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‘I hope to score against Cote d’Ivoire’

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‘I hope to score against Cote d’Ivoire’

Zinho Gano hopes to dent the host’s pride in opening match

 

Top scorer for Guinea-Bissau during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 Qualifiers with four goals, Zinho Gano, is hopeful of impressing at the tournament.

 

The Zulte Waregem striker in Belgium, who is preparing to makes his TotalEnergies CAF AFCON debut intends to keep the momentum.

 

The “Djurtus” share Group A with hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea – a group Gano believes is possible to make it out of the group.

 

Exclusively speaking to CAFOnline ahead of their opener to be played at the majestic Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe on 13 January, the 30-year-old discusses his country’s chances and personal ambitions for the tournament.

 

How was the trip from Bissau to Abidjan?

 

It was long, we are all tired. But the most important thing is that we arrived safely, everything went well and we are happy to be here.

 

What are your first impressions since your arrival in Cote d’Ivoire?

 

We arrived Monday evening and we were well received, both at the airport and at the hotel. Everyone is happy to be here. It is now up to us to show something.

 

How do you describe the atmosphere within your group?

 

The atmosphere is good, we work hard, we work well and the atmosphere off the field is good. So I hope we continue like this.

 

What does the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON mean to you, personally?

 

It’s a proud moment to be here. As a player, its a great platform to show what you can do.

 

You will have the honor of playing the opening match against the organizing country. Does that put a certain pressure on you in the group?

 

No, no pressure. On the contrary, for us it is an honor to play a match like this. The opening match is something special, there will be maybe at least 60,000 people in the stadium. I am a professional footballer, so it is for this type of match that we practice this profession. I’m really looking forward to playing a match like this.

 

During these three previous participations, Guinea-Bissau have never managed to get past the group stage. Is your goal for this edition at least to surpass this first stage of the competition?

 

Of course! We didn’t even win a match. So our first goal is to win a match and then, to manage to get past the first stage. I know its a difficult group with Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria but we will see. In football, anything is possible.

 

In this group, we have Nigeria who have already won the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON three times, Equatorial Guinea which was semi-finalist in 2015 before reaching the quarter-finals during the previous edition in Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire which, in addition to being the organizing country, has already won the competition twice. What do you make of this?

 

We know that these are very big countries, but this is an opportunity for us to show that we are there too. We have a good group and we are also here for the fourth time, it shows that we are worth something too.

 

You were Guinea-Bissau’s top scorer during the qualifiers with four goals. The final phase is a different story. Do you have any personal goals for this TotalEnergies CAF AFCON?

 

Its just about scoring as much as possible for my team and for myself. I hope I score in the opening match against Cote d’Ivoire, that would be great.

 

Finishing top scorer in the competition, doesn’t the idea cross your mind?

 

Why not! In football, as they say, anything is possible. For me, that would be wonderful.

 

What is the main instruction circulating within your team regarding this competition where you represent the hope of an entire nation?

 

Everyone must believe that anything is possible. Even for this opening match. With opening matches, there are always surprises and why not, with us. We can win like everyone else, even if it’s Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria or Senegal. The match is 11 against 11 and anything is possible.

 

Do you have a special message to send to the Guinea-Bissau public for this TotalEnergies CAF AFCON?

 

Just being behind us, we need his support. Its up to us to show that we will give everything for them and for ourselves.

 

Candace Parker Ditches Taurasi and Stewart

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Candace Parker Ditches Taurasi and Stewart

For 2xWNBA Champion in the Quest of a Championship

 

Candace Parker first made her league debut 15 years ago. Even today, she continues to charm people and is often regarded as one of the most well-known players in the WNBA. Her opinion on all matters of basketball holds a lot of weight. Recently chosen between Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, and A’ja Wilson

The relationship between A’ja Wilson and Candace Parker is highly evident, Nima Murugan reported for Essentially Sports.

 

. Candace Parker further solidified the status on Instagram stories by choosing A’ja Wilson over Diana Taurasi and Breanna Stewart. In a recent post, there was a question: “Pick one player to lead your team to an NCAA title.” Candace Parker shared the post on her Instagram story and wrote, “Teammate, scary.”

This shows that Candace Parker recognizes A’ja Wilson’s leadership abilities and considers her a formidable teammate. It highlights the strong bond and respect between the two players, further emphasizing Candace Parker’s impact on A’ja Wilson’s development.

 

First overall in the 2008 WNBA draft, the power forward is a two-time NCAA champion. Candance shocked everyone by winning MVP and ROTY in her debut season with the Los Angeles Sparks, even though she entered the league with high expectations.

 

Candace Parker, currently sidelined for the Las Vegas Aces, voiced her opinions during the opening game of the 2023 WNBA Finals. Right behind the Aces bench was the two-time WNBA champion. MVP leaned forward to speak with A’ja Wilson, seemingly giving some wisdom to the 2x WNBA champion.

 

First overall in the 2008 WNBA draft, the power forward is a two-time NCAA champion. Candance shocked everyone by winning MVP and ROTY in her debut season with the Los Angeles Sparks, even though she entered the league with high expectations.

 

Candace Parker, currently sidelined for the Las Vegas Aces, voiced her opinions during the opening game of the 2023 WNBA Finals. Right behind the Aces bench was the two-time WNBA champion. MVP leaned forward to speak with A’ja Wilson, seemingly giving some wisdom to the 2x WNBA champion.

 

A’ja Wilson’s NCAA run

A’ja Wilson had one of the most successful NCAA runs in history. A former South Carolina basketball player, Wilson guided the Gamecocks to several titles and SEC single-game records. She was named SEC Freshman of the Year in her first year and a consensus All-American in her second.

In 2017, she won the school’s first national title and was awarded Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament. 2018 she had her finest statistical season and received all National Player of the Year accolades. Wilson finished her collegiate career as South Carolina’s all-time top scorer. On Martin Luther King Day, a monument of Wilson was erected at Colonial Life Arena, and she thanked her grandmother for it.

 

Algeria win big in pre-AFCON friendly

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Algeria win big in pre-AFCON friendly

As Ghana and Cameroon are held

 

 

Countdown to AFCON 2023 Presented by Ed Emeanua

 

The teams playing at the 34th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire 2023 continued with friendlies ahead of the Saturday tournament.

 

Here are the results of the latest friendly matches played:

 

Ghana 0 Namibia 0

 

Ghana’s Black Stars in Kumasi couldn’t break through against a well-organized Namibia. The two teams ended in a goalless draw, but the coaches identified the work that remains to be done before the start of the competition.

 

Cameroon 1 Zambia 1

 

In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where they were preparing, Cameroon and Zambia held each other to a 1-1 draw. Patson Daka opened the scoring early for the Chipolopolos before Darlin Yongwa equalized for the Indomitable Lions.

 

Equatorial Guinea 1 Djibouti 1

 

Another draw in these preparations. This time, Equatorial Guinea couldn’t dominate Djibouti. Carlos Akakpo scored for Nzalang Nacional.

 

Algeria 4 Burundi 0

 

Algeria’s Desert Foxes concluded their training in Lomé, Togo, with another impressive victory. After a 3-0 success against the local Togo team, Djamel Belmadi’s men did it again. A comfortable 4-0 win against Burundi with goals from Baghdad Bounedjah, Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani, and Mohamed Amoura.

 

Senegal 1 Niger 0

 

The defending champions bid farewell to their supporters with a narrow 1-0 victory over Niger on Monday at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium. The Lions’ winning goal came deep into added time courtesy of Formose Mendy.

 

Egypt 2 Tanzania 0

 

The match between these two teams that have qualified for the AFCON turned in favor of the dominant Pharaohs throughout the game. Mahmoud Trezeguet opened the scoring before Mohamed Salah’s penalty.

 

For all these teams that have qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, it is time to head to Côte d’Ivoire for the final stretch of preparations before entering the competition.

 

AFCON: Morocco wants to go all the way

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AFCON: Morocco wants to go all the way

A successful tournament for Atlas Lions means reaching the final – Romain Saïss.

 

 

Countdown to AFCON 2023 Presented by Ed Emeanua

 

Moroccan defender Romain Saiss says the team has set high targets for the soon-starting TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

 

The Atlas Lions were the first to arrive in Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday, 07 January. They landed in Abidjan before departing for San Pedro, where they will be based for their Group F pool, which consists of DR Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania.

 

Coming fresh from a historic semi-final finish at the FIFA World Cup, the Atlas Lions are raring to roar to a second TotalEnergies CAF AFCON title since last lifting the title in 1976.

 

Speaking exclusively to CAFOnline from San Pedro, Saiss, who plies his trade in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Shabab, says the team understands that all eyes will be on Morocco and is ready to make their nation proud.

 

“We have set high goals for ourselves. We want to have a big AFCON. We know everyone is waiting for us after our 2022 World Cup, and we are responsible for doing well. So we want to have a great competition for Morocco and make all the people who follow us proud,” said the defender.

 

“We arrived quite early to acclimatize to the weather here. We are preparing very well. We know that the competition starts soon, and we still have a few days to refine the details before the start,” concluded Saiss.

 

On the ideal finish, the hard-tackling defender emphasized that the plan is to be in Cote d’Ivoire for as long as possible and make it to the final.

 

“A successful AFCON for Morocco means going as far as possible, which means going to the end of the tournament. When we start a tournament, we are to go as far as possible, and the furthest possible is the final. Once this first objective is achieved, we will concentrate on the group matches, get through them, and then take it game by game. The goal is to stay in Cote d’Ivoire for a long time,” he concluded.

 

The Atlas Lions kick off the campaign on 17 January against Tanzania before facing DR Congo four days later. They then finish the group stages with an exciting clash against Zambia on 24 January.

 

Atlas Lions aims for a second continental crown

 

 

– Morocco will participate in their 19th TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations

-The Atlas Lions are looking for their second continental crown in the competition

-Morocco wants to stay at the top after reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup

 

The Moroccan national team aims to win its second continental title in history when participating in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

 

The Atlas Lions are looking to stay at the top of international football after shining bright at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they reached the semi-finals after beating several strong teams. They are hoping to get the trophy that has been elusive for the past 48 years.

 

 

Morocco’s TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Fixtures

17 January

Morocco-Tanzania: 17h00 GMT, Stade Laurent Pokou, San Pedro.

21 January

Morocco-Democratic Republic of Congo: 14h00 GMT, Stade Laurent Pokou, San Pedro.

24 January

Zambia-Morocco: 20h00 GMT, Stade Laurent Pokou, San Pedro

 

Road to Cote d’Ivoire

 

Morocco finished top of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 qualifiers group after collecting 9 points out of 12. In a group reduced to 3 with South Africa and Liberia after the withdrawal of Zimbabwe, the Atlas Lions won 3 matches and lost only once against South Africa.

 

The Moroccan attack scored eight goals in 4 matches, and its defense conceded three goals – a positive result that pushes the Atlas Lions of coach Walid Regragui to strive to keep the same form in Cote d’Ivoire.

 

Player to watch: Abdessamad Ezzalzouli

 

Striker Abdessamad Ezzalzouli is among the best young players in Morocco’s squad. The 22-year-old’s trickery and goal-scoring ability will significantly benefit the North African giants.

 

Ezzalzouli shone exceedingly for Morocco during the TotalEnergies CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco last year, where he captained the team to the title. He also finished as the competition’s top scorer with three goals.

 

The coach: Walid Regragui

 

Moroccan coach Walid Regragui inscribed his name in golden letters in the history of Moroccan, African, and world football after leading the Atlas Lions to the semi-final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the Moroccans played at a distinguished level throughout the competition.

 

The 48-year-old is considered one of the rising coaches at the continental and international levels because he knew how to shine with the clubs he coached. As with the Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca, with whom he won the CAF TotalEnergies Champions League double and the Moroccan champion title in 2022, Regragui is undoubtedly one of the best on the continent.

 

Morocco’s TotalEnergies CAF AFCON record

 

1972: First round

1976: Winner

1978: First round

1980: Third place

1986: Fourth place

1988: Fourth place

1992: First round

1998: Quarter-finals

2000: First round

2002: First round

2004: Finalist

2006: First round

2008: First round

2012: First round

2013: First round

2017: Quarter-finals

2019: Round of 16

2021: Quarter-finals

 

Cody Rhodes’ New Year ‘Revolution’

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Cody Rhodes’ New Year ‘Revolution’

His one WWE primary goal in mind for 2024

 

When Cody Rhodes lifted his hands at the end of his first-ever run through his father’s signature match, WarGames, at the 2023 Elimination Chamber, it seemed like the world was the second-generation Superstar’s oyster in WWE, Matty Breisch reports for Clutch Points.

He’d just finished out the final Premium Live event of 2023 with a massive win, his seventh big win on a Premium Live Event in nine tries, and it looked like his spot headlining WrestleMania 40 in a red carpet rematch against Roman Reigns in South Philadelphia felt like a borderline guarantee… barring injury or something spectacular, of course.

Unfortunately for the “American Nightmare,” not one but two spectacular happenings occurred, with CM Punk returning to The Fed at the end of the Elimination Chamber and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson following suit a few weeks later on RAW Day 1.

Discussing the return of a pair of defining Superstars from eras past in an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Rhodes let it be known that he doesn’t care who WWE adds to the roster. All that matters to him is proving why he deserves to be the top guy moving forward.

“The Rock is ‘The Great One’ – he’s still electrifying. CM Punk is one of the greatest stars in the history of wrestling. I know what I’m up against. Look at the roster – it’s loaded with stars. But that doesn’t bother me. I’m not cringing. I’m not rooting against anyone else; I’m just working to make it happen,” Cody Rhodes told Sports Illustrated.

“This job, it’s not like punching a clock. It’s an enjoyable movement with the fans. We’re enjoying this moment that we’re having together. And I only get better with a heavy schedule. I can be the best I’ve ever been because I do it frequently.

“That confidence has been snowballing. I hit milestones I didn’t anticipate. Beating Brock Lesnar twice, for example. I keep thinking, ‘What’s better than this?’ It’s the way each of those moments has connected with the fans. They’ve given me their trust. That has made me even more confident.”

So, with all of that in mind, what is Rhodes’ goal for 2024? Is it still to #FinishTheStory, and if so, what does that even mean? In the humble opinion of Rhodes, the answer is simple: He wants to be “The Face That Runs the Place.”

“The milestones keep building. We keep climbing to new levels. Now I keep asking myself, ‘Who is the face of the place?’ That’s what I want. That’s another level I need to attain. Hopefully, that starts at the Royal Rumble.”

Alright, excluding borrowing a moniker from John Cena, it’s worth noting that WWE doesn’t have a “face” of the promotion at the moment, as Roman Reigns doesn’t wrestle enough to justify that designation. If Rhodes can win the Royal Rumble once more and punch his ticket to a central event spot at WrestleMania 40, it’ll go a long way in establishing himself as the new face of WWE.

Matt Hardy believes Cody Rhodes can still #FinishTheStory.

 

Regarding Cody Rhodes’ desire for a rematch with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, Matt Hardy recently discussed his former co-worker’s prospects after Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returned on RAW Day 1.

While some may want to push all the chips into the table for WWE’s most significant match at its biggest show of the year, Hardy thinks the game should still belong to Rhodes, as he’s earned the opportunity.

“I just think it’s the right thing to do,” Matt Hardy noted on his podcast via Wrestling Inc. “He’s a guy that is around full time, working 24/7, working harder than anybody else is, and I think he’s the guy that is their top babyface, the guy to build the brand kind of around right now. So, yeah, I do think it’s going to happen.”

Asked if he thinks Reigns-Rock has to happen at WrestleMania, Hardy said no, noting that he believes the promotion could place Johnson or Rhodes on another card and still get the desired impact from the finishes.

“I don’t think the match has to be at WrestleMania. The match could be at WrestleMania,” Hardy noted. “The Cody stuff could happen another time. The Cody stuff could happen at WrestleMania. I don’t know. We’ll have to see how it plays out. But, I think Cody will win the World Title that will help finish his story.”

Would fans care if Rhodes won the title at SummerSlam 2024 instead of WrestleMania 40? I mean, probably not, especially if that allowed Reigns to leapfrog Hulk Hogan in the all-time standings – depending on the date, it likely would – but hey, fans will have to tune into the “Road to WrestleMania,” beginning at the Royal Rumble, to find out.

CAF, COCAN introduce Abidjan ‘Media Centre’

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CAF, COCAN introduce Abidjan ‘Media Centre’

To improve media service at TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023

 

 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (“COCAN” will introduce the Main Media Centre (“MMC”) concept in Abidjan as the main ‘nerve’ center for media services during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

 

The Main Media Centre will be at Palais de la Culture de Treichville in Abidjan.  It will officially open its doors on Wednesday, 10 January 2024 – three days before the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations opening match, Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

 

The MMC, introduced at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON for the first time in its 67-year history, is strategically located in the heart of Abidjan and designed to provide the media, including photographers and broadcasters, with a unique working environment.

 

All pre-match press conferences (Matchday -1) for Alassane Ouattara (Ebimpe) and Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium will be held at the Main Media Centre.

 

This will include all non-match day media events and press conferences. Media in Abidjan will also be able to follow press conferences from other venues at the Main Media Centre daily.

 

This is another way for CAF and COCAN to make work easy for more than 3,000 media accredited for the competition. The Main Media Centre can accommodate over 500 media and has a press conference facility.

 

CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba said: “Media plays an important role in making the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations a success. The CAF must introduce the best conditions for the media to do its work. The Main Media Centre will centralize media events and services. This means media do not need to travel between the two venues for pre-match media conferences.”

 

Operational Hours: 10h00 – 23h30 Daily

 

Key Features of the MMC: 

 

Centralized Approach: The MMC represents a centralized approach to media coverage, bringing together journalists, broadcasters, and photographers in one dedicated space.

 

Photographers Section: A dedicated area with two rows exclusively for photographers, recognizing the crucial role of visual storytelling in sports journalism.

 

Agencies Space: An exclusive space designated for media agencies.

 

Media Café: A dedicated catering area for media professionals to ensure a comfortable working environment.

Press Conferences: All Matchday-1 press conferences for teams and other CAF press conferences and media briefings will take place at the MMC.

 

Broadcast Hub: MMC serves as the central hub for broadcasting, with live feeds from all matches delivered to the facility. Even non-approved Media for Match Telecasts can watch matches at MMC.

 

CAF launches another Ticket Sales phase

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CAF launches another Ticket Sales phase

For TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023

 

 

As the kick-off of Africa’s most significant event approaches this weekend, CAF has launched the final phase of ticket sales for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 today.

 

For the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, CAF introduced online ticket sales for football fans, making ticket access easier.

 

Online tickets can be purchased at.

 

This follows the successes of the historic online ticket sales last November and over-the-counter sales a few weeks ago across significant cities and towns in Cote d’Ivoire.

 

This phase will cover remaining tickets for both online and over-the-counter sales to provide fans and supporters yet another opportunity to acquire tickets to watch their favorite teams and players in action.

 

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

 

For supporters and fans outside Cote d’Ivoire, tickets are available online at http://tickets.cafonline.com/AFCON.

 

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).

 

Host Cote d’Ivoire will face Guinea Bissau in the tournament opener on Saturday, 13 January 2024, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe near Abidjan, with matches also taking place in other cities such as Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro.

 

The final will occur on Sunday, 11 February 2024, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

 

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)

 

 

Former WWE GM Scoffs at Sasha Banks!

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Former WWE GM Scoffs at Sasha Banks!

“Doesn’t Matter Who You Bring In There,” Eric Bischoff scowls over Possible AEW Roster Arrival Under Tony Khan

 

 

The current hot topic of the pro wrestling community is where Mercedes Mone a.k.a Sasha Banks is headed. Rumors have been running rampant about where the star could go. The two theories that have been popping up lately are that she might make her return to WWE. Or she might make her way to Tony Khan‘s All Elite Wrestling roster, reports for Essentially Sports.

 

Many stars who were released from WWE in the past have done the same. Fans wouldn’t be surprised if Banks follows suit. However, one veteran from the industry believes that it is not going to change the fate of AEW.

Sasha Banks’ debut at AEW?

 

On the latest episode of his podcast 83 Weeks, former WWE Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff spoke about how Sasha Banks’s debut at AEW is not going to change anything.

He stated, “Doesn’t matter who you bring in there, AEW is quickly becoming TNA.” He further stated that many times it has been speculated that a star from WWE who debuts at AEW will have a good impact on the business.

However, according to Bischoff, besides CM Punk, no one has had such an impact on the promotion.

 

He further added that apart from the merchandise sales, there has never been any productive impact by a WWE star’s debut at AEW. Bischoff stated that this comment of his had gotten some heated reactions from fans in the past. However, it has been nothing but true.

Sasha Banks had left WWE in May 2022 along with Naomi. She left the promotion after a decade-long run that spanned numerous wins. Apart from that, many believed that Banks was at her prime around the time she left.

Sasha Banks’s next move has had many twists and turns recently. It all started in August 2023 when The Boss was reportedly in talks with AEW.

The tale of Sasha Banks’s return

 

In August 2023, it was reported that Banks was in talks with AEW. It was stated that the star had been having some productive talks with the promotion and fans could witness her AEW debut soon.

However, as December came in, it was reported that the higher-ups were not commenting on the current status of her debut.

Apart from that, her WWE best friend Bayley posted a cryptic message that hinted at Banks’s possible return to WWE. But things with WWE did not go as planned.

Amidst Rumors of Joining Tony Khan’s AEW Roster, Sasha Banks’ Best Friend Ropes In ‘Big-Money’ Contract

It was later revealed that Banks was asking for a pay which was on par with what The Queen of WWE, Charlotte Flair, was getting paid.

It is reported that Flair is the highest-paid woman on the roster in the history of WWE. It is speculated that this might be the reason why both parties were not able to negotiate a deal.

However, if this is true, Banks’s AEW debut might be evident. How do you think Sasha Banks’s debuting at AEW might change things for the promotion?

Elegbeleye demands Super Eagles AFCON win

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Elegbeleye demands Super Eagles AFCON win

Says it will be good for the NPFL brand

 

 

 

Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye has urged the Super Eagles to secure the country’s fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to expand the domestic football ecosystem.

 

Elegbeleye spoke to the NPFL Media on the sidelines of the sendoff dinner for the team in Lagos and noted that winning the title will trigger a domino effect of increased interests in football in the youth population.

 

The NPFL Boss who also serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said success at AFCON will also stimulate football business in general as domestic and international investment in the sport will spike.

 

“As it stands, there’s growing interest in football among young boys and girls but winning the fourth AFCON title will energise more numbers and increase their appetite to be like their compatriots who made the success possible”, remarked the former National Parliamentarian.

 

“It is not in doubt that domestic football has been on the upward trajectory in terms of investments, especially in the league. Winning the AFCON will add impetus in our capacity to attract higher domestic and foreign investors because success is a magnate to industry”.

 

He noted that the NPFL Board, Clubs and their players would be routing for the Super Eagles, a reason for the rescheduling of MatchDay 18 fixtures that clashed with Nigeria’s opening match on Sunday.

 

The Super Eagles open their quest for honours at the tournament on Sunday with a Group A fixture against Equatorial Guinea with the second group game against hosts, Cote D’Ivoire on Thursday, January 18 and last game on Monday, January 22 against Guinea Bissau.

 

CAF announces pact with Unilever

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CAF announces pact with Unilever

As latest Official Sponsor of TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023

 

 

The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) has today announced Unilever personal care brands, including Rexona (also known as Shield, Sure), Dove, Dove Men+Care and Axe, as the latest Official Sponsors of its two forthcoming continental championships: the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 and TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024.

 

This partnership with CAF was forged by Unilever International, Unilever’s Global Business Unit, in close partnership with Unilever’s Personal Care Business Group.

 

The partnership makes Unilever the exclusive ‘Personal Care consumer goods partner’ for the two tournaments while working closely with CAF on various African football initiatives.

 

By sponsoring the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023, Unilever is building on its rich history as a significant partner in football events and competitions worldwide.

 

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023, which will kick off on 13 January, is expected to be watched by over 800 million worldwide tuning in to catch the unique flavor of Africa’s biggest footballing celebration.

 

The TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2024 will take place in the summer of 2024 in Morocco, with the dates still to be announced.

 

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “Our partnership with Unilever and our sponsors are contributing to CAF achieving its objective of making CAF Competitions and African Football globally competitive and appealing to football fans and broadcasting viewers in Africa and worldwide. We welcome Unilever as the latest Official Sponsor of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 and the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024. We are also delighted with the numerous sponsors we have announced over the past year. We are excited about the new sponsors who continuously approach us intending to partner with CAF.”

 

CEO of Unilever International, Mr Assem Puri, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) and engage a large audience through our Personal Care brands. Through this partnership, we are also excited to connect with the future generation of football athletes across the African continent and help them grow.”

 

By sponsoring the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023, Unilever is building on its rich history as a significant partner in football events and competitions worldwide.

 

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