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AFCON: ‘Even Pele Dey Miss Penalty’ – Seun Kuti Defends Chukwueze Amid Backlash

Renowned Nigerian musician Seun Kuti has come to the defence of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze amid criticism from Nigerians over his missed penalty.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, competition on Wednesday after losing to the host nation, Morocco.

Morocco defeated Nigeria on penalties during the AFCON semi-final on Wednesday after the match ended goalless.

Nigerian players, Chukwueze and Bruno however missed penalties for the Eagles while the Atlas Lions converted all their kicks.

Reacting to the Super Eagles’ loss, many Nigerians took to social media to drag Chukwueze for losing his sport kick during the penalty shootout.

However, defended him amid the backlash, singer Seun Kuti asked the critics to stop blaming Chukwueze for the country’s defeat, stating that Pele, the late Brazilian footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players, also missed penalties.

Seun wrote in Pidgin English on his Instagram story; “Even Pele dey miss penalty. Leave Chukwueze alone.”

Nigeria will be playing with Egypt for the third-place playoff on Saturday, while Morocco will now face Senegal in the final on Sunday January 18 2026.

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AFCON: ‘NFF Is A Very Unserious Organization’ – BBNaija Star, Tacha Blows Hot After Super Eagles Loss To Morocco

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Natasha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has criticized the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over the Super Eagles’ defeat to Morocco.

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

In an Instagram post on Thursday, Tacha joined other Nigerians in condemning the selection of two referees from rival countries for Wednesday’s game.

Describing the NFF as a very unserious organisation, the reality TV star said they would have petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to change the referees.

She wrote, “The @thenff is a very unserious organization. Two referees from rival countries. Ghana and South Africa How?? The moment those referees were announced, the NFF should have petitioned CAF! And even if CAF refuses to change them, the petition alone puts referees on CHECK.

“But Instead, silence. And what did we get? One of the worst officiated games in the history of football. The referee disrupted the rhythm of the match nonstop. Fouls were given that made no sense. Even Moroccan players sometimes looked unsure what the whistle was for. That’s how bad it was.

“This wasn’t “home advantage.” This was shambolic officiating. If the @thenff has any sense, they will petition CAF, demand a review, and question whether that referee should be handling games at this level at all. CAUSE performances like that damage the credibility of African football.”

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It’s Really Painful To Have Refs Like Ayi – Osayi-Samuel Slams CAF Over Ghanaian Coach

Nigerian fullback Bright Osayi-Samuel has criticized the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for appointing Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi to officiate the Super Eagles’ semifinal clash against Morocco.

Osayi-Samuel wondered why a game of such calibre would have been assigned to Ayi, who he described as appalling, to handle.

According to the Birmingham defender, the Ghanaian made wrong decisions during the match.

He was unhappy with some calls Ayi made which contributed to Nigeria’s loss.

Nigeria was eliminated from the competition after losing 4-2 in the penalty shootout, as the semifinal match ended without any goals scored during regular time.

The result ended the Super Eagles’ chance of winning their fourth AFCON title for the fourth time as they would have hoped.

After the game, the defender talked to reporters in the mixed zone.

He said he was unhappy with the referee’s performance and claimed that a few incorrect decisions made the game harder to play.

“One thing I would say is that the referee was really bad. I’m not saying that was the reason we lost. He is making really bad choices and it’s really tough to watch because we have referees like this in big games like today.

“But Morocco did really well,” Osayi-Samuel said.

The fullback said losing was really tough, but he praised Nigeria’s defense for how well they held up against Morocco.

The Super Eagles will now focus on the third-place playoff against Egypt, where they will compete for the bronze medal.

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Nigerian Billionaire, Abdul Samad Rabiu Gifts Super Eagles $500k Despite Loss To Morocco

Billionaire industrialist and Nigeria’s second-richest man, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has announced a major financial reward for the Super Eagles following their dramatic defeat to Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.

Recall that moments after Nigeria sealed a 2-0 win in the quarter finals to book a place in the semi-finals, Rabiu had revealed a cash incentive package running into millions of dollars, aimed at spurring the team towards continental glory.

“You have lifted the spirit of the nation, and we proudly cheer you on as you prepare for the semi-finals.

“To encourage you, 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,” Rabiu had pledged.

However, Nigeria failed to beat Morocco in the Semi-final, losing 4-2 on penalties on Wednesday night.

With many thinking the Super Eagles have missed out on a huge financial reward, Abdul Samad Rabiu took to his Instagram page to reveal that he would still be fulfilling his pledge to the Nigerian football national team.

He wrote: “To our brave Super Eagles,

“You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.

“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matter. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.

“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, l am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000 USD. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation.

“Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons, and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories! Proudly Nigerian.” 

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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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