by Silas Boahene | Feb 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has called on corporate entities to enhance their support for the federation, emphasizing the crucial role of financial backing in the development of football in the country.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau made this appeal during a hosting event by MTN Nigeria for the Super Eagles in Abuja. Despite finishing as runners-up in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to Ivory Coast, the NFF acknowledges the significant achievements of the national team and underscores the importance of continued financial support.
Gusau expressed gratitude for MTN’s current support and urged other corporate organizations to follow suit. He highlighted the pivotal role of finances in the team’s success and emphasized the need for sustained backing to build on the progress achieved so far.
“We need more corporate organizations to support us to build on what we have so far built. Without finances, we cannot achieve what we have been able to achieve,” Gusau stated.
Prof. Ernest Ndukwe, the Chairman of MTN’s Board of Directors, reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to supporting the Super Eagles, considering it a way of giving back to society. Ndukwe emphasized MTN’s dedication to promoting unity among Nigerians through its support for sports, recognizing the unifying role that sports play in the nation.
The NFF’s call for increased corporate funding aims to ensure sustainable growth and development in Nigerian football, fostering a collaborative effort between football authorities and corporate entities for the betterment of the sport.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has strongly denounced the cyber attacks directed at Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi, emphasizing that such virulent criticism is unwarranted given his unwavering commitment and dedication to representing Nigeria over the years.
In a statement, the NFF expressed solidarity with Iwobi, highlighting his remarkable contributions to the national team and underscoring his pivotal role in crucial moments, such as scoring the goal against Zambia in Uyo that secured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The Director of Communications for the NFF, Ademola Olajire, called for an end to the online attacks, pointing out that Iwobi is the seventh most-capped Nigerian footballer in history, with 76 caps. Olajire urged football enthusiasts to appreciate Iwobi’s patriotic fervor and dedication to duty, citing his significant contributions to the national team’s success.
Highlighting Iwobi’s extensive international experience, the NFF emphasized that he has represented Nigeria at prestigious tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup in Russia (2018) and the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt (2019), Cameroon (2021), and Côte d’Ivoire (2023).
The statement aims to redirect the narrative surrounding Iwobi, recognizing his valuable service to Nigerian football and appealing for support and appreciation rather than undeserved criticism.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer
The recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory by Ivory Coast has showcased the unpredictable and chaotic nature of football, challenging the notion of a foolproof blueprint for tournament success. The journey from a devastating 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea to clinching the AFCON title has left the football world in awe of the unexpected twists and turns.
Following the group stage embarrassment and the subsequent dismissal of the 70-year-old French coach Jean-Louis Gasset, Ivory Coast appointed Emerse Faé, a former Reading midfielder, as the head coach on his 40th birthday. Faé, with no prior head coaching experience, steered the team through improbable comebacks, culminating in a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final.
The narrative of Ivory Coast’s AFCON triumph challenges the traditional approach to tournament preparation, prompting reflections on the role of chaos, chance, and unpredictability in football. The article questions the necessity of meticulous preparation, contrasting it with the Ivorian team’s journey of embracing chaos and overcoming challenges.
The piece draws parallels with England’s preparations for major tournaments, emphasizing the success of their Elite Player Performance Plan and the England DNA blueprint introduced in 2011. While acknowledging the importance of preparation in developing talented players, the article argues that the unpredictable nature of football ensures that luck, confidence, form, and momentum play significant roles in tournament success.
The Ivorian example raises intriguing questions about the balance between meticulous preparation and the spontaneous elements that make football exhilarating. Ultimately, the article suggests that, despite extensive preparations, football remains a sport where unexpected and illogical events can shape the outcome, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability to the beautiful game.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer
In a congratulatory message, HM King Mohammed VI conveyed warm wishes to the President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, and the First Lady, Dominique Ouattara, following the triumph of the Côte d’Ivoire national team in the 34th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The King expressed his joy in the message, stating, “Mr. President and dear brother, Madam First Lady, I am pleased to extend to you and, through you, to the Ivorian people, My warmest congratulations on the crowning of the Côte d’Ivoire national team in the final of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations football tournament, which your country has successfully hosted.”
Highlighting the pride that the Ivorian national team brings to the nation, HM the King emphasized the team’s perseverance and fighting spirit, acknowledging their success in reaching the summit of African football. The King praised the team for providing precious moments of communion to football enthusiasts in Côte d’Ivoire and across the continent.
This message reflects the King’s recognition of the significance of Côte d’Ivoire’s achievement in the AFCON tournament and extends heartfelt congratulations to the President, the First Lady, and the entire Ivorian population.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 14, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In recognition of their outstanding victory in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), each of the 27 players and the technical staff of the Ivorian national team is set to receive a substantial reward. President Alassane Ouattara announced that the triumphant squad will be granted $82,000 (Rwf104,878,000) along with a house valued at the same amount.
The decision to reward the players and staff members aims to honor their remarkable achievement as they clinched the continental title, marking the third AFCON victory in Côte d’Ivoire’s history. The team secured the championship by overcoming Nigeria 2-1 in a thrilling final held at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, witnessed by over 57,000 spectators.
President Ouattara confirmed the reward details in a statement, stating, “Every player in Côte d’Ivoire’s AFCON-winning squad is getting $82,000 and a villa worth $82,000. Coach Emerse Fae gets $164,000 (209,756,000).” The Ivorian head of state expressed his joy, saying, “You have brought happiness to all Ivorians, bravo, bravo.”
In addition to the financial rewards, both the players and the technical team have been bestowed with the nation’s highest order as a further acknowledgment of their exceptional contribution to the country’s football success.
With this victory, Côte d’Ivoire joins Nigeria as the only two African nations to have won the AFCON three times, standing alongside football powerhouses like Ghana, Cameroon, and Egypt in the prestigious tournament’s history.
