AFCON 2025: Lookman not interested in individual honours

Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman has insisted that there is no particular team he wants Nigeria to avoid in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Lookman addressed reporters following Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Uganda in the final group stage encounter on Tuesday.

The Atalanta player expressed his respect for all teams, emphasizing that for the Super Eagles to win the AFCON title, they must compete against the best.

“No team we want to avoid. I’ve respect for everybody,” Lookman stated at his post-match interview when asked which team he wants Eric Chelle’s side to avoid in the knockout stage.

“If you want to win a tournament you need to play the best. We want to continue to win the games, face everybody in this competition, so we are looking forward to the teams to come ahead. “

Nigeria is set to face Mozambique in the Round of 16 on Monday.

AFCON: Lookman speaks on team he wants Nigeria to avoid in knockout stage

Egypt forward, Omar Marmoush believes the Pharaohs have enough quality to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Pharaohs are the most successful team in the history of the competition, with seven titles.

Hossam Hassan’s side failed to progress beyond the group stage in the last edition of the competition.

Marmoush is confident they can conquer the continent again.

“We are going to win the Africa Cup of Nations, of course, and then the World Cup,” Marmoush said, as per Foot Africa.

Egypt is drawn in Group B with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Angola.

AFCON 2025: Egypt gunning for eighth title – Marmoush 

Abakaliki FC chairman Senator Obinna Ogba, urged his players to keep morale high as the club pushes for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League this season.

Ogba, who visited the team ahead of its next league match, said the squad’s target is “nothing less than a proceed to NPFL.

He praised the players for their performance on the first half of the Nigeria National League, NNL.

Abakaliki FC sits third in Conference with 12 points.

“I want to commend you all for your performance so far in the league and I equally enjoined you all to keep the morale high because we are not settling for anything other than a proceed to NPFL,” Ogba told the team.

Abakaliki FC finished as runners‑up in the President Federation Cup last season and now eyes a promotion spot.

The club’s next game is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, against First Bank FC at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium.

The match will be a key test as Abakaliki FC looks to maintain its push for the top two places that guarantee promotion playoff.

NNL: Abakaliki FC Chairman Ogba urges players to aim for NPFL promotion