Sports

CAF Fixes Final AFCON Qualifier Against Rwanda for November 18

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2024

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will conclude their AFCON 2025 qualification journey on November 18 in a high-stakes clash against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the date as Nigeria seeks to secure its spot at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, set for December 2025 to January 2026.

In a statement released Tuesday, Ademola Olajire, Communications Director for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), announced that Moroccan referee Samir Guezzaz and his team will officiate the 5 p.m. fixture.

With qualification within reach, fans are eagerly anticipating a spirited performance from the Super Eagles in this final Group D showdown.

The countdown to AFCON 2025 has begun, with Nigeria ready to clinch a coveted place in Africa’s most prestigious football tournament.

News

CAF, PUMA Unveil Special Gold ITRI Ball for AFCON 2025 Final

Published

32 minutes ago

January 16, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Samuel Adeola

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), and its technical partner, PUMA, have unveiled a special gold-accented edition of the official match ball, ITRI, for Sunday’s TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 final in Morocco.

Hosts Morocco will face Senegal at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00pm local time.

CAF said in a statement on Friday that the commemorative ball was designed to honour the two finalists. The ITRI ball, used throughout the tournament, draws inspiration from traditional Moroccan zellij designs, featuring star shapes, floral patterns and circular symmetry.

Built on PUMA’s Orbita 6 technology, CAF noted that the ball blends cultural heritage with innovation while meeting elite performance standards.

CAF and PUMA had earlier unveiled the ITRI ball as the official match ball for AFCON 2025.

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Anthony Joshua Returns to Gym Weeks After Fatal Lagos-Ibadan Crash

Published

37 minutes ago

January 16, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Samuel Adeola

Former heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has returned to training weeks after a fatal car crash that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.

The accident occurred on December 29, 2025, at the Makun area along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, leaving the boxer visibly shaken.

A video shared on social media on Friday showed Joshua back in the gym, engaging in light workouts, including riding an exercise bike and spending time around a swimming pool.

Joshua also posted a clip on his Snapchat story showing the elapsed time on a cardio machine, captioned “FIGHTERS,” which fans have interpreted as a subtle signal of his gradual return to focus and recovery.

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AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Fall to Morocco on Penalties

Published

2 days ago

January 15, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Samuel Adeola

Nigeria’s quest for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title ended in heartbreak on Tuesday night as the Super Eagles lost 4-2 on penalties to host nation Morocco in the semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.

The encounter ended goalless after 120 minutes, with both sides cancelling each other out in regulation time and extra time.

Nigeria remained solid defensively, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali making key saves, while Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman led the attack.

The match was decided in the shootout after missed chances from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved costly.

Morocco converted four penalties, with Youssef En-Nesyri scoring the decisive kick to seal victory.

The defeat brings Nigeria’s impressive AFCON campaign to an end, while Morocco advance to the final on home soil.

The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the third-place playoff.