by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will skip the first round of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers after being granted a bye, according to the draw released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The draw for the African qualifiers, which kick off the road to Morocco 2026, was conducted on Saturday in Rabat by Jacqueline Shipanga, Technical Director of the Namibia Football Federation, CAF Elite Instructor, and former Namibia women’s national team coach.
A total of 31 African teams will compete across three knockout rounds, using a home-and-away format. Four teams will ultimately secure spots to represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.
First-round fixtures, scheduled for April 10–12 with return legs on April 17–19, 2026, include Niger vs. Guinea, Burkina Faso vs. Benin, Sierra Leone vs. Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia vs. Senegal, Algeria vs. Cameroon, and Togo vs. Ghana.
Nigeria will enter in the second round to face the winner of the Niger vs. Guinea tie. These matches are slated for May 22–24 and May 29–31, 2026.
If the Flamingos advance, they could meet Burkina Faso, Benin, Sierra Leone, or Côte d’Ivoire in the third and final qualifying round from July 3–5 and July 10–12, as they aim to return to the global stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Egypt defender Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh is aiming for revenge as the Pharaohs prepare to face Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.
The North African side advanced after a thrilling 3–2 victory over Ivory Coast in Saturday’s quarter-final at Agadir’s Adrar Stadium, setting up a challenging clash against the Taranga Lions in Morocco.
The encounter carries extra significance, as it echoes the 2021 AFCON final in Cameroon, where Senegal defeated Egypt to claim their first continental title. That loss also denied the Pharaohs a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Speaking ahead of the semi-final, Aboul-Fetouh stressed Egypt’s determination to set the record straight.
“All African teams have become strong, but we, the Egyptian national team, have seven titles and we came here to win the eighth. Of course we have a score to settle with Senegal. They prevented us from reaching the World Cup and won the African title ahead of us, so we want to beat them,” he said.
Egypt last lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2010, defeating Ghana 1–0 to claim their seventh title, and now they aim to end a 15-year wait for glory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has commended Akor Adams for his impressive performances as Nigeria pursue glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, according to Soccernet. Despite making his senior international debut just two months ago, Adams has quickly adapted to the squad, forming a productive partnership with Victor Osimhen.
The 25-year-old Sevilla forward has already made a significant mark in Morocco, contributing one goal and two assists. While naturally a central striker, Adams has demonstrated tactical versatility, often dropping deep or drifting wide to support Osimhen and prioritise the team’s overall strategy over personal statistics.
Ideye, who played a similarly selfless role during Nigeria’s AFCON 2013 triumph, drew comparisons between his experience and Adams’ current contributions. “He’s a player who can create chances, score goals, and add flair. He sacrificed his natural position to support Osimhen, just like I did for Emmanuel Emenike in 2013,” Ideye said.
The former West Bromwich Albion forward also revealed that he stays in regular contact with Adams, providing guidance on managing the pressures of international football. Ideye encouraged the young striker to remain patient and focused, assuring him that his moment to shine would come.
Adams’ adaptability and team-first approach have been instrumental to Nigeria’s progress in AFCON 2025, underlining the value of selflessness and tactical discipline in the Super Eagles’ campaign.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
The Super Eagles head into their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against Morocco on Wednesday carrying momentum but also facing questions over squad depth and fitness.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi will miss the game due to a yellow card suspension, while doubts surround Bright Osayi-Samuel’s availability after a last-minute injury in Saturday’s win over Algeria. The absence of the duo could prove pivotal as Nigeria targets a place in the final.
Ndidi received his second yellow card in the Algeria match, ruling him out of Wednesday night’s showdown at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria looked dominant in Marrakech, securing their fifth consecutive tournament victory. Victor Osimhen continued his fine form, heading in Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross early in the second half for his fourth goal of AFCON 2025. Ten minutes later, the Napoli striker turned provider, setting up Akor Adams after being picked out by Alex Iwobi to double the Eagles’ lead.
However, Ndidi’s booking in the 67th minute for time-wasting proved costly. Coach Eric Chelle is expected to call on Raphael Onyedika as a replacement, having already used him when Ndidi was briefly injured against Algeria.
Other players at risk of suspension, Frank Onyeka and Calvin Bassey, avoided further cautions.Adding to Nigeria’s concerns, right-back Osayi-Samuel limped off in stoppage time, prompting Chelle to bring on Igoh Ogbu.
The injury forced a tactical reshuffle, as the team had planned to substitute Osimhen while maintaining their second clean sheet of the tournament.
With these key absences, the Super Eagles face a stern test against Morocco as they bid to reach the AFCON 2025 final.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Tunisia is reportedly making a strong push to secure Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle following his remarkable performance at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Chelle has emerged as one of Africa’s most sought-after coaches after guiding Nigeria to the tournament’s semi-finals. His leadership and the Super Eagles’ impressive run have attracted attention from multiple African football federations.
The Tunisia Football Federation is in search of a new head coach after parting ways with Sami Trabelsi, a decision influenced by Tunisia’s exit from the competition, including a 3–2 group-stage defeat to Nigeria.
According to reports, Tunisian officials have approached Chelle and are prepared to offer a lucrative contract reportedly worth $100,000 per month. A formal discussion with his representatives is expected once AFCON concludes.
While Chelle’s current contract with the Nigeria Football Federation remains unclear, interest in his services extends beyond Tunisia, with Angola and Guinea also reportedly exploring opportunities to bring him on board, underscoring his rising profile in African football.
