AFCON 2023 is gradually winding down as the competition has entered its semi-final stages.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) brings you behind the scenes from the tournament.
Divided Ivorians
Prior to the match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Palancras Negras of Angola, many Ivorians supported the Nigeria and even wore Super Eagles jerseys, while others saw them as a big threat and competitor and want them out.
Boastful Angolans
Apart from their coach, Pedro Gonglaves and few players who boasted they would defeat Nigeria, many Angolans living in Ivory Coast and the ones who travelled for the purpose of the AFCON started boasting of having a complete team, saying they were sure of victory against Nigeria.
Scarcity of Tickets
It’s been a herculean task getting tickets to watch games at the 2023 AFCON. Ticket sales are a little bit on the high side as they are not readily available in stores or stadia across the country.
The scarcity has made it possible for some persons to hoard the tickets for sale at different points in the country, and they have been selling at exorbitant rates.
Between Obi Cubana and Peter Obi
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general election, Peter Obi came all the way to support the Super Eagles of Nigeria. He wore the supporters club jersey and cheere the team with other members of the club.
Obi said football is one of the unifying factors in the country and he has come to his love for his country.
Another football lover, Obi Cubana also travelled all the way from Lagos to lend his hand of support to the Super Eagles. He was seen cheering them whilst the game against Angola was going on.
Ademola Lookman’s dad too
Call him a proud dad and you will never be wrong, Mr Ademola was physically present at the Felix Houhouet stadium to watch his son don the green white green jersey of Nigeria and of course his presence was worth it.
The Atalanta forward scored a beautiful goal in the dying minutes of the first half to earn Nigeria the semi-final ticket at the expense of Angola.
His dad was full of praises for his son, saying he was overwhelmed with his perfomance and that of the team generally.
He urged them to continue to make the country proud.
……Senator Akpabio also in attendance
Nigeria’s senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio flew in from Abuja to physically support the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
He was spotted at the VIP section of the Felix Houghpouet stadium to cheer the boys against the Palancras Negras of Angola
Highly Motivated Super Eagles
Feelers from the camp of the Super Eagles has it that each player has been given the huge sum of $30,000 with additional $4000 camp allowance.
Fair Officiating
So far, officiating at AFCON has been judged to be largely fair. Referees, VAR and match officials have been given thumbs -up for a job welldone in the tournament.
The tournament also made history as four female officials took charge of the match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Djurtus of Guinea Bissau.
Ivory Coast Jersey In Hot Demand
The orange coloured jersey made the most sales as fans from other African countries even demand for it. The replica jerseys are being sold between 6,000 and 15,000 CFA.
Ivorians love to don their jerseys as a means of supporting the national team.
It’s very easy to identify most Ivorians as a result of their beautiful jerseys and caps to match.