by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 18, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Ademola Lookman has praised the Super Eagles for their display at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Eric Chelle’s side secured third place in the tournament after a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt on Saturday night.
Lookman highlighted the positives from Nigeria’s campaign in Morocco.
“It was a good competition from us. We scored a lot of goals, we created a lot of chances. We played some good football. We can be proud of what we have done,” the Atalanta winger said following the win over the Pharaohs.
He also praised the team’s unity.
“There’s unity in the team. We fought for each other, long may it continue,” Lookman added.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 18, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, USA, World Cup
Senegalese star Sadio Mané has confirmed that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against hosts Morocco in Rabat will be his last appearance in the continental competition, closing a remarkable chapter in his illustrious career.
Hero of Senegal’s semi-final victory over Egypt, Mané enters the final with one goal in mind: lifting the AFCON trophy a second time and taking it to Dakar. “As we are qualified, I am very happy to play my very last CAN, a final with the Lions. I hope to win it and bring the trophy to Dakar,” he said.
From Bambali to the World Stage
Born in 1992 in the village of Bambali, Casamance, Mané’s journey from dusty village pitches to global football stardom embodies determination, talent, and resilience. After joining Génération Foot in Dakar, he moved to FC Metz in 2011, later shining at Red Bull Salzburg, Southampton, and Liverpool, where he formed one of Europe’s most feared attacking trios alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino. With Liverpool, he won the Champions League (2019) and Premier League (2020). Subsequent moves to Bayern Munich and Al-Nassr, where he played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, further cemented his global stature.
National Hero and Leader
Mané’s impact on Senegal goes beyond club success. After heartbreak in the 2019 AFCON final, he led the nation to its first continental title in 2022, becoming the top scorer in Teranga Lions history and a symbol of leadership, resilience, and inspiration. His decisive goal against Egypt in the 2025 semi-final exemplified his role as savior and captain, guiding Senegal to another chance at glory.
Commitment On and Off the Field
Known for his speed, dribbling, versatility, and relentless work ethic, Mané combines technical brilliance with leadership. Off the pitch, he has invested in hospitals, schools, and infrastructure in his native village, reinforcing his image as a role model committed to giving back to his community.
At 33, while transitioning toward the end of his playing career, Mané continues to mentor emerging talents such as Lamine Camara, Iliman Ndiaye, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Nicolas Jackson. His legacy in African football is already secured through his achievements, leadership, and social impact.
Looking Ahead
Although the CAN 2025 final marks his last continental tournament, Mané aims to cap his international career with participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a stage he missed in 2022 due to injury. Sunday’s showdown against Morocco offers one final opportunity to deliver silverware for Senegal before a symbolic farewell on the global stage.
From his humble beginnings in Bambali to becoming a living legend of African football, Sadio Mané’s story transcends sport, inspiring generations and solidifying his place in the history of Senegalese and African football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 18, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
With less than 150 days to go until the FIFA World Cup, Atlanta is accelerating preparations for the world’s biggest football tournament, starting with a major transformation of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Adam Fullerton, Vice President of Stadium Operations, confirmed that crews will remove the existing artificial turf on January 31 to make way for a natural grass playing surface.
“Our playing surface is the biggest project that we have,” Fullerton said, adding that groundwork began two years ago, including collaboration with specialized growing labs to determine the most viable grass mixture. The new sod is being cultivated in Colorado and will feature a hybrid design with a synthetic component for added stability.
Atlanta United will play eight home matches on the new surface, while the U.S. Men’s National Team will host friendlies against Portugal and Belgium in March, providing an opportunity to test the grass ahead of FIFA matches in May.
In addition to the field, preparations include covering stadium branding in line with FIFA’s “clean site principle,” which requires 2,000 cover-ups inside and outside the venue, including the large Mercedes-Benz logo on the exterior.
Despite the upgrades, Fullerton emphasized that fan-friendly pricing will remain unchanged.
“Fan experience is part of our core values no matter what event comes through our doors,” he said.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 18, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been hailed as the most successful edition in the tournament’s history, according to Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Motsepe praised the organization, logistics, and competitive quality of the event, describing it as a landmark moment for African football.
Motsepe highlighted that the tournament set new standards in stadium facilities, fan engagement, and overall management.
“This edition of AFCON has been exceptional in every aspect. From infrastructure to security, and from player performance to fan experience, it has truly raised the bar for African football,” he stated.
The CAF president commended host nation Morocco for delivering seamless logistics, including transport, accommodation, and stadium readiness, creating an environment conducive to top-level football. He also lauded the enthusiasm of fans, both in stadiums and across the continent, as a testament to Africa’s growing prominence on the global football stage.
Players, coaches, and officials received praise for their professionalism, while the tournament showcased memorable performances, competitive matches, and emerging talent from across Africa.
Motsepe also highlighted the commercial success of the event, citing strong sponsorship, broadcasting rights, and merchandise sales as evidence of African football’s growing economic impact.
Reiterating CAF’s commitment to the future, Motsepe pledged continued support for youth development, grassroots initiatives, and infrastructural improvements, aiming to ensure that future AFCON editions build on the successes of 2025.
Football analysts have echoed his sentiments, noting that AFCON 2025 has been transformative, enhancing the visibility of African football, inspiring young talent, and demonstrating the continent’s ability to host world-class sporting events.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 18, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Senegal claimed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy after a dramatic 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday. Pape Gueye’s extra-time strike proved decisive, securing the Teranga Lions their second continental crown.
Late Drama and Crucial Saves
The match remained scoreless through 90 minutes, with Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy denying Morocco from a stoppage-time penalty. Brahim Diaz’s panenka was comfortably saved, sending the final into extra time amid chaotic scenes as fans attempted to storm the pitch. Riot police intervened, but Senegal regrouped for the decisive moment.
Gueye’s Decisive Strike
Minutes into extra time, Senegal launched a swift counter, with Pape Gueye finishing a well-worked move into the top corner to break the deadlock. Morocco pressed for an equaliser but were repeatedly thwarted, with Yassine Bounou making key saves and the woodwork coming to Senegal’s aid.
Balanced Contest Despite Absences
Senegal triumphed despite missing captain Kalidou Koulibaly, midfielder Habib Diarra, and right-back Krepin Diatta. Early chances fell to Senegal, including Gueye heading over from a Lamine Camara cross and Nicolas Jackson setting up Amadou Ndiaye, whose effort was saved.
Morocco also created opportunities, with Abde Ezzalzouli, Ismael Saibari, and Ayoub El Kaabi testing Senegal’s defence throughout a tense and highly competitive final. Physical clashes and close-range opportunities punctuated the match, but the Atlas Lions’ hopes of triumphing on home soil were ultimately dashed.
Senegal’s resilience under pressure, coupled with clinical finishing in extra time, earned them the title, while Morocco were left to rue missed chances in front of their home supporters.
