Goals either side of half-time by Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane took Cameroon through to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals at South Africa’s expense last night as the Indomitable Lions edged their last-16 clash 2-1.
Tchamadeu opened the scoring in the 34th minute at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat and teenage Bayer Leverkusen forward Kofane headed in the crucial second goal two minutes after half-time.
A late rally from South Africa saw Evidence Makgopa pull one back, but it is Cameroon who go through, and the five-time champions now play hosts Morocco in a heavyweight quarter-final on Friday.
They can go into that match in relaxed mood, knowing all the pressure is on Morocco as they look to win a first AFCON title in 50 years in front of their home support.
For Cameroon, reaching the last eight means their AFCON is already a success after a chaotic build-up in which football federation president and Indomitable Lions legend Samuel Eto’o sacked coach Marc Brys, replacing him with David Pagou.
The new coach got the better of South Africa’s Hugo Broos, who had promised to show no mercy to Cameroon nine years after leading them to their last continental crown at the Cup of Nations in Gabon.
There will be major disappointment for Bafana Bafana, who finished third at the last AFCON two years ago in Cote d’Ivoire, but they can console themselves by turning their attentions towards the upcoming World Cup.
Yet South Africa had chances to take an early lead, with Relebohile Mofokeng squandering a golden opportunity inside seven minutes.
Cameroon defender Che Malone failed to deal with a simple ball forward to leave Mofokeng in on goal, but the Orlando Pirates forward blazed over.
Lyle Foster then had the ball in the net only to be denied by the offside flag, and instead Cameroon went in front just after the half-hour mark.
When the South African defence could only partially clear a corner, the ball fell to Carlos Baleba on the edge of the area.
He took a touch and tried a shot which was deflected into the path of Tchamadeu and the London-born full-back with Stoke City rolled home from close range.
That goal – confirmed after a long VAR check – was celebrated by the Cameroonian fans who made up the majority of the 14,127 crowd, with two-time AFCON winner as a player Eto’o among those in attendance.
South Africa would have been hoping for a strong start to the second half but instead Cameroon scored again within two minutes of the restart.
Substitute Mahamadou Nagida crossed from the left and Kofane headed in his second goal of the tournament so far.
Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy then made good saves from Samukele Kabini and from a Teboho Mokoena free-kick before Makgopa turned in a low cross by fellow substitute Aubrey Modiba on 88 minutes.
That set up a grandstand finish, but Cameroon nervously held on.
Two Equatorial Guinea players have been banned for insulting a referee at the Africa Cup of Nations and Burkina Faso captain Bertrand Traore was fined for post-match remarks, according to the respective football federations.
Equatorial Guinea captain Carlos Akakpo and midfielder Josete Miranda have each been banned for four games for swearing at referee Messie Nkounou of Congo after their 1-0 loss to Sudan in Casablanca on Sunday which left them bottom of Group E. Two of the matches have been suspended for the period of a year, the federation said.
The suspensions began yesterday when Equatorial Guinea face Algeria in their last group match in Rabat.
Traore, who plays for Sunderland, was fined $10,000 for “offensive remarks” he made in an interview after Algeria’s 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in Rabat on Sunday.
“It’s a shame, we lost 1-0 to a penalty. I think there was a penalty on me in the very first action of the match,” Traore said. “The referees are ruining the game. And then, at the end, the referee (swear word) me.”
Traore expressed regret after being charged by the Confederation of African Football, the Burkinabe federation said.
The delegation includes passionate supporters, coordinators, organisers and the ANFASSC driver of vibes, the instrumentalists, prepared to deliver the traditional Nigerian fan energy that has been integral to the Super Eagles’ campaigns for decades.
The arrival in Morocco follows ANFASSC’s earlier reaffirmation of unwavering support for the Super Eagles at AFCON 2025. Despite institutional challenges reported in the lead-up to the tournament, the club’s commitment remains firm and driven by patriotism, unity, and authentic Nigerian support for the national team.
Addressing members upon arrival, Ogunjimi stated that ANFASSC’s mission in Morocco is not just to watch the Super Eagles play, but to feel every moment with them, bringing the rhythm, energy, and soul that Nigeria is known for: from the heartfelt chants to the beating drums, brass instruments, and spirited songs. These musical elements, often referred to by supporters as the “driver of vibes”, are central to the Nigerian fan experience and help lift the team’s spirit inside and outside the stadium.
“In times of pressure,” Ogunjimi said, “Nigeria’s supporters have always turned up for our team with heart, unity, and pride. That tradition travels with us to Morocco; every chant, every beat, every flag, and every voice is here to carry the Super Eagles forward.”
ANFASSC’s presence comes at a strategic moment, as the Super Eagles prepare to face tough group matches and pursue continental glory. The club reiterates that its role is critical in providing positive psychological support for the team, reinforcing the belief that no matter where the game is played, Nigerian hearts beat with the Super Eagles.
The supporters club also takes this moment to thank Nigerians at home and abroad for their messages of encouragement, collective prayers, and steadfast belief in the team’s potential. ANFASSC remains dedicated to peaceful, passionate, and organised support, and to projecting the best of Nigerian fan culture throughout AFCON 2025.
As the tournament continues, ANFASSC urges all Nigerians to stay united, to support the Super Eagles through every challenge, and to celebrate Nigeria’s rich football legacy with pride and dignity.
Former sports editor and administrator, Arabinrin Aderonke, has lauded the Super Eagles of Nigeria following their impressive victory over Tunisia, a result that secured Nigeria’s place in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Reacting to the hard-fought encounter, Aderonke commended the team’s resilience, discipline, and attacking approach against a strong Tunisian side buoyed by confidence from their opening-match victory.
“I would like to extend my warmest felicitations to the Super Eagles for their well-deserved and courageous victory over a highly competitive Tunisian team. Qualifying with a game to spare speaks volumes about the character, strength, and ambition of this team,” she said.
Aderonke, who recently received the Role Model of the Year award from the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) in Copenhagen, Denmark, also praised the goal-scoring duo and the collective performance of the team, noting that Nigeria’s early dominance set the tone for the match and ultimately shaped the outcome.
“The goals scored by Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman must not only be attributed to individual genius, but also the strength and power of team philosophy that is founded on discipline, confidence, and team belief. Despite the fightback by Tunisia, the Super Eagles were mature and focused enough to see out the game,” said Arabinrin Aderonke.
She also pointed out the importance of getting six points from the two matches, saying it was ‘a very strong statement of intent’ by Nigeria at the championship.
“To have qualified for the Round of 16 with six points after two group games is a strength for Nigeria. It is a clear indication of the fact that Super Eagles are not just participants, but are serious title contenders,” said the female soccer fan.
The Super Eagles are currently top of Group C and, if they remain at the summit, they might be poised to face the runner-up of Group D, which includes West African arch-rivals Senegal, Benin, Congo, and Botswana.
Arabinrin Aderonke urged the team to stay focused as the tournament unfolds, rallying Nigerians everywhere to support the side.
“I appeal to the players and technical personnel to remain focused and leverage on this spirit. Nigerians pride themselves in you, and the country is behind the Super Eagles as they proceed on their journey to AFCON 2025,” she added.
Aderonke has been a strong advocate for gender equality, youth empowerment, and social inclusion, earning her a place among Africa’s leading voices in sports-for-development.
Organisers at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco are allowing supporters in for free after kick-off in matches where stadiums are not full, a Confederation of African Football source told AFP.
The Group F game between Cameroon and Gabon on Wednesday in Agadir kicked off in front of almost empty stands but the ground filled up significantly over the course of the first half despite incessant rain.
The official attendance was later announced as 35,200 inside a venue which can hold over 45,000.
There have been similar scenes at numerous matches across the opening days of the competition, even leading to confusion over the attendance figures themselves.
The crowd at Tuesday’s Group D encounter between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin at Rabat’s Al Medina Stadium – which filled up considerably over the course of the game – was initially announced as 6,703 before later being corrected to 13,073.
The CAF source indicated that organisers, in agreement with African football’s governing body, were opening stands around 20 minutes into games to allow fans gathered outside to enter without paying.
Filling stadiums is an important issue for Cup of Nations organisers in Morocco, for which a successful hosting of the tournament is key as it builds towards the 2030 World Cup to be jointly held in the North African country, Spain and Portugal.
CAF’s official ticketing platform on Thursday showed seats available for almost all remaining group matches for prices starting at 100 dirhams ($10.96).
The only matches shown as sell-outs were hosts Morocco’s games against Mali on Friday and Zambia on Monday, as well as Algeria against Burkina Faso on Sunday and Algeria versus Equatorial Guinea next Wednesday.
AS widely expected, the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, got off to a bight start yesterday in Rabat as Afrobeats superstar Davido and global rap sensation French Montana delivered a show-stopping performance at the tournament’s Opening Ceremony.
Played out before a sold-out capacity crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and watched by millions on television across the globe, the world audience was held spellbound moments before the hosts, Morocco, got off their campaign to a winning note with a 2-0 win over hard-fighting Comoros.
Both sides had settled for a goalless first half after Morocco squandered a penalty mid-way into the game but it was the hosts that kept their momentum at the restart.
They were eventually rewarded with the opener in the 55th minute through Brahim Díaz while Ayoub El Kaabi added the second goal in the 77th minute with spectacular over-head (bicycle) kick that should be a contender for the goal of the tournament.
Meanwhile, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, opening his address with “Assalamu Alaikum”, thanked King Mohammed VI, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, the Moroccan government and people, as well as Moroccan FA president Fouzi Lekjaa, for their role in bringing the tournament to life.
He hailed Morocco’s passion for football and declared the competition officially open in the presence of the FIFA President Gianni Infantino
The presence of Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, who officially inaugurated the competition alongside Motsepe and Infantino, added ceremonial weight to the evening.
The Comoros President Azali Assoumani was also in attendance, highlighting the continental significance of the occasion.
As Nigeria builds momentum for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Goldberg Lager Beer has unveiled a nationwide fan engagement campaign aimed at rallying support for the Super Eagles to reignite the passion that defined the team’s run to the final of the last tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in what is widely seen as competitive and unpredictable. The Super Eagles will open their campaign against Tanzania on 23rd December at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, before facing Tunisia on 27th December. They will conclude the group stage against Uganda on 30th December.
The campaign, themed “Our Beat, Our Gold” draws inspiration from the rhythm, pride and resilience that connect Nigerians to football. It positions Goldberg as a central part of the AFCON experience, blending live match viewing with music, entertainment and consumer rewards.
At the centre of the initiative is a flagship viewing centre planned for the Police College in Ikeja, Lagos, from 4 30pm and admission is free. The Lagos venue will be supported by a network of fan parks and mini viewing centres across the country, ensuring that supporters in both urban centres and regional communities can take part in the shared match-day experience.
Through these activations, Goldberg plans to transform key locations nationwide into vibrant communal spaces on Nigeria’s match days, providing fans with an opportunity to come together and support the Super Eagles in a lively and safe environment.
The viewing centres are designed as immersive spaces where football and culture intersect. Fans will enjoy live match action alongside music, dance, comedy and interactive games, with promotions and instant rewards adding to the excitement. The goal, according to the organisers, is to recreate the emotional intensity of the stadium experience for fans watching outside the match venues.
“Our Beat, Our Gold is about capturing the rhythm of the Nigerian spirit,” the Portfolio Manager for Premium Beer at Nigerian Breweries Plc, Maria Shadeko, said.
She added: “Football has a unique way of bringing us together. At the last AFCON, we saw how belief, passion and unity carried the Super Eagles all the way to the final. As the team gets set for action in Morocco, Goldberg is once again creating spaces where Nigerians can gather, celebrate and push our Eagles towards a fourth AFCON title.”
Beyond fan-facing activities, the campaign also includes strong trade and distributor engagement. Through the Road to Morocco hospitality contest, Goldberg is targeting its top distributors across the West and East zones, rewarding performance with exclusive AFCON-related incentives. The initiative is expected to support sales growth while tying the brand’s commercial objectives to the national football story.
Afrobeats singer Davido has demonstrated his unwavering support for the Super Eagles, staking $25,000 (approximately N36 million) on Nigeria’s opening Group C match against Tanzania at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.
The singer shared a snapshot of his betting slip on his X page, predicting that both teams will score in the match, with a potential payout of $96,564 (about N140 million).
Afrobeats superstar Davido is set to headline the official kick-off concert of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Rabat, Morocco.
The concert, scheduled to take place at the Olm Souissi Fan Zone on Saturday, will also feature performances by French Montana, Douaa Lahyaoui, Says’z, and Lartiste, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The statement read, “The Confederation of African Football has officially announced the artists set to headline the opening concert of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Rabat.
“Global hip-hop star French Montana and Nigerian Afrobeats icon Davido will lead an exciting international line-up, joined by Moroccan sensation Douaa Lahyaoui, French-Moroccan hitmaker Lartiste, and rising artist Says’z. The diverse selection reflects AFCON’s celebration of African culture, music, and global influence.
“The opening concert is scheduled for Saturday, just a day before the tournament kicks off, setting the tone for what is expected to be an unforgettable AFCON in Morocco.
“Fans in Rabat and across Africa are eagerly counting down to a night where football and music unite on a grand stage.”
The event is open to fans with Fan IDs and match tickets.
Davido, a seasoned performer, has previously entertained crowds at major international events, including the AFCON 2017 opening ceremony, the 2022 FIFA World Cup draw in Doha, and the 2023 Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) awards.
The AFCON 2025 finals kick off on Saturday with the opening match between hosts Morocco and Comoros at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat.
Few tournaments test a nation’s footballing soul like the Africa Cup of Nations. It is never just about tactics, form or star power; it is about identity, belief, pressure and timing. As the Super Eagles of Nigeria head to Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, they do so burdened by recent disappointments, energised by undeniable talent and haunted by familiar administrative questions in search of their fourth continental title, writes TUNDE LIADI
The Super Eagles’ journey to Morocco is unlike most in Nigeria’s AFCON history. Traditionally, Nigeria travel as loud favourites or confident challengers. This time, expectations are unusually muted. Back-to-back failures to qualify for the FIFA World Cup have bruised national pride, while administrative controversies and insufficient preparation have dampened optimism.
Yet, Nigeria remain Africa’s most naturally gifted football nation. Three AFCON titles (1980, 1994, 2013), seven final appearances, and a conveyor belt of elite footballers ensure the Super Eagles are never far from the conversation. AFCON 2025 is therefore not just another tournament — it is an attempt to reset Nigeria’s football narrative.
Former captain John Obi Mikel did not mince words when assessing Nigeria’s build-up. Calling the situation “unacceptable” and “embarrassing,” Mikel’s criticism cuts to the heart of Nigeria’s recurring problem — governance.
His frustration over reports of unpaid salaries owed to head coach Eric Chelle reflects a deeper issue: instability off the pitch often spills onto it. For Mikel, AFCON should have been an opportunity for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to rebuild trust after recent failures. Instead, he fears history is repeating itself.
“When issues like this are in the public space, it affects everyone — the coach, the players, and even the fans,” Mikel warned. Still, he remained emphatic that the players must rise above the chaos. His message is both indictment and rallying cry: Nigeria deserve better, but the shirt still demands sacrifice.
If Mikel addressed administration, Sunday Oliseh tackled psychology. His verdict was blunt: Africa no longer fears Nigeria.
Failure to qualify for the World Cup, Oliseh argues, has emboldened opponents. The Super Eagles are no longer the intimidating force of old; they are now a scalp teams believe they can claim. At AFCON, that perception matters. Every group opponent will raise their level against Nigeria.
Yet Oliseh also sees opportunity. A strong start, particularly in the opening group game against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania, could flip the narrative instantly. Discipline, tactical clarity and mental sharpness — not reputation — will decide Nigeria’s fate.
According to Opta’s supercomputer, Nigeria are ranked fifth favourites with a 7.3 per cent chance of winning AFCON 2025. Morocco (19.1%), Egypt, Senegal and Algeria all sit above them.
The data reflects both respect and doubt. Opta acknowledged Nigeria’s explosive attack, led by Victor Osimhen, but flags defensive absences, a demanding group and uncertainty under a new coach as complicating factors.
History supports the caution. AFCON is notoriously unpredictable. Favourites stumble, outsiders rise, and momentum often outweighs pedigree. Nigeria know this better than most.
Beyond probabilities, Nigeria arrive in Morocco with powerful motivations.
At AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria came within touching distance of glory, only to fall in the final to the hosts. That campaign, steady rather than spectacular, proved the Super Eagles could still navigate tournament football effectively. Under Eric Chelle, there is belief that extra step can now be taken.
Missing the 2026 World Cup — potentially for the second consecutive time — is a scar that will not fade easily. An AFCON triumph cannot erase that pain, but it can soften it. Victory in Morocco would restore pride and belief in Nigerian football.
This is arguably Nigeria’s most gifted generation since the mid-1990s. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, two of Africa’s recent Footballers of the Year, headline a squad in its prime, averaging just over 27 years of age. Opportunities like this do not linger forever.
Another AFCON title would draw Nigeria level with Ghana on four continental crowns, adding fresh fuel to one of Africa’s fiercest rivalries and reinforcing Nigeria’s standing among the continent’s elite.
Nigeria’s group — Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania — is deceptively tricky.
Tunisia bring organisation and tournament nous. Uganda and Tanzania arrive fearless, aware that Nigeria’s aura has dimmed. Oliseh’s warning resonates here: no game will be straightforward.
Meanwhile, Eric Chelle’s squad selection underlines a quiet rebuild. Five new players — youthful, hungry, largely untested — signal a long-term vision, even if AFCON is a brutal place for experiments.
The inclusion of players like Ryan Alebiosu, Salim Fago Lawal, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Tochukwu Nnadi injects energy and freshness. Akinsanmiro’s personal story — from quitting football to learning barbing before earning an Inter Milan move — captures the hunger Chelle appears to value.
Yet questions remain. The absence of Maduka Okoye, injury concerns around Stanley Nwabali, and lingering distrust of Francis Uzoho leave uncertainty in goal. William Troost-Ekong’s retirement and Ola Aina’s absence further thin leadership at the back.
Chelle’s message, however, is clear: productivity earns selection. Paul Onuachu’s resurgence in Turkey and Akor Adams’ efficiency underline a merit-based approach.
Perhaps Nigeria’s greatest advantage is psychological. Rarely have expectations been this low. Fans speak more of quarterfinal exits than silverware. That underdog status could free the Super Eagles from suffocating pressure — or expose lingering fragility.
Former goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim believes unity is key. Drawing from the 2013 triumph, he insists that talent and experience are present, but support and belief must follow.
“A friendly game is always a friendly game,” Agbim said after the loss to Egypt. “At AFCON, the real mentality will come into play.”
Players echoed that sentiment. Paul Onuachu and Chidozie Awaziem both highlighted tactical progress and dominance despite defeat. These are small signs, but in tournament football, small signs matter.
Victor Ikpeba perhaps summarised Nigeria’s AFCON reality best. “The biggest threat to winning AFCON is ourselves,” he said.
He rates Nigeria among the favourites alongside Morocco, Senegal and Cameroon, but warns that pressure, expectation and internal instability have undone Nigeria before. AFCON is unforgiving; only focus survives.
Ikpeba’s belief that Egypt and Algeria may fall short underscores AFCON’s unpredictability. Talent must align with mentality.
Morocco 2025: Super Eagles schedule
Dec 23- Nigeria vs. Tanzania: A must-win opener to set the tone for a strong start
Dec 27-Nigeria vs. Tunisia: A repeat of the 16th Round clash in 2021 and result could be the group’s decider.
Dec 30: Uganda vs. Nigeria: Potential banana skin if qualification is not already secured.
