YORUBA NATION ZOOMS TO AFRICAN FOOTBALL CENTERSTAGE, PLAYS IN FIRST-EVER CONIFA AFRICAN CUP TOURNAMENT

The Royal Kingdom of Yorubas (aka the Yoruba Nation) will take part in the first-ever CONIFA African Cup, organized by The Confederation of Independent Football Associations (CONIFA).

The two-day competition will hold in May at the breathtaking amphitheater of the Johannesburg Stadium between May 21-22, 2022, and will host The ROYAL GOLDEN STARS of Yoruba Nation and Biafraland teams, celebrating a major milestone in the development of the CONIFA within the African continent. 

The African Secretariat of CONIFA made the announcement on Monday congratulating the four emerging nations that take part in the high-profile football tournament.

The competition celebrating its first inaugural in Africa would assemble four nations to put CONIFA on the African map and celebrate the emergence of those performing nations, welcoming them. into the world of international football. centerstage.

Global President, The Swedish -born Per-Anders Blind teams sending a congratulatory message to the four performing nations described the African tournament as a ‘unique opportunity to not only show top-level football but also to celebrate the beauty of the people of Africa’.

Biafra Football Federation, (BFF), Yoruba Nation Football Federation (YNFF) Matabeleland Football Federation, and Pro Arena Sports Football Federation will be drawn against each other during CONIFA’s Football Strategy Days which have been fixed for April 22-April 24, 2022, with the format following two semi-finals, a third-place play-off, and a final to be played. 

Ngala Maimo Wajiri, Continental President for CONIFA Africa, described this event as momentum and said the event has been long-awaited. According to him: “It’s a pleasure talking about this reality that has been long-awaited. The start is never easy and we find ourselves in that position now as a continent operating under CONIFA. It’s a great pleasure that we will finally be having the maiden edition of the CONIFA African Cup.  

A delighted Ngala told the World-renowned sportswriter, Tom Howe: “We are beginning our maiden edition with four and of course have plans to add to the numbers in subsequent editions. We have barely two months to prepare for this tournament, we have works to do. No time to sleep till we achieve our goals”. 

Mr. Wajiiri expressed his gratitude to the CONIFA Global President and other stakeholders who have put heads together to make it a planned success: “Personally I am grateful. Special thanks to the Global President Per-Anders Blind, European President Alberto Rischio, Mr. Orcun Kamali, Global General Manager Dr. Fabio Puntillo, Mr. Michael Ukaha, and all those who have contributed to making this dream a reality. 

“Special thanks to Pro Arena Sports for the wonderful work and the bright man behind it, Mr. Tevin Blignaut. Africa is grateful.”

Tevin Blignaut, CEO of Pro Arena Sports, himself said: “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate President Ngala Wajiri on this massive announcement – to be hosting the inaugural CONIFA Africa Cup 2022 here in South Africa.

“The event presents an amazing opportunity for collaboration, new relationships, partnerships, and a massive platform for talented athletes, coaches, and support staff to showcase their talent in football on a continental level.

“I’d also like to congratulate Pro Arena Sports and the team that put all the effort into pitching, discussing, and negotiating with CONIFA Africa for them to partner their brand with us so that we could make history together.

“So now that history has been made and the CONIFA Africa Cup is coming to South Africa – we’re going to do everything in our power to deliver a world-class sports spectacle that brings lasting memories for the athletes, coaches, fans in attendance, and the nations that are lucky enough to participate.

“Our aim is to deliver an event that announces the CONIFA Africa brand to the world, to deliver a championship that is worthy of the world’s attention.”

Per-Anders Blind, Global President of CONIFA, added: “The CONIFA Africa Football Cup is finally here. Even if it’s a continental tournament, the event will gain massive global interest, both from fans and media around the globe.

“This tournament couldn´t be done without the excellent prework done by our Continental President, Mr. Ngala Maimo Wajiri in collaboration with Pro Arena Sports.

“A global organization as CONIFA isn´t 100% complete until we have actions that celebrate the people our member represents, in all continents. For many years, we’ve worked hard and committed from a global level to present a representative tournament for Africa as a continent. 

“A unique opportunity to not only show top-level football but also celebrate the beauty of the people of Africa, educate the world of the continent’s greatness, filled with an amazing culture and fantastic stories.

“2022 is for sure a historical year for CONIFA and one of many milestones has finally been reached – and this is just the start of a journey of a hundred years to come. 

“Therefore I’m really happy to see that the Africa Committee delegates are growing, both in numbers and engagement – many thanks to the leadership of our Africa Continental President.

“Our ambition is that this tournament will be a springboard towards an even brighter future for our African members. As Global President, I wish the organizers, all the players, and team delegates good luck in May. 

“You are all fantastic ambassadors, both for your people – but also for the whole Continent – true heroes.”