AFCON

NIGERIA AND LAST MINUTE GOALS AT AFCON

Published

6 years ago

July 15, 2019

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Sunday’s last minute goal for Algeria was not the first of such to be conceded by Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, even though, Super Eagles have also profited from the cliff-hanging situations as the clock ticked down.

It is well known that it was the last minute goal against South Africa that shut them into the semi finals. Also in 2008, it was the late minute goal that Yakubu Aiyegbeni scored against Benin Republic that earned Nigeria a passage into the knockout stage on goal difference over Mali.

Two years earlier in Egypt, even though Nigeria had won their two group games against Zimbabwe and Ghana, the Super Eagles were at the risk of possible elimination going into the third match with Senegal.

Senegal had beaten Zimbabwe 2-0 before losing 1-0 to Ghana. With that scenario, all possibilities were open for Zimbabwe to advance, should they beat Ghana and if Nigeria beat Senegal silly.

Similarly, Nigeria’s advancement was at risk had they lost to Senegal by at least two goals and also Ghana beating Zimbabwe by the same margin or more. The three tops teams would have ended with six points apiece.

Nigeria would have been eliminated on goal difference. Zimbabwe did the unexpected beating Ghana 2-1 in Ismalia. With the match and that of Nigeria and Senegal going on simultaneously, Senegal took an early lead before Nigeria leveled up 11 minutes to regulation time.

But a win was needed for Nigeria to advance. The needed goal only came two minutes to end the game. That was not the first time Nigeria had a late goal against Senegal.

On their home soil in Dakar, Stephen Keshi fired a long range shot that enabled Nigeria get a 89^th minute goal with which the host team was defeated in the opening game of 1992 Africa Cup of Nations.

Was it history repeating itself at the semifinals when a dying minute robbed Nigeria a place in the final on Sunday? It was also so in 1976 when Guinea’s Papa Camara’s last minute goal confined Nigeria to struggle for third a third=place match with Guinea.

AFCON

VIDEO- AFCON Countdown: Royal Air Maroc Unveils Star-Themed Aircraft to Celebrate Atlas Lions Ahead of Morocco 2025

Published

23 hours ago

November 23, 2025

Kunle Solaja

With the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 just days away, excitement is soaring—literally. Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has unveiled a spectacular aircraft livery dedicated entirely to the Atlas Lions, featuring striking portraits of Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Brahim Díaz, Bilal El Khannouss and Youssef En-Nesyri.

The stunning tribute, created in partnership with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), showcases Morocco’s brightest football icons and reflects the growing national momentum as the Kingdom prepares to host Africa’s premier tournament from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

This is the second special livery revealed by the national carrier. Earlier on November 1, RAM introduced an aircraft draped in the official AFCON 2025 colors, symbolizing the country’s readiness for a historic, festival-style edition of the competition. The new player-themed aircraft adds a powerful emotional touch, highlighting the pride and unity surrounding the Atlas Lions’ golden generation.

To meet the massive surge in travel expected during the month-long tournament, Royal Air Maroc is also rolling out an exceptional operational plan. More than 660 additional flights are being scheduled to ensure smooth movement for fans, teams, officials and media across the host cities—Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir and Fez.

The initiative stems from a strategic partnership signed in April between the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Royal Air Maroc, naming the airline an Official Global Partner for CAF’s flagship competitions, including AFCON.

As Morocco enters the final stretch of preparations, RAM’s latest tribute captures the spirit of national pride, continental unity and football passion that will electrify AFCON 2025—promising fans across Africa an unforgettable celebration both on the ground and in the skies.

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AFCON

Morocco’s Hakimi and Aguerd Step Up Recovery as AFCON Countdown Intensifies

Published

3 days ago

November 21, 2025

Kunle Solaja

With just one month to the Africa Cup of Nations, Moroccan defensive stalwarts Achraf Hakimi and Nayef Aguerd have offered fans a reassuring glimpse into their accelerated recovery programmes after both players shared photos of an intense gym session on social media.

Aguerd, who has been sidelined with pubalgia, is currently on a strict rehabilitation schedule aimed at ensuring his return in December.

Hakimi is also racing against time, recovering from a severe ankle sprain sustained earlier in the season.

The PSG full-back began his treatment ten days after Aguerd and was initially projected to miss six to eight weeks, but he has since intensified his workload with focused indoor sessions.

Images posted by Aguerd show the duo in high spirits, smiling as they pose beside the African Ballon d’Or recently won by Hakimi on November 19.

Other photos portray a more serious mood, with both players fully concentrated, executing tailored exercises in what appears to be a private training space — a clear testament to their determination.

Morocco will be banking on the timely return of the pair as they look to reunite with captain Romain Saïss and the rest of the squad ahead of the continental showpiece.

Their progress will be closely watched as the Atlas Lions aim to arrive at AFCON with their defensive backbone fully restored.

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AFCON

Morocco Unveils ‘Land of Football’ Campaign Ahead of AFCON 2025

Published

6 days ago

November 18, 2025

Kunle Solaja

With the Africa Cup of Nations just a month away, Morocco has launched a major promotional drive to sell itself as the continent’s top football destination ahead of AFCON 2025 kicking off on December 21.

The Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) rolled out the “Morocco, Land of Football” campaign on Tuesday in Rabat, working in partnership with the country’s football federation (FRMF) under a long-term agreement running until 2030.

ONMT boss Achraf Fayda said the plan uses the “power of football” to showcase Morocco as a world-class tourist hotspot, backed by a series of new measures to attract visitors during the tournament.

The campaign includes special AFCON travel packages, increased flight options, global roadshows targeting African diaspora communities, and a 90-second promotional film featuring national stars Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz.

Digital tools have also been upgraded, including the YALLA app and a new AFCON section on Visit Morocco, while 24 international content creators will tour host cities to boost online visibility.

Fan zones will open across several cities, and officials say the campaign is already driving up interest and ticket demand.

Former Moroccan star Salaheddine Bassir praised the initiative, noting the country’s top-tier hotels, transport systems, stadiums and famous hospitality.

Morocco hopes the campaign will project a vibrant image of the Kingdom as it prepares to host Africa’s biggest football showpiece.

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