Tag: super eagles

Categories
Sport News

Super Eagles: ‘Don’t Let Him Go’ – Frank Onyeka Begs NFF Over Chelle

Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has appealed to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to retain head coach Eric Chelle.

Onyeka praised Chelle’s character and ability, insisting that many players within the Super Eagles have a strong affection for him.

Chelle’s current contract with the NFF  will expire in January 2027 after he signed a midway in his two-year contract with the federation.

“When Chelle took charge of the Super Eagles, you could see his game plan and tactics,” Onyeka told Oma Akatugba.

“He’s a good and a lovely man, someone you feel comfortable around.

“He is very open-minded and offers everyone the opportunity they deserve.

“A lot of the Super Eagles players love him so much. Don’t let him go.”

Categories
Sport News

Super Eagles Of Nigeria Climb 12 Places To 26th In Latest FIFA Ranking After 2025 AFCON

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have climbed 12 spots to 26th place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, as released on Monday, January 19, 2026.

The rise,  from 38th to 26th follows Nigeria’s strong performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where the Eagles secured a third-place finish and claimed the bronze medal.

The impressive showing included six wins in seven matches, with the only defeat coming against hosts Morocco in a tight semifinal decided by penalties.

Nigeria is now the third-best team in Africa, behind AFCON finalists Senegal, ranked 12th globally, and Morocco, placed eighth in the world.

Algeria and Egypt, both eliminated by Nigeria at the tournament, occupy fourth and fifth positions respectively on the African ranking.

Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Croatia make up the world’s top 10 teams.

Categories
Sport News

NFF Confirms Eric Chelle Will Remain As Super Eagles Coach After 2025 AFCON

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has confirmed that Eric Chelle will remain as head coach after Nigeria secured third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

NFF had set a target of getting to the final and winning the trophy for Chelle, but he fell short of this, losing to Morocco in the semi-final and winning the bronze medal instead.

Speaking after the tournament, Gusau stated that the national team displayed notable progress under Chelle and affirmed that the federation is committed to working with the coach as Nigeria aims to build on the performance.

“The team is close to running on autopilot and will definitely achieve a lot of success under the present technical crew,” Gusau said via NFF, reflecting on Nigeria’s campaign.

“The NFF is proud of the team’s performance and will continue to do its best to encourage, support, and motivate the team as we go forward.

“As the head of a hard-working technical crew, Mr Chelle has done exceedingly well within the one year he has been with us. He has shown enormous capacity, and we will continue to work with him.”

Nigeria finished third at the tournament after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win the bronze medal, following a goalless draw in regulation time at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca on Saturday.

Categories
Sport News

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Get Special Bonus For Third Place

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to earn $15,000 for securing third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The bonus was initially meant for the semi-final where they lost 4-2 on penalities to hosts Atlas Lions of Morocco.

The players have received all their win-bonus except for the third- place match, according to SCORENigeria.

Wealthy businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu has also  redeemed his pledge of $500,000 to the team.

The players have already dispersed to their respective clubs.

They failed to attend the medal presentation ceremony on Sunday.

Categories
Sport News

Chelle relieved with Super Eagles AFCON 2025 bronze

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle admitted defeat in the third-place match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations would have been difficult to accept, but expressed pride after the Super Eagles claimed the bronze medal.

Nigeria finished third after edging their opponents to cap a campaign that fell short of the title but provided encouragement for the future.

Speaking after the match, Chelle said the result eased the emotional weight of the tournament and validated the effort of his players.

“It would have been very difficult for me to accept if we had lost this game,” Chelle said. “My players gave everything during this AFCON, and I am very proud to be their coach.”

Chelle relieved with Super Eagles AFCON 2025 bronze

Chelle relieved after Super Eagles win over Egypt for AFCON 2025 bronze – Getty image

Tactical choices and game management

Chelle revealed he deliberately adjusted his system for the third-place match, starting with a flat 4-4-2 rather than his preferred diamond midfield.

According to the coach, the change was part of a broader tactical test rather than a reaction to pressure.

“I wanted to bring the game wide first, then inside,” he explained. “The players are more comfortable in the diamond, so the first half was difficult. In the second half we kept the ball better, and for me, we deserved this victory.”

He also defended his in-game decisions, including substitutions that drew criticism from some supporters.

“If I do something that looks crazy, there is always a reason,” Chelle said, stressing that each decision was made with long-term development in mind.

Focus on players and future planning

The coach praised goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose place in the squad had been questioned before the tournament, crediting trust and preparation for his performances.

“We prepared Stanley like every other player,” Chelle said. “He is strong, sometimes nervous, but he would go to war for his teammates. He deserves this victory.”

Chelle also addressed questions over squad rotation and the limited involvement of younger players, insisting caution was necessary in high-pressure situations.

“You cannot just throw young players into pressure situations,” he said. “They must prove readiness every day in training.”

Despite missing out on the title, Chelle believes the tournament laid a foundation for progress.

“I am happy with third place, even though I wanted to bring the trophy to Nigeria,” he said. “Our mission now is the next AFCON. We want to build something ambitious.”

Categories
Sport News

Super Eagles Stars, Osimhen, Ndidi, Awaziem Party In Lagos After AFCON Third-Place Win (Video)

Super Eagles players Victor Osimhen, captain Wilfred Ndidi, and defender Chidozie Awaziem were seen at a Lagos nightclub on Sunday, just hours after Nigeria secured third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

In the early hours of Sunday, social media personality and socialite Babatunde Akinpelu, popularly known as Tunde Perry, shared a video of himself with the Galatasaray striker, with Ndidi and Awaziem visible in the background at a Lagos club.

The outing was reportedly part of Perry’s birthday celebration.

“Kai from Morocco Victor,” Perry captioned the video, accompanied by some of his popular slang: “Otorpinpin paaaaaa DATieeeee Mo,” meaning “know your squad.”
“8 am on Sunday, on my birthday”, Perry also said while filming himself and Osimhen.

The Galatasaray striker was also given a ceremonious welcome inside the club.

Recall that Nigeria defeated Egypt 4–2 on penalties on Saturday in Casablanca after regular time ended goalless, claiming a record ninth bronze medal in the history of the competition.

 

The Super Eagles and the Pharaohs faced off in the third-place playoff after both sides fell short in the semi-finals. Nigeria lost 4–2 on penalties to hosts Morocco last Wednesday, while Egypt were edged 1–0 by Senegal.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero for Nigeria, saving two spot kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. At the same time, Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman all converted their penalties to seal the win.

Osimhen, who did not feature in the third-place match, was earlier spotted leaving the Stade Mohammed V with his bags on Saturday, moments after taking part in the dressing-room celebrations with his teammates.

Osimhen played five matches for Nigeria at the 2025 AFCON, scoring four goals and providing one assist.

Captain Ndidi featured in every one of Nigeria’s matches except the final group game against Uganda. He appeared to sustain an injury during the quarter-final clash against Algeria, while Awaziem came on as a substitute in four matches during the tournament.

Some of their teammates, including Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, have also left Morocco, while others are expected to be part of the medal presentation during Sunday’s final.

Hosts Morocco and Senegal will trade tackles in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The match will kick off at 8:00 pm.

Categories
Sport News

Nigeria beat Egypt on penalties to secure AFCON 2025 bronze

The Super Eagles claimed third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Egypt via a penalty shootout at Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca, on Saturday night.

Stanley Nwabali emerged as the decisive figure, producing two crucial saves in the shootout to ensure Nigeria finished the tournament with a bronze medal.

Cagey contest ends goalless in regulation time

Despite rotating his squad, Eric Chelle set Nigeria up aggressively and the Super Eagles started on the front foot.

Egypt, however, matched the intensity with a high press and created the first clear opening in the 28th minute, forcing Nwabali into a close-range save to deny Mohamed Salah.

Nigeria beat Egypt on penalties to secure AFCON 2025 bronze
Super Eagles edge Egypt on penalties to claim AFCON 2025 third place – Getty image

Nigeria thought they had taken the lead six minutes before the break when Akor Adams found the net, but VAR intervened. The goal was disallowed after Paul Onuachu was penalised for an accidental elbow on Hamdy Fathy in the build-up.

VAR frustrations and missed chances persist

Chelle introduced Ademola Lookman at half-time in search of a breakthrough, and the substitution almost paid immediate dividends.

Lookman found the net shortly after the restart, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside against Akor Adams.

Further changes followed, with Alex Iwobi replacing the injured Bright Osayi-Samuel in the 65th minute. Nigeria appealed strongly for a penalty late on after Adams went down under pressure, but VAR again ruled against the Super Eagles.

Nigeria pushed until the end, coming closest in the 85th minute when Lookman fired a dangerous low cross across goal, but no attacker could apply the finish.

Nwabali seals bronze in shootout

With neither side able to break the deadlock in regulation time, the match was decided from the penalty spot. Nwabali underlined his tournament credentials by saving the opening spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.

Ademola Lookman then stepped up and converted calmly, sealing a 2-0 shootout win and confirming Nigeria’s bronze-medal finish, a result that ensured the Super Eagles closed their AFCON 2025 campaign on a positive and credible note.

Categories
Entertainment News Sport News

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.”

Categories
Sport News

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.” 

Categories
Entertainment News Sport News

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.”

About Us

626blaze is an entertainment and lifestyle website that brings you latest gist and scoops from the world of music, fashion, movies, sports and social commentary.

Categories

Subscribe to our Newsletters