Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has addressed the possibility of their 2025 AFCON semi-final against Morocco being decided by a penalty shootout.
So far, only the last-16 clash between Mali and Tunisia was decided via spot-kicks at the tournament.
Nigeria lost by penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoff in November.
And when asked about his team’s preparations for a shoot-out in case the match against the Atlas Lions extends beyond extra-time, Chelle replied: “I will go to the mosque to pray to win if we get to a penalty shootout.”
If the Eagles are able to beat the host whether in regulation time or penalties, they will take on Senegal or Egypt in Sunday’s final.
The Super Eagles trained behind closed doors in Rabat on Monday as they ramp up preparations for the highly anticipated AFCON semi-final against host nation Morocco.
The team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, said the decision to shut the session to the public was taken to allow head coach Eric Chelle to conduct detailed tactical work away from outside scrutiny.
The closed-door training was held at the Complexe Mohammed VI in Rabat.
Efoghe also confirmed that the media will be granted access to the opening 15 minutes of Tuesday’s training session before the squad resumes private drills.
The Super Eagles are hoping to reach their second final since lifting the title in 2013 and finishing as runner-up in the last edition in Ivory Coast.
Morocco and Nigeria will clash at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, on Wednesday.
Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has insisted that Nigeria is not dependent on striker Victor Osimhen.
Oliseh spoke ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON semi-final tie with Morocco on Wednesday.
According to him, the Nigerian team is made up of a solid eleven players, not Osimhen alone.
“Nigeria is not Osimhen,” Oliseh said on the Global Football Insights podcast.
“Nigeria is these eleven solid players. For the past 20 years, I have never seen a Nigerian Super Eagles team play the way this team has played against Uganda, Mozambique and Algeria.”
This is coming less than a few days after Osimhen’s recent on-field heated argument with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s AFCON Round of 16 4-0 win against Mozambique.
Osimhen and Lookman have since settled and moved on as they featured together in Nigeria’s 2-0 win against Algeria in the quarter-final at the weekend.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has formally lodged a complaint with both FIFA and CAF following their 2–0 loss to Nigeria in the quarter-final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
FAF had challenged some of the referee’s calls in the game last Saturday.
In the letter, they claimed that several officiating decisions in the match “raised serious questions” and caused widespread dissatisfaction among players, officials, and fans.
The federation described the calls as undermining the credibility of African refereeing and tarnishing the image of African football on the international stage.
The complaint included a formal request for an investigation to clarify the disputed decisions and to ensure corrective action in line with CAF and FIFA regulations.
After the game in Marrakech, Algerian and Nigerian players clashed on the field.
Fans of the Desert Foxes also vandalized some items in the stadium and had to be contained by stadium security.
On Monday, CAF already released a statement, confirming they have opened an investigation into the incidents.
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has finally broken his silence after his club, Werder Bremen, ruled him out for the rest of the season following knee surgery.
Earlier today, Werder confirmed that the Nigerian forward will undergo surgery after consulting a specialist in Austria, sidelining him for the rest of the campaign.
Following a successful procedure, Boniface shared a message on his official X account, reflecting on his struggle with the injury.
He wrote: “Been putting a fake smile for almost a year, but God knows why all this is happening.
Egypt booked their place in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 3-2 win over defending champions Ivory Coast in an entertaining quarterfinal clash in Agadir on Saturday.
The Pharaohs raced into a two-goal lead and, despite sustained pressure and a late fightback from Ivory Coast, showed composure to see out the contest and end the champions’ title defence.
Fast start gives Egypt early control
Ivory Coast suffered an early setback as Egypt struck in the fourth minute. Hamdy Fathy won possession in midfield and released Emam Ashour, whose incisive through ball found Omar Marmoush.
The forward broke in behind the defence and calmly finished into the bottom-right corner.
Egypt doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute from a corner. Mohamed Salah’s delivery was met by Ramy Rabia at the back post, and the defender headed the ball back across goal and into the net to put Egypt firmly in control.
Salah inspires Egypt to victory against Ivory Coast – Getty image
Ivory Coast respond before the break
The Elephants reduced the deficit just before half-time through a set piece. Diomande delivered a dangerous free-kick from the left, Odilon Kossounou flicked it on, and the ball ricocheted off Ahmed El Fotouh before crossing the line to make it 2-1 at the interval.
Salah leads second-half charge
Egypt restored their two-goal cushion shortly after the restart with a quick counter-attack.
Rabia played a long ball forward to Ashour, who produced a precise trivela pass across the box for Salah. The captain finished confidently into the bottom-left corner to make it 3-1.
Ivory Coast continued to push and pulled another goal back in the 73rd minute. A corner caused chaos in the Egyptian box, substitute Krasso headed the ball back into danger, and Guela Doué eventually bundled it home to set up a tense finale.
Despite late pressure, Egypt defended resolutely to preserve their lead and secure progression.
The result eliminates the defending champions and sends Egypt into a semifinal showdown against Senegal on Wednesday, January 14.
Manchester City produced a ruthless display to demolish League One side Exeter City 10-1 and book their place in the FA Cup fourth round, matching the biggest winning margin in the club’s history.
Antoine Semenyo marked his Manchester City debut with a goal and an assist after completing a £65m move from Bournemouth, as Pep Guardiola’s side overwhelmed opponents two divisions below them at the Etihad Stadium.
City take control before the break
Despite an early scare when Liam Oakes forced a sharp save from James Trafford inside five minutes, City quickly imposed themselves.
Academy defender Max Alleyne opened the scoring on 12 minutes, poking home his first senior goal for the club.
Rodri then doubled the lead with a long-range strike, before Exeter’s resistance collapsed further through two own goals. Captain Jake Doyle-Hayes and defender Jack Fitzwater both inadvertently turned the ball into their own net, sending City into the interval with a commanding 4-0 advantage.
Semenyo opens his Manchester City account with a goal and assist against Exeter – Getty image
Semenyo shines in second-half rout
The second half became a one-sided exercise as City added six more goals. Rico Lewis finished from Semenyo’s cross before the Ghana international scored himself, showing composure to convert after being played through.
Tijjani Reijnders curled home a fine effort, Nico O’Reilly headed in, and Ryan McAidoo added another with a low finish after an impressive display on his debut. Lewis then completed his brace late on to take City into double figures.
Exeter teenager George Birch scored a late consolation in front of the travelling support, but it did little to soften a chastening afternoon for the visitors.
Record win and momentum boost
The result equalled City’s 10-1 win over Huddersfield Town in 1987 and extended their home FA Cup winning streak to 16 matches. It also provided a timely morale boost after recent Premier League frustrations.
For Exeter, the defeat continued a difficult trend against top-flight opposition, marking their 11th consecutive FA Cup loss to Premier League sides.
Founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu has made a generous pledge to the Nigeria Super Eagles following their impressive victory against Algeria, describing the win as a morale booster for the entire nation.
In a public post shared on his Instagram page after the match, the billionaire businessman praised the players for lifting Nigeria’s spirit and announced massive cash incentives ahead of the semi-finals.
In his words, he said:
“Congratulations to our Super Eagles players on a brilliant victory against Algeria. You have lifted the spirit of the nation, and we proudly cheer you on as you prepare for the semi-finals.”
To further motivate the team, the BUA founder pledged huge financial rewards tied to performance.
“I pledge USD $500,000 to the players upon winning the semi-final, with an additional USD $50,000 for every goal scored. Should you go on to win the final, I further pledge USD $1,000,000, plus USD $100,000 for each goal scored in the final.”, he added.
He ended his message by wishing the team continued success as they push forward in the competition.
Many reactions have followed his social media announcement. A commentator wrote, “Big money, big encouragement.” Another added, “Now that’s how to support the national team.”
With morale high and major incentives on the table, all eyes are now on the Super Eagles as they head into the semi-finals carrying the hopes of millions of Nigerians.
