Galatasaray have officially lifted the Turkish Cup after a dominant 3-0 victory over Trabzonspor in the final. The night belonged to Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who delivered a sensational performance, scoring twice to power his side to silverware. Galatasaray’s commanding display capped off a memorable cup run and solidified their dominance in Turkish football.
Once a fierce right-back terrorizing flanks at Arsenal, Galatasaray, and the Ivorian national team, Emmanuel Eboué is now charting a new path—this time, off the pitch. At the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, Eboué has swapped boots for a badge as he steps into his role as Assistant General Coordinator (AGC).
In this fresh chapter, Eboué plays a key role in tournament operations—ensuring matches run smoothly, working closely with teams, officials, and even kit managers. His experience as a seasoned international, including appearances at the FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations, has given him unique insight into what players need to perform at their best.
“I am so happy to do the job, even though I know it’s not easy,” Eboué shared. “To be part of this tournament and help young players grow while they learn from someone like me—it’s a blessing.”
This is not his first backstage role. After cutting his teeth at the CAF U17 AFCON in Morocco, Eboué is relishing the opportunity to continue learning about the organisational side of football. Despite his global fame, he admits the transition has been humbling.
“I didn’t know what goes on behind the scenes before a game,” he confessed. “Now, I’m printing documents, attending meetings, helping with logistics—and it’s all part of keeping the beautiful game running.”
His presence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Although many of the young talents at the tournament were still in primary school when Eboué hung up his boots in 2016, their excitement grows once they realise who he is. “They search me on Google, then come back asking for selfies,” he laughed.
Eboué credits CAF for giving him this new lease on football life. “Many African players struggle after retirement,” he said. “CAF has given me a second chance to stay close to the game, and I’m truly grateful.”
With Nigeria set to take on South Africa in Thursday’s first semi-final at 15:00 GMT, and hosts Egypt facing Morocco at 18:00 GMT, Eboué will be right there—not in boots this time, but still very much part of the action.
With the countdown to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) now underway, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a critical deadline for all participating nations, including Nigeria.
CAF has officially directed that all 20 qualified teams must submit their final squad lists by July 22, 2024. Each team must include three goalkeepers, with the rest of the squad filled by outfield players, in accordance with tournament regulations.
The announcement comes after the conclusion of the final qualification round last weekend, which sealed the lineup and group stage placements for the tournament.
For Nigeria, this marks a triumphant return. The Super Eagles B team booked their place in the competition by defeating arch-rivals Ghana in a tense final qualifier, making up for their absence in the previous two editions.
The 2024 CHAN tournament, showcasing only players active in their domestic leagues, will be hosted across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda from August 2 to 30, 2025, after a scheduling shift from its original 2024 calendar slot.
As the July deadline looms, all eyes will be on the teams to finalize their rosters and prepare for one of Africa’s most unique international football events.
The stage is set for an exciting chapter in African football history as the 2025 edition of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) makes its long-awaited return—this time to East Africa. For the first time since 2016, the tournament will be hosted in the region, with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania joining forces to deliver a spectacle of homegrown talent.
Originally scheduled for September 2024, CHAN 2025 encountered multiple delays, first to February 2025 and now to August 2–30, 2025, due to infrastructure challenges. However, anticipation has reached a fever pitch following the final confirmation of all qualified nations and group stage lineups.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe also announced a major financial incentive: the winner of CHAN 2025 will take home $3.5 million, a 75% increase from the previous edition. “We are thrilled about the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda 2025,” he stated. “This boost reflects our commitment to rewarding excellence.”
Groups for CHAN 2025:
Group A: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia
Group B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic
Group C: Uganda, Niger, Guinea, Algeria, South Africa
Group D: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria
With 20 of Africa’s best national squads—featuring only players active in their local leagues—locked in, fans can expect a month-long showcase of grit, pride, and rising stars.
CAF has confirmed that match venues, full fixtures, and ticketing details will be announced soon.
Nottingham Forest striker and former Liverpool talent Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma after undergoing emergency surgery, following a disturbing incident during the weekend’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City at the City Ground.
The Nigerian international collided forcefully with the goal post during the match. Despite the impact and visible discomfort, Awoniyi showed resilience, returning to the pitch and completing the game. However, concerns grew after the final whistle, prompting club medical staff to conduct further evaluations.
On Monday evening, complications from the incident necessitated immediate hospitalization. Doctors determined that emergency surgery was required, after which he was placed in a medically induced coma to aid recovery.
The entire football community has been shaken by the news. Messages of support have poured in from fans, teammates, and clubs worldwide.
Our thoughts are with Taiwo Awoniyi, his family, and his loved ones during this challenging time. We join many in hoping for a full and speedy recovery for the powerful forward.