2019 African Nations Cup ready for kick off

The 32nd edition of the African Nations Cup is set to kick off today with a highly anticipated game between the host country, Egypt, and Zimbabwe. The football fever is spreading across the continent as fans eagerly await the start of the tournament. In the midst of the excitement, Nigeria's Super Falcons have made headlines by qualifying for the round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup in France. To delve deeper into these exciting developments, Nnamdi Obanya, the Head of Rhythm FM Network, provided valuable insights during an interview on CNBC Africa. As the African football extravaganza unfolds, all eyes will be on star players like Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, who have been shining in European leagues. The spotlight will now be on them to see if they can replicate their stellar performances on the continental stage. Salah's decent showing during the qualifiers has raised expectations, particularly as the tournament is on his home soil in Egypt. This presents an opportunity for him to further solidify his credentials for the Ballon d'Or. Obanya highlighted the improved quality of football in Africa, attributing it to the success of African players in top clubs worldwide. With Egypt boasting excellent facilities and infrastructure for the tournament, observers expect a high standard of play in this year's African Nations Cup. Despite being a last-minute replacement host, Egypt has demonstrated readiness and commitment in organizing a successful tournament. The expanded format of the tournament, featuring six groups and increased opportunities for teams to advance, has injected new excitement into the competition. Lesser-known teams like Madagascar and Burundi have emerged as contenders, showcasing the depth of talent in African football. Scouts from around the world will be closely watching the tournament, providing African players with a platform to attract international attention. Turning to the performance of Nigeria's Super Falcons in the FIFA Women's World Cup, Obanya reflected on the team's journey to the round of 16. Despite facing challenges with VAR decisions and disciplinary issues, Nigeria managed to secure a spot in the knockout stage. The team's resilience and determination were evident in their performances, overcoming obstacles to advance in the competition. Analyzing the group stage matchups in the African Nations Cup, Obanya highlighted South Africa's tough draw in Group D, which includes Ivory Coast, Morocco, and Namibia. South Africa's inconsistent team selection and performance were identified as potential hurdles in facing formidable opponents. With experienced squads like Ivory Coast and Morocco in the group, South Africa will need to raise their game to progress in the tournament. When asked about his pick for the tournament winner, Obanya confidently named Nigeria as his top choice. With a rich footballing history and a talented squad, Nigeria is poised to make a strong impact in the African Nations Cup. As the tournament kicks off, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating thrilling matches, dazzling performances, and memorable moments on the pitch.