“We know our defence is very strong because we have conceded only one goal. What we require is the midfield, our forward is also fantastic…”

Hamilton, tied with Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher with seven titles, now has a chance to end the Italian team’s drought going back to 2007.

EXCERPT: According to Statista, 80% of African youths spend six to eight hours daily on online sports betting.

The World Cup darlings remain without an AFCON title since 1976, while South Africa – who play Cape Verde – aim for a first semi-final since 2000.

“We give kudos to them for their diligence and great sense of duty.”

The Russian Olympic Committee said “war has been declared on Russian sport.”

Next hurdle for the two-time champions is the winner of Tuesday’s last-16 tie between Mali and Burkina Faso.

He commended AFCON’s organising committee for ensuring the comfort of players in Cote d’Ivoire.

Sinner became the first Australian champion not named Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal or Roger Federer for a decade.

The Nigerians will play Angola who earlier thrashed Namibia 3-0.

“It would be really cool if you just could accept my decision as a difficult one but the right one.”

Sinner will play in the finals on Sunday against Alexander Zverev or Daniil Medvedev.

In 17 matches, Cameroon have won only 4, three of these in the final matches in 1984, 1988 and 2000.

The Ivorians, who were handed a lifeline after Morocco defeated Zambia, will face favourites Senegal in the knockout round.

The lions’ first AFCON title was against Nigeria inside the same stadium that will host Saturday’s match.

Sangante, under pressure from Osimhen, put the ball into his own net for Nigeria’s only goal in the 37th minute.

“We defeated Cote d’Ivoire, but that is already in the past. We know that in football, what counts is the moment.”

“They made monkey noises and it’s not the first time it’s happened to me,” the 28-year-old said.

The Falconets secured a 3-0 aggregate win over Burundi in the final round of the African qualifying race.

“For now, the state is a gateway to the big Nigerian economy.”