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Sacked in Mali, Successful in Nigeria: A Winning Pattern Emerges

By: Ojay Matthew

Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, have reached the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle, continuing a curious trend involving former Mali national team coaches.
Chelle, who was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation after guiding Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, was relieved of his duties by the Malian Football Federation shortly after the tournament. His appointment by Nigeria has already begun to yield positive results, with the Super Eagles advancing to the last four of the ongoing AFCON competition.
A similar pattern was seen in 2010 involving late Nigerian football legend Stephen Keshi. Keshi had taken Mali to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations that year but was dismissed after the tournament. He was subsequently appointed as Nigeria’s head coach and went on to lead the Super Eagles to continental glory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Football analysts say the development highlights Nigeria’s history of benefiting from experienced coaches who have previously worked within the West African football system. With the Super Eagles now just a step away from the final, attention is once again focused on whether history could repeat itself under Chelle’s leadership.

Lookman’s Strike Secures Hard-Fought AFCON Opening Win for Nigeria Against Tanzania

By: Ojay Matthew

Ademola Lookman emerged as Nigeria’s match-winner as the Super Eagles overcame Tanzania 2–1 in their opening Group C fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations in Fes on Tuesday, grinding out victory despite a series of missed opportunities.

Still seeking to rebuild confidence after their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria controlled large portions of the contest but were repeatedly let down by poor finishing. Victor Osimhen was particularly unfortunate, creating several clear chances that went unrewarded on a frustrating night in front of goal.

The Super Eagles eventually found a breakthrough in the first half through centre-back Semi Ajayi, who rose unchallenged to head home a well-delivered cross from Alex Iwobi, giving the three-time African champions a deserved lead before the interval.

Tanzania, however, showed resilience and discipline, and the tempo of the game increased sharply after the restart. Osimhen saw a goal ruled out for offside early in the second half, and Nigeria were made to pay moments later when Charles M’Mombwa capitalised on a defensive lapse to draw the East Africans level.

Nigeria responded almost immediately. Barely two minutes after the equaliser, Lookman—recently crowned Africa’s Player of the Year—restored the Super Eagles’ advantage with a powerful rising strike from the edge of the penalty area, a goal that steadied nerves and ultimately proved decisive.

Earlier in the match, Tanzania were forced into a change in goal after goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi sustained a facial injury while bravely challenging Akor Adams. Persistent rainfall further complicated matters, as Nigeria continued to squander chances. Osimhen was denied again by a goal-line clearance from Bakari Nondo, while Samuel Chukwueze forced a fine save from close range before halftime.

Head coach Eric Chelle sought to manage the closing stages by introducing Moses Simon, but Tanzania nearly produced a late twist when a dangerous cross from Mohamed Hussein eluded goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, only for substitute Kelvin John to misfire.

In the end, Lookman’s decisive intervention secured all three points for Nigeria. While the result provides a positive start, the Super Eagles will be aware that improved efficiency in front of goal will be crucial when they face Tunisia in their next group match on Saturday.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have arrived Morrocco for AFCON 2025 ゚viralシfypシ゚

2026 World Cup: Trump’s New Visa Restrictions to Impact Nigerians

By: Ojay Matthew

President Donald Trump has introduced fresh visa restrictions that are expected to affect Nigerians planning to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Tuesday, Trump signed a proclamation limiting entry into the U.S. for citizens of countries considered high-risk due to what the administration described as “demonstrated, persistent and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting and information-sharing” that pose threats to national security and public safety.

Nigeria is among 15 additional countries placed under partial restrictions. As a result, the issuance of immigrant and non-immigrant visas in the B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M and J categories for Nigerian applicants has been suspended. U.S. Embassy officials have also been directed to shorten the validity of other non-immigrant visas already granted to Nigerians.

The U.S. government cited cases of visa overstays by some Nigerian visitors as part of the justification for the policy.

The development comes amid reports that Nigeria’s Super Eagles could still feature at the 2026 World Cup should their appeal to FIFA, challenging the eligibility of certain DR Congo players, be upheld.

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Mbappé to Receive €61 Million After Winning Court Case Against PSG Paris Saint-Germain have been ordered by a French labour court to pay their former forward, Kylian Mbappé, up to €61 million ($71.8 million) in unpaid wages ...