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The Confederation of African Football (CAF), has increased prize money for the winner of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire by 40 per cent.
On its official website on Thursday, CAF said the winner of the TotalEnergies AFCON will receive $7 million.
Daily Trust reports that the 2023 AFCON will run from January 13 to February 11, 2024, with 24 countries participating.
According to the organization, the runner-up will get $4 million while each of the two semi-finalists will receive $2.5 million and each of the four quarter-finalists will get $1.3 million.
Patrice Motsepe, CAF President, while speaking on the development, said the body had over the past two years increased the prize money of the AFCON.
Motsepe said: “CAF has made significant progress over the past two years in increasing the prize money of the AFCON and all its other major competitions.
“We have increased the prize money of the AFCON Winner to seven million dollars which is a 40 per cent increase from the previous prize money.
“I am confident that a portion of the prize money will contribute to developing football and also benefit all the football stakeholders, as well as assist our member associations with their administrations.”
Months after welcoming his second child with his ex-girlfriend, Bruna Biancardi, Brazilian winger, Neymar is reportedly expecting his third child from a third baby mama.
Neymar recently welcomed his second child, a daughter named Mavi, with Bruna, who confirmed her breakup with the 31-year-old Brazilian star in November 2023.
The Brazilian model had to break up with the former Paris Saint Germain winger after he was caught on camera partying with unidentified women amidst a cheating scandal.
Despite their breakup, Neymar celebrated the birth of Mavi while recovering from a recent surgery to treat his Cruciate ligament tear.
Since Neymar left PSG for Saudi Pro League club, Al-Hilal on August 12, 2023, for a transfer fee worth €90 million, he has managed to play just five times in all competitions in which he has scored a goal and provided three assists.
He is struggling with non-football matters as he is battling to stabilize his fitness issues and football career. Brazilian showbiz website LeoDias has alleged that a Brazilian model is three months pregnant for the footballer.
The Sun also confirmed the report on Tuesday, January 2, but Neymar has yet to make any public reaction over the report, and the model in question is unknown.
If the report is anything to go by, it means that the footballer was cheating on Bruna, as alleged. Recall that last year, the Brazilian footballer publicly apologized to her for cheating on her.
Also, if the pregnancy rumour is anything to go by, Neymar will be a father to three children from three different women. He had his first child, 12-year-old Luca, with ex-girlfriend Carolina, and months-old Mavi with Bruna.
Former Head Coach of Nigeria’s U-17 male national team, Sebastine Broderick, has passed on at the age of 85.
Broderick’s wife confirmed the development on Wednesday.
He has been battling with an unnamed illness for over a year.
Broderick led the Golden Eaglets to success at the first edition of the U-16 World Cup in China in 1985.
He also won a silver medal in the 1987 tournament in Canada, which FIFA eventually upgraded to the U-17 World Cup.
Broderick led a coaching crew that also had Bala Shamaki and Christian Chukwu when Nigeria won in China in 1985.
He enjoyed a distinguished career both as a player and coach, representing the country at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
Multichoice, the parent company of DStv, on Wednesday, said the upcoming African Cup of Nations tournament would not be broadcasted on its platform.
It said the satellite failed to secure the broadcasting rights to broadcast the continent’s biggest footballing event on its SuperSport channels.
“SuperSport Channel will not broadcast the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 scheduled for January 13th – February 11th, 2-24, because the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament.
“However, AFCON 2023 games will be available through our partner broadcast stations on Free to Air (FTA) channels.
“Multichoice Africa remains committed to ensuring football fans across Africa continue to enjoy unrivaled access to entertainment and football games available on DStv and GOtv platforms including, the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Zambian Super League, and many more of football’s most prestigious competitions,” the firm said in a statement on Wednesday.
The 34th edition of AFCON will begin on 13 January in Ivory Coast.
The PUNCH reports that three-time winners Nigeria will face the hosts, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea in Group A.
The Eagles, in their quest for a fourth continental title, will take on Equatorial Guinea on January 14 in their first match of Group A, before further clashes with host nation Ivory Coast January 18 and Guinea Bissau January 22.
Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah says his desire is to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations for his country.
Salah, who netted a brace in Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Newcastle in Monday night’s Premier League game at Anfield, told Sky Sports after the game that Egypt has the quality to win the trophy.
Recall that the Pharaoh’s of will battle Ghana, Cape Verde and Mozambique in Group B of the tournament.
“We believe too much. We have top talents. They just need to work hard.
“Going to AFCON? I want to win it! I love playing for my country. Without me they will be fine. We have fantastic players.”
[Leadership]
Chelsea are reportedly considering a transfer move for Girona’s Artem Dovbyk as a short-term alternative for their long-term target, Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen looks highly unlikely to join Chelsea this January transfer window after he recently signed a new deal with Napoli.
According to the Sun (via Teamtalk), the Blues are keen to bring Dovbyk to Stamford Bridge this January.
Dovbyk has been impressive for Girona in the La Liga this season.
He has scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 17 games this term.
His contract with the La Liga club will expire in 2028 which would make him costly but not as much as Osimhen.
Chelsea could make do with a player like Dovbyk as they have continued to struggle for goals this season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have also been linked with Brentford’s Ivan Toney.
Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah has revealed that his country’s national team will be fine without him during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Ivory Coast.
The Liverpool ace spoke after leading Jurgen Klopp’s side to beat Newcastle United 4-2 on Monday night.
Recall that Salah scored a brace for the Reds against Newcastle to give his side all three points at Anfield.
The match was Salah’s last game for Liverpool as he prepared to join the Egypt squad for the 2023 AFCON.
Speaking after Liverpool defeated Newcastle, Salah told Sky Sports: “We believe too much. We have top talents. They just need to work hard.
“Going to AFCON? I want to win it! I love playing for my country. Without me they will be fine. We have fantastic players.”
Egypt are in Group B at the AFCON alongside Ghana, Mozambique and Cape Verde.
[DailyPost]
WAYNE Rooney has been fired by Birmingham City after just three months in charge of the Championship club.
The former England, Everton and Manchester United forward was relieved of his duties after a dismal run of just two victories in 15 matches, which took Birmingham City from sixth to 20th in the English second tier.
“Birmingham City has today parted company with Manager, Wayne Rooney, and First Team Coach, Carl Robinson.
Despite their best efforts, results have not met the expectations that were made clear at the outset. Therefore, the Board feels that a change in management is in the best interests of the Football Club,” the club announced on their official website today.
“The Club’s Board and management are fully aligned and will continue to drive transformation and take bold steps to rebuild Birmingham City into the organisation its fans and community deserve.
“The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Wayne and Carl for all of their efforts.”
Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, noted: “We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St. Andrew’s.
“Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction.
“The search for a successor begins with immediate effect and we will update supporters when we have further news.”
Birmingham confirmed that Professional Development Coach, Steve Spooner, will take temporary charge of the first team to be assisted by the remaining coaching staff that were not sacked along with Rooney.
Legendary as a player, with scoring records at both England and Manchester United, Rooney has struggled as a coach, having previously handled Derby County and DC United in the American Major League Soccer.
Rooney, 38, was appointed 82 days ago to replace John Eustace but Birmingham City have gone backwards since then, winning two, drawing four and losing a whopping nine of their games.
[NaijaTimes]
To the excitement and applause of the audience, the Super Eagles forward, who has been freed by his Italian club Napoli for the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, pulled up for service.
In the widely shared video on the internet, Osimhen was seen approaching the pulpit as the congregation cheered and whooped.
The pastor gave the microphone to an overjoyed Osimhen after the former Lille striker hugged him.
[TheNation]
Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat, aged 34, has been discovered dead in Kenya, as confirmed by the police on Sunday.
Reports from local media suggested that he may have been murdered.
Kiplagat, who was originally from Kenya, had represented Uganda internationally in the 3,000m steeplechase, participating in multiple Olympic Games and World Championships.
His lifeless body was found in a car on Saturday night on the outskirts of Eldoret, a town in the Rift Valley known for being home to many athletes.
“An investigation has been launched, and officers are on the ground pursuing leads,” local police commander Stephen Okal told reporters in Eldoret.
The police have reported that Benjamin Kiplagat’s body showed signs of a deep knife wound to his neck, indicating that he may have been stabbed.
Benjamin Kiplagat, specializing in long-distance races, represented Uganda in the Rio Olympics Games in 2016 in Brazil.
Throughout his impressive 17-year career, the 34-year-old athlete earned several accolades, including a World Under 20 Championships Silver medal and an African Championships Bronze medal.
In the World Athletics Rankings, he held the 38th position overall in the Men’s 3,000-meter Steeplechase.
Kiplagat participated in various competitions, including the Shanghai Samsung Diamond League, Lausanne Athletissima in Switzerland, Paris Meeting Areva, and Hengelo Fanny Blankers-Koen Games in the Netherlands.
Notably, in June 2012, Kiplagat made history by securing bronze in the 3,000-meter Steeplechase final, becoming the first Ugandan male athlete to win any kind of medal and breaking the dominion of Kenyan athletes in the event.
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Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has named 25 players for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which is scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
In the 25-man Super Eagles squad that was confirmed earlier today, December 29, coach Jose Peseiro unexpectedly invited Ahmed Musa, the team’s captain, who has never kicked a ball for the team throughout 2023.
Interestingly, only one domestic player from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Enyimba goalkeeper, Leke Ojo, made the cut.
Ojo will compete with error-prone Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho who is currently contracted to Omonoia FC of Cyprus, and Stanley Nwabili of Chippa United of South Africa, for the Eagles’ first eleven.
Other major additions to the squad are, Victor Osimhen of Napoli, Vice-Captain William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze.
Below is the Super Eagles of Nigeria full squad for the 2023 AFCON:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Chippa United, South Africa); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC)
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); William Troost-Ekong (PAOK Salonika, Greece); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor K, Turkey); Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany).
Note that the Super Eagles are in Group A and they will begin their 2023 AFCON campaign against Equatorial Guinea on January 14. They will play the hosts, Ivory Coast, on January 18, and end the group stage with a game against Guinea Bissau on January 22.
The Africa Cup of Nations hosts, Ivory Coast, revealed their 27-man squad for the January 11 to February 11 tournament, incorporating a mix of overseas talents, in an announcement made on Thursday.
Under the management of French coach Jean-Louis Gasset, Ivory Coast’s squad includes Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller, Monaco defender Wilfried Singo, along with midfielders Ibrahim Sangare from Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest, Seko Fofana from Al Nassr, and Franck Kesslie from Al Ahli.
However, absent from Gasset’s selection are Galatasaray forward Wilfried Zaha and Besiktas defender Eric Bailly.
Drawn in Group A alongside Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast gears up for the challenge ahead.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana (Angers/FRA), Charles Folly (Asec Mimosas), Badra Ali (Sekhukhune United/RSA)
Defenders: Serge Aurier (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Willy Boly (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Ismael Diallo (Hajduk Split/CRO), Ousmane Diomandé (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Ghislain Konan (Al-Feiha/KSA), Evans N’dicka (Roma/ITA), Odilon Kossonou (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Wilfried Singo (Monaco/FRA)
Midfielders: Jean-Thierry Amani Lazare (Union Saint-Gilloise/BEL), Idrissa Doumbia (Alanyaspor/TUR), Seko Fofana (Al Nassr/KSA), Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Franck Kessié (Al-Ahli/KSA), Jean-Michael Seri (Hull/ENG)
Forwards: Simon Adingra (Brighton/ENG), Jonathan Bamba (Celta Vigo/ESP), Jérémie Boga (Nice/FRA), Sébastien Haller (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Karim Konaté (RB Salzburg/AUT), Christian Kouamé (Fiorentina/ITA), Jean-Philippe Krasso (Red Star Belgrade/SRB), Max-Alain Gradel (Gaziantep/TUR), Oumar Diakité (Reims/FRA), Nicolas Pépé (Trabzonspor/TUR)
[Leadership]
Former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders has urged Sir Jim Ratcliffe to begin his rule over Manchester United’s football department by ruthlessly offloading 10 players.
The 10 players are Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw, Antony, Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Scott McTominay, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jadon Sancho.
Saunders believes some of these players are not good enough to play for the Red Devils.
DAILY POST recalls that the chairman of petrochemical conglomerate INEOS last week agreed to a £1.3 billion deal with the Glazer family, giving him a 25 per cent stake in Man United.
It would allow Ratcliffe to take charge of Man United’s football operations.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Saunders said: “Rashford has been there too long. [Anthony] Martial, I will drive him to the airport. Antony, drive him to the airport.
“Luke Shaw has been there too long. [Diogo] Dalot’s not good enough. [Raphael] Varane, he’s a good player, but it’s not worked for him. Ten Hag’s tried to get rid of Varane.
“Jonny Evans is not good enough now, so there’s the back four. [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka, he’s tried to get rid of him. He got rid of Fred. [Scott] McTominay, the manager has obviously shown he doesn’t think he is good enough, but he gets goals.
“He is not good enough to play for Man United, in my opinion. If you play for Man United in midfield, you have got to be one of the best players in the world in midfield. You are not playing for Crystal Palace!”
He added: “I am just thinking off the top of my head. Sancho, Antony, Martial, you are looking at what, £200m or something like that just for them?”
[DailyPost]
Former Premier League star, Clinton Morrison has insisted that William Saliba is just as important to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal as Declan Rice.
Morrison said that Rice has been outstanding for Arteta’s side but Saliba’s availability will be a decisive factor in their Premier League title race this term.
According to the former Republic of Ireland international, Saliba and Gabriel’s partnership is rock solid but Arsenal could struggle if the French defender suffers an injury setback.
“We spoke about Declan Rice, he has been outstanding. But another player who has been outstanding and they have to keep fit is Saliba,” Morrison said on Soccer Special on Sky Sports.
“Unbelievable. The partnership between him and Gabriel is brilliant.
“That is a protection (from Rice). But if they were to pick an injury to Saliba, then it is a struggle. You are then looking at who could come in.”
[DailyPost]