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Super Eagles: ‘Don’t Let Him Go’ – Frank Onyeka Begs NFF Over Chelle

Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has appealed to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to retain head coach Eric Chelle.

Onyeka praised Chelle’s character and ability, insisting that many players within the Super Eagles have a strong affection for him.

Chelle’s current contract with the NFF  will expire in January 2027 after he signed a midway in his two-year contract with the federation.

“When Chelle took charge of the Super Eagles, you could see his game plan and tactics,” Onyeka told Oma Akatugba.

“He’s a good and a lovely man, someone you feel comfortable around.

“He is very open-minded and offers everyone the opportunity they deserve.

“A lot of the Super Eagles players love him so much. Don’t let him go.”

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Victor Osimhen Reveals Two Nigerian Players He Spoke With To Join Galatasaray

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has revealed the two Nigerian players he contacted about joining the Turkish Super Lig champions amid the ongoing January transfer window.

Osimhen wants his Super Eagles teammates Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika to consider making the move to Galatasaray this year amid the ongoing January transfer window.

“I spoke with [Raphael Onyedika] and [Ademola] Lookman. I explained Galatasaray and Turkey to them in detail, how wonderful a club Galatasaray is, how beautiful a country Turkey is,” Osimhen said as quoted by Habersarikirmizi.

“It would be very good for our club, for the players, and for our fans if they came.

“I’m trying to convince both of them. I’d love for them to come to one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

Onyedika currently plays his club football for Club Brugge, while Lookman plays for Atalanta.

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Super Eagles Of Nigeria Climb 12 Places To 26th In Latest FIFA Ranking After 2025 AFCON

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have climbed 12 spots to 26th place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, as released on Monday, January 19, 2026.

The rise,  from 38th to 26th follows Nigeria’s strong performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where the Eagles secured a third-place finish and claimed the bronze medal.

The impressive showing included six wins in seven matches, with the only defeat coming against hosts Morocco in a tight semifinal decided by penalties.

Nigeria is now the third-best team in Africa, behind AFCON finalists Senegal, ranked 12th globally, and Morocco, placed eighth in the world.

Algeria and Egypt, both eliminated by Nigeria at the tournament, occupy fourth and fifth positions respectively on the African ranking.

Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Croatia make up the world’s top 10 teams.

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NFF Confirms Eric Chelle Will Remain As Super Eagles Coach After 2025 AFCON

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has confirmed that Eric Chelle will remain as head coach after Nigeria secured third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

NFF had set a target of getting to the final and winning the trophy for Chelle, but he fell short of this, losing to Morocco in the semi-final and winning the bronze medal instead.

Speaking after the tournament, Gusau stated that the national team displayed notable progress under Chelle and affirmed that the federation is committed to working with the coach as Nigeria aims to build on the performance.

“The team is close to running on autopilot and will definitely achieve a lot of success under the present technical crew,” Gusau said via NFF, reflecting on Nigeria’s campaign.

“The NFF is proud of the team’s performance and will continue to do its best to encourage, support, and motivate the team as we go forward.

“As the head of a hard-working technical crew, Mr Chelle has done exceedingly well within the one year he has been with us. He has shown enormous capacity, and we will continue to work with him.”

Nigeria finished third at the tournament after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win the bronze medal, following a goalless draw in regulation time at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca on Saturday.

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AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Get Special Bonus For Third Place

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to earn $15,000 for securing third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The bonus was initially meant for the semi-final where they lost 4-2 on penalities to hosts Atlas Lions of Morocco.

The players have received all their win-bonus except for the third- place match, according to SCORENigeria.

Wealthy businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu has also  redeemed his pledge of $500,000 to the team.

The players have already dispersed to their respective clubs.

They failed to attend the medal presentation ceremony on Sunday.

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Senegal beat Morocco to claim dramatic AFCON 2025 title

Senegal secured the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) trophy after a dramatic 1-0 win over hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat on Sunday.

Pape Gueye’s extra-time strike proved decisive, giving the Teranga Lions their second continental crown.

Late drama and key saves

The match remained goalless through 90 minutes, with Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy denying Morocco from the penalty spot in stoppage time.

Brahim Diaz’s panenka attempt was easily saved, sending the final into extra time amid chaotic scenes as Senegal fans attempted to storm the pitch.

Mane praised as Senegal beat Morocco to claim dramatic AFCON 2025 title
Senegal beat Morocco to AFCON 2025 title – Getty image

Riot police intervened, but the Teranga Lions regrouped to take the decisive moment in extra time.

Gueye secures victory

Minutes into extra time, Senegal countered swiftly, with Gueye finishing a fine move into the top corner to break the deadlock.

Morocco pressed for an equaliser but were repeatedly denied, with Bounou making key saves and the woodwork coming to the Teranga Lions’ aid.

Balanced contest despite absences

Senegal managed the win despite missing captain Kalidou Koulibaly, midfielder Habib Diarra, and right-back Krepin Diatta.

The Teranga Lions had early chances, including Pape Gueye heading over after a Lamine Camara delivery and Nicolas Jackson setting up Amadou Ndiaye, whose effort was saved.

Morocco also created opportunities, with Abde Ezzalzouli, Ismael Saibari, and Ayoub El Kaabi testing Senegal’s defence throughout the match.

The final was a tense, highly competitive affair, highlighted by physical clashes and close-range opportunities. The Atlas Lions’ hopes of winning on home soil were dashed, despite dominant periods and a late penalty opportunity.

Senegal’s resilience under pressure and clinical finishing in extra time earned them the title, while Morocco were left to rue missed chances in front of their home supporters.

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Chelle relieved with Super Eagles AFCON 2025 bronze

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle admitted defeat in the third-place match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations would have been difficult to accept, but expressed pride after the Super Eagles claimed the bronze medal.

Nigeria finished third after edging their opponents to cap a campaign that fell short of the title but provided encouragement for the future.

Speaking after the match, Chelle said the result eased the emotional weight of the tournament and validated the effort of his players.

“It would have been very difficult for me to accept if we had lost this game,” Chelle said. “My players gave everything during this AFCON, and I am very proud to be their coach.”

Chelle relieved with Super Eagles AFCON 2025 bronze

Chelle relieved after Super Eagles win over Egypt for AFCON 2025 bronze – Getty image

Tactical choices and game management

Chelle revealed he deliberately adjusted his system for the third-place match, starting with a flat 4-4-2 rather than his preferred diamond midfield.

According to the coach, the change was part of a broader tactical test rather than a reaction to pressure.

“I wanted to bring the game wide first, then inside,” he explained. “The players are more comfortable in the diamond, so the first half was difficult. In the second half we kept the ball better, and for me, we deserved this victory.”

He also defended his in-game decisions, including substitutions that drew criticism from some supporters.

“If I do something that looks crazy, there is always a reason,” Chelle said, stressing that each decision was made with long-term development in mind.

Focus on players and future planning

The coach praised goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose place in the squad had been questioned before the tournament, crediting trust and preparation for his performances.

“We prepared Stanley like every other player,” Chelle said. “He is strong, sometimes nervous, but he would go to war for his teammates. He deserves this victory.”

Chelle also addressed questions over squad rotation and the limited involvement of younger players, insisting caution was necessary in high-pressure situations.

“You cannot just throw young players into pressure situations,” he said. “They must prove readiness every day in training.”

Despite missing out on the title, Chelle believes the tournament laid a foundation for progress.

“I am happy with third place, even though I wanted to bring the trophy to Nigeria,” he said. “Our mission now is the next AFCON. We want to build something ambitious.”

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Super Eagles Stars, Osimhen, Ndidi, Awaziem Party In Lagos After AFCON Third-Place Win (Video)

Super Eagles players Victor Osimhen, captain Wilfred Ndidi, and defender Chidozie Awaziem were seen at a Lagos nightclub on Sunday, just hours after Nigeria secured third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

In the early hours of Sunday, social media personality and socialite Babatunde Akinpelu, popularly known as Tunde Perry, shared a video of himself with the Galatasaray striker, with Ndidi and Awaziem visible in the background at a Lagos club.

The outing was reportedly part of Perry’s birthday celebration.

“Kai from Morocco Victor,” Perry captioned the video, accompanied by some of his popular slang: “Otorpinpin paaaaaa DATieeeee Mo,” meaning “know your squad.”
“8 am on Sunday, on my birthday”, Perry also said while filming himself and Osimhen.

The Galatasaray striker was also given a ceremonious welcome inside the club.

Recall that Nigeria defeated Egypt 4–2 on penalties on Saturday in Casablanca after regular time ended goalless, claiming a record ninth bronze medal in the history of the competition.

 

The Super Eagles and the Pharaohs faced off in the third-place playoff after both sides fell short in the semi-finals. Nigeria lost 4–2 on penalties to hosts Morocco last Wednesday, while Egypt were edged 1–0 by Senegal.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero for Nigeria, saving two spot kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. At the same time, Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman all converted their penalties to seal the win.

Osimhen, who did not feature in the third-place match, was earlier spotted leaving the Stade Mohammed V with his bags on Saturday, moments after taking part in the dressing-room celebrations with his teammates.

Osimhen played five matches for Nigeria at the 2025 AFCON, scoring four goals and providing one assist.

Captain Ndidi featured in every one of Nigeria’s matches except the final group game against Uganda. He appeared to sustain an injury during the quarter-final clash against Algeria, while Awaziem came on as a substitute in four matches during the tournament.

Some of their teammates, including Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, have also left Morocco, while others are expected to be part of the medal presentation during Sunday’s final.

Hosts Morocco and Senegal will trade tackles in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The match will kick off at 8:00 pm.

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Oleksandr Usyk Backs Anthony Joshua To Return To The Boxing Ring After Death Of His Friends In Car Crash

Heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has thrown his support behind fellow boxer Anthony Joshua, encouraging him to return to the ring following the tragic loss of friends in a car accident.

Recall that the British-Nigerian boxer was involved in a car crash that killed two of his close friends last month.

The two-time heavyweight world champion was a passenger in a black Lexus when it ploughed into a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun.

Usyk, who fought and beat AJ in 2021 and 2022, said he has spoken to his old friend and rival since the fateful day in Nigeria and believes the Brit will not retire.

Joshua lost Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, who were friends but also integral to his team, and some believed he would not want to get back in the ring again.

Usyk had a heartfelt chat with the 36-year-old and told Ready to Fight: ‘I’ve already spoken with him [Joshua].

‘I heard a desire to continue in his voice – for the friends he lost and for the chance to live that the Lord gave him.

‘Once I spoke with the mother of my fallen comrade, and she told me: “Oleksandr, he would be very proud that you are continuing your work; he will watch you from heaven”.

‘And he, I think, does that. And not just him, but all my loved ones who passed away defending our country. They are my guardian angels who help me in the ring.’

Joshua had been linked with a huge showdown against Tyson Fury this year but those plans are now on the backburner and promoter Eddie Hearn thinks he could step away from the sport for a while.

He told Sky Sports: ‘He will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, before he makes a decision on his future.

‘I do think he will want to return to boxing, but that will be his decision when the time is right.

‘It is certainly not a conversation I’ll be having with him any time soon. The only conversation is, “Are you OK?”

‘And sometimes we find people will give that facade of being OK, but what happened to him is not normal and heartbreaking for all involved.’

Earlier this week, AJ posted a video of him training in Dubai and captioned it: ‘Mental strength therapy.’

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AFCON 2025: ‘I Was Dead’ – Dele-Bashiru Speaks After Nigeria’S 4-2 Penalty Win Over Egypt

Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has admitted he was completely exhausted after being deployed as a right-back during Saturday’s match against Egypt, having to constantly run up and down the flank.

The central midfielder was deployed as a right-back following an injury to Bright Osayi-Samuel in the third-place match against Pharaohs.

Dele-Bashiru said there are a lot of challenges playing at right-back for Nigeria, hailing the players that naturally play in that position.

Nigeria recorded a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout against the Pharaohs to secure the bronze medal at the tournament.

Asked about his experience playing in different positions, he said, “Yeah, I’m quite versatile.

“I’m always ready wherever the coach wants me to play. Today it came as a surprise, but I think I tried to do my best.

“It gave me a lot of respect for people who play right-back because it’s very, very tough running up and down the pitch.

“In the end I was dead, but yeah, I was just happy that we got the victory,” he said.

Nigeria missed out on a place in the final of the tournament having been defeated 4-2 on penalties by Morocco on Wednesday.

Senegal and Morocco will play in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Today, Sunday.

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