TV Africa unveils plan for WAFU Cup

ARRANGEMENTS have been concluded by TV Africa to bankroll the forthcoming West African Football Union (WAFU) Nations Cup scheduled for Abidjan, Cote d' Ivoire from September 18 to 29.

For the first time in a long period, viewers will have the opportunity to watch the regional championship which had been moribund for years due to inability of WAFU to get sponsors.

Mr. Oluremi Sogbetun shed more light on TV Africa's resolve to bring the championship to over 100 million viewers across Africa. He disclosed that over $365,000 will be involved in staging the championship. $265, 000 will be for transmission and hosting of teams, while $100, 000 will go for prize money.

He explained that although the matches will slightly be delayed due to technical and cost considerations, the outfit will ensure that the best picture quality is guaranteed throughout the championship.

Showing a graphical analysis of how the competition will be relayed, Sogbetun said: "The quality of transmission has to be considered, that is why it is coming late. The RFI station in Cote d Ivoire will be our link at the venue of the championship as they do not have direct link with TV Africa."

He said that the championship will showcase the talents available in the sub-region and also prove that West Africa is indeed the power house of African football.

Sogbetun stated that TV Africa will be the event manager, which hopefully will attract advertisers and will ensure the yearly sponsorship by TV Africa.

The staging of the championship, according to Sogbetun, will ensure that West Africa emulates other sub-regions in the continent which organise competitions among themselves.

On his future expectations for the championship he said: "As the competition is established in the first year, Nigeria and other countries will continue to send their best players. This edition will definitely be a lesson for the hosting of future championship."

Meanwhile, all stations that relayed the World Cup matches in Nigeria are expected to be part of the WAFU Cup coverage. Host nation, Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Guinea will vie for honours in Group A while Nigeria, Togo, Mali and Cape Verde which edged out Ghana are in Group B.