The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Africa Cup of Nations

  • AFCON on SuperSport: Morocco Await Nigeria While Senegal Face Egypt

    AFCON on SuperSport: Morocco Await Nigeria While Senegal Face Egypt

    The Super Eagles will seek to play in their second Africa Cup of Nations final in as many editions when they play hosts, Morocco, in Rabat  tonight.

     The match kicks off at 9:00 pm. Earlier on the same day at 6pm Nigerian time , Senegal will face Egypt  in Tangier. The two matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.

    The Super Eagles booked their place in the last four with a 2–0 quarter-final win over Algeria in Marrakech, a disciplined performance decorated by goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. Nigeria’s defence held firm as Algeria failed to register a shot on target until the closing stages.

    Morocco, playing in front of a home crowd, advanced with a 2–0 victory over Cameroon and remain one of the tournament’s most balanced teams, combining defensive solidity with a potent attack.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: What to know ahead of Super Eagles Clash against Morocco

    Senegal against Egypt is a tasty clash and  marquee pairing. It pits two former Liverpool stars, Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, two-thirds of Liverpool’s fames forward line for much of the last decade.

    Senegal reached the semi-finals after a composed 1–0 quarter-final victory over Mali, extending their reputation for defensive strength and efficiency. Egypt advanced with a thrilling 3–2 win against Côte d’Ivoire, with Salah scoring and creating goals.

    The Senegal–Egypt semi is a repeat of the 2021 AFCON final which Senegal won on penalties. Both sides arrive unbeaten in the tournament’s latter stages, setting up a tactical battle between Senegal’s structured defence and Egypt’s attacking cohesion.

    For Nigeria, the semi-final represents a clash of continental styles: the tournament’s highest-scoring team against a Morocco side built on organisation and home support. Meanwhile, the Senegal–Egypt match pits two of Africa’s most storied football nations against one another, with elite talent on display in key positions.

    All AFCON semi-final matches will be shown live on the SuperSport AFCON dedicated channel (GOtv Ch. 59, DStv Ch. 202) with Open Access available to DStv Yanga and GOtv Jolli subscribers.

  • CAF to investigate post-match violence at Africa Cup of Nations

    CAF to investigate post-match violence at Africa Cup of Nations

    Violent confrontations at the conclusion of two of the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals at the weekend are to be investigated with possible sanctions to be imposed, the Confederation of African Football said.

    Opposing players jostled with each other after Morocco beat Cameroon in Rabat on Friday and when Nigeria overcame Algeria in Agadir on Saturday. Video on social media showed the referee being pursued down the tunnel by Algerian players after their 2-0 defeat, and altercations among journalists from the two countries in the mixed zone, an area where reporters can interview players after the match.

     “CAF has collected recent match reports and video evidence indicating potentially unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials and has opened an investigation,” a statement said.

    “CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons were to be found guilty of any wrongdoing.

    “CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers. Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events,” it added.

    Algerian fans clashed with security staff after their loss to Nigeria.

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

    Algeria’s federation on Monday confirmed it had filed a complaint with CAF over the performance of referee Issa Sy from Senegal in a one-sided match in which Algeria were roundly beaten by Nigeria.

    “The Algerian Football Federation cannot ignore the refereeing performance observed during the last match, which raised numerous questions and caused considerable confusion,” it said in a statement.

    “Certain decisions have damaged the credibility of African refereeing and do nothing to enhance the value of continental football on the international stage.”

    Such complaints, however, are common in African football, notably from losing teams as federations seek to temper the dissatisfaction and disappointment of their fans and blame defeat on refereeing errors.

  • Mahrez sends Algeria into Africa Cup of Nations last-16

    Mahrez sends Algeria into Africa Cup of Nations last-16

    Riyad Mahrez scored a first half penalty as Algeria sealed their place in the knockout rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in their Group E clash in Rabat on Sunday.

    Algeria have six points and will win the group as they cannot be overhauled by either Burkina Faso (3 points) or Sudan (3) following the third round of fixtures in the pool due to the head-to-head rule.

    The Burkinabe meet Sudan in their final clash on Wednesday, while Algeria take on bottom side Equatorial Guinea, who are eliminated.

    Read Also: NIS DG Shaibu congratulates Super Eagles on AFCON round of 16 qualification

    Algeria were awarded a penalty just past the 20-minute mark when Rayan Ait Nouri was felled in the box by Ismahila Ouedraogo, and Mahrez made no mistake as he sent Herve Koffi in the Burkina Faso goal the wrong way.

    Mahrez extended his record as Algeria’s all-time leading scorer at the Cup of Nations with his ninth goal and is also the leading scorer in this edition so far having netted twice in the opening 3-0 win over Sudan.

    The Burkinabe came close to an equaliser just before halftime when Pierre Kabore’s close-range header came back off the post and Algeria were able to scramble the ball to safety.

    Koffi was busy in the Burkina Faso goal and saved from Mohamed Amoura, before Ibrahim Maza forced another good stop and then scuffed a shot wide of the target.

    Luca Zidane, son of France great Zinedine, showed good reactions to keep out a Lassina Traore header late on as Burkina Faso came close to an equaliser.

  • DR Congo star out of AFCON

    DR Congo star out of AFCON

    Mario Stroeykens’ hopes of making his DR Congo debut at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have been dashed after he sustained a knee injury just eight days before kick-off in Morocco.

    The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who represented Belgium at youth level, was granted approval to switch his allegiance to the Leopards on November 14 after being called up for their 2026 World Cup playoff tie against Nigeria.

    Stroeykens was an unused substitute as Sebastien Desabre’s side beat the Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties in the CAF qualifying final, although he still made the 26-man squad for the African showpiece.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Anthony Joshua knocks out Jake Paul in sixth round of heavyweight bout

    However, the Anderlecht youngster has now been ruled out of AFCON as a result of the injury he picked up in the 2-1 win over Sint-Truiden on Saturday.

    The Belgian giants announced that Stroeykens will be sidelined for “four to six weeks”, leading to his withdrawal from Desabre’s squad and Gael Kakuta has subsequently been called up as his replacement.

  • AFCON 2019: A post mortem

    NIGERIA lost her best and easily the simplest opportunity to lift the Africa Cup of Nations’ title penultimate Friday in Egypt. Nigeria would have been the Mecca of European scouts and managers, if Super Eagles players didn’t think through their pockets. This shameful attribute by our players has become our banana peel because no conscious attempt has been made to either punish the culprits or shun them. I won’t be surprised if the players want to compel the country to pay them a substantial part of the $2 million meant for third-place winners at the Africa Cup of Nations. Who owns the money? Players or Nigeria?

    Getting huge winning bonuses and other camping entitlements, the players should simply shut their eyes to the $2 million, except if it is specifically stated that the team should be given a certain percentage of the prize.

    Our players don’t forget such things, most times stoked by fifth columnists seeking relevance. The argument that an athlete’s sporting life is limited seems valid, yet, athletes don’t make money representing their countries. Representing one’s country opens new horizons. It follows, therefore, that players should be excited playing for this country when invited. They should stay out, honourably, if they feel dissatisfied.

    The Algerians, winners of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, were beatable only if the Super Eagles players were willing to play the socks wet like the Senegalese did, even though they lost. The Senegalese were not so skilful; they lacked many technical players, unlike the Eagles, who had all these attributes but chose the mercantile option, only to look confused during the third-place presentation. As the players mounted the podium for pictures with the dummy prize, you could see that they were in a trance, knowing rather late that they flunked it, when they could have written their names in gold. Had the Eagles brought home the trophy, Nigeria would have been in a carnival mood, with governors and deep pockets struggling to outdo one another with gifts and cash.

    Read Also: UPDATED: AFCON 2019: Super Eagles fall to Algeria

    I delayed writing on Nigeria’s performance in Egypt because I wanted to know what the winners and runners-up would be paid for their efforts. I almost beat the gun to write the article, when I read that nobody at the Presidency was ready to celebrate another ‘’golden’’ bronze medal, like we did in the past, under governments which condoned indiscipline.

    Eagles’ refusal to attend a pre-match press conference poured odium on the country. Even if they had wanted to protest, they could still with one of them accompanying the coach to the pre-match conference. Only fools won’t ask questions seeing Rohr unaccompanied to the press session, unlike their opponents who came with their coach and one player. When such a show of shame happened in South Africa, President Olusegun Obasanjo used his native intelligence in getting the truth by pulling aside some of the girls into the inner recess of Aso Rock, where they sang like kenari bird, exposing those who instigated them to misbehave.

    The Senegalese government gave each Teranga Lion $34,000 for their runners-up performance, after losing 1-0 to eventual winners of the title, Algeria. In the seven matches leading to the finals, the Senegalese got $17,000 each for all the games. They are not entitled any part of the $2.5 million prize for finishing second in the 32nd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. The cash belongs to the federation, not the players.

    It is true that no two countries can be same. But our players should know that after getting over $75,000 each for our seven matches, inclusive of their third-place game, they shouldn’t create any scene anywhere in the world, before and during competitions. Players who have issues with the federation from previous competitions should be asked to stay.

  • Rohr must scout for goalkeepers – Rufai

    Ex-International, Peter Rufai has admonished the Super Eagles’ technical crew to work more on the goalkeeping department in the team, to fix some of the loopholes experienced at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations.

    Dodo Mayana as he’s fondly called during his goalkeeping days, stated that the goalkeeping trio of Okechukwu Ezenwa, Francis Uzoho, and Daniel Akpayi had an impressive performance with little or more to amend.

    The Super Eagles finished third at the AFCON tournament after beating Tunisia 1-0 in the third-place match, thanks to an Odion Ighalo’s solitary goal in the first half.

    However, Rufai told Soccernet.ng that the team’ technical trainer, Gernot Rohr should scout for more goalkeepers that would create more competition in the team.

    Read Also: Tribunal adjourns as El Rufai opens defence

    “There is no doubt that the goalkeeper who represented Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations showed a very decent performance. At least we saw what goalkeepers such as Okechukwu Ezenwa, Francis Uzoho, and Daniel Akpayi could do for the Super Eagles but then, I still think the Super Eagles technical crew must scout for more goalkeepers that will give them stiff competition.

    “This is not to say that they are not good but there is always the need for competition in the team to bring out the best from them.

    Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria, and represented the nation at two FIFA World Cups, always as a starter: 1994 (Nigeria’s first-ever appearance, where he also acted as captain) and 1998, also helping the Super Eagles win the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

  • Samuel Chukwueze: Fear of failure my success weapon

    Nigeria’s poster boy at the Total Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2019, Samuel Chukwueze, is confident about being crowned the best player on the continent in the foreseeable future in this frank conversation with MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN.

    The was one of the bright spots in a relatively successful campaign with the Super Eagles at the Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2019 and gifted winger Samuel Chukwueze has yet spoken about his drive for perfection as he keeps his fledging career running.

    At this AFCON, he caught the eyes far and wide with his remarkable speedy dribbles and deservedly the youngest goal scorer at 20 years and 49 days with his first international goal; and the opener for Nigeria in the 2-1 defeat of South Africa in the quarter finals.

    “One of the first things and the major thing that has kept me focussed  is my family especially when I remember where I was coming from,” the lively but soft-spoken 20-year-old Chukwueze stated in an exclusive interview with The Nation the day after the unfortunate 2-1 loss to Algeria in the semi-final. “I don’t want to fail because I know if I fail, my family has also failed. That is one thing that has kept me focussed on my career at both the club and national team levels.”

    In only his first major tournament with the Super Eagles, Chukwueze clocked an impressive 482 minutes in six matches and capped it with a Man of the Match performance in the quarter final match against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

    “It’s a great feeling to be in this team and I want to thank the coach (Gernot Rohr) for the opportunity to be part of this team to the AFCON in Egypt. It was not an easy task but I have a special feeling to be among the players for the tournament,” explained Chukwueze, a FIFA U-17 World Cup winner with the Golden Eaglets class of 2015.”It is a dream come true to be among the Super Eagles to the AFCON 2019 because I used to watch them on the television and dreamed about them even last year when they were playing at the Russia 2018 World Cup.

    “It is so nice to be here among them this time around playing and laughing together. I feel so great.”

    Now capped eight times for the Super Eagles, Chukwueze emphatically said his first goal at the 2019 AFCON would forever be etched in his memory.”My goal against South Africa will always remain special to me because it was my first international goal and in my first major tournament with the Super Eagles. I also feel very great to be voted as the Man of the Match (against South Africa) but I remain humble because this is just the beginning for me.”

    Apart from doing well with the Super Eagles at Egypt 2019, Chukwueze’s fine form for his Spanish LaLiga side was rewarded in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Awards with the Best Young Player last April and he reckoned such landmarks would keep him on the straight and narrow road to success.

    “I’m so happy being declared as the Young Player of the Year and it means a lot for my career; it shows that I have greater years ahead of me if I keep working hard,” he noted.”I pray I keep my head straight and I’ll reach my goals if keep on working hard; this is just the beginning and I’m really happy about this award.”

    Few months later, Chukwueze’s eye-catching performances with the Super Eagles at Egypt 2019 would certainly make him a strong contender for the elevated Young Player Award at the continental level but he is not oblivious about the impending challenges.

    “Winning the NFF’s Best Young Player award was nice and it will be nice also to win the Best Youth Player at the next CAF awards but there are so many young players who are also doing well, so I can’t say I’ve done enough to win the CAF award but I will keep on working hard,” surmised Chukwueze, a great fan of two tennis legendary players in Roger Federer and Serena Williams.

    Incidentally, in one of his earlier definitive interviews with this writer, Chukwueze had enthused about the prospect of hitting global acclaim like his mentors, adding that work and prayer are some of his success tips.

    “I love playing footballs as well as cracking jokes; and catching fun with my friends,” noted Chukwueze who was blooded at Diamond Football Academy in Umuahia, Abia State.” There are other things I like too; I like playing and watching lawn tennis.

    “I like Roger Federer and Serena Williams because they are very talented and they are my two favourite tennis players; but I want to be as famous as Serena Williams while playing football.

    “I don’t like losing; losing a match can make me cry. I want to be a winner and I think I have the opportunity of learning new things by going to Europe.”

    After his widely reported transfer along with Kelechi Nwakali was scuppered, Chukwueze, a  great mentee of retired Dutch winger, Arjen Robben, has  become a household name following some sensational performances with Villarreal since he made his league debut for the Yellow Submarines on 5th  November 2018, playing a 90-minute full play in a 1–1 home draw against Levante.

    The first born with two other siblings, Chukwueze, according to Spanish influential tabloid, is one of the players in Europe’s top five leagues who have progressed the most in recent time with a market value of about 2.5 million Euros at the start of the 2018/19 season to over seven million Euros on current form. Yet, Villarreal has tied the player down with a release clause of about 40 million Euros – meaning he can only be prised away in a mouth-watering fee. “I’m still with Villarreal. I’m enjoying my time there because I have the opportunity of playing regularly. Maybe I can move to another club in the nearest future but it has to be where I can play regularly. For now, I have no reason to leave Villarreal; and I’m leaving everything in the hands of God.

    “My dream as a player is to win major competitions at both the club and national team levels. Personally, it is my dream to be Africa’s best player one day and I know I can realise the dream if I keep working hard. I’m still young and I know I can achieve my dreams.”

    Along with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Nwakali, Orji Okonkwo, Chukwueze is proudly a member of Nigeria’s Generationext and he admitted the future of the Super Eagles is truly bright.

    “I think the future of the Super Eagles is very bright and we can go far in the next FIFA World Cup in 2022 because we have a lot of young and talented players in the team,” he reiterated.”We have quality players like Victor Osimhen, Oghenekaro Etebo, Kelechi Nwakali and several others, and I believe we can go far if we keep working.

    “For instance, my roommate here at the AFCON 2019, Victor Osimhen, is a fantastic guy and he has really helped me both on and outside the field even when he was not playing. He can be a little crazy but he’s such a fantastic guy; and really boosted my confidence at this AFCON.

    “Victor and I have really come a long way from our days in the Golden Eaglets. Though he never played a game at this AFCON while we got to the semi-finals, he was not discouraged (Osimhen finally made his AFCON debut in the third place win against Tunisia when he came on as a second half substitute for injured Odion Ighalo).

    “He’s one player I have so much respect for because he can convert even half chances. I think he has a lot to offer the Super Eagles in the future and I kept encouraging him to be ready anytime he’s given the opportunity by the coach,” noted Chukwueze.

  • UPDATED: Algeria wins AFCON 2019

    Algeria have won the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time as a freak early goal secured a 1-0 win against Senegal in the final in Cairo.

    Baghdad Bounedjah’s shot took a huge deflection off Salif Sane and looped over goalkeeper Alfred Gomes.

    Senegal, who have never won the competition, were awarded a penalty for handball in the second half but it was overturned after a VAR review.

    Senegal’s players collapsed on the pitch in tears at the final whistle.

    Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, who said before the game he would swap his Champions League winners medal for Africa Cup of Nations success, looked disconsolate as Algeria players celebrated around him.

    Senegal, making only their second appearance in the final since 2002, dominated for large periods but struggled to make the most of their possession.

    M’Baye Niang was at the centre of two of their best chances as he flashed a fierce drive over the bar just before the break, and rounded keeper Rais M’bolhi early in the second half only to shoot wide from a tight angle.

    Read Also: UPDATED: AFCON 2019: Super Eagles fall to Algeria

    M’Bolhi also did well to palm over a stinging effort from Youssouf Sabaly.

    The decisive moment for Senegal was the reversal of the decision to award a penalty on the hour mark.

    Ismaila Sarr’s cross was blasted straight at Adlene Guedioura’s arm, referee Neant Alioum pointed to the spot, but, just as the Senegal players started celebrating the decision, he quickly indicated that a VAR review was under way.

    After watching the replays on the pitch-side monitor, which clearly showed Guedioura’s arm being by his side, Alioum reversed the decision.

    Although the decision was correct, the result was harsh on Senegal, with Algeria managing only one shot on goal.

    Both Mane and Mahrez scored three goals in the Africa Cup of Nations

    Mahrez’s lack of contribution was largely down to Algeria’s defensive approach after taking the lead, but Mane will perhaps be disappointed with his input.

    He was clearly the player Algeria fans feared most – every touch of the ball was met with boos – but he showed only glimpses of his pace and danger on the ball, possibly showing the signs of fatigue following a long season for club and country.

     

    BBCSports

     

  • UPDATED: Nigeria beat Cameroon to reach Quarter-Finals

    There will be a new winner at the Total Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2019 after defending champions Cameroon were sent packing by Nigeria who beat them 3-2 in a five-goal round of 16 thriller in Alexandria on Saturday evening.

    Odion Ighalo struck twice with Alex Iwobi scoring the winner after Cameroon had raced from a goal down to lead 2-1 courtesy of goals from Stephen Bahoken and Clinton Njie.

    What started as a slow hands back approach from both perennial rivals ended in dramatic fashion with the defending champions scoring two quick goals in the final five minutes of the game to complete their first half comeback.

    Bahoken drew Cameroon level in the 40th minute when he tapped in simply from a yard out after Nigerian keeper Daniel kpayi failed to pick out a Christian Bassogog cross from the left.

    Three minutes later, Cameroon were 2-1 up when Njie latched on to a long ball from skipper Eric Choupo-Moting before beating Kenneth Omeruo for power and finishing with a strong low effort from inside the box.

    In a half that they were hugely underwhelming, Clarence Seedorf was a delighted man seeing his charges go to the dressing rooms a goal up.

    Read Also: AFCON 2019: Senegal reach quarter-finals

    In the second half, Nigeria tore a piece off Cameroon’s script, responding with two goals in three minutes to re-take the lead.

    Ighalo completed his brace in the 62nd minute beating the offside trap and sweeping the ball past Onana after Musa had done well to chest down Collins Awaziem’s cross from the right.

    Three minutes later, Iwobi scored what would turn out to be the winner when Cameroon were caught off possession, Ighalo sweeping the ball through to the Arsenal forward who finished calmly past Onana.

    Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr had made changes at the start of the second half bringing in Samuel Chukwueze for Simon in a bid to increase the speed of the game.

    Cameroon tried to turn the game back in their favor with Seedorf bringing in Karl Toko Ekambi for Njie. As the clock ticked, Rohr resorted to guard his win bringing off match winner Iwobi for defender Leon Balogun as the Super Eagles nervously held on for the win.

    CAFonline

  • UPDATED: AFCON 2019: Benin Republic stun Morocco, reach Quarter-Finals

    Benin Republic produced a major surprise to beat Morocco 4-1 on penalties and book a quarter-final spot at the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.

    Mama Seibou hit the winning penalty to send 10-man Benin through after Khaled Adenon had been sent off in extra time.

    In an incident-packed tie in Cairo, Moise Adilehou put Benin ahead before Youssef En-Nesyri equalized.

    Morocco had a chance to win it with the last kick of normal time but Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech’s penalty struck a post.

    Benin scored all their penalties in the shootout through Olivier Verdon, David Djigla and Tidjani Anaane before Seibou’s effort sparked wild celebrations on and off the pitch inside the Al Salam Stadium.

    In what is only their fourth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, Benin will face the winners of Friday’s late last-16 tie between Uganda and Senegal in the quarter-finals on 10 July.

    Morocco had progressed from the group stage with three wins and without conceding a goal.

    Read Also: AFCON 2019: Nigeria lock horns with Cameroon in Round of 16

    Despite peppering Benin’s goal with 22 shots during the 120 minutes, they lacked cutting edge and are now on their way home from a tournament they were expected to do well in.

    Benin, who advanced to the last-16 as one of the best four third-placed teams in the group stage, played the final 23 minutes of extra time with 10 men when Adenon was sent off for a second bookable offence.

    En-Nesyri and Ziyech both forced saves from keeper Saturnin Allagbe before Benin took the lead through Adilehou’s close-range volley following a corner.

    Morocco were gifted their equaliser, an horrendous mistake by Jordan Adeoti allowing Mbark Boussoufa to set up En-Nesyri to fire under Allagbe.

     

    BBCSports