AFCON

Gambia and Mali in top of the table clash at AFCON’s Group F

Published

4 years ago

January 16, 2022

It is a big football irony that in a group where Tunisia, one of the powerhouses of African football are domiciled, The Gambia and Mali are the teams struggling to top the table.

The situation arose as favourites and seeded side, Tunisia lost their opening match to Mali while The Gambia who are debutants got the better part of Mauritania in their very first Africa Cup of Nations match last week, winning 1-0.

Today’s duel is The Gambia’s second Africa Cup of Nations match. After two identical 1-0 victories in the opening match day, Gambia and Mali enter the second round of Group F matches with high hopes of another win that could see them paving the way towards the next round in style.

Both Group F teams meet at the Limbe Stadium to decide which side, at least momentarily, takes the top spot. Time: 14:00 local time (13:00 GMT)

For The Gambia, it could be a continuation of a fairytale as they are still celebrating an opening win in their AFCON debut. Ablie Jallow strike gave the Scorpions a 1-0 win over Mauritania to start their first Africa Cup of Nations appearance on high skies.

Another positive result today will mean that Tom Saintfiet men are on their way not just for a historic debut but also for a fairytale second round appearance.

Their Belgian coach, Tom Saintfiet who handled Namibia against Nigeria in the race for Brazil 2014 World Cup is optimistic of a good result.

“We had a party to celebrate the country’s first victory. Now we are going to prepare the match against a big Malian team. We have 3 points, it’s already fantastic, but we have to continue. We will do everything to advance to the second round, and to give more light and promotion to The Gambia, the smallest country in Africa.”

So also is Gambia player, Omar Colley highly expectant. “Proud to be in this group, I play in Italy, but this is something else, it is indescribable to live what we are living. With the offensive armada that we have, we will seek points against Mali and Tunisia to bring joy to the Gambian people. Our goal is to win, match by match.”

Mali Eagles defeated Tunisia 1-0 in what was one of the opening match day surprises. Mohamed Magassouba men secured a famous victory over Carthage Eagles to boast their hopes of a historic AFCON campaign this year.

Another win over fellow West African side Gambia might see The Eagles through, but they have to beware the Scorpions’ sting this time.

Hear the coach’s timely warning: “We have started a construction phase and we are preparing for the future. Collective value is important to me, we aim to shine tomorrow against this ambitious Gambian.”, remarked Mali’s coach, Mohamed Magassouba.

Continuing, he remarked: “This generation can write its story, a happy story, I hope. Mali is on the quest for the supreme title. We are responsible for producing the show and winning, the rest does not concern us.”

His player, Diadie Samassekou a midfielder added his voice: “The morale of the team is at its highest, it’s very important to win your first game. we give everything with an irreproachable state of mind. We don’t play according to the opponent; we have a game philosophy. Our only objective is to do everything to win, our people deserve a consecration.”

AFCON

NFF Launches ‘NAIJA 4 THE WIN’ Campaign as Super Eagles Target AFCON Glory in Morocco

Published

8 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Kunle Solaja

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled the NAIJA 4 THE WIN campaign as the Super Eagles return to African soil for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, signalling a renewed determination to reclaim the continent’s most coveted football prize.

Three-time African champions, Nigeria, head into the tournament with a proud history and a clear sense of purpose.

Their runner-up finish at the 2023 AFCON in Abidjan, while widely applauded, has been framed by the federation as unfinished business and a driving force behind the current campaign.

Led by Head Coach Eric Sékou Chelle and backed by the full support of the National Sports Commission and the NFF, the Super Eagles are building towards the tournament on a foundation of discipline, experience, emerging talent and collective ambition.

The target, according to the federation, is unequivocal: to surpass the last outing and return the Africa Cup of Nations trophy to Nigeria.

The NAIJA 4 THE WIN initiative is designed as a rallying call to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, reinforcing belief in the team’s ability to once again scale the heights of African football.

The campaign draws inspiration from Nigeria’s previous AFCON triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013, each etched into the nation’s sporting memory, with Morocco 2025 seen as the next opportunity to write a fresh chapter.

The NFF has called on fans to throw their weight behind the team throughout the tournament, whether from living rooms and viewing centres across the country or from the stands in Morocco.

The federation stressed that the passion, encouragement and visible presence of Nigerian supporters remain a vital ingredient for success.

As preparations intensify, the message from the NFF is clear: the journey has begun with purpose, the mission is well defined, and the Super Eagles are ready to rise again.

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AFCON

Uzoho is the earliest bird as Super Eagles Open Camp in Cairo

Published

15 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Kunle Solaja

Francis Uzoho is the first player to report to camp

The Super Eagles’ camp officially opened in Cairo this Sunday, December 14, with preparations beginning at the Renaissance Hotels as Nigeria’s national team gears up for its upcoming international engagements.

All members of the coaching crew and backroom staff are already in camp, marking the formal start of the team’s programme in Egypt.

The early arrival of officials is expected to ensure a smooth build-up as players gradually join the squad in the coming days.

Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the first player to report to camp, arriving in Cairo shortly after 2:00 a.m. local time on Sunday morning. His early arrival set the tone for the assembly of the team as preparations intensified.

More players are expected to join the camp within the next 48 hours, after which training sessions will commence in earnest as the Super Eagles focus on tactical drills, fitness work and team cohesion ahead of their next assignment.

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AFCON

AFCON 2025: Meet the Five Uncapped Players Hoping To Transform Nigeria’s Super Eagles

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja.

It is 10 days to Nigeria’s first match at the 35^th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. A fairly new starting XI could be in the offing as Nigeria’s squad announcement marks a decisive shift in philosophy.

It appears that Eric Chelle is building a new Super Eagles core, even if it means accelerated risk on the biggest stage. It is more like a post-World Cup elimination reset.

After failing to reach the 2026 World Cup, the Super Eagles were at a crossroads. Chelle’s decision to introduce five uncapped players signals a strategic reset rather than incremental tweaks. This is a coach willing to refresh the team’s identity — fast.

While Nigeria retains established stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, the squad features a growing midfield built around youth.

At the last AFCON, Jose Peseiro often struggled to transition from defence to attack; Chelle appears intent on solving that through younger, more press-resistant midfielders.

Players like Akinsanmiro and Nnadi offer both mobility and technical security — traits Nigeria has lacked consistently since the Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha and Mikel Obi eras.

Morocco 2025 appears signalling a new generation of fullbacks. Alebiosu’s inclusion highlights the need for modern fullbacks who can defend wide spaces and contribute creatively. With Ola Aina injured and ageing options thinning out, Nigeria is accelerating the grooming of long-term solutions.

Salim Fago Lawal is the clearest example. Though untested at senior level, his physicality and instinct make him an intriguing wildcard. Chelle is signalling that potential now carries as much weight as experience.

Nigeria’s recent AFCON failures often stemmed from a lack of fresh legs and tactical flexibility. With energetic new midfielders and a versatile young fullback, the team stands to gain pressing intensity, rotation options and tactical unpredictability

The selection sends a quiet but unmistakable message: No place is guaranteed. Even established forwards like Tolu Arokodare are dropped if form dips.

Short-Term Risk, Long-Term Reward

The gamble is real. Debutants at a major continental tournament may struggle with nerves or inconsistency. But if managed well, Nigeria could emerge from AFCON with a rejuvenated core. A settled identity and a foundation for the 2027 AFCON and 2030 World Cup cycle.

Chelle’s youth movement represents Nigeria’s boldest generational shift since the Class of 2013. Whether it sparks an immediate AFCON run or simply lays the groundwork for future success, the Super Eagles have clearly begun a new chapter.

MEET THE NEW SUPER EAGLES PLAYERS

Ryan Alebiosu (Right Back, Blackburn Rovers) – The Modern Fullback

A dynamic, attack-minded defender who came through Arsenal’s academy, Alebiosu offers pace, overlapping runs and smart ball recovery. With Ola Aina ruled out, he could step directly into the starting XI and give Nigeria width on the right flank.

FACT FILE:

Age: 22

Background: Arsenal academy graduate, now flourishing in the Championship.
Strengths: Pace, ball progression, recovery tackles.
Possible Reason for Selection: Offers modern fullback qualities and can play both defensive and attacking roles.

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Midfielder, Pisa) – The Deep-Lying Creator

A former Remo Stars prodigy with a refined passing range, Akinsanmiro is emerging as a conductor from midfield. Calm under pressure and tactically mature beyond his years, he is seen as a long-term solution in Nigeria’s build-up play.

FACT FILE:

Age: 19
Background: Former Remo Stars product who moved to Inter Milan before joining Pisa.
Strengths: Sharp passing range, press resistance, tactical maturity.
Possible Reason for Selection: Seen as a long-term creative midfield option with high development potential.

Tochukwu Nnadi (Midfielder, Zulte Waregem) – The Box-to-Box Engine

Fresh from an impressive transition to European football, Nnadi brings energy, pressing intensity and strong ball-winning skills. His athletic profile makes him ideal for Chelle’s high-tempo transitions.

FACT FILE:

Age: 20
Background: Ex-Flying Eagles midfielder who has adapted quickly to European football.
Strengths: Ball-winning, tempo control, transitional intelligence.
Possible Reason for Selection: Provides energy and balance in midfield; fits Chelle’s vertical style.

Usman Muhammed — Midfielder, Ironi Tiberias (Israel) – The Tactical Disruptor

Muhammed has made a quiet but steady rise in Israel. Disciplined, positionally sharp and hardworking, he is the type of midfielder who plugs gaps and stabilises the structure — invaluable in tournament football.

FACT FILE:

Age: 31
Background: Quiet but rapid rise in Israel’s top division.
Strengths: Work rate, tackling, versatility in deeper roles.
Possible Reason for Selection: Chelle was reportedly impressed by his discipline and positional understanding.

Salim Fago Lawal — Striker, Istra 1961 (Croatia) – The Wildcard Finisher

A powerful young striker with strong aerial ability, Lawal is direct, fearless and unpredictable. Still raw but full of upside, he adds a different flavour to Nigeria’s attack and may benefit from playing alongside elite finishers like Osimhen and Lookman.

Age: 21
Background: Former U-20 striker who has progressed quickly in Croatia.
Strengths: Direct running, aerial presence, instinctive finishing.
Possible Reason for Selection: A raw but explosive forward option; viewed as a high-upside project.

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