Eniola Olatunji
Reporting. 

Over 60,000 football fans were at the Alassane Quattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast to watch the colorful opening ceremony of the 34th African Cup of Nations which is Africa’s greatest soccer fiesta.

Reports from Abidjan said fans could hardly access the stadium because of terrible traffic bottleneck and both host citizens were stranded in efforts to enter the venue in good time and local dance groups entertained the visitors by road side.

Nigeria’s song princess, Yemi Alade was among the Artistes that entertained at the opening ceremony. Others included Egyptian Rapper, Mohammed Ramadan and Ivorian Music Band, Magic System.

Cover picture is Yemi Alade at the opening  ceremony.

President Alassan Quattara told Africa that Ivory Coast was prepared to show the continent the hospitality gift in them. The Mascot, ‘Akwaba’ meaning ‘Welcome’ was on parade at the ceremony where African football lords were on parade. Akwaba was represented by the Elephant as the National football team is called Elephants of Ivory Coast.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino said the world is waiting for African talents to explode at the games while CAF President, Patrice Motsepe of South Africa said “This will be the best ever AFCON Games”. The games is waiting for 24 nations to show case their prowess in the continental spectacle. 

African Football Confederation (CAF) upgrade the prize of the AFCON games as the winner will cart home $7m or N6.2B; Runners-up will pocket $4m or N3.5B; two Semifinalists will have $2.5m or N2.2B each while four quarterfinalists will receive$1.3m or N1.1B each. 

Some top players will be missing out due to injury or force Majoure. They are Ivorian and Villarreal Eric Bailly and Wilfred Zaha who was left out for political reason; Nigeria’s fold of Leicester defender, Ndidi Wilfred, team mate Ihenacho who was in Abidjan, Victor Boniface; Ghana and Arsenal Thomas Partey on injury; Algeria’s duo of Said Benrramhou (West Ham), and Amine Goun (Rennes) and Cameroon trio of Bayern and Cameroon Eric Motiny, Captain Abubakar and Brentford winger, Bryan Mbuino.

The missing list also include Mali’s Abdoulaye Doucoure of Everton who decided to stay away and his compatriot from Crystal Palace, Cheiek Doucoure who is injured.