Nabil Bentaleb: A True Algerian Warrior
All love and full respect for Nabil Bentaleb! His dedication, resilience, and passion for the game make him a true inspiration. Algeria is proud to have such a fighter representing them on the pitch! ⚽
George Boateng Eyes Head Coach Role Amid Blackburn Rovers Links
Former Black Stars assistant coach George Boateng has set his sights on stepping up as a head coach. After gaining valuable experience with Ghana’s national team and in club football, Boateng believes he is ready to lead a team on his own.
His name has recently surfaced in discussions about the managerial vacancy at Blackburn Rovers, fueling speculation about his next move. With his tactical knowledge and leadership skills, Boateng could be on the brink of a new chapter in his coaching career.
CAF Champions League Quarter-Finals: The Stage Is Set
Anticipation Builds as African Giants Prepare for Knockout Battles
The journey to African club football supremacy intensifies as the 2024/25 CAF Champions League quarter-final matchups have been determined. In a draw held on February 20, 2025, at the beIN SPORTS studios in Doha, Qatar, eight elite teams discovered their paths to potential glory.
Quarter-Final Fixtures:
1. Al Ahly SC (Egypt) vs. MC Alger (Algeria)
2. Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) vs. Pyramids FC (Egypt)
3. Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia) vs. Orlando Pirates (South Africa)
4. Al Hilal (Sudan) vs. AS FAR (Morocco)
The first legs are scheduled for April 1, 2025, with return fixtures on April 8, 2025. Winners will advance to the semi-finals, slated for April 18-19 (first legs) and April 25-26 (second legs). The grand finale will unfold over two legs on May 24 and June 1, 2025.
Key Matchups to Watch:
Al Ahly SC vs. MC Alger: Al Ahly, the defending champions, face a formidable MC Alger side eager to make their mark.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Pyramids FC: A clash of titans as South Africa’s finest take on Egypt’s rising powerhouse.
Espérance Sportive de Tunis vs. Orlando Pirates: A historic encounter between two clubs with rich legacies in African football.
Al Hilal vs. AS FAR: Sudan’s champions meet Morocco’s elite in a battle of tactical prowess.
As the countdown begins, fans across the continent are gearing up for a series of thrilling encounters that promise to showcase the very best of African club football.
FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Embarks on Historic African Tour
A Journey of Passion and Pride Across South Africa, Egypt, and Tunisia
The FIFA Club World Cup trophy, a symbol of footballing excellence, has embarked on a thrilling journey across Africa, making stops in South Africa, Egypt, and Tunisia. This historic tour, aimed at igniting excitement for the upcoming global tournament, saw passionate football fans come face-to-face with the prestigious 10-kg gold-plated prize.
The tour kicked off in Pretoria, South Africa (Feb 7-9), where Mamelodi Sundowns welcomed the trophy with open arms. The journey began at Mamelodi High School, the club’s birthplace, where students erupted in celebration. The trophy then traveled to the Tshwane Mayor’s office before its grand display at Sammy Marks Square. Accompanied by FIFA legend Alessandro Nesta and Sundowns icons Hlompho Kekana, Tiyani Mabunda, and Daniel Mudau, the event was a true festival of football.
Sundowns chairman, Tlhopane Motsepe, captured the essence of the moment, stating,
“This trophy is a celebration of hope, pride, and excellence. Today, we are not just celebrating Sundowns; we are celebrating the FIFA Club World Cup coming to Africa.”
The South African champions will battle it out in Group F against Fluminense (Brazil), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), and Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea).
The journey continued to Cairo, Egypt (Feb 13-14), where Al Ahly, the reigning African champions, hosted the trophy at their legendary El Tetsh Stadium. From there, it made iconic stops at the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and the ancient city of Luxor. Accompanied by FIFA legend Christian Vieri, the trophy’s presence in Egypt stirred immense excitement, especially with Ahly’s upcoming clash against Inter Miami and Lionel Messi on June 14, 2025.
Coach Marcel Koller expressed his anticipation, stating,
“We are looking forward to facing Inter Miami and Messi. It will be a historic game, and my players are ready to give their all.”
Finally, the trophy reached Tunis, Tunisia (Feb 15-17), where Esperance Sportive de Tunis and their devoted fans gave it a grand reception. The trophy was displayed at the historic Al Zaytuna Mosque, Bab Souika, and the El Jem Amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. FIFA legend Christian Karembeu joined the festivities, adding to the electric atmosphere.
Esperance, four-time African champions, will face Flamengo (Brazil), Leon (Mexico), and Chelsea (England) in Group D. Their journey begins on June 16, 2025.
The trophy’s final African stop will be in Casablanca, Morocco, in April, home to Wydad AC, who will compete in Group G against Manchester City, Al Ain, and Juventus.
As the countdown to the FIFA Club World Cup (June 14 – July 13, 2025, in the USA) continues, this African tour has not only showcased the continent’s deep passion for football but also set the stage for an unforgettable tournament.
Where will the trophy go next? The world is watching.
Iwobi and Simon Shine as Nigeria’s Top Playmakers in Europe
In a season where creativity is key, two Super Eagles stars have emerged as Nigeria’s finest playmakers in Europe’s top leagues. While many expected the likes of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman to make the list, it’s Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon who have stood out, ranking among the top 50 key passers in European football.
Iwobi: Fulham’s Creative Engine
At Fulham, Alex Iwobi has been a force to be reckoned with. The former Arsenal midfielder has registered 46 key passes in 25 Premier League matches, placing him 17th in Europe. His contributions include 43 chances created, seven goals, and three assists, showing his growing influence in Fulham’s attack. With 90 touches in the opposition’s box and 37 shots taken, Iwobi has proven to be a crucial link in the final third.
Moses Simon: The Assist King of France
Over in Ligue 1, Nantes winger Moses Simon continues to prove his worth. Ranked 39th on the list, Simon has delivered 40 key passes in 20 league games. His creative brilliance has led to seven assists, making him the French league’s top provider, along with five goals. Despite playing for a mid-table side, Simon’s ability to unlock defenses has been remarkable.
No Room for Osimhen or Lookman?
Notably absent from the rankings are two of Nigeria’s biggest stars—Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Osimhen, who has been on fire in Turkey with 14 goals and four assists for Galatasaray, was overlooked due to the rankings only considering Europe’s top five leagues. Lookman, despite scoring 10 goals and assisting five times for Atalanta, didn’t make the cut, with Serie A’s most creative players being Genoa’s Aarón Martín (47 key passes) and Como’s Gabriel Strefezza (42).
Europe’s Key Pass Kings
Topping the European rankings is Barcelona’s Raphinha with 69 key passes, followed by Villarreal’s Álex Baena (68) and Reims’ Junya Ito (67). Chelsea’s Cole Palmer (66) and Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski (60) also feature in the top five. Other notable names include Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich (57), Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (54), and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes (53).
Nigerian Roots Shine Through
Beyond Iwobi and Simon, several players of Nigerian descent have also made the rankings. Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise both recorded 45 key passes, ranking just behind Iwobi at joint 18th. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka also features in 32nd place with 42 key passes, highlighting the growing influence of players with Nigerian heritage in European football.
While Nigeria’s biggest attacking stars may not have made the list, Iwobi and Simon continue to fly the Super Eagles’ creative flag high, proving that vision and playmaking are just as vital as goals.