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Nigeria Loses Bid to Co-host AFCON 2027

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afcon 2027

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria and its neighbour, Benin Republic, will not jointly host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has favoured the trio of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania for the continental football tournament.

The apex football governing body in Africa on Wednesday also announced Morocco as the host of the biennial competition in 2025.

Morocco last hosted the AFCON in 1988 and was chosen in 2015 but asked for the tournament to be postponed because of the Ebola virus, although CAF later decided to strip the North African nation of the hosting rights.

While Morocco were hot favourites to host the 2025 edition of the premier African sport event, the shock last-minute withdrawal of Algeria from the 2027 race on Tuesday threw it wide open.

“This withdrawal can be explained by a new approach from the FAF (Algerian Football Federation) related to its strategy for developing football in Algeria,” it said.

The Kenya-Uganda-Tanzania bid then got the nod from the CAF executive committee, taking the tournament back to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia staged the 1976 finals.

“I am very proud of Morocco,” said CAF president, Mr Patrice Motsepe, after naming the successful hosts in Cairo.

“Morocco’s competing countries (for the 2025 tournament) — Algeria, Zambia and Nigeria-Benin — announced their withdrawal, even if these countries still made their presentation,” he said.

“The main reason is to support Morocco in its candidacy for the 2030 World Cup,” jointly with Spain and Portugal, explained Motsepe.

Morocco boasts many world-class stadiums and has successfully hosted numerous African and world football tournaments.

But Kenya and Tanzania have only one international-standard venue each and Uganda none, which forced their national team to play 2023 Cup of Nations qualifiers at neutral venues.

“One of the key objectives is that the decision that was taken today (promotes) the development of infrastructure and stadiums (and) be a source of enthusiasm among young people,” said Motsepe.

Ivory Coast will host the 2023 Cup of Nations, which has been put back to January and February 2024 due to the rainy season in West Africa.

“The timing is not ideal,” Mr Motsepe has said, referring to the tournament falling in the middle of the European club season.

“But we could not risk the tournament being disrupted by inclement weather,” added the South African billionaire, who was appointed CAF president in 2021.

The Cup of Nations has grown from a three-team tournament in Sudan in 1957 to a 24-team event since 2019 and attracts a worldwide TV audience.

Egypt has been the most successful country with seven titles, including three in a row from 2006. Cameroon triumphed five times and Ghana are four-time champions.

Nigeria has been victorious on three occasions 1980, 1994, and the last coming in 2013 when the late Stephen Keshi led the team to victory with a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The line-up for the next edition in five Ivorian cities includes the top 16 African countries in the latest FIFA rankings, led by 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Aston Villa vs Arsenal Lead a Packed Football Weekend Live on SuperSport

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Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Club football continues with major clashes across Europe’s top leagues, headlined by Arsenal’s trip to red-hot Aston Villa, and a strong slate of fixtures in La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. All matches will be live on SuperSport across DStv and GOtv.

Premier League: Villa Test Arsenal’s Mettle, City Push the Pace

On Saturday at 1:30 p.m., Aston Villa host league leaders, Arsenal. Villa have surged into third with four straight wins, including a dramatic 4–3 result against Brighton. Arsenal remain five points clear after a composed 2–0 win over Brentford.

At 4:00 p.m., Man City welcome Sunderland to the Etihad. City edged Fulham 5–4 in a wild contest and sit second, one point ahead of Chelsea. Sunderland arrive with just one win in their last five.

At the same time Tottenham face Brentford. Spurs remain winless in six and have slid to 11th, while Brentford, coming off a 2–0 loss to Arsenal, continue to battle inconsistency. This match airs live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205).

Leeds United meet Liverpool at 6:30 p.m. after ending their losing run with a morale-boosting victory over Chelsea. Liverpool, held 1–1 by Sunderland, need rhythm and stability after several poor results.

On Sunday at 5:30 p.m., Fulham host Crystal Palace. Fulham showed impressive fight despite losing 5–4 to Man City, while Palace remain solid in fifth with three wins in their last six.

The round wraps up on Monday at 9:00 p.m. as Wolves face Man United. United have managed one win in five, while Wolves stay bottom with twelve losses in fourteen.

La Liga: Barca Protect Lead, Madrid Stay Close

On Saturday at 2:00 p.m., Villarreal face Getafe. Villarreal are third after five straight wins and sit four points behind Real Madrid with a game in hand. Getafe have won three of their last five and remain difficult opponents.

At 6:30 p.m., Barcelona travel to Real Betis. Barça sit top after extending their winning run to five matches, while fifth-place Betis aim to close the seven-point gap to the Champions League spots.

At 9:00 p.m., Athletic Club host Atlético Madrid. Both sides suffered defeats to La Liga’s top two in midweek. Atlético have won eight of their last ten but remain fourth behind Villarreal, while Athletic have struggled with only two wins in seven.

On Sunday at 9:00 p.m., Real Madrid face Celta Vigo. Madrid ended a three-game winless spell in La Liga with a strong victory over Athletic Club and look to reclaim top spot. Celta have picked up form with three wins in their last five.

Serie A: Napoli vs Juventus Takes Centre Stage

On Saturday at 6:00 p.m., Inter  take on Como. Inter, sitting third, continue to chase the top after beating Pisa, while Fabregas’ surprise package Como remain fifth with only one defeat this season.

On Sunday at 3:00 p.m., Cagliari host Roma. Roma, currently fourth, look to recover from their narrow home loss to Napoli. Cagliari remain desperate for points after a close defeat to Juventus.

At 8:45 p.m., Napoli meet Juventus in the weekend’s marquee Serie A fixture. Second-placed Napoli go into the game confident after beating Roma, while seventh-place Juventus aim to climb the table after defeating Cagliari.

The round concludes Monday at 8:45 p.m. as Torino host AC Milan. Milan remain league leaders and seek another steady result to hold off Napoli and Inter.

Ligue 1: Marseille Chase the Top Two, PSG Seek a Response

Action begins Friday at 9:00 p.m. as Lille face Marseille, live on SS Africa 1 (GOtv Ch. 63, DStv Ch. 207). Lille arrive after edging Le Havre, while third-place Marseille aim to rebound from a 2–2 draw with Toulouse.

On Saturday at 9:05 p.m., PSG host Rennes. The champions look to recover quickly from a 1–0 loss to Monaco, while fifth-place Rennes continue their strong form and push for European qualification.

On Sunday at 8:45 p.m., Lorient welcome Lyon. Lyon, fresh from a convincing 3–0 win over Nantes, look to break into the European conversation. Lorient, boosted by a 3–1 victory over Nice, will aim to make their home advantage count.

Weekend Highlights

Premier League

  • Aston Villa vs Arsenal — Sat, 1:30 p.m.

  • Man City vs Sunderland — Sat, 4:00 p.m.

  • Tottenham vs Brentford — Sat, 4:00 p.m. (SS Football)

  • Leeds United vs Liverpool — Sat, 6:30 p.m.

  • Fulham vs Crystal Palace — Sun, 5:30 p.m.

  • Wolves vs Man United — Mon, 9:00 p.m.

La Liga

  • Villarreal vs Getafe — Sat, 2:00 p.m.

  • Real Betis vs Barcelona — Sat, 6:30 p.m.

  • Athletic Club vs Atlético Madrid — Sat, 9:00 p.m.

  • Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo — Sun, 9:00 p.m.

Serie A

  • Inter vs Como — Sat, 6:00 p.m.

  • Cagliari vs Roma — Sun, 3:00 p.m.

  • Napoli vs Juventus — Sun, 8:45 p.m.

  • Torino vs AC Milan — Mon, 8:45 p.m.

Ligue 1

  • Lille vs Marseille — Fri, 9:00 p.m. (SS Africa 1)

  • PSG vs Rennes — Sat, 9:05 p.m.

  • Lorient vs Lyon — Sun, 8:45 p.m.

Where to Watch

All Premier League action airs on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).La Liga matches are live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62). Serie A games are on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64). Ligue 1 fixtures air on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61) and SS Africa 1 for selected matches. Stream every match live on DStv Stream or GOtv Stream.

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Most Popular Games at Pin Up Casino Nigeria

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Pin up Casino Nigeria

Online casino entertainment in Nigeria revolves around three core segments: slot games, live casino rooms and traditional table games. Each category appeals to different types of players, from beginners learning how to play casino games to experienced users who prefer strategic formats. As mobile casino Nigeria platforms and Android apps expand accessibility, many reviews discussing popular games reference resources such as Pin Up casino when analysing which titles Nigerian players explore most actively. More users also pay attention to modern slots and live dealer formats that combine convenience with engaging gameplay.

Slot games as a leading category in Nigeria

Pin Up slots remain the most widely played casino games online due to their simplicity, fast pace and large selection of themes. They suit both newcomers and experienced players, making them an accessible entry point for anyone exploring the online casino environment.

Why Nigerian players choose slot games

Slot entertainments offer straightforward mechanics that make learning how to play casino games easy for beginners. Key reasons for slot popularity:

  • Simple rules and easy-to-understand mechanics
  • Compatibility with Android and mobile casino platforms
  • Wide range of themes, features and visual styles
  • Fast-paced gameplay suitable for short sessions

These features allow players to enjoy slot entertainments without needing complex strategies or advanced knowledge.

Types of slot games popular in Nigeria

Nigerian players explore a wide mix of slot categories, each offering a different style of gameplay. Understanding these slot types helps players choose a format that matches their gameplay expectations and entertainment preferences.

Common slot types enjoyed by Nigerian players

  • Classic fruit slots — simple three-reel games with familiar fruit symbols, BAR icons and sevens
  • Video slots — modern five-reel games with animations, storylines and bonus features
  • Adventure and themed slots — titles inspired by mythology, treasure hunting, history or fantasy worlds
  • Crash games like Aviator — fast-paced multipliers where players cash out before the line drops
  • Megaways slots — games with changing numbers of winning ways on every spin
  • High-volatility slots — suitable for players who prefer infrequent but potentially larger wins

These categories offer something for every player, whether they enjoy simple three-reel mechanics or complex bonus features.

Growing interest in live casino experiences

Live formats attract players who want a more immersive and realistic environment. These Pin Up casino games combine the comfort of online play with the atmosphere of a land-based casino, allowing users to interact with real dealers and follow the action in real time.

Types of live casino games

Live casino rooms permit players to play online casino sessions with full transparency, realistic pacing and opportunities for communication. These sessions recreate the casino feeling while maintaining online convenience.

Most played live formats

  • Live Roulette
  • Live Blackjack
  • Live Baccarat
  • Game-show inspired titles

These entertainments appeal to players who enjoy authentic interaction and visual transparency. Platforms widely discussed in the Nigerian gaming community — including Pin Up — offer structured live sections where each table has clearly defined rules and gameplay formats.

Table games appealing to strategic players

Traditional table games remain popular among Nigerian players who prefer strategy-based formats. These entertainments combine elements of chance with decision-making, offering more control and deeper engagement.

Common table game selections

Players who enjoy analysing situations and applying basic strategies often choose table games. Such formats allow users to test tactics, track outcomes and develop a more structured approach to play casino sessions.

Most popular table games

  • Poker
  • Blackjack
  • Roulette
  • Baccarat

These entertainments attract players who appreciate clarity, rules and the opportunity to apply decision-making during gameplay. Many users begin with digital versions before moving to live dealer tables for a more dynamic and interactive experience.

Nigeria's casino gaming

Key trends shaping Nigeria’s casino gaming landscape

In 2025, Nigerian online casino preferences remain focused on slot games, live dealer formats and traditional table entertainments. Users interested in play online casino Nigeria titles increasingly choose mobile and Android-friendly platforms where these categories are easily accessible. Discussions within the gaming community often mention Pin Up as a platform offering a wide range of options, though the core choice for players always depends on personal interests, gameplay style and responsible decision-making. Exploring different formats helps users understand the strengths of each category and enjoy an engaging and balanced online casino experience.

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SuperSport to Broadcast Midweek Football Action in the Premier League and La Liga

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supersport Midweek Football Action

Midweek football returns with crucial fixtures across the Premier League and La Liga, as title contenders look to maintain momentum and struggling sides fight to steady their campaigns. Fans can watch all the action live on SuperSport, exclusively on DStv and GOtv.

Premier League: Key Battles Across the Table

On Tuesday, Fulham host Man City at 8:30 p.m. City edged Leeds 3–2 at the weekend, with Phil Foden scoring twice to keep them five points behind leaders Arsenal. They now face a revitalised Fulham side who have won back-to-back matches, including a gritty 2–1 victory away at Tottenham, and are steadily pulling clear of the relegation zone.  The match will air live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203)

Also at 9:15 p.m., Newcastle welcome Tottenham to St James’ Park. Spurs remain winless in their last seven games across all competitions and have dropped to fifth after their 2–1 home defeat to Fulham. Newcastle, meanwhile, arrive with renewed confidence after a commanding 4–1 win at Everton and continue to be one of the league’s toughest home sides. The match will air live on SS Action (GOtv Ch. 66, DStv Ch. 206)

On Wednesday, league leaders Arsenal return at 8:30 p.m. when they face Brentford at the Emirates. Arsenal were held to a 1–1 draw by Chelsea but remain firmly in control at the top. Brentford, who beat Burnley 3–1 last time out, continue to show strong form at home but have struggled to replicate those performances on the road. Watch live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203)

At 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Leeds United take on Chelsea at Elland Road live on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61). Chelsea battled to a 1–1 draw against Arsenal despite going a man down, and a win here could push them into second place depending on other results. Leeds, however, have lost four straight and sit in the relegation zone, needing a turnaround to avoid deeper trouble.

Also at 9:15 p.m., Liverpool face Sunderland at Anfield. Liverpool stopped their run of defeats with a controlled 2–0 win away at West Ham and now aim to re-establish rhythm against a Sunderland side sitting near the top of the table. Sunderland edged Bournemouth 3–2 in their last outing, ending a three-game winless stretch. The match will be live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204)

On Thursday, Man United host West Ham at 9:00 p.m., airing live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). United came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2–1 at Selhurst Park, recording their first victory in four matches. West Ham, meanwhile, remain close to the relegation zone after a 2–0 loss to Liverpool and need a stabilising result.

La Liga: Top Contenders Face Crucial Tests

On Tuesday, Barcelona face Atlético Madrid at 9:00 p.m. Barcelona’s 3–1 win over Alavés moved them top of the table, but they now confront an Atlético side in exceptional form. Atlético have won six straight league matches and remain unbeaten in more than ten across all competitions, making them one of the most dangerous teams in Spain at the moment.

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On Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., Athletic Club host Real Madrid at San Mamés. Real Madrid have drawn their last three league matches, including a 1–1 result against Girona, a run that has cost them top spot. Athletic, meanwhile, arrive after a confident 2–0 win away at Levante and continue to show strong defensive discipline. With Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal and Atlético all tightly packed at the top, every point now carries significant weight. Both games air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).

Midweek Highlights

Premier League

  • Fulham vs Man City — Tue, 8:30 p.m.

  • Newcastle vs Tottenham — Tue, 9:15 p.m.

  • Arsenal vs Brentford — Wed, 8:30 p.m.

  • Leeds United vs Chelsea — Wed, 9:15 p.m.

  • Liverpool vs Sunderland — Wed, 9:15 p.m.

  • Man United vs West Ham — Thu, 9:00 p.m.

La Liga

  • Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid — Tue, 9:00 p.m.

  • Athletic Club vs Real Madrid — Wed, 7:00 p.m.

Catch Every Game

Stream every match live on select SuperSport channels or on the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, or visit www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.

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