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

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

12 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.