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

Liverpool, Football World Mourn Diogo Jota As Tributes Pour In

Published

24 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

Tributes have continued to pour in following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain.

Liverpool Football Club, in an official statement on Thursday, expressed profound grief at the news of the 28-year-old’s passing.

“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club said. “The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.”

The Merseyside club requested privacy for the grieving family, adding, “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

Clubs across the English Premier League also joined in mourning the Portugal international.

Chelsea Football Club shared its condolences on social media, stating, “Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time.”

Manchester City also issued a heartfelt message, stating, “Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”

Newcastle United added, “We are deeply saddened to learn the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences are with Diogo’s young family, friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”

The Professional Footballers’ Association, said, “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, loved ones, and Diogo’s teammates and friends at Liverpool FC. He was a loving father with a young family and a remarkable talent, hugely respected across the game. This is an unimaginable loss, and both will be greatly missed.”

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea also reacted to the news, writing simply on social media, adding, “Sometimes life is very cruel.”

The tragic passing of Jota and his brother has sent shockwaves throughout the football world, with tributes continuing to flow in for the two brothers remembered for their talent, humility, and dedication to the sport.

Sports

5 ‘Big’ Recent Events Diogo Jota Had Before His Death

Published

24 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

The global football community is united in grief following the devastating news of Diogo Jota’s passing.

The Liverpool and Portugal forward, 28 years old, died this morning in a car accident in Spain.

His untimely death has cast a somber shadow over the sport, coming just weeks after a period of immense personal joy and professional triumph that showcased his burgeoning talent and cherished connections.

Jota’s recent life was marked by a series of significant milestones that underscored his growing stature in both club and international football.

5 Major Recent Milestones for Jota

UEFA Nations League Final Win

Just weeks before his passing, in early June 2025, Jota was a pivotal member of the Portugal squad that triumphed in the UEFA Nations League, beating Spain in the final. This marked a significant international achievement for the talented forward.

Premier League Champion

In April 2025, Jota played a crucial role in Liverpool’s Premier League title victory. His contributions were vital in securing the coveted domestic league title for the Reds.

100th Liverpool Start Milestone

In late 2024 (specifically, October 5, 2024), Jota marked his 100th start for Liverpool across all competitions. He celebrated this milestone by scoring a goal against Crystal Palace, highlighting his consistent impact for the club.

Marriage to Rute Cardoso

On June 22, 2025, just ten days before his tragic death, Diogo Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso. This publicly celebrated event was a joyful personal milestone, shared with their three children.

Continues Playing and Streaming (FIFA eSports)

Jota remained highly active both on the football pitch and in the world of competitive gaming. He was known for his elite FIFA (now EA FC) skills, even achieving a world No. 1 ranking, and ran his own esports organization, Luna Galaxy. His engagement in streaming provided a unique connection with fans and showcased his diverse talents beyond professional football.

Sports

CAF Unveils New WAFCON Trophy

Published

24 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a new trophy for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco 2024.

The trophy was unveiled on Wednesday night at an event hosted by CAF and long-term partner TotalEnergies in Casablanca, Morocco.

CAF, in a statement, said, “The trophy is a powerful symbol of the rise and recognition of women’s football across the African continent.”

According to the football governing body, the new design represents more than a piece of silverware; it is a celebration of equality, unity and excellence.

“We are drawing direct inspiration from the iconic Men’s TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations trophy.

“The launch of the new trophy forms part of CAF leadership’s goal of developing and growing women’s football in Africa and making African women’s football amongst the best in the world.

“The trophy’s striking design features identical petals spiralling upward, each one representing a participating national team.

“Together, they form the shape of a blooming flower, a timeless symbol of growth, empowerment, and beauty,” the statement said.

The statement also expatiated further on the distinctive features of the trophy.

“Emerging from the heart of this elegant floral form is a golden sphere, patterned subtly as a football.

“Adorned with a shiny gold map of Africa, the sphere reflects the continent’s ambition, pride, and global impact in the women’s game.

“Crafted in brilliant silver and matte gold, the body of the trophy is wrapped in a gold ring engraved with the CAF logo, affirming the confederation’s steadfast commitment to elevating the women’s game across all 54 member associations.

“The base, a pristine white marble pedestal with elegant gold-accented stripes, bears the name of the competition in refined matte gold lettering, cementing the WAFCON legacy within the rich tapestry of African sport,” it added.

CAF also noted that the new trophy would serve as a beacon of aspiration, inspiring millions of young girls across the continent to dream, to believe, and to achieve on the global stage.

(NAN)