AFCON Final: Ways To Ensure Personal Safety While Watching Nigeria Vs Cote d’Ivoire

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2024

Not less than four persons were reported dead while watching the Nigeria vs South Africa semi-final match.

While one of those confirmed dead was reportedly hypertensive, the cause of death remains undetermined for others.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will again battle the Elephants of Ivory Coast in the final of the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Abidjan on Sunday.

In this report, The PUNCH highlights some ways to ensure personal safety and prevent health complications while watching the match on Sunday evening:

1. Monitor Your Blood Pressure: Keep track of your blood pressure before, during, and after the match, and take necessary actions if you notice any significant increase.

2. Stay Hydrated with Water: Drink plenty of water throughout the game to stay hydrated and maintain optimal blood circulation.

3. Avoid Heavy Meals: Opt for light, nutritious snacks instead of heavy or greasy foods to avoid putting extra strain on your cardiovascular system.

4. Prioritise Sleep: Ensure you get adequate rest before and after the match, as lack of sleep can contribute to elevated blood pressure levels.

5. Stay Active: Incorporate light physical activity during breaks, like stretching or gentle yoga, to promote blood circulation and reduce tension.

6. Have a Support and Emergency Plan: Watch the game with supportive friends or family, and keep important phone numbers handy in case of emergencies.

7. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Avoid excessive alcohol to prevent dehydration and worsening of hypertension.

8. Monitor Temperature and Humidity: Be aware of environmental factors like heat and humidity, which can increase stress on the body.

9. Use Relaxation Techniques: Practice techniques like progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery to lower stress levels during intense moments.

10. Stay Informed About Health Conditions: Understand how pre-existing health conditions may interact with the excitement of the game and take appropriate precautions.

11. Communicate with Healthcare Providers: Consult with your healthcare provider beforehand to plan for managing hypertension during the match.

12. Take Breaks When Needed: Step away from the game if feeling overwhelmed, and engage in calming activities until you feel more relaxed.

13. Engage In Light Exercise: Use halftime for light physical activities like walking or stretching to promote relaxation and improve circulation.

14. Use Stress Balls Or Fidget Toys: Keep stress-relief tools on hand to help lower stress levels during intense moments.

15. Stay Mindful of Body Signals: Pay attention to your body’s signals and respond promptly to symptoms of increased blood pressure or discomfort.

16. Plan Relaxing Activities After The Game: Schedule calming activities for after the match to unwind and decompress.

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy Nigeria vs Cote d’Ivoire final while prioritising your health and well-being.

PUNCH

AFCON 2025: Lookman Scores Winner As Super Eagles Start Campaign With 2–1 Victory Over Tanzania

Published

3 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Ademola Lookman scored what proved to be the decisive goal as Nigeria beat Tanzania 2-1 in their opening game at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles came into the match as heavy favourites to win and dominated the opening exchanges.

After coming close a few times, the three-time champions took the lead through Semi Ajayi.

The ball was recycled following a corner-kick, before Alex Iwobi crossed it into the area for Ajayi to head home.

Tanzania equalized after Charles M’Mombwa found himself unmarked inside the area.

But two minutes later, Nigeria struck the winner through Lookman, who took a few touches and finished with his left foot.

JUST IN: Dembélé Named FIFA Best Men’s Player, Bonmatí Wins Women’s Award

Published

1 week ago

December 16, 2025

Editor

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been awarded the FIFA Best Men’s Player for 2025, following a season in which he contributed significantly to both his club and the France national team.

Dembélé, known for his pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, played a central role in Paris Saint-Germain’s campaigns across domestic and European competitions. His performances for the national team also helped France secure notable results in international fixtures.

Speaking on the recognition, Dembélé said, “It is a great honour to receive this award. I could not have achieved this without my teammates at PSG and in the national team, whose support has been invaluable.”

In the women’s category, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí was named FIFA Best Women’s Player for 2025. Bonmatí was influential in Barcelona’s domestic and European campaigns, providing leadership, vision, and creativity in midfield. She also played a key role in Spain’s international successes.

“This award reflects the hard work of my teammates and coaches,” Bonmatí said. “I am grateful for their guidance and support throughout the season.”

The announcements reaffirm FIFA’s recognition of individual excellence in football while highlighting the contributions of players to both club and country.

Sports

Court Fixes Date To Hear Sala Compensation Dispute

Published

3 weeks ago

December 9, 2025

Editor

A commercial court examining the long-running dispute between Cardiff City and French club Nantes over compensation for the death of Emiliano Sala in a plane crash said Monday it would give its decision on March 30 next year.

Sala, a 28-year-old Argentine striker, died when the light aircraft taking him to the Welsh capital came down in the English Channel on January 21, 2019, two days after he had signed for the then-Premier League side. He and pilot David Ibbotson were killed.

The Welsh club took the case to the Nantes commercial court in 2023 to claim compensation for loss of income and other damages suffered by the club as a result of the player’s death.

Following an analysis conducted by an expert appointed by Cardiff City, the club estimated their losses at over 120 million euros ($139.5 million). Lawyers for both clubs made their cases at Monday’s hearing.

The Welsh club argue that Nantes, through their intermediary, agent Willie McKay, were the organisers of the private flight on which the footballer was travelling and that, if the transfer was effective at the time of the accident according to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), it is the organisation of this flight that is at issue.

Cardiff City’s lawyer, Olivier Loizon, told the court Monday, Willie McKay “could not have been unaware of the illegality of the flight”, and argued that the agent had acted with “negligence”.

“Whatever the ultimate cause of the accident, (Sala) should not have been on the flight,” he added.

Nantes’ lawyer, Jerome Marsaudon, insisted Monday the only agent authorised by the club in connection with the transfer was Mark McKay, the son of Willie McKay.

The elder McKay “was simply helping his son, given his extensive experience”, the lawyer said.

“It is sad to see that Cardiff have exploited this tragedy and turned it into a genuine legal farce,” he added. “Nothing in this case justifies holding FC Nantes liable.”

Prior to the start of the hearing, a Nantes representative said the club “have no doubt that Cardiff’s claims will be rejected outright, just like all the others”.

In another case related to the dispute between the two clubs, CAS ruled in 2022 that Sala’s transfer had definitely been finalised at the time of his death.

In 2023, world football’s governing body FIFA ordered Cardiff to pay Nantes the balance of Sala’s transfer fee, which at the time amounted to just over 11 million euros out of a total of 17 million euros.