Coming on the heels of signing midfielder Antoine Semenyo, Manchester City have reached an agreement to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, with the Premier League champions closing in on the England international after a deal was struck on Friday.
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Palace have accepted City’s official proposal, with the total fee understood to be in the region of £20 million. The player has also given his approval to the move, clearing the final hurdle for the transfer to be completed.
“Marc Guehi to Manchester City, here we go,” Romano wrote, confirming that all parties are now aligned on the transfer. He added that the agreement is an exclusive story, now fully confirmed.
Guehi is expected to bolster Pep Guardiola’s defensive options as City continue to strengthen ahead of the new season, with the formal announcement anticipated in the coming days.
In Rabat, under the bright lights of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the revered Super Eagles bowed out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the semi-final stage, edged out by hosts Morocco on penalties after a pulsating 120 minutes. Yet in defeat, the story of Nigeria’s tournament was unmistakable: a team reborn, fearless in attack, disciplined in structure and united in belief. At the heart of this transformation stands Éric Sékou Chelle — understated, methodical and increasingly influential — a silent miracle worker whose impact now echoes across African football write MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN and TUNDE LIADI
Football history often celebrates the loudest voices, the most animated touchline generals but Eric Sékou Chelle is the opposite.
Calm, analytical and deeply intentional, the Franco-Malian has reshaped the Super Eagles not through noise but through clarity of purpose. Nigeria’s semi-final exit to Morocco on penalties on Wednesday night did little to diminish the widespread acclaim for a coach who, in less than a year, has restored identity and confidence to a once-uncertain national side.
Former Nigeria international and Super Eagles’ assistant coach to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan , Ben Duamlong, captured the reality of football’s unforgiving judgment:
“A coach is as good as his last result,” the Septuagenarian told NationSports before the Super Eagles’ dramatic penalty-shootout loss to Morocco in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON).“It could be as a result of his coaching abilities, a talented bunch of players, plain luck or whatever. Once the results are pouring in, the chorus is always ‘the boy is good’.”
Yet results, undeniably, have poured in under Chelle. Nigeria arrived at the AFCON semi-finals with a perfect winning record in regulation time, scoring freely and pressing relentlessly. The Super Eagles netted a tournament-high 14 goals while conceding just four — a remarkable balance between ambition and control.
For former Super Eagles midfielder Sani Kaita, the change was immediately visible.
“Obviously, the coach is doing a good job,” Kaita, a 2013 AFCON winner, told NationSport. “It’s clear to see we are back to playing attacking football in this tournament. Credit goes to the coach placing an idea and way of play, and of course to the players for executing brilliantly.”
Kaita’s tactical insight proved prophetic ahead of the Morocco clash: “I think the coach shouldn’t change our way of playing for Morocco. They won’t be naive; I believe they will respect us. The only thing I would like to advise is we need to be compact out of possession, as Moroccans are perfect at what they do.”
Morocco ultimately prevailed, tactically sharper on the night but Nigeria’s fearless approach never wavered — a hallmark of Chelle’s philosophy.
Indeed, coach Manu Garba, a two-time winner of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, highlighted Chelle’s greatest achievement: “Coach Eric Chelle has performed credibly well in the AFCON 2025.
“He has been able to get the players to play cohesively as a unit and guided the team to the semi-final with a 100% record of wins. The players have been committed, coordinated and motivated.
“So far, they are the best performing team in the tournament,” Garba added hours before the semi-final loss to Morocco.
That cohesion was evident even in heartbreak. Against Morocco, Nigeria defended with discipline, pressed intelligently, and trusted their collective strength — traits absent in recent years.
Former Super Eagles assistant coach Usman Abd’Allah offered a broader perspective about the enigmatic Chelle, adding the former Mali international must still retool the national team post AFCON 2025.
He volunteered: “Chelle has been doing very well with the team. He needs to be supported. We have a very young talent, and it points to what I suggested earlier — we must build a new team with emphasis on the next World Cup.”
Yet the vastly experience Abd’Allah who is currently attached with Beninese side, USCN Cavaliers, challenged Chelle on the way forward for the Super Eagles with a strong caveat.
“Winning the AFCON (or not) should not be the yardstick,” the erstwhile coach of Enyimba, Kano Pillars and Katsina United, told NationSports. “Rather, he should use it to build a team with the potential of doing better
“The Moroccans were tactically better; Nigeria’s strength lies in individual tactical abilities. A tactical team only comes with time together.”
In Abd’Allah’s view, patience is the missing ingredient — and Chelle deserves it.
From within the Nigerian camp, admiration for Chelle has become even stronger.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s leading scorer at the tournament, credited Chelle with unlocking the squad’s potential:
“We have the talent, but now we’ve got someone who knows when to unleash the beast in his squad,” the Galatasaray striker said. “We’re just doing our job, doing what the coach wants us to do and playing how he wants us to.”
A sentiment equally echoed by Fulham striker, Alex Iwobi, who praised the 48-year-old tactician for creating a team spirit which has taken the Super Eagles to enviable heights only two months after their dreams of qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 ended in agonising loss to Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I feel like the difference is the sense of brotherhood, the family environment that we have created for each other,” Iwobi said on the eve of the semi-final fixture against Morocco. “Of course, at previous AFCONs we have done really well. The team was so strong, but at the same time, we were young, and we were learning about each other.
“I feel like right now everybody is entering their prime, everyone is doing well for their clubs, and you can see the joy and the chemistry we have when playing for our country.
“It is not just on the pitch, also off the pitch, there is a big unity, we are a big family. It starts from the coach – he has brought that brotherhood.”
Such buy-ins from elite players underscores Chelle’s quiet authority as well as the uncommon ambiance he has created with the Super Eagles’ set up.
No wonder a number of other African countries have expressed the willingness to take Chelle on board following his miracle work with the Super Eagles. But former Nigeria international Jide Olugbodi has urged the Nigeria Football Federation to resist any temptation to lure Chelle away from Nigeria , adding brighter future awaits the Super Eagles under the watch of the Franco-Malian trainer.
“It’s important for the NFF to make sure Chelle remains in charge,” he said.“ From competent sources, there is interest in him from a number of African countries.
“ We’ve seen what he has done in less than a year, the future of the team is bright under him,” he added.
Indeed, Chelle’s record in the period under review speaks volumes : 11 wins in 17 matches, just one loss in regulation time and a Super Eagles side once again feared on the continent.
The penalty shootout loss to Morocco hurt, but it did not wound Nigeria’s pride. Instead, it confirmed something deeper: the Super Eagles have direction again.
Chelle may not shout from the sidelines, but his ideas resonate loudly on the pitch. In Rabat, even in defeat, the Silent Miracle Worker strengthened his case — not just as Nigeria’s present but as its future.
Even Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui was gracious in victory :“I congratulate the Nigerian team and Coach Eric Chelle for the great work they have done.”
ÉRIC SÉKOU CHELLE: THE SCORECARD
21 Mar 2025: Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Kigali)
25 Mar 2025: Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)
28 May 2025: Nigeria 2-1 Ghana (Unity Cup: London)
31 May 2025: Jamaica 2-2 Nigeria (Unity Cup: London)
*Nigeria win 5-4 on penalties to retain the trophy
06 Jun 2025: Russia 1-1 Nigeria (Friendly: Moscow)
06 Sep 2025: Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)
09 Sep 2025: South Africa 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Bloemfontein)
10 Oct 2025: Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Polokwane)
14 Oct 2025: Nigeria 4-0 Bénin Republic (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)
13 Nov 2025: Gabon 1-4 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Playoff: Rabat)
16 Nov 2025: DR Congo 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Playoff: Rabat)
*DR Congo win 4-3 on penalties
16 Dec 2025: Egypt 2-1 Nigeria (Friendly: Cairo)
23 Dec 2025: Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
27 Dec 2025: Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
30 Dec 2025: Uganda 1-3 Nigeria (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
05 Jan 2026: Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique (AFCON: Fès, Morocco)
10 Jan 2026: Algeria 0-2 Nigeria (AFCON: Marrakech, Morocco)
14 Jan 2026: Nigeria 0-0 Morocco (AFCON: Rabat, Morocco)
For Nigeria and Egypt, tomorrow’s 2025 AFCON third-place playoff in Casablanca offers a final opportunity to transform semi-final heartbreak into continental recognition. Two of Africa’s most storied football nations meet once again, with pride, momentum and history all at stake, writes TUNDE LIADI.
Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tomorrow, January 17, at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca with kick-off scheduled for 5 pm Nigerian time).
The fixture follows contrasting but equally painful semi-final exits on Wednesday. Nigeria were eliminated by hosts Morocco after a dramatic penalty shootout, losing 4–2 following a tense 0–0 draw across regulation and extra time. Morocco dominated attacking phases, registering 16 shots to Nigeria’s two, but were repeatedly denied by an inspired Stanley Nwabali, whose goalkeeping kept the Super Eagles in contention for 120 minutes.
Nigeria’s attacking threats, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, found chances limited by Morocco’s compact defensive shape, while full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui exerted strong influence at both ends of the pitch. In the shootout, Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru converted for Nigeria, but misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved decisive.
Earlier in Tangier, Egypt bowed out after a narrow 1–0 defeat to Senegal. Sadio Mané’s 78th-minute strike separated the sides in a contest dominated by Senegal’s possession, with the Pharaohs defending stoutly but offering little threat in attack.
Nigeria arrived in Morocco as one of the tournament favourites and delivered a commanding group-stage performance, winning all three matches and scoring eight goals. Defensive issues surfaced early, but Eric Chelle’s side tightened up impressively in the knockout rounds.
A 4–0 demolition of Mozambique in the round of 16 was followed by a disciplined 2–0 quarter-final victory over Algeria, where Nigeria showcased tactical balance and control. Although they fell short against Morocco, the Super Eagles’ overall campaign has reaffirmed their status among Africa’s elite.
On the other hand, Egypt’s tournament has been built on structure and resilience. The Pharaohs topped their group with two wins and a draw, scoring three goals and conceding just once. They needed extra time to overcome Benin in the round of 16 before edging Ivory Coast 3–2 in the quarter-finals, with Mohamed Salah once again delivering at a crucial moment.
However, their semi-final loss to Senegal highlighted familiar attacking limitations, setting up a third-place playoff that offers consolation rather than celebration.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will be without Calvin Bassey, suspended after receiving a booking in the semi-final. Midfield general Wilfred Ndidi returns from suspension while Victor Osimhen’s fitness will be assessed after he was withdrawn late against Morocco.
Egypt may rotate slightly, with Trezeguet fit again, though Mohamed Hamdi remains doubtful. Despite subdued semi-final displays, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush are expected to lead the line.
Tactically, Nigeria are likely to press higher and use wide combinations through Lookman, while Egypt will aim to remain compact and strike on the break through Salah.
Nigeria’s high-goal polo power house, Malcomines, has extended its commanding performances by winning the Renewed Hope Cup at the just concluded 2025/2026 Jos international Polo Tournament that attracted over thirty teams to the Plateau State ‘s capital city.
The Murtala Laushi-led team defeated their opponents led by Senator Aliyu Wadada 6-4 in the final match of the tournament before an overcrowded stand that included the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, First Class Emirs, members of the National Assembly, diplomats and thousands of polo enthusiasts.
Indeed, Malcomines sparked off from the blast, scoring two quick goals in the opening chukker and held on till the closing fourth chukker to emerged champions of the newly introduced laurel despite spirited comeback effort by their Senator Wadada led opponents
Victory by Jos-based polo kings and their Patron Murtala Laushi before their teeming home fans, was a crowning of an impressive year that started with victory at the Niger Delta Polo Festival in Port Harcourt last January followed by Emir of Kano Cup in Kano, successful titles defense in Bauchi, Yola and in Keffi last November.
Malcomines Proprietor, who doubles as the President of Jos Polo Club, Murtala Ahmadu Laushi, expressed delight that the prestigious festival has achieved its major objectives of restoring peace and reaching out to the less privileged in the society.
He stated that the Jos Polo, which was elevated to an international event, would continue to strive higher, stressing the game has a brighter future towards improving cohesion, unity and peace amongst the people.
Throughout the week, the Jos International Polo Tournament delivered high-octane encounters marked by tactical depth and technical finesse. Pop Cola lifted the Imani Cup after edging Trappco in a tense contest, while 5th Chukkas narrowly upstaged title holders to clinch the Governor’s Cup.
Excitement peaked again in the President Cup, where Aramis Watson Global triumphed over PH YBL FB9, thrilling spectators with a display that blended speed, strategy, and precision.
Speaking after the tournament, Senator Wadada reflected on polo’s wider significance beyond trophies and titles.
“Polo is more than a sport; it is a vehicle for unity, friendship, and national cohesion,” he said. “Our commitment through the Keffi Polo Ranch is to nurture talent, expand participation, and use sports as a tool for peace and development across communities.”
His words echoed the broader mood among participants and observers, many of whom praised the organizers for preserving the tournament’s heritage while steadily raising its competitive standards.
President of the Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF), Francis Ogboro, dignitaries and the Emirs who graced the closing ceremony of the year ending winter polo fiesta agreed that Jos International polo tournament has become a symbol of resilience, proof of elegance, discipline, and excellence.
Ogboro who congratulated all the winners and runners-up teams, stated that NPF as polo ruling authority will continue to provide the leadership and the enabling support for the promotion of the ancient noble in Jos across the country and globally.
Nigeria’s AFCON campaign ended on Wednesday night after a 4–2 penalty shootout loss to hosts Morocco in the semi-finals. Senegal earlier booked their place in Sunday’s final with a 1–0 win over Egypt in Tangier.
Nigeria and Egypt will contest the third-place playoff while Morocco face Senegal in the Final on Sunday. Both games will be live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.
Despite Nigeria arriving as one of the tournament’s most prolific sides, the Super Eagles were restricted to limited attacking opportunities as Morocco controlled large spells of the contest. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made one save in the shootout, but misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved decisive.
Earlier on Wednesday, Senegal secured their place in the final with a 2–1 victory over Egypt in Tangier. The defending champions struck first through Sadio Mané before Egypt responded, but a late Senegalese goal settled the encounter and ended Mohamed Salah’s hopes of adding a second AFCON title.
The result sets up an AFCON 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal, scheduled for Sunday at 9:00 pm, with both sides aiming to cap impressive tournament runs. Morocco continue to benefit from home support and defensive organisation, while Senegal arrive with knockout-stage experience and momentum from their title defence.
Nigeria and Egypt will now meet in the third-place playoff tomorrow at 6:00 pm, offering both teams the opportunity to finish the tournament with a podium place.
For Nigeria, the match provides a chance to recover from penalty disappointment after a campaign marked by strong defensive displays and emphatic victories earlier in the competition.
Both games will be broadcast live on the SuperSport AFCON dedicated channel (GOtv Ch. 59, DStv Ch. 202) with Open Access available to DStv Yanga and GOtv Jolli subscribers. In fact, if you just reconnect, you’ll be given the next higher package.
The drums sounded louder and the lights shone brighter on Wednesday night, even as Nigeria’s AFCON dream suffered a painful end.
At the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development (PAKO Field), Dopemu, Lagos, Goldberg once again brought fans together under its Festival of Drums and Light, proving that support for the Super Eagles goes beyond results.
After the successful first edition of the Festival of Drums and Lights during Nigeria’s quarter-final win over Algeria, the experience returned bigger and bolder for the much-anticipated semi-final clash between the Super Eagles and hosts Morocco’s Atlas Lions.
Following the buzz created last Saturday, it was clear that Wednesday’s semi-final would draw an even larger crowd.
Goldberg prepared accordingly. More fans arrived early, more instant prizes were made available, and more ice-cold Goldberg Lager Beer flowed freely — including Goldberg Black — as supporters settled in for what promised to be a dramatic night.
Even before Nigeria took centre stage, the atmosphere was already building.
Fans trooped in from the first semi-final contest between Senegal and Egypt, with DJ Y.K setting the mood by dropping party jams as the Teranga Lions edged past the Pharaohs by a lone goal.
As that match ended, attention quickly shifted to the main event: Nigeria versus Morocco.
Goldberg’s Festival of Drums and Lights again delivered a rich blend of football, music and culture. The venue glowed in the brand’s signature gold, while drums, chants and familiar supporters’ songs filled the air.
It was another reminder of the Our Beat, Our Gold campaign — a celebration of how Nigerians live football together.
The Super Eagles matched the energy with a determined performance.
After 120 minutes of tense football, the match was decided by penalties. Nigeria fell 2–4 in the shootout, with Morocco converting through Hamza Igamane, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi and Youssef El-Nesyri.
Only Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored for Nigeria, while Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi saw their efforts saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The heartbreak was real, but so was the unity.
As the final penalty was saved, Hypeman Advantage stepped in with his usual energy, holding the crowd together and keeping spirits high.
His presence ensured that the Goldberg standard remained intact, even in defeat.
Teni later took the stage, performing after the exhausting 120 minutes and penalty drama. Her performance helped lift the mood, turning disappointment into shared reflection and calm celebration.
Speaking after the event, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Laolu Babalola, said the night captured the true spirit of Nigerian football fans.
“This is exactly what Our Beat, Our Gold stands for,” he said. “Football gives us joy and sometimes heartbreak, but what never changes are how fans show up. Even after a tough result, Nigerians stayed together, supported the team and shared the moment. Goldberg is proud to stand with them.”
Also speaking, Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg, Kunle Aroyehun said the semi-final experience showed the deeper role football plays in Nigerian life.
“What we witnessed here goes beyond the scoreboard,” he said. “Goldberg’s Festival of Drums and Lights is about community, culture and connection. Even in disappointment, fans found comfort in togetherness, and that is powerful.”
For many supporters, Goldberg became a source of consolation after the defeat.
“We were hurt, no doubt,” said one fan, Musa Abdullahi, holding a bottle of Goldberg. “But sitting here, watching together, drinking Goldberg and listening to music made it easier to accept. The boys tried, and we are still proud.”
The Festival of Drums and Light forms part of Goldberg’s wider Our Beat, Our Gold campaign, which has followed the Super Eagles throughout AFCON 2025 with viewing centres, cultural activations and fan experiences across Lagos and beyond.
As one of the longest-standing sponsors of Nigerian football, the brand has continued to put fans at the centre of the journey.
Though the Super Eagles fell just short of the AFCON final, Goldberg says its support for the team and the fans remains firm.
“Win or lose, we stand together,” Aroyehun said. “That rhythm, that belief, that community — it is gold.”
On a night of missed chances and broken dreams, Goldberg’s drums still beat, its lights still shone, and Nigerian football fans were reminded that their passion endures, even in heartbreak.
Roger Federer said that Carlos Alcaraz winning the Australian Open to complete the career Grand Slam aged just 22 would be “crazy”.
Spain’s Alcaraz already has six major titles but success on the Melbourne Park hard courts is a glaring hole in his resume.
Should the world number one snap his Australia drought at the tournament starting on Sunday, he would become the youngest man to seal a career Grand Slam.
“At his young age to be able to complete the career Grand Slam already would be crazy,” Swiss legend Federer said at Melbourne Park, where he will headline a “Battle of the World No.1s” at the official launch of the 2026 Australian Open tomorrow.
“Let’s see if he’s able to do ‘crazy’ this week. I hope he does because for the game that would be an unbelievable and special moment.”
Alcaraz is aiming to surpass retired compatriot Rafael Nadal, who secured all four majors by the age of 24, but the top seed has not made it past the quarter-finals in four previous Australian Opens.
Federer, a six-time Melbourne champion, compared Alcaraz’s wait to lift the title there to Rory McIlroy’s agonising attempts to win a first Masters in golf.
The Northern Irishman finally did it last year to complete the Grand Slam.
“It’s like Rory going for the Masters. Those things are tough,” said Federer.
Alcaraz faces home hope Adam Walton in the first round.
The now-retired Federer was also asked by reporters about Joao Fonseca, an up-and-coming Brazilian tennis talent aged 19.
Federer spoke glowingly of the teenager, saying: “What separates him from a lot of the other guys in the draw is just his power – forehand, backhand, serve and just what he’s able to bring point by point.
“He’s exciting, he’s got good aura, he’s a very likeable character as well. I like watching him play.
The Nigeria Football Federation has applauded the run of the Super Eagles to the semi-finals of the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, stating that the team’s campaign had been underpinned by sheer commitment, sense of purpose, passion, discipline, patriotic fervour and resilience.
A tense and turgid second semi-final of the 35th AFCON ended scoreless after 120 minutes of regulation and extra time, with the tie having to be settled by a penalty shootout that Morocco 4-2 at the magnificent Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday night.
President of NFF Ibrahim Musa Gusau has called on the squad to put behind Wednesday’s narrow defeat and go all out for the bronze when they encounter the Pharaohs of Egypt in Casablanca tomorrow.
“It is important to retain focus by not continuing to dwell on what happened in the semi-final match. As far as we are concerned, the team coped well in the circumstances, navigating a number of challenges and playing their game. Penalty shootouts remain lotteries in the game and it could have gone either way. Two years ago, they won their semi-final match of the AFCON after a penalty shootout. This time, it was not meant to be.
“The NFF is proud of the output of the team at this championship. They gave their best and still remain the team to have scored the most goals here. We will talk to them to pick up their morale and go for the bronze so that they will have something from a tournament in which they have done so well.”
On his part, billionaire industrialist and philanthropist, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, (Chairman of BUA Group), extolled the spirit and sense of purpose of the team, and insisted that despite the loss, he would go ahead and fulfil his pledge of $500,000 to the players and officials.
“You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud. Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matters. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.
“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfil my pledge of $500,000. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation. Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories.”
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles left Morocco’s administrative capital, Rabat for Casablanca (venue of their bronze-medal match with Egypt) yesterday. The team has been scheduled to have a training session in Casablanca on Thursday evening, which will be open to the media. Friday’s training session will be the official training, with media representatives allowed access for the opening 15 minutes.
The draw for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 was conducted yesterday in Rabat, setting the stage for another fiercely contested continental championship billed for March 17th through 3rd April.
Defending champions Nigeria headline Group C following the ceremony, as the Super Falcons continue their quest to retain the title they won at the 13th edition, also hosted by Morocco last year. That triumph marked Nigeria’s record-extending 10th WAFCON crown, underlining their dominance in African women’s football.
Group C, which will be played in Casablanca, pitches Nigeria against Zambia, Egypt and Malawi in what promises to be a highly competitive group featuring both emerging and established forces in the women’s game.
Hosts Morocco will lead Group A, where they face Algeria, Senegal and Kenya, while former champions, South Africa top Group B alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Tanzania. Group D brings together multiple Runners up, Ghana, perennial contenders Cameroon, Mali and debutants Cape Verde.
Matches at the tournament will be staged across Rabat (two venues), Casablanca and Fès, as Morocco hosts the competition for the second consecutive time.
Beyond continental glory, the stakes are especially high, with all four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil, adding extra intensity to every fixture at WAFCON 2026.
Turkish Airlines has signed a new three-year title sponsorship for the prestigious Turkish Airlines open golf tournament.
A statement by the airline noted that the tournament will be held between 30 April and 3 May in Antalya. It will be hosted by the National Golf Club, located within Regnum Hotels.
Turkish Airlines Open with its $2.75 million award pool is an important stage as the fifth and final tournament of the Asian Swing, which is the first phase of the DP World Tour 2026 season.
The 2025 champion, young French golfer Martin Couvra, will return to Türkiye this year to defend his title.
On the agreement, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi expressed pleasure at becoming the title sponsor of an international event with the prestige of the Turkish Airlines Open.
He said the tournament not only highlights the unifying power of sport, but also strongly reflects Türkiye’s vision of being a global hub for sports and tourism.
“ As Turkish Airlines, we remain firmly committed to supporting sports and athletes while contributing to our country’s brand value, and we are delighted to welcome guests from all over the world to Antalya once again in 2026,” he said.
Turkish Golf Federation President Yıldırım Demirören expressed delight to have the Turkish Airlines Open in Türkiye as part of the top 2026 international professional golf calendar in Europe.
He said the event underscores Türkiye’s commitment to fostering competition of golf at the highest level, supporting national and global golf development, and showcasing world-class golf venues both nationally and internationally.
DP World Tour Director of Tournament Business Mark Casey, said the DP World Tour are delighted that Turkish Airlines have extended their agreement as title partner, as the Turkish Airlines Open returns to the Race to Dubai this year.
National Golf Club General Manager Hasan Ceylan, said: “We are extremely proud and delighted to host the Turkish Airlines Open for the first time in 2026 at National Golf Club, part of Regnum Hotels, designed by former Ryder Cup player David Feherty and Seniors Tour player David Jones.”
