Angola and Egypt shared a hard-fought 0–0 draw at the Stade d’Agadir on Monday night in another tightly contested TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 group-stage encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com report.

Angola were the more adventurous side, especially after the break but Egypt’s organised defending and resilience ensured they claimed a point. The match was physical from the outset with Egypt enjoying spells of possession while Angola pressed aggressively and looked to disrupt their rhythm.

Chances were limited but telling. Angola threatened through Kialonda Gaspar, Chico Banza and Fredy, who forced a fine save before the interval and later struck the woodwork with a curling free-kick. Substitute M’Bala Nzola also went close late on, his effort brushing the outside of the post.

Egypt, largely second best in open play, held firm under sustained pressure and defended calmly in stoppage time to secure a clean sheet. Angola may rue missed opportunities, while Egypt will be content with a point earned through discipline rather than attacking fluency.

Speaking after the game, man of the match Kulembe Fredy expressed his disappointment on Angola's exit as the veteran forward bows out.

“I’m happy to receive this trophy because I gave everything tonight. But it’s difficult to talk about this award because it’s not what we wanted from this final match. We gave everything, we created chances, but we couldn’t score the goal we needed. And also because this is my last match for the national team, which makes me very sad.

"I’ve been part of this team for 12 years, and I know all of Angola will be sad. But I am 35 years old today and I gave everything with my heart for this team. My teammates will carry on the work. I am very proud to be Angolan and to have worn this shirt," he concluded.

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye 

Mali secured a place in the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after a tense 0–0 draw with Comoros in their final Group A match on Monday night in Casablanca, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.

Needing only a point to progress, Mali controlled possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Comoros side who looked dangerous on the counter and came closest through Meziani Maoulida.

Mali’s best chance fell to Lassine Sinayoko whose powerful effort was well saved before the break.

The pattern continued after the interval with little cutting edge from either side. Late drama followed in the 88th minute when Amadou Haidara was sent off but Mali held on under late pressure.

The result confirmed Morocco as group winners, with Mali finishing second on three points from three draws. Comoros exit in third place with two points, narrowly missing out on qualification.

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye 

Morocco eased into the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with a dominant 3–0 win over Zambia on Monday, sealing top spot in Group A all thanks to Ayoub El Kaabi, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.

The hosts started brightly and took the lead inside nine minutes as Ayoub El Kaabi headed home from close range following a well-worked short corner.

Morocco doubled their advantage in the 27th minute when Brahim Diaz calmly finished after Abde Ezzalzouli’s low cross, with Azzedine Ounahi again the architect.

Any Zambian hopes were ended early in the second half as El Kaabi completed his brace in spectacular style, firing in an acrobatic overhead kick in the 53rd minute, a goal later confirmed by VAR.

Walid Regragui, Morocco head coach lauded his team for sticking to the plan in his post match assessment.

"We played well and had a solid plan that worked out well. It was not an easy match but thanks to a well thought game plan, we managed to secure the result we needed and seal out qualification. We are the home team so we must always play our games as a final.

"We have a very supportive crowd who are rallying behind us and that is why all the players are giving it their utmost best in every match. We look forward to the knockout stages and will continue working hard."

The win lifts Morocco to seven points and first place in the group, ahead of Mali who also advance after a goalless draw with Comoros.

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye

South Africa sealed a place in the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Zimbabwe in a pulsating Group B clash on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Bafana Bafana struck early as Tshepang Moremi lifted the ball over goalkeeper Arubi inside seven minutes, but Zimbabwe responded through a brilliant solo effort from Tawanda Maswanhise to level matters in the 19th minute.

South Africa regained the lead shortly after the break when Lyle Foster punished defensive hesitation to make it 2–1, before Maswanhise again threatened, crashing a fierce effort against the post. The turning point came in the 82nd minute, as Oswin Appollis calmly converted a VAR-awarded penalty for handball.

Zimbabwe set up a tense finish when Aubrey Modiba turned the ball into his own net, but South Africa held firm under late pressure to secure the win.

"We knew South Africa would have spells of dominance. They are a team that likes to have the ball and knows how to use it. We exploited the spaces when they appeared," Zimbabwe head coach Mario Marinica stated after the narrow loss.

"In certain transition phases, we were dangerous, and that is what allowed us to get back into the match. At this level of competition, every mistake is punished. We tried to stay organised, win our duels and be strong on second balls."

The result sees South Africa finish second in Group B with six points and advance to the next round, while Zimbabwe exit the tournament bottom of the group with one point despite a spirited display.

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye 

Nigeria produced a dominant display to defeat Tunisia in a pulsating Group C encounter at the Fez Stadium, running out 3–2 winners in a five-goal Africa Cup of Nations classic, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Super Eagles began on the front foot, with Victor Osimhen seeing an early header fly over the bar in the 8th minute before having a goal ruled out for offside soon after.

Nigeria’s persistence finally paid off just before the break when Osimhen rose highest to power home a header from Ademola Lookman’s pinpoint cross in the 44th minute.

Nigeria doubled its advantage shortly after the restart as Wilfred Ndidi headed in from a Lookman-delivered corner in the 50th minute, extending the Super Eagles’ control.

The contest appeared beyond Tunisia when Nigeria struck again in the 66th minute. A swift counter-attack, sparked by Frank Onyeka and involving Alex Iwobi, ended with Osimhen squaring the ball for Lookman, who calmly finished to make it 3–0.

Tunisia mounted a late response, pulling one back in the 74th minute through Talbi, who converted from a set-piece. The Carthage Eagles were then handed a lifeline following a VAR review, with Elabdi converting from the penalty spot in the 86th minute.

Despite the late scare, Nigeria held firm to secure a vital victory in Group C, their second in two matches, to progress to the next round.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria and Tunisia renew a long-standing rivalry when they meet in a high-stakes Group C encounter at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.

The fixture brings together two of Africa’s most established football nations, with both sides aiming to build on winning starts and take a decisive step toward the knockout stages.

The first meeting between the two teams dates back to 1961 during qualification for the 1962 Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria claimed a 2–1 victory in the home leg, but the return match in Tunisia ended in controversy as Nigeria walked off the pitch with the score tied at 2–2. Tunisia were subsequently awarded a 2–0 win, sealing qualification on a 3–2 aggregate.

Beyond AFCON, the rivalry has extended to the FIFA World Cup stage, with Nigeria and Tunisia crossing paths in qualifying campaigns for the 1978, 1982, 1986 and 2010 tournaments.

At the Africa Cup of Nations finals, the two nations have met six times previously, with Nigeria holding the edge with three victories to Tunisia’s one. Two encounters, in 2004 and 2006, ended level and were decided by penalty shoot-outs, with each side claiming one shoot-out win.

Their most recent AFCON meeting came at the 2021 edition, where Tunisia edged a Round of 16 contest 1–0, thanks to Youssef Msakni’s decisive strike early in the second half. That result remains fresh in the memory as Nigeria look to settle scores in Morocco.

The Super Eagles head into the clash in strong form, unbeaten in their last seven AFCON group matches and having scored in 13 of their last 14 games at the tournament, underlining their attacking consistency. Forward Ademola Lookman has been a standout performer during the qualifiers and is expected to play a key role, offering pace, creativity and a consistent goal threat.

Tunisia, meanwhile, arrive with growing confidence after a solid start to their Morocco 2025 campaign and will be eager to maintain momentum. The Carthage Eagles have shown balance and discipline, qualities that could prove decisive in such a finely poised contest.

Both teams begin the match level on three points after opening victories, Nigeria edging Tanzania 2–1 and Tunisia overcoming Uganda 3–1. With qualification scenarios already taking shape, the encounter promises intensity and quality, as victory would place either side firmly on course for a place in the knockout rounds.

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye 

Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty proved decisive as Egypt secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over South Africa in their Group B clash at the Grand Stade d’Agadir, booking their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Pharaohs started on the front foot, dominating possession in the opening exchanges and pinning Bafana Bafana deep inside their own half.

Mohamed Hany’s dangerous cross flashing across the face of goal and Omar Marmoush testing the South African defence from set pieces.

South Africa gradually settled and registered their first effort on target through Lyle Foster, though the attempt lacked the power to trouble Mohamed El Shenawy.

The game’s decisive moment arrived late in the first half. Following a VAR review, Egypt were awarded a penalty after Khuliso Mudau was adjudged to have made contact with Salah inside the box.

The Liverpool forward kept his composure, calmly dispatching the spot-kick straight down the middle to beat Rowen Williams in the 45th minute.

Just moments after the goal, Egypt's Mohamed Hany committed a "rash challenge" on South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena, appearing to stamp on him from behind.

Hany, who was already on a yellow card, was shown a second yellow (resulting in a red) and sent offas Egypt has to play the who second half with a man down.

Bafana Bafana pressed aggressively after the break, enjoying sustained spells in the Egyptian half. Tshepang Moremi, Mudau, and Themba Modiba all went close, but El Shenawy produced a series of crucial saves to preserve Egypt’s lead.

Late drama followed when South Africa were initially awarded a free-kick in a dangerous area before VAR intervened to check for a possible penalty. After review, the referee overturned the decision, denying Bafana Bafana a late chance to equalise.

Egypt held firm through stoppage time to seal their second win in two matches, confirming qualification for the knockout stage, while South Africa were left to rue missed opportunities despite their numerical advantage.

Uche Dozie

Angola’s Black Sable Antelopes and Zimbabwe’s Warriors settled for a 1–1 draw in their Group B encounter at the Marrakech Stadium, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Angola struck first in the 24th minute when Gelson Dala produced a superb finish at Arubi’s near post to put the Black Sable Antelopes ahead.

Zimbabwe responded just before the break. After several probing efforts, Knowledge Musona restored parity deep into first-half stoppage time, guiding a well-taken effort into the far corner to make it 1–1 at half-time.

The second half saw both teams push for a winner in an evenly balanced COSAFA derby. Zimbabwe came close late on when Chirewa’s effort was palmed upwards by Marques, with Angola’s defence clearing the danger off the line.

Neither side could find a decisive goal, and the match ended level — a result that leaves both Angola and Zimbabwe with their first point of the tournament after two Group B matches.

Uche Dozie

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined Egypt $5,000 following their opening match against Zimbabwe at the ongoing AFCON 2025 tournament, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The sanction was imposed after members of Egypt’s playing squad and technical crew failed to observe mandatory media duties in the mixed zone after the game.

CAF confirmed that the entire Egyptian delegation walked past journalists without granting post-match interviews, a move that contravenes the tournament’s media regulations.

CAF has also issued a stern warning to the Pharaohs, stressing that more severe sanctions will be enforced should the team again fail to meet media requirements after they clash with South Africa later today.

Media engagement remains a compulsory aspect of CAF competitions, with teams expected to cooperate fully with accredited journalists throughout the tournament.

Uche Dozie

Captain Riyad Mahrez scored twice as two-time champions, Algeria opened their Group E campaign with a commanding 3–0 victory over Sudan at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Algeria made a lightning start, taking the lead inside two minutes when Mahrez fired home from just inside the box to register the tournament’s quickest goal to date.

Sudan responded with intent and nearly equalised in the 11th minute but Jobak was forced wide by Luca Zidane, allowing Algeria to escape.

The Sudanese side went close again in the 38th minute, only to be denied by Zidane before Yagoub fired over from the rebound.

The match swung decisively in Algeria’s favour shortly after, as Salaheldin Adil was shown a second yellow card in the 39th minute for a reckless midfield challenge, reducing Sudan to 10 men.

Algeria thought they had doubled their advantage before the break when Ramy Bensebaini scored acrobatically, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Algeria maintained their lead heading into the break and resumed control after half-time. Sudan goalkeeper Monged produced a fine save in the 59th minute to deny Baghdad Bounedjah, but the pressure eventually told.

In the 61st minute, Mahrez struck again, finishing clinically after a well-weighted ball from the flank to make it 2–0 and complete his brace.

Algeria nearly added a third in the 72nd minute, with Amoura’s volley crashing against the post. The third goal finally arrived in the 85th minute, when Ibrahim Mazza finished from close range after being set up by Bounedjah.

The final whistle confirmed a comfortable 3–0 win for Algeria, who recorded their first in the tournament since 2019.

Uche Dozie

Ivory Coast kicked off their 2025 African Cup of Nations title defence with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mozambique in their Group F opener at the Stade de Marrakech, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Elephants dominated possession from the opening whistle but were repeatedly frustrated by an inspired display from Mozambique goalkeeper Siluane, who produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest.

Early free-kick opportunities and sustained pressure from Ivory Coast were well dealt with by a resolute Mambas defence.

Siluane was at his best in the 26th minute, pulling off a brilliant stop to deny Diamonde Yan, before later saving Franck Kessié’s header just before half-time to ensure the teams went into the break goalless.

The breakthrough finally came shortly after the restart. In the 49th minute, Amad Diallo found the back of the net to give Ivory Coast a deserved lead.

The Manchester United forward latched onto a loose ball in the box before emphatically slotting the reigning champions ahead with his first AFCON goal.

Ivory Coast pushed to extend their advantage, with Kessié going close in the 62nd minute, while Mozambique continued to rely on last-ditch defending and their goalkeeper’s heroics.

Late in the game, Mozambique defender Guima reacted quickly to clear the danger after the ball slipped through Siluane’s hands, preventing a second goal for the defending champions.

The final whistle confirmed a 1–0 win for Ivory Coast, who secured all three points in their Group F opener as they aim to become the first defending champions since Egypt in 2010 to retain the title.

Uche Dozie

Bafana Bafana began their Group B campaign on a winning note at the Stade de Marrakech, edging Angola in an entertaining AFCON 2025 encounter to end a 21-year wait for an opening-match victory at the tournament, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

South Africa started brightly and nearly went ahead in the 11th minute when Nkota picked out Lyle Foster inside the box, but Angola goalkeeper Marques well saved the forward’s header. At the other end, Ronwen Williams produced a fine diving save in the 15th minute to deny Angola from close range.

The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute. Oswin Appollis capitalised on good work by Foster inside the area, firing home to give Bafana Bafana the lead.

Angola responded strongly and were rewarded in the 35th minute when Show produced a delicate finish to beat Williams and restore parity. The first half ended 1–1, with both sides evenly matched.

South Africa thought they had regained the lead shortly after the restart when substitute Tshepang Moremi scored with his first touch in the 51st minute, but celebrations were cut short as VAR ruled the goal out, with Foster adjudged to have been offside in the build-up.

Bafana continued to press and came agonisingly close in the 58th minute when Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s powerful strike crashed off the crossbar.

The decisive moment finally came in the 79th minute. Lyle Foster, making amends for his earlier offside involvement, curled a superb effort into the far corner to restore South Africa’s lead.

Angola pushed for a late equaliser, with Mabululu going close in the 89th minute, but Bafana Bafana held firm to secure a historic victory.

The win marks South Africa’s first AFCON opening-match triumph in 21 years, providing a major boost to their Group B ambitions.

Uche Dozie

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that the winners of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 will receive USD 10 million in prize money, marking the highest payout in the tournament’s history, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The announcement was made on Saturday after a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) in Rabat, Morocco, held on the eve of the competition’s kick-off.

The prize represents a 43 per cent increase from the 2023 edition, when hosts Côte d’Ivoire claimed USD 7 million after winning the title. It also underlines the significant growth of the competition over the past four years, with the winners’ reward doubling from the USD 5 million paid out at AFCON Cameroon 2021.

This steady rise highlights CAF’s commitment to enhancing the commercial value and global appeal of Africa’s flagship international tournament, with prize money climbing from USD 5 million in 2021 to USD 7 million in 2023, and now USD 10 million in 2025.

Meanwhile, the runners-up at AFCON Morocco 2025 will earn USD 4 million, while the two losing semi-finalists will each receive USD 2.5 million.

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye 

Nigeria and Tanzania clash in the first match of Group C of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday with the Super Eagles favored to pick all three points to put their campaign in good stead right from the opening day, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Taifa Stars, coached by Miguel Gamondi, are making only their fourth appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations, following group stage exits in 1980, 2019 and 2023. They are yet to win a match in Africa’s flagship football championship after drawing three and losing six of their previous nine encounters.

Nigeria is the most decorated team in the 68-year history of the Africa Cup of Nations, though Egypt have seven titles, Cameroon have five and Ghana have four.

Inside the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday evening, Coach Eric Chelle, who told CAFonline.com last month that Nigerians expect their team to win every match, will most probably set his store by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, central defenders Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, wing-backs Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi (new captain), Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Simon Moses, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.

He has excellent options in Ryan Alebiosu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Samuel Chukwueze and Paul Onuachu.

Gamondi will most likely weave his strategy around captain Mbwana Samatta (from Le Havre in the French Ligue 1) and Simon Msuva (who plays in Iraq). These two are very experienced warriors on the international stage and know when to deal and dither.

There are also wing-back Mohammed Hussein (who plays for Young Africans in the Tanzania Premier League), and the nifty midfielder Feisal Salum (also in the Tanzania Premier League with Azam FC).

More than 45 years ago, in the sunshine of Lagos, a Nigerian team captained by Christian Chukwu (who would emerge Player of the Tournament) and a Taifa Stars squad led by Leodegar Tenga (now Chairman of Tanzania’s National Sports Council) clashed in the opening match of the 12th AFCON at the National Stadium, Surulere. Nigeria won 3-1, to secure three precious points on their way to lifting the trophy for the first time.

Fès is expected to be cold on Tuesday, just like most parts of Morocco presently, but the Super Eagles are determined to ride through the climate and post a result that will stimulate greater interest of Nigerian ball fans at home and in the diaspora in the 35th AFCON finals.

Credit: NFF

Three-time winners Nigeria and seven-time champions Egypt will be testing the mettle at the Cairo Stadium today in a friendly match meant to prepare both teams for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations which will begin in Morocco on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Both teams will have the opportunity to test a clutch of newbies, with Nigeria manager Eric Sékou Chelle able to field the likes of goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and forwards Paul Onuachu and Salim Fago Lawal, if he so desires.

Pharaohs’ Coach Hossam Hassan, himself an AFCON legend, scored seven goals as Egypt won the 1998 edition of the championship in Burkina Faso, finishing as joint top scorer with South Africa’s Benni McCarthy, whose team ended up with the silver medals.

Hassan will most probably weave his gameplan for the friendly match and the AFCON tournament itself around Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah, who, despite a hefty trophy shelf, is looking for his first AFCON title. There will also be Manchester City of England’s Omar Marmoush, Al Ahly’s Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Emam Ashour and Mahmoud Trezeguet.

There are also CAF Champions League holders Pyramids’ Mohamed Hamdy and Mostafa Fathi, and UAE-based Ibrahim Adel, as well as Mostafa Mohamed of FC Nantes in France.

Chelle is most likely to set his store by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

The match will kick off at 8pm Egypt time (7pm Nigeria time). As of Monday afternoon, 17 of the 28 players in Nigeria’s final list were in Cairo, with more players expected to arrive before Monday evening’s training session.

The Super Eagles will depart Cairo for the Moroccan city of Fés aboard a chartered flight on Thursday.

Nigeria’s campaign for a fourth continental crown (following triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013), is already themed NAIJA 4 THE WIN, and rolls off the ground on Tuesday, 23rd December with a clash against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, in a repeat of the opening match of the 1980 finals that Nigeria hosted and won.

The Eagles will then clash with 2004 hosts and winners Tunisia on Saturday, 27th December, before their final Group C encounter against Uganda’s Cranes on Tuesday, 30th December. All of Nigeria’s group phase matches hold at the Complexe Sportif de Fés.

The Pharaohs, who are the only country to have achieved three consecutive triumphs (2006-2010), have to negotiate things with 1996 hosts and winners South Africa, as well as Angola and Zimbabwe in Group B. Their matches will take place at the Stade d’Agadir in the city of Agadir.

Credit: NFF

The Pharaohs were initially scheduled to take on the Super Eagles on 14 December as part of both nations’ build-up to the Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

However, FIFA regulations state that clubs are only required to release players for international duty from 15 December.

This prompted the fixture’s rescheduling to guarantee the availability of key stars, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City winger Omar Marmoush, for the high-stakes warm-up match against Nigeria.

Egypt, the record seven-time champions, head into the tournament determined to capture their first AFCON title since 2010.

They have been drawn in Group B, where they will face South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. The Pharaohs have come close in recent years, reaching the finals in both 2017 and 2021 before narrowly losing to Cameroon and Senegal, respectively.

On Monday, head coach Hossam Hassan unveiled a 28-man preliminary squad for the tournament, with the team set to convene in Cairo on Wednesday for their final preparation camp.

Nigeria also released their provisional list this week, naming a 52-man squad.

The announcement coincided with the unexpected retirement of captain William Troost-Ekong from international football—a decision that signals the start of a new era for the Super Eagles, while stirring significant debate among supporters ahead of the continent’s biggest competition.

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye 

CAF has signed a historic media rights agreement with Channel 4 in the United Kingdom, making the broadcaster the home of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 and for the first time, the tournament will be available to watch for free across the UK, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 kicks off on Sunday, 21 December 2025, featuring 24 teams competing in 52 matches across nine stadiums.

All matches will be broadcast live across Channel 4’s network, including Channel 4, E4, 4Seven, streaming platforms, and Channel 4 Sport’s YouTube channel.

“The agreement with between CAF and Channel 4 is historic in many ways and it ensures that the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will live in each and every household in the UK for the first time in the history of the competition", CAF General Secretary, Véron Mosengo-Omba explained.

“Bringing the excitement and drama of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations exclusively to UK Free-to-Air television for the first time is such a compelling proposition for Channel 4", Pete Andrews, Head of Sport, Channel 4 stated.

"So many Premier League stars will be playing in the tournament and having Liverpool legend Mo Salah on Channel 4 on Boxing Day, when traditional Premier League football coverage has been reduced elsewhere, means football fans will still be able to get their thrill of festive fixtures.”

Top Premier League talents are set to feature in the tournament, including Manchester United trio Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire), and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco); Everton duo Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye (Senegal); Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey (Nigeria) and Samuel Chukwueze; West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo); Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr (Senegal); and Wolves defender Emmanuel Agbadou (Côte d’Ivoire) amongst many others.

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Trophy Diaspora Tour officially kicked off on the evening of Wednesday, 3 December, in Paris as CAF brought Africa’s most coveted silverware to the Yoyo venue for its Paris stop, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Designed to engage African communities living abroad, the initiative aims to strengthen the connection between the diaspora and next year’s tournament in Morocco.

Ivorian legend Yaya Touré, who lifted the trophy in 2015 and is a four-time CAF African Player of the Year, headlined the evening.

He was joined by a discussion panel featuring Bruno Ecuele Manga (Gabon) and Moussa Niakhaté (Senegal), who shared personal reflections and stories that bridged generations of African football.

“This Trophy belongs to the entire continent. Seeing it travel to the diaspora, here in Paris, is an immense pride. Africa deserves moments like this, united in culture and in football,” Touré stated.

Musical performances were central to the event, reinforcing the Diaspora Tour’s mission to blend football with culture. Mohamed Ramadan opened the stage, drawing enthusiastic cheers with a dynamic set.

“Africa is a family. This Tour brings us even closer,” he told the crowd. He was followed by Congolese rap icon Youssoupha, who delivered a powerful performance.

Beyond the speeches and performances, the evening stood out for its strong sense of community and togetherness. Throughout the event, the Trophy remained the focal point, symbolising the enduring bond between the African continent and its global diaspora.

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye 

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has partnered with KONAMI Digital Entertainment, naming the company the Official Gaming Sponsor of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations for the 2025 and 2027 editions, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

“The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will be one of the most exciting and widely followed editions of our flagship competition. Our partnership with KONAMI reflects CAF’s commitment to innovation, global fan engagement, and creating new opportunities for African youth in both football and digital spaces,” CAF General Secretary, Véron Mosengo-Omba stated.

KONAMI Senior Executive Officer, Koji Kobayashi added: “We are delighted to announce the establishment of a partnership with CAF.

"This partnership brings new possibilities to the gaming experience, and we are truly excited to deliver the passion of the African region-home to some of the world’s most powerful soccer nations-to fans around the globe through eFootball™, and this partnership opens up exciting new possibilities for the gaming experience."

The deal grants KONAMI exclusive rights to recreate the tournament in its eFootball franchise, supporting CAF’s digital transformation strategy and enhancing fan engagement.

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye

Nigeria will tackle the representative teams of Benin Republic and Cote d’Ivoire in the group stages of the WAFU B zonal qualifiers for this year’s CAF Schools Football Championship. The zonal qualifying tournament will take place in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso, this week, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The four-day fiesta will witness competition in both male and female categories, though Nigeria is taking part in only the male event. Group A of the male competition has hosts Burkina Faso, Ghana and Niger Republic, with Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Benin Republic in Group B.

In the female category, hosts Burkina Faso are up against Cote d’Ivoire in the two-team Group A, with Ghana, Benin Republic and Niger Republic in Group B.

On Monday, the Nigeria squad, made up of players from a number of schools that took part in the national competition in Abuja two months ago, will take on their counterparts from Cote d’Ivoire at the Stade August 4 in Ouagadougou, from 11am. On Tuesday, at 9am, the Nigerian school boys will take the pitch against their counterparts from Benin Republic.

Semi-final matches are scheduled for Wednesday while the loser’s final and final matches will be played on Thursday.

The Nigerian contingent, made up of 19 players and six officials, travelled through Lagos and Abidjan before arriving in Ouagadougou on Saturday, and are lodged at the Hotel Splendid in the Burkinabe capital.

The 19 players in the Nigeria team are drawn from the Government Basic Education School, Kaduna; Government Junior Secondary School, Jalingo; Adaigbo Secondary School, Ogwashi-Ukwu; National Grammar School, Enugu and; Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti. The team is led by Coach Oluwaseun Oyeniyi.

Goalkeepers: Sa’adu Tukur (Government Junior Secondary School, Jalingo); Joshua Chima (Adaigbo Secondary School, Ogwashi-Ukwu)

Defenders: Mujaheed Nura (Government Basic Secondary School, Kaduna); John Oruomoni (National Grammar School, Enugu); Hamza Ibrahim Aliyu (Adaigbo Secondary School, Ogwashi-Ukwu); Tobiloba Adedeji (Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti); Divine Juwe ((Adaigbo Secondary School, Ogwashi-Ukwu); Timothy Ijachi (National Grammar School, Enugu)

Midfielders: Yusuf Auwal (Adaigbo Secondary School, Ogwashi-Ukwu); Isaac Ajang (Government Junior Secondary School, Jalingo); Thomas Titus (National Grammar School, Enugu); Peter Moses (Government Basic Secondary School, Kaduna); Abdulsalam Mohammed (Government Basic Secondary School, Kaduna); Ayomide Adeleke (Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti); Nnamdi Echeruozo (National Grammar School, Enugu)

Forwards: Marcus Adeyanju (Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti); Wisdom Okonkwo (Adaigbo Secondary School, Ogwashi-Ukwu); Umar Faruk Shuaibu (Government Basic Secondary School, Kaduna); Abdulrazzaq Mufutau (Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti)

Credit: NFF