The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • New Atalanta coach eyes good working   relationship with Lookman

    New Atalanta coach eyes good working   relationship with Lookman

    Atalanta new manager Raffaele Palladino believes  he would have an excellent  relation with Ademola Lookman despite  recent transfer squabbles between the club and the Nigeria international striker. 

    The coach was appointed last Tuesday and had a limited squad to work with during the break for international duty, so his presentation press conference was postponed until yesterday.

    Ahead of his  big debut coming tomorrow  against Antonio Conte’s Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, in his hometown, Palladino said he had already spoken to the 2024 Africa Footballer of the Year  who was on international duty with Nigeria in the ill-fated CAF Play-Offs in Morocco .

    Recall that Ademola  had  in recent months  had a torrid times with both Gian Piero Gasperini and Ivan Juric  following that botched transfer to Inter Milan, Palladino is hopeful of a better relationship  with  the Nigerian  following their recent conversations.

    Read Also: Osimhen , Ajibade miss out as Morocco scoop ‘the doubles’  at CAF Awards 2025

    “I phoned all the players who were away on international duty and Ademola presented himself very well to me,” Palladino reportedly said at his press conference yesterday. “I will evaluate his playing time based on what I see in his training sessions, just like all the others.”

     Speaking on his new assignment, Palladino further enthused on his new assignment , saying he was ready  for the task of rebuilding confidence in the former Europa League winner.

    “I am very happy to be here with Atalanta, as it’s a great club and I will do all I can to fly the flag high. I want to thank the Percassi family, Stephen Pagliuca and Tony D’Amico for this big opportunity,” he said Palladino.

    “In my first meetings with the players, I tried to focus on the intensity and DNA of Atalanta. I tried to get them to rediscover that identity made up of sacrifice and grit, which always stood this side apart.

    “We don’t have much time, but we must get the maximum results,” he noted.

    adding he already  has  his priority  despite the club’s poor  start in the on-going Serie A campaign.

     “Our target is European qualification. The squad is strong, the club made some great signings, and I think this team must do more. I believe in the strength of these players,” he added.

  • CAF Inter-Club Competitions: Rivers United  battle  Pyramids in Cairo

    CAF Inter-Club Competitions: Rivers United  battle  Pyramids in Cairo

    Africa’s premier club competitions return today as the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup kick off their group-stage battles.

    With giants, dark horses and debutants spread across both tournaments, Matchday 1 promises fireworks across the continent. But no fixture looms larger—certainly from a Nigerian perspective—than the heavyweight showdown in Cairo: Pyramids FC vs. Rivers United.

    The clash, slated for Saturday night at the 30 June Stadium, headlines a weekend laced with rivalries, continental pedigree and big ambitions.

    Nigeria’s last standing representatives, Rivers United, open their group-stage journey against the reigning African champions, Pyramids FC, a side fast becoming one of the continent’s super clubs.

    Tomorrow’s tie offers far more than three points—it’s a test of character, ambition and Nigeria’s broader fight to reclaim relevance in the CAF Champions League after years of near-misses and early exits.

    Read Also: Super Falcons, Nnadozie win  big at 2025 CAF Awards

    Pyramids FC are defending champions, fresh off their historic maiden CAFCL triumph last season. Backed by financial muscle, depth, and strong tactical identity, they are overwhelming favourites at home.

    Rivers United are chasing a new narrative. This is their moment to prove that Nigerian clubs can still compete toe-to-toe with North Africa’s finest.

    The fixture is one of Matchday 1’s most commercially attractive games, expected to draw widespread continental attention.

    Pyramids will push to dominate possession, counting on experienced playmakers and the intimidating Cairo atmosphere to apply early pressure. Rivers United, on the other hand, must stay compact, disciplined, and clinical on counters.

    Anything less than full concentration will be punished by the Egyptians’ fluid attacking movements.

    United’s defensive shape—and the decision-making of their forward line—will be key. The Pride of Rivers must convert half chances and avoid being hemmed into their own half for long spells. Kick-off is 8pm Nigeria time (9pm Egypt time).

  • Oliseh laments Eagles  World cup exit with Osimhen

    Oliseh laments Eagles  World cup exit with Osimhen

    Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has lamented over the failure of Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

    On Sunday night in Rabat, Morocco, the Super Eagles fell 4-3 on penalties after scores stood at 1-1 after extra time.

     “You cannot have a player like Osimhen and you cannot qualify for the World Cup. It is not possible,” Oliseh said on Global Football Insights with Sunday Oliseh.

    Read Also: Osimhen , Ajibade miss out as Morocco scoop ‘the doubles’  at CAF Awards 2025

     “We have the players, but we do not have the organisation and team techniques because Osimhen is an exceptional player.

     “We don’t have a team to make things work.”

    Oliseh said the Super Eagles were beaten to an Intercontinental World Cup Playoffs ticket by a better DR Congo team.

     “We were dominated by a better team, we lost to a much, much better side,” he said.

  • Okowa hails ‘night of glad tidings’ as Team Nigeria lights up Solidarity Games

    Okowa hails ‘night of glad tidings’ as Team Nigeria lights up Solidarity Games

    Team Nigeria Athletics delivered a blistering Wednesday night performance at the Solidarity Games in Riyadh, sweeping gold, silver and bronze in a show of force that left the stadium buzzing and the continent on notice.

    The star act came from the women’s 4x100m relay quartet of Bada Toyin, Ezechukwu Miracle, Omokwe Maria and Nweke Cynthia, who powered to gold with a commanding display of speed, chemistry and pure Nigerian grit.

    Their baton exchanges were crisp, their finish ruthless, a statement run that underlined Nigeria’s relay pedigree.

    Read Also: Super Falcons, Nnadozie win  big at 2025 CAF Awards

    Veteran quarter-miler Patience Okon George lifted Team Nigeria even higher. In the Women’s 400m, she produced a sensational run to claim silver, battling stride-for-stride with Bahrain’s superstar Salwa Eid Naser, who claimed gold.

    On the men’s side, Badmus Gafari fought through a stacked field to secure a well-earned bronze in the 400m final.

    It was a medal rush that ignited the Nigerian camp and AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa could not hide his pride.

     “This is a sign of glad tidings,” Okowa said. “We’re using the Games to shape up for the Commonwealth Games, the Confederation of Africa Athletics Championships, and ultimately the 2028 Olympic Games.”

    With every stride and every medal, Team Nigeria sent a loud message from Riyadh: the green-and-white is sharpening its blades, and the world should be paying attention.

    Nigeria has won a total of 7 medals in Track and field including an impressive Gold medal in a fiercely contested Women’s 4x100m, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals.

    On a night packed with fire, focus and flawless execution, Nigeria didn’t just compete, they conquered.

  • Amayo confident Rivers Hoopers will retain NPBL title

    Amayo confident Rivers Hoopers will retain NPBL title

    Ahead of the opening day at the 2025 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Final Four, Rivers Hoopers guard Kelvin Amayo has declared that the reigning champions plan to approach the season finale with a cutthroat mindset, focused on retaining their title.

    The final phase of the 2025 season will showcase the best of Nigerian basketball as the league’s best four teams do battle (in a round robin format) for the league’s top prize and a ticket to the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL).

    Lagos Legends, Gboko City Chiefs, and Nigeria Customs will try to wrestle the coveted NPBL title from the KingsMen, who are two-time defending champions. However, Amayo, who was instrumental to the team’s 2024 success, insists that his side will be difficult to play against during the Final Four.

    “Once we’re in form, it’s tough to defend [against] us, tough to play [against] us. I think we’ll be really good. Everybody has a good understanding of everybody’s role, and we just can’t wait to play this weekend,” remarked Amayo.

    The Final Four will begin with a face-off between Lagos Legends and Nigeria Customs by 3pm today, 21st November, followed by Rivers Hoopers against Gboko City Chiefs at 5pm, in what will be a repeat of last year’s semi-final.

    Read Also: Osimhen , Ajibade miss out as Morocco scoop ‘the doubles’  at CAF Awards 2025

    Amayo scored twenty-two points during that semi-final clash with the titled men before leading all scorers with twenty-nine points as Rivers Hoopers beat Hoops & Reads 71-54 in the 2024 NPBL Final.

    The Nigerian Canadian, who was one of three KingsMen named in the 2024 NBBF All-Star Five, has quickly become a fan favourite following stand-out performances for the Hoopers in the NPBL and BAL. 

    But the 2024 NPBL Finals MVP says he is not focused on personal glory as he heads into another championship run with the six-time league winners.

    “I didn’t focus on that last year; I think I just did it. So when I go out on the court, I think I’m going to have the same mindset this time around: just have fun. I think it’s too much Amayo Amayo Amayo [from the crowd]. I’m just going to enjoy myself and enjoy [playing for] the team. I feel like I’ve worked on my shape, I’ve worked on the plays, everything. I think we’re going to enjoy ourselves, and we’re going to let the coins fall like that,” he stated.

    While clashes between Rivers Hoopers and Gboko City Chiefs have been keenly contested, the reigning champions have always come out on top in the rivalry (on five straight occasions), with the most recent instalment being a 93-92 win in overtime on day four of this season’s Final Eight Playoffs.

    And the 33-year-old revealed that he is determined to keep the ball rolling for the Hoopers by approaching each game with “a killer mindset, just ready to have fun, and ready to lock in against whoever.”

    After confronting Gboko City Chiefs today, 21st  November, the KingsMen will tango with Nigeria Customs on Saturday, 22nd  November, before taking on Lagos Legends on the final day of action on Sunday, 23rd

     November, with all games played at the Basketball Stadium, 59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township.

  • NPBL: Meet the four contenders

    NPBL: Meet the four contenders

    The Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final Eight produced fireworks, and now, the stakes are higher, the pressure is mounting, the passion is endless, and the talent is overflowing as the final four take centre stage.

    With defending champions Rivers Hoopers, Gboko City Chiefs, Lagos Legends, and Nigeria Customs all vying for the coveted championship and, by extension, the Basketball Africa League spot, the final four promises more excitement.

    The Teams:

    Rivers Hoopers: The KingsMen are aiming for a seventh overall crown and a three-peat. They have long dominated the NPBL, having won the title most recently in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024, holding a winning streak that dated back to 2022 before it was snapped by Lagos Legends in the final eight. They are the team everyone wants to take down.

    The KingsMen won their first NPBL championship in 2011. They repeated as champions in 2012, led by star player Azuoma Dike, who was named the league’s MVP. They have twice represented Nigeria in the Basketball Africa League. In 2021, they exited in the Group Stage. However, in 2024, they came back stronger, winning the bronze medal. The Hoopers have experience and depth going for them.

    Coach: Ogoh Odaudu

    Assistant Coach: Johnson Orupabo

    Captain: Victor Anthony Koko

    Lagos Legends: The Maktown Flyers topped the Final Eight table alongside the Hoopers, with six wins and one loss. They will be looking to carry on their impeccable form to the final four and unseat the Rivers Hoopers, who they handed their first defeat since 2022 in the Final Eight. Legends are incredibly composed, consistent, and efficient on both ends of the court.

    Read Also: Super Falcons, Nnadozie win  big at 2025 CAF Awards

    Coach: Michael Ikema

    Assistant Coach: Benjamin Nenge

    Key Players: Patrick Abah, Tolani Buhari and Lucky Subel

    Gboko City Chiefs: The titled men got close to the championship last year, finishing as the third-placed team, after falling to a 79-73 defeat to Rivers Hoopers in the semi-final. In the final eight, they recorded five wins and two losses.

    Gboko City Chiefs play physical and aggressive basketball, and the hunger is evident, but they lack the ability to close out games, capitulating and often falling short in the fourth quarter – a mental hurdle they must overcome to win the title.

    Coach: Alex Ujoh

    Assistant Coach: Ier Kennedy, Anyebe Ujoh

    Key Players: Kareem Joseph, Victor Evans, and Hassan Frence

    Nigeria Customs: The border boys are the dark horse/underdogs. They edged out Kano Pillars, Hoops and Read, and Nile University to qualify for the final four.

    Coach: Mohammed Jagu

    Key Players: Favour Aboje, Godwin David and Ibe Agu

    The Final Four will be executed in a round robin format, with each team playing against each other, and the team that garners the most points tally crowned champions of the 2025 NPBL.

    The games are set to begin on today, November 21st , with Nigeria Customs vs Lagos Legends, followed by Gboko City Chiefs vs Rivers Hoopers.

  • Inter-Continental Play offs: Eagles’ conqueror DRC drawn into final match

    Inter-Continental Play offs: Eagles’ conqueror DRC drawn into final match

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has been automatically placed in one of two FIFA Play-Off Tournament finals following its qualification for the tournament.

    DR Congo enjoyed a successful international break, claiming two victories to secure its place in the inter-confederation tournament.

    The nation secured its place in the second round of African qualifying after finishing second in group B behind Senegal. As one of the top four finishing second placed teams in the group stage, the Leopards were placed in the continental play-off alongside Nigeria, Gabon and Cameroon.

    The Leopards faced Cameroon in their play-off semi-final in Morocco on Thursday, claiming a 1-0 win at the death, as Chancel Mbemba netted in stoppage-time.

    They face Nigeria in the play-off final, with a trip to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament and potentially the World Cup on the line.

    With the two sides locked at 1-1 after extra time, the winner was decided on penalties. DR Congo emerged as the victor, ensuring its qualifying journey will continue.

    Read Also: Osimhen , Ajibade miss out as Morocco scoop ‘the doubles’  at CAF Awards 2025

    The FIFA Play-Off Tournament will be held in March 2026 in Mexico, which is hosting the global showpiece alongside Canada and the USA. The spots in the final race for World Cup places are reserved for two CONCACAF teams, one CONMEBOL team, one OFC team, one CAF team and one AFC team.

    The tournament will have two brackets, with one seeded team per stream, based on the FIFA Men’s Rankings. These seeded teams will be automatically placed in the two finals, while the remaining four teams will play in one semi-final per stream with the winners advancing to the finals. After the finals, two teams will be left standing and have their places at the global showpiece.

    DR Congo has been automatically placed in the final for the first bracket and will face either Jamaica, Bolivia, Suriname or New Caledonia, depending on who is drawn in the Leopard’s bracket.

    Iraq will play in the final of the second bracket.

    DR Congo lies just one win away from securing its place at the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when it was called Zaire.

  • W’Cup playoffs: Italy to face Northern Ireland as Sweden set for Ukraine

    W’Cup playoffs: Italy to face Northern Ireland as Sweden set for Ukraine

    Four-time World Cup winners Italy will face Northern Ireland in the semi-finals of the European playoffs for the 2026 tournament while Ukraine face star-studded Sweden.

    Italy will take on Northern Ireland on March 26 next year at an Italian venue that is yet to be confirmed, after to the draw made in Zurich.

    Five days later the winner will travel to face the winner of Wales’s semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

    Despite another error-strewn qualification campaign, Italy still have a chance of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time since the 2014 tournament in Brazil, having failed to qualify in 2018 and 2022.

    Facing the Azzurri will be a daunting challenge for Northern Ireland, who have only beaten the Italians once in 11 meetings, and that was in 1958.

    Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso said: “Let’s concentrate on the first match. Northern Ireland are a team that we can beat.

     “They’re a team that have their own style, they’re very physical… they’ll give us a good game but we can do it.

     “We know about Wales and Bosnia, and playing in Cardiff is difficult for anybody, but for now let’s concentrate on the semi-final.”

    Elsewhere, war-torn Ukraine will play a Sweden team that could feature Liverpool’s £125 million ($164 million) forward Alexander Isak and Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres.

    The Swedes, though, were woeful in qualifying, finishing bottom of their group, and only got into the playoffs thanks to their performance in the Nations League.

    Newly appointed English coach Graham Potter, formerly in charge of Brighton and Chelsea, faces a tough task to steer the Swedes to the finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

    Potter said Sweden had a “fantastic opportunity”.

     “We need to make sure we’re in a good place in March. We need to use our time until then wisely,” he said.

    Whoever triumphs in the Ukraine v Sweden match will face the winner of Poland’s meeting with Albania – the Albanians are bidding to reach football’s showpiece for the first time.

    Read Also: Super Falcons, Nnadozie win  big at 2025 CAF Awards

    Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland, who reached the playoffs after a dramatic late goal from Troy Parrott earned a 3-2 win in Hungary on Sunday, face a tough trip to the Czech Republic.

    The winner of that match will host the winner of the semi-final between Denmark and North Macedonia.

    Turkey will play Romania, who were surprise quarter-finalists the last time the tournament was played in the United States in 1994.

    The winner will face either Slovakia or Kosovo, who are also trying to reach a World Cup for the first time in their history.

    Troy Parrott, in the vest, celebrates his winning goal for the Republic of Ireland against Hungary that secured a place in the World Cup playoffs

    All the European semi-finals will take place on March 26, with the finals on March 31.

    In the inter-continental playoffs, New Caledonia – another nation bidding to make a first appearance at a World Cup finals – will play against Jamaica for the right to face the seeded Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Bolivia will play Suriname – yet another country seeking a first ever appearance – with the victor going on to a winner-takes-all game against Iraq.

    Those games will be played in March next year.

    The expansion of the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams from 32 teams in 2022 has led to a clutch of first-time qualifiers, including Curacao and Uzbekistan.

    EUROPEAN PLAYOFF DRAW

    PATH A

    Semi-final 1: Italy v Northern Ireland

    Semi-final 2: Wales v Bosnia & Herzegovina

    Final: Winner of SF1 v Winner of SF2 (hosts)

    PATH B

    Semi-final 3: Ukraine v Sweden

    Semi-final 4: Poland v Albania

    Final: Winner of SF3 (hosts) v Winner of SF4

    PATH C

    Semi-final 5: Turkey v Romania

    Semi-final 6: Slovakia v Kosovo

    Final: Winner of SF5 v Winner of SF6 (hosts)

    PATH D

    Semi-final 7: Denmark v North Macedonia

    Semi-final 8: Czech Republic v Ireland

    Final: Winner of SF7 v Winner of SF8 (hosts)

  • Super Falcons, Nnadozie win  big at 2025 CAF Awards

    Super Falcons, Nnadozie win  big at 2025 CAF Awards

    Morocco’s Hakimi  finally crowned Africa’s Best 

    As widely  speculated, PSG and Morocco’s inspirational defender Achraf Hakimi  was last night  crowned  African Footballer of the Year  for the first time in his illustrious career at the  2025 CAF Awards Gala  held at the at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat.

    Nigeria was not left out of the honours role  as the Super Falcons  were named the Women’s Team of the Year  while goalkeeper  Chiamaka Nnadozie  grabbed the Women’s goalkeeper of th Year  award.

    For the ‘homeboy’ Hakimi , it was indeed third time lucky after  missing out of the awards  in two previous  editions  to Nigeria’s duo of   Victor Osimhen (2023)  and  Ademola Lookman (2024).

    Still recuperating  from a recent injury, Hakimi  hobbled to the podium  to receive his award  from both the CAF President Patrice Motsepe and  FIFA President Gianni Infantino saying, he was proud to  finally have his hands on the prized individual award.

    Hakimi is  the first Moroccan to win the award since  Moustapha Hadji in 1998  and he’s now the third  Moroccan  to be  crowned Africa’s Best  since the award was  instituted in 1970  after  Mohamed Timoumi (1985).

    Read Also: NFF to revamp youth football structure , says Gusau

    The night  also belonged to  Super Falcons’ Number 1  shot-stopper  Nnadozie who  has now claimed the honour as the continent’s best goalkeeper in the women’s  category  for the third year in a row.

    Nnadozie beat Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini after an exceptional year for club and country.

    The 24-year-old  currently with Brighton & Hove Albion , helped Paris FC win the Coupe de France Féminine before guiding Nigeria to a historic 10th  WAFCON title, where she kept four clean sheets and won the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper award.

    Meanwhile,  the Super Falcons were  crowned the 2025 CAF Women’s National Team of the Year after a remarkable campaign highlighted by their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

    Under coach Justin Madugu, the Falcons dominated the group stage without conceding, defeating Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. They crushed Zambia 5–0 in the quarterfinals and edged South Africa 2–1 in the semifinals.

    In a dramatic final, Nigeria overturned a 2–0 deficit to beat hosts Morocco 3–2, showcasing resilience and championship mentality.

    In the other women’s category, Super Falcons ‘ captain Rasheedat  Ajibade and Flamingos’  Shakirat Moshood  were  beaten  respectively to the Women’s Player of  the Year and Women’s Young Player of the Year by  Morocco’s  duo of  Ghizlane Chebbak  and  Doha El Madani .

    In a related development, Super Falcons’ coach Madugu  will have to  wait  as organisers announced that The CAF Women’s Coach of the Year award will be presented upon completion of the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League Egypt 2025.

    CAF AWARDS 2025: ALL THE  WINNERS

    CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)

    Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain)

    CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)

    Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco / Al Hilal)

    CAF GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR (MEN)

    Yassine Bounou (Morocco / Al Hilal)

    CAF GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)

    Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Brighton & Hove Albion)

    CAF INTERCLUB PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)

    Fiston Mayele (DR Congo / Pyramids)

    CAF YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)

    Othmane Maamma (Morocco / Watford)

    CAF YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)

    Doha El Madani (Morocco / AS FAR)

    CAF COACH OF THE YEAR (MEN)

    Bubista (Cape Verde)

    CAF NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR (MEN)

    Morocco Under-20

    CAF NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)

    Nigeria

    CAF CLUB OF THE YEAR (MEN)

    Pyramids (Egypt)

    REFEREE OF THE YEAR (MEN)

    Omar Abdulkadir (Somalia)

    ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE YEAR (MEN)

    Liban Abdoulrazack (Djibouti)

    REFEREE OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)

    Shamirah Nabadda (Uganda)

    ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)

    Tabara Mbodji (Senegal)

  • Osimhen , Ajibade miss out as Morocco scoop ‘the doubles’  at CAF Awards 2025

    Osimhen , Ajibade miss out as Morocco scoop ‘the doubles’  at CAF Awards 2025

    Nigeria’s hopes of celebrating a double triumph at the 2025 CAF Awards was  dashed last  night in Rabat, as Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen finished as runners-up in Africa’s top individual honours.

    Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Achraf Hakimi claimed the Women’s and Men’s Player of the Year awards respectively, completing a landmark night for Moroccan football.

    At the prestigious ceremony held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Chebbak was crowned CAF Women’s Player of the Year, edging out Ajibade and fellow Moroccan star Sanna Mssoudy.

     Hakimi later took home the CAF Men’s Player of the Year prize, finishing ahead of Osimhen and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah.

    For Ajibade, the night came agonisingly close to a crowning moment. The Nigerian captain delivered one of the finest calendar years of her career—leading the Super Falcons to a record 10th WAFCON title, winning the Player of the Tournament, earning a place in the Team of the Year, and securing a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain, where she quickly made her mark with a Champions League goal against Real Madrid.

    But Chebbak’s immaculate year proved just enough to tilt the scales. The Moroccan talisman dominated the 2024 WAFCON, winning the Golden Boot with five goals, making the Team of the Tournament, and earning recognition in the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11.

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    Osimhen—Africa’s 2023 Player of the Year—also fell narrowly short in his quest for a second crown. The Super Eagles star enjoyed a blistering campaign on loan at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals and seven assists, powering the Turkish giants to a domestic double. He has continued that form this season, leading the UEFA Champions League scoring chart with six goals.

    However, Hakimi’s consistency and success at both club and country level ultimately proved decisive. The Moroccan right-back played a vital role in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic treble—the Champions League, Ligue 1, and French Cup—while contributing nine goals and 12 assists across competitions. As captain of the Atlas Lions, he led Morocco to a flawless World Cup qualifying run, winning all eight matches and securing a direct ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Despite their near misses, Ajibade and Osimhen leave Rabat with their reputations strengthened. Both players delivered world-class performances for club and country throughout 2024–25, reaffirming Nigeria’s standing as a powerhouse in African football. Their remarkable seasons ensure they remain firmly among the continent’s elite—and strong contenders for future honours.