Sportscrest

Morocco 2025: Super Eagles in ferocious charge for 18th AFCON quarter-final berth

Nigeria are confident of reaching the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the 18th time when they engage Mozambique in Monday night’s Round of 16 tie at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

The Super Eagles have the record of most medals in the 69-year-old flagship football tournament of the African continent, viz three triumphs (gold medals), five runner-up positions (silver medals) and eight bronze acquisitions.

The only three times they failed to reach the quarter-finals were at their debut in Ghana in 1963, at the 13th edition in Libya in 1982, and in Cameroon four years ago.

Ghana 2008 was the only time they crashed out at the quarter-final stage. Otherwise, every time they had gone past the first knockout round, they had picked up a medal.

Monday's encounter against history-making Mambas (they have reached the knockout stage for the first time ever) promises a thrilling contest with Coaches Eric Chelle and Chiquinho Conde preferring to keep tactics, strategies and patterns to their chests.

Nigeria swept to three wins out of three, eight goals for and four against, and reflected a formidable set-up in the group phase, which earned Coach Chelle the mantle of Coach of the Group Phase.

However, against third-placed Mozambique, the three-time champions must be extra-cautious, as a similar third-placed Tunisia bumped them in the same stage in Garoua four years ago.

The Mambas, who famously defeated the Panthers of Gabon either side of defeats to Cup-holders Cote d’Ivoire and five-time champions Cameroon in Group F, look like a team capable of upturning apple carts that are not properly positioned.

Conde can bank on defenders Nené, Bruno Langa and Reinildo Mandava to hold the rear tight, and midfielders Domingues (team captain) and João Bonde to feed the foreline of Chamito and Faisal Bangal, and try to catch Nigeria pants down.

Yet, Chelle, who is driven by his own admission of having imbibed the truism that “Nigerians want their team to win every game,” is committed to putting out a structure that will see the Eagles defend with resolution and attack with panache.

Forward Victor Osimhen, on 32 goals in 49 matches for country, is expected to lead the onslaughts once more. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and midfielders Alex Iwobi are sure to return after taking a rest for the clash with Uganda, as will centre-back Semi Ajayi, wing-back Bright Osayi-Samuel and forward Ademola Lookman.

Coach Chelle, in admitting that the Eagles must forget the excellent job done in the group stage and get into knockout-phase mode in order to avoid a sucker punch, said: “We will not get ahead of ourselves and think we are the best. We will continue to work hard and stay focused for every match as it comes.”

Immediate past African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, who has scored twice and provided two assists so far in the tournament, spoke of his selection in the group phase’s Best IX: “Yeah, we had a great run in the group stage and I am thankful to all that voted. The selection is not just for me, but my entire team-mates, because their efforts on the pitch contributed to my selection.

“However, this is not the vision for our team. We have set targets to accomplish here in Morocco and we are nowhere near our targets yet.”

The Confederation of African Football has selected Cameroonian official Abdou Abdel Mefir as referee for Monday night’s encounter, with his compatriots Elvis Noupoue and Carine Atezambong as assistants.

Cairo 2025: Nigeria’s Ferdinard surprises Paralympic champion Han on thrilling day 1
Nigeria’s Rita Ferdinard makes dream debut clinching the women’s up to 79 kg gold while Paris 2024 Paralympic medallists Clara Fuentes Monasterio of Venezuela and China's Xiaofei Gu grab world titles on opening day of Elite competitions at Cairo 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships 11 Oct 2025

Nigeria’s Rita Ferdinard was over the moon after winning her first international and World Championships title in the women’s up to 79 kg weight category at at the New Capital Sports Hall in Cairo..
ⒸHiroki Nishioka/ WPPO
By Priyanka Sharma l For World Para Powerlifting
Thrilling contests marked the opening day of the Elite competitions at the Cairo 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships on Thursday (11 October) even as Paralympic stars returned to achieve glory one year since their Paris 2024 feats.

The Cairo 2025 Worlds also marked the beginning of the qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics and thus the three categories contested on the day lived up to the expectations.

A total of 70 National Paralympic Committees is being represented by 537 athletes — 311 men and 226 women in Cairo, first time the event is being held in Africa.

Women’s up to 50 kg

Gold: Clara Fuentes Monasterio (VEN)
Silver: Esther Nworgu (NGR)
Bronze: Rukayat Ajiboye (NGR)

Women’s up to 79 kg

Gold: Rita Ferdinard (NGR)
Silver: Miaoyu Han (CHN)
Bronze: Asma Issa (JOR)

Men’s up to 80 kg

Gold: Xiaofei Gu (CHN)
Silver: Bekzod Jamilov (UZB)
Bronze: Rasool Mohsin (IRQ)

SWAN NATIONAL SECRETARIAT

PRESS STATEMENT

*SWAN Issues Disclaimer on Olatutu Oladunni, Bello Omotunde*

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) wishes to categorically disclaim Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde as officials or members of the Lagos State Chapter of SWAN.

This disclaimer has become necessary following their suspension from all Association’s activities through a formal decision of NEC, pursuant to Article 21, Section (1) A and C of the SWAN Statute, which empowers the National Executive Committee to discipline erring officers for acts of gross misconduct. The suspension, which took immediate effect, renders both individuals ineligible to act in any capacity on behalf of SWAN.

The attention of the National Secretariat has been drawn to illegal and self-styled activities being organieed by the suspended duo, including claims of holding or conducting any form of election purportedly in the name of SWAN Lagos State Chapter. The National Secretariat reiterates that such actions are null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.

Security agencies, corporate partners, media organisations, and the general public are strongly advised to desist from recognising or engaging with Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde in any matter relating to SWAN, as their continued impersonation constitutes a breach of the Association’s statutes, and a violation of their suspension order.

For the avoidance of doubt, the National Executive Committee reiterates that the only recognised leadership of the Lagos State Chapter of SWAN remains under the coordination of the Acting Chairman, Mr. Aaron Akerejola, pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations by the Independent Investigation Committee (IIC).

As a professional Association, SWAN remains a law-abiding professional body and shall continue to cooperate with relevant security authorities to ensure that due process, order, and statutory discipline are upheld within its ranks.

Ikenna Okonkwo
Secretary-General, SWAN
October 14, 2025

Mission X accomplished as Super Falcons lift 10th African title in Morocco

Nigeria swept to a 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations title on Saturday night after a come-from-behind 3-2 defeat of hosts Morocco in a drama-filled Final in Rabat.

Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses had the full-capacity Stade Olympique de Rabat breathing heavily after a superlative opening performance that saw them take a two-goal lead after 24 minutes of the explosive encounter.

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak rifled home a well-placed shot from the edge of the box in the 13th minute, capitalizing on an inadvertent pass by midfielder Halimatu Ayinde.

The Lionesses were smelling the trophy 11 minutes later, when Saana Mssoudy, receiving the ball from a cross on the right, darted past Michelle Alozie to smash past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Five minutes before the break, Rasheedat Ajibade squared into the box as the Falcons pushed forward, but the ball agonizingly missed three of her team mates.

The Falcons, champions nine times in the 12 editions that had been held previously, stormed back in the second half with the famed Nigerian spirit, and started their fightback in the 64th minute when the ubiquitous Esther Okoronkwo converted a penalty kick.

Vibrant, fit-fighting and energetic, Okoronkwo took matters into her own hands again seven minutes later, bulldozing her way into the Moroccan eighteen-yard box and then finding Folasade Ijamilusi who connected sweetly past the goalkeeper.

The hosts thought they had won a penalty in the 78th minute when the ball struck defender Tosin Demehin’s hand, but after a long check with the Video Assistant Referee, Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa struck off the penalty award.

The Super Falcons were now in the ascendancy, and it was no surprise when substitute Jennifer Echegini gloriously swept home the third goal from another Esther Okoronkwo free-kick in the 88th minute.

Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament, while Africa’s best goalkeeper for the past two years, Chiamaka Nnadozie was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

Victory earned Nigeria a one-million- dollar prize, and a successful ending to a Mission X campaign that caught on round the world like wildfire.
In the event, the Super Falcons decimated all three teams that had beaten them in the 2022 finals also staged in Morocco.

They defeated Zambia 5-0 in the quarter finals to avenge a third-place defeat by the Copper Queens in 2022. In the semi finals, they edged South Africa’s Banyana Banyana who had beaten them 2-1 in the group stage in 2022. In the final, they defeated the Atlas Lionesses that had beaten them on penalty shootout in the semi finals in 2022.

They also kept to their record of never losing a Women AFCON Final.

Eniola Bolaji wins gold, set another African Record in Spain 2025...

World number 2 Eniola Bolaji has solidified her dominance in para-badminton SL3 by winning her second medal in two weeks.

The Paralympic bronze medallist triumphed over Turkey's Halime Yildiz 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) in the women’s final at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2025 in Toledo, Spain, today Sunday 16th March 2025.

Bolaji began her campaign by defeating India’s Sanjana Kumari 2-0 (21-15, 21-8) in the second round, followed by a 2-0 (21-9, 21-12) win over Turkey's Halime Yildiz in the third round.

The multiple African champion then dispatched Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyba 2-0 (21-16, 21-4) in the semifinal.

An elated President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih praised Eniola Bolaji’s resilience and continued record-breaking achievements in para-badminton.

He highlighted her status as the only African player to win 12 gold medals in all internationals played.

Orbih said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Eniola Bolaji on her incredible achievement of winning her 12th gold medal in as many international tournaments. This remarkable feat is a testament to her consistency, resilience, and unwavering dedication to excellence."

He continued, “Bolaji has not only made Nigeria proud but has also firmly stamped her authority in the world of para-badminton. Her journey continues to inspire many, and we at the Badminton Federation of Nigeria remain committed to supporting her as she reaches even greater heights.”

The Nigeria badminton supremo also expressed excitement about the upcoming All African Para Badminton/Abia international Para badminton Championships this year, which will provide an opportunity to showcase the country's rich badminton culture. We thank Abia state government for accepting to host this two historic events.

He said, “It gives me joy that the giants of Africa in Para badminton will be hosting an international championship and the African championship in Nigeria. It will give us an avenue to further expose other potential champions to the world.”

Recall that Eniola Bolaji won a gold medal at the 2025 Spanish Para-Badminton International II in Vitoria last week.

Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire beckons...

Lookman, Banda and Williams are big winners at 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco

Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman, Zambia striker Barbra Banda and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams were the big winners at a star-studded 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday as Africa’s best performers for the year were honoured.

The glittering ceremony was attended by football royalty from the continent and beyond in a celebration of the incredible growth and development of the game in Africa, and the astonishing strides that have been made in men’s and women’s football in recent years.

Lookman was named CAF Men’s Player of the Year after a sensational 12 months with Italian side Atalanta and the Nigeria’s Super Eagles follows in the footsteps of compatriot Victor Osimhen, who claimed the award in 2023.

It is the first time Nigeria has had back-to-back winners in the Men’s award since Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997) were honoured almost three decades ago.

Banda took the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League season in the United States by storm as she helped Orlando Pride to the NWSL Shield and Championship, scoring the decisive goal in the final against Washington Spirit

Her hat-trick for Zambia at Paris Olympics 2024 was her third in Olympic Games football, an all-time record in the competition, elevating her to among the greats to have played the game.

Banda became the first player from Africa to be included in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 in 2024.

Williams was the only double winner on the night, collecting the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year awards.

His spectacular penalty saves at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 will live long in the memory, including four in the quarter-final shootout win against Cape Verde as he captained South Africa to the bronze medal.

The 32-year-old helped his club Mamelodi Sundowns set a joint record low of just 11 goals conceded in 30 games in the South African Premiership as they eased to a seventh domestic league title in succession.

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie claimed the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second year in a row having had another outstanding season for French side Paris FC, where she was named Première Ligue Goalkeeper of the Season for 2023-24.

AS FAR and Morocco international forward Sanaâ Mssoudy won the Women’s Interclub Player of the Year having claimed the Best Player award at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League.

Lamine Camara of Senegal and Monaco was the Men’s Young Player of the Year as the versatile box-to-box midfielder shone for club and country with his dynamic displays.

Doha El Madani of AS FAR and Morocco won the Women’s Young Player of the Year as the 19-year-old secured the Golden Boot at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League with six goals in five matches.

The Men’s Coach of the Year went to Emerse Fae after he led Cote d’Ivoire from the brink of elimination to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil in one of the great global sports stories of 2024.

Moroccan tactician Lamia Boumehdi was named Women’s Coach of the Year as she led TP Mazembe from the DR Congo to the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League title with a win over AS FAR in the decider.

Cote d’Ivoire’s continental crown saw them named Men’s National Team of the Year, while Nigeria’s Super Falcons were the Women’s National Team of the Year.

Al Ahly’s fourth TotalEnergies CAF Champions League win in five years made them worthy winners of Men’s Club of the Year, while TP Mazembe took home the Women’s Club of the Year.

Goal of the Year was won by Angola’s Mabululu for his audacious finish against Namibia at the continental finals in Cote d’Ivoire. This was the only award voted for by fans.

In line with the commitment of CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe at last year’s event, match officials were also honoured at the 2024 CAF Awards, Mutaz Ibrahim of Libya was named Men’s Referee of the Year, while Morocco’s Bouchra Karboubi was Women’s Referee of the Year.

Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue of Cameroon was awarded Men’s Assistant Referee of the Year and Zambia’s Diana Chikotesha the Women’s Assistant Referee of the Year.

The Men’s CAF-FIFPRO Africa Best XI for Men and women were also named and honoured the top performers from the continent in each position.

2024 CAF AWARDS WINNERS

CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta)

CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Barbra Banda (Zambia / Orlando Pride)

CAF GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)

CAF GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Paris FC)

CAF INTERCLUB PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)

CAF INTERCLUB PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Sanaâ Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR)

CAF YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Lamine Camara (Senegal / AS Monaco)

CAF YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Doha El Madani (Morocco / AS FAR)

CAF COACH OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Emerse Fae (Cote d’Ivoire)

CAF COACH OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)

CAF NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Cote d’Ivoire

CAF NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Nigeria

CAF CLUB OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Al Ahly (Egypt)

CAF CLUB OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
TP Mazembe (DR Congo)

CAF REFEREE OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Mutaz Ibrahim (Libya)

CAF REFEREE OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)

CAF ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue (Cameroon)

CAF ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Diana Chikotesha (Zambia)

CAF GOAL OF THE YEAR
Mabululu (Angola)

Unlocking potentials of partnership deals in sports assets

Partnership deals have become a driving force in the development of sports assets globally, and Nigeria being a sport-loving country is never an exception. From economic growth to social empowerment, partnership deals have the power to transform the trajectory of sports and the lives of those connected to it. These collaborations often involve financial investments, sponsorships, brand activations and technological integration which are essential for advancing the sports ecosystem.

As a kicker, sports assets encompass the tangible and intangible components within the sports industry. Typical examples of sports assets include leagues, tournaments, teams/clubs, stadia, broadcasting rights and other intellectual properties that drive entertainment, fan-engagement cm revenue generation.

In Nigeria, prominent examples of sports assets include the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the President Federation Cup (PFC). Both serve as national treasures that showcase football talent and the promotion of a unifying spirit across the country.

As noted earlier, these assets are not just platforms for competition; they are tools for community development, talent discovery and international representation. They hold immense potential to contribute to Nigeria’s economy or GDP, enhancement of the global image of the country and promote corporate brands when managed effectively.

For example, in the past three years, GTI Group has remained focused, resolute and at the forefront of helping in restructuring and repositioning the elite league in the country by laying a solid structure that drives positively the business aspect of the beautiful game. Thus, partnerships in sports assets involve strategic alliances between sports entities and corporate organizations. These alliances are not limited to financial sponsorships; they often include branding opportunities and media rights collaborations.

For instance, companies invest in sports assets to increase visibility and align their brand with the passion of sports fans. In return, sports organizations benefit from this support by improving their infrastructure, operational systems, enhancing professionalism and expanding their reach. This win-win scenario drives the industry forward, creating an environment conducive for innovation and growth.

Globally, sponsorships have helped to drive social change and community development. A prime example is MasterCard’s collaboration with Major League Baseball, which integrates social causes like cancer awareness into its sponsorship strategy. Similarly, various sports events are organized to promote advocacy for healthy living. Partnerships can help align commercial success with social impact, benefitting both brands and the communities they serve.

The Media and Publicity department of GTI Group has continuously emphasized the critical role of Corporate Nigeria and other International Conglomerates in supporting sports assets. These partnership deals have the capacity to unlock opportunities for economic growth and global competitiveness. Such investments are not only financially rewarding but also socially impactful, as they contribute to talent development, community building, and national pride.

The socio-economic gains of sports asset partnership deals could be summarized below:

1. Boosts GDP: By attracting investments, partnership deals create job opportunities in areas like event management, broadcasting and merchandising; thereby enhancing economic activities for these sports assets cm GDP of the country.

2. Talent Development: Sponsorships often fund grassroots programmes and help enable the discovery and nurturing of future stars in various sports disciplines.

3. Empowering Youth: Sports partnerships empowers the socio-economic development of the youths, steering them away from negative influences like crime and fostering a culture of discipline and excellence.

4. Promoting inclusivity and unity: Sports have a unique ability to bring people together, while partnerships amplify this impact by supporting initiatives that promote social cohesion and community development.

These partnerships underscore GTI’s commitment to fostering growth in the sports sector by enhancing infrastructure, professionalism, and global competitiveness which Corporate Nigeria should latch on to take sports development to the next level in the country.

Therefore, we urge local and multinational corporate brands to exploit partnership deals with the NPFL, PFC and other sports assets for mutual benefits in order to build a vibrant sports economy we all crave.

8th African Nations Championship:

Eguavoen invites Rabiu Ali, 29 others to camp for Ghana

Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has invited a total of 30 players to camp as the Nigeria Football Federation activates its commitment to ensuring the qualification of the Super Eagles B for next year’s African Nations Championship finals.

The 8th edition of the continental championship – reserved exclusively for footballers plying their trade with clubs in their country’s domestic Leagues and possessing standard contracts – is scheduled to run the length of February 2025 in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Kano Pillars’ evergreen midfielder, Rabiu Ali, who has scored eight goals this season, is among the players called, alongside Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Rivers United defender Steven Mayo, and Abia Warriors’ exciting forward Sunday Megwo.

There are also Enyimba FC goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, Remo Stars’ wing-back Ismail Sadiq, Enugu Rangers’ midfield ace Kazeem Ogunleye and Nasarawa United forward Anas Yusuf.

Victor Collins, the Nasarawa United defender called up for last month’s 2025 AFCON qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda, and Plateau United’s Adamu Abubakar, are also called up.

All the invited players have been instructed to arrive at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State on Wednesday, 4th December 2024, where the team will train ahead of the first leg of the qualification fixture against Ghana’s Black Stars B, billed for the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, 22nd December. The second leg will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, 28th December.

Ghana stopped Nigeria from reaching the Africa Nations Championship finals in 2009 and 2023. In the qualifiers for the inaugural edition hosted by Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria took a 2-0 first-half lead in the opening leg in Accra, only to concede three goals in the second half. The return leg in Calabar ended 0-0. In the qualifiers for the last edition hosted by Algeria, Ghana won 2-0 at home and lost 0-2 in Abuja, but prevailed after a penalty shootout at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.
30 PLAYERS FOR SUPER EAGLES B CAMPING IN IKENNE-REMO

Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars); Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United)

Defenders: Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars); Waliu Ojewole (Ikorodu City); Imo Obot (Enyimba FC); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Junior Nduka (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International); Steven Mayo (Rivers United)

Midfielders: Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Saviour Isaac (Rangers International); Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors); Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers International)

Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United); Osy Martins (Lobi Stars); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Samuel Ogunleye (3SC); Abiam Nelson (Kano Pillars); Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance); Ngbemena Ikechukwu (Heartland FC); Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors); Umar Al-Amin Ibrahim (El-Kanemi Warriors); Adams Aminu Sani (Kano Pillars)

Morocco 2025: Rwanda’s Bees sting uninspiring Eagles 2-1 in Uyo

Group winners Nigeria got a huge sucker punch when losing 1-2 to the Amavubi (Bees) of Rwanda right at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on the closing day of qualifiers for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals.

The Eagles, who were expected to go for a win to finish on a high in a pool they dominated, were unconvincing for large parts of the game, and it took substitute Samuel Chukwueze, on for Kelechi Iheanacho at the beginning of the second period, and with two-thirds of the match gone, to produce any real excitement for the sparse crowd in south-south Nigeria.

The Italy-based forward made himself available to receive a pass from midfielder Frank Onyeka, and then waltzed his way past three defenders before lashing the ball past the impressive goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari for Nigeria’s only goal.

The visitors were able to stifle Nigeria’s game with the disconnect between the midfield and attack of the Super Eagles, and Victor Boniface, with another opportunity to stake his claim to a starting shirt, could not provide any real threat to the Amavubi rearguard.

Moses Simon, in his characteristic dashing run, located Boniface’s head in the 24th minute, but the Germany-based forward headed away from goal. Iheanacho, on to a good lift from Simon, saw his shot saved by Ntwari with minutes left in the first half.

In the 50th minute, Boniface’s header from Simon’s corner kick was punched away. Three minutes after Chukwueze’s goal, Nigeria broke forward again, only for substitute Onyeka’s pass to drift past Fisayo Dele-Bashiru at the crucial moment.

Boniface again missed a glorious opportunity in the 68th minute, after an excellent touch from Chukwueze and pass from Dele-Bashiru, and four minutes later, Rwanda were level when substitute Marie Gueulette headed past Maduka Okoye as Nigeria’s defenders ball-watched from a free-kick on the right.

As the Eagles continued their casual game, the Amavubi sighted an opportunity to make history, and went for blood. Three minutes after the equalizer, they were back to raid the Nigeria defence again and profited when they got the ball past Okoye for their second and winning goal.

The victory however turned out to be sweet-sour, as the Amavubi found out they did not qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations following Benin Republic’s 0-0 draw with Libya in North Africa.

Ademola Lookman, who was injured in the match against Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday and was not part of Monday’s encounter, provided only the cheering news of the evening after he was nominated among five candidates for this year’s Africa Player of the Year award taking place in Morocco on 16th December.

Moroccan Achraf Hakimi, Ivorian Simon Adingra, Guinean Serhou Guirassy and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams are the other nominees.

Morocco 2025: Ekong, Lookman, Simon, 19 others train in Abidjan Tuesday night

Only Spain-based forward Sadiq Umar was being expected as Nigeria’s juggernaut rolled sturdily into the much-familiar environment of Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Tuesday, with 22 players set for the team’s first training session ahead of a potentially-explosive Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against neighbours Benin Republic on Thursday.

“We have 22 players, with only one person to join the team in the early hours of Wednesday. It has been a particularly great atmosphere here in Abidjan, and we are all very positive going into the first training session ahead of the match,” Coach Augustine Eguavoen said on Tuesday.

Eleven players, viz Captain and AFCON Man of the Competition William Ekong, reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, his likely successor Ademola Lookman, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina, Victor Collins and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Germany-based forward Victor Boniface all arrived at once on Tuesday morning, before being joined by South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Earlier, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and forward Kelechi Iheanacho had arrived, to join the eight that were in camp on Monday: goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defenders Gabriel Osho and Bruno Onyemaechi, midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.

With 10 points from four matches, seven goals for and none against, and top of their Group D, the Eagles will walk with an extra bounce into the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, the facility where they upended the aspirations of Guinea Bissau, Cameroon and Angola at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year.

It was also the venue where in the summer, they were slated by two goals to one by the Cheetahs (who have been forced by lack of a CAF-approved facility in their country to adopt Abidjan as home) in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying game in which they scored first.

“The stadium is a familiar one for us and we have good memories from the AFCON. We will rather focus on the positive results we have taken away from here and work hard for another good day in the office on Thursday.
“It is not going to be easy because the Beninoise are also chasing a ticket to the final tournament. However, our objective is clear: three points on the night,” Captain Ekong said on Tuesday.

Senegalese official Issa Sy, who was in charge when the Super Eagles pipped Angola 1-0 at the same venue, in a quarter-final match of the Africa Cup of Nations finals, has been selected by CAF as referee for Thursday’s encounter, which will commence at 7pm CIV time (8pm Nigeria time).
He will be supported by compatriots Djibril Camara (assistant 1), Nouha Bangoura (assistant 2) and El Hadji Amadou Sy (fourth official). Ivorian Rene Williams Sere will be the commissioner while Angolan Inacio Manuel Candido will be the referee assessor.

The Super Eagles need only one point from Thursday’s clash to be sure of a ticket to the 35th AFCON, scheduled for Morocco 21st December 2025 – 18th January 2026.