by Silas Boahene | Jan 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
“Finidi George Predicts Senegal as Favorites for 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Highlights Contenders”
Super Eagles assistant coach, Finidi George, has shared his predictions for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, naming Senegal as the favorites to secure the title. In addition to Senegal, George listed Morocco, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Algeria, and Cameroon as strong contenders for the crown if Les Lions de la Teranga fail to lift the trophy on February 11, 2024.
George, a former Super Eagles player with extensive AFCON experience, highlighted his belief in Senegal’s ability to defend their title and praised Morocco as an exceptional team. He expressed his confidence in Nigeria’s chances and also recognized the competitive strengths of Ivory Coast, Algeria, and Cameroon.
In Group A, where Nigeria and Ivory Coast are considered frontrunners, George explained his nominations based on recent performances. He emphasized that while several teams have the potential to win the title, he sees Morocco and Senegal as exceptional due to their recent achievements and form.
George stated, “I believe that the Senegal national team will defend its title, and I also nominate Morocco due to its recent performance. Each of them is exceptional, but you can never know what may happen in the tournament, but these two teams are exceptional due to what they have shown recently.”
He continued, “Nigeria cannot be excluded from the nominations as well. There are also CĂ´te d’Ivoire, Algeria, and Cameroon. There are many teams that can win the title, but for me, I think that Morocco has a chance and Senegal as well.”
by Silas Boahene | Jan 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer, World Cup
As of January 15, the scheduling of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco faces uncertainty due to a potential clash with the newly expanded Club World Cup. Traditionally held in the first three months of the year until 2017, recent AFCON tournaments were moved to January-February to avoid conflicts with the rainy season in Cameroon and Ivory Coast.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had initially committed to returning the AFCON to a mid-year schedule in 2025 to accommodate European clubs and prevent disputes over player releases in the midst of their season. However, the plans have hit a roadblock with FIFA’s decision to host a 32-team Club World Cup in the United States in June and July 2025.
Patrice Motsepe, the president of CAF, acknowledged the challenges and hinted at the possibility of shifting the AFCON dates despite the earlier pledge. Motsepe stated, “We want the Cup of Nations to take place when it is most favourable and convenient for the tournament. We are still engaging with FIFA about the dates.” The discussions with FIFA aim to find a resolution that considers the interests and scheduling constraints of both tournaments.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Rui Vitoria, Head Coach of Egypt, has delivered a strong warning to the Black Stars as they prepare to face Ghana in the second group game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday, January 18 at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
Following a narrow escape against Mozambique, where Egypt managed to secure a late draw with a penalty converted by Mohamed Salah, Vitoria acknowledged the challenges posed by their opponents. He emphasized the need to address tactical issues and tighten defensive gaps, especially considering Ghana’s experienced team.
Vitoria commented on Mozambique’s solid performance, stating, “Mozambique has a solid team, I said it before meeting them and that’s what happened today. They gave us a lot of tactical problems with this low pack. This team has excellent elements in midfield. They found gaps in us and they took advantage of it.”
Looking ahead to the clash with Ghana, Vitoria stressed the importance of concentration and minimizing mistakes against a formidable opponent. He highlighted that against a team like Ghana, any lapse in concentration could prove costly.
Addressing defensive errors, Vitoria expressed the urgency to rectify them promptly, recognizing that such mistakes could be severely punished, especially when facing strong teams like Ghana.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 16, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International
Anthony Joshua will face Mixed Martial Arts fighter Francis Ngannou in a boxing heavyweight contest on 8th March in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua and Ngannou will meet at a news conference later on Monday in London.
The 37-year-old former UFC champion only made his professional boxing debut in Riyadh in October, when he knocked down WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury before losing a close decision.
Fury is set to fight WBA, WBO and IBF belt holder Oleksandr Usyk on 17th February for the right to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.
Saudi organisers were intent on hosting Joshua versus Deontay Wilder on 9th March, but the American’s points defeat by Joseph Parker on 23rd December scuppered those plans.
Joshua stopped Otto Wallin on the same card and organisers were determined to find a bout for the 34-year-old on the same weekend which the Wilder showdown had been pencilled in for.
Joshua versus Ngannou will take place on a Friday to avoid a clash with Formula 1’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which is due to be held in Jeddah on Saturday 9th March.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 16, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International
Agnes Ngetich made history on Sunday as she set a new women’s 10-kilometer road world record, becoming the first woman to complete the distance in under 29 minutes. The 22-year-old Kenyan crossed the finish line in an impressive 28 minutes and 46 seconds in Valencia, Spain, surpassing the previous mixed road race world record by 28 seconds, which was held by Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw. This remarkable achievement also outpaced the women’s track world record of 29:01.03, held by Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey, as confirmed by World Athletics, the sport’s governing body. Reflecting on her accomplishment, Ngetich expressed her surprise at achieving such a feat, stating, “Going under 29 minutes… I didn’t expect to do this time. The course is impressive. I came to improve my personal best.
