Category: Sports

  • AFCON 2025: Pandemonium as referee award late penalty to Morocco 

    AFCON 2025: Pandemonium as referee award late penalty to Morocco 

    A turn of wild event has erupted at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, in Morocco hosting the AFCON final after the center referee awarded a controversial penalty to the host country Morocco following a foul on Brahim Diaz. 

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    The penalty call which led to uproar from the Senegalese team and threatened to leave the pitch, but were later called back and parity was restored. 

    However, Brahim Diaz in an unlikely fashion missed the penalty which could have seen his side winners of the 2025 AFCON and the match now heads to extra time. 

  • AFCON: Akpabio celebrates Super Eagles for winning bronze

    AFCON: Akpabio celebrates Super Eagles for winning bronze

    …says victory will inspire other Nigerians

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated the Super Eagles for securing bronze at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

    Akpabio sent his congratulations in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.

    “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 Pharaohs of Egypt was a testament to your skills and determination, and I commend you for your exceptional performance.

    “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.

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    “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.”

  • Nwabali stops Salah, Marmoush as Nigeria claim AFCON bronze

    Nwabali stops Salah, Marmoush as Nigeria claim AFCON bronze

    In one of the defining performances of AFCON 2025, Stanley Nwabali emerged as Nigeria’s match winner, denying both Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush as the Super Eagles beat Egypt 4–2 on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.

    The result extended Nigeria’s perfect Africa Cup of Nations third place play off record and cemented the Chippa United goalkeeper as one of the standout figures of the tournament.

    In a hard-fought encounter at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday, January 17, both sides battled intensely but failed to break the deadlock after 90 minutes.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ fighting spirit after AFCON bronze triumph

    The match went straight to penalties, where Nigeria held their nerve to triumph 4-2.

    Ademola Lookman sealed the victory with a composed spot-kick, capping a dramatic shootout that saw the Super Eagles convert their chances decisively.

    This win extends Nigeria’s perfect record in AFCON third-place matches, marking their record ninth bronze medal.

    Despite the disappointment of their semi-final penalty defeat to hosts Morocco, the Super Eagles bounced back with resilience and determination, ending the tournament on a high note and delivering pride to millions of Nigerians.

  • Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ fighting spirit after AFCON bronze triumph

    Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ fighting spirit after AFCON bronze triumph

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, on their bronze medal victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.

    The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.

    Read Also: Shina Peller commends Super Eagles AFCON 2025 run despite semi-final loss

    Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.

    President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.

    “Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.

    “However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.

    The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.

    “We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.

  • Man Utd pull off stunning win over Man City under Carrick

    Man Utd pull off stunning win over Man City under Carrick

    Manchester United have defeated Manchester City 2-0 in Saturday’s early kick-off.

    It was the Red Devils’ first fixture after the Premier League club appointed Michael Carrick as their new head coach.

    The hosts began the match in impressive fashion and saw two goals ruled out for offside in the first half.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ fighting spirit after AFCON bronze triumph

    However, they eventually took the lead after the break, with Bryan Mbeumo finishing off a swift counter-attack.

    Patrick Dorgu then got on the end of Matheus Cunha’s cross to double their advantage.

    It is the first win in five matches for United, with City now at risk of going nine points behind Arsenal at the top.

  • Mane looks forward to last AFCON dance for Senegal

    Mane looks forward to last AFCON dance for Senegal

    Senegal coach Pape Thiaw says he hopes Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against hosts Morocco will not be Sadio Mané’s last appearance at the tournament, insisting the national icon is far from finished.

    Speaking in Rabat on the eve of the decider, Thiaw dismissed Mané’s suggestion that this year’s competition could be his final Afcon.

    “His decision is no longer up to him,” Thiaw said. “There is an entire nation behind him, and they want to see him continue.”

    Mané, 33, hinted after scoring the winner in Wednesday’s semifinal against Egypt that he would not feature at another Afcon. His remarks also suggested he may retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup in North America, when he will be 34.

    Read Also: Shina Peller commends Super Eagles AFCON 2025 run despite semi-final loss

    The next Afcon will be staged in 2027 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

    “I think he made the comments in the heat of the moment,” Thiaw added. “The country does not agree, and as the national team coach, I do not agree at all. We want to keep him as long as possible.”

    Mané, twice crowned African Player of the Year, guided Senegal to their first Afcon title in 2022, converting the decisive penalty in the final against Egypt. He also featured in the 2019 showpiece, making Sunday Senegal’s third final in four editions.

    “Sadio is an exceptional player who would have deserved to win a Ballon d’Or,” defender Moussa Niakhate said. “More importantly, he is an incredible person — humble, hard working, and devoted to his country. Playing in six Afcon tournaments shows his consistency and longevity.

  • Arsenal held to frustrating draw by Forest             

    Arsenal held to frustrating draw by Forest             

    Arsenal missed a golden opportunity to take a decisive step towards winning their first Premier League title in 22 years after being held to a 0-0 draw at struggling Nottingham Forest.

    The Gunners enjoyed the perfect pre-match entertainment by watching rivals Manchester City lose their derby to United, which presented the chance to go nine points clear at the summit. But, nine days after drawing 0-0 with Liverpool after City had again slipped up, Mikel Arteta’s men could not take advantage after failing to get past Forest. They had chances as Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka both went close, but they drew a blank.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ fighting spirit after AFCON bronze triumph

    The draw did see Arsenal extend their lead to seven points, which could be cut to four on Sunday if Aston Villa beat Everton, and they remain clear favourites to get their hands on the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004.

     But the missed opportunities could prompt some doubts in the Gunners camp as they have let leads at the top of the table slip in the past, notably when they were eight points clear of City in April 2023 only to fall short.

    Forest were dogged and resolute and deserved a point, which was a timely boost having seen West Ham’s win at Tottenham pull them back into relegation trouble.

  • Mbappe scores in Arbeloa’s first Real Madrid win 

    Mbappe scores in Arbeloa’s first Real Madrid win 

    Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa believes fan protests at the Bernabeu came from “people who don’t like” the club as his side beat Levante to move to within one point of La Liga leaders Barcelona.

    Madrid supporters waved white handkerchiefs before kick-off on Saturday and then aimed boos and whistles at players – in particular Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde – as well as president Florentino Perez.  “I know the source of these chants and campaigns. They come from people who don’t like Real Madrid,” said Arbeloa.

    Read Also: Shina Peller commends Super Eagles AFCON 2025 run despite semi-final loss

    “It’s a pleasure to have a president who is the most important figure in the history of this club, alongside Santiago Bernabeu.

     “He has achieved everything, and I know the source of these chants.”   The former Liverpool and Real Madrid defender – who replaced Xabi Alonso as manager on Monday – was also targeted during the game.

  • Alebiosu reflects on injury-marred AFCON debut

    Alebiosu reflects on injury-marred AFCON debut

    Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu has spoken about the impact of an injury that affected his debut at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

    Asked about how the injury affected him mentally, knowing it was his first AFCON, Alebiosu said, “Obviously it’s a bit frustrating, so know my first AFCON I wanted to show more, show what I could do.”

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ fighting spirit after AFCON bronze triumph

    He added, “Then when this happened it obviously played a little bit of part to it but the team obviously came together, helped me a lot.”

    Alebiosu also highlighted how watching his team perform positively helped him regain confidence, saying, “Watching the team supporting the team winning games, it boosted my morale, helped everything get better. Now I’m back so it’s just obviously grateful.”

  • South Africa to submit bid to host the 2028 AFCON

    South Africa to submit bid to host the 2028 AFCON

    South Africa is planning to bid for the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which will be the beginning of a four-year cycle as opposed to the current one where it is held after every two years.

    Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are set to co-host the 2027 edition, hoping to deliver an even better tournament following the 2024 CHAN tournament they jointly held a couple of months ago.

    Read Also: Shina Peller commends Super Eagles AFCON 2025 run despite semi-final loss

    What reports are saying

    “South Africa is showing a strong interest to do a joint bid with Botswana for the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament,” SABC reported.

    McKenzie and Motsepe

    “There’s been reports that Morocco could be in line again to host the AFCON in 2028, which would be the last one before the new four year cycle kicks in, until 2032.