Nigerian TV might not show Africa Cup of Nations live

The Africa Cup of Nations football tournament might not be shown live on Nigerian TV following a stalemate over payment for the broadcasting rights.

The Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) said its members might not broadcast live matches of the tournament, which is due to kick off in South Africa on 19 January. The chairman of BON, Abubakar Jijiwa, said the broadcast right holders CCFOOT and CC2 had set a price of N16.3 billion (€8 million) for Nigerian broadcasters to show the matches, which the broadcasting body had rejected.

"There is a need for BON to inform Nigerians on efforts made so far to secure the broadcast rights for the competition and to say that the situation is not encouraging at all," he said.
“We believe this is the time for the government of Nigeria to intervene on behalf of the people of Nigeria, especially since the Africa Cup of Nations is only a few days away. It is insulting that a foreign company will exploit Nigeria and Nigerians. It is the right of Nigerians to watch the Cup of Nations, more so when Nigeria is participating."

The Africa Cup of Nations will take place in South Africa from 19 January to 10 February. Nigeria’s Super Eagles, one of the 16 participating teams, have been drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Zambia, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia.

The hugely popular tournament will be broadcast around the world and will feature star players including Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Gervinho and Emmanuel Adebayor.

......LOUISE DUFFY/RAPID TV NEWS

Comments

Katherine said…
Cool ! I like it.