by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reaches the quarter-final stage, AFP Sport highlights five standout players making their first AFCON appearance who could leave a lasting mark in the last eight:
Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid/Morocco)
While Morocco initially relied on captain Achraf Hakimi, Diaz has emerged as their key figure. The 26-year-old winger has scored in every game, including the decisive strike against Tanzania in the Round of 16, making him the tournament’s top scorer with four goals. Born in Malaga, Diaz initially represented Spain at senior level before switching allegiance to Morocco, his father’s homeland. He will play a crucial role as the Atlas Lions face Cameroon on Friday.
Christian Kofane (Bayer Leverkusen/Cameroon)
Cameroon’s campaign has been boosted by young talents, none more impressive than 19-year-old forward Kofane. The Douala-born winger joined Bayer Leverkusen from Albacete this season and has already scored in the Bundesliga and Champions League. Kofane opened his AFCON account with a goal against Mozambique and added another in the 2-1 Round of 16 win over South Africa.
Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain/Senegal)
The 17-year-old PSG winger, who represented France at youth level, opted to play for Senegal. Mbaye has been impactful from the bench, assisting in the draws against DR Congo and Benin and scoring in Senegal’s 3-1 win over Sudan in the Round of 16. He will be key as the Lions of Teranga take on Mali in the last eight.
Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen/Algeria)
Nicknamed “Mazadona,” the 20-year-old Berlin-born midfielder has been a revelation for Algeria. Having represented Germany at youth level, Maza switched to Algeria in late 2024. Playing behind the striker, he has scored against Sudan and Equatorial Guinea and won Man of the Match against Burkina Faso, establishing himself as a rising star.
Akor Adams (Sevilla/Nigeria)
The 25-year-old striker has strengthened Nigeria’s attacking options alongside Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. After joining Sevilla from Montpellier last year, Adams made his Super Eagles debut in October 2025. He returned to the starting lineup in the 4-0 Round of 16 win over Mozambique, contributing a goal and an assist as Nigeria prepares for a quarter-final clash with Algeria.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Senegal and Mali will meet in a highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final at Grand Stade de Tanger on Friday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 6:00pm CAT.
Mali advanced to the last eight after a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Tunisia at Stade Mohammed V last Saturday. The match had ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, but missed penalties from Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane paved the way for the Eagles to secure their quarter-final spot.
Senegal, on the other hand, enjoyed a smoother path in their Round of 16 clash, defeating Sudan 3-1 at Stade de Tanger.
Sudan initially took the lead through Aamir Yunis in the sixth minute, but Pape Gueye, who scored twice, and Ibrahim Mbaye turned the game around to secure victory for the Lions of Teranga.
After the win, seasoned Senegalese star Sadio Mane emphasized the importance of a measured approach for the remainder of the tournament.
“In Africa, there are national teams that are candidates to win the title, and I believe we are among them, but with my experience I always tell the players to remain calm no matter what happens, because the best team does not always win this tournament,” Mane said.
“The proof is that we played well more than once and saw the results in the end. Playing well is important, but it is not the most important thing at the moment. What matters now is focus and dealing with the tournament match by match, because the Africa Cup of Nations is not easy, and what matters is winning, not how.”
Head-to-Head Record:
Games: 7
Senegal wins: 5
Mali wins: 0
Draws: 2
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Although ruled out of Egypt’s quarter-final, Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” has sent a powerful message to inspire confidence and unity among the Egyptian people, urging them to trust in the team’s strength and spirit.
Speaking from the sidelines, the winger sought to calm nerves at home and motivate his teammates. “Tell the Egyptian people not to be afraid. God willing, we will win this match. We have a real team spirit, we are motivated and we are men,” Trezeguet said.
The 30-year-old’s absence is a significant setback for Egypt, given his experience and influence in crucial matches. Yet his words reflect the strong unity within the squad as the Pharaohs prepare for one of their most pivotal games of the tournament.
Sources close to the team reveal that players have drawn inspiration from Trezeguet’s message, determined to fight not only for victory but also in honor of their injured teammate. With belief, motivation, and collective spirit at the core, Egypt heads into the quarter-final confident in their ability to overcome the challenge and keep their AFCON dream alive.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that outstanding allowances for the Super Eagles are currently being processed through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), assuring players and officials that disbursements will follow as soon as the banking cycle is completed.
The announcement comes amid concerns over a potential protest from players and coaching staff during the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, following delays in bonus payments for four tournament matches.
Despite the off-field distractions, Nigeria has excelled on the pitch. Under head coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles won all their group stage matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, before advancing to the quarter-finals with a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16.
Tensions rose on Tuesday when respected Nigerian journalist Oluwashina Okeleji reported that players and staff were still awaiting their win bonuses for all four matches, warning that they could boycott training and delay travel to Marrakech for the quarter-final clash against Algeria.
“The squad will NOT train or travel on Thursday if this isn’t resolved,” Okeleji stated, evoking memories of previous administrative stand-offs that disrupted Nigeria’s international campaigns.
Shortly after, journalist Tobi Adepoju confirmed that payments had left the CBN and were en route to players’ and officials’ accounts, quoting an NFF source:
“The monies have been processed from CBN to individual banks. The players and officials will receive all their bonuses when the process is completed.”
Nigeria enters Saturday’s showdown as one of the tournament’s favourites, facing a traditional continental rival in Algeria for a place in the semi-finals. The Super Eagles, three-time AFCON champions, last lifted the trophy in 2013 and remain one of Africa’s most decorated footballing nations.
While administrative issues persist, fans will be hoping that the banking process concludes swiftly, allowing Chelle’s squad to focus entirely on football as they pursue a fourth AFCON crown.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 8, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwasi Nyantakyi has called for an open and inclusive approach to selecting the Black Stars squad, stressing that all eligible players should be considered, regardless of past controversies or emotional narratives.
Speaking recently, Nyantakyi emphasized merit and competitiveness over sentiment in preparing for Ghana’s upcoming assignments, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“My view is that the Black Stars are open to every Ghanaian who is eligible to play. If, at my age (57), I can play and score, then give me the chance,” he remarked.
He also urged officials and fans to set aside emotional biases, particularly toward players who previously left or considered representing other nations.
“Some people become sentimental and emotional, saying this guy dumped Ghana and so on. Players like Eddie Nketiah or Hudson-Odoi should be given the chance.
Let us take out the emotions and give them the opportunity if the coach thinks they can compete favourably and earn a place in the team,” Nyantakyi added.
Highlighting Ghana’s strength in managing talented players, he referenced past examples to illustrate the importance of inclusivity.
“Ghana is Ghana, and Ghana is not for excellence alone. We have managed very difficult players before. Do you know Kelvin Boateng?”
Nyantakyi’s comments come as the Black Stars’ coaching staff assess potential candidates, including European-based Ghanaians, whose involvement could bolster the squad’s World Cup ambitions.
