Akwa United to miss topscorer Okenwa for First Bank FC match

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has begun an investigation into the ugly confrontations that happened after Nigeria’s 2–0 win over Algeria during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final in Marrakech.

Africa Soccer reports that CAF is reviewing reports from referees, security personnel, and media representatives.

Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scored in the second half to secure the Super Eagles’ passage into the semis.

However, the Algerians were furious at full time, targeting the match officials for what they perceived as unfair decisions.

The players tried to assault referee Issa Sy and his assistants and the stadium security had to intervene.

There was also disturbance from the Algerian fans in the stands, and they attempted to breach barriers and reportedly vandalized parts of the stadium.

AFCON 2025: CAF opens investigation into Nigeria vs Algeria clash

Eight countries have been eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, tournament in Morocco ahead of the Round of 16 stage.

They are: Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Angola, Zambia and Comoros.

This comes after the conclusion of the AFCON final Group stage fixtures played on Wednesday night.

Recall that Angola failed to progress to the Round of 16 after the likes of Tanzania, Sudan, Mozambique and the Benin Republic qualified as the four best third-place teams ahead of them.

Meanwhile, the fixtures of the Round of 16 stage have already been confirmed.

The last-16 will take place this weekend as Senegal will face Sudan on Saturday evening, while Mali and Tunisia will clash on Saturday night.

AFCON host nation Morocco will tackle Tanzania on Sunday, and South Africa will face Cameroon, while Nigeria will clash with Mozambique on Monday.

AFCON: All 8 countries eliminated ahead of Round of 16 fixtures

France legend, Frank Leboeuf has said that Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland may not win the Ballon d’Or this year because the award is not given to the best player.

The former Chelsea star thinks Mbappe is right in the position to win the individual award this season if it is rightly awarded, citing his great performances for club and country.

Leboeuf said that it is not handed to the best player every year.

He told Goal, “I don’t like the Ballon d’Or, because for me it doesn’t mean anything. It’s not the best player.

“The Ballon d’Or is supposedly for the best player in the world. I really want Mbappe to win the Ballon d’Or because he is an incredible player.

“But, nowadays, the main players are those that are winning. It’s going to be hard for Kylian Mbappe and for Erling Haaland.

“They have to really go for it because next season or the season after, it is going to be done.”

Mbappe finished seventh in the Ballon d’Or race in 2025, one place lower than his 2024 rank.

His best finish in the race remains the 2023 edition, when he was third behind Inter Miami captain, Lionel Messi and Manchester City star, Erling Haaland.

Ballon d’Or: ‘I don’t like it’ – Leboeuf gives only reason Mbappe, Haaland won’t award this year