Sports

PHOTOS: 6 Stadiums That Will Host AFCON 2023

Published

2 years ago

January 3, 2024

Editor

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

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

8 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.