AFCON

Libya FA explains their inhumane treatment of Super Eagles delegation

Published

1 year ago

October 14, 2024

Following the outrage that followed Libya’s inhumane treatment to the Super Eagles delegation who had arrived for a scheduled Match Day 4 of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, the Libyan FA has denied complicity in the plot.

In a statement issued via a reel in the official X handle of the Libyan Football Federation, the body confirmed the inhumane treatment and explained as follows:

“We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya

“While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.

“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon. We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.

“There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities. Football, in its essence, unites nations, and we are committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.

“In Libya, we pride ourselves on our hospitality and our welcoming nature. We have always prioritized treating all visiting teams, includingour African brothers and other international delegations, with the respect and dignity they deserve

“Hosting these events is a great honor for us, and we strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as our guests. This commitment to equality and hospitality is a core aspect of our culture and tradition.

“We hope that this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill. Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams, and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in the world of football.”

AFCON

ChelIe Names Final 28-Man Super Eagles Squad for Morocco 2025 AFCON

Published

6 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Kunle Solaja

Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Sékou Chelle, has unveiled a 28-man squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, with the three-time African champions set to begin their campaign in Morocco in just 10 days.

Chelle has kept faith with several of Nigeria’s established stars, naming Stanley Nwabali as first-choice goalkeeper along with defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and attacking duo Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. They headline a group that blends experience with fresh talent.

The Franco-Malian tactician also included Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Samuel Chukwueze, and Simon Moses.

There is a recall for Francis Uzoho, now based in Cyprus, as well as defender Igoh Ogbu and striker Paul Onuachu.

Five players earned their maiden invitation to the Super Eagles: England-based right-back Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Croatian-based forward Salim Fago Lawal.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to play a high-profile friendly against Egypt’s Pharaohs on Tuesday, 16 December, at the Cairo International Stadium. The match will provide Chelle a final opportunity to assess his squad before the team departs Cairo aboard a chartered flight to Fès, where they will contest their Group C matches.

Nigeria opens their campaign against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on 23 December, before facing Tunisia on 27 December and completing group action against Uganda on 30 December.

Nigeria’s 28-Man Squad for AFCON 2025 (Morocco)

Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)

Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)

The Super Eagles will be aiming to win their fourth continental crown, 11 years after their last triumph in South Africa.

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AFCON

AFCON 2025: Nigeria Remains the Only Group C Team Yet to Announce Final List

Published

7 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Kunle Solaja

Tunisia have released their 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, meaning all Group C teams except Nigeria have now named their players for the tournament, which begins on December 21 in Morocco.

Veteran left back Ali Maaloul is among the headline inclusions. The 35-year-old, set to make his fifth AFCON appearance, returns to the Tunisia fold after almost two years out before earning a recall for a friendly last month and subsequently featuring in the Arab Cup in Qatar.

Maaloul, a four-time African Champions League winner, is joined by fellow experienced international Ferjani Sassi, the 33-year-old midfielder who could reach 100 caps if he plays in all three group-stage matches. Coach Sami Trabelsi named the squad on Thursday, leaning heavily on experience as Tunisia prepare for their record-extending 17th straight AFCON finals.

With Uganda and Tanzania having already announced their squads, Tunisia’s confirmation means Nigeria are now the only team in Group C yet to unveil their final list.

Tunisia open their campaign against Uganda on December 23 in Rabat, followed by a crucial second match against Nigeria, before rounding off the group phase against Tanzania.

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AFCON

Maaloul returns for another Cup of Nations tilt with Tunisia

Published

8 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Kunle Solaja

Veteran left back Ali Maaloul has been included in Tunisia’s 28-man squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, as the 35-year-old prepares to make his fifth appearance in the tournament.

Maaloul, who turns 36 next month, had not played for Tunisia for almost two years when he won a recall for a friendly last month and kept his place for the Arab Cup in Qatar, where Tunisia were eliminated on Sunday.

Maaloul has competed at four previous Cup of Nations editions, and won the African Champions League four times. He is one of several experienced internationals named on Thursday by coach Sami Trabelsi, who also included 33-year-old midfielder Ferjani Sassi, who will reach 100 caps if he plays in all three first-round matches.

Tunisia have been drawn in Group C and starts their campaign against Uganda in Rabat on December 23, after which they take on Nigeria and Tanzania.

Tunisia are making a record-extending 17th successive appearance at the Cup of Nations finals.

Goalkeepers: Sabri Ben Hassen (Etoile Sahel), Bechir Ben Said (Esperance), Aymen Dahmen (CS Sfaxien), Noureddine Farhati (Stade Tunisien)

Defenders: Ali Abdi (Nice), Mohamed Ben Ali (Esperance), Adem Arous, Mortadha Ben Ouanes (both Kasimpasa), Dylan Bronn (Servette Geneve), Nader Ghandri (Akhmat Grozny), Ali Maaloul (CS Sfaxien), Yassine Meriah (Esperance), Montassar Talbi (Lorient), Yan Valery (Sheffield Wednesday)

Midfielders: Mohamed Haj Mahmoud (Lugano), Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (Al Ahly), Ismael Gharbi (Augsburg), Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley), Ferjani Sassi (Al Gharafa), Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt), Naim Sliti (Al Shamal), Houssem Tka (Esperance).

Forwards: Elias Achouri (FC Copenhagen), Firas Chaouat (Club Africain), Seifeddine Jaziri (Zamalek), Hazem Mastouri (Dynamo Makhachkala), Elias Saad (Augsburg), Sebastian Tounekti (Celtic).

-Reuters

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