AFCON qualifier: DSTV staff heading to Uyo shot dead during attack

A crew of DSTV journalist going to Uyo for the coverage of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match were attacked and kidnapped on October 10, 2024, while one of them has been confirmed dead.

The Anambra State Police Command had earlier reported that joint security forces led by the command rescued six sports journalists who were kidnapped in the state while traveling to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the rescue of the abducted journalists.

SP Ikenga said that the media crew were kidnapped along Isseke-Orlu Road in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state when they were travelling from Lagos to Uyo.

He had earlier pointed out that Joint security forces successfully rescued 6 members of the media crew.

The police spokesperson added that operations are still ongoing for the possible rescue of the seventh crew member.

Further development, he assured will be communicated later.

7 journalists killed

It was gathered that the sports journalists were travelling to Uyo ahead of the Super Eagles’ match with Libya in Uyo in the ongoing African Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.

It was, however, learnt that 7th member of the crew yet to be rescued has been killed by the kidnappers.

A source said: “The DSTV crew heading to Uyo for AFCON match coverage was attacked and kidnapped.

“A victim was shot dead as the army rescued seven persons.

“One of them is Kay, a technical crew member, and he is now confirmed dead.”

How the game ended

Super Eagle will hope to continue with their fine start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they host Libya in the third round of the qualification series at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday .

The Super Eagles aim to extend their unbeaten start to the series, the Mediterranean Knights will be aiming for their first win.

The Super Eagles started the qualifiers with a commendable 3-0 victory over Benin Republic before playing a goalless draw away at Rwanda a couple of days ago in Kigali.

What coach Eguavoen said before the match

Mr. Austin Eguavoen, the coach, said that Eagle is currently top of Group D with 4 points and are the only team yet to concede a goal in the group.

A doubleheader victory over Libya will see them move clear and edge closer to securing qualification, a scenario that the interim coach hopes will play out.

Eguavoen noted that the boys are ready to fight for those three points.

He said: “Every minute counts, and we know what it means to get the job done and over with as early as possible.

“It is going to be tough, but I think at the end of the day, with the boys we have in the team, they will deliver, the coach said ahead of their encounter with the Libyans.”

The meeting between Nigeria and Libya made it 5 times both countries face each other.

The Eagles won all four previous encounters, including two games in the AFCON qualifiers back in 2018.

Eguavoen, whose side have only lost one of their last 14 AFCON qualifying matches, will hope to maintain their impressive form and continue their dominance of the visitors.

Tasked with the duty of guiding Nigeria to the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco, the interim coach knows his side must be wary of the Libyans who are yet to pick up a win in their qualifying campaign.

“The are down, but it doesn’t mean that they can’t rise because they have a couple of games to play.

“I know they will come here and fight, and we are also going to fight too.

“Let’s forget about the past games and look ahead to the Libya game, and our focus is on the home game in front of us,” he added.

Nigeria headed into the encounter without talisman Victor Osimhen but showed they have enough quality in the team to get the job done against the visitors, who arrived in Uyo with a new coach.

Unimpressed by their first two results and in search of their first AFCON ticket in 12 years, the Libya FA sacked much-travelled Serbian coach Milutin Sredojevic and shortly after engaged Nasser Al-Hadiri as his replacement.

Libya were held to a 1-1 draw by Rwanda in their opening match of the qualifiers before losing 2-1 to Benin in their second match.

The Mediterranean Knights took the lead in the ninth minute from the spot via Faisal Al Badri, but a 12-minute spell in the second half saw them concede two goals that cost them to loose the game.

Newly appointed head coach Al-Hadiri hoped his side picks up valuable points against Nigeria as they look to end their 12-year AFCON absence.

Libya’s last appearance in the continental showpiece came in 2012.

Meanwhile, they are currently bottom of Group D with one point and will have to quickly turn things around if they are to end this run.

Super Eagles won the match

Mr. Simon Moses assist and Mr. fisayo Dele Bashiru shot on targets was able to keep Nigeria eagles on top of group D table in a tough match that ended 1 – 0 in the favour of the eagles.

See the table below:

Who will win 2024 African Footballer best Of The Year?

Brahim Diaz of Morocco or Ademola Lookman of Nigeria

The Moroccan FA believes that Brahim Diaz will win the African Footballer Of The Year award ahead of Nigeria Super Eagles and Atlanta winger, Ademola Lookman.

Morocco dreams of having an African Ballon d’Or again, something that has not happened since Mustapha Hadji won it in 1998.

Brahim Diaz last season performance

– 12 Goals
– 9 Assists
– Laliga winner
– Champions League winner (but he wasn’t instrumental to Real Madrid C.F. success in UCL.)
– Joined Morocco 6 months ago
– Never participated in AFCON
– Was not remembered for Ballon d’Or

Ademola Lookman last season performance

– 21 Goals
– 11 Assists
– Europa League final best player
– 16 MOTM awards
– Atlanta Player of the Season
– AFCON best 11
– Europa League winner
– Ballon d’Or nominee
– AFCON silver medallist
– Coppa Italian medallist
– The first player to score a hat trick in a UEFA Final.

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