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AFCON: Social Media Has Distracted You All, The Praise Got To Your Heads – Bovi Blasts Super Eagles (Video)

Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma has accused the Super Eagles players of being distracted during their AFCON semi-final clash against Morocco on Wednesday.

Recall that the Super Eagles lost 4-2 on penalties to the hosts in Rabat, effectively ending their dream of a fourth continental title.

Reacting in a video broadcast, Bovi blamed Super Eagles players for the defeat, claiming that they have been distracted by social media, fans’ praises, and lacked passion due to unpaid match bonuses.

He urged players not to choose to represent Nigeria if they are not going to be committed to the national team.

He said, “Football is the only thing that unites Nigeria. So dear Super Eagles and intending Super Eagles, have it in mind that if you are playing for Nigeria, regardless of how the NFF treats you, understand that you have the potential to unite Nigerians.

“I forgive Samuel Chukwueze for missing a penalty. But you need to understand that the weight of a nation lies in your hands. But if you go for glory before victory, more often than not, you will become the victim…

“Don’t come to the Super Eagles if you know you are not ready to give everything for the nation. If NFF delays your payment, let it go. Social media has distracted you all, and the praise got to your heads.

“Not just from this tournament, but also previous tournaments. You don’t understand that the fans don’t like you, they like what you do.”

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AFCON 2025: Chelle Reveals What Will Happen If Nigeria vs Morocco Goes To Penalties

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.

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Super Eagles Squad Trains Behind Closed Doors Ahead Of Semi-Final Clash With Morocco

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.

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AFCON 2025: Why Victor Osimhen Will Captain Super Eagles Against Morocco

Victor Osimhen has been named captain of the Super Eagles for their semi-final clash against Morocco’s Atlas Lions.

This is because, the team’s captain, Wilfred Ndidi is suspended for the game due to card accumulation.

Ndidi was cautioned in Nigeria’s Round of 16 encounter against the Mambas of Mozambique.

The Besiktas star was also booked in the quarter-final tie against Tunisia.

Recall that Osimhen captained the Super Eagles in their last group game against Uganda.

Osimhen was named Super Eagles vice-captain on the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

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The Way The Super Eagles Played The Last 3 Games Is The Best I’ve Seen In 20 Years – Sunday Oliseh Says (Video)

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.

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AFCON 2025: Algeria Heads To FIFA, CAF Submits Complaint After 2-0 Defeat To Super Eagles

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.

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Super Eagles Striker, Victor Boniface Begins Rehabilitation After Successful Knee Surgery (Video)

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has begun his rehabilitation following a successful knee surgery.

The Werder Bremen striker, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, went under the knife in Innsbruck, Austria, on Saturday.

The Nigerian international has already been ruled out for the remainder of the season, with the hope of bouncing back for next season.

The 25-year-old shared a video on social media showing him working with a physiotherapist.

Watch the video below..

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Been Putting Fake Smile For Almost A Year – Super Eagles Star, Victor Boniface Speaks As He’s Ruled Out Of The Season Over Knee Injury

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.
 

“Grateful to God.”

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AFCON 2025: Egypt edge Ivory Coast, set up Senegal semifinal

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.

AFCON 2025: Egypt edge Ivory Coast, set up Senegal semifinal
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.

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FA Cup: Semenyo scores on debut as City thrash Exeter 10-1

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.

FA Cup: Semenyo scores on debut as City thrash Exeter 10-1
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.