by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles head coach Eric Sékou Chelle has attributed Nigeria’s impressive run at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to the team’s disciplined and highly focused training sessions in Morocco.
Nigeria have enjoyed a flawless campaign so far, winning all their group matches against Tanzania (2–1), Tunisia (3–2) and Uganda (3–1). The Super Eagles maintained their dominant form in the knockout rounds, thrashing Mozambique 4–0 in the Round of 16 before defeating Algeria 2–0 in Saturday’s quarter-final clash in Marrakech.
Chelle explained that his approach has been to treat every match as a final, placing full concentration on winning and progressing one step at a time. While attention has turned to him as head coach, he was quick to stress that the real work is done by the players on the pitch, with his role focused on preparation, guidance and support off it.
“Now everybody is curious about Chelle, but I’m not on the pitch — the players are,” he said. “I try to do my job with my own feelings. I work closely with my players and spend my time with them.”
Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams in the second half sealed a deserved 2–0 victory over Algeria, setting up a mouth-watering semi-final showdown against hosts Morocco on Wednesday.
Chelle, who recently marked one year in charge of the Super Eagles, has now overseen 16 matches and expressed pride in the team’s steady progress.
“I’m very proud of my players,” he added. “We’ve been working since last January, but usually with just one or two days of training. Here at AFCON, we’ve had more time to work, and with my vision for this team, I’m happy because we are seeing results.”
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have returned to Fez for recovery sessions and light training ahead of the semi-final clash. The only concern for the coaching staff is Wilfred Ndidi, who will miss the match after picking up two yellow cards and serving a suspension.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has produced unforgettable moments, thrilling matches and standout individual performances — but perhaps most exciting has been the emergence of a new generation of African stars.
Across the tournament, several young players have seized their opportunity on the continent’s biggest stage, announcing themselves as talents ready to shape the future of African football. Here are five youngsters who have truly impressed at AFCON 2025.
Christian Kofane (Cameroon)
At just 19, Christian Kofane has been one of the competition’s biggest revelations. The Cameroonian striker has netted two goals in three starts, showcasing intelligence, composure and fearless attacking play. His sharp movement and clinical finishing have marked him out as one of Africa’s most exciting young forwards.
Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)
Seventeen-year-old PSG prodigy Ibrahim Mbaye has made a strong first impression on the continental stage. With energetic, fearless performances, he scored his maiden AFCON goal and has quickly become an important attacking option for Senegal. His pace, technique and confidence point to a very bright future.
Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza has been central to Algeria’s midfield control. Combining energy, creativity and ball progression, the young playmaker has contributed two goals and one assist in four starts, playing a key role in driving Algeria’s attacking rhythm.
Christ Inao Oulai (Ivory Coast)
The Elephants have uncovered a gem in 19-year-old Trabzonspor midfielder Christ Inao Oulai. Calm on the ball and strong in duels, he has delivered mature performances throughout the tournament. His standout display came in Ivory Coast’s dramatic 3–2 win over Gabon, where he earned the Man of the Match award.
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)
Another exciting Ivorian prospect, RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has been among the most electrifying youngsters at AFCON 2025. His pace, creativity and fearless dribbling have caused constant problems for defenders, highlighted by his first AFCON goal against Burkina Faso.
Together, these young stars have not only played decisive roles for their countries at AFCON 2025, but have also offered a glimpse into a promising future for African football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has publicly expressed its strong support for the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, describing the tournament as a powerful emblem of African unity, cultural pride and continental integration.
In a goodwill message, the regional body applauded AFCON not only for the high level of football on display but also for its ability to unite millions of Africans across borders, languages and traditions through a shared love for the game.
“ECOWAS supports the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2025, as a true symbol of integration and the coming together of African cultures and people,” the statement read.
As the tournament enters its decisive phase, anticipation is building ahead of the semi-final fixtures scheduled for Wednesday, 14 January 2026. Fans are set to witness two blockbuster encounters, with Senegal facing Egypt in Tangier, while hosts Morocco take on Nigeria in Rabat, as all four teams battle for a place in the final.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is expected to reach its climax on 18 January 2026, with the grand final set to celebrate not just footballing excellence, but Africa’s shared identity, unity and brotherhood on the continental stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
At 77 years old, Claude Le Roy could easily have chosen a quiet retirement away from the touchline. Instead, the legendary coach — affectionately nicknamed the “White Wizard” — continues to follow African football with undiminished passion and curiosity.
Le Roy’s résumé is unmatched on the continent. Over the course of his illustrious career, he coached six African national teams — Cameroon, Senegal, DR Congo, Ghana, Congo and Togo — and famously lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy with Cameroon in 1988.
Now observing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as a pundit for Canal+, Le Roy admits the tournament has delivered exactly what African football is known for: thrilling surprises alongside painful disappointments. Despite his decades of experience, the veteran coach remains fascinated by the unpredictability and evolving nature of the game on the continent.
His enduring enthusiasm is a testament to a lifetime devoted to African football — and proof that even at 77, the magic of the Africa Cup of Nations still casts its spell.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo has admitted that a poor first-half performance proved costly as the Indomitable Lions were knocked out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by hosts Morocco, a defeat he described as “really sad” given the circumstances.
Cameroon fell to a 2–0 loss on Friday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari finding the net in front of a passionate home crowd. The result sent Morocco into the semi-finals and ended Cameroon’s campaign at the quarter-final stage.
Featuring at his first AFCON since committing his international future to Cameroon in 2022, the 26-year-old attacker started all five matches at the tournament. While he failed to score, Mbeumo provided an assist in Cameroon’s opening win over Gabon.
“We didn’t play our football in the first half,” Mbeumo told BBC Sport Africa. “In the second half, we were much better on the ball and made them adapt. They took their chances, and congratulations to them.”
Cameroon felt hard done by when a second-half penalty appeal involving Mbeumo was waved away, but head coach David Pagou echoed his player’s assessment of the performance.
“The players were a bit timid at the beginning,” Pagou said. “We improved in the second half and got back into the game. Overall, this group gave a lot of emotions to the Cameroonian people, and that was our objective. Unfortunately, Morocco stopped us, but we will continue our progression.”
Pagou was appointed on the eve of the tournament after Belgian coach Marc Brys was controversially dismissed by the Cameroonian Football Federation, with federation president Samuel Eto’o watching from the stands in Rabat.
Cameroon travelled to Morocco with a youthful squad, leaving out several senior figures, including goalkeeper André Onana. Despite the early exit, positives emerged, particularly the performances of Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, who made his international debut during the group stage and scored against Mozambique and South Africa.
“We have a very good, young group with quality, and that’s positive for the future,” Mbeumo added.
Díaz Emerges as Morocco’s X Factor
Morocco once again leaned on the brilliance of Brahim Díaz, who now has five goals in five matches — a national record at a single AFCON tournament. The Real Madrid playmaker’s influence was evident as the hosts thrived in the intense atmosphere generated by their supporters.
Head coach Walid Regragui hailed the fans as a decisive factor, describing them as a “12th player” and calling the performance one of Morocco’s best since their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
“They supported us from the first minute to the last,” said goalscorer Ismael Saibari. “That energy pushes us to give more.”
Morocco have now reached their first AFCON semi-final since 2004 and remain in pursuit of just their second continental title, their last coming 50 years ago.
Defender Romain Saïss praised the team’s mentality, intensity and desire, while highlighting Díaz as one of the squad’s technical leaders.
Head coach Regragui labelled Díaz Morocco’s best player and their “X factor,” stressing the importance of his mentality and work ethic.
“He can be the best player in the world if he wants,” Regragui said.
Morocco will now face either Algeria or Nigeria in the semi-finals, as their dream of continental glory gathers momentum on home soil.
