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

Tinubu Hails Super Eagles’ Spirit, Assures Support Ahead of World Cup Play-Offs

Published

2 days ago

October 14, 2025

Kunle Solaja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for their impressive performance in the 4–0 victory over Benin Republic, praising the team for keeping Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Adebayo Onanuga, the President lauded the players for their “hunger, passion, and determination” during the crucial qualifier in Uyo, describing their display as one that has “reignited Nigerians’ football pride.”

“While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs,” Tinubu said. “The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host.”

Reaffirming the government’s backing, President Tinubu assured the players and coaching crew of full Federal Government support as they prepare for the decisive play-off stage.

“Nigerians everywhere believe in you, and I do too,” he said. “We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage.”

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AFCON

Global Buzz for AFCON 2025 as Fans from 108 Countries Join the Rush

Published

2 days ago

October 14, 2025

Kunle Solaja

The Organizing Committee of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 has announced a strong start to ticket sales, confirming that 58,000 tickets had been sold as of Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.

According to an official update, the enthusiasm for the continental showpiece has also been reflected on the Yalla App, where 145,731 applications have been received so far. In addition, a total of 121,924 FAN IDs have been issued, including 31,058 belonging to foreign nationals representing 108 countries around the world.

In response to the overwhelming demand, the committee disclosed that technical teams are working round the clock to enhance the ticketing and FAN ID systems to ensure smooth processing for fans.

To assist applicants and ensure better communication, the organizers have provided a dedicated customer service line: +212 5 30 30 20 30. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in Arabic, English, and French, and is staffed by over 600 agents trained to respond to inquiries and provide user support.

Fans can also reach the support team via email at info@yallamorocco.ma.

The Organizing Committee expressed gratitude to supporters, media representatives, delegations, and partners for their enthusiasm and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a seamless and memorable experience for all stakeholders during AFCON Morocco 2025.

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AFCON

Ticket Sales for AFCON Morocco 2025 Kick Off Monday

Published

5 days ago

October 11, 2025

Kunle Solaja

Ticket sales for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 will officially open on Monday, 13 October 2025, with an exclusive 48-hour pre-sale window reserved for Visa cardholders, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced.

Fans across Africa and around the world will be able to secure their seats for what promises to be the continent’s biggest football spectacle, which will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

The special Visa pre-sale period will run from Monday, 13 October at 09:00 Moroccan time (08:00 GMT) until Wednesday, 15 October at 08:00 GMT, before general ticket sales open to all fans using other payment methods.

To streamline ticket purchases and enhance security, the Local Organizing Committee has launched the YALLA App, an integrated digital platform for fans to obtain their Fan ID — a mandatory requirement for buying tickets — and apply for E-Visas (AEVM) where necessary.

According to organizers, each registered Fan ID allows supporters to buy only one ticket per match, ensuring wider access and transparency in ticket distribution.

The process for obtaining tickets is straightforward:

Download the YALLA App, available on Google Play and the App Store.
Apply for a Fan ID and E-Visa (if required) through the app.
Once approved, Visa cardholders can visit tickets.cafonline.com starting from Monday, 13 October at 09:00 Moroccan time (08:00 GMT) to purchase their AFCON 2025 tickets.

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is expected to deliver a festival of football and culture, with fans urged to complete their Fan ID registration early to avoid last-minute rushes.

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