Tag Archives: AFCON2025

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Aliou Cissé: From Heartbreak to Glory – The Journey of Senegal’s AFCON Mastermind

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From a losing finalist in 2002 to a victorious strategist at the 2021 edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Aliou Cissé’s story with Africa’s most prestigious competition is a true tale of perseverance and success.

The former Senegal captain and coach shares his unreserved view of this key event and analyses the ambitions of the Lions of Teranga for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

You have been designated to attend the draw for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025. How do you feel about this responsibility? 


Aliou Cissé: It’s an experience that I’ve already had in other contexts, but which always requires special preparation. It’s not our daily life as coaches or players. We are more comfortable on the pitch, but with clear instructions and rehearsals, it becomes natural. Like the players before a match, we rehearse our gestures to understand the steps we must take.

Why is the draw so crucial for the competition?
It’s a first for me to attend a draw, because I’ve never been there before, neither for the AFCON nor for the World Cup. However, this exercise symbolizes the beginning of an adventure for each team, with major strategic stakes.

Senegal is now one of the powers of African football. What is your analysis of them?
Senegal needs no introduction. We are among the best teams on the continent, with a place in the top 20 in the world according to the FIFA ranking.

This progression reflects the experience of our players, some of whom have played in four or five AFCONs, as well as two World Cups. We also have a very ambitious group of young people.
Since our historic victory in 2022, the objective has been clear: to aim for the title every time we participate.

The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON will be held in Morocco. How do you perceive this edition?
Morocco offers modern infrastructure and a high-level organization. It will be a special TotalEnergies CAF AFCON. African football is constantly evolving, and I hope that this edition will mark a historic turning point.

You have lived through over two decades of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, first as a player and then a coach. How do you see its evolution?
The tournament has progressed on all levels: infrastructure, team preparation and coach training. With the increase from 16 to 24 teams, it has become even more competitive and is followed internationally. It is a celebration for all of Africa, and players are willing to leave their clubs in the middle of the season to participate.

What are the key elements to win an AFCON?
It takes a lot of work, patience and a bit of luck. The players have to be at the top of their game at the right time and have a competitive mentality until the end. Conditions can be demanding in Africa, but perseverance always pays off in the end.

Any advice for young coaches?
Be ready, organized, and adaptable. African football has its particularities, and you have to know how to adjust. But it’s a unique and deeply enriching experience.

CAF/Trendznigeria

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Super Eagles Threaten Boycott After 12-Hour Ordeal at Libyan Airport

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Stranded Without Food or Water, Team Captain Calls for Nigerian Government Intervention

The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has announced plans to boycott their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya after being stranded for over 12 hours at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya. The players endured the ordeal on Sunday night after their flight was unexpectedly diverted from Benghazi, their original destination.

Forced Diversion and Stranded Overnight

The squad, traveling for their Tuesday match, was forced to land at Al Abraq International Airport, which is primarily used for hajj operations. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the plane was diverted at the last minute, just as it was preparing to descend into Benghazi.

According to NFF, the Libyan authorities offered no explanation for the change and did not provide transportation or reception for the players, leaving them stranded overnight.

Super Eagles Captain Speaks Out on Social Media

Team captain William Troost-Ekong, visibly frustrated by the situation, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) early Monday morning to condemn the treatment and announce the players’ intention to forgo the qualifier match.

“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason,” Troost-Ekong wrote.

The former Watford defender criticized the conditions, saying: “They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games.” Troost-Ekong also revealed that their Tunisian pilot struggled to secure rest accommodations and was forced to sleep on the plane. “He could sleep there, but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed,” he added.

The captain further expressed concerns about the team’s safety, stating: “Even if they decide to allow this kind of behaviour, let them have the points. We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here, even with security—it’s not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued.”

NFF Releases Statement Amid Ongoing Crisis

In a formal statement, the NFF criticized the Libyan Football Federation’s failure to meet basic hosting obligations. “Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be three hours away in Benghazi.”

The federation added that they had arranged alternative transport, but those plans fell apart following the sudden diversion of the aircraft. The NFF confirmed that players have resolved not to play the match, while officials are now working to arrange a flight back to Nigeria.

AFCON Campaign in Jeopardy

The Super Eagles were coming off a 1-0 victory over Libya in Uyo, with Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scoring the decisive goal late in the game. However, the unexpected airport fiasco and the deteriorating conditions have cast doubt over the second leg of the encounter.

The NFF appealed to the Nigerian government for immediate intervention, urging the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to investigate the matter and take appropriate action. Troost-Ekong underscored the importance of fair play, saying, “We respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen, but these things on purpose have nothing to do with international football.”

What Comes Next?

With players refusing to participate under unsafe conditions, Nigeria’s path to the 2025 AFCON could be affected. CAF has yet to respond to the incident, and the future of the match remains uncertain. If the Super Eagles make good on their boycott, Libya could be awarded the points, complicating Nigeria’s qualification campaign.

The standoff raises larger questions about player welfare and travel conditions in African football, putting pressure on CAF to address the issue swiftly and ensure fair treatment for all teams.