The Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) has reached an
agreement to broadcast the final match of the African Cup of Nations
(AFCON) currently taking place in South Africa.
The matches have been beamed only on Satellite television with local
stations not being able to bring the matches live to Nigerians due to
a disagreement between the rights owners and the Nigerian broadcast
regulator. Details of the agreement are still sketchy but we shall bring you give you soon as we get them
.In another deelopment,President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has splashed the sum of N130 million on the Nigerian national team, Super Eagles for reaching the finals of the ongoing 29th Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) in South Africa.The national team, Super Eagles reached thefinals of AFCON 2013 by thrashing the Malian national team 4-1.
A statement from Dangote Group explained that the gesture is part of
Dangote Group’s corporate social responsibility ( CSR ) to promote and encourage sports development in Nigeria. The donation is to
acknowledge the exploits of the national team at the AFCON and
stimulate them to bring home the coveted trophy.
Sports minister Mallam Bolaji Abudllahi speaking on the donation said:
“Dangote has always demonstrated commitment to Government and people
of Nigeria. We are happy over the gesture shown to the players and thecoaching crew. It is an example for other well-meaning Nigerians tofollow.”
Football enthusiasts are commending Aliko Dangote on the gesture
describing it as a necessary tonic that would inspire the Super Eaglesto win the final match on Sunday February 10 against the Stallions ofBurkina Faso.
Ephraim Ubong, a football lover and Super Eagles supporter believes
that the donation would spur the national team to win the trophy.
Ubong, a staff of a creative agency in Lagos charged other wealthy
Nigerians andorganizations toemulate Dangote by donating cash and
materials to the national team.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, also known as the Orange Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship reasons, kicked off from January 19 while the finals will be played on February 10, 2013. The competition is
organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Starting
from this edition, the tournament was switched to being held in
odd-numbered years instead of even-numbered years so that it does not
clash with the FIFA World Cup.
The winner of the tournament will qualify for the 2013 FIFA
Confederations Cup in Brazil as the representative from CAF