AFCON '23 is underway in Cote d'Ivoire. And so far, the glitz and glamour of the opening ceremony has been matched by the shocking results on the pitch. Egypt needing a penalty to salvage a point in the 7th minute of extra time has to be the peak of the drama.

However, the (almost) empty stadia has been concerning for journalists and a topic of debate on the streets of social media.

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Is it a coincidence that some of the best Premier League games happen just days to the end of the year? Are the Italians trying to replicate a superb marketing strategy by making the #JuventusRoma clash the clash Serie A game of the year?

In other news, what a year 2023 has been! Here's wishing you a prosperous 2024. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @The90MinsPlus

One of the best ways to know a tournament is just around the corner: The outrage/displeasure/outcry that comes with a squad list announcement.

Fans have been debating the composition of Jose Peseiro's list. To a sect of fans, the Super Eagles Nigeria manager seems biased. To others, a spot in the national team should be handed out on merit.

The most interesting thing about both debates? They're both right!

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The Nigerian striker was on course to be announced as CAF Player of the Year. What seemed to be a general consensus kicked up a bit of dust just hours before the award winner was announced.

And again, the ugly head of 'My Opinion vs. Your Opinion' again reared its ugly head in football. Here we are, again asking: Are some comments in football more important than others?

Stamford Bridge served football fans a classic when Chelsea and Manchester City played out an enthralling 4-4 draw. Now that the dust has settled, it's time to ask questions about both teams and Erling Haaland.

In the Premier League this season, poor refereeing decisions have largely been accompanied by apologies. The PGMOL have been seen expressing regret to clubs who have been affected by the errors of their officials.

But to what end? Are these apologies supposed to mean anything? Are they even necessary if the officials keep making these errors?

It's that time of the year when the initial Ballon d'Or shortlist surfaces and various fanbases make their argument.

After what was a mind-blowing debut season as a Manchester City player in which he won The Treble, Erling Haaland has been nominated for the award. Same as Lionel Messi who, for the umpteenth time, has made the shortlist.

But this time, the argument for him to win an eighth award is a different one: He has (finally) won the FIFA World Cup.

But what argument should be made for a player who won both The Treble and the FIFA World Cup?

The third weekend in August was one like no other. It had the World Cup final, more Premier League games and, of course, the return of Serie A football - featuring a handful of sumptuous goals.

But what's a weekend of football without questionable refereeing calls? That they're coming early in the season, should fans be worried?

Three African countries qualifying for the knockout stages is a rarity on the world stage when it comes to soccer.

But it has happened, being one of the many firsts, that the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup has served since it began on the 20th of July.

It's football heritage like football fans would rarely see. On on hand, a Sevilla side that needed extra-time to get past Juventus in the semi-finals. On the other, an AS Roma side that needed extra-time to get past Feyenoord in the quarter-finals. The goal: To win the Europa League.

Legacy, history, experience are all at stake as another continental title is decided.