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CAF
Sports

AFCON 2025: CAF Bans Alcohol, Drones, Weapons and 11 Other Items from Stadiums

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The Confederation of African Football has released a comprehensive list of banned items for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, as part of tightened security measures for the tournament. According to guidelines on CAF’s official website, all fans attending matches will undergo security checks before entry. Spectators are being urged not to bring prohibited items to ensure safety and smooth operations during the competition. Items banned from AFCON 2025 stadiums include: Alcoholic beverages Illegal substances and drugs Weapons and sharp objects Fireworks and pyrotechnics Glass bottles or containers Flammable materials Racist, violent, or discriminatory banners or messages Unauthorized political, religious, or commercial signs Drones and animals Large umbrellas and oversized hats Professional cameras and recording equipment Musical instruments and loud horns Radio-emitting devices (except mobile phones) Heavy or oversized bags CAF is urging fans to follow the guidelines strictly to avoid delays or being turned away at stadium gates. The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco on December 21 and runs until January 18, 2026, bringing together the continent’s best football nations for a month-long showcase of African football.

Events, Sports

Chelle Unveils 28-Man Super Eagles Squad for Morocco 2025 AFCON

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Super Eagles head coach, Eric Sékou Chelle, has released his 28-man squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), kicking off in Morocco in just ten days. The list features a mix of seasoned internationals and exciting new talents. Despite recent injury concerns, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali makes the squad, as does star striker Victor Osimhen. The Franco-Malian coach blends experience with emerging quality across all departments. In defence, key figures such as Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem, and Bright Osayi-Samuel return. The midfield is anchored by Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, while the attack boasts the firepower of Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Osimhen. There are notable returns for goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Igoh Ogbu, and striker Paul Onuachu. Fresh faces include England-based Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Croatia-based forward Salim Fago Lawal. The Super Eagles will face Egypt in a friendly at Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, December 16, before heading to Fès base of their Group C campaign. Nigeria opens its AFCON journey against Tanzania on December 23, followed by group games against Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30. FULL 28-MAN SQUAD FOR AFCON Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus) Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England) Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel) Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia).

Events, Sports

After Losing 2030 Commonwealth Games Bid, Nigeria Makes Strong Push to Host 2031 African Games

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Nigeria has officially submitted its bid to host the 2031 African Games, reaffirming its ambition to bring Africa’s biggest multi-sport festival back to the country nearly 25 years after hosting the 2003 edition in Abuja. The announcement was made on Friday by the Director of Press at the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Kehinde Ajayi, who revealed that the proposal was formally presented to the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) during a high-level meeting. Renowned sports broadcaster and administrator, Mainasara Ilo, led the presentation on behalf of Nigeria. According to Ajayi, Nigeria used the opportunity to express its readiness, experience, and infrastructure strength to stage another memorable continental sporting event. The statement highlighted Nigeria’s strong track record of hosting international competitions, including the CAA Africa U18/U20 Athletics Championships, Africa Karate Championship, ITTF Africa Youth Table Tennis Championship, African Armwrestling Championship, West Africa Para Games, Badminton National Open, and the African Cadet and Junior Taekwondo Championship. These events, the NSC said, demonstrate the country’s consistent investment in sports development and organisational excellence. Nigeria’s recent hosting of the CAA U18/U20 Africa Athletics Championships, for instance, provided a major boost to the economy, with over 5,000 small and medium-sized businesses benefiting from increased sales and activity across various sectors. Similarly, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon now a World Athletics Gold Label race has placed Nigeria on the global sports map, attracting international athletes, boosting tourism, and showcasing the country’s growing sports profile. The country also successfully staged the 2024 Africa Military Games, which strengthened Nigeria’s regional influence, advanced military diplomacy, and deepened cooperation across African nations. Events such as the West Africa Para Games and other related competitions hosted in the country have created hundreds of direct jobs and positively impacted thousands more in hospitality, security, transportation, tourism, merchandising, and events management. Nigeria’s bid for the 2031 African Games, the statement noted, is driven by a strategic vision to use sports as a major engine for national development, economic growth, and international visibility.

Celebrity Gist, Entertainment, Sports

Isak Breaks His Liverpool Duck as Reds Finally Snap Losing Streak at West Ham

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Alexander Isak scored his long-awaited first Premier League goal for Liverpool, helping the Reds finally break free from a miserable run of defeats with a well-earned win over West Ham United. Liverpool arrived at the London Stadium under serious pressure after losing nine of their last 12 matches their worst slump in more than 70 years. But Arne Slot made a big call that signaled change: he dropped Mohamed Salah from the league starting lineup for the first time since April 2024. And the team responded. With Florian Wirtz pulling the strings behind the attackers, Liverpool looked sharper, calmer, and far more dangerous than they’ve been in weeks. Their persistence paid off on the hour mark when Cody Gakpo whipped in a cross that Isak met beautifully, smashing in a half-volley to finally get off the mark in red. West Ham, flat for most of the game, saw their evening go from bad to worse when Lucas Paquetá talked himself into two yellow cards within seconds both for dissent. Liverpool wrapped things up in stoppage time, Gakpo finishing coolly to crown a standout performance and deliver a win that will feel like a breath of fresh air for Slot and the fans alike.

Foreign News, General, Sports

Iran to Boycott World Cup Draw After U.S. Denies Visas to Delegation

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Iran will not participate in next week’s World Cup draw in Washington after the United States refused to grant entry visas to several members of its football delegation, the Iranian Football Federation announced on Friday. A federation spokesperson told state television that Tehran had informed FIFA of its decision, stressing that the U.S. visa refusal was “not related to sports.” “We have informed FIFA that the decisions taken have nothing to do with sports, and the members of the Iranian delegation will not participate in the World Cup draw,” the official said. According to Iranian sports outlet Varzesh 3, key officials including federation president Mehdi Taj were denied visas. Taj earlier criticised the U.S. decision as “purely political,” urging FIFA to intervene and ensure fairness for all participating nations. Despite the setback, four members of the delegation, including national team coach Amir Ghalenoei, reportedly received visas for the December 5 draw. Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup in March, marking their fourth consecutive appearance and seventh overall. Although the team has never advanced past the group stage, their 2-1 victory over the United States in the 1998 World Cup remains a historic highlight. The U.S. later defeated Iran 1-0 in their 2022 group stage encounter. Diplomatic relations between Washington and Tehran have been strained for more than 40 years. Efforts at nuclear negotiations collapsed in mid-June after unprecedented Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, which triggered limited U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure.

Sports

Tanzania Confirmed for AFCON 2025 as Court Rejects Guinea’s Disqualification Appeal

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Tanzania’s national team, Taifa Stars, has secured their spot at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Court of Arbitration for Sport threw out Guinea’s attempt to have them disqualified. CAS announced its decision on Tuesday, ending a dispute filed by the Guinean Football Federation over Tanzania’s 1-0 qualifying win on November 19, 2024. Guinea claimed Tanzania gained an unfair advantage by fielding a player wearing the wrong shirt number and asked for a 3-0 forfeit victory that would have sent them to AFCON instead. CAS ruled the jersey issue was simply a minor administrative mistake that had no effect on the match result. The decision backs an earlier ruling by the Confederation of African Football, closing the door on Guinea’s tournament hopes. With the legal drama behind them, Tanzania can now concentrate on tournament preparations. The Taifa Stars face a difficult Group C draw alongside Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles, and East African neighbors Uganda. Their first match kicks off Tuesday, December 23, in Fez, Morocco.

Entertainment, Events, Sports

D’Tigers Coach Names Final 12-Man Squad for 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

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Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, head coach Abdulrahaman Mohammed has released his final 12-man squad ahead of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament in Tunis, Tunisia. The roster features veteran guard and 2015 Afrobasket champion Stanley Okoye, who is the longest-serving player on the team. The squad combines foreign-based stars with homegrown talent, reflecting a continued effort to strengthen domestic basketball. Three standout performers from local clubs made the final cut: Chinkpa Garba and Obekpa Chris from newly crowned champions Lagos Legends, and Paul Dibal of Gboko City Chiefs, whose impressive recent form secured his spot. Other selected players include Jordan Ogundiran (Denmark), Ike Nwamu (Turkey), Mike Nuga (Canada), Simon Ugochukwu (Italy), Augustine Okafor (UK), Zanna (USA), Udeze Morris Chidera (Spain), and Olisa Akinobi (USA). D’Tigers have departed Nigeria for Tunisia, where they will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Rwanda, and Guinea. The African qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA World Cup will take place over five windows between November 2025 and February 2027, featuring 16 teams in four groups, following their qualification for FIBA AfroBasket 2025. Coach Mohammed will be assisted by Akindele Ayodeji from the USA and Job Nelson from Bahrain, with Onyebuchi Onyeka serving as video coach.

NPFL
Events, Exclusive News, Sports

Israeli Embassy and Amokachi Foundation Host FCT Football Tournament to Nurture Young Talent

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The Embassy of the State of Israel in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Daniel Amokachi Foundation, has organized a football tournament in the Federal Capital Territory aimed at developing young talent and fostering unity. The maiden edition ended on Sunday at the LEA Primary School pitch, Wuse Zone 6, in commemoration of Moshe “Jerry” Beit Halevi, former Israeli professional footballer, and first coach in Nigeria from 1961 to 1962. The tournament saw indeed thrilling matches from teams across all six Area Councils of FCT. Winning the competition after beating Team Life Camp 3-0, Team Gwarimpa was crowned champions and won a trophy with a cash prize of N1 million. The first runner-up, Team Life Camp, received N500,000, while all other teams that participated received N500,000 each as consolation to further reinforce the event’s theme of ensuring talent discovery. The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, said the tournament was beyond a competition, describing it as a celebration of friendship, shared history, and strengthening ties between Israel and Nigeria. He noted that football had the power to unite communities and praised Daniel Amokachi for his commitment to the initiative. Freeman also expressed hope that the tournament would open the door to other joint sports programs between the two countries. Special guest at the event, Chairman of Nigerian Premier League Football Gbenga Elegbeleye, said it was an important event in developing football at the grassroots. He promised that league coaches will cooperate with him to select outstanding talents from future editions of the championship. Daniel Amokachi, a.k.a. “The Bull,” emphasized that the tournament emanated from street football and was created to nurture hitherto hidden potentials, stating that “football is found in the ghetto.” He thanked the Israeli embassy for its support and explained that the competition, which may soon be held annually, could spread over other areas of the country.

Sports

Super Eagles Coach Éric Chelle Opens Up on Heated Touchline Confrontation After Penalty Shootout Loss to DR Congo

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Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle has finally addressed the near-physical confrontation with a DR Congo staff member that happened during Nigeria’s heartbreaking penalty shootout loss in the African World Cup playoff final. Nigeria had taken the lead before DR Congo fought back and sealed a dramatic 4–3 penalty victory on Sunday, November 16, at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The win gave DR Congo Africa’s only spot in the intercontinental playoff scheduled for March next year. Just before the final penalty was taken, cameras caught Chelle trying to confront someone from the DR Congo camp, with his own coaching staff having to hold him back. Speaking after the match, Chelle said his frustration boiled over because he saw members of the DR Congo team doing what he called rituals on the sidelines to throw off the penalty shootout. But in a more measured Instagram post later, Chelle explained that his anger was really about a DR Congo staff member stepping into his technical area, something he felt was out of line. He made it clear he has nothing against the Congolese team or their fans. “Football is all about emotions,” Chelle wrote on his Instagram Story. “After the match, I reacted hotly to an altercation with a member of the DRC staff trying to come into my technical area. I have never wanted to target the Congolese people or their staff, whom I respect. “Disappointed in our elimination but proud of my players. Congratulations to Congo; they were the better team. Their fans showed great passion, just like ours. Moving forward together for what’s next.” His explanation has helped cool things down after what was an intense and emotionally charged playoff final.

Celebrity Gist, Events, Sports

Chelle Accuses DR Congo Players of Using “Voodoo” During Penalty Win Over Super Eagles

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Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has accused DR Congo players of engaging in “voodoo” practices during their penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in Sunday’s CAF World Cup play-off final. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, as Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria an early lead, while Meschak Elia drew things level for DR Congo. The Congolese side won 4-3 on penalties to seal a spot in the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026 and eliminated Nigeria from qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After Chancel Mbemba scored the decisive penalty, Chelle angrily confronted DR Congo’s technical team and had to be held back by members of Nigeria’s staff. While DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre later called the incident insignificant, Chelle was still fuming when he spoke at his post-match press conference. First speaking in French, he accused the Congolese players of “maraboutage” – a term tied to spiritual or supernatural rituals. He repeated the allegation in English. “During all of the penalties, the players of Congo were doing some voodoo. A DR Congo representative dismissed the claims when contacted by The Athletic. DR Congo now heads to the six-team inter-confederation play-offs that will be staged in March 2026 in North America. They join New Caledonia and Bolivia, while the final Asian slot will go to one of Iraq or the UAE. Costa Rica and Curaçao currently occupy CONCACAF’s two play-off positions. Once the six teams are confirmed, seedings will be determined through FIFA rankings. The top two teams will go directly to the final round of their pathways, while the remaining four compete in single-leg semi-finals. Winners of the two pathways will claim the last spots at the 2026 World Cup. Chelle’s claims of spiritual interference add another layer of drama to an already heated encounter.

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