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Mixed Reactions Trail Plan To Cancel AFCON

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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.

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European Giants Circle For Osimhen

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Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race

Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.

Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.

According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.

“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.

“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”

Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.

The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”

It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”

The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.

Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.

His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.

Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.

The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor

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Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push

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A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.

The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.

On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.

In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.

Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.

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W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener

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Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.

The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.

Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.

Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.

The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.

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