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Category: AFCON

  • Chelle Praises Eagles’ Grit as Nwabali Secures AFCON 2025 Bronze

    Chelle Praises Eagles’ Grit as Nwabali Secures AFCON 2025 Bronze

    Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has praised his players’ resilience after Nigeria defeated Egypt to claim the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

    The third-place play-off, played on Saturday in Casablanca, ended goalless after regulation time before Nigeria triumphed 4–2 in a penalty shootout.

    Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero of the encounter, saving two penalties to secure Nigeria’s place on the podium.

    Reacting after the match, Chelle said the victory was the result of character and collective effort following the team’s semi-final loss to hosts Morocco.

    Nigerian Striker, Ademola Lookman taking the decisive strike against Egypt.

    “Being a coach is never easy. I felt disappointment before, but today I feel deep pride in these players. They gave everything until exhaustion,” Chelle said.

    The coach described the bronze medal as the product of months of preparation, sacrifice and belief within the squad.

    “This achievement did not come by chance. It came from a full year of continuous work and belief,” he said.

    Chelle also highlighted the importance of unity and effective team management, noting that experimentation during the tournament was part of the team’s growth.

    “This is not a one-night story. It is part of a longer journey for the future of this team,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Nwabali described the bronze medal victory as a collective achievement, despite being named Man of the Match.

    “It was a very difficult match against a great Egyptian team. Nobody wanted to make a mistake,” the goalkeeper said.

    He added that calmness was key during the shootout.

    “I stayed calm, read the takers and trusted my instincts,” Nwabali said.

    The goalkeeper praised the defensive unit and team spirit shown throughout the match.

    “This victory came from collective effort. Everyone stayed united,” he said.

    Nigeria finished AFCON Morocco 2025 on the podium, with Nwabali’s penalty saves proving decisive in the third-place play-off.

  • Super Eagles Cruise Past Mozambique 4–0, Book AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Spot

    Super Eagles Cruise Past Mozambique 4–0, Book AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Spot

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a masterclass performance on Saturday, dismantling the Mozambique Mambas 4–0 in their AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash to secure a convincing place in the semi-finals of the tournament.

    Nigeria asserted their dominance early in the encounter, pressing high and controlling possession, with the midfield trio dictating the tempo and starving Mozambique of space.

    The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Victor Osimhen rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Ademola Lookman, sending Nigerian supporters into celebration.

    Buoyed by the opener, the Super Eagles intensified their pressure.

    Ademola Lookman doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 33rd minute with a well-placed finish following a swift attacking move, capping a dominant first-half display that left the Mambas chasing shadows.

    Mozambique attempted to respond after the break, but Nigeria’s defence, marshalled by Kevin Bassey and Taiwo Ajayi, stood firm, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remained largely untroubled.

    Nigeria effectively put the game beyond reach in the 56th minute when Alex Iwobi delivered a perfectly weighted pass that was calmly finished by Lookman, following sustained pressure in Mozambique’s half.

    The Super Eagles continued to dictate proceedings, with Osimhen and Lookman stretching the opposition with pace and movement.

    The rout was completed in the 74th minute as Lookman turned provider once again, setting up Adams Akor, who slotted home confidently to underline Nigeria’s attacking depth and dominance.

    Osimhen’s tireless runs, Lookman’s creativity, and Iwobi’s control in midfield proved decisive, while the defensive unit ensured Mozambique failed to register any meaningful attempt on target throughout the contest.

    Speaking after the match, the Super Eagles’ coach praised his team’s discipline and collective effort, describing the emphatic victory as a clear statement of intent as Nigeria continues its quest for a fourth AFCON title.

    With the convincing win, the Super Eagles march into the AFCON 2025 semi-finals full of confidence and momentum, awaiting their next opponent as hopes of continental glory grow stronger.

  • Cameroon Edge South Africa 2–1 to Reach AFCON Q/Finals

    Cameroon Edge South Africa 2–1 to Reach AFCON Q/Finals

    RABAT, Morocco — In a gripping AFCON2025 Round of 16 clash on Sunday, 4 January 2026, Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 2–1 victory over South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the Al Medina Stadium.

    The result sends Cameroon into the last eight to face hosts Morocco later this week, while South Africa’s promising tournament run comes to an end.

    South Africa started with intensity, dominating early possession and fashioning several good chances. Relebohile Mofokeng threatened in the opening stages and Lyle Foster appeared to score, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

    But it was Cameroon who struck first. In the 34th minute, Junior Tchamadeu reacted quickly inside the box to tap in after a rebound fell his way, giving the Indomitable Lions the lead against the run of play.

    Just minutes after the restart, Cameroon doubled their lead. Christian Kofane, the 19-year-old forward, climbed highest to head in a pinpoint cross from Mahamadou Nagida in the 47th minute, making it 2–0 and swinging momentum firmly in Cameroon’s favour.

    That goal underscored Cameroon’s efficiency, taking their opportunities with composure when presented, despite South Africa’s better start.

    South Africa refused to wilt. In the 88th minute, substitute Evidence Makgopa met a precise delivery from Aubrey Modiba to score a powerful close-range finish, pulling one back and igniting hopes of a late turnaround.

    But Cameroon’s defence and goalkeeper Devis Epassy stood firm in the closing moments, withstanding Bafana Bafana’s pressure to secure the 2–1 victory and progression.

    Cameroon’s victory keeps alive their hopes of continental glory and sets up a quarter-final showdown with Morocco, a match that promises to be one of the standout ties of the AFCON 2025 knockout rounds.

    For South Africa, it’s a bitter exit but one that provides valuable lessons as they look ahead to future tournaments and competitions.

  • Nigeria Outgun Tunisia in Thrilling AFCON 2025 Group Clash

    Nigeria Outgun Tunisia in Thrilling AFCON 2025 Group Clash

    Nigeria booked their place via a Victor Osimhen-assisted 3-2 win over rivals, Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in an entertaining Group C encounter played in Fez, Morocco.

    The Super Eagles produced a dominant attacking display to take control of the match early, putting the Carthage Eagles under sustained pressure with their pace and movement.

    Nigeria’s breakthrough came late in the first half when Victor Osimhen rose highest to power home a header, giving his side a deserved lead at the 44th minute.

    Nigeria continued on the front foot after the restart and were rewarded with two quick goals that appeared to put the contest beyond Tunisia’s reach.

    Wilfred Ndidi doubled the advantage with a well-taken strike from midfield before Ademola Lookman added a third, finishing off a swift counter-attack that showcased Nigeria’s attacking quality.

    Tunisia, however, refused to capitulate. The North Africans mounted a spirited comeback, pulling a goal back through Montassar Talbi and later converting a penalty to set up a tense finale.

    Despite late pressure, Nigeria’s defence held firm to secure all three points.

    The result confirmed Nigeria’s qualification for the round of 16 and strengthened their credentials as one of the tournament favourites.

    Tunisia, meanwhile, were left to reflect on missed opportunities as they turn their attention to their remaining group fixture in search of qualification.

    Speaking after the match, Nigeria’s coaching staff praised the team’s attacking intent while stressing the need for greater concentration in defence.

    Tunisian officials acknowledged their side’s resilience but admitted the slow start proved costly.

    The latest chapter in the long-standing Nigeria–Tunisia rivalry once again delivered drama, goals and intensity, underlining why both nations remain among Africa’s football heavyweights at AFCON 2025.

  • Nnadozie Wins CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for Third Time

    Nnadozie Wins CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for Third Time

    Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been crowned the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the third consecutive time.

    The award was presented on Wednesday at the 2025 CAF Awards held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, Morocco.

    Winners of CAF Awards 2025

    Nnadozie, who has been in outstanding form for both club and country, continues to affirm her reputation as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers.

    The 24-year-old’s performances for the Super Falcons and her French club, Paris FC, have earned her widespread recognition, particularly for her heroics during Nigeria’s campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

    In addition to Nnadozie’s feat, the Super Falcons were named CAF Women’s National Team of the Year, following a remarkable season that saw them clinch their 10th WAFCON title, further consolidating their dominance on the continent.

  • W/Cup Qualifier: S/Eagles aims to beat Rwanda in Kigali

    W/Cup Qualifier: S/Eagles aims to beat Rwanda in Kigali

    As the countdown draws close to Friday’s crucial World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have said picking the three points at stake was non-negotiable.

    The Super Eagles take on hosts Amavubis of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, on Friday at 6:00p.m. Rwanda time (5:00p.m. Nigeria time).

    Team captain, William Ekong, told newsmen on Wednesday that the players were focused and unfazed by talks of Nigeria never beating Rwanda on their home turf.

    “Actually, we read about that in some places, but we are not bothered.

    “I was part of the last game in Kigali, which ended scoreless, but we know that we cannot afford a draw this time.

    “Our objective is to pick the three points and bring some life back into our campaign.

    “We are certainly not concerned about history books and what has happened before now. Qualification for the FIFA World Cup is our priority,” he said.

    The three-time African champions are yet to achieve victory over Rwanda in that country, going back 20 years.

    A 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match ended 1-1 at the Amahoro Stadium.

    In 2011, a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo, in the outskirts of Kigali, ended scoreless.

    In September last year, another 0-0 was the outcome of a 2025 AFCON qualifying match at the Amahoro Stadium.

    All 23 invited players were at the Eagles’ Radisson Blu nest on Tuesday night.

    This means that everyone would be involved in the second training on Wednesday (today), and
    in the official training session at the Amahoro Stadium on Thursday evening.

    Nigeria’s goal-banger Victor Osimhen was among the early arrivals, and in high spirit after becoming the new leading scorer in the Turkish Superlig with 20 goals after a hat-trick on Saturday.

    The 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup top scorer now has 23 goals for Nigeria in 47 matches.

    Also in the team is reigning Africa Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar and new invitee Tolu Arokodare to make life difficult for the Amavubi rearguard.

    World football-governing body, FIFA has appointed Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed, who turns 38 two days after the match, to take charge of the game.

    Jayes officiated a friendly game between the Super Eagles and Ghana’s Black Stars in Marrakech on March 22, 2024, which Nigeria won 2-1.

    That match marked the first in 18 years that Nigeria would overcome Ghana in a game at senior level.

    On Friday, Franco-Malian tactician Éric Sékou Chelle will lead out the Super Eagles for the first time.

    This is as the FIFA World Cup qualifying series resume with Nigeria, yet to win in their previous four matches.

    The Eagles are desperate to start winning in order to brighten their chances of picking the only automatic ticket from group C to the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico next summer

  • Ademola Lookman is CAF African Player of the Year

    Ademola Lookman is CAF African Player of the Year

    Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman has been crowned ‘Footballer of the Year’ by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

    His win was announced at a gala in Marrakesh, Morocco by the Presidents of FIFA, Gianni Infantino and CAF, Patrice Motsepe, with both men handing Lookman the giant award memorabilia.

    An elated Lookman made Nigeria truly proud as he commenced his appreciation remarks by greeting the audience in Yoruba followed by the loud shout of the name of his country. NIGERIA!

    Lookman polled the highest number of votes to defeat rivals like Achraf Hakimi, Simon Adingra, Ronwen Williams and Serhou Guirassy to win the coveted individual prize for male African footballers.

    The Atalanta and Super Eagles winger had an impressive run in the season under review for both club and country. Lookman scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions last season for Atalanta, which retained its status as one of the best in Serie A.

    This win puts Lookman in the same stead as compatriots like Victor Ikpeba, Rasheed Yekini, Kanu Nwankwo, Victor Osimhe who won the Player of the Year in Africa at various times in their footballing career.

    Apart from his superlative performance for Nigeria at various tournaments within the year, the icing on the cake for Ademola was scoring the hattrick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen that enabled Atalanta to win their first-ever European title.

  • CAF awards Super Eagles 3 points, 3 goals against Libya

    CAF awards Super Eagles 3 points, 3 goals against Libya

    The Confederation of African Football, CAF, on Saturday awarded three points and three goals to the Super Eagles following the botched 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

    The Super Eagles consolidated their top position in the group following the verdict.

    The Nigerian side now have 10 points from four matches, four points clear of nearest rivals Benin.

    Libya remain bottom of the group with one point.

    A draw with Benin in Abidjan next month will qualify the Super Eagles for the 2025 AFCON to be hosted by Morocco in December 2025.

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also fined the Libya Football Federation $50,000.

    The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the decision.

  • CAF Announces New Dates for AFCON, WAFCON

    CAF Announces New Dates for AFCON, WAFCON

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the new dates for the CAF TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

    The CAF executive committee confirmed the dates during a meeting on Friday and published on its official website. AFCON will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

    The Women’s tournament, originally scheduled for this year, has been rescheduled to July 5 to July 26, 2025.

    CAF President Patrice Motsepe explained that the delay in announcing the dates was due to the crowded global football calendar.

    Despite the delay, Motsepe expressed optimism about the tournaments in Morocco, anticipating they will be the best in the continent’s history.

    “The announcement of the dates for the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 took longer than expected due to complex and challenging discussions with various stakeholders, considering the extensive International and Domestic Match Calendars,” Motsepe stated.

    “CAF is dedicated to protecting and advancing the interests of African players competing in clubs across Europe and worldwide. We are also committed to fostering beneficial relationships with the ECA, UEFA, other Football Confederations, and FIFA. We will continue to make significant progress in developing African football to ensure it is globally competitive and among the best in the world,” he added.

  • Alex Iwobi returns to social media after AFCON drama

    Alex Iwobi returns to social media after AFCON drama

    After the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire, Nigerian footballer Alex Iwobi has resumed his presence on social media, particularly Instagram.

    The Fulham star had deleted all his Instagram posts in response to criticism he faced over his performance during the AFCON final, where Nigeria lost 2-1 to Cote d’Ivoire.

    Iwobi became a target of cyberbullying from some Nigerian fans, prompting him to remove all content from his Instagram account.

    However, he received support from teammates, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the Sports Ministry.

    Several weeks later, the Super Eagles midfielder returned to the platform with the post “Lately.”

    The post featured a snippet of what seemed to be an unreleased rap song.

    Iwobi’s return drew comments from fans, with teammates such as William Troost-Ekong, Frank Onyeka, and Kenneth Omeruo expressing their support in the comment section.