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BREAKING: AFCON: Super Eagles Beat Algeria 2-0, To Play Morocco In Semi-Final

Nigeria has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Super Eagles pulled off a stunning display to beat Algeria 2-0 in their quarter-final clash on Saturday evening, to book their spot.

Eric Chelle’s men dominated the Desert Foxes for most of the first half, but failed to find the back of the net.

The closest Nigeria came to opening the scoring, came when Calvin Bassey’s effort was cleared off the line.

But in the second half, Victor Osimhen headed in Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross, before setting up Akor Adams for the second goal.

The three-time African champions will now clash with the hosts Morocco for a place in the final.

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I Am Afraid – Riyad Mahrez Jokes Ahead Of Nigeria vs Algeria Clash

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has jokingly admitted that he is “afraid” ahead of his team’s clash with Nigeria, while emphasizing that the Desert Foxes must be fully prepared for a difficult test at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mahrez praised the quality of the Super Eagles, describing the current Nigeria squad as more dangerous going forward than the team Algeria faced at AFCON 2019.

The winger acknowledged Nigeria’s attacking strength, warning that Algeria will need to be at their very best to advance.

“I’m afraid (laughs). They have scored a lot of goals in this competition,” Mahrez said.

He also suggested the game would be more open than Algeria’s previous encounter against DR Congo, a scenario he believes could suit both sides’ attacking qualities.

“We expect the next match to be more open, which will give us more space to showcase our abilities, and we must be fully prepared,”he added.

Reflecting on past meetings between both teams, the former Manchester City star insisted that comparisons with Algeria’s 2019 semi-final victory over Nigeria would be misleading.

“This match against Nigeria will be very different from the one in 2019. That was in Egypt, with different players, a different style of play, and a different journey,” he said.

Mahrez also revealed the personal importance of the tournament, confirming it will be his final Africa Cup of Nations. The 34-year-old admitted he is eager to end his AFCON career on a high by lifting the trophy once again.

“This will be my last AFCON. I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations again with this generation. I really want it,” he said.

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Ex-UFC Champion, Kamaru Usman Apologises After Private FaceTime Call With Anthony Joshua Is Shared Online

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has publicly apologized after a private FaceTime call with former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was leaked online without his consent.

The clip, which appeared in a YouTube video shared by Usman on Wednesday, showed an emotional exchange between the two athletes following a fatal car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close friends.

The conversation took place on December 30 while Joshua was still recovering from injuries sustained in the crash and shortly before an MMA event in Lagos.

Joshua survived the accident on December 29 along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which killed the boxer’s close associates, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.

Joshua was pulled from the wreckage and rushed to Duchess International Hospital, where he received treatment. In the footage, the boxer is seen lying in a treatment room with bandages around his head and torso as he opens up to Usman about the loss. He admitted that the reality of what had happened was yet to fully register.

During the recorded call, Usman asked about the seating arrangement in the black Lexus at the time of the crash.

Joshua replied, “One was in the front and one was behind him, on the right side. They both passed away. It still hasn’t sunk in. It still hasn’t hit me yet.”

“I’m sorry for that, man. You scared the world, I’ll tell you that right now,” Usman responded.

“Life is short, man. Life is short. And now look, I get to speak with you for the first time,”Joshua said.

“I know. It’s a funny way how things move, you know? We thank God,” Usman replied.

“You scared the world. It’s crazy because, obviously, we deal with the haters and all the bull**** every time, and it sucks that it takes something serious like this to really see how many people have their eyes on you,” Usman added. 

The release of the clip sparked criticism online, with many questioning why such a sensitive moment had been made public. Responding to the backlash via his Instagram story on Thursday, Usman accepted responsibility and apologised for not keeping the conversation private.

He wrote, “After seeing what’s being written, it’s quite heartbreaking. Being on camera that whole day in preparation for The AKO Show, it completely slipped my mind that my conversation was recorded.

“I realised afterwards and asked about it. I take full responsibility for not properly reviewing the video that was released and for failing to keep my private conversation with my brother, AJ, private. SMH. Big L on me. That’s not something I would ever do to a friend or brother.”

 

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They Don’t Deserve This Embarrassment – Peter Obi Slams Non-Payment Of Super Eagles’ Allowances

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the ongoing non-payment of match allowances to Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, calling it a national embarrassment that damages the country’s reputation and demoralizes its players.

Obi made the remarks in a post on his official Facebook page, expressing concern that Nigeria continues to generate troubling narratives even at moments when citizens need unity and positive distractions.

According to him, the Super Eagles have been a major source of national pride, lifting the spirits of Nigerians at home and abroad through their recent performances, yet are now facing avoidable distractions due to the failure to pay their agreed match bonuses.

“At a time when Nigerians need joy and unity—something the Super Eagles have been providing by winning matches and lifting our spirits worldwide—these same players are being denied their basic match allowances,”Obi wrote.

He questioned the country’s priorities, noting that while huge sums are written off in debts for government agencies and political allies and spent on what he described as grandiose, self-serving projects, authorities appear unable to meet basic obligations to national representatives.

He said the situation damages Nigeria’s international reputation and unfairly places additional pressure on the players ahead of a crucial quarter-final encounter, stressing that the failure to honour pre-tournament agreements is unacceptable.

“The Super Eagles do not deserve this embarrassment or the avoidable distractions ahead of a crucial quarter-final match. Nigeria must learn to fulfil its obligations,” Obi added.

 

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Arsenal held by Liverpool but extend Premier League lead

Arsenal failed to capitalise fully on dropped points elsewhere but still strengthened their grip on the Premier League title race after a goalless draw with Liverpool.

The Gunners had the chance to open an eight-point gap at the summit following midweek draws for Manchester City and Aston Villa. Instead, they had to settle for a point, extending their lead to six.

Missed chances in first half

Arsenal controlled much of the opening period, claiming possession and territory, but struggled to translate dominance into clear-cut chances.

Their approach relied heavily on crosses into the box, yet lacked the decisive movement required to finish them off.

Arsenal held by Liverpool but extend Premier League lead
Liverpool hold Arsenal in Premier League title race – Getty image

Despite being second best early on, Liverpool carved out the best opportunity of the half. Conor Bradley pounced on a miscommunication between David Raya and William Saliba before clipping an effort that rattled the crossbar.

Liverpool improve after the break

Arne Slot’s side, operating without a recognised striker due to Hugo Ekitike’s absence, grew into the contest after the interval and posed greater attacking threat. However, their improved intent still failed to produce a breakthrough.

Neither side managed to find the cutting edge needed to claim all three points, with defences ultimately on top.

The draw keeps Arsenal top of the table, now six points clear, while Liverpool remain fourth as the title race continues to take shape.

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Real Madrid edge Atletico to book Superclasico final

Real Madrid secured a place in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final after overcoming city rivals Atletico Madrid in Jeddah.

Xabi Alonso’s side approached the derby with clear intent after suffering a 5-2 defeat in the teams’ earlier meeting this season, and they wasted no time in asserting control.

Lightning start sets the tone

Inside 90 seconds, Federico Valverde broke the deadlock with a ferocious free-kick from around 30 yards, leaving Jan Oblak with no chance.

The early strike allowed Madrid to manage the game on their terms, conceding possession but remaining structurally disciplined.

Atletico pushed forward and created opportunities, with Alexander Sørloth missing two presentable chances and Alex Baena denied by a strong save from Thibaut Courtois. Their inability to capitalise would soon be punished.

Madrid punish missed chances

Ten minutes into the second half, Real Madrid doubled their advantage as Rodrygo Goes timed his run perfectly to collect Valverde’s pass before finishing clinically past Oblak.

Atletico responded on the hour mark when Sørloth finally converted, heading in at the back post to reduce the deficit and inject urgency into Simeone’s side.

Despite late pressure and attacking substitutions including Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada, Real Madrid held their ground, even while ending the match without a natural centre-back on the pitch.

The win sets up a Superclasico final against Barcelona on Sunday, after the Catalans swept aside Athletic Club in the other semi-final on Wednesday.

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It’s Tough For Me – Anthony Joshua Opens Up On Friends’ De@th In Emotional Note Days After Their Funeral

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has revealed that the deaths of two of his friends were a particularly difficult period for him.

Recall that a car conveying the boxer earlier this month, rammed into a stationary truck along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The accident claimed that lives of his personal trainer, Kevin Latif Ayodele, and his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami.

In a post on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, the former heavyweight champion said it was tough for him.

Joshua acknowledged that the incident was “even tougher” for the parents of the deceased.

He wrote, “Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn’t even realise how special they are.

“I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.

“100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents.

“I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”

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AFCON 2025: ‘Sort Out Whatever You Owe Super Eagles’ – Mikel Obi Knocks NFF Over Match Bonus

Mikel Obi, a former Nigeria captain, has cautioned against any distractions in the Super Eagles camp ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Mikel said that the team is doing well right now and must continue that way.

This happened after news came out that the Super Eagles players and coaches did not want to go to Marrakech for their quarterfinal match against Algeria because they had not been paid their bonuses yet.

Nigeria is set to face Algeria in the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday night.

The team and coaching staff have not been given their bonuses for the four matches they have played so far.

Mikel said that nothing should stop the Super Eagles from winning the tournament.

The ex-Chelsea player told the Super Eagles to remain focused and determined as they get ready for their next match.

He said on the Obi One podcast, “We need to win the next game, and we have to play it the right way because it’s going to be a difficult match against Algeria.

“I’ve seen them[Algeria]play a couple of times. They are a very strong team and collaborate smoothly with each other.

“They are very strong, they have some really good and talented players, so we have to give our best performance. There should be no things that block the way, or make it hard to focus, or have a bad effect. We should be prepared to handle any problems or issues that may arise.

“Are the players being paid their bonuses? Whatever they were promised should be fixed before the game begins. I believe we can make it all the way and win the trophy.”

If Nigeria beats Algeria on Saturday, they will reach the semi-finals of the AFCON for the second time in a row.

Nigeria finished in second place in 2023, which means they lost to the host country, Ivory Coast, in the final match.

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NFF Confirms CBN Processing AFCON 2025 Allowances After Super Eagles Strike Threat

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Central Bank of Nigeria has started processing the outstanding allowances owed to Super Eagles players and team officials from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

According to the NFF, the funds are being transferred directly from the CBN to the individual bank accounts of the players and officials, following days of tension within the camp over delayed payments.

The confirmation came amid reports that the Super Eagles had threatened to boycott their AFCON 2025 quarter-final match against Algeria if the issue was not resolved.

Journalist Tobi Adepoju, popularly known as Oganla Media, disclosed the development after speaking with a senior NFF official in Morocco.

“UPDATE FROM MOROCCO: I just spoke with a top NFF official about the potential players’ and officials’ strike,” Adepoju wrote on his official 𝕏 account.

He added that the official said: “The monies have been processed from CBN to individual banks. The players and officials will receive all their bonuses when the process is completed.”

Earlier, BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji reported that unpaid allowances had pushed the squad to the brink of industrial action.

“Players and coaching staff of Nigeria are waiting on AFCON 2025 bonus payments. Win bonuses from four matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Mozambique, have yet to be received,” Okeleji wrote.

“The squad remains focused but the players will NOT train or travel to Marrakech on Thursday if this isn’t resolved.

“Three-time #AFCON champions Nigeria have a strange ability to self-sabotage.

“Officials made a promise to the players and coaching staff ahead of the AFCON 2025 tournament.

“After going unbeaten to reach the quarterfinal against Algeria, the squad will NOT train or travel on Thursday.”

On the pitch, the Super Eagles have enjoyed a flawless campaign so far at AFCON 2025. They opened their group with a 2-1 win over Tanzania, followed by a thrilling 3-2 victory against Tunisia and a 3-1 success against Uganda. The run continued with a commanding 4-0 triumph over Mozambique in the round of 16 on Monday.

The coach Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles will face Algeria in the quarter-final showdown on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Marrakech, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

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AFCON 2025: You’re Not Bigger Than Super Eagles – Mikel Obi Warns Osimhen (Video)

John Mikel Obi, a former Super Eagles captain, has cautioned Victor Osimhen that he is “not bigger than the team.”

Mikel Obi was speaking on his podcast about the on-field clash between Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

Both players were involved in an angry confrontation during Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Osimhen berated Lookman for not passing and signalled to the bench demanding to be substituted.

“The part where he stopped playing, running and making efforts; that part I don’t like,”Mikel Obi said.

“The part where he stood up after the game and walked straight into the dressing room. That part I didn’t like.

“Football is always about the team. No individual is bigger than the national team, and Victor knows that.”

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