The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled for 2025 in Morocco has been rescheduled to January 2026.
The tournament will be delayed by six months, as it clashes with the expanded 32-team Club World Cup.
AFCON 2025 was originally scheduled to take place in June, but the Club World Cup is set to be played in the United States from June 15 to July 13.
CAF’s general secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba, told BBC that the AFCON would now be held in early 2026, acknowledging the pressing issue of scheduling conflicts.
Mosengo-Omba highlighted concerns regarding player welfare, questioning the feasibility of players participating in both the Club World Cup and the AFCON consecutively.
“For the men, we need to make sure that the dates that we’ll be choosing will be in the interests of the players.
“For this, we need to balance different aspects and also discuss with our partners and then we complete [the dates]. Scheduling is a nightmare for everybody,” Mosengo-Omba said.
Alex Iwobi, the Fulham and Super Eagles midfielder, has revealed what he loves about being a Nigerian.
The former Arsenal star said Nigerians have unique mannerisms which make them stand out.
The host asked, “What do you love about Nigerians and being Nigerian?”
Iwobi replied, “You can smell a Nigerian from a mile away. Our mannerisms are so Nigerian, especially Yoruba people. Yoruba people are so loud.
“My favourite thing about the country is that everyone is so welcoming, rich in hospitality and it’s like one big family. Everyone who is doing well tries to give back to their communities. Every footballer that I am with always try to give back to where they come from. That’s an amazing thing.
“The first thing I do whenever I land in Nigeria and I’m in my hotel room, I order pounded yam and egusi.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, the superstar player for Al Nassr, was overcome with emotion and burst into tears as his team suffered a heartbreaking 5-4 defeat on penalties against Al Hilal in the King’s Cup final last Friday.
The defeat means Ronaldo will not win any trophy this season.
Al Hilal have now also completed the league and cup double.
The match in Jeddah ended 1-1 in regulation time and extra time failed to provide a winner.
Aleksandar Mitrovic gave Al Hilal the lead in the seventh minute, before Aiman Yahya levelled the game in the 88th minute.
A feisty game saw the referee produce three red cards, with David Ospina sent off for Al Nassr in the 57th minute before Ali Al-Bulayhi and Kalidou Koulibaly followed late on for Al Hilal.
Al Hilal goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou was eventually the hero as he saved Al Nassr’s final two penalties to secure the trophy.
Kaka, the world-famous retired footballer and ex-Real Madrid star, has backed the Los Blancos to beat Borussia Dortmund and win their 15th UEFA Champions League trophy.
Both teams will clash in the Champions League final on Saturday night at Wembley Stadium.
The kick-off time for the match is 8 pm.