colours.

“Pokou” – The Official Match Ball: The official match ball is called “Pokou”. It honors the late Ivorian football legend, Laurent Pokou, renowned for his historic achievement of scoring five goals in the 6-1 victory over Ethiopia during the 1970 tournament.

“Akwaba” – The Official Song Celebration: The official song, “Akwaba,” features Nigerian artist Yemi Alade, Egyptian rapper Mohamed Ramadan, and Ivorian music band Magic System. The anthem blends afrobeat, rap, and zouglou, embodying a unique musical fusion deeply rooted in the tradition of the tournament.

Group Structure: The 24 teams are divided into six groups of four teams each, with intriguing match-ups like Egypt vs. Ghana in Group B and Senegal vs. Cameroon in Group C.

Tournament Format: The top two teams in each group and the four best-ranked third-placed teams advance to the last 16, followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals, a match for third place, and the final.

Kick-off Times: During the group stages, at least two games will be played each day at 14:00, 17:00, and 20:00 (all times GMT). Similar timings will be used in the knockout stages starting on Saturday, 27 January.

Opening Match Details: Côte d’Ivoire vs. Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (20:00 GMT) on Saturday, 13 January.

Group Stage Kicks Off: Two games each day until 24 January across various stadiums and cities.

Opening Weekend Highlights: Record seven-time champions Egypt will face Mozambique in Group B, while holders Senegal kick off their title defence against The Gambia in Group C on Monday, 15 January.

Second Round Fixtures: Commence on Saturday, 27 January, with intriguing matchups like Group D winner vs. 3rd place Group B/E/F in Bouake (17:00 GMT).

Quarter-Final Showdown: Friday, 2 February, featuring winners from the second round at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan (17:00 GMT).

Semi-Final Battles: Set for Wednesday, 7 February, with the winners from the quarter-finals facing off at Bouake (17:00 GMT) and Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (20:00 GMT).

Third-Place Play-Off: Saturday, 10 February, determining the best of the rest at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan (20:00 GMT).

Grand Finale: The moment everyone is waiting for – the final showdown on Sunday, 11 February, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (20:00 GMT).

Tournament Favourites: Senegal, the current champions, are considered favorites despite key players Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy moving to the Saudi Pro League. Other strong contenders include Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire. Morocco, fresh from reaching a World Cup semi-final, seeks Afcon glory, while Ivory Coast remains a force to be reckoned with.

Côte d’Ivoire vs. Nigeria: A high-stakes encounter in Group A on 18 January at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (17:00 GMT).

Senegal vs. Cameroon: Group C heavyweight clash on 20 January at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro (14:00 GMT).

As the clock ticks down to the kickoff, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023 promises to be a spectacle of footballing brilliance, drama, and unforgettable moments.

Get ready for a month-long celebration of African football excellence!

Tobi Oladitan aims for Basketball summit

Editor

-

December 11, 2023

0

Tobi Oladitan aims for Basketball summit

Dreams to play professional basketball in the NBA and abroad

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Youngster Tobi Oladitan’s dream is as verse as the universe and as glittering as the plant Pollia condensata. The Nigeria-American hopes he will someday ascend the ultimate summit of basketball stardom and beyond.

Saint Vincent Pallotti high school Laurel, Maryland point guard, Tobi says his aim is to play professionally in the NBA and abroad.

Oladitan in an interview with Sports Joust on Monday disclosed that he is currently working hard to make sure that he fits into the collegiate basketball league when he finally gains admission to the University or college next year.

Young Tobi Oladitan in a workout session

Though his path to stardom is roughened and steeped with stumbling blocks, the lad is fueled by self belief and remarkable fortitude.

“It is not easy to combine basketball with education because you need to create time for training and also make sure that your homework or assignments are always completed, if you don’t want your grades to crash down,” he said.

The 18 year old who stands 5 feet and 10 inches tall, explained that he wants to focus more on developing his physical strength because collegiate level basketball and the NBA requires adequate strength and energy.

” Having all the necessary skills without stamina will not take you anywhere. Basketball is a physical game and that is why I am not going to stop working hard to achieve my goals in the game,” he added.

Oladitan stated that Stephen Curry of the Golden state Warriors is his role model because he loves the way the NBA star always manages to change games to his team’s favor through accurate shooting, adding that he is also blessed with shooting skills like his hero.

He advised other young and coming players to be humble, hard working, and to avoid allowing anything to stop them from achieving their goals, adding that with God all goals are achievable.

SPORTS JOUST

SPORTS JOUST

SPORTS JOUST

Pulses PRO

News and projected lineups for Saturday’s action

Saturday 16th December 2023

BOURNEMOUTH v LUTON

Bournemouth

Luton

CHELSEA v SHEFFIELD UNITED

Chelsea

Sheffield United

Eberechi Eze could be the difference maker for Palace tonight

MANCHESTER CITY v CRYSTAL PALACE

Manchester City

Crystal Palace

NEWCASTLE v FULHAM

Newcastle

Fulham

BURNLEY v EVERTON

Burnley

Everton

Lanky Nigeria forward is back to his groove again

Everything you need to know about TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations

Everything you need to know about TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations

Everything you need to know about TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations

Everything you need to know about TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations

Places eleven Nigerian referees and eleven assistant referees, on 2024 international lists

Everything you need to know about TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations

Everything you need to know about TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations

Dreams to play professional basketball in the NBA and abroad

About Us

Popular Category

Editor Picks