AFCON
Nigeria’s redemption mission begins at AFCON 2025, says Chelle
Nigeria’s quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title will be fuelled by a hunger for redemption, according to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.
The Malian tactician acknowledged the formidable challenge ahead but insisted that Nigeria’s squad is motivated to go all the way.
“Yes, it’s going to be difficult to win because there are 24 very good teams and some very good coaches,” Chelle admitted.
“I know I’ve got a team that’s out for revenge, and I’m out for revenge too, so we’re going to have a lot of fun.”
Nigeria, drawn in Group C, will face 2004 champions Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in the group stage.
While the Super Eagles boast a rich history in the tournament, having won three titles (1980, 1994, and 2013), Chelle and his team know that no opponent can be taken lightly.
Tunisia, a long-time rival, knocked Nigeria out in the round of 16 at the 2021 AFCON, adding an extra layer of intensity to their upcoming clash.
Uganda, making their eighth tournament appearance, and Tanzania, featuring for only the fourth time, will both be eager to cause an upset.
With 16 AFCON medals—more than any other nation in tournament history—Nigeria will be expected to advance from the group, but Chelle remains cautious.
The Super Eagles’ agonizing 2-1 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in the 2023 final remains fresh in the minds of players and fans alike.
That loss denied Nigeria a chance to add to their AFCON legacy, and Chelle believes it has only strengthened the team’s resolve.
“We are out for revenge,” he stated confidently. “We know what this team is capable of, and our goal is clear—to lift the trophy in Morocco.”
With a squad packed with talent, including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, and a solid defensive unit, Nigeria remains one of the tournament favorites.
Beyond the competition itself, Chelle took a moment to acknowledge the tournament hosts, Morocco, for their hospitality and preparations.
“I’d also like to thank Morocco for the warm welcome. Shukran,” he said, using the Arabic word for “thank you.”
With Morocco hosting the AFCON for the first time since 1988, the atmosphere is expected to be electric.
The tournament, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will see matches played across six Moroccan cities, adding to the spectacle.
With 21 AFCON appearances, Nigeria remains one of the continent’s footballing giants.
The last two tournaments have seen the Super Eagles fall short of expectations, but Chelle’s words signal a shift in mindset—this is a team ready to fight for the trophy once again.
Their campaign begins in Group C, but the ultimate goal is clear: avenging the pain of 2023 and reclaiming Africa’s biggest prize.
-CAF
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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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