CAF Sends Technical Team To Inspect Stadiums In Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya Ahead Of 2027 AFCON

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has deployed a team of technical experts to Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya to inspect facilities ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, PAMOJA 2027. The three East African nations secured the hosting rights over a joint Nigeria-Benin bid, making the 2027 edition the first to end CAF’s traditional biennial format. CAF President Patrice Motsepe had previously announced that the tournament following 2027 will take place in 2028, with subsequent editions held every four years. The inspection visits, which began this week and will continue until Tuesday, February 17, coincide with Motsepe’s scheduled visit to Tanzania on Friday. The technical team will assess pitches, infrastructure, safety, and security at key match and training venues across the three host countries, in line with CAF’s standards for world-class tournament delivery. “CAF’s inspections form part of a broader strategy to raise standards on and off the pitch across African football. By driving consistent, world-class benchmarks in infrastructure, operations and venue management, CAF aims to enhance the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON’s reputation as among the leading football tournaments in the world,” the governing body said in a statement on Wednesday. The initiative also supports CAF’s wider goal of strengthening a self-sustaining football ecosystem in Africa, partnering with governments to improve facilities, operational capacity, and long-term development. In Tanzania, inspections have started in Dar es Salaam, covering Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and training sites, before moving to Arusha for Samia Suluhu Stadium, and then Zanzibar for Amaan and Fumba Stadiums. Kenya’s programme includes three Nairobi stadiums—Kasarani, Nyayo, and Talanta—alongside training grounds such as the Ulinzi Sports Complex and Kenya Academy of Sports. Uganda’s inspection will cover Entebbe and Kampala, with Mandela National Stadium and other training venues, as well as Hoima City Stadium in Hoima. “CAF will continue to work closely with the three host nations, their governments, and Local Organising Committees to support delivery planning and ensure that preparations intensify for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania 2027,” the statement added.

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CAF African Schools Football Championship: CAF Officials Conclude Inspection of Facilities

A seven-person team of inspectors from the Confederation of African Football on Wednesday concluded the assessment of facilities that Nigeria is putting up to host the Final Phase of the 2025/26 CAF African Schools Football Championship.   The delegation, led by Omar Amr (Safeguarding), evaluated available facilities and equipment at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, the FC Ebedei Stadium and facilities and equipment within, the Babcock University Teaching Hospital and the Babcock University Guest House.   The CAF African Schools Football Championship, launched four years ago, is an annual U15 tournament with the objective of developing youth football and promoting education across the African continent. It is supported by a $10 million investment from the Foundation owned by CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, and features zonal qualifiers leading to the continental final tournament.   Amr told NFF officials and the management of Remo Stars Sports Institute that a total of 24 teams are expected at what will be the biggest CAF African Football Championship Final Phase since the competition started in 2022. There will be eight boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams from across the continent, with eight other teams to be invited from another confederation of FIFA.   CAF officials Omar Amr (Safeguarding), Fatima Elmissaoui (ASFC officer), Herve Dassoundo (Marketing & Branding), Mahmoud Amer ((Travel/Logistics), Diabate Zakarhiya (Safety & Security), Hend Thabet (Travel & Accommodation), and the Executive Director of WAFU B, Philippe Tchere conducted the inspection that took place on Tuesday and Wednesday. NFF officials led by Dr Ademola Olajire and Coach Abdulrafiu Yusuf were joined by Mrs Oyinkansola Ajibola (GM, Beyond Limits Football Academy) and Mr. Michael Onikute to conduct the inspectors round the facilities.   The 2024 finals were held in Accra, Ghana where Tanzania’s boys and Ghana’s girls emerged victorious. Winners receive up to $300,000 in infrastructural development, and the tournament involves partnerships with organizations like United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO), for health education.   The Final Phase of the 2025/26 CAF African Football Championship is slated for the month of April.   At the end of their assessment, the inspectors minced no words in stating how impressed they were with the facilities, with a member telling the President of Remo Stars FC and proprietor of the Institute, Hon. Kunle Soname that the facility remains the best he has ever seen in the whole of West Africa.

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CAF African Schools Football Championship: CAF Officials to Inspect Ikenne, Sagamu Facilities

Officials from the Confederation of African Football will arrive in Nigeria on Monday to inspect facilities that Nigeria is putting up to host this year’s CAF African Schools Football Championship Final Phase.   The CAF African Schools Football Championship, launched four years ago, is an annual U15 tournament with the objective of developing youth football and promoting education across the African continent. It is supported by a $10 million investment from the Foundation owned by CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, and features zonal qualifiers leading to the continental final tournament.   The competition is for both boys and girls. The 2024 finals were held in Accra, Ghana where Tanzania’s boys and Ghana’s girls emerged victorious. Winners receive up to $300,000 in infrastructural development, and the tournament involves partnerships with organizations like United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO), for health education.   CAF officials Omar Amr (Safeguarding), Fatima Elmissaoui (ASFC officer), Herve Dassoundo (Marketing & Branding), Mahmoud Amer ((Travel/Logistics), Diabate Zakarhiya (Safety & Security), Hend Thabet (Travel & Accommodation), Joshua Knipp (ASFC Competition) and the Executive Director of WAFU B, Philippe Tchere will inspect proposed competition and ancillary venues in Ikenne-Remo and Sagamu on Tuesday, 3rd February and Wednesday, 4th February 2026.   Focus will be on the Remo Stars Stadium and training pitches in Ikenne-Remo, the FC Ebedei Stadium and training pitches in Sagamu, as well as hospitals and hotel facilities within these two towns.

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CAF Bans, Fines Algerian Players After Nigeria Quarter-Final Incident

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sanctioned Algeria following disturbances linked to their quarter-final clash with Nigeria. CAF’s Disciplinary Board announced both sporting and financial penalties against the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), citing misconduct by players, officials, and fans during and after the match. Player Suspensions Two Algerian players have been suspended for future international matches: Goalkeeper Luca Zidane will miss two games during the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Rafik Belghali received a four-match ban, with two matches suspended, meaning he will serve two immediately unless further violations occur. Fines FAF was fined a total of USD 100,000 for various breaches: USD 5,000 for team misconduct linked to yellow and red cards USD 25,000 for inappropriate conduct by players and officials USD 5,000 for flare usage USD 5,000 for throwing objects USD 10,000 for failing to respect security measures USD 50,000 for offensive gestures directed at referees CAF described the behaviour as serious violations of its disciplinary and safety rules, particularly those concerning referees and match security. Appeal in Progress The Algerian Football Federation has immediately filed an appeal against the sanctions. The matter will be reviewed by CAF’s Appeals Committee, which will decide whether the suspensions and fines will stand or be reduced. Algeria is now preparing for upcoming international fixtures while the appeal process unfolds.

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CAF Investigates Player, Official, And Media Misconduct During AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an investigation into alleged misconduct by players, officials, and media personnel during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarter-final matches between Cameroon and Morocco, and Algeria and Nigeria. The probe follows reports of post-match confrontations with referees and concerns over inappropriate behaviour on the pitch. In a statement on Monday, CAF said it has collected match reports and video evidence suggesting possible violations, which have now been referred to the Disciplinary Board for review. “CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons are found guilty of any wrongdoing. CAF is also reviewing footage of an incident involving members of the media who allegedly misbehaved in the mixed zone area,” the statement said. In the quarter-finals, Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 in Marrakech, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams securing the Super Eagles’ place in the semifinals. Post-match footage showed Algerian players confronting referees, resulting in minor scuffles and an attempted pitch invasion by fans, which was halted by stadium security. The Algerian team cited controversial refereeing decisions by Senegalese official Issa Sy, including a denied penalty for an alleged handball in the Nigerian box. Morocco also advanced with a 2-0 win over Cameroon, although the match was marked by refereeing disputes. Cameroon argued that two potential penalties involving Moroccan defender Adam Masina were wrongly denied. Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, dismissed allegations of home-team bias in his post-match press briefing. CAF reiterated its commitment to maintaining professional conduct at all events, stating: “CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour during matches, particularly actions targeting referees or match organisers. Appropriate measures will be taken against anyone whose conduct falls short of professional standards at CAF events.”

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AFCON 2025: Osimhen Named Man of the Match

By Bunmi Ogunyale   Former African Footballer of the Year and Super Eagles’ Vice Captain, Victor Osimhen, has been adjudged as the Man of the Match in the quarterfinal tie against Algeria. Osimhen scored the opener for Nigeria after both teams ended the first half of the encounter barren. The Galatasaray of Turkey striker rose splendidly, suspending himself in the air, to nod into the net from a perfect pull-out by defender Bruno Onyemaechi. The lanky forward now joined Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika who have won the gong so far in the tournament. With doubt over the availabilty of Skipper Wilfred Ndidi due to injury, Osimhen may step in to the senior national team against hosts, Morocco on Wednesday.  

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Morocco 2025: Osimhen, Lookman Lead Eagles’ Assault Against Mambas

By Bunmi Ogunyale The duo of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will lead Super Eagles attack in this evening’s Round of 16 Africa Cup of Nations tie against The Mambas of Mozambique. Both players will be at the center stage and cynosure of all eyes as the Nigerian side hopes to progress to the last eight of the biennial competition. South African-based goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali returned to goal after missing the final group game against Uganda. in a 4-3-3 formation, Nwabali will get cover from Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi. Skipper Wilfred Ndidi alongsides Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi will marshall the former Champions midfield, while Akor Adams joins Osimhen and Lookman in the attack. Meanwhole, injuries ruled out Cyriel Dessers and Ryan Alebiosu of the clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fez, Morocco. The tie is slated to kick off by 8pm Nigeria time.

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Morocco 2025: Eagles Trounce Cranes, Await Lions or Mambas in Round of 16

A strike by Paul Onuachu and a brace by midfielder Raphael Onyedika lifted a remarkably different Nigeria team to a 3-1 win over Uganda in their final Group C encounter at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.   Onuachu, starting ahead of Akor Adams as Coach Eric Chelle made several changes to the squad that defeated Tanzania and Tunisia in their earlier games, connected perfectly with a pass from the left by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the 28th minute to give Nigeria the lead, only two minutes after veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango had stopped a point-blank effort by the Trabzonspor of Turkey forward.   Before then, Nigeria had dominated play extensively, and as early as the 9th minute, Samuel Chukwueze’s shot came off the defensive wall after good work by Simon Moses. A teasing pull-out by Chukwueze in the 25th minute narrowly missed the head of Onuachu.   Moses himself came close with four minutes left in the first period, as his shot came off the wall after the Eagles poured forward in numbers once more.   In the second half, Rogers Mato came close to connecting with a good cross but missed. Nigeria regrouped and sustained the pressure on their opponents, who had won four of their previous eight encounters before Tuesday evening’s match in Fès.   Wing-back Bruno Onyemaechi side-netted in the 51st minute, and six minutes later, goalkeeper Salim Omar, who had come in for the injured Onyango, was red-carded after punching the ball outside his box as Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s stand-in-captain, loomed towards goal.   Midfielder Raphael Onyedika, playing his first game at this AFCON, scored Nigeria’s second in the 62nd minute after connecting well with a pass by Samuel Chukwueze. Chukwueze and Raphael recreated a similar process four minutes later, leading to Onyedika, who plays his club football in Belgium, scoring his second and Nigeria’s third.   In the 70th minute, Paul Onuachu’s header was a little too high, and five minutes later, Rogers Mato scored at the other end as Uganda finished well from a brilliant team move.   Victory gave the Eagles the maximum nine points from their three matches, and they will now certainly meet the third-placed team in Group F, with both third-placed finishers in Groups A (Comoros) and B (Angola) already eliminated. This could be any of Cote d’Ivoire’s Elephants (Cup holders), Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions or the Mambas of Mozambique.   That match comes up on Monday, 5th January in Fès.   Tanzania’s gutsy 1-1 draw with Tunisia saw the Taifa Stars reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history. They will play host nation Morocco in the Round of 16.

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