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AFCON: ‘Bronze Feels Like Gold’ – Tinubu Applauds Super Eagles After Third-Place Win Over Egypt
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AFCON: ‘Bronze Feels Like Gold’ – Tinubu Applauds Super Eagles After Third-Place Win Over Egypt

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles for winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), applauding the team’s resilience and fighting spirit following their semi-final disappointment. The President’s commendation came after Nigeria’s hard-earned victory over Egypt in Saturday’s third-place playoff. Tinubu praised the team for quickly putting behind them the pain of their semi-final loss to host nation Morocco, where they were eliminated on penalties last Wednesday. Despite that setback, the Super Eagles bounced back strongly to deliver a composed and determined performance. Nigeria outclassed Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, before sealing the win in a penalty shootout after regulation time ended goalless. The Super Eagles controlled lar...
Oleksandr Usyk Supports Anthony Joshua’s Boxing Return After Tragic Loss of Friends
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Oleksandr Usyk Supports Anthony Joshua’s Boxing Return After Tragic Loss of Friends

Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has expressed confidence that Anthony Joshua will return to the boxing ring following the tragic death of two of his close friends in a car crash. The British-Nigerian boxer lost Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami—both close friends and key members of his team—after a crash last month in Nigeria. Joshua was a passenger in a black Lexus that collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Makun. Usyk, who defeated Joshua in their 2021 and 2022 bouts, revealed that he has spoken with his former rival since the incident and believes retirement is not on Joshua’s mind. “I’ve already spoken with him,” Usyk told Ready to Fight. “I heard a desire to continue in his voice—for the friends he lost and for the life God allowed him to keep.” ...
AFCON 2025: Egypt Coach Commends Team After Loss to Super Eagles
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AFCON 2025: Egypt Coach Commends Team After Loss to Super Eagles

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has expressed pride in his players despite their defeat to Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the AFCON 2025 third-place match. The Pharaohs were beaten 4–2 on penalties after regulation time ended goalless, leaving them without a medal at the tournament. Although Egypt fought valiantly, they struggled to create clear chances against Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Defensively, the North Africans remained solid for most of the contest, successfully containing Nigeria’s attacking threats. However, captain Mohamed Salah and Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush both missed their spot-kicks during the shootout. Reacting after the game, Hassan praised his team’s effort and attitude. “I am very pleased with my players’ performance and proud of their dedica...
Stanley Nwabali Leads Super Eagles to Secure Bronze Against Egypt
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Stanley Nwabali Leads Super Eagles to Secure Bronze Against Egypt

Stanley Nwabali emerged as Nigeria’s hero as the Super Eagles defeated Egypt on penalties to claim the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). After 120 goalless minutes filled with near misses and VAR controversies, it was Nwabali’s composure in the shootout that made the difference. The goalkeeper produced two crucial saves, securing a hard-fought victory and a podium finish for Nigeria. The third-place clash was highly competitive, with both teams playing intensely in front of 38,113 fans, creating an electric atmosphere. Nigeria seemed to take the lead in the first half when Akor Adams headed home a close-range effort, but VAR ruled it out for a foul, leaving the Super Eagles frustrated. The second half mirrored the first, with Nigeria controlling possession at...
Egypt Vs Nigeria, NO Osimhen – Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for AFCON today
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Egypt Vs Nigeria, NO Osimhen – Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for AFCON today

Egypt vs Nigeria official line-ups confirmed for AFCON 2025 third-place match Egypt and Nigeria have confirmed their selections for the AFCON 2025 third place play off at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Saturday 17 January. Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen in their starting lineup for today’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) third-place playoff against Egypt, as the Super Eagles wrap up their tournament campaign. Calvin Bassey is also unavailable after receiving a suspension for his second yellow card of the knockout stages during Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the semi-finals. As a result, Igoh Ogbu has been selected ahead of Chidozie Awaziem to partner Semi Ajayi in central defence. Osimhen, meanwhile, has been named among the substitutes after...
AFCON Final: Senegal raise concerns over security, ticketing, fairness and others
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AFCON Final: Senegal raise concerns over security, ticketing, fairness and others

The Senegalese national team have raised concerns over security, ticketing, accommodation, and training arrangements ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.  The Teranga Lions will compete in the AFCON 2025 final after defeating Egypt in Wednesday’s semi-final. In a statement released Saturday, January 17,  by the Secretariat of the Senegalese federation to CAF and the public, the team said it was compelled to speak out “for the sake of transparency and defence of the interests of the Senegal national team,” citing “several malfunctions” that were observed during preparations for the final. The federation pointed to what it described as significant lapses in security upon arrival in Morocco. “The FSF deplores the clear absence of adequate safety device when the Se...
Igoh Ogbu Set to Fill In for Calvin Bassey as Nigeria Face Egypt in AFCON Third-Place Playoff
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Igoh Ogbu Set to Fill In for Calvin Bassey as Nigeria Face Egypt in AFCON Third-Place Playoff

Igoh Ogbu is set to step into Nigeria’s defence for the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) third-place playoff against Egypt following Calvin Bassey’s suspension. The Slavia Prague centre-back is expected to replace Bassey, who will miss the match after receiving his second yellow card of the knockout rounds during Nigeria’s semi-final loss to Morocco on Wednesday. Ogbu previously featured in Nigeria’s final group-stage match against Uganda and made a late appearance in the quarter-final victory over Algeria. Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle is likely to make adjustments to his squad as Nigeria aims to end the tournament on a high note. The clash against the Pharaohs is scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. kick-off at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca. While confirming Bassey’...
To Eric Chelle, Victor Osimhen Sets Standard for Super Eagles – Ndidi
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To Eric Chelle, Victor Osimhen Sets Standard for Super Eagles – Ndidi

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi says coach Eric Chelle is using Victor Osimhen’s 2025 AFCON performances as a benchmark for the team. Praising the Galatasaray striker, Ndidi called him a dream signing, highlighting his four goals, two assists, and leadership on the field. “Osimhen is one of the best strikers in the world. The coach wants everyone to match his level,” Ndidi said, noting Osimhen’s influence even when rested or substituted. He added that the team’s improvement under Chelle will make the Super Eagles a force in the coming years. Osimhen missed the penalty shootout in the semifinal defeat to Morocco due to an ankle injury.
Nigeria vs Egypt AFCON 2025 Third-Place Match Preview: Team Updates, Head-to-Head, Broadcast Details
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Nigeria vs Egypt AFCON 2025 Third-Place Match Preview: Team Updates, Head-to-Head, Broadcast Details

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Egypt’s Pharaohs on Saturday at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, with pride, pedigree and momentum at stake as both teams battle for third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 pm Nigerian time. Both sides are aiming to end their campaigns on a positive note after narrow semi-final defeats earlier in the week. According to Naija News, Nigeria’s impressive run in Morocco was halted by the host nation in a tightly contested semi-final. The Super Eagles registered just two shots over 120 minutes before losing 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw. The encounter was marked by tactical discipline and defensive solidity, making the exit particularly painful. Egypt, the tournament’s most successful natio...
Egypt Confident of Defeating Super Eagles in AFCON 2025 Third-Place Playoff
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Egypt Confident of Defeating Super Eagles in AFCON 2025 Third-Place Playoff

Egypt have declared their readiness to overcome Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the third-place match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with head coach Hossam Hassan insisting his side is fully focused on finishing the tournament on the podium. Hassan has also stirred debate after suggesting that rival African nations are envious of Egypt’s record haul of seven AFCON titles. The Pharaohs will clash with the Super Eagles on Saturday at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca, with kick-off slated for 5 p.m. Nigerian time. After suffering a narrow 1–0 defeat to Senegal in Tuesday’s semi-final, Egypt are keen to end their campaign on a high. Addressing the media ahead of the encounter, Hassan stressed his team’s determination. “We will fight for victory tomorrow to secure a...