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FG Finally Delivers Housing Promise To AFCON Silver-Winning Super Eagles In Morocco (Video)

The Federal Government has fulfilled its promise to reward members of the Super Eagles squad that finished runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, awarding each player a house nearly two years after the pledge was made.

The presentation was carried out on Monday in Fez, Morocco, through the National Sports Commission (NSC), coming barely 24 hours before Nigeria’s opening match at the 2025 AFCON.

The Super Eagles, then led by Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, finished second at the 2023 tournament held between January and February 2024 after a 2-1 defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final.

Following the team’s return to Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu honoured players and officials with national awards under the Member of the Order of the Niger, alongside pledges of housing and land gifts for members of the squad and backroom staff.

That housing commitment was formally fulfilled at the team’s Moroccan base on Monday as the Super Eagles prepare to begin their quest for a fourth continental crown with a Group C clash against Tanzania on Tuesday.

“The Federal Government, through the NSC, has fulfilled its 2024 pledge on housing rewards to the Super Eagles,” the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed via a WhatsApp group dedicated to media updates.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, alongside Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi, also confirmed that the national honours were issued as MON or OON in line with existing awards already held by players.

They added that the housing and land grants approved by President Tinubu have been fully processed, with Certificates of Occupancy issued.

Now under Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles are back on continental duty in Morocco, carrying the burden of expectation after narrowly missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The three-time African champions are drawn in Group C and will face Tunisia on Saturday after their opener against Tanzania, before rounding off the group stage against Uganda next Tuesday.

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AFCON 2025: Osimhen Becomes New Super Eagles Assistant Captain, Penalty Taker

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has been appointed the Super Eagles’ main assistant captain.

Osimhen, who will deputise for new captain, Wilfred Ndidi is also the Super Eagles’s new penalty taker.

The Super Eagles has went through a new leadership shake up following the retirement of erstwhile captain, William Troost-Ekong.

Troost-Ekong was also the team designated penalty taker before his retirement.

Ndidi was officially named the team’s  new leader last week.

Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon are the two other most senior players in the Super Eagles, having been with the team for almost 10 years.

Iwobi is currently the most capped player in the team, followed by Simon.

According to SCORENigeria, Osimhen was, however, picked because of his whole-hearted commitment to the Super Eagles.

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AFCON 2025: Nwabali Wears New Look Ahead Of Super Eagles vs Tanzania Match

Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has revealed a new look ahead of the team’s opening match against Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Chippa United shot stopper now has a blonde hairstyle.

Nwabali’s new hairstyle has drawn the attention of fans and his teammates.

The new look is a sign of his confidence and readiness for the competition.

The 29-year-old has established himself as a key figure in the Super Eagles since breaking into the team at AFCON 2023.

The former Enyimba and Katsina United goal tender kept four clean sheets in the competition.

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How Jay Jay Okocha Reacted After Being Asked To Compare Current Super Eagles Squad To The 1996 Olympic Winning Team (Video)

Legendary Nigerian midfielder Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has delivered a harsh critique of the current Super Eagles squad, insisting they would not measure up to the iconic team that won Olympic gold in 1996.

Okocha, a central figure in that famous side, spoke with unmistakable confidence when asked to compare the present national team with the celebrated Dream Team that conquered the football world at the Atlanta Olympics.

The 1996 squad is widely regarded as one of the finest collections of talent Nigeria has ever assembled. That generation featured a glittering list of stars, including Sunday Oliseh, Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba and Nwankwo Kanu, players whose influence shaped Nigerian football for years.

Their Olympic triumph remains a landmark moment in African football history. Nigeria defeated global giants Brazil and Argentina on their way to winning Africa’s first Olympic gold medal in football. The dramatic semi-final victory over Brazil still lives vividly in the memories of Nigerian fans.

In his recent remarks, Okocha dismissed any suggestion that the current Super Eagles could compete with his generation if both teams were at their peak.

“They stand no chance. It’s the number of goals that they will concede we should be talking about,” Okocha said.

“These are small boys. We are talking about Yekini, Oliseh, Nwankwo Kanu, Taribo West I don’t even want to talk about myself. These boys are learners.”

 

The present Super Eagles squad is not short of quality. Napoli striker Victor Osimhen remains one of the most feared forwards in world football, while Ademola Lookman recently claimed the African Player of the Year award organised by the Confederation of African Football. The team also includes established names such as Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze and Ola Aina.

However, Okocha’s criticism goes beyond individual talent and points to achievements on the biggest stages. Members of the 1996 Olympic team were part of Nigeria’s first appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 1994 and also lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in the same year.

By comparison, the current Super Eagles have struggled in recent World Cup qualification campaigns and are still chasing continental glory. Despite finishing close on a few occasions, an AFCON title has continued to elude them.

Attention now turns to the next Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Eagles will hope to silence critics and carve out an identity capable of standing alongside Nigeria’s golden generation.

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AFCON: What I’ll Do If Nwabali Starts For Nigeria Ahead Of Me – Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Uzoho Speaks

Francis Uzoho, the Super Eagles goalkeeper, has said he will back his teammate Stanley Nwabali if the Chippa United shot-stopper is chosen to start ahead of him again at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Uzoho had been Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper in the past, but lost the position to Nwabali after several errors.

The Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper’s last appearance for the Super Eagles came during the 2023 AFCON Round of 16 tie against Cameroon.

Recall that Uzoho came off the bench for the final 10 minutes of the encounter after Nwabali picked up an injury.

Speaking to Elegbete TV Sports ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON opener against Tanzania on Tuesday, Uzoho said he would support Nwabali if Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle decides to start him.

“I’m at my fourth AFCON, it’s a thing of joy for me, and also, I thank God for giving me the strength to be always fit whenever the time comes, and it’s a good feeling,” Uzoho said.

“In every position on the team, we have two or three great players in that position.

“The competition has to be there, so when he [Nwabali] was chosen, I gave him my support, and if he’s chosen again, it’s the same,” he said.

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Nigeria Retains 38th Spot In Latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking

Nigeria has maintained its spot in the December 2025 FIFA men’s world rankings, remaining 38th globally, according to the latest update released on Monday.

With no competitive matches played since the previous ranking, Super Eagles maintained their November points tally of 1,502.

The country is currently fifth among African nations, behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Algeria.

Morocco remains Africa’s highest-ranked team, sitting 11th in the world, while Senegal occupies the 19th spot globally. Algeria and Egypt are ranked 34th and 35th, respectively, with Nigeria following at 38th.

Other African teams in the top 10 continentally include Tunisia,  41st globally, Côte d’Ivoire, 42nd, Mali, 53rd, DR Congo, 56th, and Cameroon, 57th globally.

Globally, Spain continues to lead the rankings, having reclaimed the top spot from Argentina in September 2025.

France completes the podium in third place, while England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Croatia occupy the remaining top 10 positions, all unchanged from the previous ranking.

The December 2025 edition, the last of the year, follows 42 international fixtures, with the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 having taken centre stage.

Morocco’s victory at the tournament brought them close to breaking into the top 10 for the first time since April 1998, trailing Croatia by just 0.54 points.

Standout performers of 2025 include Kosovo, who climbed 19 places to 80th after an impressive year, recording seven wins and two draws in 10 matches.

Norway (29th) and Suriname (123rd) also made significant progress, while Jordan (64th), Vietnam (107th), and Singapore (148th) recorded the largest upward movements in December, climbing two to three spots each.

Nigeria’s retention of its global ranking reflects stability but underscores the need to improve the team’s standing during the ongoing AFCON 2025.

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2026 World Cup: ‘We’re Sorry For Not Qualifying’ – Osimhen Apologizes To Nigerians

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has apologized to Nigerians following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Osimhen said the Super Eagles were sorry for not qualifying for the world’s biggest tournament.

The Galatasaray star spoke ahead of Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, clash against Tanzania in Fès on Tuesday.

“The expectations are very high. This AFCON is an opportunity for us to try and write out wrongs,” Osimhen told Pooja Media.

“Make the Super Eagles fans all over the world believe that there is so much more we can give. We are so sorry.

“We have to use this opportunity to say we are so sorry for not getting the World Cup ticket. We know the disappointment in the faces of Nigerian fans, it has happened, and we have to keep it going,” he said.

Recall that Nigeria failed to secure the World Cup ticket after losing to DR Congo in the playoff final encounter a few weeks ago.

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AFCON 2025: Osimhen Declares War On Tanzania Ahead Group C Opener

Victor Osimhen has stated that the Super Eagles are ready to face a tough battle against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars.

Eric Chelle’s men will open their campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup against the East Africans in Fès on Tuesday.

The highly anticipated encounter will kick-off 6.30pm Nigerian time.

The Super Eagles, who were runners-up at the last edition in Cote d’Ivoire are overwhelming favourites to win the game.

Tanzania, will be making their fourth AFCON appearance in Morocco, and have never make it beyond the group stage.

Osimhen said it is important for the Super Eagles not to underrate the Taifa Stars.

The Galatasaray striker however insisted that they are among the favourites to win the title.

“It’s all about going to war. Tuesday is the first one, and we will give everything. We are not underrating anyone in our group, but I think we’re up there with so many favourites in this tournament,” he told Nigerian journalist Kelechi Anyikude.

“So we’re going to give our all to make sure that we actualise the dream of trying to win the AFCON. It’s not gonna be easy, we still got a long way to go so I am positive about this squad.”

Osimhen will also to better his performance from AFCON 2025 where he scored only once and provided one assist in seven games.

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EPL: Rogers fires Aston Villa to historic win over depleted Manchester United

Aston Villa extended their remarkable winning run to 10 matches in all competitions with a hard-fought victory over Manchester United at Villa Park, their longest top-flight streak since 1914.

Unai Emery’s side were not at peak performance, but Morgan Rogers once again delivered decisively, underlining Villa’s growing credibility in the title conversation as they closed to within three points of leaders Arsenal.

Rogers delivers when it matters

Villa broke the deadlock just before half-time when Rogers curled a composed finish into the corner, rewarding sustained pressure rather than dominance.

United briefly restored parity just before the break when Matheus Cunha capitalised on a costly error from Matty Cash.

However, Rogers responded again in the second half, cutting inside Leny Yoro and bending a near-identical strike beyond Senne Lammens for his sixth league goal in as many games.

Emery’s animated reaction on the touchline reflected both relief and significance, as Villa secured only their second home league win over United in 27 attempts.

EPL: Rogers fires Aston Villa to historic win over depleted Manchester United
Rogers scores double to hand Aston Villa win over Manchester United – Getty image

United woes deepen amid mounting injuries

It was a damaging afternoon for United head coach Ruben Amorim, whose squad arrived heavily compromised and left even thinner.

Already missing six senior players due to injury, suspension and Africa Cup of Nations commitments, United were forced into further disruption when Bruno Fernandes suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury late in the first half.

The captain failed to return after the interval and was seen walking cautiously to the bench, raising concerns over a prolonged absence at a time when United can least afford it.

The situation was compounded by a pre-match withdrawal for Kobbie Mainoo and debuts for teenagers Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey, underlining the depth of the crisis.

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Yamal strikes as Barcelona tighten grip on La Liga summit

Barcelona strengthened their hold on top spot in La Liga with an away win over Villarreal, restoring a four-point lead over Real Madrid and extending their league winning run to eight matches.

Despite not being at their fluent best in the early exchanges, Hansi Flick’s side executed the key moments efficiently to secure maximum points at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

Raphinacapitalises as Villarreal rue missed chances

Villarreal started aggressively and created several early openings, but their failure to convert proved costly.

Against the run of play, Barcelona struck first in the 12th minute when Raphinha calmly converted a penalty after being brought down by Santi Comesana.

The hosts continued to threaten, with Nicolas Pepe and Ayoze Pérez both spurning opportunities, while Raphinha came close to doubling Barca’s lead by rattling the crossbar from distance.

Yamal strikes as Barcelona tighten grip on La Liga summit
Yamal delivered the decisive blow to help Barcelona tighten their grip of La Liga top spot – Getty image

Red card shifts momentum decisively

The match tilted firmly in Barcelona’s favour in the 39th minute when Renato Veiga was sent off for a rash challenge on Lamine Yamal.

 

Villarreal briefly thought they had equalised before the break, but Jules Koundé’s own goal was ruled out for offside, compounding the hosts’ frustration.

 

Yamal seals routine victory

With the numerical advantage, Barcelona controlled the tempo after the interval. Yamal delivered the decisive blow in the 63rd minute, reacting quickest to a scramble in the box to poke home his ninth goal of the season.

From there, Barcelona managed the game professionally, limiting Villarreal’s threat and seeing out the contest without alarm.

The result keeps Barcelona firmly in control of the title race heading into the winter break. They return to action against Espanyol on January 3, while Villarreal travel to Elche later the same day.

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