African football - The African Mirror

Feb

2024

African football won the 34th Afcon, with Côte d’Ivoire a close second

AFCON 2023

The 34th Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) came to an end in Côte d'Ivoire with millions of viewers around the world shouting at TV screens, and an astonishing performance by Côte d'Ivoire both on the field as champions and off it as hosts. The West African country beat Nigeria 2-1 in the final but the good news was bigger than the match. The group stage of the most important national tournament in Africa produced an average of 2.47 goals per game – the highest in the competition for over a decade. CHUKA ONWUMECHILI, Professor of Communications, Howard University As a…

Jan

2024

By The African Mirror

Afcon’s decision to allow 24 countries to play is paying off – and having dramatic repercussions

AFCON 2023

BY the end of the group stage, the 34th Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) was one of the most exciting and memorable Afcon tournaments in recent memory. This was particularly true of the performances of the continent’s best players on the field. As a scholar of sports communication with a focus on African football, I’ve followed developments with interest, notably the 2019 decision to increase the number of national teams in the final stage from 16 to 24. CHUKA ONWUMECHILI, Professor of Communications, Howard University There were several critics of the expansion of the tournament. They argued that Afcon was…

Jan

2024

By BONFACE ORUCHO, BIRD STORY AGENCY

Countdown to AFCON 2023 as the ultimate African football showdown nears

AFCON 2023

FOOTBALL enthusiasts from across the continent are gearing up for an electrifying kickoff as the countdown to AFCON 2023, one of Africa's most fiercely competitive football tournaments, nears its end. Set in Cote d'Ivoire for the first time since 1984, the 34th edition of the action-packed tournament spans from Saturday, January 13 to February 11. This 24-team showdown unites the continent's football elites, stars like Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah from English Premier League club Liverpool and Super Eagles' Victor Osimhen, recently honored as the best African male footballer by CAF. The clash of these titans promises enthralling entertainment for millions…

Oct

2023

By BONFACE ORUCHO, BIRD STORY AGENCY

Rwanda eyes African football to boost tourism, increase air traffic and grow grassroots football

NEWS

RWANDA is set to co-sponsor the inaugural African Football League as it seeks to leverage the upcoming competition to drive tourism, bolster grassroots sports, and increase air traffic. In a significant collaborative effort, the Government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Development Board, the Ministry of Sports, and RwandAir, unveiled this milestone partnership in a notification released on Tuesday (October 17). According to Véron Mosengo-Omba, CAF Secretary General, the alliance with the ‘Visit Rwanda’ campaign “marks a major milestone.” “Together, we will unlock new horizons for the beautiful game on our continent, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and the passion…

Jan

2023

By The African Mirror

African football on the rise: CAF’s new continental Super League

SPORT

BIRD STORY AGENCY AFRICAN football is poised for a boost as FIFA associations look forward to additional funding under the FIFA Forward 3.0 programme, 2022-2026. In the new round of funding, individual associations could get up to US$5 million to supplement operational costs and an additional US$ 3 million to execute specific football projects. Associations that are the most in need will also take home US$1.2 million to cover the costs of travel and accommodation for their national teams, as well as the purchase of football equipment. Confederations and regional/zonal associations will receive US$60 million and US$5 million respectively, to…