Category: Sports

Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi has pinpointed two areas the team needs to improve ahead of their AFCON semi-final tie with Morocco on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters after Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 in the AFCON quarter-final tie on Saturday, Ajayi said the Super Eagles need to improve on their ability to be more ‘dominant and ruthless’ against their opponent.

“Every game at the AFCON so far has been difficult; there is no easy game. We are not taking the games lightly, and I think we have improved gradually with every single game,” the Hull City star said.

“We’re ready to take another step forward in the next game against Morocco.

“We are glad as defenders to keep two clean sheets in a row now, but there are more things we can be better more; to be more dominant and ruthless.

“We will be looking forward to putting that right in the next game against Morocco.”

AFCON: Semi Ajayi pinpoints two areas Nigeria must improve ahead of Morocco clash

Former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong has lauded the team’s performance in the win over Algeria.

The three-time champions breezed into the semi-finals following a dominant 2-0 victory over the Desert Foxes on Saturday.

Nigeria totally outplayed Vladimir Petković’s side in the game maintaining their unbeaten streak in the competition.

They have also kept clean sheet in their last two games.

Troost-Ekong, who announced his retirement from international football on the eve of the competition, is rooting for the Super Eagles to win the title.

“Top performance from the whole team! Best I’ve seen the boys play and growing game by game. Still my favourites to win,” he said.

AFCON 2025: Troost-Ekong talks up Super Eagles performance against Algeria 

Super Eagles defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel has claimed that Algeria were scared of Nigeria during both sides’ AFCON quarter-final tie on Saturday.

According to the Birmingham City star, Algeria had no shot on target against Nigeria throughout the duration of the match.

Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scored for Nigeria in the second half as the North Africans suffered elimination from the AFCON.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Osayi-Samuel said: “Algerians were scared of us, and obviously we took advantage of that and today was perfect.

“They didn’t have one shot on target, a team that scores a lot of goals. So we kept a clean sheet and scored two goals. We dominated the game.”

Osayi-Samuel, who was impressive against Algeria, will now hope to lead Nigeria to victory when they face Morocco in the AFCON semi-final on Wednesday.

AFCON: Algeria were scared of Nigeria, no shot on target – Super Eagles’ Osayi-Samuel

Algeria’s head coach, Vladimir Petković has revealed that his players were devastated for losing against Nigeria in the quarter-final encounter of the ongoing AFCON in Morocco.

DAILY POST reports that two  second half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams gave Eric Chelle’s side a 2-0 triumph over the North Africans on Saturday.

In his post-match comments, Petković noted the anguish felt by his squad after their impressive performances throughout the tournament.

“Our players are disappointed and also devastated after the game,” Petković stated.

“They performed well in this AFCON. Now the tournament is over for us.

“Another tournament [World Cup] is coming later this year. We must keep our heads high after this AFCON exit.”

AFCON: Our players devastated for losing against Nigeria – Algeria coach, Vladimir Petković

Super Eagles players were rewarded with $15,000 for their impressive win over the Desert Foxes of Algeria, DAILY POST reports

Éric Chelle’s men defeated Algeria 2-0 in their quarter-final fixture at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Saturday night.

The team also got $20,000 for the two goals they scored in the game.

DAILY POST recalls the Super Eagles pocketed $30,000 for their three group stage wins against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.

They got $12,500 for the Round of 16 win over the Mambas of Mozambique.

The Super Eagles will receive $20,000 should they beat hosts Morocco in the semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday.

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles rake in more dollars after win over Algeria 

Nigeria winger, Emmanuel Dennis is currently training with top Danish club Brondby, DAILY POST reports.

Dennis is seeking a new club after his contract was terminated by Nottingham Forest last year.

The 28-year-old linked up with the Brondby squad on Friday following their resumption from winter break.

The versatile winger played under head coach Steve Cooper during his time at Forest.

Dennis will be looking to get his career back on track after his troubled spell at the City Ground.

He was previously linked with a move to his former club Watford and Valencia.

Transfer: Free agent Dennis trains with Danish club Brondby 

Heartland technical adviser, Emmanuel Amuneke, has warned his players against complacency ahead of their matchday nine encounter against Beyond Limits.

The Naza Millionaires will trade tackles with Beyond Limits at the Dan Anyiam Stadium on Saturday.

Amuneke urged his players to put behind their last win over Abia Comets and concentrate on the task against Beyond Limits.

“The win against Abia Comets was important, but it is only a step,” Amuneke stated in a pre-match interview.

“We must not get carried away. Our focus is now on Beyond Limits, and the objective is clear—three points at home. If we want to be where we believe we should be, games like this must be approached with maximum concentration and hunger.”

Heartland will count on the support of the home fans to secure the maximum points in the game.

NNL: Amuneke warns Heartland players against complacency ahead Beyond Limits clash

Akwa United will be without midfielder Ndifreke Etim for the Nigeria National League, matchday nine encounter against Calabar Rovers.

Etim will miss the game due to a shoulder injury.

The midfielder has featured in the majority of the Promise Keepers matches this season.

Head coach Paul Offor is expected to look inward for a formidable replacement for the midfielder in the game.

The encounter will take place at the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar this Saturday.

Akwa United are determined to secure victory and finish the first stanza at the top of the NNL Conference B.

They are joint leaders with Sporting Lagos who have a superior goal difference.

NNL: Akwa United’s Etim to miss Calabar Rovers clash

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has confirmed a new referee for the quarter-final clash between Nigeria and Algeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Senegalese official Issa Sy will now take charge of the highly-anticipated game.

Omar Artan was initially picked for the match, but CAF reversed the decision over refereeing controversies at the tournament.

Sy has already worked as the Video Assistant Referee during this AFCON group-stage fixture between Morocco and Tanzania.

His appointment is seen as a move to ease tension ahead of the crucial tie, with both Nigeria and Algeria fighting for a spot in the semi-finals.

Nigeria secured their quarter-final ticket with a dominant 4-0 win over Mozambique, while Algeria edged past DR Congo 1-0 after extra time.

AFCON 2025: CAF appoints new referee for Super Eagles clash vs Algeria

President of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Samuel Eto’o, has reacted to the Indomitable Lions’ elimination from the ongoing AFCON tournament in Morocco.

Eto’o was present at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat as Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in the AFCON quarter-final on Friday.

Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari scored the goals for the host country against Cameroon.

Speaking after the match, Eto’o delivered a powerful and emotional locker-room speech to the Indomitable Lions players and coaching staff after the defeat to the Atlas Lions.

The former Barcelona and Chelsea striker said Cameroon will get their revenge in the next edition of the AFCON.

“Seeing you sad, I’ve tears in my eyes,” Eto’o told Cameroon players in the dressing room.

“But you accomplished it like the Cameroonians you are. I can only be proud of you. Thank you for all your contributions.

“This is our first victory, guys, believe me. The next AFCON, we are coming to win it. Hear me well, boys, and start preparing from today. We will take our revenge. We didn’t see a group with a scandal. It’s thanks to you, too.”

AFCON: We’ll get our revenge – Samuel Eto’o reacts as Morocco eliminates Cameroon