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Category: Sports

  • Remorseful Diaz apologises for penalty miss in AFCON final

    Remorseful Diaz apologises for penalty miss in AFCON final

    Morocco’s Brahim Diaz has apologised for his Panenka penalty miss that cost his country the Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday, saying his “soul hurts” and he took responsibility for the 1-0 defeat by Senegal in the decider in Rabat.

    Morocco were awarded a spot-kick in the 98th minute after Diaz was hauled to the ground by defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, an incident that sparked ugly scenes in the stands and on the pitch.

    It followed five minutes after a disallowed goal at the other end and the decision, made on Video Assistant Referee review, resulted in some Senegal players leaving the pitch in protest, encouraged by their coach Pape Bouna Thiaw.

    Read Also: Chelle targets AFCON 2027 glory after Super Eagles’ Bronze finish

    It took over 14 minutes for calm to be restored and the game to resume, only for Diaz to inexplicably attempt a weak chipped penalty that was easily caught by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

    It proved one of the last actions before the game went to extra time and Senegal triumphed thanks to Pape Gueye’s superb winner.

    “Yesterday I failed, and I take full responsibility and apologise with all my heart,” Diaz said via X.

    “It will be hard for me to recover because this wound does not heal easily, but I will try. Not for myself, but for all who believed in me and for all who suffered with me.

    “I will keep going until someday I can give back all this love and be a pride for my Moroccan people.”

    Diaz, 26, plays for Real Madrid having been born in Malaga and also won a cap for Spain before switching allegiances to Morocco in 2024.

    He finished as the leading scorer in the 2025 Cup of Nations after netting a goal in each of Morocco’s first five games at the tournament.

    Morocco’s 50-year wait for the continental title will continue at least until the 2027 tournament.

    Named after Czech footballer Antonin Panenka, the style of spot-kick is one where the player gently chips the ball into the centre of the goal rather than powerfully to either side, hoping the keeper will commit to diving.

  • Morocco to file legal complaint over Cup of Nations final fiasco

    Morocco to file legal complaint over Cup of Nations final fiasco

    Morocco will pursue legal action over the outcome of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, where opponents Senegal walked off the field to protest a penalty awarded against them but later returned to win the match.

    Morocco were beaten 1-0 after extra time by Senegal in the decider in Rabat, but the hosts had a chance to win the trophy with a last-gasp penalty at the end of regulation time.

    Senegalese players stormed off in protest after a VAR decision to hand Morocco a spot kick for a tug on the shoulder of striker Brahim Diaz, who then squandered the kick after having to wait some 14 minutes before the Senegal side returned.

    “The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football and FIFA to rule on the walk-off of the Senegalese national team from the field during the final against the Moroccan national team, as well as on the events surrounding this decision, following the referee’s awarding of a penalty that was deemed correct by all experts,” a statement said.

    Read Also: Super Eagles rank among Africa’s top three after AFCON exploits

    “This situation had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players’ performance,” it added.

    It is unclear what Morocco wants to achieve with their complaint other than being seen to formally remonstrate over the outcome of the match.

    Yesterday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF condemned the behaviour of Senegal players and members of the coaching staff after the chaotic scenes, saying violence and walk-offs had no place in football.

    “We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands – we strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members,” Infantino said.

    “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner and, equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.

    “We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

    CAF said it was reviewing footage and that disciplinary proceedings will follow, adding that it “condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials”.

  • Klopp: ‘I never felt like a world-class coach’

    Klopp: ‘I never felt like a world-class coach’

     Despite leaving Liverpool as one of the most highly regarded coaches in world football in 2024, Jurgen Klopp said he never thought of himself as among the game’s best.

     “I never considered myself a world-class coach,” Klopp told AFP and other media in an interview in Leipzig, “because I still had so many questions when I finished.”

     “I was like ‘how can I be world class with these questions still?’”

    After starting out at Mainz, where he took the club to the top flight for the first time, Klopp moved to Borussia Dortmund, where he won two Bundesliga titles and reached the 2013 Champions League final.

    After signing with Liverpool in 2015, Klopp’s Reds won every trophy on offer, including the Champions League and Premier League.

    In his new role as Red Bull’s global head of football, where he oversees a multi-club structure with teams including RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls and Paris FC, Klopp said that he wants to help coaches answer those questions.

     “My role with the coaches is to be the guy I never had. I sat in my office very, very, very often, very, very, very alone.

     “A lot of people gave me advice and have great ideas… It’s great to have ideas, but it’s really not that easy to make the final decision.

     “I want to be in moments when I know they are alone, or feel alone. I want to be there.”

    Read Also: Chelle targets AFCON 2027 glory after Super Eagles’ Bronze finish

    Klopp oversaw the firing of then-Leipzig coach Marco Rose, a long-time friend, in 2025 and said that being on the other side felt odd.

     “Grave-digger of the coaches – that’s a title I never wanted to win!”

    From taking Mainz to the Bundesliga to breaking Liverpool’s Premier League drought, Klopp improved clubs and players wherever he went.

    Often taking over with teams at a low ebb, the coach would try and put things in perspective.

     “How did I start a game? I would say ‘the worst news is you can lose it’ – so let’s try and win it… Do not try to avoid defeat – try to win.”

    The coach said he told his players: “Giving your all doesn’t mean you will get anything, but it’s your only chance to get something. That’s pretty much how you do it.

     “We gave everything – and sometimes we got something.”

    Klopp said that media and fans were too focused on results.

     “I never watch the goals back, because I want to understand the game to the left and the right of the result.

     “I want to understand why it happened… Results are the result of the performance. So we worked on the performance and the results came later.”

    The 58-year-old said that he “didn’t take any pride” out of trophy ceremonies and parades.

    “I love being a part of it, not in the middle of it. You might see pictures where someone gave me a trophy and I’d take it, but I didn’t need to touch it.

     “For me, it was the journey that I loved. That gave me much more than the moment (of winning).”

    Klopp retains cult-like status at his former clubs, with fans remembering the German for his side-line antics and everyman appeal as much as his successes.

    RB Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schaefer told AFP that Klopp has brought the same presence into his new role, even if he is no longer on the side-line.

     “He has something that is unique. He has a God-given talent which everyone knows from his coaching jobs.

     “He can catch people in five to 10 minutes.”

    Schaefer said that Klopp plays an important role in player recruitment by “talking to families, talking to players about our vision, about our project.

     “You know if Jurgen Klopp is in the room.”

    Since stepping down at Anfield, Klopp has been linked to an array of high-profile coaching jobs, but he said that a return to the dugout is unlikely.

     “I don’t expect to change my mind, but I don’t know.

     “We’re building a house right now and my missus wanted to have a really big trophy room. There was another small room and I said ‘this is enough, because we know how many trophies we have, we will not add any.’

     “It might sound arrogant, but I know I can coach a football team. But I don’t need to do it until my last day.”

  • Qatar Football Festival 2026:  Finalissima showdown with  elite clashes featuring Argentina, Spain, four others

    Qatar Football Festival 2026:  Finalissima showdown with  elite clashes featuring Argentina, Spain, four others

    The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Football Events has announced the Qatar Football Festival 2026, set to take place between  March 26 and 31.

    The Festival will include the men’s Finalissima 2026 alongside a series of high-profile international matches with the participation of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Serbia. The matches offer participating nations valuable preparation to measure their readiness and assess their capabilities ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

    The match will be held at the iconic Lusail Stadium on 27 March, where European champions Spain will face South American champions Argentina in an anticipated meeting between continental title holders.

    H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, LOC Chairman for Football Events, said: “We look forward to welcoming players and fans from around the world as we prepare to host the world’s biggest football stars ahead of the FIFA World Cup. We are honoured to open our doors once again to the global football community.”

    Read Also: Super Eagles rank among Africa’s top three after AFCON exploits

    H.E. Sheikh Hamad added: “Hosting the Qatar Football Festival reflects our commitment to delivering world-class experiences and reaffirms Qatar’s position as a trusted partner in global football.”

    Lusail Stadium holds a special place in world football history, having witnessed unforgettable moments during major tournaments and hosted remarkable achievements for national teams and players alike. The venue has seen teams and stars crowned with world and continental titles, from iconic moments at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ to Qatar’s triumphant Asian Cup victory. The stadium continues to cement its position as one of football’s most prestigious landmarks and a stage for creating new footballing memories.

    Meanwhile, organisers said that exclusive travel packages for international fans will be available starting from 1 February 2026, delivered in partnership with Visit Qatar, the official marketing and promotional arm of Qatar Tourism, and Qatar Airways.

    Match tickets will go on sale from 25 February 2026 at roadtoqatar.qa.

    The six matches scheduled as part of the Qatar Football Festival include:

    26 March: Egypt v Saudi Arabia – Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

    26 March: Qatar v Serbia – Jassim bin Hamad Stadium

    30 March: Egypt v Spain – Lusail Stadium

    30 March: Saudi Arabia v Serbia – Jassim bin Hamad Stadium

    31 March: Qatar v Argentina – Lusail Stadium

  • Man City capture Palace defender Guehi

    Man City capture Palace defender Guehi

    Manchester City have  signed Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi on a five-and-a-half-year contract for a reported fee of £20 million ($27 million).

    City stepped up their pursuit of the England international after suffering an injury crisis at centre-half.

    Guehi, who came close to joining Liverpool on transfer deadline day in September, is City’s second signing of the January transfer window after their capture of Ghana winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for about £65 million.

     “I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player,” Guehi said.“This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career. I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players.

     “It feels good to be able to say that. I want to grow as a player and a person, and I know at this club that’s going to happen.”

    City director of football Hugo Viana said Guehi had been “one of the best defenders in English football for quite some time now”.

     “I feel we have signed a huge talent who will help us improve,” he said.

    “He is only 25, but he has shown already he is a leader, a brilliant professional and someone desperate to improve.”

    Read Also: Chelle targets AFCON 2027 glory after Super Eagles’ Bronze finish

    The Chelsea academy graduate played 188 times for Palace after moving to Selhurst Park from the Blues in 2021.

    He captained Palace to FA Cup glory against City in May – the first major trophy in the south London club’s history – and has won 26 England caps.

    Other teams reportedly interested in the defender, including Liverpool once again and Bayern Munich, were understood to be targeting a move at the end of the season, when Guehi would have been a free agent.

    Pep Guardiola’s City, dethroned as Premier League champions by Liverpool last year, are second in the table, seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

    Central defenders John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol all missed from Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

    The club are also still challenging for silverware in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.

    Guardiola has overseen an expensive rebuild of his squad over the past year, with a clutch of long-serving players exiting the club, including Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Ederson.

  • Chelle targets AFCON 2027 glory after Super Eagles’ Bronze finish

    Chelle targets AFCON 2027 glory after Super Eagles’ Bronze finish

    Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has declared his ambition to lead Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations title at the 2027 finals, following the team’s impressive third-place finish at AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

    Chelle oversaw a highly encouraging tournament for Nigeria, with the Super Eagles earning widespread praise for their exciting, attack-minded football. The Super Eagles performance at the just concluded AFCON has led to the NFF confirming that Eric Chelle will be allowed to continue as Super Eagles coach. The three-time African champions ended the competition as the tournament’s top scorers, netting 14 goals, while also showing defensive solidity by not conceding from open play throughout the knockout stages.

    Nigeria’s blend of intensity, creativity, and discipline under Chelle marked a significant turnaround and raised optimism about the team’s long-term prospects. The Malian tactician believes the foundation laid in Morocco can propel the Super Eagles to continental glory in two years’ time.

    The AFCON 2027 finals will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and Chelle is already eyeing redemption on East African soil.

    Reflecting on the Morocco campaign, Chelle admitted to mixed emotions but expressed pride in his players’ achievements.

    Read Also: Morocco 2025: NFF backs  Chelle to achieve future greater things with Eagles

    “It’s pride. It’s a relief,” Chelle told Canal+ Sport Afrique. “I went to see my mom and dad and told them I was coming back with the AFCON trophy. Mom, Dad, sorry, I’m only coming back with third place, but that’s already exceptional for me.”

    He also praised Morocco’s organisation of the tournament and highlighted the unity within his squad.

    “It was extraordinary. And we’ll meet again in two years, and God willing, I’ll bring that trophy home,” he added.

    With renewed belief and a clear vision, Chelle’s focus is firmly fixed on turning promise into silverware at AFCON 2027.

  • Super Eagles rank among Africa’s top three after AFCON exploits

    Super Eagles rank among Africa’s top three after AFCON exploits

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles have climbed to third place in Africa but retained 38th position globally in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings released on Monday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eagles moved up from fifth to third in Africa after an impressive performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where they finished third overall.

    Nigeria now ranks behind AFCON finalists Senegal and Morocco, who are placed 19th and 11th respectively in the global standings.

    In spite of the continental rise, Nigeria remained 38th worldwide in the January 2026 FIFA rankings, reflecting stability rather than global progress.

    Algeria and Egypt occupy fourth and fifth places in Africa, while DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, Mali and Tunisia complete the continent’s top 10.

    Morocco retained Africa’s highest-ranked side globally, with Senegal second, followed by Algeria, Egypt and Nigeria in the continental pecking order.

    Read Also: AFCON brilliance lifts Super Eagles to 26th in FIFA ranking

    Other African teams in the top 10 include Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, DR Congo and Cameroon, all ranked between 41st and 57th globally.

    Globally, Spain retained top spot, followed by Argentina and France, while England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Croatia complete the top 10.

    NAN also reports that Nigeria’s rise in Africa reflects a strong AFCON showing, including a 4-2 victory over Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.

    The Eagles won six of seven matches, beating Tunisia and Algeria, but lost the semi-final to hosts Morocco on penalties.

    However, failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may negatively affect Nigeria’s global ranking in future releases.

    (NAN)

  • Full list of individual award winners at AFCON 2025

    Full list of individual award winners at AFCON 2025

    The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) came to an electrifying end, with Senegal emerging champions after a dramatic and controversial final that capped a tournament filled with passion, records, and unforgettable performances.

    Senegal secured their second AFCON title after a hard-fought 1–0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco in a final overshadowed by controversy and chaotic scenes.

    The decisive moment came through a brilliant strike from Pape Gueye, while Morocco were left to lament a missed penalty and a spirited campaign that ended in heartbreak despite their impressive run to the final.

    At the end of the match, Sadio Mané emerged as Player of the Tournament, Brahim Díaz bagged the Golden Boot award, while Yassine Bounou won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. 

    The Moroccan team won the Fair Play Award, showcasing the very best of African football.

    Here is a full list of AFCON 2025 Individual Award Winners

    1. Player of the Tournament (Golden Ball):

    Sadio Mané (Senegal)

    Senegal’s talisman delivered leadership, consistency, and crucial contributions throughout the tournament, earning him the top individual honour.

    2. Best Goalkeeper:

    Yassine Bounou (Morocco)

    Popularly known as Bono, the Moroccan goalkeeper was outstanding between the posts, producing a series of decisive saves that powered Morocco’s run to the final.

    3. Golden Boot (Top Scorer):

    Brahim Díaz (Morocco)

    Despite Morocco’s narrow loss in the final, Díaz finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals, becoming the first player in AFCON history to score in five consecutive matches at a single tournament.

    4. Fair Play Award:

    Morocco

    The Atlas Lions were recognised for their discipline, sportsmanship, and respect for the rules throughout AFCON 2025.

  • Super Eagles scoop N3.6 billion AFCON  cash

    Super Eagles scoop N3.6 billion AFCON  cash

    Players pocket special bonus for beating Egypt  

    Nigeria is guaranteed a princely sum of N3.6 billion Naira ($2.5m)  in prize money after emerging as second runners-up in the Africa Cup Of Nations AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

    The Super Eagles beat their Egyptian counterparts Pharaohs 4-2 on penalties after 0-0 in normal time to finish third in Casablanca on Saturday.

    According to the appropriated prize moneys  set aside for the championship by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Super Eagles  will receive $2.5 million USD which is approximately N3.6 billion in local currency.

    Egyptian Pharaohs will bank $1.3 million dollars for their 4th  place finish while a healthy $10 million USD reserved for winners of the championship.

    Meanwhile, Super Eagles will  reportedly receive $15,000-a-man for finishing third best at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

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

    A source told SCORENigeria that this bonus was originally meant for the semifinal, where the team fell on penalties to hosts Morocco.

    That semifinal bonus will now be paid the players for beating Egypt 4-2 on penalties after both teams failed to score in regulation time.

    It was further gathered that the team have received all their win-bonus except that of the third-place match.

    In the meantime, it was  learnt that wealthy businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu has promptly redeemed his pledge of $500,000 to the team for the gallant fight they put up against hosts Morocco in the semifinal of the AFCON.

    Prize Money for AFCON 2025:

    ▪4th  in group – $500,000

    ▪3rd  in group – $700,000

    ▪Quarterfinalist – $800,000

    ▪4th place – $1.3 million

    ▪Third place – $2.5 million

    ▪Runner-up – $4 million

    ▪Champion – $10 million

  • Super Eagles’ bronze medal will inspire Nigerians, says Akpabio

    Super Eagles’ bronze medal will inspire Nigerians, says Akpabio

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has applauded the Super Eagles for defeating the Egyptian national football team to secure bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON) being held in Morocco.

    Akpabio, in a statement by his  Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, said the team’s achievements will inspire other Nigerians to always aspire for success.

    The statement  stated inter alia : “On behalf of my family, constituents and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Super Eagles on their outstanding achievement in securing the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

    “The match against the Pharaoh’s of  Egypt was a testament to your skills and determination, and I commend you for your exceptional performance.

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

    “Your victory is a reflection of the talent and resilience that Nigeria is known for, and we are proud to have you represent our country on the international stage.

    “I urge you to celebrate this achievement with pride and use it as a motivation to strive for even greater heights in your future endeavours.

    “Your achievement is a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians, and we look forward to seeing your continued success.

    “Once again, congratulations to the Super Eagles on this remarkable achievement. May your bronze medal serve as a reminder of your capabilities and the heights you can reach with hard work and determination,” he added.