Federal Government Commends Super Eagles For Resilience After AFCON Semi-Final Exit

The Federal Government has praised the Super Eagles for their fighting spirit and commendable showing at the Africa Cup of Nations, despite their narrow loss that ended Nigeria’s campaign.
In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Super Eagles’ performance reflected discipline, unity and resilience, values he noted resonate strongly with the Nigerian spirit.
He added that the team’s determination throughout the tournament remained a source of pride for the country, regardless of the outcome.

TRUMP SAYS U.S. CONTROL OF GREENLAND “VITAL” FOR AIR DEFENCE

U.S. President Donald Trump says American control of Greenland is “vital” to national security and key to his proposed Golden Dome air and missile Defence system, intensifying tensions with allies.
His comments came ahead of scheduled talks at the White House between U.S. officials including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as the visiting Danish and Greenlandic diplomats.
The remarks have drawn pushback from Denmark and Greenland, both of which emphatically reject the idea of U.S. ownership and reaffirm their ties to Denmark and NATO. European leaders have also voiced concern that unilateral moves could undermine alliance unity.
In response to U.S. security concerns, Danish officials say they are strengthening military capabilities in Greenland and discussing increased NATO presence in the Arctic.
Trump’s focus on Greenland echoes earlier remarks from his administration suggesting that control of the Arctic island would bolster U.S. Defence and deter rivals such as Russia and China rationale cited in relation to the Golden Dome project.
However, the proposal has alarmed NATO partners, with Officials from Greenland and Denmark urging diplomatic cooperation and respect for sovereignty, emphasizing that security in the region should be addressed through NATO and mutual Defence arrangements rather than unilateral acquisition.
With high-level talks underway in Washington, the dispute over Greenland’s future and its role in Arctic security remains a flashpoint in U.S.–European relations and a key issue to watch as diplomatic engagements continue.

CHELLE SPELLS OUT PENALTY PREPARATIONS AND TACTICAL PLAN FOR NIGERIA VS MOROCCO

Super Eagles Head coach Éric Chelle has outlined Nigeria’s preparations for their AFCON semi-final against Morocco, focusing on readiness for a potential penalty shootout and tactical flexibility. In a detailed pre-match press conference, Chelle revealed that the squad has conducted intensive spot-kick training, emphasizing composure and execution under pressure.

Beyond penalties, Chelle acknowledged Morocco’s strong home advantage and disciplined defensive structure. He confirmed that Nigeria might adopt a cautious approach, allowing Morocco to maintain possession in certain phases while looking for opportunities to strike on the counter. The tactical plan is partly shaped by the absence of Ndidi, whose suspension leaves a midfield leadership void. Chelle intends for Osimhen and senior players to step up in guiding the squad.
Chelle’s remarks also underline the importance of mental resilience. With Nigeria having defeated Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals and displayed clinical finishing, Chelle stressed the need to balance attacking ambition with defensive discipline, especially against a Moroccan side known for set-piece prowess and swift transitions.

Football analysts suggest that Nigeria’s adaptability, penalty preparedness, and ability to exploit Morocco’s occasional defensive gaps will determine the outcome of this high-stakes semi-final.

OSIMHEN ACKNOWLEDGES MOROCCO’S ADVANTAGE AHEAD OF AFCON SEMI-FINAL

Nigeria’s forward, Victor Osimhen, has acknowledged the challenge posed by host nation Morocco ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final in Rabat. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Osimhen admitted that the Atlas Lions hold a clear advantage as the home side, citing their formidable record in the tournament and the electric atmosphere at the Stade de Rabat.
Osimhen’s comments come as the Super Eagles prepare to build on an impressive run in AFCON 2025, having won all five of their group-stage and knockout matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding just two. With regular captain Wilfred Ndidi suspended for the semi-final, Osimhen is expected to take a leadership role on the pitch, guiding a squad that blends youth with experience.
Analysts note that Nigeria’s key to overcoming Morocco may lie in quick counter-attacks and exploiting spaces behind Morocco’s high defensive line, a tactic Osimhen has thrived in throughout the tournament. Nigerian fans, both at home and in Morocco, will look to Osimhen to inspire the team as they bid for a fourth AFCON title.

SUPER FALCONS TO DISCOVER 2026 WAFCON GROUP OPPONENTS IN RABAT DRAW

Defending champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons will learn their group-stage opponents for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Thursday, DAILY POST reports.
The draw ceremony, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), will take place in Rabat, Morocco, which will host the tournament for the third consecutive edition.
The 2026 edition marks a historic expansion, with 16 national teams participating for the first time, up from 12 in previous tournaments.
Alongside Nigeria and Morocco, the competing nations are Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.
The WAFCON 2026 finals are scheduled to run from 17 March to 3 April, with teams competing across multiple venues in Morocco. The expanded format promises a more competitive tournament and increased opportunities for African women’s football to grow on the continental stage.
CAF officials have indicated that the draw will also determine the match schedule, group composition, and seeding positions, which are expected to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s title Defence.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football with multiple WAFCON titles, will be aiming to retain their crown as the competition intensifies with the expanded lineup.

INFORMATION MINISTER URGES SUPER EAGLES AHEAD OF AFCON SEMI-FINAL CLASH WITH MOROCCO

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged the Super Eagles to remain focused and confident as they prepare for their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final encounter against Morocco tonight.
In a statement posted on his X handle, Idris encouraged the national team ahead of the crucial match, scheduled for 9:00 p.m. in Rabat, assuring them of the support of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. He praised the team’s performance so far in the tournament, describing their journey as inspiring.
The minister also reminded the players of Nigeria’s rich football history at the continental level, urging them to draw confidence from past successes.
Idris further called on the team to approach the match with unity and determination, stressing that millions of Nigerians would be rooting for them.
Meanwhile, Chairman and Founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has announced financial incentives for the team following their quarter-final win.
Nigeria will take on Morocco in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the winner advancing to the final.
The Super Eagles booked their place in the last four after a 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals. The team has won all five of its matches in the tournament so far, scoring 14 goals under head coach Éric Chelle.

Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to reach AFCON final against Senegal

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero with two saves in the shoot-out as hosts Morocco beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties to set up an Africa Cup of Nations final showdown this weekend with Senegal after a tense last-four clash on Wednesday finished 0-0 at the end of extra time. Bounou saved from Samuel Chukwueze and brilliantly from Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Morocco will now play Senegal on Sunday after the Lions of Teranga defeated Mohamed Salah’s Egypt 1-0 in the other semi-final earlier thanks to a Sadio Mane goal.

Real Madrid appoints Alvaro Arbeloa as new head coach after Xabi Alonso departs

New Real Madrid coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, has disclosed that his priority is to return the club to their winning ways.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of today’s Copa del Rey clash against Albacete, Arbeloa stated that success is the most important thing for the record fifteen-time European champions.
The 42-year-old former defender who was appointed to replace Xabi Alonso, after Real Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup final against rivals Barcelona on Sunday, said he is positive of adding more trophies to Real Madrid’s cabinet.

Enyimba Target NNL Defender Emeka Peter

NPFL giants Enyimba FC are reportedly interested in signing defender Emeka Peter from Nigeria National League side Ekiti United.
According to report, the People’s Elephant have submitted a bid for Peter, who has been one of Ekiti United’s standout performers this season.
Enyimba, looking to strengthen their squad after a slow start to the season, are also closing in on the signings of Crown FC duo Adekunle Mojeed and Adegbite Seye.
The club is expected to announce all new additions before the end of January.

Chelle Hints at Tactical Shift Ahead of AFCON Semi-Final Against Morocco

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has signalled a possible change in tactics ahead of Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Morocco on Wednesday.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Malian coach admitted that some of his players are showing signs of fatigue after an intense run in the tournament.
So far, the Eagles have scored 14 goals in five matches, creating the most chances and overwhelming opponents such as Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique, and Algeria with a high-tempo, aggressive style.
Chelle has predominantly used a 4-4-2 diamond formation featuring Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams up front. However, he suggested a more cautious approach may be needed against Morocco.
“I find that my group is tired; it might be time for me to change my approach,” Chelle said. “We’ll start that way, I think. We’ll hold on in the first half and try to play our game in the second half.”
The Eagles will be looking to maintain their attacking edge while managing energy levels in the crucial semi-final clash.