Tag: AFCON

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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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BREAKING: AFCON Now To Be Played Every Four Years

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held every four years starting from 2028.

This was revealed by Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, on Saturday.

Since 1968, the tournament has been played every two years.

There was, however, a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions.

But after the 2027 edition in East Africa and the next one in 2028, it will switch to a four-year cycle.

“We have the most exciting new structure for African football,” Motsepe said.

“I do what is in the interests of Africa. The global calendar has to be significantly more synchronised and harmonised.”

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AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle Releases Super Eagles’ Provisional Squad (Full List)

Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles coach, has unveiled his provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Chelle released the list in a post via Super Eagles’ official X account on Tuesday.

The list includes the likes of Victor Osimhen, Lookman Ademola and Tolu Arokodare to lead the attack.

The likes of goalkeepers Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali are also included in the list.

The midfield are made up of the likes of Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka.

The 2025 AFCON will commence later this month and will end in January, 2026.

Full list of Super Eagles’ provisional squad include;

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoya (Udinese FC, Italy); Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos);

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England); Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors);

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel); Peter Agba (Maccabi Haifa, Israel); Tom Dele-Bashiru (Gençlerbirligi SK, Turkey)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Kelechi Iheanacho (Celtic Glasgow, Scotland); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Boniface (Werder Bremen, Germany); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Abdulrasheed Shehu (Niger Tornadoes); Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen, Czech Republic); Ekeson Okorie (Nasarawa United); Chisom Orji (Warri Wolves); Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi (OH Leuven, Belgium); Philip Otele (FC Basel, Switzerland); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961 (Croatia); Emmanuel Michael (Linzer Athletik SK, Austria)

 

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CAF Announces Free e-Visas For Fans Attending AFCON Morocco 2025

The Confederation of African Football and the AFCON Morocco 2025 Local Organising Committee on Friday announced that fans travelling to the tournament will be eligible for free electronic visas.

The policy benefits citizens of countries that normally require a visa to enter Morocco.

“Electronic visas to enter Morocco — obtained through the YALLA app — are now free of charge for supporters attending the competition, which runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026,” CAF said in a statement on its website.

The governing body said the announcement comes amid growing global demand for Africa’s biggest football event, with more fans booking tickets.

It explained that fans need two documents, a fan identification and an e-visa, to stay in Morocco and enter football stadiums throughout the tournament.

“A Fan ID is mandatory for entry to all stadiums and official Fan Areas. Supporters can apply for both the Fan ID and e-visa in one place inside the YALLA app, streamlining travel and stadium access.

“The Fan ID application and e-visa request are completed seamlessly within the YALLA app, ensuring a faster, easier and secure experience for international visitors and local fans alike,” the statement added.

To apply, fans are urged to download the YALLA app on Google Play or the App Store, or visit the official YALLA website, complete the Fan ID form, and, if required, submit the e-visa request.

Once approved, supporters can purchase match tickets on the CAF ticketing platform.

“The new measures are designed to deliver a seamless, secure fan experience for Africa’s showpiece event that will be played across nine stadiums in six cities,” CAF said.

With Morocco hosting for the first time since 1988, the continent’s biggest football festival returns to North Africa amid high expectations, fierce rivalries, and a new generation of African stars ready to make their mark.

A total of 24 teams are expected to participate.

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AFCON 2025Q: Super Eagles Suffer Flight Hitch In Abidjan

The Super Eagles were delayed for a few hours in Abidjan on Friday following a change in their travel plans back to Uyo.

Augustine Eguavoen’s side was in action against Benin Republic at the Felix Houphet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan on Thursday night.

The three-time African champions held their hosts to a 1-1 draw.

The contingent was earlier expected to depart Abidjan by 9am local time.

They are expected to land in Lagos first before making their way to Uyo.

The players will to skip training today.

The Super Eagles will take on Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo next Monday.

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AFCON 2025Q: Benin vs Nigeria – Date, Time And Where To Watch

Benin Republic is poised to face Nigeria in a crucial match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The encounter promises to be intense, as the two West African rivals have built a fierce competitive history.

In June, Benin secured a 2-1 victory over Nigeria at this very venue during the first leg of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
However, Nigeria responded with a dominant 3-0 win in September during their AFCON qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Benin’s head coach, Gernot Rohr will be under pressure to secure a victory, as a loss could jeopardize Benin’s hopes of advancing to the AFCON tournament.

In his quest to strengthen the squad, Rohr has recalled five players: David Kiki, Tosin Aiyegun, Lenny Pirringuel, Ryan Adigo, and Serge Obassa. However, the team will be without experienced defender Cedric Hountondji, who is sidelined due to an injury.

On the Nigerian side, head coach Augustine Eguavoen has assembled a formidable squad, including star striker Victor Osimhen, who missed the previous match against Libya.

Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman is also in the squad, adding strength to Nigeria’s offensive front as they aim to maintain momentum in their bid for a fourth AFCON title.

Benin vs Nigeria: Date and Time

The penultimate match for both teams will take place at the Stade de Houphouet Boigny in Abidjan on Thursday, November 14, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Nigerian time.

Benin vs Nigeria: Where to watch

Fans across Africa can catch the action live on SuperSport and Startimes, while the CAF website and designated YouTube channels will also stream the game.

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BREAKING: AFCON 2025 Postponed Due To Club World Cup

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.

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I Prefer to Watch AFCON Football Over European Football, Says Mourinho

The refereeing at the ongoing African Cup of Nations, or AFCON, has received praise from former Chelsea and Roma coach Jose Mourinho.

Although the Portuguese strategist acknowledged that he prefers to watch the African event over European football, he said that Europe ought to imitate Africa’s integrity in officiating, particularly with regard to the application of Video Assistant Refereeing, or VAR.

He claimed that VAR’s rulings at the AFCON are not biased in favor of wealthy or well-known teams.

He recommended that VAR’s headquarters be located in Africa.

“I’ve seen more AFCON football than European league play. All they’re doing is educating us to be truthful. VAR is applied in the AFCON precisely as it should be, according to Mourinho, as reported by CFC News Report.

“They do not use it to help the money magnet teams or famous teams. This is why you saw the best out of every team . Because they know VAR is not hired behind the scenes but is for everyone. They listen even to their Players if the Ref missed something and go check. In Europe if I as a coach or a player plead with a ref to go check something, it is a red card for doing that. The headquarters for VAR needs to be in CAF.”

Recall that African Cup of Nations will climax today with the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the hosts, Cote D’Ivoire locking horns in the final.

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After the match between South Africa and Nigeria, Osimhen tells Boniface, “No Olosho Until We Win.”

In front of the 2023 AFCON championship match, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has given fellow national Victor Boniface assurances that the Super Eagles will maintain their focus.

Ivory Coast and Nigeria will compete for the continental trophy.

In their conversation, Boniface asked to be given two “oloshos” (prostitutes) for every Super Eagles player. Victor Osimhen, however, promptly corrected him, emphasizing that he and his colleagues are committed on taking home the AFCON championship in 2023.

When Osimhen subsequently enquired about Boniface’s level of fitness, the 23-year-old striker said that he is still struggling to get back to full health.

“Make them give Pere Nwa two Oloshos each for this night, una deserve am,” stated Boniface.

In response, Osimhen said, “Thunder, fire you. We don’t give up until we succeed, you hear?

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Kizz Daniel will follow through on his promise to fly a fan to the UK once Nigeria wins the 2023 AFCON.

Following Nigeria’s qualifying for the AFCON 2023 final, Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel has pledged to fly fans to the United Kingdom.

To get to the final, Nigeria had to defeat South Africa.

In a tweet, the singer had pledged to pay for the fan’s flight to the UK.

If Nigeria wins South Africa, the fan has arranged with Kizz Daniel to have him attend his upcoming gig at the Ovo Arena in the UK.

The fan asked, “Vado, take me to your next show, ovo arena, if super eagle wins today.”

Kizz Daniel said, “This I promise you… X is my witness 🤞🏿,” in acknowledgment of the wager.

However, Nigeria defeated South Africa, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 deadlock at 120.

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