Categories
Sport News

BREAKING: AFCON Now To Be Played Every Four Years

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held every four years starting from 2028.

This was revealed by Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, on Saturday.

Since 1968, the tournament has been played every two years.

There was, however, a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions.

But after the 2027 edition in East Africa and the next one in 2028, it will switch to a four-year cycle.

“We have the most exciting new structure for African football,”
Motsepe said.

“I do what is in the interests of Africa. The global calendar has to be significantly more synchronised and harmonised.”

Categories
Sport News

CAF Announces Free e-Visas For Fans Attending AFCON Morocco 2025

The Confederation of African Football and the AFCON Morocco 2025 Local Organising Committee on Friday announced that fans travelling to the tournament will be eligible for free electronic visas.

The policy benefits citizens of countries that normally require a visa to enter Morocco.

“Electronic visas to enter Morocco — obtained through the YALLA app — are now free of charge for supporters attending the competition, which runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026,”
CAF said in a statement on its website.

The governing body said the announcement comes amid growing global demand for Africa’s biggest football event, with more fans booking tickets.

It explained that fans need two documents, a fan identification and an e-visa, to stay in Morocco and enter football stadiums throughout the tournament.

“A Fan ID is mandatory for entry to all stadiums and official Fan Areas. Supporters can apply for both the Fan ID and e-visa in one place inside the YALLA app, streamlining travel and stadium access.

“The Fan ID application and e-visa request are completed seamlessly within the YALLA app, ensuring a faster, easier and secure experience for international visitors and local fans alike,” the statement added.

To apply, fans are urged to download the YALLA app on Google Play or the App Store, or visit the official YALLA website, complete the Fan ID form, and, if required, submit the e-visa request.

Once approved, supporters can purchase match tickets on the CAF ticketing platform.

“The new measures are designed to deliver a seamless, secure fan experience for Africa’s showpiece event that will be played across nine stadiums in six cities,”
CAF said.

With Morocco hosting for the first time since 1988, the continent’s biggest football festival returns to North Africa amid high expectations, fierce rivalries, and a new generation of African stars ready to make their mark.

A total of 24 teams are expected to participate.

Categories
Sport News

CAF Releases 5 Key Rules for Super Eagles’ Crucial World Cup Playoff Against Gabon

Five key match regulations have been released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ahead of Nigeria’s high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against Gabon.
The procedural guidelines confirm how the crucial encounter will be decided.
The regulations confirm that if the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it will proceed to extra time, and if extra time fails to produce a winner, the tie will be determined via a penalty shootout. Regarding player substitutions, teams will be allowed to make up to five substitutions during regular time, with an additional sixth substitution permitted if the match is extended into extra time, offering coaches strategic flexibility to manage fatigue.
Finally, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be in operation for the playoff, assisting match officials in major decision-making involving goals, penalties, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity, ensuring fairness and accuracy for this decisive fixture.
The Nigeria vs. Gabon clash is a single-match semi-final within a centralized mini-tournament being held in Morocco.
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT)
Venue: Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco
The winner of this match will proceed to the African play-off final on Sunday, November 16, to face either Cameroon or DR Congo, with the ultimate tournament champion advancing to the FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off for a chance at a 2026 World Cup berth
Categories
Sport News

2025 CAF Awards Ceremony Gets Date, Venue

The 2025 CAF Awards is scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, November 19.

CAF confirmed the date and venue for the ceremony on Friday.

The ceremony which will reward the best in African football will begin from 7:00 pm.

A number of Nigerian stars including Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabali, Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo and Chiamaka Nnadozie have been nominated for the continent’s top prizes.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe and other top football officials within and outside Africa are expected to grace the the ceremony.

Nigeria winger Ademola Lookman won the men’s award past year, while Barbra Banda of Zambia went home with women’s prize.

Categories
Sport News

CAF Confirms World Cup 2026 Playoff Fixtures, Venue, Time; Nigeria, Others Get Opponents

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in partnership with hosts Morocco, has officially announced the match venues and schedule for the African qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Intercontinental Playoff tournament.

The high-stakes mini-tournament will take place from 13 to 16 November 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, featuring four African powerhouses: Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

According to CAF, the semi-finals will be played on Thursday, 13 November 2025, at El Barid Stadium and the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex.

A draw scheduled for 30 October 2025 will determine which fixture is assigned to each venue.

The opening semi-final will see Nigeria’s Super Eagles take on Gabon at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT).

This will be followed by the second semi-final between Cameroon and DR Congo at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT).

The tournament’s final is slated for Sunday, 16 November 2025, at Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, with kick-off set for 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT).

Confirmed Fixtures: CAF 2026 Playoff

  • Match 1: Nigeria vs Gabon — 17:00
  • Match 2: Cameroon vs DR Congo — 20:00

The overall winner will advance to the FIFA Inter-Continental Play-off in March 2026, where they will compete for Africa’s 10th and final slot at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The tournament represents the last h

Categories
Sport News

Osimhen To Battle Salah, Hakimi For 2025 CAF Player Of The Year

The Nigerian star footballer, Victor Osimhen has been nominated for the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.

The Galatasaray striker won the prestigious award in 2023.

Osimhen will battle nine others players for the individual accolade.

The other nominees are Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Serhou Guirassy, Fiston Mayele, Frank Auguissa and Dennis Bounaga.

Other players in contention for the award are Pape Matar Sarr, Ilman Ndiaye and Ousmanne Lamloui.

Atalanta winger, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, won the award last year.

Categories
Sport News

Ademola Lookman Makes Final List Of CAF Player Of The Year (Men) Award

Nigerian star, Ademola Lookman has made it to the final list of the The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Player of the Year (Men) award for the 2024 CAF Awards.
CAF released a list of the Five exceptional African talents.
See the contenders below:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Nigeria):
A dynamic and versatile attacker, Lookman has consistently impressed with his pace, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability.
His performances for Atalanta have earned him recognition as one of the top African players in Europe.
 
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa):
A reliable and commanding goalkeeper, Williams has been instrumental in Mamelodi Sundowns’ success.
His exceptional shot-stopping abilities and leadership qualities have made him a key player for both club and country.
Simon Adingra (Brighton & Hove Albion, Côte d’Ivoire):
A promising young talent, Adingra has shown great potential with his pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability.
His performances for Brighton have caught the eye of many and earned him a place on the shortlist.
Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund, Guinea):
A prolific striker, Guirassy has been a consistent goal-scorer for Borussia Dortmund.
His clinical finishing and aerial ability have made him a threat to any defense.
 
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco):
A world-class full-back, Hakimi is known for his attacking prowess and defensive solidity.
His impressive performances for both club and country have solidified his position as one of the top African players in the world.
The winner of the CAF Player of the Year (Men) award will be announced at the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony.
Categories
Sport News

BREAKING: CAF Awards Three Points, Three Goals To Nigeria, Fines Libya $50,000 Over Missed Game

On Saturday, October 26, the Confederation of African Football, CAF, awarded three points and three goals to the Super Eagles following the botched 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

The Super Eagles consolidated their top position in the group following the verdict.

The Nigerian side now have 10 points from four matches, four points clear of nearest rivals Benin.

Libya remain bottom of the group with one point.

A draw with Benin in Abidjan next month will qualify the Super Eagles for the 2025 AFCON to be hosted by Morocco in December 2025.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also fined the Libya Football Federation $50,000.

The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the decision.

Categories
Sport News

AFCON Qualifiers: Troost-Ekong Celebrates As CAF Awards Victory To Nigeria, Fines Libya

Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, is in high spirits as he celebrates the ruling by the Confederation of African Football regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match between Libya and Nigeria.

Recall that the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football awarded Nigeria three points and three goals from the abandoned Matchday 4 encounter in the 2025 AFCON qualification series, scheduled to be played between Libya and Nigeria in Benina on 15 October.

In its ruling on Saturday, signed by chairman Ousmane Kane, the Disciplinary Board determined that the Libyan Football Federation was in breach of Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

“The Libyan Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

“The match No. 87, Libya v Nigeria, of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi), is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (with a record of 3-0),” the ruling read in part.

The LFF was also ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000, with payment due within 60 days of notification of the present decision.

The outcome of the Disciplinary Committee means that Nigeria is close to qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with two matches to spare.

As a result, the Super Eagles are now on 10 points from four matches, four points ahead of second-placed Benin Republic, while Rwanda has five points. Bottom-placed Libya has only one point and is out of the running for qualification.

A win or draw against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday, 14 November (a matchday 5 encounter) will secure the Super Eagles a ticket to the finals in Morocco, scheduled for December 2025/January 2026.

The Nigerian team had boycotted the match citing safety concerns, after being left stranded at the remote Al-Abraq airport on the outskirts of Benghazi for over 22 hours.

The LFF, in response, accused the Nigeria Football Federation of not cooperating with it regarding the travel itinerary.

It also alleged that the Libyan national team had suffered the same fate in Nigeria during the reverse fixture a week earlier, claiming the team was left stranded at Port Harcourt Airport by Nigerian authorities.

Reacting in a post via his verified X.com, @WTroostEkong, on Saturday, the Super Eagles skipper said the development means the Super Eagles are one step closer to the AFCON 2025.

He wrote, “JUSTICE: CAF awards three points and three goals to Nigeria. Libya fined $50,000.

“The plane was diverted 300km from the scheduled airport, even when the pilot told them he was low on fuel.

“One step closer to our target AFCON 2025.”

Categories
Sport News

CAF Confirms Details For 2024 Player Of The Year Awards

It has been confirmed by the Confederation of African Football, CAF, that the 2024 CAF Awards will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, on December 16, 2024.

This is the third consecutive time the prestigious ceremony will be hosted in the North African country.

CAF is yet to publish the final list of contenders for the Men’s Best Player.

However, players like Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and Morocco’s Brahim Díaz, are expected to battle it out for the prize.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year is Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen’s compatriot, Asisat Oshoala, is the current holder of the women’s award.