AFCON
An evening to remember… Nigeria Breweries’ brands champion bond between Super Eagles, fans and brand ambassadors
Nigerian Breweries, the leading beverage company in the country Thursday night organized a delightful evening for Super Eagles players at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.
The innovative event sought to bring the players closer to their fans and the brand ambassadors of Nigerian Breweries’ products, including Goldberg, Life, and Zagg Energy.
This gathering provided an opportunity for the players to unwind and relax before their important match against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.
For the past five days, the Super Eagles have been diligently preparing in Lagos for their upcoming game in Monrovia.
Under the guidance of Coach Jose Peseiro, the team has been working hard to ensure they are in top form. While the players remained focused on their upcoming assignment, Nigerian Breweries recognized the significance of fostering a strong bond between the Super Eagles stars, their fans, and the company’s brand ambassadors.
Thus, they organized a dinner event where the players could interact and have some fun.
The Head of Marketing and Communications Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sandra Amachree, expertly hosted the event, ensuring a joyous and memorable experience for everyone involved.
The atmosphere was vibrant as the players temporarily shed their serious on-pitch demeanour and embraced a more relaxed posture.
From the team’s captain, Ahmed Musa, to notable players like Alex Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Joe Aribo, Victor Osimhen, and the team’s comedian, Kelechi Iheanacho, they all took turns answering questions from the fans.
During the event, Alex Iwobi shared his favourite post-match meal, revealing a penchant for Jollof rice and fried plantain (dodo), as it provides him with the energy he needs.
The Everton Player of the Season was quick to be told he will also need some Zaag Energy Drink to go with his favourite meal.
For Joe Aribo, he excitedly informed the fans about his current pre-match jam, which happens to be the hit song by Kcee Ojapiano. Victor Osimhen shared an unforgettable experience from his career, reminiscing about the first chance he received to showcase his talent.
When asked what he would have become if he weren’t a footballer, Kelechi Iheanacho humorously responded that he would still be a footballer.
The brand ambassadors of Nigerian Breweries’ products, Iyabo Ojo, Toyin Abraham-Adedeji, and Debo Adebowale (Mr Macaroni), were also present at the event and enthusiastically expressed their admiration for the Super Eagles players.
They commended the players for consistently bringing joy and pride to the hearts of Nigerians.
The brand ambassadors urged the players to remain dedicated and resilient, even in the face of criticism from a few disgruntled fans when results do not go the country’s way.
The gathering organized by Nigerian Breweries served as a testament to their commitment to supporting Nigerian football and nurturing a strong relationship between the Super Eagles, their fans, and the brand ambassadors.
Many agree such innovations play a crucial role in bridging the gap between players and supporters, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.
Wasiu Abiola assured that all Nigerian Breweries’ brands, including Goldberg, Life, and Zaag Energy will continue to make significant contributions to Nigerian sports and strengthen the bond between athletes and their fans at all times.
Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for what he described as a powerful gesture of unity and reconciliation following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted over offences linked to the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Saturday, Motsepe expressed deep appreciation on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations, hailing the Moroccan monarch’s decision as a demonstration of football’s ability to foster peace and solidarity across the continent.
“I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe stated.
The CAF president said the pardon reflected Morocco’s enduring commitment to African unity and highlighted football’s growing role as a bridge between nations and cultures.
“CAF has consistently emphasised its commitment to utilise football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.
“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”
Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Morocco and Senegal, he had been struck by the deep historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.
“I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco,” he added.
The statement further reinforced Morocco’s rising influence within African football, especially after successfully hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Motsepe also extended CAF’s best wishes to Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the continent’s teams would perform strongly on the global stage.
Among the African nations mentioned were Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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By Kunle Solaja.
Former African champions Algeria and Zambia are set for an early showdown after the release of the Group I fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Algeria host Zambia on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, in what is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the qualifying campaign, while Togo entertain Burundi in the group’s other opening tie.
The Desert Foxes are favourites to qualify, but Zambia’s growing consistency and Togo’s unpredictability could make the race highly competitive.
Algeria travel to Burundi on Matchday Two before facing Togo in back-to-back encounters across Matchdays Three and Four. Zambia also meet Burundi home and away during the same period.
The potentially decisive fixture comes on March 22, 2027, when Zambia host Algeria in a clash that could determine the final standings.
Group I Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Algeria vs Zambia
- Togo vs Burundi
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Zambia vs Togo
- Burundi vs Algeria
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Algeria vs Togo
- Zambia vs Burundi
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Togo vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Zambia
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Zambia vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Togo
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Togo vs Zambia
- Algeria vs Burundi
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By Kunle Solaja.
African heavyweights Senegal will launch their quest for another Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a home clash against Mozambique in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Lions of Teranga, among the continent’s strongest teams in recent years, headline a group that also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.
Senegal host Mozambique on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Sudan tackle Ethiopia in the other opening encounter.
Senegal are strong favourites to dominate the group, but Sudan and Mozambique are expected to battle fiercely for qualification points.
The key fixtures may emerge in the double-header between Senegal and Sudan across Matchdays Three and Four, while Mozambique and Ethiopia also face each other home and away.
Senegal travel to Mozambique on Matchday Five before ending their campaign at home against Ethiopia on March 30, 2027.
Group J Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Senegal vs Mozambique
- Sudan vs Ethiopia
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Mozambique vs Sudan
- Ethiopia vs Senegal
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan
- Mozambique vs Ethiopia
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Sudan vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Mozambique
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Mozambique vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Sudan
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Sudan vs Mozambique
- Senegal vs Ethiopia
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