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AFCON

First in Fes, Super Eagles Make Fes Their Fortress

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By Kunle Solaja, Fes

Nigeria’s commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique on Monday night stands as the most emphatic result recorded so far at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, reinforcing the Super Eagles’ growing authority as the tournament moves deeper into the knockout phase.

The Round of 16 clash was also the final match of the championship to be staged in Fes — a city that proved unusually familiar and favourable to the Nigerian side.

The Super Eagles played all their matches in Fes, which is the home region of the Moroccan Ambassador to Nigeria, Moha Ou Ali Tagma, turning the venue into something of a symbolic homecoming for the three-time African champions.

Nigeria won all three of their Group C matches in Fes, becoming the first of the four teams in the group to secure qualification, and doing so with growing confidence and control. The city then provided the stage for another landmark as the Super Eagles became the first team at Morocco 2025 to register a four-goal winning margin.

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The emphatic dismissal of Mozambique not only sealed a place in the quarter-finals but also capped a flawless run in Fes, where consistency, balance and authority defined Nigeria’s performances. What began as a logistical convenience evolved into a competitive advantage, with each appearance reinforcing belief and momentum.

With their Fes chapter now complete, the Super Eagles shift base to Marrakech — the famed Red City — where they will contest their quarter-final match on Saturday, carrying with them the form, confidence and fond memories of a city that delivered dominance, milestones and momentum.

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

AFCON

Goldberg Fuels Fan Passion as ‘Fourmidable’ Super Eagles March into AFCON Quarter-Finals

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Nigeria’s emphatic victory not only sealed a place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations but also extended the Super Eagles’ perfect run at the tournament — igniting renewed belief in a fourth continental crown.

For Goldberg Lager Beer, the commanding display underscored the deepening bond between the national team and its passionate supporters across the country, as football once again proved to be a shared national rhythm.

Reacting to the result, Goldberg Senior Brand Manager Kunle Aroyehun said the performance captured the spirit of belief and togetherness that has defined Nigeria’s AFCON journey so far.

“The Super Eagles were simply ‘fourmidable,” Aroyehun said. “It was a confident, disciplined and exciting performance. As the team pushes deeper into the tournament and chases a fourth AFCON title, the support of Nigerian fans becomes even more important.”

As the Official Beer and Sponsor of the Super Eagles, Goldberg has remained at the centre of fan engagement throughout the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. Through its vibrant Our Beat, Our Gold campaign, the brand has created viewing centres and immersive fan experiences across Lagos and beyond — offering supporters safe, lively spaces to watch matches and share in the emotional highs of the tournament.

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From large viewing hubs to community-centred locations, fans have gathered with ice-cold Goldberg Lager Beer in hand, celebrating victories and standing firmly behind the team. According to the brand, these moments mirror how football is truly lived in Nigeria — as a collective cultural experience.

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It was fun galore watching the Super Eagles in an ambience created by Goldberg

Our Beat, Our Gold is about recognising the rhythm of Nigerian football,” Aroyehun explained. “It’s in the cheers, the conversations, the jokes and the belief. When the Super Eagles win like this, you can feel that rhythm everywhere.”

Goldberg’s presence in Nigerian football is reinforced by its long-standing partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation. Since Nigerian Breweries Plc signed the sponsorship deal in 2018, the brand has remained one of the longest-serving corporate partners of the Super Eagles, helping to grow national team followership to levels comparable with top European club sides.

With Nigeria now firmly in the quarter-finals and confidence rising, Goldberg is already gearing up to once again bring fans together for the next decisive fixture.

Nigeria will play its next qualifying match on Saturday, 10 January, and Goldberg will host another fan experience at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development (PAKO Field), Awe Close, Dopemu, Lagos. The activation opens at 3:00 p.m., ahead of the 5:00 p.m. kick-off.

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Building on the excitement generated during the Mozambique match, the brand will also revive its colourful Festival of Light & Drums on the same day — adding rhythm, spectacle and cultural flair as fans rally behind the Super Eagles.

“The journey is not over,” Aroyehun added. “The team is gunning for a fourth AFCON title, and the fans have a big role to play. Every cheer, every gathering and every moment of belief counts.”

As the Super Eagles prepare for their quarter-final challenge, Goldberg says it will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the team and the fans — celebrating every step of the journey and keeping the Our Beat, Our Gold rhythm alive.

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AFCON

Morocco’s Brahim Díaz Leads AFCON Golden Boot Race as Ademola Lookman and Lassine Sinayoko Give Chase

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By Kunle Solaja, Fes

The race for the Golden Boot at the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 is finely poised as the Round of 16 gets beyond its halfway mark.

Goals have been flowing with Nigeria scoring 12 to paint the picture of the tournament’s most potent attack.

But in the individual goal race, no clear runaway leader has yet emerged.

As of Monday night, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz sits alone at the summit of the scoring chart with four goals from four matches. Díaz’s consistency has been central to Morocco’s strong campaign, combining creativity with ruthless finishing.

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Close behind is a tightly packed chasing group on three goals. Nigeria boast two names among the contenders, with Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen both on three goals after just three appearances.

Lookman’s flair and Osimhen’s predatory instincts have powered the Super Eagles’ attacking surge, including the tournament’s most emphatic win so far.

Morocco’s attacking depth is further reflected by Ayoub El Kaabi, also on three goals, while Mali’s Lassine Sinayoko has matched that tally in four matches, proving decisive for the Eagles of Mali.

Africa’s established stars remain firmly in the picture. Egypt captain Mohamed Salah has struck three times in three matches, while Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez reached the same mark in just two appearances, highlighting his efficiency in front of goal.

The list of players on two goals is equally impressive and diverse, reflecting the tournament’s attacking spread. Cameroon’s Christian Kofane, Senegal duo Pape Gueye and Chérif Ndiaye, and DR Congo’s Gaël Kakuta have all delivered crucial contributions in limited outings.

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Nigeria’s midfield has also made its mark, with Raphael Onyedika remarkably netting twice in a single appearance, while South Africa’s Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis have each scored twice in four matches.

Further names on two goals include Tunisia’s Elias Achouri, Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson, Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza, Côte d’Ivoire winger Amad Diallo, and Mozambique’s Geny Catamo.

With the quarter-finals approaching and margins tightening, the scoring race is expected to intensify. As teams are eliminated and pressure mounts, efficiency in front of goal could prove decisive — not only in deciding the destination of the AFCON trophy, but also in crowning the tournament’s most lethal marksman.

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AFCON

Nigeria Super Eagles Await Algeria or DR Congo After AFCON’s Biggest Win

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By Kunle Solaja, Fes

Nigeria are firmly in wait-and-see mode as the Africa Cup of Nations moves deeper into the knockout phase, with the Super Eagles set to discover their quarter-final opponents following the conclusion of the remaining Round of 16 fixtures.

After producing the most emphatic performance of the tournament so far, the Nigeria national football team have booked their place in the last eight with confidence soaring and momentum firmly on their side. Their 4–0 demolition of Mozambique not only secured qualification but also established the highest scoreline and widest winning margin at the ongoing finals in Morocco.

That commanding victory has placed Nigeria among the standout contenders for the continental crown as attention now shifts to the outcome of the clash between Algeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team, which will determine the Super Eagles’ next opponents.

Nigeria’s performance in the Round of 16 underlined both attacking flair and tactical discipline. Led by a scintillating Ademola Lookman and powered by Victor Osimhen’s cutting edge, the Super Eagles combined pace, precision and composure to overwhelm Mozambique and reinforce their credentials as one of the best-balanced teams left in the competition.

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Head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew are expected to use the waiting period to fine-tune preparations, monitor player fitness and assess potential tactical adjustments ahead of the quarter-final showdown in Marrakech. With no room for error at this stage of the tournament, preparation and recovery will be key.

The Super Eagles’ defensive solidity has also drawn attention, having complemented their free-flowing attack with disciplined organisation at the back. That balance could prove decisive against either Algeria’s technical control and experience or DR Congo’s physicality and counter-attacking threat.

As the field narrows and pressure intensifies, Nigeria remain one of the tournament’s most decorated sides and will be keen to convert their current form into a deep run. For now, however, the Super Eagles must wait — confident, composed, and ready for whoever emerges as their next obstacle on the road to continental glory at the Africa Cup of Nations.

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