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Tag: AFCON

  • FULL LIST: 20 players risk suspension ahead of AFCON finals

    FULL LIST: 20 players risk suspension ahead of AFCON finals

    As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 reaches its semi-final stage, 20 players from the four semi-finalists, Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt, are at risk of missing the final if they receive another yellow card in today’s matches.

    According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary rules, a player who accumulates two yellow cards during the tournament is automatically suspended for the next match.

    Since yellow cards are not wiped after the quarter-final stage, cautions picked up earlier still count.

    Full 20-name list:

    Nigeria

    Four Super Eagles players are currently one caution away from missing the final:

    Stanley Nwabali

    Calvin Bassey

    Moses Simon

    Frank Onyeka

    The quartet has been instrumental to Nigeria’s run and will need to tread carefully as the stakes rise.

    Read Also: WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons to know opponents Thursday

    Morocco:

    Three Atlas Lions players are also at risk:

    Bilal El Khannouss

    Soufiane Rahimi

    Ismael Saibari

    All three have played significant roles in Morocco’s attacking and midfield setups.

    Senegal

    Senegal has the highest number of players at risk, with seven names on the suspension watchlist:

    Kalidou Koulibaly

    Ismail Jakobs

    Pape Gueye

    Habib Diarra

    Habib Diallo

    Nicolas Jackson

    Ibrahim Mbaye

    Egypt

    Mohamed El Shenawy

    Hamdy Fathy

    Rami Rabia

    Marwan Attia

    Ahmed Fattouh

    Hossam Abdelmaguid

    Notably, Nigeria’s captain, Wilfred Ndidi, is already suspended for today’s match against Morocco due to accumulated yellow cards.

    The Super Eagles will be hoping to secure a spot in the final without their skipper, while Morocco will be looking to make history on home soil.

    The semi-final matches are set to take place on January 14, 2026, with Egypt facing Senegal and Nigeria taking on Morocco.

    The winners will qualify for the AFCON final scheduled for January 18, 2026.

  • Oliseh: Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 form is best in 20 years

    Oliseh: Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 form is best in 20 years

    Super Eagles legend Sunday Oliseh has heaped praise on the Nigerian national team, declaring their recent performances at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 as the best he’s witnessed in 20 years.

    In a recent interview circulating on X, Oliseh, a former captain and coach, said he was particularly impressed with the team’s displays against Uganda, Mozambique, and Algeria, displaying their tactical dominance and ability to pressure opponents.

    He said, “I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next games. People were shouting the Tunisia game; for me, the Tunisia game was not really exceptional. The Tanzania game, for me, was not exceptional. I made my opinions clear. It’s no secret anymore.

    “But the way these Super Eagles have played the last three games is the best I have seen Super Eagles play in 20 years. In 20 years, since 2006,” he declared. “You can say Sunday said this”.

    Oliseh provided a breakdown of the tactical dominance displayed by the team under the current management.

    “Ask anybody what he saw as a football analyst to watch our team, and they will tell you Nigeria now forces the opposition to play defensive non-stop”, he added.

    Read Also: AFCON 2025:  Oliseh lauds Osimhen on captainship against Uganda

    He lauded the midfield trio of Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi, saying they are “hitting everything up in the midfield” and that Iwobi is “running the show like an orchestra”.

    “Nigeria, they now put pressure on you from the defence, from the midfield, and Onyeka and Ndiidi are hitting everything up in the midfield. And look, Iwobi is just running the show like an orchestra,” he added, describing his enjoyment while watching.

    “Commentating on Nigeria is the most difficult thing to do because you want to give all the compliments, but at the same time you’re saying, oh, no, no, no, I have to be neutral”, he added.

    The Super Eagles face host Morocco in the semi-finals in Rabat, a match that promises to be a thrilling encounter between two footballing giants.

  • Eagles hungry to make amends for last AFCON – Ajayi

    Eagles hungry to make amends for last AFCON – Ajayi

    Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has declared Nigeria’s overriding objective is to lift the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy as the team prepares for a crucial semi-final showdown with Morocco.

    Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, will take on hosts Morocco on Wednesday night in Rabat, with a place in the final at stake.

    Speaking with Footy Africa, the Nigeria defender—who plays his club football with Hull City—said the squad is driven by the desire to atone for the disappointment of their last AFCON final defeat to Côte d’Ivoire.

    “The ambition is there, the goal is the same,” Ajayi said. “We know how painful it was to not go all the way the last time, and we’re looking to make amends for that.

    “Like I said, we’ve still got a semi-final to do it, and we’re really hungry, ready, and focused to make sure we fulfil the ambition.”

    Ajayi also stressed that the Super Eagles remain intent on improving as the tournament reaches its decisive stages.

    “We can always improve. No performance is perfect, and whatever we need to fix, we can do that on the training field before the next game,” he added.

    Wednesday’s clash promises to be a high-stakes encounter as Nigeria aim to move one step closer to reclaiming continental glory at the Africa Cup of Nations.

  • UPDATED: Nigeria advance to AFCON semifinals, beat Algeria 2-0

    UPDATED: Nigeria advance to AFCON semifinals, beat Algeria 2-0

    The Super Eagles are advanced to the semifinals of AFCON 2025 after they beat the Desert Foxes of Algeria 2-0 in Marrakech. 

    The Eagles entered the match after a commanding 4-0 win over Mozambique in the Round of 16, having scored 12 goals in four matches, the tournament’s most prolific attack.

    The Eagles dominated the first half against Algeria in the quarter-final clash, creating multiple scoring opportunities but struggling to break through the Desert Foxes’ resolute defence.

    The first goal came in the second half from an header scored by striker Victor Osimhen, the lead was then doubled by his strike partner Akor Adams in the 57th minute.

    Nigeria have booked their place in the last four and will face hosts Morocco in the semifinals.

  • AFCON 2025: Senegal edge Mali to book semi-final spot

    AFCON 2025: Senegal edge Mali to book semi-final spot

    Senegal secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after grinding out a 1–0 victory over a 10-man Mali at the Grand Stade de Tanger.

    The decisive moment came in the 28th minute when Iliman Ndiaye pounced on a costly error from Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, calmly slotting the ball home to give the Teranga Lions the lead.

    Mali’s task became even tougher late in the first half as captain Yves Bissouma was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Idrissa Gueye, leaving the Eagles a man down.

    Read Also: JUST IN: NNPP appoints Abiya as Kano acting chairman amid leadership shake-up

    Despite the setback, Mali pressed aggressively after the restart in search of an equaliser, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stood firm to deny them. Senegal, meanwhile, threatened on the counter-attack and could have extended their lead, only for Diarra to redeem himself with a series of saves.

    Senegal will now face the winner of the quarter-final showdown between Egypt and Ivory Coast in the last four. The semi-final encounter is scheduled to take place in Tanger next Wednesday.

  • From Diaz to ‘Mazadona’: Akor listed among five exciting new faces at AFCON

    From Diaz to ‘Mazadona’: Akor listed among five exciting new faces at AFCON

    The Africa Cup of Nations reaches the quarter-final stage this weekend with a series of mouthwatering ties between the continent’s heavyweights. AFP Sport picks out five stars enjoying their first AFCON to look out for in the last eight:

    AKOR ADAMS (SEVILLA/NIGERIA)

    The big 25-year-old striker is a great addition to a fearsome Nigerian attack led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

    Adams, who joined La Liga side Sevilla from Montpellier a year ago, was not part of the Super Eagles set-up until October, when he scored on his debut in World Cup qualifying against Lesotho.

    He started the first two games in Morocco as Nigeria sealed a last-16 berth, before being rotated out of the team against Uganda. But he returned for the 4-0 demolition of Mozambique on Monday and played a starring role with a goal and an assist as Eric Chelle’s team set up a showdown with Algeria.

    BRAHIM DIAZ (REAL MADRID/MOROCCO)

    Moroccans were perhaps pinning their hopes of Cup of Nations glory on home soil on skipper Achraf Hakimi. But while the African player of the year hardly featured in the group stage as he recovered from injury, Diaz wasted no time in becoming their key man.

    Diaz, 26, has scored in every game including the crucial strike to beat Tanzania in the last 16. That makes him the tournament’s leading marksman on four goals.

    Born in Malaga, Diaz was capped by Spain at full international level in 2021 but later switched allegiance to Morocco, from where his father hails. The ex-Manchester City and AC Milan winger broke into the Atlas Lions’ side shortly after the last AFCON in 2024 and will have an important part to play against Cameroon today.

    CHRISTIAN KOFANE (LEVERKUSEN/CAMEROON)

    Cameroon appear to be in permanent turmoil these days but they have so far enjoyed a successful AFCON with a number of exciting young players to the fore. None more so than Kofane, the 19-year-old forward from Douala who joined Bayer Leverkusen ahead of this campaign from Albacete in Spain’s second tier.

    Teenage forward Christian Kofane has wasted no time making an impact for Cameroon

    He has started 10 games for Leverkusen this season, scoring against the likes of Borussia Dortmund and in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven. Those performances convinced new Indomitable Lions coach David Pagou to include him in his squad to go to Morocco.

    Read Also: NFF  urges  Super Eagles to shine  at Morocco 2025

    Kofane made his first appearance in the 1-1 draw with Cote d’Ivoire  before netting the winner against Mozambique in the final group game and then the goal that secured a 2-1 success over South Africa in the last 16.

    IBRAHIM MBAYE (PSG /SENEGAL)

    The 17-year-old PSG winger hails from the suburbs of the French capital and represented France at youth international level before deciding in the run-up to the Cup of Nations to play for Senegal, his father’s country of origin.

    Mbaye, who has made 20 appearances for European champions PSG this season, was therefore handed a debut for the Lions of Teranga in a November friendly defeat by Brazil.

    He has gone on to have a significant impact for Senegal in Morocco, showing that he belongs among the likes of Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye.

    Mbaye came off the bench to set up his team’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw with DR Congo, and set up a goal as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Benin. Again appearing from the bench, Mbaye scored the third goal in the 3-1 win over Sudan in the last 16. His side face Mali in the last eight on Friday.

    IBRAHIM MAZA (LEVERKUSEN/ALGERIA):

     “Mazadona” has been thrilling on Algeria’s run to the quarters. The 20-year-old Berlin-born attacking midfielder represented Germany as a youth but has Algerian heritage and opted in late 2024 to play for them after impressive performances for Hertha Berlin.

    Maza, who joined Leverkusen ahead of this season for a reported 12 million euros ($14m), has had a huge impact for Algeria playing behind the striker.

    He came off the bench to score in their opening win against Sudan and has started every game since, picking up the man of the match prize against Burkina Faso and finding the net against Equatorial Guinea. A future superstar.

  • AFCON on SuperSport: Nigeria set for familiar test against  Algeria

    AFCON on SuperSport: Nigeria set for familiar test against  Algeria

    The Super Eagles will continue their Africa Cup of Nations campaign tomorrow  at 5:00 pm in Marrakesh, where they face Algeria in the quarter-finals. The match, alongside all AFCON games will be broadcast live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.

    Nigeria progressed to the last eight with the most emphatic result of the Round of 16, recording a 4–0 victory over Mozambique. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams were all on the score sheet, while Alex Iwobi controlled midfield proceedings in a performance that reinforced the Super Eagles’ attacking depth.

    The win also saw Nigeria become the first team in AFCON history to record victories in their opening four matches of a single tournament. With 12 goals scored so far, they enter the quarter-finals as the competition’s leading attacking side, though focus has briefly shifted to a minor on-field disagreement between Osimhen and Lookman during the Mozambique match.

    Despite the incident, Nigeria’s overall momentum remains intact as they prepare for a more demanding test against Algeria on Saturday at 5:00 pm.

    Read Also: NFF issues AFCON 2025 final ultimatum to Chelle

    Algeria arrive with a different profile, advancing after a 1–0 extra-time win over DR Congo and conceding just one goal across the tournament. Their progress has been built on defensive structure and game management rather than attacking volume, setting up a tactical contrast against Nigeria’s fluid front line.

    History adds further significance to the meeting. Algeria have held a slight edge over Nigeria in previous AFCON encounters, including the 2019 semi-final decided by a late Riyad Mahrez free-kick. Past tournaments have often produced narrow margins between the two sides, reinforcing the sense of a closely matched rivalry.

    The quarter-final schedule begins on  today, with Mali facing Senegal at 5:00 pm, followed by Cameroon against Morocco at 8:00 pm. On Saturday, Nigeria face Algeria before Egypt meet defending champions Ivory Coast at 8:00 pm.

    All quarter-final matches will be broadcast live on the SuperSport AFCON channel on DStv Channel 202 and GOtv Channel 59, with Open Access available to DStv Yanga and GOtv Jolli subscribers.

    As the tournament narrows to its final contenders, attacking momentum, defensive discipline and decision-making under pressure are set to define which teams advance beyond the last eight.

  • FG confirms release of Super Eagles’ bonuses

    FG confirms release of Super Eagles’ bonuses

    The federal government has announced that all group-stage bonuses due to players of the Super Eagles at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations have been released and are expected to reflect in the players’ domiciliary accounts within hours.

    The disclosure was made by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, in response to reports suggesting that the national team was considering boycotting training sessions and could refuse to travel to Marrakesh for their quarter-final encounter against Algeria.

    In a post on her official X handle, Uzoka-Anite provided an update on the administrative steps taken to resolve concerns surrounding the payment of match bonuses to the Super Eagles, stating that the issue had been addressed through coordinated action by the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    “The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have successfully streamlined to ensure faster, more predictable disbursements aligned with international best practice,” the minister said.

    She explained that all bonuses earned during the group stage of the tournament had already been processed through the required regulatory procedures. “All group-stage bonuses were fully released and have now cleared the necessary regulatory stages,” she said.

    Uzoka-Anite added that the government had introduced a fast-track process to meet the players’ preferences regarding currency denomination. “We have implemented a fast-track conversion process to move funds into foreign currency, honouring the players’ preferences,” she stated.

    Read Also: Another  bonus row threatens Super Eagles’ AFCON campaign

    According to the minister, the final stage of the payment process is already underway. “The final transfers to domiciliary accounts are currently in flight. Players can expect these funds to reflect starting today (Thursday) or tomorrow (Friday),” she said.

    She noted that the government’s priority remains the welfare and morale of the national team as they progress into the knockout phase of the tournament. “Our focus remains entirely on supporting the team’s welfare so they can maintain their incredible momentum in the knockout rounds,” Uzoka-Anite said.

    She added that the administration is committed to ensuring that off-field issues do not distract the players from their performance on the pitch. “We move forward with one goal: Bringing the trophy home!” she said.

    The update is expected to calm concerns surrounding the team’s preparations ahead of the quarter-final fixture, as the Super Eagles continue their campaign at the AFCON 2025 tournament.

  • FULL LIST: AFCON 2025 quarter-final countries, fixtures, date, time

    FULL LIST: AFCON 2025 quarter-final countries, fixtures, date, time

    The quarter-final picture of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 is now complete following Algeria’s hard-fought Round of 16 victory over DR Congo on Tuesday.

    Algeria booked their place in the last eight with a dramatic 1–0 extra-time win in Rabat, where substitute Anis Boulbina struck in the 119th minute to seal qualification. The result sets up a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown against Nigeria.

    Nigeria had earlier confirmed their spot on Monday night after a commanding 4–0 triumph over Mozambique. Victor Osimhen starred with a brace as the Super Eagles cruised into the next round.

    Before Algeria’s qualification, Senegal, Mali, hosts Morocco, Cameroon and Egypt had already secured their quarter-final tickets.

    Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire became the final team to join the last eight after a convincing 3–0 victory over Burkina Faso on Tuesday night in Marrakesh. Goals from Amad Diallo, Yan Diomandé and Bamba Touré capped a dominant performance by the Elephants, who will now face Egypt in a blockbuster quarter-final as they chase a historic back-to-back AFCON title.

    Qualified teams for AFCON 2025 quarter-finals:

    Senegal

    Mali

    Morocco

    Cameroon

    Read Also: Algeria edge DR Congo in extra-time to reach AFCON 2025 quarter-finals

    Egypt

    Nigeria

    Algeria

    Côte d’Ivoire

    Confirmed quarter-final fixtures:

    Mali vs Senegal – Friday, January 9

    Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier by 5pm WAT

    Cameroon vs Morocco – Friday, January 9

    Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat by 9 pm WAT

    Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire – Saturday, January 10

    Venue: Stade Adrar, Agadir by 8pm WAT

    Nigeria vs Algeria – Saturday, January 10

    Venue: Stade de Marrakech, Ouahat Sidi Brahim by 5pm WAT

  • Adams dedicates first AFCON goal to sick mum Akordinly

    Adams dedicates first AFCON goal to sick mum Akordinly

    Striker Akor Adams has dedicated his third Super Eagles’ goal and his first at the on-going 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco to his mum, who was hospitalized as Nigeria thrashed Mozambique 4-0 at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Monday night.

    In a dominant  display with a brace from Victor Osimhen as well as a goal each from Ademola Lookman and Adams, victory earned the Super Eagles a quarter final berth much to the delight of the Sevilla striker.

    “First, glory to God for the privilege to have my first AFCON  goal like all of you have been waiting for,” Adams who would be 30 on January 28, said ‘Akordinly’ after Monday’s well-deserved win with the Super Eagles. “ But the goal is dedicated to my mum.

     “She’s supposed to be here, but she’s in the hospital right now. She was admitted this morning, but she’s much better now. I’m happy for the team.”

    Read Also: Morocco 2025:  NFF launches NAIJA 4 THE WIN campaign for Super Eagles

    Regarded as one  of the emerging Nigerian striking power after scoring on his international  debut in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-off  against Gabon last November , Adams has featured  in all the Super Eagles first four matches and with a goal under his belt at  Morocco 2025  

    On the  widely reported  alleged altercations between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Akor  took a  diplomatic course, saying: “Victor had a fantastic game. Lookman had a fantastic game. So, we came out with the victory, and we’re happy.”