Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz apologizes to Morocco for missed penalty heartbreak
Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz has issued an apology to his nation following Morocco's 1-0 loss to Senegal in the recent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.
Eric Chelle retains injured Stanley Nwabali in Nigeria's final AFCON 2025 squad
The Super Eagles opted to retain most of the players that participated in their unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign that ended against DR Congo in a play-off match last month.
Chelle has decided to stick with his core players, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Ademola Lookman and star forward Victor Osimhen.
In a surprise move, the coach has also decided to include injured Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali whilst omitting Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye from the squad.
The team is yet to announce the new captain for Nigeria following the recent retirement from international football of Saudi Pro League Al-Kholood defender William Troost-Ekong.
The Super Eagles are in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, with their first clash set for Tuesday 23 December against the Taifa Stars.
FULL SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias)
Senegal coach apologises after AFCON final walkout drama
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has apologised after instructing his players to leave the pitch during the 2025 AFCON final against Morocco on Sunday, a decision that briefly overshadowed the clash.
CAF president rules out moving AFCON 2027 from East Africa
CAF president Patrice Motsepe has acknowledged that Morocco's hosting of the AFCON has set new standards for the tournament, while firmly dismissing concerns over East Africa's readiness to stage the 2027 edition.
Eric Chelle admits AFCON bronze win saved his Nigeria job
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has revealed his job was on the line in the Super Eagles' Africa Cup of Nations bronze-medal clash against Egypt.