Sports
AFCON 2019: LaLiga brings interactive “LaLiga Space” to Cairo to mark start of the competition


BY: Nmerichukwu Igweamaka
LaLiga has unveiled LaLiga Space, its biggest-ever event in Egypt, to mark the kick-off of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo. Prominent LaLiga Ambassadors and legends of the modern game Samuel Eto’o and Fernando Morientes were at Cairo Festival City Mall to open the three-day event on Thursday afternoon and to meet with both local and international media.


Guests to the interactive space can try their hand at the LaLiga-themed games corner, check out the display of authentic LaLiga jerseys and even have their photos taken on a replica coaches’ bench and with the official LaLiga Santander trophy.
LaLiga’s global star Samuel Eto’o expressed his excitement to be part of the very first LaLiga Space in Egypt. “Egypt is once again leading the way in hosting crucial African and international events,” he said. “Cairo’s previous experience in organising events of this nature make it an ideal and exciting choice for all African teams and also LaLiga.” Moreover, he added that Egyptians and Africans in general share a genuine passion for football reflected in their daily routines.


Fernando Morientes, meanwhile, reiterated LaLiga’s commitment to advocating Spanish football around the world, especially in football-mad countries across Africa and the Middle East, and how LaLiga Space has already featured in various countries across the globe coinciding with major sporting events like the CAF19 in Egypt. “This continuous effort gives fans the world over the chance to meet their favourite players, experience LaLiga first-hand and find out more about its teams and biggest stars,” he said.


A number of well-known football figures and experts from across Africa were present at the press conference held at Cairo Festival City Mall to mark the opening ofLaLiga Space.
“Africa is a key market for LaLiga given the public’s fervent passion for football and their continuous support for international leagues,” said Fernando Sanz, LaLiga’s Director of International Institutional Relations and Director of the LaLiga Ambassadors and Legends Project.
Juan Fuentes, LaLiga’s Delegate in Egypt, added that the event was a milestone for Spanish football in the region.
Many of LaLiga’s most prominent stars will be participating in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations with their national teams, including Moussa Wague (FC Barcelona), Hassen El Id (R. Valladolid), Yassine Bounou (Girona FC), Youssef En-Nesyri (CD Leganes), Soufiane Boufal (RC Celta), Aïssa Mandi (Real Betis), Karl Toko Ekambi (Villarreal CF), Wilfrid Kaptoum (Real Betis), Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal CF), Kenneth Omerou (CD Leganes), Moses Simon (Levante UD), Wakaso Mubarak (D. Alaves), Thomas Partey (Atletico de Madrid), Kwabena Owusu (CD Leganes), Jose Kante (Gimnastic de Tarragona), Munir Mohand Mohamedi (Malaga CF), Aly Abeid (AD Alcorcon), Alfred Ndiaye (Malaga CF), Farid Mussa (CD Tenerife) and Ismael Athuman Gonzalez (UD Las Palmas).


LaLiga Space will be open to the general public for three consecutive days starting Thursday 20th June 2019 at 5:00pm (Cairo Time). Moreover, LaLiga and Uber have collaborated to give a 50% discount on two trips to and from the Cairo Festival City Mall (capped at 40EGP per trip) when using the promocode “LaLigaSpace” on either the 21st or 22nd June.


John C. Nwosu, governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has hailed the Super Falcons for lifting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s African Cup of Nations (WACON) held in Morocco for the 10th time, after a dramatic outing in Rabat, capital of the North African nation.
The Nigerian female team came from behind after a 2:0 lead they were handed down by the Atlas Lionesses at half time to turn the tide in a dramatic fashion, marked by energy, resilience, determination and skill, slotting in three goals in less than 30 minutes.
A totally enthralled Nwosu declared that feat clearly showed how with determination and focus, the most difficult tasks could be achieved and toughest challenges could be surmounted, adding that the feat embodied a lot of life’s lessons.
“What we saw today is the can-do spirit of that Nigerians are known for. It is a spirit that has broken many barriers and achieved great things. I particularly noticed the teamwork and synergy among the girls and their determination not to give up. It shows the reward of unity of purpose.
“As I watched our girls lift this beautiful trophy up, my spirit was also lifted. I am sure I am not alone. This spectacular achievement today shows how much we can achieve in Nigeria when we de-emphasise those things that divide the nation and emphasise the things that unite us.
“This is the focus of the ADC. We take it as a task to unite Nigeria by promoting unity, equity, justice and fair play in all facets of the society, knowing that together, working individually and collectively, we wake the sleeping giant.
“It is particularly so as we make deliberate moves to recreate a new Anambra where the government and the people will form an environment of common vision and move in the same direction, achieve a common goal. That vision has gained a strong fillip by this wonderful feat in Morocco.”
Well done girls. Once again, you have put smiles on millions of Nigerians, both home and abroad. May this joy continue to resonate everywhere in the life of our dear nation, now and in future.


Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria on their 10th Women African Cup of Nations, WAFCON, title, saying that they demonstrated the resilience of the Nigerian spirit.
The Super Falcons, who fell behind by two goals in the first half, staged a memorable comeback in Rabat in the second half, beating their Moroccan counterparts before their huge crowd of home fans to lift the WAFCON 2025 trophy courtesy of goals delivered by Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini.
Mbah, who took to his verified social media handle, @PNMbah, to celebrate the impressive Nigerian side wrote, “Congratulations, Super Falcons, on your well-deserved WAFCON 2025 triumph.
“Coming from two goals down to beat the Moroccans to the trophy underscores the resilience and invincibility of the Nigerian spirit and what we can achieve as a people by working together in oneness of mind.
“We are super proud of you.
“Again, congratulations, girls, and keep flying higher.”
Sports
Mbah Receives EPL Trophy, Seeks Guinness’ Partnership to Grow Sports in Enugu
…Why we choose Enugu- Guinness, reports SANDRA ANI


The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed his eagerness to partner with Guinness Nigeria PLC to accelerate his administration’s sports development effort, describing the state as the home of sporting legends, who have ruled the world of sports as well as home of abundant talents for the future.
Mbah spoke when a team of Guinness Nigeria’s management showcased the English Premier League, EPL, trophy, to him at Government House, Enugu, on Friday.
It is recalled that Guinness Nigeria and the Premier League partnered to bring the iconic silverware for display in Enugu on Friday, May 16 and in Lagos on Saturday May 17 and Sunday, 18 to give EPL’s teeming fans in Nigeria the rare opportunity to experience the trophy.
Speaking during the presentation of the trophy at the Lion Building, Enugu State Government House, Mbah noted that beside putting in place legislative frameworks for sports development, his administration was also embarking on a massive reconstruction of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and Awgu Games Village preparatory to hosting the 2026 edition of the National Sports Festival.
“Like Guinness, we regard sports as a positive force in Enugu. We are not surprised that the Guinness flagship event is being held here in Enugu. Just like Guinness, we also see sports as a platform to foster social cohesion. We are not just paying lip service to sports; we actually have our skin in the game.
“We believe that the EPL is quite a spectacle with audiences across the world and you couldn’t have chosen a better city for the flagship event than Enugu.
“Again, since here is the home of Rangers and since we have also recognised that this is where it all happens, let us begin to think about more collaboration with Guinness to see how we can secure endorsement with the Guinness corporate brand. This should be on the table because Rangers also won the 2023/2024 Nigerian Premier League title.
“We are just about giving the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and Awgu Games Village a new lease of life, making sure they meet FIFA and World Athletics standards ahead of the National Sports Festival. So, we look forward to more strategic collaboration with Guinness. We are quite a business-friendly state,” he stated.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and the Corporate Relations Director at Guinness Nigeria PLC, Rotimi Odusola, described Enugu State as the spiritual home of sports in Nigeria, noting the exploits of Rangers.
He said it was only natural to choose Enugu for the display of the EPL silverware, given its history and the great job Governor Mbah had done in repositioning the state.
“Some may wonder why Enugu. There is a reason for us to choose Enugu as the first place in Nigeria since this trophy arrived yesterday. It is because we know that Enugu State is the spiritual home of football in Nigeria. As a young football lover, I can’t forget all of the stories around Enugu Rangers football team.
“I want to also appreciate you for the work you are doing. The last time I was in Enugu was in 2022 and I have seen remarkable improvements in Enugu State since my last visit.
“This presentation of the EPL trophy is an opportunity for us to reinforce Guinness Nigeria being a business that has been intricate in the fabric of Nigeria for 75 years. We also want to use this opportunity to create magical moments for our consumers and members of the public through the collaboration between Guinness globally and the English Premier League,” he added.
The event was witnessed by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Enugu State, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke; Director, Marketing and Innovations, Guinness Nigeria, Yinka Bakare; Director, Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria, Rotimi Odusola; Head of Marketing, Guinness Nigeria, Ramanathan Sollayepan; Head of Division, South-East Region, Guinness Nigeria, Adesoji Opeyemi; General Manager, Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku; and the Chairman, Enugu State Football Association, Barr. Tony Ugwu, among others.
-
Sports2 days ago
Nwosu hails Super Falcons: You’ve shown the Nigeria spirit
-
Finance2 days ago
NGX Boss, Umaru Kwairanga, to Chair Business Journal Fintech Roundtable 2025
-
Energy2 days ago
Energy Experts Proffer Solution To Nigeria’s Energy Conundrum
-
News2 days ago
France Urged to Address Colonial Legacy as Senegalese Activists Call for Reparations in Dakar Roundtable