Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali hero as Nigeria pick Bronze in AFCON 2025
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali hero as Nigeria pick AFCON 2025 Bronze

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was instrumental for Nigeria in the Super Eagles' bronze medal win at the 2025 TAfrica Cup of Nations in Morocco, defeating Egypt 4–2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.

Despite a previous loss to Morocco in the semifinals, Nwabali made two crucial saves against Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during the shootout, helping turn the tide after Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru had his shot saved.

Goals from Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman secured Nigeria’s victory.

While both teams struggled to find clear chances during regulation, Nwabali’s solid performance kept the match scoreless, leading to penalties. After the game, he praised his teammates for their unity and determination.

Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, acknowledged the close contest but reflected on the importance of details in such matches. Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, expressed pride in his players’ effort and character, emphasising the team’s hard work and commitment to building a stronger future.

Stanley Nwabali is the TotalEnergies Man of the Match.
Nigeria 0-0 Egypt (Nigeria wins 4-2 in penalties)
Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca
Midfielder John Bilili Sesay joins Bray Wanderers FC in Ireland
by Football Sierra Leone

Midfielder John Bilili Sesay joins Bray Wanderers FC in Ireland

Sierra Leone Premier League team Bhantal FC has announced that midfielder John Bilili Sesay has joined Bray Wanderers FC in Ireland ahead of the 2026 season. 

“We are excited to share that John Bilili Sesay has officially joined Bray Wanderers FC in Ireland! John is a talented midfielder who will play in the League of Ireland First Division.

Thank you, John, for representing Bhantal FC so well. We wish you the best in this new chapter!”

The 18-year-old, who is highly rated, comes from Bhantal FC and has already played in Sierra Leone’s World Cup qualifying matches.

Nicknamed ‘The Seagulls’, the Irish football team that competes in the League of Ireland First Division. The club, as we know it today, was established in 1942 in Bray and was previously called Bray Wanderers A.F.C. until 2010.

Egypt and Nigeria ready for AFCON 2025 third-place accolade
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt and Nigeria are ready for AFCON 2025 third-place accolade

Egypt and Nigeria will compete for third place at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) this weekend. The winning team will earn a bronze medal, recognizing their efforts over the past three weeks.

Both Egypt and Nigeria were expected to perform well in the tournament, but lost in the semi-finals. Egypt was defeated by Senegal, while Nigeria fell to Morocco in a penalty shootout.

Ahead of their third-place match on Saturday, Wilfred Ndidi expressed that the loss to Morocco was difficult, but the Super Eagles are looking to finish on a high note. “It was a painful loss; we have reached the end of the tournament, but tomorrow we want to ensure a positive result,” he stated.

Head coach Eric Chelle praised his players for their dedication, though he expressed disappointment over the defeat to Morocco.

During his pre-match conference for the AFCON third-place match, Hossam Hassan, in the photo, the head coach of Egypt, expressed his dissatisfaction with being involved in a third-place tie. Nevertheless, he remains determined to secure a victory following a challenging match against Senegal.

Trezeguet has recovered from injury to play in Egypt’s semi-final loss, but Mohamed Hamdi may still miss this match. Egypt struggled against Senegal, so coach Hossam Hassan might consider changing the lineup. Although Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush did not perform well, they are unlikely to be benched since they play in the Premier League.

For Nigeria, Calvin Bassey will miss this match due to a suspension after receiving a yellow card in the semi-final. Coach Eric Chelle will welcome back captain Wilfred Ndidi, who was suspended for that match. Striker Cyriel Dessers has missed the tournament due to an ankle injury. There are also concerns about Victor Osimhen’s fitness, as he limped off late in the semi-final.

Prediction

Both teams had trouble scoring in their last matches, which might happen again. The game could focus on their star players, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush for Egypt, against Osimhen for Nigeria.

Both sides will want to end the tournament on a positive note, making for an interesting match.

Head-to-Head History

– Egypt wins: 6  

– Nigeria wins: 9  

– Draws: 5  

Date, Time, and Venue  

Egypt vs Nigeria is set for 5 pm local Time on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco.

CAF Slaps Fecafoot president Samuel Etoo with a four-match ban
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF Slaps Fecafoot president Samuel Eto’o with a four-match ban

The CAF Disciplinary Board has charged Mr. Samuel Eto'o Fils, the President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), with misconduct.

This charge stems from the Africa Cup of Nations match between Morocco and Cameroon, held in Rabat on January 9, 2026.

Samuel Eto’o has received a four-match ban and a fine of $20,000 (£14,960) for his misconduct, according to a statement from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Eto’o, the former star player for Cameroon, violated the principles of sportsmanship during the quarter-final match, in which Cameroon lost 2-0 to Morocco.

Eto’o was reportedly seen making an angry gesture towards the officials’ decisions during the game. CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who was present at the match, witnessed Eto’o’s frustration.

The CAF Disciplinary Board found Mr Eto’o guilty of breaking the sportsmanship rules outlined in Article 2(3) of the CAF Statutes and Article 82 of the CAF Disciplinary Code for his behaviour during the match.

As a result, Mr Samuel Eto’o Fils will not be allowed in the stadium for the next four official CAF matches in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2025. Additionally, he must pay a fine of USD 20,000. CAF will not comment further on this matter.

Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to book AFCON final date with Senegal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to book AFCON final date with Senegal

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero as Morocco reached the final of the Africa Cup of for the first time in 21 years. They defeated Nigeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless semi-final in Rabat.

After 90 minutes and extra time ended without goals, the match went to penalties. Bounou made key saves against Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, helping Morocco move closer to winning the tournament.

Neil El Aynaoui and Paul Onuachu scored the initial penalties for their teams. Nigeria gained the upper hand when Stanley Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s kick. However, Bounou responded by saving Chukwueze’s penalty, tying the scores.

Eliesse Ben Seghir and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru both scored their penalties. Captain Achraf Hakimi then stepped up and confidently gave Morocco a 3-2 lead.

Bounou made another crucial save against Onyemaechi’s penalty. With the crowd holding its breath, Youssef En-Nesyri took the final penalty and scored, sending the Rabat fans into celebration and marking a historic night for Morocco.

Morocco’s victory eased the pressure of hosting the tournament, while Nigeria missed the chance for a second straight AFCON final and will now prepare for the third-place match against Egypt.

The balanced semi-final saw both teams create chances, with Brahim Diaz just missing a curling shot and Nwabali saving a low effort from Ismail Saibari. Morocco’s vigilant defence closely marked Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen.

In the second half, Morocco controlled the game more, pushing forward. Calvin Bassey played well for Nigeria, using his strength to withstand Morocco’s pressure.

Morocco’s best chance came from Abde Ezzalzouli, whose curling shot was saved by Nwabali. As exhaustion set in during extra time, both teams played cautiously. With no goals after 120 minutes, it went to penalties, where Bounou shone again, leading Morocco to the AFCON final.

Yassine Bounou (Morocco) – TotalEnergies Man of the Match: “The atmosphere was amazing, and I thank the fans for their support. The players gave their all in a tough match against a strong Nigeria. I appreciate our coach, Walid Regragui, and my teammates. Our fans inspire us, and we will focus on recovery for the final.”

Eric Chelle – Head Coach of Nigeria: “Losing on penalties is painful. The match was challenging, and while we showed determination, we need to keep improving. Our technical play wasn’t as strong as before, and we lacked movement and energy.”

Walid Regragui – Head Coach of Morocco: “Thank you to everyone who supported us. The encouraging messages motivated us, and I’m proud of our players. Reaching the AFCON final at home is a fantastic achievement. Now we must recover quickly. Congratulations to Nigeria and Coach Eric Chelle for their efforts.”

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero Morocco and was name Man of the Match
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero Morocco and was name Man of the Match