Nigeria vs Ivory Coast: Over 2 Billion Football Fans Watching AFCON 2023, Says CAF President

Nigeria vs Ivory Coast: Over 2 Billion Football Fans Watching AFCON 2023, Says CAF President

  • The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that over two billion football fans worldwide were glued to their screen watching the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON)
  • CAF President Patric Motsepe stated these while speaking with journalists on Friday, February 9
  • He stated that upcoming tournaments promise to improve as he urged member football federations to work together.

Ahead of Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals between Nigeria and host nation Ivory Coast, it has been confirmed that over two billion football fans watched the tournament.

This development was disclosed by the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, during a press briefing on Friday, February 9.

CAF president
Nigeria will face the Ivory Coast on Sunday, Feb. 11, in the 2023 AFCON finals. Photo Credit: Fadel Senna/Jemal Countess
Source: Getty Images

He encouraged Africans to take pride in the competition, assuring them that the upcoming edition would surpass expectations.

Read also

FIFA gives Nigeria new football rank after reaching AFCON finals: "3rd in Africa, 28th globally"

Motsepe said:

“We have had close to two billion people watching AFCON globally. We should be proud as Africans, and the next one will be even better.
“The success of Africa depends upon Africa working together, trading together, and in football, countries competing and playing together.”

CAF confirms Tinubu's attendance for AFCON final

Also at the press briefing, Motsepe confirmed the attendance of Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the AFCON finals.

He said:

“I was told the president of Nigeria is coming [for the final]. I was sitting close to the vice president when they were playing South Africa.”

Vice-president Kashim Shettima attended the Eagles' semi-final match in Bouake at the stadium.

Tinubu has been keeping up with the Eagles' performance in AFCON and had a conversation with the players before their quarter-final game against Angola.

AFCON: Ivorian coach speaks ahead of clash with Super Eagles

Read also

AFCON 2023: Cote D'Ivoire players receive GH¢1m each and a residential villa for winning the tournament

Meanwhile, Emerse Fae, head coach of The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, is determined to defeat the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the 2023 AFCON final.

The highly anticipated match will occur at the Alassane Quattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday, February 11.

Fae said he would analyse Nigeria’s gameplay and strategise accordingly, aiming to overturn the Super Eagles’ previous group-stage defeat.

Ghanaian celebrities share their thoughts on Nigeria's qualification for the AFCON 2023 final

Earlier,YEN.com.gh reported that the AFCON final, which has become one of the most talked about events on the continent, has gained reactions from some top Ghanaian personalities.

After the Super Eagles crashed South Africa out of the AFCON tournament, the semi-finals, Ghanaian celebrities, including Nana Aba Anamoah and Yvonne Nelson, took to social media to support and cheer the country.

New feature: Сheck out news that is picked for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Berlinda Entsie avatar

Berlinda Entsie (Copy Editor) Berlinda Entsie is a Copy Editor at YEN.com.gh. She has worked as a proofreader and editor since 2016. Berlinda has over 5 years' experience editing and writing for leading publications in Ghana. She previously worked with Graphic Communications Group LTD, Business Insider SSA and Pulse.com.gh. She obtained a B.A in English Studies from the Methodist University College in 2016 and a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the GH Media School in 2019. Reach out to her via berlinda.entsie@yen.com.gh

Peter Ansah avatar

Peter Ansah (Entertainment Editor) Ansah Peter is an entertainment editor at YEN.com.gh. He studied Development Planning at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, graduating in 2018. His professional career in entertainment journalism dates eight years back as a showbiz and arts blogger for the now-defunct motionhypegh.net, continuing to Muse Media Networks, acting as the editorial manager for the network's flagship multimedia platforms. He has also managed several PR roles with top clients, including Afro Nation Ghana and Morgan Heritage. You can reach him at peter.ansah@yen.com.gh