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Motsepe Speaks on CAF decisions for hosting AFCON every four years

We must free ourselves as Africans and have more confidence in ourselves. It should not be about FIFA says this or UEFA says this.

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President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe. (Photo by Phill Magakoe AFP).

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has clarified that the decision by the body to be hosting the Africa Cup of Nations from every two to four years wasn’t influenced by the FIFA.

The decision was announced last month and drew heavy criticisms, with several African football personalities alleging that it was a measure forced upon Africa by FIFA, whose president Gianni Infantino had six years ago advocated that the Cup of Nations be played four-yearly rather than every two years.

However, the CAF’s President, Patrice Motsepe, dismissed the allegations of undue influence from FIFA, emphasising that they would go ahead with the Cup of Nations every four years after 2028, plus introduce an African Nations League in 2029.

“We didn’t do as good a job at CAF in preparing the ground 1for this AFCON every four years. We must make sure that our everyday people, whom we account to, must understand what we have done is good for them,” Motsepe told a press conference on the eve of the final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat.

“This is the right decision. We will indeed have a new competition, and it will be enormously successful. African football will be better,” he added.

“We must free ourselves as Africans and have more confidence in ourselves. It should not be about FIFA says this or UEFA says this.

“We can be convinced we are doing the right things, but it is important that everyone on the continent is convinced we are doing the right things, too.

“We have to educate our people on the decisions we have taken. We know that in two to three years, people will see what we are talking about.”

The reason Africa has held its Cup of Nations every two years while other confederations play their championship every four years is that the tournament’s revenue used to provide about 80 per cent of CAF’s budget.

However, Motsepe said: “The revenue of the AFCON is significantly less than the revenue we have generated for the African Nations League. We are absolutely convinced it will work.”

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CAF appoints Nigeria’s Samson Adamu as acting secretary general

Adamu, the first Nigerian to hold the position since the organisation’s establishment over 70 years ago , is taking over from Swiss-Congolese official Veron Mosengo-Omba, who resigned on Sunday.

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Nigerian football administrator Samson Adamu as it’s acting secretary – general.

Adamu, the first Nigerian to hold the position since the organisation’s establishment over 70 years ago , is taking over from Swiss-Congolese official Veron Mosengo-Omba, who resigned on Sunday.

Before his elevation, Adamu served as CAF’s director of tournaments and events, where he played a key role in organising major continental competitions.

His appointment was proposed by the CAF Executive Committee and subsequently ratified by the Congress during its meeting on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Giza Palace Hotel in Cairo, Egypt.

The development marks a significant milestone for Nigerian football administration at the continental level, placing Adamu at the heart of CAF’s executive operations during a crucial period for African football governance.

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Mohamed Salah quitting Liverpool after nine historic years

Salah, who joined Liverpool from AS Roma in June 2017, recently signed a two-year contract extension but will now depart following an agreement with the club. The Egyptian forward was instrumental in Liverpool’s recent Premier League title success under manager Arne Slot, contributing 29 goals and 18 assists during the campaign.

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Mohamed Salah has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable nine-year career at Anfield.

The 33-year-old Egyptian international confirmed the decision via a video message shared on his social media accounts.

Salah, who joined Liverpool from AS Roma in June 2017, recently signed a two-year contract extension but will now depart following an agreement with the club.

A statement on Liverpool’s official website read:

“Mohamed Salah is to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career with Liverpool at the end of the 2025/26 season. The forward has reached an agreement with the Reds that will see him close a remarkable nine-year chapter at Anfield.”

The Egyptian forward was instrumental in Liverpool’s recent Premier League title success under manager Arne Slot, contributing 29 goals and 18 assists during the campaign.

However, he has struggled to replicate that form this season, registering just 11 goal involvements, including five league goals.

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NBF Kida’s board to remain in office until October , says FIBA

In a letter signed by FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis, the world governing body outlined its position following weeks of disputes and petitions from stakeholders over the legitimacy of the current board and the timing of elections.

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Photo: D’Tigers against Guinea during the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifier | Photo Credit: FIBA

FIBA has confirmed that the current board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBF) led by Musa Kida will remain in office until October 2026.

In a letter signed by FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis, the world governing body outlined its position following weeks of disputes and petitions from stakeholders over the legitimacy of the current board and the timing of elections.

After reviewing the situation, FIBA confirmed that the current board’s mandate remains valid until October 15, 2026, effectively dismissing calls from some stakeholders for an immediate dissolution of the leadership.

FIBA explained that it had reviewed extensive correspondence from various parties and taken into account its previous involvement in governance issues affecting Nigerian basketball, which have historically intensified during electoral periods.

“Over recent weeks, FIBA has received extensive correspondence from various stakeholders regarding the governance of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and the timing of its upcoming elections,” the letter, addressed to Kida and secretary general Olabisi Afolabi-Oluwayemi, read.

“As you are well aware, since 2017 FIBA has closely monitored the governance issues of NBFB, which tend to become very contentious during the electoral year.”

The governing body also referenced past sanctions imposed on Nigeria, including the withdrawal of the women’s national team from the World Cup and disciplinary measures taken before the situation was stabilised in 2022 through its intervention.

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