Fifty years after last hosting the Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon kicked off the continental showpiece on Sunday, January 10 with a bright and colourful opening ceremony.
The country is targeting a sixth title while hoping the spectre of the coronavirus does not overshadow the tournament amid COVID-19 strict rules.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) had set down tough rules in a bid to prevent AFCON becoming a super-spreader event.
Those wanting to enter the stadium must be completely vaccinated – in a country where just six percent of the adult population has been jabbed – and show a negative PCR test for the virus that is less than 72 hours old.
Venues have been limited to 60 percent of capacity, although this is being raised to 80 percent when Cameroon’s “Indomitable Lions” take the field.
Notwithstanding the rules, it was all shades of bright and beautiful at the opening event of the games which had stalled for a year, over COVID-19 concerns.
With fireworks, traditional costumes and joyful songs by Congolese singer Fally Ipupa, the ceremony comprised hundreds of dancers exhibiting Cameroon’s cultural diversity and hospitality.
Over 40,000 people flocked to the newly inaugurated Olembe Stadium, 13km north of Yaounde.
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya was also at the stadium, alongside his wife, Chantal, gave the green light for the commencement of the championship.
Meanwhile, below is the full list of Nigeria’s Super Eagles 2021 AFCON Group D games as well as the dates and times for the encounters:
Nigeria vs Egypt
Date: Tuesday, January 11th, 2022.
Time: 05:00pm (WAT).
Nigeria vs Sudan
Date: Saturday, January 15th, 2022.
Time: 05:00pm (WAT).
Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria
Date: Wednesday, January 19th, 2022.
Time: 08:00pm (WAT).
The 24-nation tournament will run from Sunday to February 6.
See some photos from the opening ceremony below;
