Nigeria Premier League

CAF, LOC host commercial workshop in Abidjan to discuss potential TotalEnergies

CAF and LOC already in talks with key partners in preparations for what is likely to be the most successful TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations

Meeting comes a week after CAF recorded 17% increase in revenues in media and sponsorship rights

More than 50 Ivorian-based corporates attended the CAF and Ivorian Local Organising Committee (“LOC”) hosted business information-sharing forum in Abidjan on Monday, 17 July 2023 to discuss potential commercial opportunities.

Cote d’Ivoire will host the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 – the continent’s biggest event – from 13 January – 11 February 2024.

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations will see Africa’s biggest stars descend to Cote d’Ivoire for the continental showpiece that attracts people from over 150 countries and thousands of international media.

CAF Commercial Director, Hassan Elkamah said: “The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations is not just an African competition but a global event that attracts hundreds of millions of audiences. Football, being the most popular sport in Africa, is a great platform for many businesses and it was important for CAF and the LOC to spend time with local businesses in Cote d’Ivoire explaining the process and discussing potential opportunities. We are excited about the outcome and the level of interest shown by national and local businesses. We look forward to having more national partners on board.”

FIF President Yacine Idriss Diallo added: “The last time Cote d’Ivoire hosted the AFCON was almost 40 years ago. We need to encourage big and small businesses to get on board to be part of this event in order for us to achieve our goals. This is the most significant event to be hosted by our country and we are excited about the next few months.

Last week, CAF posted commercial revenues of USD $125.2 million – a 17% year-on-year increase – at the CAF 45th Ordinary General Assembly (“OGA”) in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

The significant increase of $21.6 million in revenue growth over the prior financial year was largely driven by an increase in both CAF’s sponsorship and television rights, setting the Organisation firmly on a path to financial recovery.

Nigeria Premier League

Ogunmodede reflects on Emo Stars’ win over Abia Warriors

Emo Stars technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede admitted his side was fortunate to secure a 3-2 victory over Abia Warriors in Ikenne on Wednesday.

Abia Warriors took a 2-0 lead in the first half, with goals from Ayodele Eziekel and Anthony Ijoma. However, Emo Stars responded with three goals from Olamilekan Adebayo, Jabbar Malik, and Franck Mawuena to clinch the win.

Ogunmodede acknowledged that his team had underestimated their opponents but managed to turn things around. “The game was tense and shocking in the first half on our home ground. Not every time you will be lucky against a great team we played against,” he said in the post-match interview.

“We underestimated the qualities of our opponent, and we were punished for it. But luckily, we identified the problem and readjusted to get the victory.”

Emo Stars will now aim to build on this win as they continue their campaign

Nigeria Premier League

Kano Pillars eye maximum points in midweek showdown with Ikorodu City

Kano Pillars are determined to secure all three points in their upcoming fixture against Ikorodu City in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The Sai Masu Gida will face Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Wednesday.

Usman Abdallah’s side is upbeat and focused ahead of the match, with the players in high spirits.

“Done and dusted with the shake-ups ahead of our NPFL25 Matchday 21 clash against Ikorodu City this Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos,” Kano Pillars wrote on X.

“The boys are in high spirits and determined to secure maximum points as we aim to continue our impressive run this season.”

Kano Pillars currently sit in eighth place on the league table with 28 points.

Nigeria Premier League

Brown Ideye criticizes NPFL standards, calls for major improvements

Enyimba striker Brown Ideye has expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stating that significant improvements are needed to elevate its standard.

Ideye, who rejoined the league in December 2024 after signing for Enyimba, has made appearances in both NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup matches, scoring two goals so far.

Sharing his thoughts following Enyimba’s 2-0 defeat to Kwara United in a rescheduled matchday 16 fixture in Ilorin, Ideye voiced concerns about the league’s challenges.

“The system is getting worse; the league is not improving. I feel like we have a long way to go,” Ideye remarked during an interview.

Despite enjoying his time at Enyimba, the former West Brom striker emphasized that much remains to be addressed in the league.

“My time at Enyimba has been wonderful, but there are a lot of things in the league that need improvement and haven’t changed yet,” he added.

On the poor performances of Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions, Ideye highlighted critical areas requiring attention.

“In terms of traveling, feeding, hotel accommodations, and player relaxation — it’s all bad. Nigerians are not ready for continental competitions. We need to put our house in order before going there, instead of embarrassing ourselves.”