By KUNLE SOLAJA

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has expressed deep sorrow over the death of legendary Moroccan footballer Ahmed Faras. He sent a heartfelt message of condolence to the family of the late national hero. Ahmed Faras passed away at the age of 78.

Faras is a revered figure in Moroccan football history. He captained the national team to its only Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in 1976. He also remains the country’s all-time leading scorer.

His death marks the end of an era for Moroccan football, with tributes pouring in from across the nation and beyond.

In a message conveyed to Faras’s family, loved ones, and the wider Moroccan sports community, King Mohammed VI paid glowing tribute to the former international, describing him as a “legendary figure of Moroccan football” and a source of national pride.

“With great emotion and deep sorrow, I learned of the passing of the former international footballer Ahmed Faras,” the King wrote.

“In this painful moment, I extend my heartfelt condolences and sincere compassion to all members of his family, his friends, his admirers, and the entire national sporting community, especially Chabab Mohammedia.”

King Mohammed VI, who was a 13-year-old prince at the time of Morocco’s AFCON triumph in 1976, fondly recalled the historic moment led by Faras.

A symbolic reminder of that victory is immortalized at the entrance of the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, where a large, framed photograph captures the 1976 national team dressed in maroon suits during a reception. Standing among them in a blue suit and striped tie is the young prince, now Morocco’s monarch.

This photograph adorns the reception area of the sumptuous Mohammmed VI Football Complex

The King praised Faras for his outstanding football career, highlighting his distinction as the first Moroccan to win the African Ballon d’Or in 1975 and his vital contributions to elevating Moroccan football on the continental and global stages during the 1960s and 1970s.

“Thanks to his exceptional talent, Ahmed Faras helped elevate Moroccan football with brilliance and dignity. His commitment, noble character, and patriotism made him a role model for generations of athletes,” the King added.

Faras, who spent his entire club career with Chabab Mohammedia, is remembered not only for his on-field brilliance but also for his humility and dedication to the national cause. He remains an enduring symbol of Morocco’s golden era in football.

King Mohammed VI concluded his tribute by acknowledging the profound loss felt across the nation, while honouring Faras’ enduring legacy and expressing solidarity with the bereaved family during this time of mourning.

 Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

By KUNLE SOLAJA

Morocco’s football fraternity is in mourning following the passing of one of its greatest-ever players, Ahmed Faras, who died at the age of 78 after a prolonged battle with illness.

The former striker and captain of the national team leaves behind an extraordinary legacy etched into the very fabric of Moroccan and African football.

Revered as a symbol of loyalty, class, and sporting excellence, Faras’ contributions to the game were recognised throughout his life — and in his final years, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) stood by him, covering his medical expenses in a mark of deep respect for his enduring impact on the sport.

Born in 1947, Ahmed Faras devoted his entire club career — spanning nearly two decades — to SC Chabab Mohammedia, his hometown team.

Making his debut in 1964, he remained faithful to the club until his retirement in 1982. His loyalty was rewarded with multiple honours, including leading the team to the pinnacle of the Moroccan championship in 1980.

A technically gifted forward with a keen eye for goal, Faras was the top scorer in the Moroccan league in 1969 and 1973, and led Chabab Mohammedia to multiple domestic and regional titles, including two Throne Cups (1972, 1975), the National Supercup (1975), and the Maghreb Cup Winners’ Cup (1973).

But it was on the international stage that Ahmed Faras became a legend.

He captained the Atlas Lions of Morocco at the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico — the country’s first appearance at the global showpiece.

In 1975, he was named African Footballer of the Year, becoming the first Moroccan to win the prestigious award.

A year later, he cemented his place in football history by leading Morocco to its first and only Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, lifting the trophy in Ethiopia in 1976.

His performances at that tournament were pivotal. In two crucial Group B matches against Nigeria, Faras scored vital equalisers that turned the tide in Morocco’s favour.

On March 6, 1976, after Nigeria had taken a 5th-minute lead through Sam Ojebode’s penalty, Faras struck back in the 8th minute to inspire a 3-1 victory.

Again, in the decisive group stage match on March 11, he netted in the 82nd minute to level the match after Nigeria’s Baba Otu Mohammed had opened the scoring — Morocco went on to win 2-1 and eventually lifted the trophy.

Faras’ vision, poise, and leadership made him a role model for generations. In 2006, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recognised his enduring brilliance by naming him among the best 200 African footballers of the last 50 years.

As tributes pour in from across the continent, Morocco remembers not just a footballer, but a national treasure who played the game with rare elegance and unshakable loyalty.

Ahmed Faras may be gone, but his name and legacy will forever resonate in Moroccan and African football history.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

By KUNLE SOLAJA

Nigerian football has been thrown into mourning following the death of former national team player and coach, Monday Sinclair.

His passing was announced on Facebook by former Super Eagles goalkeeper and media officer, Idah Peterside.

Sinclair, a respected figure in Nigerian football circles, is remembered both for his exploits on the pitch in the 1960s and his contributions on the sidelines as a coach and grassroots developer of talent.

 Peterside, in his tribute, recalled that Sinclair gave him his first professional break at the now-defunct Sharks FC of Port Harcourt—a gesture that launched Peterside’s journey to national prominence.

Born in the pre-independence era, Sinclair made his debut for the Nigerian national team on February 27, 1963, during a Kwame Nkrumah Cup clash in Accra, where the Green Eagles (as they were then called) suffered a 4–0 defeat to Senegal.

Despite the heavy loss, Sinclair would go on to become one of the key players in Nigeria’s football development during the formative years of international competition.

He returned to the national spotlight decades later when he was appointed interim coach of the Super Eagles in 1997 following the departure of French tactician Philippe Troussier.

Though his tenure was short-lived and low-profile, Sinclair led the team through friendly matches in Tunisia and Zambia, with striker Kenneth Zeigbo emerging as a standout performer under his guidance.

Beyond the national team, Sinclair was revered as a grassroots coach and a relentless talent scout. His coaching philosophy emphasised free-flowing football and player development—an approach that saw him nurture several stars who would later shine in both domestic and international arenas.

His passing adds to a growing list of notable Nigerian figures lost in July 2025, contributing to what has been a sombre month for the nation’s football community.

Tributes have continued to pour in across social media and from football administrators, former players, and fans who remember Sinclair as a passionate mentor, a football purist, and a quiet but effective force in Nigeria’s football history.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family in the coming days.

 Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H