Tag: Super Eagles

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Tinubu congratulates Super Eagles on AFCON bronze medal triumph

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s senior national football team, the Super Eagles, on their bronze medal victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the feat as a proud moment for the nation.

In a statement on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and mental strength, noting that they showed remarkable character by bouncing back from the disappointment of their semi-final loss to host nation Morocco earlier in the week.

The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, defeating the North African giants in a penalty shootout after regulation time, during which Nigeria dominated large spells of the encounter.

President Tinubu commended the players and technical crew for refusing to allow the setback of the semi-final defeat define their campaign, stressing that their response reflected the fighting spirit for which Nigerians are known.

According to the President, the bronze medal is a fitting reward for a team that displayed discipline, unity and determination throughout the tournament.

“Despite their impressive run in the competition, the Super Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco on penalties last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of lifting the trophy were dashed,” Tinubu said.

“However, our players remained undaunted. Exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, they regrouped, refocused and ensured that their efforts did not end in disappointment.

“We are proud of them as they receive their well-deserved bronze medals on Sunday in Rabat. Their performance has once again demonstrated the determination, persistence and can-do spirit that define us as a people.”

The President added that the team’s ability to rise above adversity sends a strong message to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora about the power of perseverance and national unity.

“Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold,” Tinubu said.

The President also urged the players to see the achievement as a foundation for greater success in future international competitions, assuring them of the nation’s continued support as they prepare for upcoming continental and global challenges.

Nigeria’s third-place finish at AFCON 2025 further reinforces the Super Eagles’ status as one of Africa’s most consistent footballing nations and offers renewed optimism for fans ahead of future tournaments. (Guardian)

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AFCON 2025: Nigeria beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win bronze

The Super Eagles defeated Egypt’s Pharaohs 4-2 on penalties on Saturday to claim the bronze medal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.

The encounter ended goalless after 90 minutes, forcing the contest into a shootout where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali again proved decisive, saving spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush to hand Nigeria their ninth AFCON third-place finish and maintain their perfect record in the fixture.

Interim coach named a rotated side, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman starting on the bench. Nwabali retained his place in goal behind a defence of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika anchored midfield, while captain Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze operated on the flanks behind Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams.

Nigeria began brightly and created the first opening in the 13th minute when Adams’ effort was deflected behind by an Egyptian defender. Both sides then settled into a cagey rhythm with defences on top.

Adams appeared to have given the Eagles the lead in the 36th minute with a powerful header, but the goal was cancelled after VAR review showed Onuachu had elbowed a defender in the build-up. The striker was booked for the offence.

The teams went into the break level, and Lookman replaced Onuachu at the start of the second half. The Atalanta forward had the ball in the net shortly after the restart, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside.

Alex Iwobi later came on for Osayi-Samuel as Nigeria searched for a breakthrough, but chances remained scarce and the match headed to penalties after regulation time ended in stalemate.

In the shootout, Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s opening kick, but Nwabali saved Salah’s effort to keep the scores level. Adams converted before Marmoush was also denied by the Nigerian goalkeeper. Simon and Iwobi scored calmly, and after Mahmud Sabir reduced the deficit for Egypt, Lookman sealed victory with the decisive kick.

Nigeria had reached the playoff after a heartbreaking semi-final loss to hosts Morocco on penalties, while Egypt fell 1-0 to Senegal in their last-four clash.

The Eagles topped Group C with victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda before beating Mozambique and Algeria in the knockout rounds. Egypt, seven-time champions, progressed from Group B and eliminated Benin and Ivory Coast before their semi-final defeat.

Saturday’s triumph extended Nigeria’s remarkable dominance in AFCON bronze matches and offered consolation after their near miss in the race for the title. (Punch)

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AFCON 2025: Super Eagles soar into semi-finals as Osimhen, Akor sink Algeria 2-0

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have reached the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 2-0 win over Algeria at the Stade de Marrakech.

The victory sets up a last-four clash against Morocco after their win against Cameroon in the quarter-final.

The Eagles came into the match after a 4-0 win over Mozambique in the Round of 16, having scored 12 goals in four games, the tournament’s highest tally.

Algeria, unbeaten before the quarter-final, had conceded only once in four matches and were known for their strong defence.

From the start, Nigeria dominated possession and pressed high, forcing Algeria to defend deep. Victor Osimhen led the attack with power and speed, supported by Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams, while Alex Iwobi controlled the midfield, linking defence and attack.

The first half saw Nigeria create several chances, with Akor missing a one-on-one opportunity and another effort cleared off the line.

Algeria remained organised at the back and tried to threaten on the counter with goalkeeper Luca Zidane keeping their side in the game.

The breakthrough came in the second half when Victor Osimhen powered home a header to put Nigeria ahead.

The Eagles continued to dominate, and Akor Adams added a second goal after an assist from Osimhen, securing a comfortable lead.

Nigeria controlled the game from midfield, with Wilfred Ndidi breaking up Algerian attacks. The full-backs and wingers stretched the defence, creating space for Osimhen and Akor.

Algeria made substitutions to try and turn the match around, but Nigeria’s defence and composure kept them in control until the final whistle.

The Super Eagles now advance to the semi-finals, where they will face hosts Morocco. (Punch)

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AFCON 2025: Super Eagles thrash Mozambique 4-0 to reach quarter-finals

The Super Eagles have booked a place in the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals with a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique in their Round of 16 clash in Fès.

The Eagles started strongly, building on their perfect group stage record, having won all three matches to top Group C. Mozambique, making their first-ever appearance in the Round of 16 after finishing as one of the best third-placed teams in Group F, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pace and attacking threat.

The Super Eagles took an early lead in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman converted an assist from Akor Adams. Victor Osimhen doubled the advantage five minutes later, before Lookman set up Osimhen again in the 47th minute to make it three. Adams Akor completed the scoring with Nigeria’s fourth in the 75th minute.

Wilfred Ndidi captained the midfield alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, while Stanley Nwabali returned in goal. The back four of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi kept Mozambique at bay throughout the match.

Substitutions in the second half saw Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze replace Adams Akor and Lookman, while Onyeka and Ndidi were replaced by Tom Dele Bashiru and Onyedika as Chelle refreshed his midfield. Moses Simon also came on for Osimhen.

By the 80th minute, Nigeria had registered eight shots on target, while Mozambique had yet to test Nwabali.

With the win, Nigeria advance to the quarter-finals, maintaining their momentum as they chase a fourth AFCON title. They will face the winners of the match between Algeria and Congo DR. (Punch)

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Chukwuma calls on President Tinubu to force entire NFF Board to resign

Not satisfied with inability of the Super Eagles to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup after similarly missing out of the last edition in Qatar in 2022, a former Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Gabriel Chukwuma, asked for the resignation of the entire board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Ibrahim Gusau.

Although the NFF has petition FIFA to disqualify DR Congo who defeated Super Eagles in shootouts of the final match of the African Playoffs in Morocco last month for fielding nine players that Nigeria consider  ineligible”, Chukwuma stressed that seeking to get into the Intercontinental playoffs through the boardroom was beneath the three-time continental champions.

“The NFF board should resign because if they had gotten their acts together earlier, the Super Eagles would have qualified  with ease without depending on play-offs or boardroom points now.”

The former proprietor of Gabros FC of Nnewi who is one of the highest stakeholders in Nigerian football, having managed a football club for 22 years from amateur to professional rank, said that apart from not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, the current board rendered all male national teams powerless.

“The board has through cluelessness reduced our male teams to minnows of African football, beaten easily by unpopular or unknown names in football,” he noted with sadness.

Chukwuma recalled: “Since last year, I have been telling them to contact  me  so that I can assist in contributing money and  can  possibly  engage some of my friends to assist, if money was their problem. 

“Now, they have failed, there is nothing they can do. They should stop deceiving President Bola Tinubu that there is still hope for Super Eagles to Reach the World Cup to be hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico. 

“Just because our president is a listening president, they go to him and deceive him. They forget that Nigerians like football. They hardly eat or sleep when Nigerian teams are playing as they are always ready to watch them. 

“The federal government gave NFF tax payers’ money, including my money and they swallowed it. Nigeria have the crop of best legs  in the whole world. But the problem is that those who manage our football dont know what to do, they are only interested in doing players’ agent. 

He decried the situation where everyone in football administration will wants his or her players to be in the teams to play  matches. 

“Football is either you get results or you get rich. As long as you want to enrich yourself you cannot get results. I said this many months ago that Nigeria cannot qualify for the World Cup. Not that I was wishing the country bad luck but just to challenge those managing our football to qualify for the World Cup.”

Chukwuma reiterated, ” Let me say it again, all NFF board members should resign from their positions to allow young managers take over the management of football in the country and prepare for the 2030 World Cup. 

“It is shameful that some countries that are not up to Lagos qualified easily.  And now, I am hearing  that these same people who have dragged our football into the abyss are preparing to return for another term. 

“It is an insult to the whole nation. If President Tinubu allows them to go for anothet term, we have accepted defeat and should say goodbye to ever qualifying for the World Cup. And if they are not resigning, I am ready to go to court to force them out, for capable people to take over. “ (ThisDay)

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Nigeria reach AFCON knockouts despite late Tunisia scare

Victor Osimhen starred as Nigeria became the second qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage after Egypt by surviving a late Tunisia onslaught to win 3-2 in Fes.

The Super Eagles were cruising to victory on Saturday, leading 3-0 through goals from Osimhen, captain Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

But Tunisia refused to surrender in the top-of-the-table Group C clash, and Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi scored to set up a tense finish.

Tunisia had two chances to level during seven minutes of added time, but a header from captain Ferjani Sassi and a shot by substitute Ismael Gharbi were just off target.

Nigeria have six points, Tunisia three, and Tanzania and Uganda one each, with the final round of group matches set for Tuesday.

The showdown was the seventh time the Super Eagles and the Carthage Eagles had faced each other at an AFCON.

Nigeria won three times, and Tunisia once. Another two meetings went to penalty shootouts, with each nation winning one.

After performing well below par when edging Tanzania in the opening round, Nigeria were a transformed team against Tunisia, dominating the first 30 minutes in the northern city.

Osimhen was outstanding, particularly in aerial duels, while Tunisia were forced to constantly defend against the three-time champions.

The Galatasaray striker, wearing his trademark mask, headed just over after nine minutes, and came close again soon after as he rose to meet a corner kick.

Osimhen had the ball in the net after 17 minutes, but was rightly ruled offside. Big-screen replays showed the 2023 African player of the year timing his run too early.

Tunisia midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was lucky to escape a yellow card for dissent after reacting angrily when a Nigerian took a foul throw, flinging the ball into the ground.

Osimhen was wide with another headed goal attempt, then left the pitch temporarily so that the medical staff could apply a spray to his leg.

Tunisia finally broke out of a defensive shell on 32 minutes and forced a corner. The set-piece ended with the ball coming back to Abdi, whose shot flew well over.

Several Tunisian raids reaped no reward, and on 44 minutes, the goalless deadlock was broken, with Osimhen, predictably, the scorer.

The goal involved two former African players of the year, with 2024 winner Lookman crossing the ball and Osimhen rising between Abdi and Talbi to head powerfully into the net.

Just five minutes into the second half, Nigeria stretched their lead to two goals, as they once again exposed the aerial weaknesses of the Tunisian defence.

Atalanta striker Lookman was the architect again, floating a corner into the heart of the goalmouth, where Ndidi soared to beat goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen and score his first international goal.

After creating the first two goals, Lookman scored the third on 67 minutes, after being set up by Osimhen. He had time to control the ball in the box before slamming it into the net off the post.

Tunisia pulled one goal back with 16 minutes remaining. The North Africans finally got the better of an aerial duel, and Talbi nodded a Mejbri free-kick into the net. (AlJazeera)

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AFCON 2025: Davido wins $96,000 after predicting Super Eagles’ match against Tanzania

Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, better known as Davido, has reportedly gained profit after correctly predicting the outcome of Nigeria’s opening match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The DMW Records boss staked a wager on the Super Eagles’ Group C encounter against Tanzania in Fes, Morocco, predicting that both teams would score in the fixture.

His forecast proved spot-on as Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory over the Taifa Stars in an entertaining contest on Tuesday.

A late strike from Ademola Lookman ensured all three points for the Super Eagles and handed Davido a hefty return on his investment.

Reports indicate that he earned a payout of $96,564 (approximately N150 million) from the successful wager.

Nigeria dominated possession for large periods of the match and sealed the win with Lookman’s decisive goal after Tanzania equalised through Mombwa seven minutes into the second half.

The win puts Nigeria in a strong position in Group C as they chase a fourth AFCON title.

Nigeria will face their next Group C opponents as they look to build on their opening day victory and advance to the knockout stages of the competition. (Punch)

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AFCON ’25: Super Eagles beat Tanzania 2-1 in group C opener

Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 2-1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group C opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Tuesday.

The match started at a lively pace, with Nigeria taking early control, though Tanzania threatened on several occasions.

The deadlock was broken in the 36th minute when defender Semi Ajayi rose highest to head Alex Iwobi’s lofted cross into the back of the net, giving Nigeria a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Tanzania responded quickly in the second half.

Just two minutes after the restart, midfielder Charles M’Mombwa capitalized on a loose ball to level the score at 1-1, putting Nigeria under pressure.

However, Nigeria regained the lead in the 55th minute when Ademola Lookman struck a clinical left-footed shot from outside the box to make it 2-1.

The latter stages of the match saw Tanzania press aggressively, but Nigeria defended resolutely.

Goalkeeper Daniel Nwabali and defenders Bassey and Ajayi made crucial interventions to deny the Taifa Stars further chances.

Despite Tanzania’s late pressure, Nigeria held on to claim all three points.

The Super Eagles are currently leading Group C, with Tunisia and Uganda set to clash later on Tuesday (today) at 9 p.m.

The three points are expected to boost Nigeria’s confidence ahead of their next Group C fixtures: against Tunisia on Saturday, December 27, and Uganda on Tuesday, December 30. (Punch)

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Nigeria thrash Gabon 4-1 to boost World Cup hopes

Victor Osimhen scored twice as the Super Eagles sealed an emphatic 4-1 victory over the Panthers of Gabon in extra time to advance to the next playoff stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.

After a goalless first half, Akor Adams broke the deadlock early in the second half, capitalising on a player’s error to put Nigeria ahead.

Gabon, however, equalised four minutes before the end of the match, forcing the game into extra time.

Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead with a composed finish before Osimhen extended the advantage, netting twice to put the result beyond doubt.

The Super Eagles’ solid defensive display, led by Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey, ensured Gabon’s late efforts came to nothing.

The win moves Nigeria closer to securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the final playoff round set to determine their qualification status.

Nigeria secured a spot among the top runners-up in the African qualifiers, buoyed by a dominant 4-0 win over the Benin Republic that saw Victor Osimhen net a remarkable hat-trick.

Gabon, meanwhile, finished second in Group F behind the Ivory Coast to earn their own playoff place.

Nigeria will go on to face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16, with the victor of that tie advancing to the inter-continental playoff for a chance at a World Cup berth. (Punch)

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Nwabali posts cryptic message amid Eagles controversy

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has posted a cryptic message on Instagram days after tense on-field clashes with teammates during Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Benin Republic as Maduka Okoye returns from his two-month suspension, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Chippa United stopper wrote on his Instagram story on Friday, “I never fake care anyone. What I give, I give from my heart. Choose a good heart. People change so fast…King VO9.”

The post comes just days after Nwabali was involved in flash incidents with his own teammates during the World Cup qualifier in Uyo.

First, he pushed Wilfred Ndidi, who tried to calm him down after he confronted a Benin player. At half-time, as the players trudged off the pitch, he was seen arguing with Calvin Bassey.

Victor Osimhen scored a hat-trick as the three-time African champions secured their place in the continental playoffs, but there were criticisms aimed at Nwabali and some of his antics, especially after his mistakes in a 2-1 win over Lesotho last week.

While a lot of observers called for Nwabali to be dropped, head coach Eric Chelle kept faith with him for the Benin game.

The goalkeeper’s cryptic message has sparked speculation about possible tensions within the squad, though the reference to “King VO9” suggests the post may have been supportive of Osimhen rather than critical.

Nwabali has faced scrutiny in recent months, with his form becoming increasingly erratic. Flashes of his AFCON-era composure have been replaced by inconsistency and avoidable confrontations.

His judgment in high-pressure moments has often been questioned, and several on-field outbursts have only added to concerns about his temperament, though referees’ leniency has spared him disciplinary action.

The 28-year-old tragically lost both parents within a two-month span earlier this year, and he may still be dealing with the emotional toll of those losses.

Meanwhile, Okoye is poised to make his long-awaited return to the Udinese squad after serving a two-month suspension for betting-related offences.

The Düsseldorf-born goalkeeper, who had established himself as a reliable figure in Friuli before his ban, is now being backed to bounce back stronger as the Serie A side resume domestic duties.

Okoye’s return to club action inevitably raises questions about Nigeria’s goalkeeping situation ahead of the crucial World Cup playoff matches in November.

The 25-year-old could offer a calming presence that the Super Eagles have lacked in recent outings. His display against Russia in June, in what was a very intimidating atmosphere inside the Luzhniki Stadium, was a testament to his ability under pressure.

However, Nigeria can ill afford disruption ahead of November’s World Cup playoff semi-final against Gabon. Any shift in the goalkeeping hierarchy would risk unsettling a squad already chasing stability.

The more logical window for such a reassessment would be December’s pre-AFCON camp, when Chelle and his staff will have ample time to evaluate both men closely before making a definitive call. (Punch)