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AFCON: European Clubs Threaten To Withhold Players

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4 years ago

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AFCON trophy.
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Europe’s top clubs are threatening not to release players for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon over fears surrounding its Covid-19 health protocol.

The European Club Association, which represents leading clubs across the continent, made its concerns known to FIFA in a letter seen by AFP.

“With regards to applicable protocols, as far as we are aware, CAF (the Confederation of African football) has not yet made available a suitable medical and operational protocol for the AFCON tournament, in the absence of which clubs will not be able to release players for the tournament,” the ECA told football’s world governing body.

The Cup of Nations, which was already postponed last year due to the health crisis, is due to start in Cameroon on January 9 and run until February 6.

Many of Africa’s leading players are based at clubs in Europe, including Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City, Achraf Hakimi, and Idrissa Gana Gueye of Paris Saint-Germain.

The ECA also raised concerns about the danger of players being unavailable for even longer periods due to the potential for travel restrictions or mandatory quarantine being introduced, in particular in relation to the emerging threat posed by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

According to FIFA’s rules for the release of players for international duty during the pandemic, clubs can retain players if “there is a mandatory quarantine of at least five days on arrival” in the place “where a national team match is supposed to take place” or when the player returns to his club.

An executive board meeting of the ECA — which represents almost 250 European clubs — on December 2 said these principles “must be strictly respected”, according to the letter sent to FIFA Deputy Secretary General Mattias Grafstroem.

“Should this not be the case…players (should) not be released for international duty”.

 ‘Unmanageable’ 

Clubs could lose players who are called up for the 24-team tournament from as early as December 27, which is particularly problematic for those based in England, where there is a busy schedule of matches over the holiday period in late December and early January.

“For certain clubs expected to release players, including English and French clubs, domestic competition matches are due to take place up until early January and hence the overlap of the 2022 AFCON release dates…are unmanageable,” added the ECA, whose chairman is Qatar’s Nasser al-Khelaifi, also the president of PSG.

CAF general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba is currently in Cameroon overseeing final preparations for the delayed tournament.

The organisation refused to comment on the ECA threat when contacted by AFP but, in an update on its website, said that Mosengo-Omba “urged everyone to work around the clock to ensure that everything is in place for the opening game”.

However, the pandemic would appear to pose a far bigger threat to the successful staging of the tournament than concerns about the host nation’s readiness.

The CAF update said its president, Patrice Motsepe, had been in discussions with the Cameroonian government “on sanitary approach and Covid-19 protocols”.

When contacted by AFP, a senior official in the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) dismissed any suggestion the tournament could be called off as “fake news”.

AFP

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FIFA Rankings: Super Falcons Retain Top Spot In Africa, Ranked 36th Globally

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4 months ago

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August 7, 2025

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Super Falcons of Nigeria
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Nigeria’s Super Falcons have maintained their position as the highest-ranked women’s football team in Africa, according to the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday.

The nine-time African champions are placed 36th in the world with 1,630 points, following their recent triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where they clinched a record-extending 10th title.

On the global stage, reigning world champions Spain top the rankings with 2,066 points, narrowly ahead of the United States who are second with 2,065 points. Sweden is third with 2,025 points, while European champions England occupy the fourth spot with 2,022 points.

In Africa, South Africa trails the Super Falcons, ranked second on the continent and 54th globally with 1,465 points. WAFCON 2024 finalists and hosts Morocco are third in Africa and 64th in the world with 1,407 points, followed closely by Zambia, ranked fourth in Africa and 65th globally with 1,402 points.

The next update of the FIFA Women’s World Rankings will be released on December 11, 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

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Maiden Senate President Tennis Championship Set For October Showdown

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4 months ago

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August 6, 2025

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Senate President Godwill Akpabio and others
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A new era is about to unfold in Nigerian tennis as the inaugural Senate President National Open Lawn Tennis Championship is set to serve off this October in a thrilling two-city tournament.

The historic championship, powered by Africa Sports Management Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), promises to inject fresh energy into grassroots tennis and shine a spotlight on the next generation of stars.

The big announcement was made during a high-profile visit to the Office of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, led by the Chairman/CEO of Africa Sports Management, Rt. Hon. Prince Mathew Kolawole, and Rotimi Akinloye, representing the NTF President.

The meeting was brokered by Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development.

According to Kolawole, the tournament is designed to celebrate Senate President Akpabio’s dynamic leadership and to serve as a vehicle for youth empowerment, sports development, and national unity through tennis.

“This championship is not just about tennis,” Kolawole declared. “It’s about engaging Nigerian youths, promoting healthy lifestyles, and creating a platform for budding talents to connect, compete, and grow.”

The championship will hit the courts in Abuja and Uyo, Akwa Ibom State — Akpabio’s home turf — in what’s expected to be a spectacle of athleticism and national pride.

Welcoming the initiative with enthusiasm, Senate President Akpabio pledged his full support and used the opportunity to rally the private sector behind sports development.

“Sports shouldn’t be government-funded alone,” Akpabio said. “The private sector must rise to the occasion. Competitions like this can attract sponsors, engage our youths, and produce future champions who will make Nigeria proud.”

With big names, bold ambitions, and a vision to transform the tennis scene, the countdown to October has begun — and all eyes are on the courts.

 

 

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Tinubu Awards D’Tigress $100,000, Homes, and National Honours After AfroBasket Victory

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4 months ago

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August 5, 2025

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Tinubu Awards D’Tigress $100,000
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Following their impressive victory at the AfroBasket 2025 championship, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, received generous rewards from President Bola Tinubu. Each player was awarded a cash prize of $100,000, a three-bedroom apartment, and the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honor.

During a high-profile reception on Monday evening at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the athletes and announced the rewards to a thunderous ovation from dignitaries and supporters. “Your victory is more than just a win on the court — it’s a victory for every Nigerian,” Shettima declared. “You’ve shown what’s possible when courage, discipline, and unity come together.”

Coaching and technical team members were also recognized, each receiving $50,000, a home, and national honors for their critical roles in leading the team to success. Under the innovative direction of Head Coach Rena Wakama, D’Tigress secured their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and seventh overall by defeating Mali 78–64 in the final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan. This victory extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the AfroBasket since 2017, solidifying their status as the continent’s unrivaled champions.

The triumphant team was warmly welcomed at the Presidential Villa shortly before 5:00 p.m., with an electric atmosphere filling the banquet hall. Attendees included First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and key lawmakers like Senator Garba Maidoki and Hon. Kabiru Amadou.

This event followed the Super Falcons’ recent WAFCON triumph, marking a significant double celebration for Nigerian women’s sports. Sports analysts and fans alike praised Tinubu’s gesture as a strong commitment to women in sports. For the players, this recognition serves as more than just a reward; it is inspiration for future generations of champions.

“We did it for Nigeria,” one player expressed. “And to be honored like this? It’s unforgettable.”

D’Tigress didn’t just bring home a trophy; they conveyed hope, pride, and proof that Nigerian excellence knows no limits.

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