by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 31, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will feature 16 national teams divided into four groups, with Group D set to deliver some exciting clashes. Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde will compete fiercely for the two available quarter-final spots.
Group D Schedule:
March 18, 2026: Ghana vs Cape Verde – Stade de Fès, Fès
March 18, 2026: Cameroon vs Mali – Stade de Fès, Fès
March 21, 2026: Ghana vs Cameroon – Stade de Fès, Fès
March 21, 2026: Mali vs Cape Verde – Stade de Fès, Fès
March 24, 2026: Mali vs Ghana – Stade de Fès, Fès
March 24, 2026: Cape Verde vs Cameroon –
Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca
The schedule sets up a thrilling series of encounters as each nation aims to secure a spot in the knockout stages. Fans can expect high-stakes matches as the teams showcase their talent and fight for continental glory.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 31, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The long-standing debate over Senegal’s greatest-ever footballer has taken a decisive turn, with former star El Hadji Diouf offering his perspective following Senegal’s second AFCON triumph over Morocco.
Diouf, remembered for his flair and fearlessness during his career, emphasized that comparing him to current star Sadio Mané misses the point. He argued that each generation produces its own icons and that football greatness is about legacy, not rivalry.
“There can be no comparison between Sadio [Mané] and me when it comes to the title of best player in Senegalese football history,” Diouf told Foot Africa. “You’re only the best player of your own era. The most important thing is that Bocandé passed the torch to me, and I handed it to Sadio Mané. Tomorrow, Sadio will pass it on to someone else.”
The Senegalese legend highlighted a symbolic line stretching from Jules Bocandé to himself and now to Mané, underlining the continuity of leadership and influence in Senegalese football.
Diouf’s career, including his heroics at the 2002 World Cup and spells with Liverpool, Bolton, and Leeds United, left an indelible mark on national football. Meanwhile, Mané has consistently delivered at the highest club level and led Senegal to glory, demonstrating leadership on and off the pitch.
The bond between the two stars was evident during the recent AFCON final, when Mané encouraged his teammates to return to the pitch after a protest, with Diouf present to help calm the situation—a symbolic moment reinforcing his message about generational legacy.
Mané later received a hero’s welcome upon returning to Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo and teammates surprised him, leaving the 33-year-old visibly emotional.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 31, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has formally accepted the disciplinary sanctions issued by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the turbulent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco.
In an official statement, the FSF confirmed it would not appeal the ruling, which included suspensions for coach Pape Bouna Thiaw and players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, alongside significant financial penalties. The federation has committed to paying the full $615,000 in fines, covering $300,000 for supporter misconduct, $300,000 for unsporting behavior by players and technical staff, and $15,000 for team infractions during the match.
By accepting the ruling without contest, the FSF is demonstrating its respect for CAF regulations and signaling a forward-looking approach as it prepares for upcoming competitions, including the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the next AFCON cycle. The decision also confirms Senegal’s retention of the 2025 AFCON title, as CAF rejected Morocco’s request to overturn the final result following the on-field walk-off incident.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 31, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Zambian giants ZESCO United have strengthened their attacking department with the signing of Ghanaian striker Elvis Bernard Addae from Nigerien champions AS FAN FC, just in time for their CAF Confederation Cup showdown against Kaizer Chiefs.
In an official statement, the club confirmed that the 23-year-old forward has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, boosting their options for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
Addae arrives in Zambia off the back of an outstanding campaign with AS FAN, where he finished as the top scorer in the Nigerien Super Ligue. The Ghanaian forward registered 18 goals in 29 appearances and was crowned Most Valuable Player, playing a key role in the club’s title-winning season.
Known for his pace, sharp movement, and clinical finishing, Addae is a versatile attacker capable of influencing games in multiple ways. He also brings valuable continental experience, having featured for AS FAN in both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
ZESCO United will be hoping the prolific striker can make an immediate impact as they push for success in the Zambia Super League, domestic cup competitions, and on the continental stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 31, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Over the years, a number of Nigerian internationals have sealed major transfers during the January window, with several of those moves shaping both their careers and the fortunes of their clubs.
As the 2025/2026 winter transfer window comes to an end, we take a look at six Super Eagles players whose high-profile January switches remain among the most memorable in football history.
Terem Moffi – OGC Nice to FC Porto
Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi completed a loan move from French side OGC Nice to Portuguese giants FC Porto in January 2026. The two-time UEFA Champions League winners officially unveiled the forward on January 30.
Moffi’s departure followed a turbulent period at Nice, where poor results culminated in a hostile incident involving supporters after a defeat to Lorient in November 2025. The striker was placed on sick leave shortly after before sealing his temporary switch to Porto.
Nwankwo Kanu – Inter Milan to Arsenal
In January 1999, Nwankwo Kanu left Inter Milan for Arsenal after limited opportunities in Serie A. Signed for a reported £4.15 million, Kanu quickly endeared himself to the Highbury faithful.
His unforgettable hat-trick against Chelsea in October 1999 remains one of the Premier League’s greatest comeback stories. Kanu went on to win multiple trophies with the Gunners, including two league titles and two FA Cups.
Taye Taiwo – Lobi Stars to Marseille
Former Super Eagles left-back Taye Taiwo joined Marseille from Lobi Stars in January 2005 for around €200,000. Signed as a replacement for Bixente Lizarazu, Taiwo’s move marked the beginning of a successful European career in France.
Odion Ighalo – Shanghai Shenhua to Manchester United
Odion Ighalo’s loan move to Manchester United in January 2020 captured global attention. Returning to the Premier League, Ighalo became the first Nigerian to play for the Red Devils.
He made an instant impact, scoring crucial goals in both the Europa League and FA Cup, fulfilling a lifelong dream of representing the club he supported as a boy.
Taribo West – Inter Milan to AC Milan
In one of the rarest moves in Italian football, Taribo West crossed from Inter Milan to city rivals AC Milan in January 2000. Having played a key role in Inter’s UEFA Cup triumph in 1998, the Nigerian defender later featured for Milan, scoring once during his short spell at the San Siro.
Wilfred Ndidi – Genk to Leicester City
Wilfred Ndidi joined Leicester City from Belgian club Genk in January 2017, arriving as the Foxes’ long-term midfield anchor. He quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defensive midfielders.
During his time at Leicester, Ndidi won the FA Cup, Community Shield and the EFL Championship, underlining the success of his January move.
