by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
In 1982, Ghana stood unchallenged at the summit of African football. The Black Stars had already lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy four times, making them the continent’s most successful national team at the time. Nigeria trailed far behind with just one title, while Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire were still searching for their first taste of continental glory.
More than four decades later, the AFCON landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation.
As of 2026, Ghana’s trophy haul remains unchanged. Despite their rich history and continued competitiveness, the Black Stars have not added to their four AFCON titles since their last triumph in 1982.
Nigeria, however, have made notable strides. The Super Eagles have increased their tally from one title to three, establishing themselves as one of Africa’s most consistent and competitive football nations.
Cameroon represent the most remarkable rise. From having no AFCON titles in 1982, the Indomitable Lions have surged to the top with five championships, making them Africa’s most successful national team as of 2026.
Côte d’Ivoire have also written an impressive success story. Once without a single title, the Elephants now boast three AFCON trophies, reflecting their emergence as a major force in African football.
These shifting numbers highlight the evolution of African football over the decades, with new powers rising to dominance while former giants continue their quest to recapture past glory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
The stage is set for two blockbuster semi-final encounters at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with continental heavyweights Senegal, Egypt, Morocco and Nigeria battling for a place in the final.
Semi-Final 1 will see Senegal take on Egypt on Wednesday, January 14, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00pm at the Tangier Grand Stadium (Stade Ibn-Batouta) in Tangier.
Senegal arrive with strong Premier League representation, boasting the highest number of English top-flight players at the tournament. Their squad includes Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), and West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf. The Teranga Lions secured their semi-final spot with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mali in Friday’s quarter-final.
Egypt, meanwhile, are spearheaded by Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, who has found the net in four of his five matches at the tournament. He is supported in attack by Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush as the Pharaohs look to continue their strong run after edging Ivory Coast 3–2 in Saturday’s quarter-final.
Semi-Final 2 will feature hosts Morocco against Nigeria later the same day, with an 8:00pm kick-off at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have leaned heavily on their Premier League core, including Fulham trio Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze, alongside Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka. Nigeria booked their place in the last four with a 2–0 quarter-final win.
Hosts Morocco, widely tipped as tournament favourites, continue to rely on their solid defensive structure marshalled by Manchester United full-back Noussair Mazraoui. The Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals after eliminating Cameroon, who featured fellow United star Bryan Mbeumo, in their quarter-final clash.
Broadcast Details:
Both semi-final matches will be shown live in the UK on E4, with streaming available via All4. Fans can also watch the games on the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah has finally addressed growing speculation about a potential switch of international allegiance from England to Ghana as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues.
The 25-year-old striker remains eligible to represent Ghana despite featuring for England two years ago, having made just one senior appearance — a substitute outing in a friendly against Australia in October 2023. Under FIFA rules introduced in 2020, players are permitted to change nationality if they have not exceeded the limit of competitive senior appearances or featured at a major international tournament.
Interest in Nketiah has intensified in Ghana following the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States. The possible inclusion of diaspora players such as Nketiah and Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Nketiah stressed that his immediate focus remains on club football.
“At the moment, I’m just enjoying my football with Crystal Palace — that’s been my main focus,” he said.
“I’m Ghanaian and there’s no denying that. I’m proud of my roots and where I’ve come from. I’m sure the future will take care of itself.”
Nketiah rose through Arsenal’s youth system and earned promotion to the senior team in 2020. During four seasons with the Gunners, he scored 38 goals and registered seven assists in 168 appearances. Limited opportunities under Mikel Arteta eventually prompted a move across London, with the striker joining Crystal Palace in a £30 million transfer in August 2024.
Since arriving at Selhurst Park, Nketiah has struggled for consistent starts, further fuelling conversations around his international future.
Ghanaian Pundit Backs Nketiah Call-Up
Ghanaian football pundit Christopher Nimley has publicly endorsed the idea of Nketiah joining the Black Stars, arguing that the striker brings a unique profile currently missing from the national team.
“Nketiah’s inclusion would be a big plus for Ghana,” Nimley told Sportsblog247.com.
“We don’t have any player with his movement, finishing and energy. That’s why he would make a real difference.”
Born in Lewisham, South London, to Ghanaian parents, Nketiah began his youth career at Chelsea before moving to Arsenal. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has previously approached him as part of its ongoing efforts to recruit eligible diaspora players, a strategy that has recently seen renewed interest with the World Cup drawing closer.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has acknowledged that some players who initially turned down Ghana have reconsidered as the global showpiece approaches. However, Nketiah confirmed there has been no recent contact from the GFA.
“I haven’t had any calls recently,” he said.
“My focus is on playing well each week. If I’m doing the right things, the international future will sort itself out when the time comes.”
While the door to a Ghana switch remains open, Nketiah insists his priority for now is delivering on the pitch for Crystal Palace.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Brahim Díaz has tightened his grip on the Golden Boot race at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations after scoring once again to guide hosts Morocco into the semi-finals.
The Real Madrid winger found the net in Morocco’s 2–0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon in Rabat, extending his tally to five goals in five matches — the best return by any player at the tournament so far. Díaz struck in front of a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, getting the final touch on Ayoub El Kaabi’s 26th-minute header to set Morocco on their way. Ismael Saibari later sealed the win, but Díaz once again stole the spotlight with another decisive contribution.
Hot on his heels are Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, both on four goals after scoring in their respective quarter-final victories. With the semi-finals approaching, the race for the Golden Boot remains finely balanced.
Five players are currently tied on three goals apiece, including Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman and Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez, while a large group of players sit on two goals, underlining the attacking depth and balance of AFCON 2025.
In total, 74 players have found the net so far at the tournament, including 61 players with one goal each, highlighting the wide spread of goals as the competition enters its decisive phase. Despite the strong competition, Díaz’s consistency, composure, and perfect timing have clearly set him apart.
AFCON 2025 Top Scorers (After Quarter-Finals)
5 Goals (1 player):
Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
4 Goals (2 players):
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
3 Goals (5 players):
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire)
Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco)
Lassine Sinayoko (Mali)
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
2 Goals (13 players):
Bazoumana Touré (Côte d’Ivoire)
Chérif Ndiaye (Senegal)
Christian Kofane (Cameroon)
Elias Achouri (Tunisia)
Gaël Kakuta (DR Congo)
Geny Catamo (Mozambique)
Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)
Iyle Foster (South Africa)
Nicolas Jackson (Senegal)
Oswin Appollis (South Africa)
Pape Gueye (Senegal)
Raphael Onyedika (Nigeria)
Akor Adams (Nigeria)
1 Goal:
61 players
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 12, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Moroccan authorities have detained several individuals, including cameramen from an Algerian television station, officials of the Algerian Press Agency, and a number of supporters, following disturbances at the Marrakech Stadium during the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash between Nigeria and Algeria.
The incident unfolded after Algeria’s 2–0 defeat to Nigeria, a result that sealed the Super Eagles’ place in the semi-finals of the tournament.
According to local security sources, some of the detained media personnel were allegedly linked to acts of vandalism within the stadium premises, while several Algerian supporters were arrested for disorderly behaviour.
Eyewitnesses revealed that tensions flared shortly after the final whistle, with reports of confrontations involving Algerian fans and Nigerian players and supporters, briefly disrupting order in parts of the stadium.
Moroccan security forces acted swiftly to restore calm and prevent the situation from escalating further. Although no serious injuries were reported, the unrest caused temporary disruption as players and spectators were safely escorted away.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to review official reports from match officials and Moroccan authorities as investigations into the incident continue.
Nigeria now shift focus to the semi-finals, while Algeria exit the competition under a cloud of controversy both on and off the pitch.
