The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Mr. Chef named  Official Food Seasoning Partner for Super Eagles, others

    Mr. Chef named  Official Food Seasoning Partner for Super Eagles, others

    A fast-growing food seasoning company, Sweet Nutrition Limited (makers of Mr. Chef) has become the Official Food Seasoning Partner of the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Teams, following an agreement reached by the NFF and the company a few days ago.

    The partnership underscores Sweet Nutrition Limited’s commitment to supporting Nigerian football and bolstering the Super Eagles as they compete at the 35th  Africa Cup of Nations finals taking place in Morocco from 21st  December to 18th  January 2026.

    As the official seasoning partner, Mr. Chef will align closely with the national team’s journey, celebrating nourishment, togetherness and the shared passion of millions of Nigerian football fans.

    Commenting on the announcement, RoopKumar Venkatesh, Head of Marketing of Sweet Nutrition Limited said: “We are proud to partner with the Nigeria Football Federation and stand behind the Super Eagles at the AFCON.”

    NFF’s Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, Alizor Chuks, echoed the sentiments of Venkatesh, saying Mr. Chef is renowned for being a trusted football seasoning product and will put good seasoning into the Super Eagles’ campaign for a fourth continental crown.

    Read Also: NFF president visits Ola Aina in London

    Speaking on the partnership, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, noted that the collaboration reflects a shared vision of excellence and national pride. “The Super Eagles represent resilience, unity, and ambition—values that strongly align with Sweet Nutrition Limited and the Mr. Chef brand. We are delighted to welcome them as an official partner as we head to the Africa Cup of Nations finals.”

    Through this partnership, Sweet Nutrition Limited will engage fans with compelling storytelling around food, culture, and football, while reinforcing its support for the Super Eagles during Africa’s biggest footballing moments.

    Kumar Venkataraman, the company’s Managing Director, added that “Mr Chef is a proudly Nigerian brand, and this partnership reflects our belief in supporting national excellence and moments that unite Nigerians everywhere.”

    The collaboration will feature integrated visibility across NFF platforms and AFCON-related communications, bringing fans closer to the team while celebrating the spirit of Nigerian football. While wishing the Super Eagles a successful outing at the AFCON in Morocco, the NFF looks forward to a rewarding partnership with Sweet Nutrition Limited.

  • Super Eagles target three points against Taifa Stars in Fès

    Super Eagles target three points against Taifa Stars in Fès

    Nigeria and Tanzania clash in the first match of Group C of the 35th  Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday with the Super Eagles favoured to pick all three points to put their campaign in good stead right from the opening day.

    The Taifa Stars, coached by Miguel Gamondi, are making only their fourth appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations, following group stage exits in 1980, 2019 and 2023. They are yet to win a match in Africa’s flagship football championship, after drawing three and losing six of their previous nine encounters.

    Surely, the setting is similar to the Biblical David vs. Goliath situation, with Nigeria having participated in 20 previous editions, clinched three titles, won the silver medals on five occasions, taken the bronze medals eight times, and played a total of 104 matches.

    Nigeria is the most decorated team in the 68-year history of the Africa Cup of Nations, though Egypt have seven titles, Cameroon have five and Ghana have four.

    Read Also: NFF president visits Ola Aina in London

    Inside the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès tomorrow, December 23rd  , Coach Eric Chelle, who told CAFonline.com last month that Nigerians expect their team to win every match, will most probably set his store by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, central defenders Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, wing-backs Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi (new captain), Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Simon Moses, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.

    He has excellent options in Ryan Alebiosu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Samuel Chukwueze and Paul Onuachu.

    Meanwhile, Gamondi will most likely weave his strategy around captain Mbwana Samatta (from Le Havre in the French Ligue 1) and Simon Msuva (who plays in Iraq). These two are very experienced warriors on the international stage and know when to deal and dither.

    There are also wing-back Mohammed Hussein (who plays for Young Africans in the Tanzania Premier League), and the nifty midfielder Feisal Salum (also in the Tanzania Premier League with Azam FC).

    More than 45 years ago, in the sunshine of Lagos, a Nigerian team captained by Christian Chukwu (who would emerge Player of the Tournament) and a Taifa Stars squad led by Leodegar Tenga (now Chairman of Tanzania’s National Sports Council) clashed in the opening match of the 12th  AFCON at the National Stadium, Surulere. Nigeria won 3-1, to secure three precious points on their way to lifting the trophy for the first time.

    Fès is expected to be cold on Tuesday, just like most parts of Morocco presently, but the Super Eagles are determined to ride through the climate and post a result that will stimulate greater interest of Nigerian ball fans at home and in the diaspora in the 35th AFCON finals.

  • AFCON 2025: Goldberg  launches exciting campaign for Super Eagles

    AFCON 2025: Goldberg  launches exciting campaign for Super Eagles

    As Nigeria builds momentum for  the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Goldberg Lager Beer has unveiled a nationwide fan engagement campaign aimed at rallying support for the Super Eagles to  reignite  the passion that defined the team’s run to the final of the last tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.

    Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in what is  widely seen as competitive and unpredictable. The Super Eagles will open their campaign against Tanzania on 23rd  December at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, before facing Tunisia on 27th  December. They will conclude the group stage against Uganda on 30th  December.

    The campaign, themed “Our Beat, Our Gold” draws inspiration from the rhythm, pride and resilience that connect Nigerians to football. It positions Goldberg as a central part of the AFCON experience, blending live match viewing with music, entertainment and consumer rewards.

    At the centre of the initiative is a flagship viewing centre planned for the Police College in Ikeja, Lagos, from 4 30pm and admission is free. The Lagos venue will be supported by a network of fan parks and mini viewing centres across the country, ensuring that supporters in both urban centres and regional communities can take part in the shared match-day experience.

    Through these activations, Goldberg plans to transform key locations nationwide into vibrant communal spaces on Nigeria’s match days, providing fans with an opportunity to come together and support the Super Eagles in a lively and safe environment.

    Read Also: NSBMB :NFF welcomes scientific body to boost national  teams

    The viewing centres are designed as immersive spaces where football and culture intersect. Fans will enjoy live match action alongside music, dance, comedy and interactive games, with promotions and instant rewards adding to the excitement. The goal, according to the organisers, is to recreate the emotional intensity of the stadium experience for fans watching outside the match venues.

    “Our Beat, Our Gold is about capturing the rhythm of the Nigerian spirit,” the Portfolio Manager for Premium Beer at Nigerian Breweries Plc, Maria Shadeko, said.

    She added: “Football has a unique way of bringing us together. At the last AFCON, we saw how belief, passion and unity carried the Super Eagles all the way to the final. As the team gets set for action in Morocco, Goldberg is once again creating spaces where Nigerians can gather, celebrate and push our Eagles towards a fourth AFCON title.”

    Beyond fan-facing activities, the campaign also includes strong trade and distributor engagement. Through the Road to Morocco hospitality contest, Goldberg is targeting its top distributors across the West and East zones, rewarding performance with exclusive AFCON-related incentives. The initiative is expected to support sales growth while tying the brand’s commercial objectives to the national football story.

  • Pugilists talk tough ahead of GOtv Boxing Night 34 Showdown

    Pugilists talk tough ahead of GOtv Boxing Night 34 Showdown

    With just days to GOtv Boxing Night 34, boxers on the card are issuing loud boasts ahead of their various showdowns on 26 December at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    Among the most vociferous are Sodiq “Happy Boy” Adeleke and Durotimi “Tiny” Agboola. Adeleke, who is hoping to dethrone Agboola as the national bantamweight champion, believes that he has already won the title.

    “This is no empty boast.  I belong at the top. I am going there and will stay there,” he said.

     Adeleke, who won the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for Best Boxer at GOtv Boxing Night 33, said he is fully focused on making his first title shot count.

    The international lightweight clash between Nigeria’s Rasheed “ID Buster” Idowu and Ghana’s Nii Offei Dodoo adds a familiar West African edge to the card. Idowu said he is ready to defend national pride. “This fight means a lot. I want to show that Nigerian boxing is still moving forward,” he said, while Dodoo maintained that he has come to Lagos for a statement victory.

    In the lightweight division, Segun “Odi” Gbobaniyi and Tobiloba “Smiling Assassin” Ijomoni are bracing for a tense eight-round duel. Gbobaniyi promised fans an uncompromising display, while Ijomoni said he is prepared to outthink and outlast his opponent.

    Read Also: NFF, Osimhen, Iwobi paid emotional tributes to Troost-Ekong

    Another bout drawing attention is the light welterweight clash between unbeaten Sodiq “Smart Lion” Suleiman and the experienced Emmanuel “Ability” Abimbola. Abimbola said composure will outweigh youth, insisting that “this level demands patience and control,” while Suleiman remains confident that hunger and discipline will carry him through.

    Fans are also expecting fireworks in the super bantamweight challenge between Ezekiel “Touch” Seun and Toheeb “Full Tank” Hassan, as well as the lightweight contest between Sadam “Baby Boxer” Oladipupo and Imole “System” Oloyede, two fighters who have traded sharp words in the build-up and promised an intense encounter.

    GOtv Boxing Night 34: Jams Festival takes place on Boxing Day, 26 December, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, with the first bell scheduled for 4:00 p.m.

    The event will air live on SS Africa 1 (GOtv Ch. 63, DStv Ch. 207). It is sponsored by GOtv, with support from MultiChoice, Renmoney, ZetaWeb, TheCable and the Lagos State Sports Commission.

  • Kuti, Aiyelabegan reign at 3rd Daniel Ford Table Tennis Tourney   

    Kuti, Aiyelabegan reign at 3rd Daniel Ford Table Tennis Tourney   

    By Inioluwa David

    Matthew Kuti and Sukurat Aiyelabegan reclaimed the titles they lost in 2024 to Abdulbasit Abdulfatai and Kabirat Ayoola at the 3rd  Daniel Ford Elite Table Tennis Tournament, held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.

    The colourful and well-attended finals, had in attendance Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NDC).

    The climax of the tournament lived up to expectations, with sponsor Yemi Edun reaffirming his commitment to staging the competition annually.

    Kuti was flawless throughout, delivering near-perfect performances from the group stage to the final, where he dominated Muiz Adegoke 4-0 to reclaim the boys’ U-19 title. With this victory, Kuti has now won the category twice in the last three editions. Similarly, Aiyelabegan defeated Khadijat Okanlawon 4-0 to secure the girls’ U-19 crown, also her second triumph in three years.

    Read Also: W’Cup 2026: NFF begs Tinubu, Nigerians over  Super Eagles’ setback

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, who served as the special guest, praised Edun for his foresight in sponsoring the tournament with the aim of discovering grassroots talent. He also urged athletes to embrace discipline, hard work, and to avoid doping.

    “We must commend Mr. Yemi Edun for keeping faith with the tournament over the past three years. This is what we lack in grassroots sports development. We must also thank the President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), Wahid Enitan Oshodi, for his commitment to the sport and for being a worthy ambassador of Nigeria and Lagos globally. I urge players to imbibe virtues that will help them succeed and avoid vices that could jeopardize their future,” he said.

    Edun, thrilled by the players’ performances, promised to continue improving the quality of the tournament, with hopes that more talents will emerge to represent Nigeria in the future.

    Meanwhile, in other categories, Chinenye Okafor of Abia retained the girls’ U-15 title and was named Most Valuable Player (female), while Habeeb Adebayo clinched the boys’ MVP award alongside the U-12 boys’ title. Elizabeth Emelike of Abia emerged champion in the girls’ U-12 singles, and Joseph Marvelous of Kogi defeated Umar Ayoola of Lagos 3-0 to win the boys’ U-15 title.

  • NPFL: Bendel Insurance shock Remo Stars in Abeokuta

    NPFL: Bendel Insurance shock Remo Stars in Abeokuta

    Matchday 18 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) served up late goals, dramatic comebacks and crucial results at both ends of the table as the race for continental places and the survival battle gathered fresh momentum across the country.

    At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, Kano Pillars signed off their temporary exile in style with a hard-earned 2–1 victory over Plateau United. Wisdom Ndon stunned the Sai Masu Gida with a 13th-minute opener for Plateau, but Mustapha Jibrin levelled matters on the stroke of half-time before Ahmed Musa struck just three minutes after the restart (48’) to seal the win. Despite the morale-boosting result ahead of their return to Kano, Pillars remain bottom with 16 points, while Plateau United sit 18th on 19 points with a game in hand.

    In Ilorin, Kwara United were clinical in dispatching Bayelsa United 2–0. Second-half goals from Babatunde Bright (54’) and Ini Emmanuel (71’) ensured the Harmony Boys tightened their grip on eighth place with 24 points, while Bayelsa United continue to struggle for consistency.

    A thrilling contest unfolded at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, where Bendel Insurance stunned defending champions Remo Stars 3–2 away from home. Wisdom Udom gave the visitors an early lead in the 14th minute before Henry Onyia doubled the advantage on 28 minutes. Olalekan Adeleke pulled one back for Remo Stars on 30 minutes, but Bendel restored their cushion before the break. Although Victor Mbaoma’s 61st-minute strike sparked hopes of a comeback, Insurance held firm to record a second straight away win, climbing to 10th with 23 points, while Remo Stars slipped to 15th on 22 points.

    At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, Shooting Stars SC continued their resurgence with a 2–1 win over Niger Tornadoes. Gbolagade Adelowo converted from the spot in first-half stoppage time, and Promise Awosanmi made it 2–0 in the 66th minute. Tornadoes threatened a late sting through Kufre Ebong’s 90+2’ strike, but the Oluyole Warriors held on for their second consecutive victory to move sixth on 29 points.

    In Umuahia, it was late heartbreak for the visitors as Abia Warriors edged Warri Wolves 1–0, thanks to a dramatic 90+6’ penalty converted by Sunday Megwo. The crucial home win lifted Abia Warriors to third place with 30 points, while the spirited Seasiders dropped to 11th on 23 points.

    Defensive solidity took centre stage in Bauchi as Wikki Tourists and Kun Khalifat played out a goalless draw. The result extended Wikki’s worrying run to three consecutive home games without a win, leaving them 14th on 22 points.

    In Maiduguri, fans were treated to one of the games of the season as El Kanemi Warriors outlasted Enyimba 3–2 in a five-goal thriller. Daddy Abdulrahman opened the scoring from the spot in the 29th minute, Jonas Emmanuel added another eight minutes later and completed his brace early in the second half (52’). Enyimba responded through Mohammed Hussaini (43’) and Onyebuchi Nwaorisa (76’), but El Kanemi held on to climb out of the relegation zone into 16th with 22 points.

    Read Also: NSBMB :NFF welcomes scientific body to boost national  teams

    Earlier in Enugu, Rangers International maintained their impressive home form with a 2–1 victory over Ikorodu City. Godwin Obaje put the Flying Antelopes ahead in the 34th minute, Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the advantage in the 76th minute, while Rasheed Owolabi’s 90th-minute effort proved too late to rescue the visitors. Rangers remain firmly in the top five on 29 points.

    At the summit, Rivers United still lead the standings with 33 points despite their recent setback, but their position could come under threat when Matchday 18 is concluded.

    The round will be continued today, as Katsina United host Rivers United, before Nasarawa United welcome Barau FC on Tuesday in Lafia.

    NPFL Matchday 18 Results:

    Remo Stars 2–3 Insurance

    Rangers 2–1 Ikorodu City

    Kano Pillars 2–1 Plateau United

    Abia Warriors 1–0 Warri Wolves

    Shooting Stars 2–1 Niger Tornadoes

    Wikki Tourists FC 0–0 Kun Khalifat

    Kwara United FC 2–0 Bayelsa United

    El Kanemi Warriors 3–2 Enyimba

    Outstanding Fixtures:

    Monday: Katsina United vs. Rivers United

    Tuesday: Nasarawa United vs. Barau FC

  •  Lagos Lawmaker  lauded for promoting sports among youths

     Lagos Lawmaker  lauded for promoting sports among youths

    By Kunle Baworin

    In the spirit of promoting sports among youths, the lawmaker representing Somolu Constituency One in Lagos State House of Assembly, Abiodun Orekoya, has presented one million naira cheque and consolation prizes to Bariga Ward E team after defeating their opponents from Somolu Ward H 1-0 to emerge winners of Orekoya Alliance Tournament (OAT).

    The presentation was made at the Season 4th  Edition final of Orekoya Alliance Tournament, a football competition among youths under 17 years in Somolu and Bariga areas of Lagos State.

    Speaking about the significance of the tournament, Orekoya said youth engagement initiatives such as OAT provided opportunities for talent exhibition and development, fostered unity and created space for exploration.

    He highlighted the tournament’s success in scouting and supporting gifted players, noting that a participant from a previous edition now plays for Nigeria’s junior national team.

    Read Also: NFF Management, Staff stage walk against corruption

     “We are building their tomorrow,” he said, advising youths to stay focused, avoid drugs, embrace fair play and support one another.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogulende, commended the lawmaker for using sports as a unifying tool to engage youths constructively and keep them off the streets.

    Transport Commissioner Osinyemi Oluwaseun, emphasised the role of sports in providing alternatives to crime and creating professional pathways in football.

    The Bariga Ward H team, coached by Mudashiru Adewale, secured a hard-fought victory to reach the final. The match’s standout performer, Olaitan Ridwan, who scored the decisive goal and was named Man of the Match, attributed their success to hard work.

  • African Youth Games: Nigeria’s boxing duo secures Youth Olympics’ tickets

    African Youth Games: Nigeria’s boxing duo secures Youth Olympics’ tickets

    Following their outstanding display at the just concluded Africa Youth Games in Angola the duo of  Ayomide Mayowa (48kg female) and Abijuwon Farouq (50kg Male)  have qualified for next year’s Youth Olympic Games scheduled to hold  in Dakar, Senegal.

    Nigerian boxers were  indeed the cynosure of all eyes  in  Luanda owing to their superlative performances. Coached by the experience Anthony Konyegwachie, the youngsters  secured two gold and one bronze medal.

    The country’s  only female entry in the boxing event,  Ayomide Mayowa displayed her potentialities  as she won the country’s first Gold medal following  her triumph over Bensallah Bouthenia of Algeria via a split decision in their 48kg final bout.

    In the men’s 50Kg Category, Abijuwon Olalekan Farouq did not lose sweat to win team Nigeria’s second gold as he gained a walk over Bofenda Mabela of the Democratic Republic of Congo who turned out weighed before the brawl.

    Joshua Solomon’s quest for the top honours was cut short in the semi-finals following his defeat to Wisdom Pedro of Angola by a split decision in the 70kg. The promising pugilists earned a bronze to complete Nigeria’s third medal at the boxing event.

    With their commanding displays, only Mayowa and Farouq qualified for the Youth Olympic Games slated for Senegal between October 31 and November 13, 2026.

    “I am happy that the boxers were able to justify the trust and believe in the team by the NBF board, the National Sports Commission leadership, as well as that of the entire Nigerians, the performance of these young pugilists on means one thing, that boxing in Nigeria has taken an upward trajectory,” an elated Secretary General of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) Vivian Azimene, who led the team to Angola, said.

    The Vice President  of the NBF Hon. Omonlei Imadu who emergence has brought so much  vim and vigour to the federation, said the new NBF board is committed to changing the narrative of the squared ropes sports in the country.

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    He said: “I am excited to say that it’s a new dawn for Boxing in Nigeria, the performance of our boxers in Angola is only an elementary to what we can achieve as a board, we already have a well-structured program for an holistic development of the sports going forward and this will take effect from the month of January 2026.”

    The Yucateco boss who initiated the first ever amateur boxing league in Africa, further praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their support and encouragement.

    ” It’s important that I also mentioned that the leadership on the NSC has been greatly supportive in all we have achieved in this very short period, with such collaboration and support from the apex sport’s governing body in the country, things can only get better in our sports, ” Imadu said.

    The Nigeria Boxing contingent to the Africa Youth Games that returned to Abuja on Saturday, The boxers will be hosted to a grand reception in Lagos today by the Nigeria Boxing Federation.

  • Odaudu  highlights Rivers Hoppers’ landmarks in 2025

    Odaudu  highlights Rivers Hoppers’ landmarks in 2025

    As the year draws to a close, Rivers Hoopers Head Coach, Ogoh Odaudu, has reflected on a demanding and eventful 2025 season for the KingsMen.

    On a competitive front, Rivers Hoopers began the year with a second-place finish at the Louis Edem Invitational Tournament in Lagos, losing to ASPAC of Benin Republic in the final.

    The KingsMen went on to represent Nigeria at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season Five, following their triumph in the 2024 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL).

    Drawn into the Kalahari Conference—hosted at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda—the KingsMen made a strong start, recording impressive doubleheader victories over hosts FUS Rabat and 2023 runners-up Stade Malien. Despite suffering two defeats to Egypt’s Al Ittihad Alexandria, Rivers Hoopers finished second in the conference, securing an automatic qualification for the BAL Playoffs in Pretoria, South Africa.

    Although the team fell short of replicating their third-place finish from the previous BAL season, Odaudu was encouraged by the club’s continued presence among Africa’s elite.

     “I think it was really good, all the way from the BAL down to the domestic league. We didn’t quite get the result that we wanted at the BAL this year, but we’re happy that we made it out of the conference and into the finals. Being among the top eight clubs in Africa is not an easy feat. So, in all, we still give thanks,” he said.

    Back on the domestic front, Rivers Hoopers entered the 2025 NPBL season determined to secure a third consecutive league title. After cruising through the Group and Inter-Group phases unbeaten, the KingsMen were edged out in two agonisingly narrow losses to eventual champions Lagos Legend—first in the Playoffs Phase, and later in the Grand Finale.

    Reflecting on the campaign, the veteran coach remained gracious in defeat.

     “Coming to the domestic front, yes, we didn’t quite achieve the target we set for ourselves. However, losing only two games out of all the games we played is a great achievement. It’s really heartbreaking to lose the final the way we did, but I think we did well. It also shows that we are not invincible, and that’s a good thing—it’s an eye-opener. We’ll go back to the drawing board and correct the things we didn’t do quite well,” Odaudu stated.

    Read Also: NFF Management, Staff stage walk against corruption

    At the heart of Rivers Hoopers’ season were the players who wore the famous royal blue and white stripes of the six-time league champions, and Odaudu was full of praise for the talent, hard work, and commitment shown by the Rivers Hoopers class of 2025.

     “This crop of players has been really phenomenal. It’s a mixture of experience and youth, and I’m 110 per cent happy with the way some of the young players have developed. Kids like Favour Komene, Johnnywalker John Idoga, and several others laid everything on the court. This group has been one of the most interesting for me so far,” he noted.

    Odaudu, who was named BAL Season Four Coach of the Year after leading Rivers Hoopers to a historic third-place finish, also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the club’s backroom staff, management, and passionate supporters.

     “The backroom staff, management, and fans have been exceptional. We work hand in hand, especially the fans—they are fantastic. You could see them cheering and giving everything every evening we played. Win or lose, they always come out to support us, and that means a lot,” he added.

    With the curtain now drawn on the 2025 season, Odaudu offered a measured verdict while looking ahead with optimism.

     “For 2025, we must hold our heads high. Yes, we lost the NPBL final, but everyone came to compete. Being the second-best team in the country is still something positive. We’re already looking forward to 2026—to do what needs to be done and reclaim our rightful position,” he concluded.

  • ‘Salah unfazed by Liverpool turmoil ahead of AFCON opener’

    ‘Salah unfazed by Liverpool turmoil ahead of AFCON opener’

    Mohamed Salah has shown no signs of being distracted by the uncertainty surrounding his future at Liverpool as he prepares to lead Egypt into the Africa Cup of Nations, Pharaohs coach Hossam Hassan said.

     “Salah’s morale in training is very high, as if he were just starting out with the national team, and I believe he will have a great tournament with his country,” Hassan told reporters ahead of Egypt’s opening AFCON game against Zimbabwe in Agadir today.

     “I feel his motivation is very, very strong. Salah is an icon and will remain so. He is one of the best players in the world, and I support him in everything he does,” Hassan added.

    Salah did not start any of Liverpool’s last five games before departing for the Cup of Nations in Morocco and things came to a head following the recent Premier League draw at Leeds United when he claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” by his coach at Anfield, Arne Slot.

    That suggested a move away from the troubled Premier League champions during the January transfer window was a real possibility.

     “I don’t consider what happened to him to be a crisis. These things often happen between players and coaches,” Hassan added. “We’ve been in contact with him by phone from the beginning, and I met with him when he joined the national team camp. His focus is entirely on the tournament.”

    Read Also: Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

    Salah, 33, is aiming to lead Egypt to a record-extending eighth AFCON title in Morocco. He has never won the continental title, but ended up on the losing side in final defeats by Cameroon in 2017 and Senegal in 2022.

    His goals this year have already helped Egypt qualify for the World Cup.

    “Whenever Salah’s performances dip with his club, he regains his strength with the national team and becomes even better, whether by contributing to goals or scoring himself. Then he returns to his club even stronger,” Hassan added.

     “He needs to win the cup by helping us and by helping himself.”

    Egypt will also face South Africa and Angola in Group B at the Cup of Nations, with all three of their games in the first round being played in Agadir.