SuperSport, the largest sports broadcaster in Africa, announced on Wednesday that it will air all 52 matches of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Ivory Coast 2023 (Afcon) live, after reaching a deal with the rightsholders, New World TV (NWTV).
The announcement came after a public outcry from across the continent over SuperSport’s failure to acquire the rights to broadcast the continent’s showpiece tournament, which kicks off on 13 January 2024 until 11 February 2024.
Many football fans expressed their frustration and disappointment on social media, accusing SuperSport of neglecting the African market and prioritizing other sports over football.
“SuperSport has announced that they will not be broadcasting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 tournament. This is pure nonsense! Rubbish!!!” tweeted one fan.
SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha said in a statement that the broadcaster was “delighted” to be able to showcase the best of African football live to its viewers.
“We are delighted to be able to showcase the best of African football live to our viewers,” Ramovha said.
NWTV Managing Director Nimonka Kolani said that the agreement with SuperSport was a testament to the value and importance of the Afcon 2023.
“By securing the rights to CAN 2023 under the leadership of Dr Patrice Motsepe, SuperSport and NWTV prove that nothing is more important than the happiness of Africans who wish to follow the exploits of their favourite team during the biggest football competition in Africa,” Kolani said.
SuperSport, which is owned by MultiChoice, the leading video entertainment company in Africa, will bring its unrivalled coverage to all the games, with matches available on DStv as well as GOtv across Africa.`
