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AFCON Initiative drives stronger Nigeria Morocco cooperation

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigeria–Morocco Commerce and Development Forum (NM-CDF) has launched a support initiative for Nigerians in Morocco attending the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), using sports diplomacy to deepen bilateral relations between both countries.

The initiative, coordinated through the Office of the Vice President of the Forum, by Mohammed Tijjani Sabiu and backed by Barau Jibrin, the Forum’s President, is designed to ensure strong Nigerian representation at AFCON matches while promoting unity, cultural exchange, and people-to-people cooperation.

Under the programme, Nigerians resident in or travelling across Morocco are provided with free transportation from major cities to match venues, complimentary accommodation, daily feeding allowances, free Super Eagles jerseys, stadium entry tickets, and branded support materials such as flags, caps, and banners.

Speaking on the initiative, Sabiu in a statement described sports as a powerful tool for national cohesion and international engagement, noting that the Forum was committed to removing financial and logistical barriers that could limit fan participation.

“Our objective is to ensure that Nigerians in Morocco feel supported and included. Football unites our people and presents an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s energy, culture, and resilience on an international platform,” he said.

On his part, President of the Forum said the programme aligns with NM-CDF’s broader mandate of strengthening economic, cultural, and diplomatic cooperation between Nigeria and Morocco.

According to him, sports diplomacy remains an effective avenue for building trust and fostering long-term partnerships.

“This initiative goes beyond football. It is about national pride, unity, and reinforcing the strong relationship between Nigeria and Morocco. We are proud to play a role in making this AFCON experience memorable for Nigerians,” Jibrin stated.

The support has had a significant impact on the Nigerian community in Morocco, particularly students, workers, and business travellers who might otherwise struggle to attend AFCON matches.

With logistics largely taken care of, Nigerian supporters turned out in large numbers, adding colour, music, and cultural flair to stadiums across host cities.

According to the statement, several beneficiaries have described the gesture as unprecedented, lauding the Forum for what they called a historic and inclusive approach to diaspora engagement.

The Forum has confirmed that the support programme will continue throughout the duration of AFCON 2025 and may be expanded if the Super Eagles advance to the later stages of the competition.

The Nigeria–Morocco Commerce and Development Forum is a bilateral platform focused on promoting trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchange, and diplomatic cooperation between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Morocco, with particular attention to diaspora welfare and engagement.

 

 

 

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Sports

Morocco defeat Nigeria on penalties, clinch AFCON final spot

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Hosts Morocco beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON final after their semi-final clash on Wednesday finished 0-0 at the end of extra time.

Morocco will play Senegal in Sunday’s showpiece after they defeated Egypt 1-0 in the other semi-final earlier thanks to a Sadio Mane strike.

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Sports

Burkina Faso sack coach Traore after AFCON exit

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Burkina Faso sacked their coach Brama Traore and all of his staff on Wednesday following their exit of the African Cup of Nations at the hands of bitter rivals Ivory Coast.

“The decision was taken after results well below what was expected of our national team at the continental tournament,” the Burkina Faso football federation leader Oumarou Sawadogo said.

Sawadogo spoke of “bitter disappointment” and an objective of reaching at least the semi-finals.

Burkina Faso, who also failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup, were beaten 3-0 by neighbouring Ivory Coast, who were defending champions, in Marrakesh last Monday.

Manchester United winger Amad Diallo struck the opening goal and created the second for Yan Diomande before half-time. Substitute Bazoumana Toure completed the scoring.

Burkina Fasio did beat both Sudan and Equatorial Guinea in the group phase but also lost to Algeria.

Traore, 63, took up the job in March 2024 replacing Frenchman Hubert Velud, who was sacked after a last-16 exit at the previous AFCON.

 

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Ruben Amorim
Sports

Manchester United Sack Head Coach Ruben Amorim

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Manchester United have dismissed head coach Ruben Amorim, the club confirmed on Monday, January 5, 2026.

The Portuguese tactician, who was appointed in November 2024, was relieved of his duties following mounting dissatisfaction over the team’s performances, as well as recent public comments that reportedly strained relations within the club.

At the time of his dismissal, United were sixth in the Premier League standings.

Sources indicate that Amorim’s exit came less than 24 hours after he openly criticised the club’s hierarchy during a post-match press conference, following a 1–1 draw with Leeds United, a move understood to have accelerated the decision to part ways.

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Super Eagles
Sports

Super Eagles To Battle Gabon in Crucial World Cup Playoff

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on the Panthers of Gabon on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, in a decisive CAF playoff encounter for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup inter-confederation playoff.

Nigeria secured their playoff berth as one of the top runners-up in the African qualifiers, following a commanding 4–0 victory over the Benin Republic, highlighted by a spectacular hat-trick from Victor Osimhen.

Gabon also earned their spot after finishing second in Group F behind the Ivory Coast, capping off a strong qualifying campaign.

The winner of the Nigeria–Gabon clash will advance to face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16, with the victor of that tie progressing to the inter-continental playoff for a potential place at the 2026 World Cup.

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Lionel Messi
Sports

Lionel Messi Makes Secret Return to Camp Nou

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Football legend Lionel Messi made a secret visit to the newly renamed Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday night, returning to the stadium where he enjoyed the most glorious years of his career with FC Barcelona.

In a video shared by football journalist Fabrizio Romano on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner expressed deep emotion about his visit.

“Last night I returned to a place that I miss with my soul. A place where I was immensely happy,” Messi said.

He added, “I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I could never do.”

Messi departed Barcelona in 2021 after more than two decades at the club, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of records, trophies, and unforgettable moments that defined an era in world football.

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NFF
Sports

Reps To Probe NFF Mismanagement of $25 Million FIFA Grant

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over alleged mismanagement of $25 million in grants received from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2015 and 2025.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on Tuesday, co-sponsored by Hon. Adedayo Adesola (Lagos) and Hon. Felix Nwaeke (Rivers).

Presenting the motion, Adesola alleged that despite receiving millions of dollars in development grants, the NFF failed to make meaningful investments in the country’s football infrastructure and development, contributing to Nigeria’s declining performance on the international stage.

He recalled previous investigations of NFF officials by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of financial misconduct and sponsorship fraud.

Adesola further claimed that $1.2 million allocated for the construction of the Birnin Kebbi Stadium was misappropriated, noting that the completed facility remains substandard and inconsistent with the funds reportedly spent.

“With the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers approaching, there is a need to take decisive action against the continued misuse of football funds,” he said.

Following deliberations, the House, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, unanimously resolved to set up a special investigative committee to audit the NFF’s finances from 2015 to date.

The NFF leadership has also been directed to appear before the committee with detailed records of all grants received and expenditures made within the period under review.

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Sean Dyce
Sports

Nottingham Forest Appoint Sean Dyche as New Manager

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Nottingham Forest have confirmed the appointment of Sean Dyche as their new manager, following a turbulent beginning to the Premier League season.

The 54-year-old Englishman, previously in charge at Burnley and Everton, has signed a contract running until the summer of 2027. He becomes Forest’s third manager of the campaign, taking over from Ange Postecoglou, who was dismissed after just 39 days in charge.

Postecoglou’s short stint ended abruptly following a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday. The Australian failed to secure a victory in any of his eight matches at the helm, recording two draws and six losses.

He had been appointed as the successor to Nuno Espirito Santo, who was sacked after only three games into the new season.

Forest currently sit 18th in the Premier League table, with just one win from eight matches, as Dyche takes on the task of steering the club away from the relegation zone.

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Cristiano Ronaldo
Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes First Footballer to Reach $1.4 Billion Net Worth

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first active footballer to attain billionaire status, with a net worth estimated at $1.4 billion, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index.

Ronaldo’s wealth stems largely from over $1.25 billion in career earnings, complemented by a $400 million tax-free contract extension with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, signed in June 2025.

In addition to his playing income, the 40-year-old star earns more than $100 million annually from lucrative endorsement deals with global brands such as Nike and Armani.

Despite his age, Ronaldo continues to perform at an elite level, having scored over 900 career goals and remaining a key figure for Portugal’s national team.

His achievement distinguishes him from sports legends like Michael Jordan, whose billionaire status came after retirement, underscoring Ronaldo’s unprecedented financial success while still active in professional football.

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Sports

NFF blasts Dessers, faults Ekong after Eagles’ draw with South Africa

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigeria Football Federation has openly criticised Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers and faulted captain William Troost-Ekong after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein.

The Eagles, who needed a victory to revive their fading hopes of qualifying for next year’s tournament in North America, suffered an early setback when Ola Aina limped off in the eighth minute.

Matters got worse when Troost-Ekong turned the ball into his own net in the 25th minute to hand Bafana Bafana the lead.

Though Calvin Bassey headed home an equaliser just before half-time, Nigeria failed to convert possession into goals after the break, with substitutes Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze and Chrisantus Uche all unable to break down the South African defence.

In its post-match statement made available to journalists on Tuesday by the NFF Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, the NFF singled out Dessers, who was withdrawn at half-time, for particular criticism.

“Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he turned out to be a substitute that was substituted, did not have a better game as he was too slow to latch onto passes, could not win aerial balls and did little in bringing alive the Nigerian attack,” the statement read.

The statement also faulted skipper Troost-Ekong for handing the Bafana Bafana the opener.

“The Super Eagles’ fighting spirit was diminished for a period after team captain William Ekong inadvertently swept the ball into his own net in the 25th minute, wrong-footing Stanley Nwabali to give the Bafana the lead and great impetus,” the statement noted.

The federation, however, praised Calvin Bassey for his resilience after the Fulham defender grabbed Nigeria’s equaliser just before the break.

“Defender Calvin Bassey showed immense fighting spirit and resilience to get Nigeria back into the game with a minute left of the first period, when he ran with the ball upfront. The ball found Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, whose pull-out Bassey met firmly to nod past Ronwen Williams for the leveller,” the federation added.

But it reserved more criticism for the team’s second-half display.

Despite dominating possession in the second half, the NFF lamented that the Eagles “delivered little,” noting that substitutes Tolu Arokodare and Dele-Bashiru failed to convert late opportunities.

The draw leaves Nigeria with 11 points from eight matches in Group C, while South Africa remain top with 17.

The Super Eagles must now beat Lesotho and Benin Republic in their remaining fixtures and also hope rivals drop points to stand any chance of reaching next year’s World Cup in North America.

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