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Tag: AFCON 2025

  • 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.

  • 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.