Launched alongside the tournament and running throughout the AFCON competition period until 18 January 2026, these activations were designed as immersive, fan-first experiences that brought football, technology and entertainment together in public spaces, retail locations and pop-up venues.

Across North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and key AFCON markets, fans gathered at TECNO-organized watching parties featuring live match screenings, interactive product displays, AI-powered demonstrations, performance shows, interactive games, lucky draws and temporary pop-up stores.

These shared spaces allowed visitors to engage with TECNO’s AI ecosystem while celebrating the collective energy, emotion and passion that defined African football culture.

At each activation, TECNO showcased how AI-driven technology enhanced the way fans experienced the game, from understanding match dynamics to capturing and sharing standout moments.

Visitors discovered TECNO smartphones and devices in hands-on environments, exploring features designed to make football moments clearer, smarter and more immersive.

AFCON Retail Events Deployed Throughout the Tournament

Running in parallel with the offline watching parties, TECNO also rolled out a wide range of AFCON-themed retail events, which were active across multiple countries and continued until 18 January, with schedules adapted to local markets.

These in-store activations translated the excitement of AFCON directly into everyday shopping experiences through interactive consumer mechanics, including :

• Cashback promotions via lucky draw on selected devices such as POP 10, SPARK 40 and CAMON 40

• Points-based rewards through TECNO’s Points Mall

• Interactive AFCON TECNO AI Analysis experiences that allowed fans to explore AI-driven insights around ongoing matches

• “Rank Your Own AFCON Team” challenges, encouraging fans to build and debate their ideal tournament line-ups

• Additional localized games, giveaways and fan engagement activities

By integrating football culture into retail environments, TECNO ensured that fans remained connected to the tournament not only during match time, but throughout their daily routines.

Making AFCON a More Participatory Experience Through AI

These Technology Carnival activations reflected TECNO’s broader ambition to make football more participatory, more interactive and more emotionally engaging.

Rather than positioning AI as a distant technology, TECNO presented it as an intuitive companion that enhanced how fans followed matches, relived key moments and expressed their passion throughout the tournament.

As an Official Partner of the Confederation of African Football, TECNO activated across stadiums, fan zones, retail spaces and communities, ensuring that AFCON 2025 was experienced not only as a competition, but as a continent-wide cultural celebration powered by TECNO AI.

As the tournament came to a close and momentum peaked during the final stages, TECNO’s Technology Carnival emerged as a powerful demonstration of how technology, football and community came together, transforming every match, reaction and celebration into a moment worth powering.

Streets are beginning to buzz, fan rivalries are rekindling, and anticipation is building for the spectacle that unites Africa like nothing else.

In the midst of this rising energy, TECNO has stepped into the spotlight with a bold new offering, one that promises to change not just how fans watch football, but how they live it.

Drawing on the power of its proprietary Ella AI system, the company has unveiled a suite of football-focused AI features crafted for the modern African fan.

It’s no longer just about being in the stadium or gathered around the TV; today’s game unfolds through smartphone lenses, social feeds, instant reactions, real-time commentary and the heartbeat of digital communities.

TECNO’s new tools are designed for this moment, where football passion meets technology, and where every fan can become a storyteller, analyst, creator, and commentator in real time. The launch marks a fresh chapter in how AFCON 2025 will be experienced: more immersive, more connected, and more personal than ever before.

For many fans, the smartphone has become a second screen, a debate platform, a slow-motion studio and a memory archive. TECNO’s latest tools attempt to formalize that reality, turning everyday devices into active companions capable of interpreting the match as it unfolds.

At the center of the rollout is Ella Match Decoder, an AI engine that reads on-field movement, tactical patterns and key plays in real time.

The feature delivers instant, simplified analysis normally reserved for professional commentators, allowing casual viewers to understand momentum shifts, defensive structures or build-up sequences with unusual clarity.

The suite also includes visual recognition capabilities through Ella Snap & Know, while Ella Match Highlight compiles personalized summaries of decisive actions, goals, recoveries, combinations, errors or turning points. Fans gain autonomy over what they revisit and share, independent of official broadcast clips or social-media circulation.

Meanwhile, Ella Star Cam shifts focus from the pitch to the stands. Described by TECNO as a “superstar lens,” the tool is built to capture what defines the AFCON experience for many: the chants, synchronized dances, sharp pivots of excitement and collective euphoria that animate African football culture.

The feature anticipates movement and emotion, creating footage that feels closer to immersion than observation.

According to Olumuyiwa Akande, group head, Corporate Communications, SIFAX Group has always been a great supporter of Nigerian football and has established a great relationship with NFSC over the years, resulting in sponsorship to some major football tournaments.

He said:

“As an indigenous conglomerate, our passion and loyalty lie in Nigeria succeeding in all endeavours. Football is a unifying factor for us as Nigerians, and SIFAX Group takes the issue of national unity and development seriously. All fault lines across religion, ethnicity, and politics disappear anytime the national football teams play. SIFAX Group wants to further engender that spirit of unity and togetherness through football. Clinching the trophy for the fourth time was also a great attraction.

“The company found the platform of the supporters’ club as a veritable one to achieve these objectives. The impact of the supporters’ club on the success of our national teams cannot be overemphasized. Through thick and thin, the club is available at major tournaments and games to encourage the players and promote the interest of the nation. These patriotic and selfless Nigerians deserve to be supported.”

Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, president general, NFSC, said the club would have been stranded and unable to support the team during the tournament if corporate organisations like SIFAX Group didn’t support them.

“I am grateful to Dr. Taiwo Afolabi and the SIFAX Group for their timely and consistent support for our activities. The travel costs for our members are very huge considering the one-month duration of the tournament. We pay for transport, feeding, and accommodation for all our members. I am grateful for this sponsorship, alongside other companies and individuals,” he said.

Motsepe disclosed this at a news conference, ahead of the AFCON final.

He described the feat as an achievement that Africans should be proud of.

“We have had close to two billion people watching AFCON globally. We should be proud as Africans and the next one will be even better.

“The success of Africa depends upon Africa working together, trading together, and in football, countries competing and playing together,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the organisation of the tournament has so far been top-notch, with six beautiful stadia across five cities hosting the continental showpiece.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will lock horns with hosts Cote d’Ivoire in a block-buster final on Sunday at the 60,000-capacity Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpé in the outskirts of Abidjan.

The third-place match on Saturday between South Africa and DR Congo is slated for the iconic Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny also in Abidjan. (NAN)

Visa, a global leader in digital payments and the chosen digital payment provider for the tournament, has collaborated with several partners including financial institutions, football federations, community partners and NGOs.

Together, they have selected more than 800 boys and girls, aged 9 to 13, to escort some of the world’s top football players onto the pitch during the games.

“Visa is proud to support the Africa Cup of Nations, a celebration of Africa’s vibrant football heritage and passion. Our Player Escort Programme is designed to fuel the passion of young enthusiasts and cultivate their love for football while creating memories that will last a lifetime. We’re thrilled to offer these budding stars a once-in-a-lifetime experience and to highlight the unifying power and spirit of football” said Aida Diarra, Senior Vice-President, and Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at Visa.

Already, 500 children have had the thrilling experience of stepping onto the AFCON pitch alongside their football heroes during the Group Stage.

The tournament’s opening game was particularly special, featuring 22 children from families hailing from three cocoa-producing regions – Agboville, Abengourou, and Aboisso.

Their parents are part of the pilot phase of a national traceability system for coffee and cocoa, a project initiated by the Cocoa Coffee Council of Côte d’Ivoire, Panelys, and Visa, aiming to offer end-to-end digital financial traceability solutions to over 700,000 cocoa farmers in the region.

“During the start of the tournament, we have already seen how AFCON 2023 is inspiring a new generation of future football fans across Côte d’Ivoire, and we are delighted to be able to partner with Visa on the Player Escort Program,” said Yacine Idriss Diallo, President of the Ivorian Federation of Football.

“Having the opportunity to walk on the pitch alongside their idols will bring special memories to last a lifetime for more than 800 young Ivorians and a truly unique experience that will help strengthen passion for the game throughout the country.”

Other children involved in the program were carefully selected from a variety of sources. These include the academies and training camps of the Ivorian Football Federation, an educational institution managed by the Foundation Magic System NGO, children of Visa employees, and young ones related to Visa’s banking and fintech customers.

The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, Côte d’Ivoire 2023 tournament is hosting 24 teams playing 52 matches across six stadiums, with Visa facilitating digital payment technology at all venues and for tickets purchased both in-person and online.

In October, Visa announced the extension of its partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which now includes all AFCON tournaments until 2026.

For the first time, the partnership will also cover the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the African high Schools tournament, and the integration of Visa products and services in all of CAF’s operations.

The Africa’s largest TV network made this known on its X handle, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Afro Sports.

It tweeted, “NTA signs Memorandum of Understanding with Afro Sports for transmission of 52 matches of Africa Cup Of Nations in Cote D’ivoire.”

Earlier, Multichoice, the parent company of DStv, last Wednesday, said the upcoming African Cup of Nations tournament would not be broadcasted on its platform.

It said the satellite failed to secure the broadcasting rights to broadcast the continent’s biggest footballing event on its SuperSport channels.

Meanwhile, StarTimes had also indicated that the station would show live coverage of the AFCON 2023 matches.

The promo  which was initiated by the Bank in November and expected to run till January 6, 2024, was inspired by the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ecobank, the leading pan-African banking group, is the official sponsor of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

AFCON; the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, the biggest event in Africa, will kick off on 13 January 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire.

The promo gives an opportunity to 10 customers of the bank to win an all-expense paid trip to watch the final match of the AFCON tournament in Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire while 100 other customers stand a chance of winning N25,000. It is open to new, existing, and dormant account holders.

Customers who make a single deposit of N100,000 and above, maintain a minimum account balance of N100,000 for 30 days, are carded and transact on any of the bank’s digital channels stand a chance of winning.

Speaking on the first draw, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, head, Consumer Banking, said the bank was impressed with the response of customers to the promo, stressing that the promo was targeted at rewarding loyal and prospective customers of the bank.

She urged customers to continue to fund  their account to increase their chances of winning.

She advised those who are yet to open an account with the bank to do so to participate in the promo and begin to enjoy the bank’s digital offerings and bouquet of products and services.

Prospective customers can open an account on the website download the Xpresspoint Application on Google playstore or visit any of its branches.

Dormant account holders can also reactivate their accounts, get their cards and start transacting. Customers can fund their accounts via any of the digital platforms.

Speaking earlier on Ecobank’s sponsorship of the AFCON, Jeremy Awori, Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Group, said  “As the pan-African bank, Ecobank is proud to associate with the Confederation of African Football to contribute to the success of TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023, the largest and most-enjoyed football tournament, inspiring passion across Africa. Football transcends borders. It brings communities together, fully aligning with Ecobank’s commitment to drive regional integration. It is an honour for Ecobank to play a key role in bringing millions of Africans together to live their passion for football, making sure that loyal customers benefit from this experience.”

Further, he reiterated that “Ecobank carries the pan-African spirit in its DNA, and this partnership with the Confederation of African Football demonstrates its commitment to its pan-African heritage, reinforcing its connection with hundreds of millions of Africans who will be celebrating the magic of football at AFCON 2023. 16 of the 35 African countries in which Ecobank has a presence are among the 24 that are competing in Côte d’Ivoire”.

Kashifu Inuwa, the director general NITDA, represented by the Acting Director, Digital Economy Development Department (DED), Engr Salisu Kaka, stated this while delivering a goodwill message at the Maiden ‘Nigeria – Cote D’Ivoire Business Roundtable and Exhibition’ at the Margins of the 64th ECOWAS Summit in Abuja.

The Business Roundtable and Exhibition was a Public Private sector partnership co-hosted by the Nigerian Association of Chambers, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), on behalf of the organised private sector and the federal government of Nigeria, coordinated by the Economic, Trade and Investment Department of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The aim of the event was to  propel a deeper private sector engagement as a remedy between the two West African countries. Nigeria hosted the maiden edition of the Roundtable and Exhibition on Saturday 9^th November 2023 while Cote D’ Ivoire will host the second edition at the margins of the African cup of Nation (AFCON) competition in Cote D’ Ivoire come January 2024.

According to DG NITDA, “For Africa and Nigeria in particular to leap frog and develop, our economy has  to leverage technology.”

Inuwa, while stating the opportunities in technology for economic growth said, “It is only technology that can give you the opportunity within the comfort of your zone to advertise, sell, and promote wherever you can think of. It can be a product, it can be a service or an idea”

He encouraged MSMEs, who are the drivers of the economy not only in Nigeria but globally to, embrace technology as that is the easiest way to increase their contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

This, he said;

“Is captured in the 5-pillar Strategic Agenda of the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani. They are in pillars; #2, which is Policy. As an effective policy provides regulatory clarity and necessary incentives for an environment where businesses and innovators are empowered to grow. Pillar #3, which is Infrastructure; as building stronger digital infrastructure is beyond connecting people but centres on economic empowerment and creating opportunities for inclusion. And pillar #4, which is the Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Capital; as it provides a roadmap for Nigeria to harness the potential of these 3 pillars as catalysts for the transformation of Nigeria’s digital economy. It is the driving force behind the creation of an environment that encourages innovation, supports entrepreneurship, and allures the required capital to deliver on our ambitions.” 

Speaking earlier during his welcome address, Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji, the Director, Economic, Trade and Investment Department of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “the event would create a good platform for Nigeria to take assessment of her readiness, preparation, inter-Agency, and public private sector collaboration.”

Stating further, “our intention is to expand the presence of our private sector in Cote D’ Ivoire and the West African sub region.”

He said the event was conceived few weeks ago because of a meeting held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in November between Ambassador Bolaji and Kalilou Taore, the Ambassador of Cote D’ Ivoire, as a result of the observation of the challenges in deepening economic relations between the two countries despite the effort to deepen relations.

He mentioned that both countries do well politically but continues to nosedive in terms of trade.

Some organisations at the event were, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS); Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority(NEPZA); National Action Committee of AFCFTA; and many more.

Ten (10) customers stand a chance of winning an all-expense paid trip to watch the final match of the AFCON tournament in Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire while 50 customers stand a chance of winning N25,000 monthly.

The promo which will run between November 15, 2023, and January 6, 2024, is open to new, existing, and dormant account holders.

Customers who make a single deposit of N100,000 and above, maintain a minimum account balance of N100,000 for 30 days, are carded and transact on any of the bank’s digital channels stand a chance of winning.

Speaking at the launch of the promo, Head, Consumer Banking, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, stated “As a sports-loving Pan African bank, we understand the interest and enthusiasm that comes with AFCON, the biggest football tournament on the continent,” . As a result, we have created this window for our football-loving customers to come and watch the final AFCON match in Abidjan, Code d’Ivoire.

Furthermore, she stated that “prizes will be distributed to the winning accounts based on points.” Your chances of winning increases when you make multiple N100,000 deposits and maintain higher account balances since you will receive more points. She advised those who are yet to open an account with the bank to do so to participate in the promo and begin to enjoy the bank’s digital offerings and bouquet of products and services.

Prospective customers can open an account on its website (aop.ecobank.com ) or any of its branches with a valid ID and recent utility bill. They can also reactivate their account and obtain a card in any of the bank’s branches and then make a deposit via any of the available channels.

Ecobank Nigeria is a subsidiary of the Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African banking group with operations in 33 African countries and an international presence in four locations (London, Paris, Beijing, and Dubai).

The financial institution is a major player in the distribution of financial services in Nigeria, leveraging digital platforms including Ecobank Mobile App and USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, Ecobank OmniPlus, Ecobank Omnilite, EcobankPay, Ecobank RapidTransfer, ATMs, POSs and an extensive distribution network of over 250 branches and over 50,000 agency banking locations.

The AFCON match will air live on StarTimes, an official broadcaster of the tournament.

Nigeria has won the competition eleven times, and two-time winners Equatorial Guinea, but South Africa and Cameroon are two countries waiting in the wings, hoping to lift the trophy after the July 23 final. 

Throughout the world, women’s football is growing in stature and popularity and Africa is no different.  

Several of the continents’ stars have signed for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, with Nigerian Asisat Oshoala being a member of the Champions League-winning Barcelona squad. 

The striker will be just one of the stars playing in the 14th edition of the Africa Women Cup of Nations that gets underway in Morocco on Saturday. 

The tournament sees 12 countries compete in three groups, with the top two from each group, as well as the two best third-placed teams advancing to the knock-out stage. 

The finalists from the last AFCON, Nigeria and South Africa, have been drawn together in Group C.  

“For football fans throughout Africa, the tournament offers the opportunity of watching the continents’ stars shine brightly and no fan needs to miss out as the games will be broadcast live and in HD on StarTimes football channels,” Lazarus Ibeabuchi, PR Manager, StarTimes Nigeria said.