As the 32nd edition of the 2019 African cup of Nations (AFCON) commences, the stage is set for 24 African teams to slug it out like gladiators for the prize money of $4.5 million.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed in April 2019 that a total of $14.2 million would be shared between the best eight teams at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in the form of prize money.
Number Breakdown: According to goal.com, losers from the quarter-finals will be compensated with $800,000 each, summing up to $3.2 million. Also, losers from the Semifinals will get each $2 million, the runners-up (second-placed) gets $2.5 million while the winner receives a reward of $4.5 million.
Participating Countries: For the first time in the history of African football, 24 teams will be competing, unlike the usual 16 teams competition. The qualified teams for the AFCON 2019 in Egypt are- Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Dr. Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, and Mauritania.
Other countries include Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
Super Eagles’ team in AFCON: The Nigerian Super Eagles’ final 23-man squad are:
Goalkeepers:
- Francis Uzoho (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus)
- Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Katsina United)
- Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)
Defenders:
- Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy)
- Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey)
- Chidozie Awaziem (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey)
- William Troost-Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy)
- Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
- Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain)
- Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany)
Midfielders:
- Mikel John Obi (Middlesbrough FC, England)
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
- Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England)
- John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)
Forwards:
- Ahmed Musa (Al Nassar FC, Saudi Arabia)
- Victor Osimhen (Royal Charleroi SC, Belgium)
- Moses Simon (Levante FC, Spain)
- Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray SK, Turkey)
- Odion Ighalo (Shanghai Shenhua, China)
- Alexander Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England);
- Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France)
- Paul Onuachu (FC Midtjyland, Denmark)
- Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain)
AFCON Past Winners: Since the inception of AFCON, Fifteen countries have won the laurel. However, further breakdown shows that Nigerian Super Eagles have won the AFCON three (3) times, in 1980, 1994 and 2013, making them one of the favorites in the title race.
It should also be noted that Egypt (the host country) is also a favorite contender the country has seven times out of the total of 31. Also, seven nations have hosted AFCON and won at the same time.
The defending champion, Cameroon, also pose a great deal of threat against the other 23 teams contending for the trophy, having won the AFCON 5 times.
