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June 5, 2024

CAF, Patrice Motsepe, Veron Mosengo-Omba
WORLD FOOTBALL

2024 WAFCON and 2025 AFCON Facing Potential Postponement

by Moses Ojewunmi
written by Moses Ojewunmi

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed that the highly anticipated 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) may be postponed.

 

Originally slated to take place in Morocco in 2024, the WAFCON’s schedule remains uncertain as CAF struggles to finalize a suitable timeframe for the event.

 

Speaking to BBC reporters, CAF’s General Secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba acknowledged the challenges in accommodating the competition within an already congested calendar.

 

“We are supposed to play this year but we have teams engaged in the Olympics, so we have to find another date,” Mosengo-Omba explained to BBC Sport Africa.

 

“We are talking with Uefa, because most of the players are playing in Europe, the European Club Association and also with Fifa in order to find [a] suitable date.”

 

Additionally, the 2025 AFCON faces a potential delay of six months due to FIFA’s introduction of a new inter-club FIFA World Cup, slated for the same summer as the continental tournament.

“For the men, we need to make sure that the dates that we’ll be choosing will be in the interests of the players,” said the Swiss-Congolese, highlighting issues around the workload of the continent’s elite players.

 

“For this we need to balance different aspects and also discuss with our partners and then we complete [the dates]. Scheduling is a nightmare for everybody,” He said.

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Congo
FeaturedWORLD FOOTBALL

Congo Forfeit World Cup Qualifier Due to Stadium Issue

by Aishat Akanni
written by Aishat Akanni

  • Unresolved issues concerning the venue of their match against Niger caused the forfeiture

  • Congo are still without a win in their WCQ Group

  • The Country’s Sports Minister was in charge of negotiations to move the match to neighboring DR Congo

 

 

 

Congo has announced its withdrawal from match day 3 of the World Cup qualifier due to stadium concerns.

The decision stemmed from the non-approval of their stadium in Brazzaville, where renovations are underway at the Alphonse Massamba Débat stadium.

The Congo Football Association, represented by Sports Minister Hugues Ngouélondélé, approached DR Congo to relocate the match against Niger to Kinshasa.

However, despite awaiting inspection by CAF, Niger insisted on playing in Kinshasa rather than Brazzaville, leading to Congo’s withdrawal from match day 3.

“The Congo national team will not play in Kinshasa. We accept the package because Congo is a country of its word and, when we have given our word, we respect it,” said Ngouélondélé.

“When we are faced with a situation that does not meet our values, we do not walk with that. This is why the decision to forfeit was taken.”

Consequently, Congo finds itself second to last in group E with 0 points from 1 match. and they’ll now face Morocco on match day 4.

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Nigeria, South Africa
FeaturedNIGERIAN FOOTBALLWORLD FOOTBALL

Bafana Bafana Is A Better Team Now – Broos

by Seyi Alao
written by Seyi Alao

  • Hugo Broos believe Nigeria were lucky at the 2023 AFCON

  • Nigeria advanced to the finals after a shoot-out victory over South Africa

  • Bafana Bafana have only won once against Nigeria away from home

 

 

South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos has confidently stated that his team holds the edge over Nigeria in their upcoming clash.

 

 

 

The statement comes as anticipation builds for Friday’s showdown in the 2026 World Cup qualifier between the two football Powerhouses.

This fixture is a swift renewal of the rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa, three months after a dramatic encounter in the Africa Cup of Nations semi finals.

In the previous encounter, William Troost-Ekong and Teboho Mokena’s regulation time goals saw the game decided on penalties.

Stanley Nwabali’s heroics between the sticks ensured that Nigeria secured passage to the final, saving crucial penalties from Mokena and Evidence Makgopa.

Looking ahead to the upcoming clash, Broos said his side can get the better of Nigeria this time.

“Let’s go to Nigeria and Zimbabwe, qualify for World Cup, everybody knows that everyone of us wants to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 but we are in front of two very tough games,” he said via Far Post.

“On the other side, we saw what we can do against them at AFCON, if we had a little bit of luck against them we would be in the final and not Nigeria…I think we were the best team in the semi finals, we could have won that. So, we don’t have to be afraid.”

The Super Eagles will host Bafana Bafana inside Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

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CAF President Patrice Motsepe, 2023 AFCON
FeaturedWORLD FOOTBALL

CAF Postpones AFCON 2025 Due to Club World Cup

by Tumininu Yussuf
written by Tumininu Yussuf

  • CAF has severally moved the dates of AFCON

  • There’s also no fixed date for the AFCON by CAF

  • President Patrice Motsepe has insisted that CAF will always put its interest first

 

 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Wednesday that the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), originally planned for summer 2025 in Morocco, has been rescheduled to early 2026.

 

 

The change of the AFCON date due to a scheduling conflict with the newly formatted Club World Cup.

CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba explained the decision, stating that the AFCON, initially set for summer 2025, will now take place at the beginning of 2026.

This adjustment was made to avoid overlapping with the Club World Cup, scheduled from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States.

The revamped Club World Cup will feature 32 clubs, including four African teams: Al-Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, Espérance Tunis, and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Many African players are expected to participate, representing clubs from Africa, Europe, and Asia.

CAF had faced multiple inquiries about how it would handle the scheduling conflict. Ultimately, the organization decided to postpone its premier tournament.

“We could play AFCON after the Club World Cup, but would it be in the interest of the players, who have played all season, to go to America and then immediately participate in AFCON?,” said Mosengo-Omba.

This new scheduling poses challenges for Morocco, which had hoped to leverage the tournament to boost its growing tourism industry.

However, the rescheduling will at least help avoid the extreme summer temperatures.

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Super Eagles
FeaturedNIGERIAN FOOTBALL

2026 FIFA WCQ: Lookman and Iwobi Join Super Eagles Camp

by Moses Ojewunmi
written by Moses Ojewunmi

  • Lookman and Iwobi arrived Uyo on Wednesday

  • The were held up by the grounding of Public service in a Nationwide strike

  • Nigeria play South Africa on Friday in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

 

 

 

Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi have officially joined the Super Eagles camp in Uyo.

 

Nigeria, South Africa

Ademola Olajide Lookman (C) fighting for the ball with Gomolemo Grant Kekana (R) during the African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024. (Photo by APP/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The addition of Lookman and Iwobi brings the total number of players in camp to 22, as confirmed by the Super Eagles’ official platform on Wednesday.

Super Eagles

Super Eagles during a training session at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Both players are expected to participate in the team’s training session scheduled for this evening at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium training pitch in Uyo.

Maduka Okoye, also touched down in the country this Monday morning.

Preparations for the crucial World Cup qualifiers began on Sunday with Finidi George and his backroom staff present.

Nigeria is gearing up to face South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday before traveling to Abidjan to take on Benin Republic next Monday.

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Ibrahim Olawoyin,
FeaturedNIGERIAN FOOTBALL

Olawoyin Reacts to first Super Eagles Call-Up

by Tumininu Yussuf
written by Tumininu Yussuf

  • Olawoyin was a late call-up for Nigeria’s games against South Africa and Benin

  • The Midfielder scored 8 goals and 3 assists for Rizespor last season

  • He described his invitation to the National team as “A great feeling”

 

 

Super Eagles new invitee, Ibrahim Olawoyin has expressed his excitement and readiness following his first call-up to the team, and for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

Olawoyin, who had stellar season with Caykur Rizespor, shared his elation about joining the national team camp.

“I feel amazing, it’s a big privilege for me which I will cherish for life. It’s a great feeling,” he said. “I’ve been looking forward to getting the chance and I want to prove myself.”

“The second half of the season was much better for me. I’m grateful for the wonderful performances.”

Acknowledging the different dynamics at the national level, Olawoyin said, “The Super Eagles is a national team, and the feel is different from the club level. It’s all around quality players from various clubs, which will surely make you better.”

Looking ahead to the qualifiers, he promised to give his best.

“It’s a privilege wearing this jersey because you are representing the whole nation. I will surely give my best.”

The 26 year-old midfielder scored eight goals and provided three assists in 36 league matches.

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William Troost-Ekong
FeaturedNIGERIAN FOOTBALL

2026 FIFA WCQ: Sunday Mba Backs Finidi’s Decision to Omit Ekong

by Aishat Akanni
written by Aishat Akanni

  • Ekong suffered an injury during the Africa Cup of Nations that left him needing surgery

  • Finidi released his squad for the World Cup Qualifiers leaving out Ekong

  • Mba won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013

 

 

 

Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Mba says Finidi George’s decision to leave out captain William Troost-Ekong from this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The 2013 AFCON winner stated that Finidi is under pressure to get off to a good start on the job and cannot afford to rely on players who are still recovering from injuries.

Sunday Mba

Sunday Mba celebrates with teammates after scoring against Burkina Faso during the 2013 African Cup of Nations final. (AFP PHOTO / ISSOUF SANOGO

 

Ekong, who was voted MVP at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, ruptured his biceps during the tournament and needed surgery.

“If I were Finidi, I would have done the same thing,” Mba said on Brila FM’s “No Holds Barred” with Ifeanyi Udeze. “It’s for his benefit to recover well.”

“These are qualifiers, and it’s important to win. What if he came back to play now and suffered or even worsen his injury?”

“Even in Europe, if you don’t play many matches with your club, you won’t be invited or won’t feature in the games even if invited,” he stated.

“So, he (Ekong) shouldn’t cause division in the team because he is the captain. There are still games to be played, and he will be invited in the future.”

“You can’t blame Finidi. He wants to do well because it is part of the clause in his contract to qualify for AFCON and the World Cup. He can’t manage any player that is just recovering.”

 

 

Ekong’s on His Fitness

The 30 year-old had earlier expressed his readiness to join the squad for the World Cup qualifiers. He stated that he had reached out to the Super Eagles Coach to inform him of his fitness.

“I informed the coach that I’m available. Coach Finidi has my full support; I’m fit and ready,” Ekong said.

“He made his list, and I will support the team. I will be in Uyo to support the team, and I just want us to qualify for the World Cup.”

“To play in the 2026 World Cup and the 2025 AFCON is my goal,” the CB concluded.

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Usheoritse Itsekiri
FeaturedOTHER SPORTS

Itsekiri Sub-10 Victory Dismissed over Technicality

by Seyi Alao
written by Seyi Alao

Usheoritse Itsekiri broke the 10-second barrier for the first time in his career, clocking a rapid 9.97 seconds (+2.1) in the men’s 100m event at the Royal City Inferno Festival.

Despite his remarkable performance, Itsekiri’s time won’t be recognized as a Personal Best (PB) due to the wind reading slightly exceeding the allowable limit of 2.0 meters per second.

The Nigerian stormed victory ahead of Eliezer Adjibi Can, who finished with a time of 9.98 seconds, while Duan Asemota secured the third position with a time of 10.06 seconds.

Itsekiri will have to wait for more favorable weather conditions to achieve his personal best dream.

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Godswill Akpabio Stadium
FeaturedNIGERIAN FOOTBALL

NFF Announces Ticket Prices for Nigeria vs South Africa Match

by Aishat Akanni
written by Aishat Akanni

  • The most expensive ticket for the Nigeria vs South Africa WCQ match is ₦3000

  • Nigeria hosts South Africa on Matchday 3 in the 2026 FIFA WCQ

  • Uyo hosted a fixture between the two teams back in 2017 

 

 

 

The NFF has disclosed the date, prices, and venues for ticket sales ahead of Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash between the Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

This information was released on the Football Federation’s official website on Tuesday.

Tickets for the match will go on sale from Thursday morning, with prices set at N1,000 for popular stands and N3,000 for VIP areas.

The NFF aims to provide convenient access to tickets by establishing multiple sales points away from the stadium.

Sales are expected to conclude by Friday evening, ensuring fans have ample time to secure their tickets before the 8pm kickoff.

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Adel Taarabt
FeaturedWORLD FOOTBALL

Taarabt Ponders Retirement Over Strained Relationship with Morocco’s Coach Walid

by Aishat Akanni
written by Aishat Akanni

  • Regragui and Taarabt were teammates in the Atlas Lions

  • Taarabt last featured for the NT in 2022

  • Morocco reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup

 

 

Moroccan star, Adel Taarabt has revealed details about his difficult relationship with the Atlas Lions’ head coach, Walid Regragui.

Taarabat has not featured in the national team ever since Regragui replaced Vahid Halilhodzic as Morocco’s head coach in August 2022.

The 35-year-old attacking midfielder last played for Morocco in a friendly match against the USA in July 2022.

 

Adel Taarabt

Yunus Musah is defended by Adel Taarabt during a friendly game between Morocco and the United States. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Taarabt disclosed his longstanding discord with Regragui, who led Morocco to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

The two were briefly teammates on the Moroccan national team in 2009, the same year Regragui ended his international career.

“I never got along with Walid Regragui. Even when we were teammates, I didn’t like playing with him. I don’t like his style of play,” Taarabt said.

The Al Nassr player, who has earned 30 caps and scored four goals for the Atlas Lions, has not been called up since Regragui’s appointment.

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