Boluwatife Kehinde

The Grand Stade de Marrakech erupted as Nigeria’s Super Eagles powered into the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 2-0 victory over Algeria on Saturday.

Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams struck in the second half to seal the win for Eric Chelle’s men, setting up a blockbuster semi-final showdown against tournament hosts Morocco.

The deadlock was broken just two minutes after halftime when Osimhen rose majestically to thunder home a powerful header from Bruno Onyemaechi’s precise cross — his fourth goal of the tournament.

Ten minutes later, Nigeria doubled their advantage with a superb team move. Alex Iwobi dissected the Algerian defence with a clever outside-of-the-boot pass, Osimhen unselfishly squared across goal, and Akor Adams coolly rounded goalkeeper Luca Zidane before slotting into the empty net.

Algeria, who had conceded only one goal prior to this quarter-final, were completely neutralised. The Desert Foxes failed to register a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes, even after introducing Baghdad Bounedjah from the bench.

Nigeria dominated possession and tempo from the opening whistle, creating numerous chances in the first half. Algerian defender Ramy Bensebaini produced several crucial goal-line clearances to keep the score level at the break.

The Super Eagles continued to press in the second period, with Adams later hitting the post and other efforts going close.

Wilfred Ndidi picked up a yellow card, but the Nigerian backline remained resolute. Late substitutes, including Moses Simon, helped the team manage the game comfortably to the final whistle.

Nigeria has advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament for the 12th time after securing an impressive 4-0 victory against Mozambique at the Fez Stadium.

Following this resounding win, Nigeria is set to face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the next round, having comfortably booked their spot in the quarter-finals with a commanding performance.

The game started strong for Nigeria, with Ademola Lookman taking control early in the match. In the 20th minute, Lookman capitalized on a well-placed pass from Akor Adams, putting Nigeria ahead and increasing his own tally to three goals and four assists across four matches in the tournament.

Victor Osimhen quickly followed suit, doubling Nigeria’s lead just five minutes later. His sharp instincts allowed him to react swiftly in the penalty area, finding the back of the net just before halftime and further solidifying Nigeria’s advantage.

As the second half commenced, Nigeria maintained their aggressive play. Just two minutes after the restart, Osimhen struck again, converting a precise delivery from Lookman. This goal effectively sealed Mozambique’s fate and marked Osimhen’s second of the match.

Akor Adams capped off the extraordinary team performance in the 75th minute. Taking advantage of a fast counter-attack, Adams burst through the defensive line and expertly placed his shot into the top corner of the net, bringing the score to 4-0 and ensuring a comfortable conclusion to the match.

 Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been handed major recognition by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following an impressive group-stage showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ademola Lookman was named in CAF’s Group Stage Best XI after a series of influential performances that helped Nigeria top their group. The Atalanta forward was deployed in a hybrid midfield role, contributing two goals and two assists in just two matches, including the winner against Tanzania and a goal plus two assists in the 3–2 victory over Tunisia.

CAF praised Lookman’s versatility, movement, and creativity, noting his ability to combine midfield control with attacking threat.

Head coach Eric Chelle also received top honours, emerging as CAF’s Best Coach of the Group Stage after guiding the Super Eagles to a perfect record. Nigeria won all three group matches, combining defensive organisation with fluid attacking play.

CAF credited Chelle’s tactical clarity, disciplined setup, and consistent team selection for Nigeria’s balance between structure and freedom, describing the Super Eagles as one of the tournament’s standout sides heading into the knockout rounds.

Nigeria rounded off their Group C campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 3–1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday night, confirming top spot and underlining their growing depth ahead of the knockout stage.

‎Already assured of a place in the Round of 16, the Super Eagles needed only a draw to finish first, but Eric Chelle’s side delivered a polished performance that blended control, intensity and attacking efficiency.

‎Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the first half, calmly finishing a low cross from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to give Nigeria an early advantage.

‎The Super Eagles soon took full control as Raphael Onyedika struck twice in quick succession, punishing Uganda’s defensive lapses and effectively putting the contest beyond reach.

‎Uganda reduced the deficit through Robert Mato, but the goal proved little more than a consolation as Nigeria managed the game with authority for the remainder of the match.

‎Onyedika’s display stood out on the night. Making his first-ever AFCON appearance, the 24-year-old midfielder dominated the centre of the park, linked smoothly with Dele-Bashiru and capped his performance with two goals. He completed the full 90 minutes and was deservedly named Man of the Match.

‎The brace marked a significant milestone for Onyedika, who had scored only once previously for Nigeria during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic in March 2024. He now has 19 caps for the Super Eagles.

‎In the group’s other match, Tunisia and Tanzania played out a 1–1 draw, a result that confirmed Tunisia as Group C runners-up with four points.

‎ Nigeria will be facing either Cameroon, Mozambique or Angola in the Round of 16, depending on the outcome of other group fixtures.

‎Nigeria, however, ended the night with injury concerns. Debutant Ryan Alebiosu sustained a deep cut to his right leg and faces uncertainty over his availability for the remainder of the tournament, while Cyriel Dessers is set to undergo a scan after picking up a thigh injury.

‎With the group stage now complete, the Super Eagles turn their attention to the knockout rounds, buoyed by a confident display and the emergence of new contributors at a crucial stage of the tournament.

‎  Nigeria’s Super Eagles showcased both their attacking firepower and mental resilience as they sealed a place in the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Tunisia in Fès.

‎What looked set to be a comfortable evening for Nigeria turned into a test of composure, as a dominant display was briefly threatened by a late Tunisian resurgence.

‎Goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman underlined Nigeria’s authority, reflecting their control of possession, tempo, and territory for large spells of the match.

‎Osimhen was central to Nigeria’s attacking rhythm, constantly unsettling the Tunisian defence with his movement and aerial presence.

‎Although an early goal was ruled out for offside, the Napoli striker’s persistence eventually paid off, setting the tone for a confident Super Eagles performance.

‎Defensively, Nigeria were equally assured for much of the contest. Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi provided stability at the back, limiting Tunisia to speculative efforts and ensuring Stanley Nwabali remained largely untroubled.

‎However, a late two-goal burst from Tunisia injected unexpected tension into the closing minutes, forcing Nigeria to dig deep and protect their lead.

‎The response highlighted the Super Eagles’ growing maturity, as they held firm to secure a crucial victory and confirm progression with a game to spare.

‎Nigeria opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania in Morocco, with Ademola Lookman’s second-half strike proving decisive.

‎The Super Eagles started brightly and dominated the early exchanges, creating several chances through Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen, while Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba was kept busy. Nigeria eventually took the lead in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi headed home Alex Iwobi’s corner.

‎Tanzania drew level shortly after halftime as Charles M’Mombwa finished from close range following a cross from Novatus Miroshi. The response from Nigeria was immediate, with Lookman cutting inside and curling a fine left-footed effort into the far corner to restore the lead.

‎Nigeria pushed for a third goal, with Lookman, Osimhen, and Iwobi all going close, but Foba continued to deny them. Tanzania also threatened late on, missing a clear chance from a corner, but Nigeria held firm to secure all three points.

‎The win gives the Super Eagles a positive start in Group C ahead of their next match against Tunisia, while Tanzania were left frustrated after a competitive performance.

‎Wilfred Ndidi has struck a confident tone after being handed the captain’s armband of Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), declaring the team united, focused, and ready to chase success.

‎Recently appointed skipper of the national team, the experienced midfielder says the atmosphere within the camp is upbeat as Nigeria prepares for the continental showpiece.

‎According to Ndidi, expectations are high, but the players are embracing the challenge with belief and enthusiasm.

‎“There’s a lot of excitement around the team,” the 28-year-old said during a media interaction on Tuesday. “The mood is positive, everyone is motivated, and we are fully prepared for what lies ahead.”

‎The former Leicester City star described leading the Super Eagles as a major honour, stressing that the role comes with greater responsibility rather than a change in attitude.

‎“It’s a special feeling,” Ndidi explained. “I’m still the same player, but now with more responsibility. Captaining Nigeria is a privilege, and I’m ready to give everything for the team.”

‎Nigeria head into AFCON looking to bounce back after the disappointment of missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup a failure that left deep scars among players and supporters alike.

‎Ndidi admitted the setback still weighs heavily on the team but believes the tournament offers a perfect opportunity to restore pride.

‎“Missing the World Cup was painful for all of us and for Nigerians,” he said. “But AFCON gives us a chance to respond and bring back something positive.”

‎The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a major boost in prize money for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, signaling its ambition to enhance the tournament’s competitiveness, prestige, and global recognition.

‎CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe announced that the champions of AFCON Morocco 2025 will take home a record $10 million. The announcement was made during a CAF Executive Committee meeting in Rabat, Morocco, on the eve of the tournament’s kickoff.

‎AFCON Morocco 2025 is set to take place from Sunday, December 21, 2025, to Sunday, January 18, 2026.

‎ The new prize represents a 43 percent increase over the previous edition in 2023, where Côte d’Ivoire claimed $7 million after lifting the trophy.

‎The growth in prize money over the past four years has been remarkable: winners of the TotalEnergies AFCON Cameroon 2021 received $5 million, which rose to $7 million in 2023, and now reaches $10 million for the 2025 edition.

‎CAF also revealed the payouts for other top-performing teams. The runners-up will earn $4 million, while the two losing semi-finalists will each pocket $2.5 million. These enhancements are designed to reward excellence, incentivize performance, and further elevate the tournament’s stature within international football.

‎In addition to the prize money announcement, Dr. Motsepe disclosed a significant change to the African football calendar. Starting with the 2032 edition, AFCON will adopt a four-year cycle, becoming a quadrennial tournament. The shift is aimed at aligning African football with global standards, allowing national teams and players more preparation time, and improving the overall quality of the competition.

‎CAF’s decision to substantially increase AFCON 2025’s prize pool comes amid growing global interest in African football.

‎The move not only boosts the tournament’s appeal to players and fans alike but also strengthens the profile of African football on the world stage. It underscores CAF’s commitment to investing in the game’s development and ensuring that Africa’s premier football competition continues to grow in stature and prestige.

Chidozie Awaziem has urged the Super Eagles to focus on the positives from their 2–1 defeat to Egypt after Nigeria lost in friendlies on Tuesday night at the Cairo International Stadium.

‎The Super Eagles were beaten by the Pharaohs in an international friendly, with Mahmoud Saber and Mostafa Mohamed scoring for the hosts. Awaziem provided Nigeria’s only goal, rising highest to head home shortly before halftime in a competitive encounter between two African heavyweights.

‎Despite the loss, the FC Nantes defender described the match as a valuable exercise for the team as they continue preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Awaziem noted that playing against a strong opponent like Egypt offered the Super Eagles an important opportunity to assess their readiness.

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‎“It was a good test for us,” Awaziem told the Super Eagles media team. “Egypt is not an easy team to play against, especially on their home ground. They have many quality players, and the aim of this friendly was to test ourselves ahead of the AFCON.”

‎The defender explained that the game allowed head coach Eric Chelle to experiment with his squad, giving chances to new players while also trying out different tactical ideas.

‎“The purpose of the match was for the coach to see different players, test new combinations, and work on our structure,” Awaziem said. “It was also important for the newly invited players to show what they can bring to the team.”

‎Reflecting on Nigeria’s overall performance, Awaziem admitted the result was disappointing but felt the Super Eagles showed encouraging signs during the game.

‎“Of course, the result was not what we wanted, but there were many positives,” he added. “We dominated large parts of the match, pinned them back, and created several scoring chances. That shows we are on the right path.”

‎Awaziem stressed that the focus must now shift fully to preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations, urging the team to build on the lessons learned from the friendly.

‎“We just need to take the positives from this game and move forward,” he concluded. “The AFCON is the main target, and this match has helped us understand what we need to improve going into the tournament.”