The 2023 AFCON will kick off in 10 days, but it won't be broadcast to Africans on DStv.
Pulse Sports Nigeria can confirm that the announcement by Multichoice that they would not broadcast the 2023 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, has been met with widespread disappointment and criticism across Nigeria and Africa.
DStv, the satellite TV service owned by Multichoice Group, released a statement according to various sources 10 days before the start of the competition in Cote d’Ivoire.
15:23 - 03.01.2024
AFCON: Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau: Match preview, Betting Tips, Prediction, Time and where to watch the match
The match is a must-watch for football fans, offering a blend of experienced talent and rising stars set against Africa's biggest football stage.
11:59 - 03.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Kelechi Iheanacho set to miss Nigeria’s campaign with Wilfred Ndidi
The Super Eagles are set to be without Iheanacho and Ndidi when they kick off their Africa Cup of Nations Campaign against Equatorial Guinea.
DStv’s no AFCON show
In the statement, the satellite TV provider noted that their SuperSport channels will not be airing the AFCON on their stations because they failed to secure the rights.
It added that they will, however, cover the continental showpiece through partners via their free-to-air service channels.
However, their statement has not gone down well with Nigerians and Africans, who were looking forward to enjoying their various national teams.
Reactions on social media from Nigerians and other Africans expressed frustration over the move. Many criticized DStv for denying viewers across the continent the ability to watch one of the biggest sporting events in Africa despite their high charges.
Some pointed out the irony that while DStv touts its African roots but is unwilling to air the games of the continental tournament. There were calls to boycott the service in protest of what was seen by many as a tone-deaf decision.
Here are some of the reactions led by Nigerians, who took to their social media accounts on X.com, formerly Twitter, to blast the South African group for denying majorly viewers from sub-Saharan African the chance to enjoy the AFCON.
The 2023 AFCON will get underway on January 13th, with Nigeria's Super Eagles taking on Equatorial Guinea on January 14th.
Related content
10:14 - 03.01.2024
Musa, Boniface spearhead 17-man Super Eagles as AFCON2023 training begins
Nigeria Super Eagles will begin training for AFCON2023 with Ahmed Musa, Victor Boniface and 15 others in camp.
09:20 - 03.01.2024
Ex-Chelsea star predicts giant leap for Nigeria Super Eagles prospect
A former Chelsea star has made a bold claim about one of Crystal Palace's forwards eligible for the Nigeria Super Eagles.
20:51 - 01.01.2024
AFCON 2023 Nigeria – Team guide, key players, lineup, prediction
All you need to know about the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of AFCON 2023
17:00 - 01.01.2024
FOOTBALL Arsenal’s Thomas Partey left out of Ghana’s AFCON 2023 squad
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is among the stars who will be missing at the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after being omitted from Ghana’s squad
11:47 - 01.01.2024
Super Eagles at AFCON: Barcelona star Jules Kounde predicts favourites for Africa's showpiece
Barcelona's Jules Kounde has predicted the teams that must be considered favourites for the upcoming AFCON.
15:48 - 31.12.2023
AFCON Countdown: Nigeria Super Eagles primed to end 10-year long drought
Nigeria Super Eagles will battle host Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau in Group A at the AFCON 2023.
14:46 - 31.12.2023
AC Milan confirm talks to delay Samuel Chukwueze's AFCON party
Samuel Chuwkueze will be in Cote d'Ivoire with the Nigeria Super Eagles but could arrive late if AC Milan have their way.
17:15 - 30.12.2023
Osimhen vs Salah: The Deadly Duo Aiming to Tear Up AFCON 2023
Two of the best players on the continent will get to strut their stuff at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, but who will come out on top between Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah