AFCON 2025: Egypt into semi-finals after fending off late surge against Ivory Coast
Egypt pulled off a 3-2 win over Ivory Coast on Saturday to book their place in the AFCON 2025 semi-finals, keeping alive their hopes of claiming an eighth title.
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)
Pape Thiaw calls for better finishing despite Senegal's progress
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has praised his side's composure while admitting they could have put the game beyond doubt after edging Mali 1-0 to secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Emerse Fae stresses discipline ahead of Ivory Coast's showdown with Egypt
Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae has issued a stark warning to his players ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash against Egypt on Saturday, drawing on lessons from his own experience as a player in the 2006 final.
Tom Saintfiet praises Mali after narrow AFCON quarter-final exit
Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has saluted his players for their courage and commitment after their Africa Cup of Nations journey ended with a narrow 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Senegal.