This year’s Africa Cup of Nations enjoyed the highest viewing numbers in its 67-year history – thanks to bigger broadcasting and commercial deals, and social media buzz.
Almost two billion people are said to have watched worldwide.
The about one month long games ended on Sunday with hosts Ivory Coast lifting the coveted cup after beating Nigeria 2:1.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, delayed to January 2024, was played in the Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, featuring 24 of the continent’s premier men’s national teams.
Analysts hope the global appreciation for Africa’s footballing flair will translate into more starting slots for African teams at future World Cups.
As it stands, Africa has only nine World Cup spots to Europe’s 13, despite the fact these two continents have a near-identical number of FIFA-affiliated countries.
BBC
