We will never know if Roger Federer approved but, sitting in the comfortable seats, the most graceful tennis player of all-time would have recognised the artistry.

How fitting that Youri Tielemans was wearing all-white, as he whipped in a drive that resembled one of those curling Federer forehands that would zip down Wimbledon’s white lines and leave an opponent shaking their head in dismay.

Federer, born and raised in Basel, was back in town to give support to his local team but his night was ruined as the Aston Villa roadshow rolled on relentlessly, Tielemans providing the flourish that secured an eighth consecutive victory and kept their European odyssey motoring.

There is a log jam at the top of the Europa League table, six teams separated by a point and all manner of equations keeping the statisticians busy, but one simple fact cannot be escaped and that is Villa have claims to be regarded as the continent’s most in-form team.

What a job Unai Emery is doing. It’s hard to believe that it was only 82 days ago Aston Villa’s manager was furiously hissing in Sunderland’s media theatre, hissing that his squad had been “lazy” and bemoaning their inability to fulfil their potential.

He isn’t doing that now. While it is true that Emery will never get carried away – and he finds talk of trophies before Christmas presents have been opened preposterous – the thousands who made the journey to St Jakob Park were more than happy to do so.

Evann Guessand scored the opening goal of the game for Aston Villa against Basel 

Tennis icon Roger Federer watched on at St. Jakob-Park, supporting his local side 

Memories came flooding back for Emery when he walked through the doors here on Wednesday, this being the place he completed a treble of Europa League wins with Sevilla; the 3-1 dismantling of Liverpool in May 2016 remains of his finest nights as a manager.

‘But I am always looking to the future,’ he insisted and the ambition to land the competition with a third team – and his fifth in total – burns as brightly as the red flares that lit up the enclosure behind one of the goals that housed Basel’s ultras.

Yet Villa have been in the kind of eye-catching groove that makes everyone sit up and take them seriously, enabling grandiose dreams to take flight and Emery, rightly, knows this is a trophy they can capture.

‘We can’t stop,’ he warned. ‘The Europa League is very important for us, to be favourites, it depends if we are playing consistency, getting in the top eight.’ There are other teams progressively getting better. This competition is very difficult.’

Villa have been in the kind of eye-catching groove that makes everyone sit up and take them seriously, 13 wins from the last 15 – capped by the flattening of Arsenal – enabling grandiose dreams to take flight and Emery, rightly, knows this is a trophy they can capture.

He made eight changes to Saturday’s conquerors and that gives further credence to Villa’s potential. You won’t always get fluent play when the personnel is altered so significantly but this was a starting line-up packed with experience, power and promise.

The back four of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Viktor Lindelof and Lucas Digne have been playing at the top level for years, the attacking four of Evann Guessand, Emi Buendia, Jadon Sanco and Donyell Malen give plenty of options and excitement. So, yes: this squad has it within them to go places.

A problem here, however, was the fact it almost seemed too easy for them. Emery, as always, paced around with the anxiety of someone who had put their Christmas kitty on a short-priced favourite at Cheltenham, wincing at every perceived misstep.

But his players were in their comfort zone; they had taken care of Young Boys, who are a point below Basel in the Swiss Super League, two weeks earlier – the final score of 2-1 didn’t reflect their dominance – and it wasn’t unreasonable to expect them to do the same now.

When Guessand managed to squeeze in the opening goal on 17 minutes, poking a right-foot effort into the corner after Basel failed to clear their lines, it felt everything was going to plan. Emery, suddenly, had the smile of a man who had seen the favourite oblige.

Youri Tielemans added a second for Unai Emery’s men on another victorious night 

Emery returned to the scene of his 2016 dismantling of Liverpool as Sevilla boss 

Flavius Daniliuc of Basel celebrates scoring to make it 1-1 before Villa netted the winner

Complacency, though, can do funny things in football games. A little drop in the tempo or a clearance not made and, suddenly, the atmosphere changes. 

Basel gave a warning that they shouldn’t be underestimated when Dominik Schmid had a goal disallowed by VAR but it wasn’t heeded.

In the 27th minute, Villa defended passively, Xherdan Shaqiri – that little box of tricks – clipped in a beautiful free-kick and Flavius Daniliuc nipped in ahead of the hesitant goalkeeper Marco Bizot and turned in an equaliser. Emery, again, was volcanic.

The beauty of having such a deep squad, however, is the fact he can introduce a player of Tielemans’s quality to make a difference. 

The Belgian feels he is in the best form of his career at the moment, thriving with responsibility, and the confidence is flooding through him.

When the ball dropped to him in the 52nd minute, there wasn’t a doubt about what would happen: Buendia’s lay off was perfect and Tielemans never had to break his stride to dispatch the winner, the difference to Federer being he was delighted to see the ball hit the net. 

Game, set, match: Villa. 

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Sékou Chelle, has unveiled his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, leaving out Maduka Okoye while handing a recall to Francis Uzoho as preparations intensify for the tournament in Morocco.

Chelle confirmed his selection on Thursday, listing Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman among the core group expected to drive Nigeria’s campaign. With the competition kicking off in just ten days, the coach has opted for a mix of experience, strong form and a handful of exciting new names.

Cyprus-based Uzoho returns to the fold after months away from the national team. He is joined by defender Igoh Ogbu and striker Paul Onuachu, both making their way back into the squad. Chelle has also opened the door to fresh faces including Ryan Alebiosu, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Tochukwu Nnadi and Croatia-based Salim Fago Lawal, all of whom will be linking up with the squad for the first time.

Nigeria will face Egypt in a friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on 16 December, their final test before heading to Fès, where they will play all three Group C matches. The Super Eagles begin their AFCON journey against Tanzania on 23 December, then take on Tunisia four days later before rounding off the group stage against Uganda on 30 December.

Below is the full Super Eagles squad for the AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England) Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece)
Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France)
Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy)
Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)

Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy)
Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England)
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
Simon Moses (Paris FC, France)
Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey)
Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece)
Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche was at his best mettle as he scored a goal and bagged an assist in Crystal Palace’s 3-0 win over Shelbourne in Thursday’s Europa Conference League.

The Nigerian international, who was making his second appearance in the competition, netted the opening goal in the 11th minute.

Read Also:AFCON 2025: Chelle Unveils Super Eagles’ Final List

He later became the provider as his brilliant assist set up Eddie Nketiah to extend Palace’s lead to 2-0 in the 25th minute of the game.

The visitor took the game beyond the reach of their host as Pino netted the third goal in the 37th minute.

The win means Crystal Palace sit 9th on nine points, while Shelbourne sit 34th on one point in the league table.

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By LEWIS BROWNING, SPORTS REPORTER

Published: 16:22 EST, 11 December 2025 | Updated: 16:24 EST, 11 December 2025

Luke Littler’s beautician girlfriend Faith Millar has been cheering him on at the World Championship with the 18-year-old world champion started his defence of his crown, and wishes him good luck ahead of his first game with a kiss.

Littler, 18, played his first game of this year’s tournament at Alexandra Palace on Thursday night, taking on Darius Labanauskas in the third match of the evening in the first round.

The youngster, who is looking to pocket £1million by winning this year’s competition, has regularly been cheered on by his parents, Anthony and Lisa, during his competitions and it was no different on Thursday.

Recently, though, Millar, who is a year older than Littler, has also been by his side, and was seen in hospitality at the Palace as Littler played.

Littler confirmed his relationship with Millar in July after months of insisting they were merely friends. He had kissed the beautician during World Matchplay event in Blackpool, where the world champion triumphed to become the youngest player to complete dart’s prestigious Triple Crown.

Millar has since joined Littler in travelling to the Australian Darts Masters, with ‘The Nuke’ also emerging triumphant in Wollongong.

Luke Littler shared a kiss with beautician girlfriend Faith Millar before he started his World Championship defence

The duo locked lips as Littler completed his walk-on for his first match this year

Faith, who went public with Littler earlier this year, was alongside his dad Anthony (centre) and mum (front right)

Littler, speaking on DartsStream Live, opened up about his relationship with Millar. He admitted that it had initially been ‘tough’ with people trolling their relationship online, but insisted those making comments were jealous.

‘Yeah, it’s been tough,’ he said. ‘Obviously, at the start of last year, I was always looking at the comments. And she’s been having a look [at the] negativity.

‘But I just said, “They’re jealous. They wanna ruin us.” But I just said, “Just don’t look at it and just focus on what we’ve got”‘.

Littler also added that Millar presence Down Under was what he needed with his parents not making the long trip. ‘She’s a lovely lady, Faith,’ he said. ‘I think it’s sort of what I needed. I knew my mum and dad weren’t going to come.

‘And as soon as I asked the question, she was like, ‘Yeah, I don’t think I’ll ever get the chance.” So I said, ‘You can come with me.'”

The pair were first pictured together in May when Littler shared a photo of them together to his 1.9million followers on Instagram. 

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A good luck kiss! Luke Litter locks lips with his beautician girlfriend as teenage darts sensation begins World Championship defence

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The head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has named his final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chelle has trimmed his initial 50-man squad to 28 players.

The most obvious absentee is captain William Troost-Ekong, who announced his retirement from international football last week.

However, vice-captains Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Osimhen make the cut.

The deadline for the submission of the final squads was December 10.

The Super Eagles squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece), Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)

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Arsenal legend Paul Merson has warned Mikel Arteta that playing Mikel Merino As striker would hinder the Gunners from winning the Premier League title.

Merino has played up front regularly in the absence of Gyokeres and Kai Havertz.

Since the start of November, the Spanish international has registered four goals and three assists in seven matches for Arsenal, prompting Arteta to say he considered Merino a genuine No.9 option.

But Merson has warned Arteta to stop using Merino as a striker when he already has Viktor Gyokeres.

“I thought Mikel Arteta got it wrong when he used Mikel Merino as the centre-forward in the game against Villa,” former Arsenal star Paul Merson told Sportskeeda (via Tribuna).

“I know Merino scores a lot of important goals but Villa were bang in form and they needed someone like Viktor Gyokeres in that line-up to unsettle the opponents.

“You pay all that money for the ‘missing link’ and he sits on the bench for three straight games. If he had fitness issues, why is he on the bench? I don’t understand it.

“I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, Arsenal won’t win the league if they keep playing Merino as their centre-forward.”

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Online gambling is changing quickly. More players are looking for casinos that are easy to use, fast with payouts, and flexible with payment options. Instead of offering only one way to deposit and withdraw, many modern casinos now support both cryptocurrencies and traditional (fiat) money. This gives players more control over how they play and get paid, no matter where they are or what they prefer to use.

Below is a simple guide to what to look for in top crypto and fiat casinos in 2026.

Crypto + Fiat in One Place

A good modern casino makes it easy to use both digital coins and regular money without confusion. Many leading platforms now let you choose between Bitcoin, stablecoins, and traditional currencies like USD or EUR in the same account. For example, casinos similar to https://www.biggerz.com/ show how crypto and fiat wallets can sit side by side, so players can pick what works best for each session.

What you should expect here:

• A clear balance or wallet section for each currency type
• Simple switching between crypto and fiat options
• Fair minimum and maximum limits for deposits and withdrawals

This setup is especially helpful if you like the speed and privacy of crypto, but still feel comfortable using your bank card or e-wallet.

Fast and Clear Payouts

Getting your winnings quickly is a big part of a good casino experience. In 2026, waiting days for a withdrawal feels outdated. The better casinos focus on quick and predictable payouts.

Look for:

• Simple, honest information about payout times for each method
• Near-instant withdrawals for crypto in many cases
• Reasonable processing times for cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets
• No surprise fees hidden in long-term conditions

If a casino takes payouts seriously, it will explain everything in clear language and keep you updated if there are any delays.

Licensing, Fair Games, and Safety

No matter how modern the payment methods are, safety always comes first. Trustworthy casinos usually:

• Hold a license from a recognized gambling authority
• Work with well-known game providers
• Offer clear game rules, and when possible, show RTP (return to player)

If you can’t find basic information like licensing details, game providers, or clear terms of service, that’s usually a sign to avoid the site.

Bonuses for Both Crypto and Fiat Users

Many mixed casinos design their promotions to work for both types of players. You might see:

• Welcome bonuses and free spins for fiat deposits
• Special offers or higher bonus percentages for crypto users

When comparing bonuses, don’t just focus on the biggest numbers. Pay attention to:

• Wagering requirements (how many times you need to play the bonus)
• Which games count toward wagering
• Any maximum cash-out limits

A smaller, fair bonus is usually better than a huge one with conditions that are almost impossible to complete.

Easy Design and Helpful Support

A good casino should feel simple and comfortable to use, not stressful. The best platforms usually offer:

• A clean layout that works well on both desktop and mobile
• Quick access to deposits, withdrawals, and account settings
• Live chat or responsive support that understands both crypto and traditional banking questions

If you’re new to using crypto, a friendly and patient support team can make the whole experience much easier.

Conclusion

In 2026, the best crypto and fiat casinos focus on flexibility, fast payouts, fair games, and clear communication. When choosing where to play, look for platforms that explain things in simple terms, support both your preferred payment methods, and make it easy to withdraw your winnings. With a bit of checking, you can find casinos that feel modern, safe, and truly player-friendly.

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Not so long ago, there was one of those fluorescent player of the match trophies sat on a ledge around the Etihad Stadium’s tunnel area for months on end. Nobody touched it, nobody claimed it.

It just remained there. Unmoved, unloved. The weeks and games went by, hundreds of footballers wandering past. Set some music in the background and it would have looked at home as the protagonist in a morose Christmas advert.

Working out who was its rightful owner should not have been too challenging, given these awards are only commissioned by the Premier League for televised matches.

They do not grace the Saturday 3pm kick-offs, apparently for budgetary reasons. Phil Foden has never understood this. He likes to hoard the trophies at home and is bewildered whenever one isn’t available. That was the case last month, when his brace – goals in the first and last minutes – against Leeds United came during the blackout.

Foden asked where the award was, pestering amused staff. They are beginning to hear more of that at the moment because the 25-year-old’s resurgence, emerging from the wreckage of last season, is becoming a major story of Manchester City’s campaign. To illustrate that, the header against Sunderland on Saturday, meeting Rayan Cherki’s exquisite rabona cross, nudged Foden (109) ahead of Kevin De Bruyne (108) in City’s list of all-time goalscorers.   

Providing he does sign a new contract – there’s 18 months left on his current deal and sources say talks are yet to begin – then Eric Brook’s 177 ought to be in sight. That’ll nestle him under just the current holder Sergio Aguero (260) and, barring disaster, Erling Haaland (145 not out).

Phil Foden beats Antonio Rudiger in the Bernabeu on Wednesday night as his Manchester City side run out 2-1 winners 

Foden has been in fine goalscoring form of late, notching five in a week: two against Leeds, two at Fulham and one against Sunderland on Saturday

Five goals in a week – two against Leeds, two at Fulham before that header against Sunderland – have put a different slant on his form to those on the outside but Foden’s displays have been consistently excellent this term. 

The way he made both goals against Everton in October, without registering an assist, provided a perfect example of a growing influence in a deeper midfield role.

‘Phil will be like a good wine,’ Pep Guardiola said. ‘With time he will get better.’ He discombobulated the Toffees that day with switches of play. Statistics show Foden is utilising those far more this season, pointing to a greater responsibility in getting City moving.

Since Guardiola has pushed Foden slightly further forward in what feels like a lopsided attacking shape, the goals are flowing. And there would be no surprise if we witnessed more of those trademark strikes from the edge of the box, just as he’s done in title deciders and at the Bernabeu in the past. 

Foden’s role at Real Madrid during Wednesday’s victory focused more on occupying space and making Aurelien Tchouameni think twice before engaging higher up the pitch.

City are asymmetrical by design at the moment, Foden often positioned further right of a traditional central midfielder but more infield than a winger, and those are the areas in which he thrives. 

The tactical bits are helping him – Guardiola said after that Everton performance that while his knitting of the game was great, the main aim is to get him up alongside Haaland – but there has also been a distinct shift in Foden’s mood.

It’s undeniable, unquestionable. Those who know him say that he is a completely different person to earlier in the year. Foden’s brain had become foggy during training sessions and stopped him from carrying on, he endured mental health problems. City offered an armoury of psychological expertise and tests. 

His goal against Sunderland last Saturday, his 109th for City, nudged him ahead of Kevin De Bruyne in the club’s list of all-time goalscorers

Pep Guardiola has been vital to Foden’s resurgence. ‘He’s put an arm around the shoulder,’ one source says 

It’s not taboo, it happens across industries, in every walk of life. Just this occupation involves running around in front of 55,000 people twice a week.

Something on Saturday summed up the difference between then and now. After the win, Foden told Guardiola that he had felt unwell all day. ‘Look what happened – how he runs,’ Guardiola said. 

‘Phil, when he’s in this momentum, in this mood, he is a gift. He is a diamond.’ Last year, he probably wouldn’t have made it out onto the pitch when he was under the weather.

Foden has made changes to his inner circle this year, signing with Jonny Hatt’s Hattrick Management and then beginning individual coaching sessions with Jamie Reynolds across the summer. 

Reynolds has long been associated with Jack Grealish and keeps Foden ticking over without impinging on City’s training programmes.

The City midfielder is settled near Northwich in the Cheshire suburbs with his long-term girlfriend Rebecca Cooke and their three young children, the oldest of whom, Ronnie, has become something of an internet sensation courtesy of his videos on Instagram where he has an astonishing 4.2million followers. 

Those close to Foden insist that there hasn’t been any single thing that prompted the upturn. But there is an acceptance that last year was not merely a dip in a young player’s career, because he’s had those before.

Slowly, surely, he has felt better and often that is difficult to quantify. Just being able to jump out of bed or crack a funny in the dressing room. One day becomes two, two to three and as City steadily improved their results, the weight pressing hard against Foden has lifted. He’s laughing that a change in hairstyle has acted as the catalyst for this form. 

Foden with his partner Rebecca and children True and Ronnie – the latter has over four million followers on Instagram

A rejuvenated Foden celebrates scoring against Fulham earlier this month

‘Phil will be like a good wine,’ Guardiola has said of his midfielder. ‘With time he will get better’

Sources say Guardiola is due credit for some of this. City held sheets around Foden to protect him as much as they could and the manager is at the forefront of that. ‘He’s put an arm around the shoulder,’ one source said, believing there is a paternal relationship. 

Foden seems to agree with that, once remarking to Daily Mail Sport that ‘the manager sometimes thinks I’m that little boy, which I don’t mind’. Coincidentally, Guardiola used that exact language recently, praising the ‘ambition and mentality he has had since he was a little boy’ in a press conference.

The thing is, Guardiola knows exactly what Foden was like as a little boy because on day one in 2016, Txiki Begiristain marched him over to the academy pitches to watch their special talent, who was particularly small.

The idiosyncratic nature of the Catalan’s management is all Foden has ever known and the pair do have an understanding. Foden wants to take on a more significant leadership role and with a freer, clearer mind, that feels like a natural progression.

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The 44th edition of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) began in Yola on Thursday with the Federal Ministry of Works on the spotlight as winner of the opening parade.

The games, featuring delegations from federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) from across the country, was declared open Thursday by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, with a procession of the various delegation as the main event of the opening ceremony.

Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta who represented Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, declared the games open, stressing that Adamawa State is proud to provide the stage on which national friendship would be displayed in the next few days.

“Events like this deepen nation building and reminds us that despite our diversity, we have common heritage and national identity,” Farauta said.

The Federal Ministry of Works stole the opening ceremony as the winner of the parade, followed by the Ministry of Education, with the Federal Inland Revenue coming third.

Members of the Works Ministry, clad in native atire, protective outer half jackets and safety helmets, were a spectacle to see, and were rewarded eventually with the winning trophy.

The main games, which comprise field and track events, had started in effect at the sports centre of the Federal College of Education Yola earlier in the week.

The sporting fiesta will end on Tuesday, December 16.

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Morocco have included captain Achraf Hakimi in their final 26-man list for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), even though the star full-back is still recovering from an ankle injury.

Achraf Hakimi, 27, sprained his ankle after being fouled during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich last month. His fitness has been a major talking point ahead of the tournament, which Morocco will host.

Head coach Walid Regragui, speaking in Washington after last week’s 2026 World Cup draw, struck an optimistic tone about the defender’s recovery. He said: “We hope he (Hakimi) will be available for our first match against the Comoros.”

Morocco will open the competition against the Comoros on 21 December in Rabat. Regragui said the reigning African Player of the Year remained central to his plans. He added: “He is doing better. He is improving. He wants to be here (Morocco). He is our leader, our captain.”

The Atlas Lions have been drawn in Group A alongside the Comoros, Mali and Zambia. The top two sides will progress automatically to the knockout stage, with four of the best third-placed teams also advancing.

Regragui has named a strong squad loaded with established internationals. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and striker Youssef En-Nesyri are all included.

Morocco will be chasing their second continental title. Their only win came in 1976 when they finished first in a final round-robin format in Ethiopia. Only three nations have won the AFCON on home soil this century: Tunisia, Egypt and the Ivory Coast.

Below is Morocco’s Full Squad For the 2025 AFCON

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal/KSA), Munir El Kajoui (Renaissance Berkane), El Mehdi Al Harrar (Raja Casablanca)

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA, capt.), Mohamed Chibi (Pyramids/EGY), Jawad El Yamiq (Al-Najma/KSA), Romain Saiss (Al Sadd/QAT), Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal (Rennes/FRA), Nayef Aguerd (Marseille/FRA), Adam Masina (Torino/ITA), Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester Utd/ENG), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven/NED)

Midfielders: Oussama Targhalline (Feyenoord/NED), Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis/ESP), Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Neil El Aynaoui (Roma/ITA), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart/GER), Azzedine Ounahi (Girona/ESP)

Forwards: Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid/ESP), Ilias Akhomach (Villarreal/ESP), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland/ENG), Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahce/TUR), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos/GRE), Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain/UAE), Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis/ESP), Eliesse Ben Seghir (Bayer Leverkusen/GER)

Standby: Youssef Belammari (Raja), Hamza Igamane (Lille/FRA)

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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