Sports
Mixed Reactions Trail Plan To Cancel AFCON
Ex-Super Eagles stars and fans alike have expressed divided opinion on the prospect of the Confederation of African Football cancelling the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Cameroon next year due to the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, Omicron.
A top CAF official told newsmen on Wednesday that the continent’s football governing body was deliberating over having the continent biennial competition cancelled due to the outbreak of the Omicron variant.
“I can’t say anything about whether the AFCON will hold or not until it (meeting) is concluded,” the CAF official said.
“We are presently deliberating on the next action to take and its likely CAF may call off the competition because Cameroon doesn’t seem to have the necessary COVID-19 protocols to curtail the new Omicron variant.”
With the tournament just 24 days away, the potential cancellation of AFCON has left former internationals and fans split in their opinions.
Former Eagles goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, added that there was no reason to ponder cancelling the competition.
“I don’t know why they’ve decided to take such a decision because we are Africans and our weather is better and favourable to battle the virus,” Shorunmu said.
Atlanta ’96 Olympics gold medallist Abiodun Obafemi, is, however, in support of the competition being called off.
He said, “This situation is of great concern to me because it has to do with players’ health and I don’t want any life to be in danger. So, I think whatever decision they (CAF) take, that will avoid any life being lost, I think I am for it in totality.
“I am very sure the medical team in CAF in collaboration with the World Health Organisation will come out with the best solution for African football.
“We know the Euro 2020 took place despite the coronavirus but we know they could manage the situation because they are very proactive. We can’t compare the way we respond to emergencies in Africa to that of the Europeans.”
Ismaila Mabo, former Super Falcons coach, said cancelling the major Africa tournament would be a hasty decision by CAF.
“I think it is too early for CAF to be talking about cancelling the AFCON tournament,” Mabo said.
“I’m not in support of this idea of cancelling the tournament; what they should be doing is devising other means to comply with the COVID-19 protocols.
“As a coach, my fear is this may affect the psyche of some players who have been working hard to be at the tournament.”
But Ibrahim Shonekan, a football fan, disagrees with Mabo.
“As much as I would have loved for the AFCON to hold, I think we need to put safety first. The lives of the players and others involved are at stake and if the competition cannot be held next year, we can wait another year.”
“Football is not a do-or-die affair and players’ well-being should come first. The virus is deadly and we don’t wish any of the players dead. If cancelling it (AFCON) will keep them safe, I am in total support of it.” Rita Akintoroye added.
Daniel Ebhodaghe, a Lead Cost engineer, questioned the intention to cancel the tournament.
“Has Premier League or LaLiga been cancelled because of this new variant?”
“They can control the recorded cases and at best they put the players coming to play in one camp, restrict their movements and anybody that breaks the protocol should be sent home.
“This is 2022 we are talking about and we are still thinking like we are in the 90s. Last season’s matches were played in empty stadiums.” he explained.
Pics 1: Fencing in action.
President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, has said the country will host a unique 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships as the first sub-Saharan nation to stage the tournament, Tidesports source reports.
The championship will be held in Lagos from August 9 to 14, with the federation announcing that Rugby School Nigeria will host the event.
The Commonwealth Fencing Federation formally awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 championships to Nigeria in March 2025.
“It is the third international tournament the country will host, having also become the first to stage a junior épée World Cup, which was held in Lagos in December 2024. Nigeria also hosted the 23rd African Fencing Championships last year.
Nigeria’s hosting will be unique in several ways. First, it will be the inaugural edition on African soil, giving it historic significance. Second, we are integrating development initiatives such as an international training camp to foster technical exchange. Finally, the event will showcase African hospitality, culture, and energy, offering athletes a rich experience beyond the competition,” Samuel said on Wednesday.
“Preparations have advanced steadily across competition planning, venue readiness, logistics, athlete services, and partnerships.”
He also noted that over 24 Commonwealth nations have already registered.
“We are organising a pre-championship international training camp in Lagos to unite athletes ahead of the competition. Everything is moving in the right direction, and our focus is on delivering a world-class event that reflects Nigeria’s ability to host major international tournaments.”
The last two tournaments hosted by Nigeria were held at Charterhouse Lagos, and Samuel explained the choice of Rugby School Nigeria for this championship.
“The venue was selected for its modern, state-of-the-art facilities and its proximity to hospitality, tourism, and entertainment hubs. This ensures athletes and officials will enjoy excellent accommodation, transport, and leisure options during their stay.”
While thanking the private sector for its support in organising the championship, the president also called for greater government intervention in the fast-growing sport.
“The private sector has shown encouraging support, with institutions like Rugby School Nigeria and companies such as Flour Mills of Nigeria backing the championships. However, stronger government involvement is needed. Hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships is a milestone achievement, and we believe institutional support will help Nigeria maximise the opportunity and deliver a truly memorable event.”
The final draw was concluded at CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday and posted on the body’s website.
Notably, hosts Morocco will face a North African showdown in Group A, drawn alongside Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, making Group A particularly competitive.
Group B features former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, alongside Uganda and debutants DR Congo.
In Group C, 2015 and 2017 champions and last year’s runners-up, Mali, will meet Angola, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Group D is led by 2023 champions Senegal, who will face South Africa (2015 runners-up),
The eight quarter-finalists from the tournament will automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
The teams finishing third in each group will contest two play-off matches to determine the final two qualifiers, bringing the total number of African representatives at the global finals to ten nations.
2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations – Groups:
- Group A: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia
- Group B: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Uganda, DR Congo
- Group C: Mali, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique
- Group D: Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, Ghana
Tidesports source reports that Nigeria will not feature at the tournament for the second consecutive edition.
The Golden Eaglets suffered a 2-0 defeat to rivals Ghana in the semi-finals of the WAFU Zone B qualifiers in September 2025, dashing their hopes of advancing to the finals.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their title defence at the 2026 Unity Cup with a semi-final clash against Zimbabwe on May 26 at The Valley in South London, Tidesports source reports.
The four-nation tournament, which also features Jamaica and India, returns to its historic venue after the success of the 2025 edition in Brentford, where Nigeria emerged champions.
The competition, scheduled to run from May 26 to 30, blends elite football with cultural celebration, bringing together Afrocentric and global diaspora communities.
Nigeria’s opening fixture against Zimbabwe serves as a rematch of their recent encounters in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, setting the stage for a highly competitive contest.
The winner will progress to the final on May 30, while the second semi-final between Jamaica and India will be played a day later.
President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ chances while acknowledging the quality of the opposition.
“The Nigeria Football Federation is pleased with another opportunity to see the Super Eagles compete at the highly exciting and entertaining Unity Cup Tournament,” Gusau said.
“As perennial champions, the Super Eagles will look to retain their title again this summer, even as they will not underrate the other participating teams viz India, Jamaica and Zimbabwe. The tournament promises to be explosive and that is the setting in which the Super Eagles thrive best.”
The Unity Cup will culminate in a finals day featuring both the third-place play-off and the final, alongside a festival atmosphere that includes cultural showcases, food exhibitions, and live performances.
Zimbabwe Football Association president Nqobile Magwizi described his nation’s participation as a landmark moment, highlighting the opportunity to compete on an international stage in England for the first time.
“The Unity Cup represents far more than a celebration of football and culture, it is a powerful platform that reflects Zimbabwe football’s growing ambition to compete, perform, and excel on the global stage,” Magwizi said.
With Nigeria seeking to retain their crown and rivals eager to make their mark, the opening clash against Zimbabwe is expected to set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested and culturally vibrant tournament.
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