AFCON
Nigerian-Descent, Ikpeazu Ready to Lead Uganda’s Charge Against Nigeria
By Kunle Solaja.
This Tuesday evening in Fès, the Africa Cup of Nations will once again pit history against destiny.
Nigeria, three-time champions and already assured of a place in the Round of 16, face Uganda in a clash that means everything to the Cranes.
For Uche Ikpeazu, the forward of Nigerian descent who has become Uganda’s unlikely talisman, the match is more than just another fixture—it is a personal mission.
Ikpeazu, who rescued Uganda with a crucial equalizer against Tanzania, knows the weight of expectation. “I came here to fight for Uganda, to give everything I have,” he said after Sunday’s draw.
“We still have a chance, and we must believe.” His words carry the urgency of a team stuck on one point, needing victory to extend their stay in Morocco.
Uganda’s path has been littered with missed opportunities. Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango and his teammates rued Allan Okelo’s missed penalty against Tanzania, a moment that could have changed their fortunes. Now, the Cranes must summon courage against a Nigerian side brimming with confidence and intent on maintaining their winning rhythm.
Nigeria’s arsenal is formidable. Victor Osimhen, fresh off his 27th birthday, has 32 goals in 48 appearances and is eager to mark the occasion with another strike.
Alongside him, Ademola Lookman has been electric, scoring twice and assisting twice in this tournament, his left-footed missiles reminding Africa why he is among its finest. Behind them, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka have orchestrated a midfield that looks unbreakable.
Yet Uganda can draw strength from history. In eight previous encounters, the Cranes have beaten Nigeria four times, including the unforgettable 1978 semi-final when Philip Omondi’s winner stunned the Super Eagles.
Omondi later became the tournament’s top scorer.
Uganda have only twice progressed beyond the group stage—1978 and 2019—but the belief remains that they can upset giants when least expected.
Coach Paul Put is expected to start Ikpeazu, hoping his physical presence and determination can unsettle Nigeria’s defence. Alongside him, James Bogere, Denis Omedi, and Okello will be tasked with finding the goals that could rewrite Uganda’s AFCON story.
Nigeria, meanwhile, chase milestones of their own. With 149 goals in 106 AFCON matches, they are poised to reach the 150 mark, a testament to their enduring dominance. Captain Ndidi summed up the mood: “The atmosphere in the team is good. Everyone is excited and confident, but the previous games are in the past. The focus is on the next game.”
For Ikpeazu, the clash is personal. Born of Nigerian roots but carrying Uganda’s hopes, he stands at the crossroads of heritage and ambition. As the sun sets over the Complexe Sportif de Fès, his performance could decide whether Uganda’s journey continues—or ends against the very nation of his descent.
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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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