It's time for AFCON Ball!

African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a football tournament that showcases the prowess of African football.

As a huge football fan, I always look forward to the tournament with excitement and anticipation and a little bit of fear that my favourite teams would embarrass me.

I remember when Nigeria last won the tournament in 2013 with a magnificent lone goal from Mba under the legendary Coach Stephen Keshi. The waves of celebrations were felt from the North to the South, and our pride as the giant of Africa was magnified as the Super Eagles were crowned kings of Africa for the third time.

I also remember when we were so close to victory again, but were defeated in the semi-final by a wicked free kick by Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez at stoppage time. I am not too shy to admit that I cried, we were so close but it was snatched from us. I didnt wish Algeria well at the finals at all, but my bad belle was not potent enough because they went on to win the trophy in 2019, defeating Senegal who I was rooting for. So thats double heartbreak.

I have experienced the highs and lows of the tournament and it has been a delight to go through every single emotion.

AFCON began 67 years ago and the first tournament was held in Sudan. It occurs every two years in January because of the weather conditions of our continents in the summer. It would feature 24 teams who have gone through rigorous qualifying rounds over the past year and will now be given a chance at being crowned African champions, a title held by the Senegalese nicknamed the Lions of Teranga.

Football is a tool to promote social interactions and facilitate cultural exchange amidst diversities. An international sporting event like AFCON brings together athletes and exposes fans to different ways of life, beliefs, and traditions from all around Africa. AFCON gives an immense sense of pride to participating countries and African fans who express their hopes and dreams for their beloved squads. The fans are always out in vibrant and beautiful outfits representing their cultures, each with war-like songs cheering and encouraging their squads.

Economically, the country that gets to host the tournament experiences a surge of visitors and an uprise in economic growth. This year's host Côte D'Ivoire is ready to welcome all of Africa and has taken necessary steps to improve their stadiums and other social amenities to give players and fans a wonderful stay.

Watching the gallant players in their niche is a huge inspiration for young ones gathered around the television with wide eyes witnessing the skills of the game and predicting that they'll be the next Mo Salah, the next Osimhen, and the next Baboucarr. It brings the families glued to their TV sets and young people in the drinking parlours/viewing centres together for a month, celebrating our culture and the best footballing talent the continent offers.

Tournaments and festivals like AFCON put Africa in a positive light and challenge the numerous stereotypes concerning the continent. This year, sports and cultural legends are coming together during the AFCON to highlight the ongoing fight against malaria and promote awareness in the country, Africa, and around the world.

The confederation organised the Young Reporters and Young Referee program aimed at giving young Africans the opportunities to hone their passion and skills in these areas.

My loyalties are with the West Africans and as always, I am rooting for Nigeria and hoping to see us go all the way to the trophy with our Napolean King Osimhen leading us to glory. I am also rooting for my other country: the Gambia, their underdog story the last time out was inspiring, and I hope they get a good run this year. But my heart is always with Senegal, they have a strong squad with star players to drive their attack like Sadio Mane who led them to their first trophy in 2021.

The teams I am most scared of are the North Africans; Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria each have their footballing flair that cannot be compared. I also feel like Cameroon and their star-studded team are not to be brushed aside.

Football is a brilliant way to bring awareness to social issues, and AFCON is making an excellent point with that, it is also a way to show the vibrancy of our beautiful continent and our cultures. I hope you get to enjoy the games of the tournament and share joy with your teams.

Let me know how you think football can be used for social good. And which team you are supporting?