Tag: AFCON 2025

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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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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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AFCON 2025: BUA founder pledges $500,000 to Super Eagles’ players for semi-final win following Algeria victory

Founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu has made a generous pledge to the Nigeria Super Eagles following their impressive victory against Algeria, describing the win as a morale booster for the entire nation.

In a public post shared on his Instagram page after the match, the billionaire businessman praised the players for lifting Nigeria’s spirit and announced massive cash incentives ahead of the semi-finals.

Abdul Samad Rabiu

In his words, he said:

“Congratulations to our Super Eagles players on a brilliant victory against Algeria. You have lifted the spirit of the nation, and we proudly cheer you on as you prepare for the semi-finals.”

To further motivate the team, the BUA founder pledged huge financial rewards tied to performance.

“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.”, he added.

He ended his message by wishing the team continued success as they push forward in the competition.

Many reactions have followed his social media announcement. A commentator wrote, “Big money, big encouragement.” Another added, “Now that’s how to support the national team.”

With morale high and major incentives on the table, all eyes are now on the Super Eagles as they head into the semi-finals carrying the hopes of millions of Nigerians.

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BREAKING: AFCON: Super Eagles Beat Algeria 2-0, To Play Morocco In Semi-Final

Nigeria has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Super Eagles pulled off a stunning display to beat Algeria 2-0 in their quarter-final clash on Saturday evening, to book their spot.

Eric Chelle’s men dominated the Desert Foxes for most of the first half, but failed to find the back of the net.

The closest Nigeria came to opening the scoring, came when Calvin Bassey’s effort was cleared off the line.

But in the second half, Victor Osimhen headed in Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross, before setting up Akor Adams for the second goal.

The three-time African champions will now clash with the hosts Morocco for a place in the final.

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I Am Afraid – Riyad Mahrez Jokes Ahead Of Nigeria vs Algeria Clash

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has jokingly admitted that he is “afraid” ahead of his team’s clash with Nigeria, while emphasizing that the Desert Foxes must be fully prepared for a difficult test at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mahrez praised the quality of the Super Eagles, describing the current Nigeria squad as more dangerous going forward than the team Algeria faced at AFCON 2019.

The winger acknowledged Nigeria’s attacking strength, warning that Algeria will need to be at their very best to advance.

“I’m afraid (laughs). They have scored a lot of goals in this competition,” Mahrez said.

He also suggested the game would be more open than Algeria’s previous encounter against DR Congo, a scenario he believes could suit both sides’ attacking qualities.

“We expect the next match to be more open, which will give us more space to showcase our abilities, and we must be fully prepared,”he added.

Reflecting on past meetings between both teams, the former Manchester City star insisted that comparisons with Algeria’s 2019 semi-final victory over Nigeria would be misleading.

“This match against Nigeria will be very different from the one in 2019. That was in Egypt, with different players, a different style of play, and a different journey,” he said.

Mahrez also revealed the personal importance of the tournament, confirming it will be his final Africa Cup of Nations. The 34-year-old admitted he is eager to end his AFCON career on a high by lifting the trophy once again.

“This will be my last AFCON. I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations again with this generation. I really want it,” he said.

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AFCON 2025: ‘Sort Out Whatever You Owe Super Eagles’ – Mikel Obi Knocks NFF Over Match Bonus

Mikel Obi, a former Nigeria captain, has cautioned against any distractions in the Super Eagles camp ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Mikel said that the team is doing well right now and must continue that way.

This happened after news came out that the Super Eagles players and coaches did not want to go to Marrakech for their quarterfinal match against Algeria because they had not been paid their bonuses yet.

Nigeria is set to face Algeria in the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday night.

The team and coaching staff have not been given their bonuses for the four matches they have played so far.

Mikel said that nothing should stop the Super Eagles from winning the tournament.

The ex-Chelsea player told the Super Eagles to remain focused and determined as they get ready for their next match.

He said on the Obi One podcast, “We need to win the next game, and we have to play it the right way because it’s going to be a difficult match against Algeria.

“I’ve seen them[Algeria]play a couple of times. They are a very strong team and collaborate smoothly with each other.

“They are very strong, they have some really good and talented players, so we have to give our best performance. There should be no things that block the way, or make it hard to focus, or have a bad effect. We should be prepared to handle any problems or issues that may arise.

“Are the players being paid their bonuses? Whatever they were promised should be fixed before the game begins. I believe we can make it all the way and win the trophy.”

If Nigeria beats Algeria on Saturday, they will reach the semi-finals of the AFCON for the second time in a row.

Nigeria finished in second place in 2023, which means they lost to the host country, Ivory Coast, in the final match.

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NFF Confirms CBN Processing AFCON 2025 Allowances After Super Eagles Strike Threat

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Central Bank of Nigeria has started processing the outstanding allowances owed to Super Eagles players and team officials from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

According to the NFF, the funds are being transferred directly from the CBN to the individual bank accounts of the players and officials, following days of tension within the camp over delayed payments.

The confirmation came amid reports that the Super Eagles had threatened to boycott their AFCON 2025 quarter-final match against Algeria if the issue was not resolved.

Journalist Tobi Adepoju, popularly known as Oganla Media, disclosed the development after speaking with a senior NFF official in Morocco.

“UPDATE FROM MOROCCO: I just spoke with a top NFF official about the potential players’ and officials’ strike,” Adepoju wrote on his official 𝕏 account.

He added that the official said: “The monies have been processed from CBN to individual banks. The players and officials will receive all their bonuses when the process is completed.”

Earlier, BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji reported that unpaid allowances had pushed the squad to the brink of industrial action.

“Players and coaching staff of Nigeria are waiting on AFCON 2025 bonus payments. Win bonuses from four matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Mozambique, have yet to be received,” Okeleji wrote.

“The squad remains focused but the players will NOT train or travel to Marrakech on Thursday if this isn’t resolved.

“Three-time #AFCON champions Nigeria have a strange ability to self-sabotage.

“Officials made a promise to the players and coaching staff ahead of the AFCON 2025 tournament.

“After going unbeaten to reach the quarterfinal against Algeria, the squad will NOT train or travel on Thursday.”

On the pitch, the Super Eagles have enjoyed a flawless campaign so far at AFCON 2025. They opened their group with a 2-1 win over Tanzania, followed by a thrilling 3-2 victory against Tunisia and a 3-1 success against Uganda. The run continued with a commanding 4-0 triumph over Mozambique in the round of 16 on Monday.

The coach Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles will face Algeria in the quarter-final showdown on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Marrakech, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

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Victor Osimhen Is Not Leaving AFCON Camp, Outburst With Lookman Has Been Settled — NFF Official

A senior official of the Nigerian Football Federation has debunked circulating rumours that Super Eagles forward and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is set to leave the Nigeria camp at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

This was disclosed by a FIFA and CAF-accredited journalist, Adepoju Samuel, who spoke with the official about the outburst between Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during the round of 16 game against Mozambique, which ended 4-0 in favour of the Super Eagles.

Samuel wrote on his X handle on Tuesday, “A top team official just confirmed the latest situation over yesterday’s incident.

“The official said everything has been sorted since last night, and we are all good. There was no discussion about Osimhen leaving the tournament. The issue has been resolved as a family.”

Recall that Nigerian football fans criticised Osimhen for his angry outburst at Lookman during the game.

The Galatasaray striker was captured on camera yelling at Lookman in the 63rd minute after the Atalanta man missed a chance when Osimhen was open.

Lookman had already created two chances for Osimhen at that point, with one being a direct assist and the other coming through Akor Adams.

In the footage, Osimhen first pulled away from captain Wilfred Ndidi, then pointed his finger angrily at Lookman before shouting his displeasure at his teammate. At the end, he could be heard saying in pidgin, “No try am again,” which means “do not try that again.”

Osimhen asked to be subbed off subsequently and was then booed off the pitch by the fans as Moses Simon came on for the striker.

The incident sparked widespread criticism on the social media platform X, with fans questioning Osimhen’s attitude despite the team’s dominant performance.

However, reacting on Tuesday, Lookman shared pictures of himself alongside Victor Osimhen and Bruno Onyemaechi on the pitch following Nigeria’s win against Mozambique at the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16, which was played on Monday.

The footballer shared the post on his official Instagram page on Tuesday with the caption,“TOGETHER ALWAYS”.

Also, both the Eagles coach, Eric Chelle and the captain, Wilfred Ndidi, have dismissed the rumoured misunderstanding between the duo talismen while urging Nigerians to keep backing the team as they focus on their next outing against either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter finals.

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