Sports

AFCON Final: Tips To Reduce Risk For Heart Attack Watching Tense Football Match

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2024

Editor

As Nigeria take on host Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, it’s important to know your health status before the game.

A game of football can be emotional, especially a final where the coveted AFCON trophy is at stake. Nigeria last won the title in 2013 and would have another chance to win their fourth title.

Following the Super Eagles victory against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the semifinal, it is important to ensure you take your health seriously ahead of the final on Sunday.

Here are tips on how to reduce risk while watching a tense football game:

Engage in stress reduction activities

Managing stress is crucial for heart health. Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to mitigate its effects. If the intensity of the game becomes overwhelming, take breaks to regain composure and calm yourself.

Don’t watch alone

Sharing the game experience with friends or family members can provide emotional support and contribute to a more enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere overall.

Stay Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially if you’re indulging in snacks or alcoholic beverages. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining good cardiovascular health.

Recognise warning signs

Recognise the symptoms of a heart attack, including chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and lightheadedness. If you notice any of these signs, seek emergency medical attention without delay.

Avoid attaching too many emotions
It’s just a game of football, where the winner takes all. Stay informed about your favourite teams and players, but be mindful to avoid excessive emotional investment in the game. Emotional stress can impact heart health, so it’s important to maintain a balanced approach.

Have an emergency plan

Make sure you and those in your vicinity are aware of the location of the nearest hospital and how to access emergency medical services if the need arises.

Take breaks during the game

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, as a sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for heart disease. Consider taking short breaks during the game to stretch or walk around, promoting movement and reducing the negative effects of prolonged sitting.

Sports

JUST IN: Full Draw For 2026 World Cup Group Stages Confirmed

Published

9 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Editor

The draw for the group stage of the 2026 World Cup has been conducted.

It took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., with US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino in charge.

There will be 48 teams at next year’s tournament, to be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

All the participating countries were grouped into 12 groups of four.

Here is the full draw:

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Winner Play-off D
Group B: Canada, Winner Play-off A, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Winner Play-off C
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Winner Play-off B, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Winner Play-off 2, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Winner Play-off 1, Colombia, Uzbekistan
Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana

Sports

EPL: Mikel Obi Reveals Why Chelsea Failed To Beat Arsenal in 1-1 Draw

Published

4 days ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Former Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has claimed Chelsea failed to defeat Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, because of an early red card to Moises Caicedo.

The two London rivals played out a pulsating 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Caicedo was sent off in the 38th minute following a VAR check.

But it was Chelsea who took the lead after the break, thanks to Trevor Chalobah’s header.

But the Gunners equalized through Mikel Merino.

So far this season, Chelsea have received seven red cards in 20 games across all competitions this season.

“That’s four red cards this season; it’s not good enough. I’ve spoken about it; the manager needs to talk with the players, because it’s costing us games as well,” Mikel Obi said on his podcast.

“If you look at that game, if we finished with eleven men, I think we could’ve won. Maybe not easily, but comfortably, we could’ve secured a win.”

Sports

EPL: Slot Reveals When Salah Will Leave For AFCON

Published

4 days ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, has revealed that Mohamed Salah was “not happy” to be dropped for their 2-0 win at West Ham on Sunday.

Salah was named on the bench at the London Stadium for the Premier League fixture.

Slot took the bold decision, as he looked to arrest a poor run of form, that saw the Reds lose nine of 12 matches.

Salah was not summoned from the bench for the entire 90 minutes, as goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo sealed victory.

“It was a normal reaction for a player who is good enough to play for us,” Slot said.

“I say that mildly as he’s been so outstanding for this club and will be in the future. He wasn’t happy he wasn’t starting but he wasn’t the only one.”

Salah could yet return to the starting line-up as Liverpool host Sunderland in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

The 33-year-old will remain available for the next four matches, before he leaves to join Egypt’s squad for the African Cup of Nations.

“It’s 15 December,” Slot confirmed.

“But always in these situations there is the player and the national team involved and there are always talks about what is best for all three of us.”