The Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to commence on January 19, 2013, will highlight the best African football talents to the international scene.
(prHWY.com) January 9, 2013 - Malaysia, Malaysia -- The Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to commence on January 19, 2013, will highlight the best African football talents to the international scene. Currently, several nations are preparing for the group stage of the once-in-two-years tournament, and herein are the
football bet updates:
Ivory Coast: Drogba and Y. Toure to Lead Squad
Ex-Chelsea and currently Shanghai Shenhua striker Didier Drogba and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure will lead the Ivory Coast squad in the tournament in South Africa. Drogba is the current captain while Toure is the 2012 African Footballer of the Year.
Drogba and Toure will lead the 23-man Elephants, which include Toure's brother Kolo (Manchester City/Defender), Cheick Tiote (Newcastle United/Midfielder), Arouna Kone (Wigan Athletic/Forward) and Gervinho (Arsenal/Forward).
Morocco: Taarabt, Chamakh, Not In Squad Roster
Morocco manager Rachid Taoussi released his final list of 24 players that will make up the national squad. Expected entries Queens Park Rangers midfielder Adel Taarabt and ex-Arsenal and now West Ham United striker Marouane Chamakh are not included.
Many players from Morocco's roster of 24 players come from Ligue 1. Younes Belhanda and Abdelhamid El Katoutari, both from French champions Montpellier, are among the familiar names to make up the Lions of the Atlas.
Nigeria: Odemwingie, Martins, Out Of Squad
West Bromwich striker Peter Odemwingie and Levante striker Obafemi Martins did not make into Nigeria manager Stephen Keshi's plans. Odemwingie last played against Rwanda in February; Martins fell out of impression against Venezuela.
English Championship side Millwall's Danny Shittu makes it to the squad once again after a run of good form. His last feature for Nigeria was during the 2010 World Cup. On January 9, the 32-player squad will come down to 23.
Are You Looking Forward to the Africa Cup of Nations?
There is so much more to be excited about the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Being the equivalent of UEFA's EURO cup competition, it is among the largest football events in the African continent, featuring stars that have shined in some of the world's largest football clubs.
The African Cup of Nations has experienced a significant shift in schedule this year. Originally held every even-numbered year, the tournament will now commence on every odd-numbered year to avoid conflicts with every World Cup competitions held every four years.
The change in schedule now brings more excitement for fans of the tournament, as they get to see their favourite African stars in full force with their maximum attention devoted to winning the sought-after Africa Cup of Nations trophy.
If you want to make the most out of your Africa Cup of Nations experience, do not forget to root for your favourite teams and players! Watch out for upcoming
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