Sports

PHOTOS: 6 Stadiums That Will Host AFCON 2023

Published

2 years ago

January 3, 2024

Six FIFA international level stadiums in five separate cities in Côte d’Ivoire are set to vibrate to the pulse of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON)

Côte d’Ivoire will host Africa’s biggest football tournament, the African Nations Cup (AFCON) from January 13 to February 11 2024.

Six FIFA international level stadiums in five separate cities in Côte d’Ivoire are set to vibrate to the pulse of the 2023 African Cup of Nations.

1.Olympic Stadium of Epimbe

The Olympic Stadium of Epimbe, located in Abidjan, one of the country’s economic hubs, will host the tournament’s opening and closing ceremonies.

Aside from its vast capacity, the Olympic Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium with world-class amenities such as an athletics track, conference rooms, gyms, auditorium, and VIP.

2. The Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium

One of the country’s heritage venues, named after the country’s founder and first Head of State, President Felix Houphouet-Boigny, will host Africa’s biggest event for the second time, having previously been one of two host locations in 1984.

Prior to the event, the venue’s seating capacity has been quadrupled to 33 000, along with additional infrastructure modifications.

The Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium also contains an athletics track and has hosted a number of significant sporting codes and events in Abidjan.

3. Peace Stadium

After holding the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984, one of Cote D’Ivoire’s most iconic football grounds, the Peace Stadium in the country’s second largest city of Bouake, will host its second Africa Cup of Nations.

The stadium recently had a massive refurbishment, increasing its seating capacity from 15 000 to 40 000 before of the tournament.

To accommodate the thousands of expected fans, there are further additions including a fully-equipped Media Centre, Auditorium, Conference Facilities, and an upgraded spectator parking area.

4. Stadium of Korhogo

The Stadium of Korhogo, located in the northern section of Cote D’Ivoire’s city of Korhogo, is one of the legacies that will result from hosting an international event of the magnitude of the Africa Cup of Nations Cote D’Ivoire 2023.

The stadium will have a capacity of 20,000 people and will have a quality natural grass pitch, an athletics track, a media center, a broadcast facility, and other stadium infrastructure essential for hosting international events such as the Africa Cup of Nations.

5. Laurent Poukou Stadium

The San Pedro Stadium, located in the culturally rich region of Poro, is also part of the infrastructure legacy hosting AFCON 2023.

6. Charles Konan Banny Stadium

The newly completed Yamoussoukro Stadium, located in the nation’s capital of Yamoussoukro, which is continuously buzzing with economic activity, is part of the city’s magnificent architecture and will contribute to the city’s economic hub of activity after the tournament.

Yamoussoukro Stadium has a capacity of 20,000 people, as well as an athletics track, media facilities, hospitality suites, and conference centers.

Sports

‘She Has Placed Edo On Global E-Sports Map’ – Enabulele Celebrates Bezi On New GWR Feat

Published

2 days ago

July 28, 2025

Editor

Edo State Sports Commission has applauded Bolade Bezi for her remarkable achievement in setting a new Guinness World Record in E-Sports.

Bezi completed an extraordinary marathon of 57 hours, 10 minutes, and 5 seconds playing the popular video game “God of War”.

The feat was officially recognized during a ceremony held at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, expressed admiration for Bezi’s resilience and groundbreaking accomplishment.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele congratulated Bezi and praised her determination, focus, and passion for E-Sports.

“I must celebrate Bolade Bezi for her commitment and dedication to setting this new world record.

“Since the event commenced on Friday, she has demonstrated unwavering resilience and passion for E-Sports,” Enabulele said.

He noted that the officially recorded gameplay time was 49 hours, 0 minutes, and 14 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by Peer Bresser and Jimmie Smets in Cologne, Germany, on November 8–9, 2017, which stood at 24 hours, 15 minutes.

“Bolade Bezi’s accomplishment in achieving the longest video game marathon in the hack-and-slash genre is truly commendable. She has not only shattered the previous record but also placed Edo State on the global E-Sports map,” he added.

Enabulele emphasized that the milestone is a source of immense pride for Edo State and Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting youth engagement in constructive ventures like E-Sports, which he described as powerful tools for personal growth and social development.

“This achievement aligns perfectly with our vision to inspire and empower our youth, steering them away from social vices and toward meaningful pursuits. It reflects the aspirations of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for sports development in Edo State,” he stated.

In her remarks, Bezi, a clinical physiologist, said her motivation for undertaking the intense marathon was to raise awareness about mental health, particularly depression and anxiety—two of the most widespread mental health issues today.

“This challenge was physically and mentally demanding. Sleep deprivation was the biggest obstacle, but I am grateful to God for making it possible. We are also using this platform to show that E-Sports is a viable and growing sport in Edo State,” she said.

Bezi expressed deep appreciation to Enabulele and the leadership of the Edo E-Sports Association, led by Ovebedaro Dean Bezi, for their unwavering support throughout her journey.

Sports

Inter Milan Give Deadline For Ademola Lookman Deal, With Transfer On Verge Of Collapse

Published

2 days ago

July 28, 2025

Editor

Inter Milan president, Giuseppe Marotta, has said this week will be “crucial” if they want to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta.

The Nerazurri are very keen on signing Lookman to bolster their attack this summer.

However, negotiations between the two Serie A clubs have not been progressing smoothly.

Marotta has now said in two or three days, they will try to get a deal done or move on to other transfer targets.

“This week will be crucial for Lookman deal,” Marotta said.

“We are in talks for Ademola Lookman, we want him but we also respect Atalanta.

“In 2-3 days we hope to proceed and be able to get the deal done otherwise we will move on and focus on other players.”

Sports

Guardiola Speaks On Returning To Barcelona

Published

2 days ago

July 28, 2025

Editor

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has ruled out any possibility of returning to Barcelona.

According to him, he has no plans to return to the Nou Camp in a professional capacity.

Guardiola came out of Barca’s famed youth system and went to make 382 appearances for the Blaugrana as a player, winning six league titles and a European Cup triumph.

He was promoted to first-team manager in 2008 and worked with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, as the LaLiga giants claimed three league crowns and a couple of Champions League triumphs.

Guardiola left in 2012 after 247 matches at the helm.

And he now emphatically ruled out a return, telling GQ: “It’s over. It’s over forever. It was very beautiful, but it’s over now.”

He added when pressed on a potential presidential post at Camp Nou: “Noooo! I’m no good at this.”