AFCON
NIGERIA AND LAST MINUTE GOALS AT AFCON
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 89th 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.
By Kunle Solaja.
The countdown to the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has taken a vibrant turn, as the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has launched a nationwide campaign to engage citizens across the kingdom in what promises to be a grand celebration of African football.
The initiative, which began on November 11, will run for 30 days, covering all 12 regions of Morocco and reaching more than 60 municipalities. The first two stops of the tour were held in Tahannaout and Boufakrane, drawing enthusiastic participation from residents.
According to the LOC, the program aims to make AFCON 2025 truly a “CAN for all Moroccans” by bringing football excitement to every corner of the country, from major cities to remote communities.
At each stop, locals can take part in friendly football matches, interactive games, freestyle exhibitions, musical performances, and meet-and-greet sessions with Moroccan football legends. Merchandise stands and cultural showcases will also form part of the festivities, creating a carnival-like atmosphere ahead of the continental showpiece.
“This is more than a football tournament—it’s a national celebration,” an LOC spokesperson said. “We want every Moroccan, whether in urban centers or rural areas, to feel part of the story and share in the joy of hosting Africa’s biggest sporting event.”
The roadshow will continue through December, ensuring that by the time the tournament kicks off on December 21, 2025, the entire country will be united in festive anticipation of welcoming Africa to Morocco.
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By Kunle Solaja.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Nigeria, Moha OU Ali Tagma, has released detailed guidelines for Nigerian football fans seeking to obtain electronic visas to attend the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Ambassador Tagma explained that the process has been made simple and fully digital through Morocco’s official “YALLA” app, designed to streamline both visa and fan accreditation procedures for the continental showpiece, which kicks off on December 21, 2025.
According to the ambassador, Nigerian supporters intending to travel to Morocco for the tournament are required to follow these steps:
- Visit the official YALLA app website at https://www.yalla.morocco.ma for full details of the visa and fan registration process.
- Download the YALLA mobile app — available for iOS users via the Apple Store and for Android users via the Google Play Store.
- Apply for the mandatory FAN ID, and where necessary, submit an application for an E-Visa or Electronic Authorization to Visit Morocco (AEVM) through the YALLA platform.
- Once the FAN ID is approved, it must be entered on the official CAF ticketing website (https://tickets.cafonline.com) to purchase match tickets, gain stadium access, and enjoy designated fan zones.
Ambassador Tagma emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure a seamless, secure, and fan-friendly experience for all visitors, noting that e-visas for the tournament are free of charge.
For assistance, applicants can contact the AFCON 2025 Call Center at +212 530 302 030, which operates 24/7 in Arabic, French, and English, or email the AFCON 2025 support team at info@yallamorocco.ma.
The ambassador reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to welcoming fans from across the continent, saying the North African nation is “ready to host Africa in a spirit of unity, hospitality, and celebration of football excellence.”
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By Kunle Solaja.
With just weeks to go before the kick-off of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has announced that electronic visas (e-visas) for fans will be issued free of charge through the official YALLA app — a move designed to ease travel procedures and enhance access to stadiums across the country.
The initiative, launched in coordination with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Moroccan authorities, is aimed at encouraging greater fan participation from across the continent and beyond.
Organizers say the measure reflects Morocco’s commitment to hospitality, inclusivity, and efficient organization, hallmarks of its previous experience hosting international sporting events.
According to the LOC, the YALLA platform will serve as a one-stop portal for both Fan ID and e-visa applications, allowing supporters to complete both requirements simultaneously — a move expected to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and streamline travel preparations.
“This centralized system ensures a seamless experience for fans from the moment they begin planning their trip,” the committee stated, emphasizing that the process includes real-time monitoring and coordinated validation among the various government agencies involved.
Access to all AFCON 2025 match venues will require a mandatory Fan ID, which will serve as each supporter’s digital identification document for entry into stadiums and fan zones.
Fans can apply directly via the official website, www.yallamorocco.ma. A 24-hour multilingual help center has also been established to provide support in Arabic, French, and English, reachable via phone at +212 5 30 30 20 30 or by email at info@yallamorocco.ma.
By waiving e-visa fees, Morocco hopes to make travel more affordable and to foster a truly pan-African atmosphere during the tournament.
“The continent is invited, the doors are open, and the festive spirit can begin,” the LOC declared.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will bring together 24 of the continent’s top footballing nations, is scheduled to kick off on December 21, 2025, marking another milestone in Morocco’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s premier sporting destinations.
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