@Vkmachine

Senegal Avoid Upset as Atlas Lions Leave it Late to Break Ghanaians' Hearts The 33rd edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is up and running with 6 matches already played, having an average of 1.3 goals per game. However, truth be told, 3 of the goals were scored in the opening match of the tournament, with the other 5 being shared equally in 5 subsequent matches. Cameroonian, Vincent Aboubakar who netted a brace in his first outing with the _Indomitable Lions_ is the early pacesetter for the tournament's golden boot. To the matches of yesterday, Senegal having won 4 of their 6 qualifying matches in the qualifiers, en route this year's tournament in Cameroon would have been expecting an easy game against less fancied Zimbabweans. The 2019 runner ups were made to dig deep however, as they needed a VAR intervention to be awarded a last minute penalty in added time. Liverpool's keeper and Captain, Sadio Mané was calm enough to slot it into the net. Considering the quality the _Teranga Lions_ possessed; despite the victory, it was more about smiles of relief of job done than job well done for the West Africans; their East African opponents however, will feel outdone by what seemed to be a controversial hand ball in the penalty area, awarded against them, two minutes from regulation time. In the second game of the day; North Africans, Morrocco squared up against 4-time champions, Ghana. The black stars despite not being analyst's favourites for the tournament to be hoping they can go all out and end a 40 year run without lifting the trophy. It was a rather disappointing outing for the Ghanaians though, and just when they thought they are done enough to steal a point off the _Atlas Lions_ , Sofiane Boufal of Morrocco pounced on a loose ball in the penalty box; and turning swifty as a fox, fired home for a win 7 minutes from time. It was only his second international goal for Morrocco, and his first in international competitions. Despite the Ghanaians, having paraded arsenal midfielder Thomas Parter and started with the _Ayew Brothers_, Jordan and Andre upfront in a 4-4-2 formation. They were deserved losers on the night, as they offered little to no attacking threats to warrant a goal. In the other games of the day, Gabon edged debutants Comoros 1:0, despite missing Aubameyang, and influential midfielder, Lemina due to COVID. Guinea also pipped Malawi 1:0.

VAR Drama in Yaounde as Indomitable Lions Edge Stallions Two Vincent Aboubakar penalties was all Cameroon needed to scale through tough and resilient 2017 Afcon Bronze medalist, Burkina Faso. The much awaited TotalEnergies African cup of Nations is finally here. Cameroon, a traditional footballing  African side playing hosts to 23 other nations from across the continent. This was the first time the 5 time winners would be hosting the tournament 50 after the 1972 mundial was held on home soil. Despite covid situations and threats to cancel the tournaments, the continent of Africa put all that aside and kickstarted the competition on Sunday evening at the Yaonde Olembe Stadium. The curtain raiser for AFCON 2022 was the stunning opening ceremony. Spectators filled the stadium to capacity to watch the rich African culture on display. Drums, face paintings, dancers and singers entertained the viewers to what later turned out to be the tip of the ice berg the stadium had for entertainment that evening. After a rather frantic start from the visitors in which the indomitable lions of Cameron had the lions share of possession, the stallions silenced the fans when Gustavo Sangare volleyed home Bertrand Traore's perfectly weighted cross into an unguarded net halfway into the first half. Burkina Faso fans just then started to roar their players, to victory they all hoped. Their joy was short-lived however. In the 40th minute, captain Bertrand Traore turned from hero to villain at the other end as he needlessly brought down Leeds United midfielder: Anguissa 5 minutes from the break.  Ever reliable skipper, Vincent Aboubakar slotted home calmly into the bottom right sending their opponent's goalkeeper,  Herve Koffi the wrong way. And just when things couldn’t go any worse, a clumsy challenge from Dayo, a tournament debutant for the men in white left the centre referee with no option but to point to the spot 2 minutes into stoppage time. Penalty specialist and captain Aboubakar stepped up once again. Down left this time, and goal it was. The hosts nation would take the lead into the first half much to the relief of the already nervy fans. The first penalty had been reviewed by the VAR and to the dismay of  2017 bronze medalists the call did not go in their favour. Vincent Aboubakar would also feel hard done by the officials after his hat-trick goal was disallowed for marginal offside. There were no changes to the score line after the break as the hosts held on restricting the stallions threatening their goal. WHAT NEXT? 2017 winners and five time champions would be happy with the result. They remain unbeaten in 33 years at the capital. Despite a not too good performance which saw them enjoy the much of the possession, they did not offer much threat in the attacking third. A point from their next two matches should be enough to scale through. Burkina Faso however, despite the loss will be proud of their performance having missed out of the 2019 edition. It just was not their day having given away 2 penalties late in the first half. The stallions will feel outdone by the officiating. Many late calls on fouls seemed to go in the favour of the hosts. Cameroon are the strongest side in the group and thus Burkina Faso should fancy their chances of scaling through to the knockout stages having put up an outstanding display. Cameroon face Ethopia on the 13th the same day the other group A clash between Burkina Faso and Cape Verde, who both square up in a must win tie for the Stallions.  photos edited from Twitter

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Broken and Down It's been a long two days. This will be really short and I hope the site does accept it. If not for anything but for the sake of love. So readers, my girlfriend broke up with me a little over 48 hours ago and I have not been the same since then. In fact my plans to continue my primary school stories will surely be put on hold for now and I might just tell few stories of my love life from tomorrow. It has been a torrid year. Imagine breaking up with your lover because they forgot to wish you happy new year? That's exactly what happened in my case and I thought I should bless you with the first of my numerous writings on heartbreak already. @Semaj2k21 said in a comment recently that I really am an established playboy, he was sort of right. Although I tried settling down some 7 months ago, but as the legend goes you cant teach old dogs new tricks. Sadly so, I couldn't be taught how not to wish other girls happy new year but not my girl. I called 11 different female friends on new year day, but alas I somehow forgot to call someone I called my babe. I was partly at fault, but I still think she overreacted like girls often do. Anyways, AFCON starts tomorrow so I should surely be kept busy watching my favourite sport: football. I'd also keep here busy by dropping mind blowing analysis of every matchday. Before then however, enjoy "Tales of a broken heart". It's a short poem I wrote. BROKEN She has broken my 4 chambered heart Carefully shattering it into countless multiple parts She has made my dreams fall into the running waters Hopes a future together now mere tatters She has forgotten how on her back, I used to ride And when broke, together faced the tumultuous tide She's run away like the moon when the arrow of daylight is shot And has left me fluttering on disheartening music of shattered love She has forgotten my heart's kisses And the yearnings of my lips misses Loved with all of me, never at fault You cherished our moment together, or so I thought The pain of realisation shot through me Now giving up on love, so y'all can see She has divided my heart into innumerable shattered parts And has broken my four chambered heart Photo credits: unsplash

School: The untold Scam If you are born into a typical comfortable Nigerian home or family, you don’t even have a choice, school is a must. Before you know your left from your right or what is correct from wrong, it’s a must. You have no choice; you just have to go to school. We all were there, many are there right now, and many will be there soon. Perhaps it’s just a cycle of life that would go on forever. Or will it? Will the soon coming generations realize that school is not worth it, at least here in this country? Pardon my manners for not introducing myself in my previous post, I am a student of the premier university of the most populous black nation; Nigeria. I grew up in the suburbs of the ancient city of Ibadan, not with a silver spoon, but not with a wooden one either. Many think I like book, the same way most of the fellow students who get admission into this great citadel of knowledge. Certainly not! I am not the book type; that would be my younger sister. She’s been on scholarship for 6 years now. A reincarnated Albert Einstein, only one with XX chromosomes. On my own side, I can’t say I hate book though. It is sort of a bittersweet experience. You love it sometimes and other times just seem unbearable. I remember the first time I got to know about school, better still, the time I found out what school actually was. Fifteen years ago, young me was in primary one. I had just failed a test. Nursery school had been a rollercoaster, not anymore though. It was an ordinary test! To me it was ordinary, but to the teacher, no. It was a taboo. He was above failure when he was my age, he made it seem. Eight strokes of cane he lashed my buttocks, I recall like it was yesterday. Welcome to school, the strokes landing on my backside said. The tears that trickled down my eye lids were the assurance, to the Mr. Popoola that I won’t be a failure ever again. In primary school, perhaps junior secondary school as well, tears were a symbol of genuine remorse. In fact if you are beaten no liquid comes down your face, you’re codenamed a stubborn child. I’d have to say this though, I cried my hearts out that day, but that did not stop me from failing a further 14 more tests in primary school! Did the 8 strokes of the cane do any good? No, we all honestly know. Every time I was placed on the slaughter table (what I refer to tables on which we small children were lashed then) I’d always look at the wild man using all of his strength to inflict pain on me. How physical pain and academic intelligence were connected always confused me. It was a mere illusion. I was not the only one frequently beaten. Six year old primary one children, who should be enjoying life, were being taught how not to fail. It would have been great lessons if it was not the wrong way. Of course, I know a number of my colleagues who ended up as drug addicts in primary school. Poor little souls could not withstand the pains of failure and also being beaten for something they knew not how to prevent. No one in school sat us down to teach us how to read. We were expected to know that from home. Those at home sent us to school to learn it. When a young boy is carted off to jail in such amusing circumstances, the whole community will hurl insults at him. Many times we won’t remember he is perhaps a product of a broken home who sought for peace in school. What was he given? Strokes of cane in abundance. People like him would only find peace on the streets and thence the journey to jail had all begun with hostility from the four-cornered classroom. Wait, you might think school was horrific? Don’t get me wrong, we played a lot! One day we all looked forward to was the cultural day. In other news, I think I have overstayed my welcome here, I’d continue the tragic story of my primary school life some time later.

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A Day in The Life of a U.I Student (Part boys) The Premier University! The first and the best! The University of Ibadan was established in the year 1948, making it the first University in West African Country, Nigeria. Located in the suburbs of Ancient city, Ibadan, the university grew fast and soon became a household name not only in the country, but in the continent at large. It has been ranked number one in Nigeria for over 20 consecutive years.  The comprehensive citadel of learning is home to 16 faculties, over 90 departments for undergraduates and a minimum of additional 20 for post graduate. The University has produced consistently the best students in various disciplines in Nigeria and her students are known worldwide. All these attribute to why everyone calls it The First and The Best. The life of a student of the University which became an independent University in 1962 is a huge contrast to that of someone visiting for recreational purposes. While a guest might be thrilled to observe the students’ smile and laugh and enjoy their excruciating day, it is just another day at work for most and for others who love to complain, they rant to anyone they can rant about their day to. However, none of these truly tells the true story of a scholar at the Citadel of knowledge. A day in the life of a student, either those living on campus or the money bags who can afford the high rates of the off campus, it is never an uneventful day. Most certainly however, those on campus should have more fun. In fact, going for lectures is barely 30% of what we experience. It’s more like one boring something we all just have to do, not exactly want to. I’d try to make this as non unisex as possible(the title even says PART BOYS). It is facts that both guys and girls do not have the same kind of days, that is excluding the educational hours. A guy’s hostel life is perhaps unarguably more fun than that of a girl (the girls reading this might love to argue with their phone/tab’s screen, as the case may be). A lot of times, guys hostels bubble throughout the night, with the troublemakers taking shifts and turns to sleep. While every normal student wants to sleep and get ready for the day’s work ahead, they don’t. Instead, they’d sing their hearts out, even the nightingales will be jealous. Steel plates in position, buckets also placed to act as the bass drum, the hostel’s joy bringers often start their chants from 9pm and hardly stop before 2am. 9pm is the ideal time to start because then girls pass through such hostels(Independence hall and Nnamdi Azikiwe hall) to get to theirs. The girls many times feel intimidated when various songs are hurled at them. At times, its wordings admire her beauty and shape, at other times, it is somewhat disheartening insults to say the least. For the guys though, they are simply having fun! They’d return to their rooms to 3 hours sleep so as to be awake just in time for the water hustle. Though water is not a problem, the problem is the bathroom. If you have an 8am class, you’d have to be a front liner in the bathroom queue. Lectures are next, the most tiring part of the day. Most lecturers are boring and will just read like their lecture notes aloud like grandpa does when reading his newspaper under the midnight sky. Boring, but the students still have to learn. Science students, perhaps are the luckiest as they have a couple of practical courses. After lectures, some lovebirds go to the large university pool, a nice ideal place to release accumulated tension during the day. Single guys or less romantic ones who take sports over college love would be on the various fields. Basketball, football, handball, hockey, tennis, squash, volleyball, just name it, the premier university is home to all these.  Food is usually what is next in line after arriving the hostel. It’s been a tedious day; Hectic, and tiring. Many buy from restaurants and all. Their food is really tasty and nice! After eating, some students go for what is known on the campus as TDB (Till Day Break). In case you are confused, it is just a way of describing overnight reading. The University of Ibadan is a Citadel of knowledge known for excellence. But it is not just book we do here. In fact, that’s the least of our worries. photo credit: timsketch, unsplash

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Afcon 2022 is Finally Here The 2021 AFCON will take place in 2022. The tournament was initially scheduled to be hosted by Ivory Coast but will now be hosted by Cameroon. Ivory Coast will now host 2023 AFCON tournament. It has seen more controversy than ever. However with these controversies now being put aside, the festival of football in Africa which sees the best footballers in the continent don the jerseys of their various countries is finally here. As with all competitions, there are favorites. These are some of the favorites to  lift the trophy this time around.      **Algeria** The north Africans have been unbeaten for a really long time now. In fact their most recent loss came all the way back in 2019; the year the last AFCON was played. It was to Morocco in the African Nations Championship which only involves players plying their trade in their country's domestic league. As majority of Algeria’s players ply their trade in Europe, we can easily exclude that. Their last true loss dates back to October 2018, a run of 35+ games. In that period, they claimed the 2021 ARAB cup. Having won the tournament twice, they will  be relying on talismen                Riyad mahrez and Said Benrahma, the latter who has been on top form this season for English club Westham United. Veteran, Yacine Brahimi, winner of the golden ball at the just concluded Arab cup is also a key player to look out for. They have been drawn alongside Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea  in group E. The Desert foxes will hope to become only the fourth ever African side to win the tournament back to back. **2.      Senegal:** 2019 runners-up, Senegal were unbeaten in their group in both AFCON qualifiers and World cup qualifiers. Among the favorites, they seem to have the easiest group on paper. Star men Sadio Mane and Eduard Mendy who are both one of the best footballers in the world. Mendy in particular has been on top form since his move to Chelsea about 18 months ago. Captain Sadio Mane had a rather disappointing campaign last season seems to have found his form back. The Senegalese football federation will hope to settle their discord with Watford for the release of starman Ismaila Sarr before the competition commences on January 9. The Hornets claim he is not currently fit to play having suffered a knee ligament injury in late November. Nevertheless, Senegal who are the only African country in the FIFA top 20 will always be a threat. **3.      Nigeria:** 3 time African cup of Nations winner will go into this tournament without 2 of Africa’s most in form strikers  Emmanuel Dennis of Watford and Victor Oshimen of Napoli. The west African giants who in 1994 were ranked 5th in the world (highest ever ranking achieved by an African side) will go into this tournament relying on Leicester City duo Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi. The super Eagles have been drawn in group D alongside 7 times African Champions Egypt whom they face on January 11. Having parted ways with Head coach Gernot Rohr, the African giants will hope Interim Boss Augustine Eguavoen can make the most of the talented squad he has at his disposal. **4.      Egypt:** The north Africans have won the tournament 7 times and will hope to bounce back after a disappointing outing on home soil last time out which saw them knocked out in the round of 16 by South Africa. Egyptian King and captain Mohammed Salah who has been firing on all cylinders since the season started will. Having been lauded as the best player in the world by many pundits, the superstar will hope to lead them to glory. The Pharaohs of Egypt  also boast of Arsenal midfielder Elneny. **5.      Morocco:** Experienced head coach Vahid Halihodzic recently made the bold decision to exclude star playmaker Hakim Ziyech from the AFCON 2022. Will Morocco regret his absence is what football fans want to see. They have been a joy to watch in recent times however. Prior to their recent Arab Cup loss to Algeria, the Atlas Lions had won 12 matches on the bounce, a very impressive record conceding only once in that run. The AFCON 2022 is scheduled to be the 33rd edition.  It will start on the 9th of January with the final taking place on February 6.

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