In a remarkable disclosure, Patrice Motsepe, head of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), announced that the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has captivated nearly two billion viewers worldwide since its commencement last month.
Addressing reporters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, ahead of the tournament’s climax between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Côte d’Ivoire’s Elephants on Sunday, Motsepe expressed pride in the tournament’s global resonance. “We have had close to 2 Billion people watching Africa Cup of Nations globally. We should be proud as Africans, and the next one will be even better,” Mr. Motsepe emphasized.
READ MORE: AFCON: Fear Grips Nigerians As Tinubu Reveals Plan to Watch AFCON Final Live
Termed the ‘Best Ever AFCON’ by enthusiasts across the continent, this year’s event has drawn substantial social media engagement and widespread viewership. On-field action has been rife with drama, featuring unexpected victories by underdogs over established favorites, heightening Africa Cup of Nations ‘s allure.
Notably, officiating quality has earned acclaim, with VAR implementation showcasing remarkable accuracy and consistency, in stark contrast to criticisms of its usage in other leagues. Football aficionados, seizing the contrast, have humorously urged English football’s refereeing body to take notes from Africa Cup of Nations ‘s VAR handling proficiency.