Category: Sports

Big AFCON 2025 blow for Nigeria's Super Eagles as skipper retires
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Big AFCON 2025 blow for Nigeria’s Super Eagles as skipper retires

William Troost-Ekong has decided to retire from international football. This means he will not play for Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The decision comes just days before the Africa Cup of Nations begins in Morocco on December 21, where Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The 31-year-old centre-back Troost-Ekong was recently part of Eric Chelle’s preliminary squad for the tournament in Morocco, but has chosen to step aside to allow younger players to take the stage.

He earned 83 caps for the Super Eagles, making his debut under Stephen Keshi in 2015. His last match was a 4-1 win over Gabon before Nigeria’s elimination from World Cup qualifying.

Troost-Ekong participated in the 2018 World Cup and three AFCON tournaments, winning bronze in 2019 and silver in 2023, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent Nigeria, highlighting his growth from a boy in the Netherlands to captain of the Super Eagles.

With accomplishments including 83 caps, participation in five major tournaments, and three medals, he felt fulfilled in his journey. He emphasised the importance of passing the captaincy to the next generation to continue their legacy.

Debutants Nairobi United fell to a second defeat in CAF Confederation Cup
by FSL News

Debutants Nairobi United fell to a second defeat in the CAF Confederation Cup

Nairobi United suffered their second consecutive defeat in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, losing 1–0 to DR Congo’s AS Maniema at Kasarani, who remain at the top of Group B.

The only goal of the match was scored in the 67th minute by Jaency Mboma Kinda, who converted a low cross from Chadoma Ozome at the near post. This rare moment of clarity in a cautious game ensured Maniema’s strong defensive record in the group remained intact.

Before the goal, scoring chances were limited, but Maniema gained momentum after halftime with a double substitution that energised their midfield and right flank.

Nairobi responded with three substitutions in the 69th minute, but the Congolese side managed the game’s final moments well. Nairobi’s frustration showed when Kevin Otiende received a yellow card in the 71st minute, followed by Mboma Kinda being cautioned in the 80th. Maniema also made a late substitution and held on with disciplined defending.

This victory puts Maniema on six points from two matches, tied with Wydad AC at the top of the standings on goal difference (Wydad 4:0, Maniema 3:0). Nairobi remains at the bottom, without any points or goals, while Azam is in third place.

Splendid Morocco's U20 achieved its goal by making it to the finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Splendid Morocco’s U20 achieved its goal by making it to the finals

The Atlas Cubs have reached their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup final after defeating France 5-4 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regulation. Morocco will face Argentina in the final.

Substitute goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi emerged as the hero, stepping in during the shootout to save Djylian N’Guessan’s attempt.

The match featured an early penalty for Morocco, converted by Yassir Zabiri, which ultimately became an own goal after hitting the post and deflecting off the French goalkeeper, Lisandru Olmeta.

France equalized through Lucas Michal in the second half, and after a tense extra time with a red card for France’s Rabby Nzingoula, the match was decided by penalties.

With this victory, Morocco becomes the first African team to reach the final since Ghana in 2009.

Morocco 1-1 France (aet; 5-4 PSO)

Morocco’s goal: Olmeta’s own goal (32), France’s goal: Michal (59) 

Sierra Leone coach Mohamed Kallon names squad for doubleheader
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone coach Mohamed Kallon names squad for final hurdles

Head coach Mohamed Kallon has unveiled his squad for their final two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Burkina Faso and Djibouti.

Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso in the Liberian capital on October 8 before travelling to Djibouti for their last Group A match of the qualifying campaign.

In a bid to secure back-to-back victories for the first time in the qualifiers, Sierra Leone takes on Burkina Faso on Tuesday in Liberia as part of the Group A qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Burkina Faso, who recently played to a goalless draw against the group leaders, currently sit second in the standings with 15 points—three points ahead of Sierra Leone.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone celebrated their third victory in the qualifiers when it defeated Ethiopia for the first time in history during matchday 8 at the SDK Stadium in Liberia last month.

Coach Kallon has stuck with Alhassan Koroma, Saidu Fofanah, Mohamed Kabia, and Abu Dumbuya, who will bring creativity and energy to the team’s play.

Additionally, a sturdy defensive lineup featuring Abdulai Juma Bah, Emmanuel Samadia, Nathaniel Jalloh and Alpha Turay is poised to keep the opposition at bay.

Although Mustapha Bundu will be out due to injury, the attack will be spearheaded by Kei Kamara, Buya Turay, and Augustus Kargbo, all ready to make their mark.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/1973629632709796287

Head coach Mohamed Kallon has announced his team for the last two important qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will play against Burkina Faso and Djibouti.
Head coach Mohamed Kallon has announced his team for the last two important qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will play against Burkina Faso and Djibouti.
Striker Daniel Kanu nets to help Walsall draw at Fleetwood Town
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Daniel Kanu nets to help Walsall draw at Fleetwood Town

Sierra Leone international Daniel Kanu scored for Walsall, helping them draw 1-1 with Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Fleetwood scored first in the game, but Kanu equalised just ten minutes later. This draw extended Walsall’s unbeaten streak to four games across all competitions and marked their first goal against Fleetwood since 2016.

Head Coach Mat Sadler made one change to the team that won against Chesterfield last weekend. Charlie Lakin was suspended, so Courtney Clarke started in midfield.

Walsall had an early chance when Evan Weir’s free kick from 30 yards went over the bar. Fleetwood’s Ryan Graydon rounded Walsall’s keeper Myles Roberts in the 12th minute but was denied by defender Aden Flint. Graydon scored a header from a corner three minutes later.

Walsall equalised in the 25th minute when Flint set up Kanu for a close-range tap-in. They nearly took the lead after Lewis Warrington hit the woodwork with a shot from 25 yards.

Substitute Rico Richards almost scored on his debut, forcing a great save from Fleetwood’s Jay Lynch. Despite their efforts, the match ended in a draw.