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AFCON 2025: Five African Player of the Year Stars Storm Semi-Finals

January 13, 2026 by admin

The CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has reached a defining stage, with the semi-finals set to showcase not just elite teams but elite individuals. As the top two countries will be decided between four contenders on Wednesday, five former African Player of the Year winners are poised to take centre stage. Their presence elevates the spectacle, with their influence on the pitch proving decisive through goals, assists, leadership, and momentum. From explosive forwards to commanding leaders and a dynamic defender, these stars have so far shaped matches and carried the hopes of their nations. Victor Osimhen – Nigeria Nigeria’s path to the semi-finals has been driven by Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year. He has scored four goals and provided two assists, ranking among the tournament’s leading scorers. His pace, physicality, and movement have stretched defences, while his knockout-stage contributions underscore his reputation as a big-game performer. Osimhen sets the tone for Nigeria’s aggressive approach as they chase a fourth continental title. Ademola Lookman – Nigeria Ademola Lookman, 2024 African Player of the Year, has been Nigeria’s creative engine, contributing three goals and four assists. Operating across the frontline, Lookman’s sharp decision-making and direct runs have unlocked organised defences, giving the Super Eagles variety in attack. His consistency ensures Nigeria are not reliant on a single source of inspiration. Mohamed Salah – Egypt Egypt’s talisman, Mohamed Salah, who won the African Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018, has again risen to the occasion, scoring four goals and providing one assist. Salah’s composure in high-pressure situations has been crucial in guiding the Pharaohs through tight knockout matches. Beyond statistics, his leadership has shaped a disciplined and resilient side, now two wins away from an eighth AFCON crown. Sadio Mané – Senegal Senegal’s hopes rest on Sadio Mané, a two-time African Player of the Year. He has contributed one goal and three assists, but his influence extends far beyond goal involvement. Mané’s work rate, positional intelligence, and ability to draw defenders have created opportunities for teammates. His presence blends youth with experience at the sharp end of the tournament, critical as Senegal pursue another continental title. Achraf Hakimi – Morocco Achraf Hakimi, recently crowned African Player of the Year, overcame an early tournament injury to return for Morocco’s semi-final push. He has provided one assist from right-back while anchoring a defence that has kept multiple clean sheets. Hakimi’s energy, leadership, and ability to influence play from deep positions have been a timely boost for the hosts, whose ambitions are fuelled by his presence. Senegal face Egypt at 5 pm, and host Morocco will battle Nigeria at 9 pm on Wednesday.

AFCON 2025: CAF Launches Probe Into Quarter-Final Misconduct Involving Nigeria, Algeria, Cameroon, Morocco

January 12, 2026 by admin

The Confederation of African Football has launched an investigation into alleged misconduct by players and officials during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-final clashes between Cameroon and Morocco, as well as Algeria and Nigeria. The probe follows reports of confrontations with referees and disruptions in post-match areas. According to a statement posted on CAF’s official website on Monday, the continental football governing body has collected match reports and video evidence suggesting potentially unacceptable behaviour and has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for further review. “CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons are found guilty of any wrongdoing. “CAF is also reviewing footage of an incident involving members of the media who allegedly misbehaved in the mixed zone area,” the statement read. In the quarter-final fixtures over the weekend, Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory over Algeria in Marrakech, with goals from star striker Victor Osimhen and forward Akor Adams propelling the Super Eagles into the semifinals. However, the match ended in chaos as Algerian players confronted match officials on the pitch, leading to scuffles and an attempted pitch invasion by fans that was thwarted by stadium security. The Algerian Football Federation has since lodged a formal complaint with CAF. They cited controversial refereeing decisions by Senegalese official Issa Sy, including a denied penalty for an alleged handball in the Nigerian box during the first half. Separately, Morocco advanced with a 2-0 win over Cameroon, but the match was also marred by refereeing disputes. Cameroon’s team felt aggrieved over two potential penalties not awarded, both involving Moroccan defender Adam Masina. Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, dismissed suggestions of home-team bias in a post-match press conference. CAF stressed its commitment to maintaining professional conduct at all events. “CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers. “Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events,” it added.

Arsenal Academy Chief Per Mertesacker Confirms Exit

January 12, 2026 by admin

Former Arsenal and Germany defender Per Mertesacker has announced that he will step down as Head of Arsenal’s Academy at the end of the season. According to Fabrizio Romano’s X handle on Monday, Mertesacker was quoted as saying, “Arsenal is and will always be a very special club to me, so this was a difficult decision. I am very thankful for the trust the club put in me.” Since taking over the academy, Mertesacker has been instrumental in developing young talents, helping to strengthen Arsenal’s pipeline of players for the first team. The club has yet to announce a replacement, but Mertesacker’s departure marks the end of an important chapter in Arsenal’s youth development programme. Mertesacker joined Arsenal in 2011 from Werder Bremen and quickly became a key figure in the heart of the defence. The tall, commanding centre-back was known for his aerial ability, reading of the game, and calmness on the ball, making him a reliable presence at the back. During his playing career at the club, Mertesacker made over 170 Premier League appearances and scored 9 goals, many of them crucial headers from set-pieces. He won three FA Cups (2013–14, 2014–15, 2016–17) and three FA Community Shields (2014, 2015, 2017), often captaining the team and mentoring younger players. After retiring in 2018, Mertesacker immediately joined Arsenal’s coaching staff. He eventually became Head of the Academy, where he oversaw the development of young talent and helped integrate promising players into the first team.

Akinyele Constituency I Aspirant Hafeez Amuda Empowers Students, Women, PDP Leaders …T Talent Football Team Wins Maiden Kingsway U-17 Female Football Competition

December 22, 2025 by admin

The Kingsway Health and Outreach Foundation on Friday, December 19, 2025, empowered young girls, secondary school students and women in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State, as it hosted the maiden edition of the Kingsway Under-17 Female Football Competition and Empowerment Programme. The event, which was held at IDC School, Apapa, Moniya, Ibadan, attracted political leaders, party elders, community stakeholders, youth and women representatives. Attendees converged to witness a programme that blended sports development, educational support, women empowerment and grassroots engagement. As part of the initiative, the foundation distributed writing materials and learning instruments to secondary school students across the local government area. The programme was hosted by the Executive Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Hon. Akinwole Akinleye, alongside Dr. Hafeez Amuda, popularly known as Kingsway, founder of the Kingsway Health and Outreach Foundation and an aspirant for the Oyo State House of Assembly, Akinyele Constituency I. Speaking at the grand finale, Dr. Amuda described the initiative as a deliberate effort to use sports as a tool for empowerment, discipline and social cohesion, particularly for the girl child. According to him, the U-17 female football competition was designed to create opportunities for young girls, encourage teamwork, build confidence and promote healthy lifestyles, while also steering them away from social vices. “This programme goes beyond sports. It represents people-focused leadership, leadership that engages our youths positively, empowers women, supports education and strengthens community unity,” Dr. Amuda said. He added that grassroots sports remain one of the most effective platforms for talent discovery and youth development, stressing that young girls deserve equal opportunities to explore and maximise their potential through sports. Dr. Amuda explained that the distribution of learning materials was part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting educational development, noting that access to basic learning tools plays a crucial role in academic performance and students’ self-confidence. “Supporting education is supporting the future. These materials may appear small, but they make a significant difference in the learning process of our children,” he said. Mr. Obatowa JP, representing the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, said the Oyo State Government was pleased with programmes that support educational development at the grassroots. “The government is happy with initiatives like this. When individuals support education, it shows a clear commitment to the future of our children. The governor appreciates programmes that promote learning and youth development,” he said. He added that individuals and organisations that consistently support education are recognised by the government, noting that such efforts align with the vision of Governor Seyi Makinde on inclusive development. He also commended the Kingsway Health and Outreach Foundation for complementing government efforts in education and youth development. Some of the student beneficiaries described the support as timely and impactful. One of the beneficiaries, Bolatito, said the learning materials would help her improve in mathematics and other subjects. “It will help me to do better in my subjects and calculations, especially mathematics. I will use the instrument during calculations and examinations,” she said. Another beneficiary, Samuel Paul Oreofe, also commended the foundation for the gesture. “This is a nice idea. We thank him for the gift. God will bless him. It will help in calculations and improve our intelligence for education,” he said. The football competition climaxed with an exciting final match, as T Talent Football Team emerged winners of the maiden edition of the Kingsway U-17 Female Football Competition. The winning team received medals and cash prizes, while other participating teams were also recognised for their efforts.

BREAKING: Dembélé Clinches FIFA Best Men’s Player Award

December 16, 2025 by admin

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been named the FIFA Best Men’s Player for 2025 after an outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain and the France national team. Dembélé played a pivotal role for PSG, showcasing his pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, while also helping France achieve strong results in international competitions, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s top footballers. In the women’s category, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí was named the FIFA Best Women’s Player for 2025, following exceptional performances for both FC Barcelona and the Spain national team. Bonmatí was instrumental in Barcelona’s success in domestic and European competitions, demonstrating creativity, vision, and leadership in midfield. Her contributions also helped Spain achieve remarkable results on the international stage, further cementing her status as one of the world’s top female footballers.

2026 WC Qualifiers: 18 Players in Camp as Super Eagles begin Morocco Final Push

November 11, 2025 by admin

The Super Eagles’ camp has officially opened in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoff against Gabon, with 18 players already on the ground as preparations intensify. The team confirmed the development in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday, sharing the full list of arrivals under the caption “Eagles in Camp.” Those in Morocco include Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Fredericks, Chidozie Awaziem, Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Raphael Onyedika. Team officials and the first batch of players arrived at the Rive Hotel, Rabat, on Sunday afternoon, signalling the start of the final phase of preparations for the decisive fixture. The team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, earlier confirmed that early arrivals included the trio of Bassey, Iwobi, and Chukwueze, alongside Arokodare and Olusegun. Head coach, Eric Chelle, had named a 24-man squad for the playoffs, featuring a blend of returning stars and consistent performers. Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, and Sevilla winger, Chidera Ejuke, both earned recalls after strong club performances this season. Nigeria will face Gabon in Thursday’s semi-final clash, while Cameroon will battle the Democratic Republic of Congo in the other fixture at the El-Barid Stadium, also in Rabat. Winners of both matches will meet in the final on November 16 to determine who advances to the inter-confederation playoffs for a place at the 2026 World Cup in North America. The Super Eagles, who last featured at the global tournament in 2018, are aiming to reclaim their place on football’s biggest stage after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.

EPL: Rooney Urges Chelsea Senior Players to Challenge Maresca over Constant Changes

November 7, 2025 by admin

Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has urged Chelsea’s senior players to challenge head coach Enzo Maresca over his constant changes to the starting line-up. The Argentine manager made seven alterations for Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw against Qarabag, marking the fifth straight match across all competitions in which he has rotated his team by at least seven players. According to BBC Sports on Friday, it was the fifth consecutive match across all competitions in which Maresca has made at least seven changes to his starting XI. “The players want to play, they want to build relationships,” the former England captain said on the Wayne Rooney Show. “When you keep chopping and changing then the players won’t be happy. I think that will come back to bite them. “If they are getting results all the time, then you can’t question it, but if they’re not, there have to be questions asked,” he said. Rooney believes it is up to captain Reece James and other experienced players in the Chelsea squad to address the issue with Maresca. “I think most clubs now have a leadership group and as a group you have to go and question the manager,” he added. “You hear people talk about ‘player power’ but this isn’t player power. “I’d be concerned if the team kept changing. If I were in that [leadership] group, I’d be speaking to my teammates, saying ‘Look, I’m not happy with this,” he said. Chelsea have made 85 changes in 16 matches this season – by far the most of any Premier League team. But, speaking after the draw in Azerbaijan, Maresca defended his rotation policy. “The [selection] is always because we think the plan with the players is the correct one,” said Maresca. “The intention was to rest Moises [Caicedo], Enzo [Fernandez], Malo [Gusto,] and more players. “They are not able to play every three days. The Club World Cup affected a lot. We tried to rotate. When we win, nobody mentions that but when we don’t, everyone is focused on that.”

La Liga: No Punishment for Vini Jr, Says Alonso

October 31, 2025 by admin

Real Madrid Coach Xabi Alonso has put to rest recent speculation surrounding winger Vinícius Júnior, affirming that there is “no Vini Jr case” and praising the player for his honesty and clarity with the squad. According to a Fabrizio Romano post on Friday, ” Alonso said, ‘There’s no Vini Jr case, it’s all clarified. “Vini spoke in front of all of us on Wednesday, and he’s been fantastic”. He’s been very honest and clear. Also, his statement has been powerful. The words he said to his teammates are the most important thing.” “Vinicius Jr will not be punished. The matter is closed”. “He was impeccable in his speech in front of all of us.” Vinicius Jr had issued a public apology to fans, teammates, and club officials following his reaction after being substituted during Sunday’s intense El Clásico clash against Barcelona. Also speaking on out-of-favour Real Madrid winger, Endrick, who has been reported to go on loan in January, he said, “I would have liked Endrick to have had more minutes. But some circumstances need to be right.” Endrick is expected to leave Real Madrid on loan during the January transfer window, with discussions already underway between the club and potential suitors.

EPL: Ex-Man Utd Star Backs Arsenal for Premier League Glory

October 27, 2025 by admin

A former Manchester United star, Gary Neville, has declared Arsenal the frontrunners to clinch the Premier League title this season. According to Sky Sports on Monday, Neville believes that Mikel Arteta’s squad can secure the championship without needing to amass 90 or 100 points, stressing that their current consistency will be key to success. Following their 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Arsenal sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League standings. They hold a seven-point advantage over reigning champions Liverpool and are six points ahead of Manchester City, reinforcing Neville’s confidence in their title. “This has got to be them, hasn’t it? This has got to be their year. “This is the fourth season in a row I’ve backed them to win the league. They’re not much better than before, but they are consistent — and that’s what matters this season. “They don’t need 100 points or even 90 to win the league. A total in the mid or high 80s should be enough, and they can definitely achieve that.” Neville said on his podcast. Arsenal stretched their Premier League lead to four points as Eberechi Eze’s goal beat his former club Crystal Palace 1-0, while Manchester City lost 1-0 at Aston Villa on Sunday.

La Liga: ‘I am Enjoying Football at Barca’, Rashford Eyes Permanent Move

October 24, 2025 by admin

England winger Marcus Rashford has said he is enjoying his time at Barcelona as the Catalan club hold an option to make his move permanent for £28 million, a reduced fee compared with the £40 million United would demand from other potential buyers. Despite being under contract at Old Trafford until 2028, Rashford appears to have no future with the club while Ruben Amorim remains in charge. According to BBC Sports on Friday, the 27-year-old’s contract with United runs to 2028. “I’m enjoying this football club, and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player, it is an honour. “When asked if he wanted to stay in Spain, he replied, “For sure, he told ESPN. Rashford spent the second half of last season at Aston Villa, where his career was revived under Unai Emery. He took his goals tally to five in 12 games for Barcelona thanks to a double against Olympiakos in the Champions League on Tuesday. Rashford, who is set to play in his first El Clásico against Real Madrid this weekend, believes he is benefiting from a change of scenery. “People forget this, but 23 years of my life was with Manchester United. So sometimes you just need a change. I think maybe this is the case with me, and I’m enjoying everything,” he said.