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Super Eagles Look To Maintain Dominance Over Tanzania
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will begin their campaign at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations against Tanzania billed for the 45,000 capacity Fes Stadium on Tuesday.
This would be the ninth meeting between the two teams since their first encounter 43 years ago.
In the previous eight clashes, the Super Eagles are yet to taste defeat against Tanzania – recording five wins and three draws.
The first time both teams came face to face was in a friendly match in 1972 which ended goalless, before their second encounter which was a group stage game at the 1973 All Africa Games in Lagos ended 2-1 in favour of the Super Eagles.
Also Read: Super Eagles Vs Taifa Stars: AFCON 2025 Group C Clash Rekindles Historic Good Omen For Nigeria
Both teams were drawn in Group A at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations held in Nigeria, which the Super Eagles won 3-1, then the two countries were paired together in the second round of the 1982 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
In the first leg in Lagos, Tanzania surprisingly held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw but fell to a 2-0 defeat at home in the reverse fixture.
It took 20 years before the Super Eagles played against Tanzania and this time it was a friendly match which the Nigerian side won 2-0 at home.
In the qualifiers for the 2017 AFCON the Super Eagles faced Tanzania in the group phase and played out a 0-0 draw away before sealing a 1-0 win in the second leg in Uyo courtesy a Kelechi Iheanacho 79th minute strike.
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco
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England launch investigation into claims stars had a beer-drinking stag-do just before losing the Ashes
England have launched an investigation into claims that their four-day trip to the holiday resort of Noosa between the second and third Ashes Tests turned into a beer-drinking stag-do.
Managing director Rob Key insisted the players were on their best behaviour during the trip up Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, but said the reports of heavy boozing would be looked into, and admitted: ‘Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol for an international cricket team is not something I’d expect to see at any stage.’
He added: ‘If they’re drinking lots and it’s a stag-do, all that type of stuff, that’s completely unacceptable.
‘I’m not a drinker, and I think a drinking culture doesn’t help anyone in any stretch whatsoever.
‘I have no issue with the Noosa trip if it was to get away and just throw your phone away, down tools, go on the beach.
‘We’ve added security, and we’ve got enough ways of finding out exactly what happened.
Ben Stokes (left) and teammate Matthew Potts are pictured during the team’s break in Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, which is now the subject of an investigation by the team
The Lions stars relaxed at the famous Aussie tourist destination (pictured) after losing the second Test in Brisbane
England managing director Rob Key said it would be ‘completely unacceptable’ if team members are found to have been drinking to excess, adding, ‘We’ve got enough ways of finding out exactly what happened’
‘Everything I’ve heard so far is that they sat down, had lunch, had dinner, didn’t go out late, had the odd drink. I don’t mind that.
‘If it goes past that, then that’s an issue, as far as I’m concerned.’
With the fourth Test starting in Melbourne on Boxing Day, and England fighting to avoid a third 5–0 whitewash in six trips to Australia, the Noosa trip is an unwanted distraction, with the headlines sure to have raised eyebrows among ECB officials back at Lord’s.
And Key admitted the players had already been spoken to this winter after an Instagram post revealed several of them – including Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson – out drinking the night before the third ODI against New Zealand at Wellington in early November.
‘I think that was a bit of a wake-up call, actually, for what they were going into,’ said Key.
‘I don’t mind players having a glass of wine over dinner. Anything more than that I think is ridiculous, really.
‘We’ve had four years where we’ve had none of these issues with any of the players.
‘I didn’t feel like that was worthy of formal warnings, but it was probably worthy of informal ones.’
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England launch investigation into claims stars had a beer-drinking stag-do just before losing the Ashes
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Nigeria’s finest table tennis players converge at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, for the grand finale of the 11th Elicris Table Tennis Cup today.
National champion Matthew Kuti and women’s singles star Sukurat Aiyelabegan will defend their crowns against fierce challengers, including Muiz Adegoke, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, Ajoke Ojomu, and Kabirat Ayoola, all vying for the coveted trophies and mouthwatering prize money. Rising cadet sensations such as Usman Ayoola and Chinenye Okafor will also battle for supremacy in the men’s and women’s singles events, adding youthful energy to the competition.
Sanctioned by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA), the tournament promises thrilling encounters, with fans expected to witness high-quality matches from the semifinal stage onward.
According to Tunji Lawal, chairman of LSTTA, the competition has grown steadily each year, attracting more players determined to break Kuti’s dominance in the men’s singles.
“From the group stage, it’s clear that this year’s winners will have to work extremely hard. Everyone is playing at the same level, and even cadet stars like Usman Ayoola are proving they can challenge the established names. The final will be explosive, and I believe this edition will produce true champions, especially for Lagos State, as we prepare to expose our cadet players to more regular competitions next year,” Lawal said.
The two-day national tournament, organized in partnership with NTTF under the leadership of Adesoji Tayo, is proudly sponsored by the Babatunde Abayomi Adejobi (BAA) Foundation.
Founder of BAA, Babatunde Adejobi, explained that the competition was designed to discover new talents while celebrating the close of a successful sporting year.
“We chose to stage this tournament annually because of our strong belief in youth development. Through sports like table tennis, young people can channel their energy into meaningful activities that improve their well-being and provide opportunities. At the BAA Foundation, we are committed to discovering talents and empowering the less privileged in society.
Since last year, we have expanded the tournament from a small group of players to a national level, bringing together the best talents from across the country. Our goal is to inspire smiles, support dreams, and empower young people. As a former table tennis player myself, I know the power of sports to transform lives. With this 11th edition, we look forward to even greater growth in the years ahead,” Adejobi said.
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Jamie Carragher apologises to Chelsea fans as he names his team of the season so far with three Arsenal stars and two from Sunderland… but who makes it from Man United?
Jamie Carragher apologised to Chelsea fans after leaving one of their stars out of his Premier League team of the season so far – for a bitter rival.
Carragher named his most impressive XI of the campaign on Monday Night Football and there was no room for sentiment as he included no Liverpool players.
And the Reds legend made the brutal decision to leave Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo out of his team despite his stellar campaign so far.
‘I apologise to Chelsea fans,’ he said. ‘Declan Rice just has the edge on Caicedo.’
Carragher’s midfield was composed of Rice from Arsenal, Granit Xhaka of Sunderland, and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
He explained that he wanted to have a more attacking midfielder among the trio but indicated that if he had not included Fernandes, Caicedo would have been a shoe-in.
Jamie Carragher has excluded Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo from his team of the season so far and apologised to Chelsea fans
He claimed that Arsenal’s Declan Rice ‘just has the edge’ over his London rival
Carragher named Erling Haaland, Rice, and Morgan Rogers as his player of the year favourites
Sunderland’s Robin Roefs was nominated as his goalkeeper of the season so far. He has prevented the most goals in the league – 2.8. ‘I’ve been really impressed with him,’ Carragher said. ‘He’s had a brilliant start to his Premier League career.’
The backline was split between Crystal Palace and Arsenal.
Palace’s Daniel Munoz came in at right-back alongside Marc Guehi, while Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori earned a place on the left next to Gabriel Magalhaes.
Gabriel is in the final stages of recovering from a hamstring injury and Carragher noted how he has been a ‘huge miss’ for the Gunners.
As aforementioned, the midfield was made up of RIce, Fernandes, and Xhaka.
‘[Xhaka] has had the biggest impact of any signing,’ Carragher said. He’s so important.
‘I had to put Fernandes in. He’s still created the most chances.’
Carragher’s front three were Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo on the right flank, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers on the left, and, to little surprise, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland up top.
On the left side, Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden came close, but Carragher described Rogers as ‘the most in-form player in the Premier League’.
He also proposed Haaland and Rice as the stand-out contenders for player of the season, with Rogers ‘on their coat-tails’.
Carragher’s team of the season
Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs (Sunderland)
Right-back: Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace)
Centre-back: Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
Centre-back: Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)
Left-back: Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)
Centre-mid: Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)
Centre-mid: Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Attacking midfield: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Right wing: Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
Left wing: Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Striker: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
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Jamie Carragher apologises to Chelsea fans as he names his team of the season so far with three Arsenal stars and two from Sunderland… but who makes it from Man United?
Mohamed Salah scored the winning goal as Egypt came from behind to defeat Zimbabwe 2-1 in Monday’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Zimbabwe took a shock lead in the 20th minute thanks to Prince Dube’s low dive shot to beat Egypt goalkeeper El Shenawy.
Despite conceding a goal, the Egyptians were in total control of the possessions and had several goal-scoring opportunities to level parity but were prevented by the defensive solidity of Zimbabwe.
Read Also:Federal Govt Fulfills Pledge On Housing Rewards To AFCON 2023 Silver Winning Super Eagles Squad
Marmoush then forced goalkeeper Washington Arubi to make a good save as Egypt continued their push for an equalizer.
However, their constant attacks paid off in the 64th minute as Omar Marmoush blasted his shot past Zimbabwe goalkeeper Arubi for the equalizer.
Just when Zimbabwe thought they could hold on, Salah stepped up, showing strength and composure to put the ball home and secure maximum points for Egypt.
The Kansas City Chiefs have announced that they will be leaving Arrowhead and moving to a brand new stadium in 2031.
The Chiefs, who moved into Arrowhead Stadium in 1972, confirmed the news at a press conference on Monday and revealed that they will be returning to Kansas.
In a statement, Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt said: ‘Today we are excited to take another momentous step for the future of the franchise. We have entered into an agreement with the State of Kansas to host Chiefs football beginning with the 2031 NFL season’.
The Chiefs revealed that the project will be split into two aspects. The first being a $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County, which is set to open for the 2031 NFL season.
They will also build a new Chiefs headquarters and training facility in Olathe, Kansas.
More details about the stadium itself are expected to be revealed later down the line but the Chiefs have insisted it will be a ‘state-of-the-art domed stadium’.
The Chiefs have revealed that they are set to leave Arrowhead for a new stadium in 2031
They will also build a brand new Chiefs headquarters and facility in Olathe, Kansas
The news was confirmed by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt
According to the press release, the ambitious project is slated to deliver over 20,000 jobs to Kansas and will have an estimated economic impact at around $4.4 billion.
Both sites, according to their statement, will include mixed-use developments that could also see hotel, shopping and entertainment properties built as part of it.
‘The benefit to the entire region will be monumental,’ the statement continued. ‘A stadium of this caliber will put Kansas City in the running for Super Bowls, Final Fours, and other world-class events.
‘A brand new training facility and headquarters will allow the Chiefs to continue to attract top talent. And the vision for a new mixed-use district will rival that of any sports-anchored development anywhere in the country’.
The statement revealed that the project will be funded through a public-private partnership – with the public portion accounting for 60 percent of the funding.
Meanwhile, the Hunt family, owners of the franchise, have also committed to $1 billion in additional development.
On the ambitious move, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said: ‘This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans. ‘This public-private partnership, the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process, will build upon the Hunts’ generational legacy by boldly investing in one of America’s greatest fan bases.
‘The Chiefs’ new enclosed stadium will be a stage for unforgettable moments, whether it’s playoff games, concerts or championship events. We congratulate the Chiefs and the Kansas City community on this important achievement.’
More details about the stadium itself are expected to be revealed later down the line but the Chiefs have insisted it will be a ‘state-of-the-art domed stadium’
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Gov. David Toland claimed it is ‘the largest economic win in Kansas history’ and added that ‘this win will also cement Kansas as a global destination for sports and entertainment’.
‘The Chiefs are a part of who we are as Kansans, and now, they’ll be such an important part of our future for years and generations to come.’
The decision will see the Chiefs bid farewell to Arrowhead Stadium, which is the third-oldest stadium in the league – behind only Soldier Field and Lambeau Field.
It marks the second time that the state of Missouri has seen an NFL franchise move away, after the St Louis Rams opted to relocate to Los Angeles back in 2016.
The announcement comes after a torrid season for the Chiefs, who missed out on the postseason for the first time in a decade after falling to 6-9 for the season.
More to follow…
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Chiefs announce they are abandoning Arrowhead and moving to new stadium in 2031
Leicester City forward, Patson Daka, scored a dramatic injury-time header to rescue a 1-1 draw for Zambia against Mali in their opening Group A match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday.
Daka, who has struggled for form at club level with just one goal for Leicester City in the English Championship this season, showed sharp instincts when it mattered most, diving to meet a cross from Mathews Banda in the second minute of added time.
The late equaliser earned the Chipolopolo an unlikely point after they had been largely outplayed for much of the encounter.
Mali dominated possession and created clearer opportunities, but were left to regret missed chances, particularly a penalty late in the first half.
El Bilal Touré failed to convert from the spot after Zambia’s Banda was penalised for catching Nene Dorgeles in the penalty area following a VAR review. Touré’s effort was saved by Zambia goalkeeper, Willard Mwanza, who guessed correctly to keep his side in the contest.
The Eagles finally made their pressure count shortly after the hour mark when Auxerre forward Lassine Sinayoko opened the scoring.
Sinayoko reacted quickest from close range, firing home at the second attempt after Zambia failed to properly clear a corner kick, giving Mali what appeared to be a deserved lead.
Just as Mali looked set to claim all three points, Daka struck in dramatic fashion. The 25-year-old attacker threw himself at Banda’s teasing cross to head past the Malian goalkeeper, silencing the Malian supporters and sparking celebrations among the Zambian camp.
The draw will suit tournament hosts Morocco, who had earlier beaten Comoros 2-0 in the opening match of Group A on Sunday.
Naija News reports that Morocco are scheduled to face Mali next in Rabat on Friday, while Zambia will take on Comoros as they continue their quest to end a long AFCON winless run.
Zambia have now failed to win any of their last 10 Africa Cup of Nations matches since lifting the trophy in 2012, underlining the significance of Daka’s late intervention in keeping their campaign alive.
Abia Warriors technical adviser, Imama Amapakabo, has said that their Matchday 18 victory over Warri Wolves was hard-fought.
The Umuahia-based club secured a 1-0 win over Warri Wolves at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday.
Sunday Megwo’s last-minute penalty proved decisive in the game.
Amapakabo admitted that his team battled hard to claim the victory.
“The game against Warri Wolves was a difficult game for us,” Amapakabo told Abia Warriors media.
“Warri Wolves did well by containing my players, we didn’t do well in the offensive but I’m satisfied with the victory.”
Abia Warriors moved up to third position on the league table with 30 points. Their next game will be against Plateau United in Jos.
Burnley striker Lyle Foster scored in the 79th minute as South Africa edged Angola 2-1 in Marrakesh on Monday, claiming their first opening victory in an Africa Cup of Nations campaign in 21 years. Since defeating Benin in the 2004 tournament, Bafana Bafana had drawn twice and lost four times on their tournament debuts.
Monday’s Group B opener unfolded in three distinct phases. South Africa began strongly, with Oswin Appollis putting the visitors ahead in the 21st minute before a sparse crowd at the near-42,000-seat stadium. Angola regained control for the remainder of the first half, with Show levelling the score. South Africa recovered in the second half, asserting dominance before Foster struck to secure the win. Egypt, led by captain Mohamed Salah, face Zimbabwe later in Agadir.
South Africa pressed from the outset, forcing goalkeeper Hugo Marques into an early save from Fredy Ribeiro’s shot in the 15th minute. Six minutes later, Appollis capitalised on a Khuliso Mudau cross, taking possession and finishing low past the 39-year-old Marques to give Bafana Bafana the lead. Ronwen Williams kept the lead intact with a brilliant point-blank save from Gelson Dala at the half-hour mark.
Angola gradually asserted themselves, and Show equalised in the 35th minute. Siyabonga Ngezana escaped a yellow card after fouling Dala, but the free-kick that followed proved costly. Show connected with the low delivery to steer the ball into the corner. Tempers flared as the half progressed, with Sudanese referee cautioning Angola’s To Carneiro and South Africans Aubrey Modiba and Sphephelo Sithole. By halftime, French coach Patrice Beaumelle would have been the happier manager, with Angola unlucky not to lead.
South Africa thought they had regained the lead six minutes into the second half when substitute Tshepang Moremi, replacing the ineffective Mohau Nkota, slotted a low shot past Marques. The celebrations were short-lived, however, as VAR ruled Foster marginally offside — he remains the squad’s only South African player from Europe’s top five leagues.
Bafana Bafana intensified their attack, with centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi venturing forward for a long-range strike that rebounded off the crossbar. South Africa, subdued for much of the first half, became the aggressors, consistently pressing for a decisive goal.
A swift counterattack saw Moremi outpace a defender before feeding Foster, who initially fired over. Foster atoned in the 79th minute, firing from the edge of the box past Marques to put South Africa back in front. The move stemmed from an intercepted Angolan pass and two precise team passes, allowing Foster to notch his fourth goal in six international appearances.
The 45,000 capacity Fes stadium in Morocco is ready to host the Super Eagles Group C matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
A quick check on the facility by Completesports.com on Monday, 22 December, ahead of the Super Eagles’ group stage opener with Tanzania shows that all is now set for fixtures to take place.
Players of the Super Eagles would have no excuse not to put up a good showing against their opponents, as the pitch is lush green which is similar to what most of them are use to in their various clubs in Europe.
Also, the two score boards are already in operation, the media centres as well as the press conference room are already being put to use.
One of the score board inside the Fes stadium
The Super Eagles should not have any excuse not to make it out of Group C with ease, as the world class facility on offer should aid them to manoeuver their way in the first hurdle in the tournament.
Also Read: Super Eagles Vs Taifa Stars: AFCON 2025 Group C Clash Rekindles Historic Good Omen For Nigeria
The plans of the Fes stadium realized by Moroccan architects and engineers and the launching of the works was done in 1992, but it is only two years later that it started its construction which had to be finished in 1997 to shelter with the stadium of Honor of Meknes 1997 U-20 AFCON organized by Morocco.
The stadium was not delivered on time, mainly because of technical problems, and it was not until 2003 that the work was completed.
Grounds man putting finishing touches on the lush green pitch
The entire complex includes a media room, a first aid center, an infirmary and a doping control room, while the stadium car park at the visitors’ disposal can accommodate up to 7500 cars and 350 coaches.
This stadium also entered Morocco’s candidacy for the organization of the football world cup in 2006 and 2010. Thus, on this occasion the complex was completely renovated and had slight modifications with the addition of 5000 places and its total capacity was increased to 45,000 seats.
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco
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Kansas City Chiefs sign Buffalo Bills quarterback after Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew injuries
Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs have signed quarterback Shane Buechele to ease their injury crisis as they splutter towards the end of the season.
After Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL in last Sunday’s loss to Los Angeles Chargers, his backup Gardner Minshew also sustained a bad knee injury this weekend against Tennessee Titans.
While reports on Monday afternoon cooled fears that Minshew had also torn his ACL, his status prompted the Chiefs to move for Buechele and take him from the Buffalo Bills practice squad.
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Kansas City Chiefs sign Buffalo Bills quarterback after Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew injuries
Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi has acknowledged the strength of the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C opener, admitting that only an exceptional display will give his side a fighting chance.
Speaking at the official pre-match press conference earlier today, the Argentina-born tactician praised the depth and quality within the Nigerian squad while making it clear that his players will approach the contest with belief rather than fear.
Miguel Gamondi described Nigeria as one of the most dangerous attacking sides in African football and warned that even the slightest lapse in concentration could prove costly.
“You don’t need to introduce the attacking force of Nigeria. When you see the quality of their players, you need to give more than 100 per cent,” the coach said.
“The smallest mistake against this kind of team can punish you.”
Gamondi stressed that organisation and structure will be central to his team’s game plan against the three-time African champions, whose squad is packed with players competing at elite European clubs.
“The key for us is the shape, the tactical discipline, the structure and the organisation,” he said.
“In games like this, there is no room for mistakes.
“We are not here only to defend”
Despite the obvious threat posed by the Super Eagles, Gamondi insisted his side would not simply retreat into their shell, underlining Tanzania’s intention to play with courage when opportunities arise.
“Our mentality is not only to defend. We want to recover the ball and try to attack as well,” the coach said.
“We are coming here to compete with our guts.”
Gamondi also accepted Nigeria’s status as one of the leading contenders at AFCON 2025 but said his team would relish the challenge rather than be intimidated by it.
“When you analyse Nigeria, you see where their players play and the level they are used to. They are among the best teams on the continent,” the coach noted.
He pointed to Tanzania’s steady progress in recent years and described the tournament as a valuable opportunity to measure themselves against Africa’s elite.
“This is a very difficult group, with two of the five or six best teams in Africa,” he said.
“But we are not afraid. We are here to learn, improve and prove the value of the Tanzanian player.”
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Tanzania at 18:30 local time on Tuesday as they begin their campaign in pursuit of a fourth AFCON title.
Tanzania midfielder Feisal Salum believes the team can build on their impressive African Nations Championship, CHAN, performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reports Completesports.com.
The Taifa Stars reached the quarter-finals of the CHAN in August, losing to eventual champions Morocco.
The East Africans are drawn in a tough group with Nigeria, Tunisia and Uganda.
Salum In Positive Mood
Salum declared that they are motivated to do well in Morocco.
“Everyone is really motivated after what we did in CHAN. Those were very tough games and almost the same like an AFCON,” Salum told CAFonline.
Read Also:Super Eagles Vs Taifa Stars: AFCON 2025 Group C Clash Rekindles Historic Good Omen For Nigeria
“This will definitely be tougher because we are competing against the best players in Africa from across the world. But, we have built on some incredible belief and fighting spirit from what we did in CHAN.”
Tanzania Ready To End Barren Run
Tanzania will be making their fourth AFCON appearance Morocco.
They failed to get off the group stage in their three previous appearances.
Salum says they have been picking lessons along the way and they are primed to go one step better under new coach Miguel Gamondi, with the round of 16 being their primary target.
“We have learnt a lot especially from Ivory Coast last time out. We need to give 100 percent in every game, there is very little room for mistakes and you must play with the highest standards of discipline,” he added.
” With these lessons, we want to do better and there is confidence in the group that we can achieve our minimum target. We have a very strong playing unit and an experienced coach in Gamondi and we believe these are the right ingredients for us to do well.”
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made it clear that Nigeria’s priority is to begin the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on a winning note when they face Tanzania on Tuesday.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference at the Fes Stadium earlier today, Eric Chelle said the team was delighted to be in Morocco and fully aware of the importance of starting the tournament on the right foot.
“We are happy to be here,” the coach said. “For this game, it is a big one because this is the first match of the AFCON, and the first game is very important every time, and for sure, we want to win this game.”
When asked if his future with the national team depended on Nigeria lifting the trophy, Chelle stressed that such matters were not on his mind at the moment. According to him, his full attention remains on the competition and his players.
“I am only focused on this tournament. I will have a meeting with my football association about everything, but my focus at the moment is on the tournament and my players,” he stated, referring to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The former Mali coach also addressed concerns about the absence of key defenders William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Fredrick and Ola Aina. Chelle played down the worries, insisting he has confidence in the squad available for selection.
“I am not worried. I trust my guys. Of course, I would have loved to have all of the players in the team. We will work a lot on defence but it is not only about the defenders but all the players as a whole,” he said.
Team captain Wilfred Ndidi echoed the coach’s optimism, describing the Tanzania match as a potential tone-setter for the entire campaign. The midfielder revealed that morale within the camp was high, with players eager to get started.
“This spirit in the camp is very high and we are very energised. This game is very important for us because it is the one that sets the momentum, so everyone is ready, from the players to the staff, the focus is on this game, and we are well prepared to win,” Ndidi said.
Looking beyond the opener, the Super Eagles captain insisted that Nigeria must aim high after reaching the final of the last AFCON in the Ivory Coast.
“There are a lot of lessons to learn from the AFCON in the Ivory Coast, where we set a standard getting into the final, but we could not win the trophy. We cannot go below that. The standard is already high and the team is ready for that,” the Beşiktaş player said.
“Everybody is aware and in tune with what happened at the Ivory Coast and not qualifying for the World Cup, so we are focused on this tournament because it is another opportunity for us.”
The Super Eagles of Nigeria vs Tanzania AFCON 2025 opener is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23.
Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney has tipped Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice to take over from Harry Kane as the next England captain after the Bayern Munich striker retires from international football.
According to Rooney, Rice is the ideal replacement for Kane, adding that the 26-year-old is well-liked by every body.
“For me, Declan is the one who’s probably waiting for Harry Kane to hang up his boots at some point,” Rooney stated on his BBC show.
“He was absolutely incredible [against Everton]. He’s the right one to take over [from Harry Kane] for me, because of his drive, his personality.
“Everyone seems to love him, who knows him, who’s close to him. He’s irreplaceable for England.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the African Nations League, a new annual competition aimed at showcasing the continent’s top national teams and players.
CAF explained that the league will offer a consistent, world-class platform for senior national teams, providing African players with greater exposure and more opportunities to display their talent on a continental stage.
Announcing the initiative on its official X handle on Monday, CAF stated,
“CAF launches exciting new African Nations League and guarantees that CAF will host, every year, a world-class Senior National Team Competition in which the best African players will participate.”
According to CAF, the competition is designed to strengthen African football by encouraging more competitive matches, supporting player development, and boosting fan engagement across the continent.
The annual format is expected to ensure regular high-level football for both players and supporters.
The launch underlines CAF’s commitment to raising the global profile of African football and creating sustainable opportunities for players, national teams, and member associations.
The announcement comes amid broader changes to the continental calendar, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe recently revealing that the Africa Cup of Nations will move to a four-year cycle after an edition scheduled for 2028, marking a shift from its current biennial format.