Sports

AFCON 2023: Proactive Over South African Threat, Football Fans Urge FG

Published

2 years ago

February 6, 2024

Editor

Some Nigerian football fans have urged the Federal Government to take proactive measures, to protect the lives of Nigerians living in South Africa, following threats by some fans in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an advisory by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, advised Nigerians to be cautious of their movements, comments and maintain good conduct before, during and after the AFCON semifinal clash on Wednesday.

NAN reports that it made reference to alleged comments online from South Africans threatening Nigerians living in their country, should South Africa lose the match to Nigeria.

The fans spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Keffi Local government area of Nasarawa State.

Solomon Abari, former chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa State chapter, said football is not a do-or-die affair.

“If the situation is not checked, the essence of the AFCON tournament of fostering unity would be defeated.

“Africans should not be thinking in that direction because if they do, the whole essence of the tournament will be defeated,” he said.

Linus Oota, a football fan described the threat to innocent Nigerians for supporting their country as uncivilised and uncalled for.

“Sports particularly football, unites people. So if we have a match with them and they are threatening to attack our people, then those making those threats are uncivilized.

“This is a sporting activity that is supposed to unite and strengthen the bond between the two countries. For the Nigerian ambassador to be issuing advisory shows the seriousness of the matter,” he said.

He said that those issuing the threat have no confidence in the ability of the Bafana Bafana against the Super Eagles in the AFCON semi final clash.

“The match is yet to be played and they are acting this way. Does it mean they don’t trust their team?

“Have they foreseen that they are going to lose the match and then they are extending the anger to innocent Nigerians in South Africa.”

He called on the Nigerian government to issue a strong warning to the South African government to call their citizens to order.

Esther Akaa, Assistant Secretary, SWAN Nasarawa state chapter also called on the Nigerian government, through the High Commission, to take steps to protect Nigerians from any form of attack.

“This is the time for the Nigerian ambassador to sit up and ensure that Nigerians in South Africa are protected.

“The ambassador should liaise with the security outfits there to ensure Nigerians are not attacked after the match on Wednesday,” she said.

She urged those South Africans threatening Nigerians not to resort to violence but pray for their team to emerge victorious.
(NAN)

Related Topics:#AFCON #Super Eagles Bafanbafa

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Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

19 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

6 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.