FIFA President Blasts Senegal Players Over AFCON Final Walkout, Calls Scenes Unacceptable

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has condemned the dramatic walkout by Senegal players during the AFCON final against Morocco, describing the incident as “unacceptable” and a threat to the integrity of football. The chaos erupted after Morocco were awarded a late penalty following a VAR review, prompting most Senegal players to leave the pitch in protest. Infantino stressed that match officials’ decisions must be respected at all times and warned that such actions send a wrong message to fans worldwide. Despite the controversy, Senegal regrouped and secured a dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory, but FIFA has called on CAF to take appropriate disciplinary measures.
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AFCON 2025 Final: Morocco vs Senegal – Football, History, and Africa’s Political Legacy

The AFCON 2025 final in Rabat on January 18 is more than a football match—it’s a journey through Africa’s sporting and political history. Morocco faces Senegal after avenging past semi-final losses to Cameroon and Nigeria. African football, once introduced by colonial powers, became a tool of resistance, nation-building, and pan-African identity, from clubs like Al Ahly in Egypt to the FLN team in Algeria. Morocco’s hosting symbolizes decades of football as a platform for culture, resistance, and unity, even as AFCON prepares to shift to a four-year cycle under FIFA’s schedule changes.


#AFCON2025 #MoroccoVsSenegal #AfricanFootballHistory

BREAKING: House of Representatives Criticizes Delay in Probe of $25M FIFA-CAF Grants to NFF

The Nigerian House of Representatives has slammed the slow progress in investigating the $25 million FIFA-CAF grants allocated to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

#NFF #FIFA #CAF #NigeriaPolitics #BreakingNews #HouseOfReps #FootballNews #Transparency #NigeriaNews

What Will 2026 Really Bring for Nigeria and the World? Azu Ishiekwene Predicts Power Shifts, Economic Strain, AI Disruption, 2027 Politics and Who Wins the World Cup

Is 2026 a year of quiet recovery—or the beginning of deeper political, economic and global turbulence? And is Nigeria already slipping into the politics of 2027?

In what he describes as possibly his final annual forecast, journalist and columnist Azu Ishiekwene delivers a sweeping, high-stakes outlook on Nigeria and the world, blending political prediction, economic analysis, technology trends and global power shifts. Known for earlier forecasts that accurately anticipated election outcomes and cabinet shake-ups, Ishiekwene argues that 2026 will be a year where politics collides head-on with harsh economic realities, leaving citizens caught between daily hardship and recycled political promises.

He warns that Nigeria’s economy will remain under pressure, with tensions growing between tight monetary policy and rising demands for fiscal expansion in a pre-election year. Could divisions inside the Ministry of Finance undermine investor confidence? And will petrol prices remain stable around ₦850 per litre, as he suggests, only if oil output rises and NNPC escapes its heavy crude obligations?

While cheaper fuel from the Dangote Refinery may offer temporary consumer relief, Ishiekwene predicts continued instability in electricity supply, pointing to a fragile transmission system that still requires massive investment. He also foresees President Bola Tinubu possibly unveiling private-sector-led reforms in power transmission involving major business players.

But is Nigeria already entering the politics of 2027 in 2026?

Ishiekwene argues that although early elections are unlikely, political realignments are accelerating. With multiple opposition governors defecting to the ruling APC, claims of a creeping one-party state are growing. Yet, he suggests the reality is more complex: a weakened opposition plagued by internal fractures, financial constraints and a lack of coherent alternatives.

Turning to the emerging African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition—uniting figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Kwankwaso—he raises a critical question: is ADC truly built to win in 2027, or merely to survive until 2031? He predicts Atiku will clinch the party’s ticket over Obi, with Obi likely offered the vice-presidential slot—potentially triggering backlash among “Obidients.” With limited grassroots reach and the enormous financial demands of a presidential campaign, Ishiekwene concludes that ADC may struggle to pose a serious challenge to the ruling party in the next election cycle.

Beyond Nigeria, he paints 2026 as a year shaped by geopolitical rivalry, especially between Donald Trump’s America and Xi Jinping’s China, and by growing global unease over U.S. trade policies, immigration enforcement and economic nationalism. Could gold and non-dollar assets accelerate as the world quietly prepares for a less dollar-centric future?

He also highlights the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, warning that 2026 will mark a shift from basic generative AI to agentic, autonomous systems capable of independent action. As AI blurs the line between reality and fabrication, he predicts rising confusion, misinformation, and ethical challenges—ushering in what he calls the “Year of the Humanoid.”

Even football is not spared his forecasting. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Ishiekwene tips Spain to win, citing tactical depth and cohesion, while acknowledging Morocco as Africa’s strongest hope.

Ultimately, the essay asks uncomfortable but urgent questions:
Is Nigeria drifting toward political dominance by one party?
Will economic reforms truly ease citizens’ burdens—or merely reshuffle the pressure?
Can a fractured opposition reorganise in time?
And in a world increasingly shaped by AI and geopolitical rivalry, where does Nigeria truly stand?

For Ishiekwene, 2026 is not just another year—it is a crossroads where technology, politics, power and survival intersect, setting the tone for Nigeria’s future well beyond the next election.

AFCON Fallout: Gabon Bans Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Suspends National Team, Sacks Coaches After Shock Exit From Tournament

The Gabonese government has imposed sweeping sanctions on the country’s senior national football team following a disastrous outing at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The decision came after Gabon’s 3–2 defeat to defending champions Ivory Coast, sealed by a late injury-time goal, which confirmed the Panthers’ third consecutive loss and bottom-place finish in Group F.

Announcing the measures, Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula said the government had dissolved the entire technical crew, suspended the national team indefinitely, and banned veteran players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga from the squad. The move followed earlier criticism after Gabon’s shocking loss to Mozambique, which eliminated the team from knockout-stage contention.

President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema described the team’s poor performance as a blow to national identity, citing lack of organisation and inefficient use of resources as key problems. He pledged major structural reforms to restore discipline and ambition in Gabonese sports governance.

However, the government’s direct intervention could expose Gabon to possible sanctions from FIFA, which prohibits political interference in the management of national football associations.

Nigeria Misses 2026 World Cup, Osimhen’s €75m Galatasaray Move, Super Falcons’ WAFCON Glory and Other Major Nigerian Football Moments That Defined 2025

Nigerian football in 2025 was a year of sharp contrasts, marked by historic disappointments, landmark achievements and defining off-the-pitch controversies. As the year came to an end, fans reflected on moments that reshaped the nation’s football narrative, with the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup standing out as the most painful low point. After a two-year qualification campaign, Nigeria’s hopes were dashed following a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the African playoffs, leaving millions of supporters heartbroken.

Despite the World Cup setback, the year also delivered significant positives. The Super Falcons reaffirmed their dominance in African women’s football by winning a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, defeating hosts Morocco in the final and earning national acclaim and financial rewards from the federal government.

At club level, Remo Stars made history by winning their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, a milestone achievement celebrated across the domestic football scene. Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen’s career took another major turn as the Super Eagles striker completed a record-breaking €75 million permanent transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray, choosing loyalty and stability over lucrative moves elsewhere.

The year also saw notable changes in leadership and personnel. Eric Sekou Chelle became the Super Eagles’ head coach, making history as the first non-Nigerian African to manage the national team. Veteran players William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa retired from international football, closing important chapters in Nigeria’s football history.

However, controversies lingered, including protests by Super Eagles players over unpaid allowances and renewed scrutiny of the Nigeria Football Federation over alleged financial mismanagement.

Overall, 2025 will be remembered as a turbulent but transformative year for Nigerian football — one defined by World Cup heartbreak, individual brilliance, domestic success, and renewed hopes of redemption at the Africa Cup of Nations.

AFCON 2025: Morocco Opens Stadium Gates for Free After Kick-Off as Empty Seats Embarrass Organisers

Organisers of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco have come under criticism after resorting to opening stadium gates for free entry once matches were already underway, in a bid to mask embarrassingly low attendance figures during the tournament’s early stages. The move, confirmed by a senior Confederation of African Football (CAF) official speaking anonymously, was jointly approved by CAF and local organisers following repeated scenes of half-empty stadiums across host cities.

One of the most striking incidents occurred during the Group F match between Cameroon and Gabon in Agadir, where the game kicked off in front of largely deserted stands despite the stadium’s 45,000 capacity. Heavy rainfall further dampened turnout, but around 20 minutes into the match, gates were thrown open, allowing thousands of fans to enter without paying. This decision dramatically inflated the final attendance figure to 35,200, according to organisers.

A similar scenario played out in Rabat during the Group D clash between DR Congo and Benin, where official attendance figures were initially announced as 6,703 before being quietly revised to 13,073 after large numbers of unpaid spectators filled the stadium mid-match. These discrepancies have raised serious questions about the credibility of official attendance data released by tournament organisers.

Critics argue that the strategy prioritises optics over transparency, as organisers scramble to present AFCON 2025 as a successful continental showpiece. The controversy is particularly sensitive given Morocco’s ambition to bolster its global sporting reputation ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. Despite tickets for most group-stage matches remaining widely available — starting from 100 dirhams — only a handful of fixtures involving Morocco and Algeria have sold out. Observers warn that the free-entry approach risks revenue losses, undermines tournament integrity, and could damage confidence in CAF’s event management standards going forward.

AFCON 2025: French Legend Zinedine Zidane Spotted Supporting Son Luca as Algeria Defeat Sudan 3–0 in Group E Opener

Football icon and 1998 FIFA World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane drew widespread attention after being spotted at the AFCON 2025 match between Algeria and Sudan, held at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco. The former France and Real Madrid legend was present to support his son, Luca Zidane, who featured as goalkeeper for Algeria’s national team, Les Fennecs, during their Group E opener.
Algeria secured a convincing 3–0 victory over Sudan, with Zidane watching from the VIP section as cameras captured him in the 24th minute, sparking excitement among fans across Africa and on social media. His presence added emotional significance to the match, as supporters praised the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year for publicly backing his son on one of African football’s biggest stages.
Social media users lauded Zidane’s strong family values, describing him as a proud father watching Luca carve out his own identity in international football. Many highlighted the symbolism of Luca wearing jersey number 23, while representing Algeria rather than France, as a continuation of the Zidane legacy in a new direction.
Luca Zidane has previously explained his decision to play for Algeria, citing his family roots and deep cultural connection to the country through his grandfather. He described the call-up as an obvious and emotional choice, noting that his family fully supported the decision.
Zidane’s appearance at AFCON 2025 further underlined the global appeal of the tournament, as Algeria began their campaign in strong fashion while capturing the hearts of football fans with a moment that blended sporting excellence with family pride.

JUSTIN During a live stream, Champions League vibes turned full chaos real quick. Carter Efe was just chilling and chatting, and suddenly Boniface pressed a call—‘boom’—Jeremy Frimpong picks up. Former teammate. Top baller. And it happened live on stream.
Carter Efe: mouth open, brain buffering. This wasn’t a skit—this was real networking with FIFA graphics.
From cruising casually to “wait… na real Frimpong be this?” Boniface just casually reminded everyone: “My contacts dey active.”

Don’t Try To Qualify for World Cup Through Backdoor,’ DR Congo Slams Nigeria Over FIFA Petition on Alleged Ineligible Players

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sharply criticised Nigeria following a petition by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to FIFA over the alleged use of ineligible players during the 2026 World Cup playoffs in Morocco. Reacting via its official Instagram page, the Congolese team warned Nigeria against seeking World Cup qualification “from the back door” after losing on penalties, accusing the Super Eagles of attempting to win through legal manoeuvres rather than on the pitch. The NFF insists its petition is based on alleged violations of Congolese citizenship laws, arguing that FIFA was misled in clearing the players. The dispute has sparked renewed debate among football fans as Nigeria battles to avoid missing consecutive World Cup tournaments.

Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Qualification Hopes Revive as NFF Petitions FIFA Over DR Congo’s Alleged Player Eligibility Violations

Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been reignited following a formal petition by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) challenging DR Congo’s use of allegedly ineligible players during the African play-offs. The NFF claims that up to nine Congolese players who featured in the penalty shootout victory over Nigeria may have violated DR Congo’s constitutional ban on dual citizenship, despite being cleared by FIFA. If FIFA upholds the petition, the play-off result could be overturned, reopening a pathway for the Super Eagles to return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition and facing possible back-to-back absences.

Ghanaian Influencer Begs FIFA to Let Victor Osimhen Play for Black Stars at 2026 World Cup

A Ghanaian content creator, Wode Maya, has sparked lively online reactions after jokingly pleading with Victor Osimhen to switch from Nigeria’s Super Eagles to Ghana’s Black Stars for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The call came after Osimhen scored a stunning brace for Galatasaray. While fans from both nations reacted with amusement and rivalry, Osimhen remains committed to Nigeria despite missing two World Cup qualifications.

President Donald Trump receives the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup draw in Washington.

DR Congo denies Nigeria the chance to ‘oblee’ at the 2026 World Cup after beating the Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties.

DR Congo Leopards defeated the Nigerian Super Eagles in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1‑1 draw in regulation and extra time at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, securing their place in the next stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup inter‑confederation playoffs.

Nigeria took an early lead in the 3rd minute through Frank Onyeka, but DR Congo equalized in the 32nd minute via Meschack Elia. Both teams created several scoring chances during a tense match, with Nigeria goalkeeper Nwabali making key saves to keep the Eagles alive.

After 120 minutes, the score remained tied, sending the game into penalties. DR Congo held their nerve in sudden death, while Nigeria missed crucial kicks, handing the Leopards a historic victory.

This result marks Nigeria’s first competitive defeat to DR Congo since a friendly draw in 2018, and DR Congo now advances to the next stage of World Cup qualification.

Nigeria Thrash Gabon 4–1 in World Cup Play-off Showdown.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a dominant performance on Thursday night, defeating Gabon 4–1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-off clash.

The match, played at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, saw Nigeria assert control early and maintain pressure throughout the game.

Victor Osimhen scored twice as Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a commanding 4-1 win over Gabon in extra time, booking their place in the next stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.

After a goalless first half, Nigeria broke the deadlock through Akor Adams, who capitalised on a defensive error to put the Eagles ahead early in the second half. Gabon responded with a late equaliser just four minutes from time, sending the match into extra time.

In extra time, Chidera Ejuke calmly restored Nigeria’s lead before Osimhen added two more goals to seal a resounding victory. The Super Eagles’ defence, marshalled by Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey, held firm to deny Gabon any comeback.

The result edges Nigeria closer to a World Cup spot, following their dominant 4-0 triumph over Benin Republic in the group stages, during which Osimhen scored a hat-trick. Gabon, finishing second in Group F behind Ivory Coast, also advanced to the playoff round.

With this victory, Nigeria move to the top of their qualification group, strengthening their chances of booking a place at the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria strengthened their bid for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday as striker Victor Osimhen scored twice to inspire the Super Eagles to a 4-1 victory over Gabon in extra time, securing their place in the play-off final.

World Cup Qualifiers: Peter Obi slams FG over unpaid Super Eagles allowances.

Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the federal government over the reported boycott of training by the Super Eagles ahead of Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon.

Obi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, expressed disappointment that players representing Nigeria were being owed allowances despite their consistent service to the nation.

“It is truly unfortunate that our Super Eagles who consistently give their best in representing our dear nation, are being owed their allowances,” he wrote.

“We always seem to find money to waste on needless lavish spending and political patronage, yet we cannot pay those who patriotically raise our flag, bring us pride, and serve with dedication. That is what is found in a now disgraced country.”

BREAKING NEWS: NFF President Amaju Pinnick has denied allegations of mismanagement surrounding the FIFA Goal Project in Kebbi, insisting that the claims have been misconstrued and taken out of context.

#BreakingNews, #AmajuPinnick, #NFF, #FIFAGoalProject, #Kebbi, #NigerianFootball,

Reactions Trail Peter Obi's Comments As FIFA Says Funds Given To Build Stadium Was Mismanaged.

Former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has drawn significant public attention following his reaction to reports alleging the mismanagement of funds provided by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

The controversy erupted after footage of a sports facility, reportedly built with FIFA’s $1.2 million grant, surfaced on social media. The video quickly went viral, prompting outrage from Nigerians who questioned how such a large sum could result in a project that appeared substandard.

Many commentators described the development as another example of impunity and lack of accountability within the nation’s sporting institutions.

Reacting through a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Peter Obi expressed deep disappointment over the situation. He described the NFF’s actions as heartbreaking, saying they mirrored the entrenched corruption that has hindered national progress.

Obi emphasized that sports, a sector capable of inspiring young people and uniting the country, had once again fallen victim to mismanagement and neglect.

According to the former governor, the alleged misuse of funds meant to promote football development reflects a broader disregard for the aspirations of Nigerian youths. He noted that such actions discourage hope and undermine the potential of sports as a tool for national development and unity.

Obi, who is widely known for his advocacy for prudent financial management and transparency in governance, urged authorities to hold those responsible accountable. His comments have since generated widespread discussion across various social media platforms, with many Nigerians calling for a full investigation into how the FIFA funds were utilized.

As of the time of this report, the Nigerian Football Federation has not issued an official response to the allegations.

Super Eagles Get World Cup Hope Alive as FIFA Punishes South Africa Over Player Scandal.

According to a report from BBC, South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a major setback after the country’s football association (SAFA) was sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player in the qualifiers.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee ruled that midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards in earlier matches and was due to serve a one-match suspension, was wrongly included in South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho on March 21.

His participation was deemed a violation of Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the 2026 World Cup Preliminary Competition Regulations.

In its decision announced on Monday, September 29, FIFA declared the match forfeited, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory.

SAFA was also fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena received a formal warning. “The forfeiture decision remains subject to a potential appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee,” FIFA said in a statement, per Africa Soccer.

The ruling significantly alters the group standings, with Benin Republic now leading on 14 points (+4 goal difference), ahead of South Africa, also on 14 points but with an inferior goal difference (+3).

Nigeria follows with 11 points (+2), Rwanda also has 11 (0), Lesotho sits on 9 (-3), and Zimbabwe trails with 4 (-6).

With only the group winner guaranteed an automatic ticket to the World Cup and the runner-up possibly advancing via inter-confederation play-offs, the October fixtures will be decisive in determining South Africa’s fate.