by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has formally submitted a complaint to both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following Algeria’s 2–0 defeat to Nigeria in the quarter-final of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a letter addressed to the football governing bodies, the FAF questioned several officiating decisions made during last Saturday’s encounter in Marrakech, describing them as actions that “raised serious questions” and sparked widespread dissatisfaction among players, officials, and supporters.
The federation claimed the controversial calls undermined the credibility of African refereeing and risked damaging the image of African football on the global stage. As part of the complaint, the FAF requested a full investigation to clarify the disputed decisions and ensure appropriate corrective measures in line with CAF and FIFA regulations.
Tensions spilled over after the final whistle, with players from both teams clashing on the pitch. Disorder also erupted in the stands, as Algerian supporters reportedly vandalised sections of the stadium before security personnel restored order.
CAF has since confirmed that it has opened an investigation into the post-match incidents, releasing an official statement on Monday.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s U-17 women’s national team, the Black Maidens, will open their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign against Togo in April, marking their return to competitive action after serving a ban for age cheating in 2022.
The first-round fixture forms part of the African qualifiers for the tournament, which will culminate in the finals hosted by Morocco. Should the Black Maidens overcome Togo, they will progress to face the winner of the Liberia vs Libya tie in the second round.
The draw for the African qualifiers was conducted on Saturday in Rabat, officially setting the continent on the road to the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
A total of 31 African teams are competing in the qualification process, which is spread across three knockout rounds played on a home-and-away basis.
First-leg matches are scheduled between April 10 and 19, with Ghana set to play on April 10, while the return fixtures will take place a week later on April 17.
At the end of the third and final round, four teams will book their tickets to represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.
For the Black Maidens, the qualifiers present an opportunity to rebuild their image and reassert themselves on the continental stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo has enjoyed a fairytale start to life at Manchester City after delivering a stunning performance on his debut in the FA Cup, according to a report by Sportblog247.com on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
The 26-year-old striker marked his first appearance for the English champions with a goal and an assist in City’s emphatic 10–1 victory over Exeter City on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
Handed a starting role just a day after completing his move from Bournemouth, Semenyo made an immediate impression. His intelligent movement and composure on the ball troubled the Exeter defence throughout the match, as he set up City’s fifth goal before calmly finding the net himself. His performance was widely hailed as one of the most impressive debut displays in recent Manchester City history.
Semenyo’s outstanding outing earned him the Man of the Match award, his first individual honour in City colours. In just 64 minutes of action, he recorded a 93 percent pass completion rate, created a clear-cut chance, and finished with a goal and an assist, earning a 9.5 rating on Sofascore. Sharing the moment on social media, the Ghana international posted a photo with his award and captioned it, “God is great.”
The debut also saw Semenyo etch his name into the club’s history books, becoming the first Manchester City player since Sergio Agüero in 2011 to score and assist on his debut. Fans were quick to celebrate his impact online, with messages of praise flooding social media platforms.
Attention now turns to Manchester City’s EFL Cup semi-final clash against Newcastle United on January 13, where hopes are high that Semenyo will continue his red-hot form. His record-setting debut further underlines City’s confidence in making him one of the most expensive Ghanaian signings in history.
From late-match heroics at Bournemouth to a historic debut at the Etihad Stadium, Antoine Semenyo is rapidly proving he belongs among football’s elite.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigeria has produced some of the most lethal attacking talents in Africa Cup of Nations history. From the legendary Rashidi Yekini to the modern-day stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Super Eagles forwards have consistently shaped the narrative of Africa’s premier football tournament.
With Osimhen and Lookman each scoring at least three goals at AFCON 2025, e-Complete Sports’ Dare Esan highlights the Nigerian players who have scored five or more goals at the AFCON, etching their names into continental folklore.
Rashidi Yekini – 13 Goals
The late Rashidi Yekini remains Nigeria’s most prolific AFCON scorer, netting 13 goals in 24 matches across five tournaments. A two-time Golden Boot winner (1992, 1994), Yekini spearheaded Nigeria’s 1994 title triumph and ranks third on the all-time AFCON scorers list behind Samuel Eto’o and Laurent Pokou. His power, composure, and predatory instincts made him a true national icon.
Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha – 7 Goals
Renowned for his flair and creativity, Jay-Jay Okocha also delivered goals when it mattered most. He scored seven goals in 22 AFCON appearances, with four coming at Tunisia 2004. Okocha’s blend of artistry and end product cemented his place among Nigeria’s most adored footballers.
Ademola Lookman – 6 Goals
Ademola Lookman has rapidly climbed Nigeria’s AFCON scoring ranks. After scoring three goals in his debut tournament, he doubled his tally to six within just two editions. The Atalanta forward’s pace, movement, and clinical finishing have made him a major threat, with AFCON 2025 still offering room for more milestones.
Segun Odegbami – 6 Goals
Segun “Mathematical” Odegbami scored six goals in only 10 AFCON matches, including three during Nigeria’s historic 1980 triumph on home soil. A two-time Golden Boot winner (1978, 1980), Odegbami’s goals and leadership inspired Nigeria’s first continental success.
Julius Aghahowa – 6 Goals
Famed for his somersault celebrations, Julius Aghahowa delivered six goals in 15 AFCON appearances. His brace against Senegal in 2000 announced his arrival on the big stage, with his speed and sharp finishing tormenting defenders in the early 2000s.
Victor Osimhen – 5 Goals
Victor Osimhen has already scored five goals in 13 AFCON matches, including four at the ongoing 2025 tournament. Known for his relentless pressing, aerial dominance, and lethal finishing, the 27-year-old Napoli striker is well-positioned to climb Nigeria’s all-time AFCON scoring chart.
Peter Odemwingie – 5 Goals
Peter Odemwingie netted five goals in 16 AFCON appearances, with three coming in his debut tournament in 2004. His brace against South Africa in Tunisia remains one of Nigeria’s standout performances, highlighting his versatility and attacking intelligence.
Odion Ighalo – 5 Goals
Odion Ighalo’s AFCON journey was brief but remarkable. At Egypt 2019, he scored five goals in just seven matches, equalling Yekini’s single-tournament record. Though Nigeria fell short of the title, Ighalo’s ruthless finishing left a lasting impression.
Muda Lawal – 5 Goals
One of Nigeria’s greatest midfielders, Muda Lawal scored five goals in 22 AFCON appearances. He was pivotal in the 1980 final victory over Algeria, combining creativity, composure, and leadership to anchor the Green Eagles’ golden era.
William Troost-Ekong – 5 Goals
Retiring just before AFCON 2025, William Troost-Ekong left as Nigeria’s highest-scoring defender in AFCON history with five goals. His knack for crucial strikes and defensive leadership also earned him the distinction of being the tournament’s highest-scoring defender overall.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opened an investigation into the post-match incidents following Nigeria’s 2–0 victory over Algeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final in Marrakech.
According to Africa Soccer, CAF is reviewing reports from match officials, security personnel, and media representatives to assess the full extent of the confrontations.
Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scored in the second half to secure the Super Eagles’ spot in the semi-finals. However, tensions flared at full time as Algerian players confronted referee Issa Sy and his assistants, alleging unfair decisions. Stadium security had to intervene to prevent potential assaults.
The unrest also extended to the stands, where Algerian fans reportedly attempted to breach barriers and caused damage to parts of the stadium, further compounding the chaotic scene.
