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.

UK, France, Germany, and EU Allies Stand with Denmark Against Trump’s Threat to Annex Greenland

The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark have jointly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to annex Greenland. The European leaders emphasized that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and NATO territory, insisting that Arctic security must follow international law, collective defense, and respect for sovereignty. They highlighted that unilateral actions by the U.S. could undermine NATO, and stressed that Greenland’s governance is exclusively for Denmark and Greenland to decide. The move comes amid heightened tensions following U.S. actions in Venezuela and growing strategic interest in the Arctic region.

#Greenland #Trump #Denmark #EUUnity #ArcticSecurity #NATO #InternationalLaw #Geopolitics #TransatlanticRelations #EuropeNews

Venezuela’s Maduro To Appear Before Judge Monday In New York
Five Latin American countries and Spain warned on Sunday against any outside bid for "control" of Venezuela, after US President Donald Trump suggested Washington would "run" the country and access its oil.

Venezuela’s deposed president, Nicolas Maduro, is scheduled to appear before a federal judge in New York at noon Monday to be formally notified about the charges against him, the court said.

Gambian Authorities Confirm Seven Dead, Scores Rescued After Migrant Boat Carrying Over 200 People Capsizes on Deadly Atlantic Route

Gambian authorities have confirmed that at least seven people died and 96 others were rescued after a boat carrying migrants capsized overnight, according to a statement from the country’s defence ministry. The vessel was reportedly transporting more than 200 migrants when the tragic incident occurred.

Officials said 10 of the rescued migrants were in critical condition and are currently receiving urgent medical treatment. Search and rescue operations led to the recovery of seven bodies, while fears remain that many others may still be missing.

The incident once again highlights the extreme dangers of the Atlantic migration route from West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands, widely regarded as one of the deadliest migration corridors in the world. Thousands of African migrants attempt the journey each year in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats in search of better economic opportunities.

According to European Union data cited by Reuters, more than 46,000 irregular migrants arrived in the Canary Islands in 2024, the highest number ever recorded. Meanwhile, rights group Caminando Fronteras reported that over 10,000 people died attempting the crossing in the same year, representing a 58 percent increase compared with 2023.

The latest tragedy follows a similar deadly incident in August 2025, when at least 70 migrants were killed after a boat believed to have departed from Gambia capsized, one of the worst migrant boat disasters in recent years.

Yesterday, We Saw Nigeria Working As It Should For Anthony Joshua

It took the French police ten minutes to get to the scene of Princess Diana's car crash, though it happened in metropolitan Paris. Please fact-check me.

But it took the Nigerian Police Force less than ten minutes to get to the scene of Anthony Joshua's car accident, though it occurred outside a metropolitan area. Again, please fact-check me.

It took French emergency response crews 101 minutes to get Princess Diana to the hospital, whereas Anthony Joshua was in a hospital within minutes. The total time was approximately thirty minutes.

Just as Anthony Joshua's friends sadly died on the spot, likewise did Dodi Fayed and the driver of the car, Henri Paul, die immediately from the impact of the accident.

The deaths, both in France and Nigeria, did not occur because of any negligence on the part of emergency first responders. They were a direct result of the collision from the accident.

Both crashes were caused by speeding far above the legal speed limit. Bad roads were not a factor at all in either crash.

The stretch of highway on which the Anthony Joshua crash occurred was very motorable and is a credit to Nigeria.

Go back and watch the video. This was a six-lane highway with three lanes on either side, well demarcated, free of potholes, and with lanes clearly delineated.

So, please tell me where Nigeria went wrong, or how we failed Mr Joshua in this sad episode that some unpatriotic citizens are trending things like 'Nigeria happened to Anthony Joshua'.

Did Spain happen to Diogo Jota?
Did Honduras happen to Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes of TLC?
Did America happen to Fast and Furious star, Paul Walker, when he died in a car crash in California?

I understand that, because of the intense negative slant of Nigeria's social media sphere, where it is easier to trend with bad news, a critical mass of our people has a confirmation bias toward negative stories.

However, please take your time to Google how many times the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has saved the lives of Nigerians in and around the Lagos-Ogun axis.

They even did this as recently as last week.

Whether it is car accidents, building collapses, or fires, LASEMA has repeatedly done Nigeria proud.

When you make a distress call through the 767 and 112 toll-free lines, you can be assured that LASEMA will be there in minutes.

Instead of this Anthony Joshua incident being an example of Nigeria happening to you, yesterday's event was a case of Nigeria working well for Anthony Joshua.

It should not be every time you run to social media to run down your country. Sometimes, instead of emoting, let us be rational people. Be proud of Nigeria and build her up. In so doing, you are actually building yourself.

~Reno Omokri

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.

Belgium Files Declaration to Join ICJ Genocide Case Against Israel as South Africa Leads Legal Action Over Gaza War

Belgium has formally filed a declaration of intervention at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to join the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel over alleged violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention in Gaza. The ICJ confirmed Belgium’s move on December 23, 2025, noting that the intervention was made under Article 63 of the Court’s Statute, which allows non-party states to participate in cases involving the interpretation of international treaties to which they are signatories.

As a party to the Genocide Convention, Belgium said its intervention focuses on the interpretation of Articles I to VI, particularly Article II, which defines the intent required to establish genocide. Any legal interpretation adopted by the Court will be binding on Belgium and other intervening states. South Africa and Israel have been invited to submit written observations on Belgium’s declaration in line with ICJ procedural rules.

The case, originally filed by South Africa in December 2023, accuses Israel of breaching its obligations under the Genocide Convention in relation to military operations in the Gaza Strip. The ICJ has already issued provisional measures in January, March, and May 2024. Belgium joins a growing list of countries—including Ireland, Spain, Brazil, Türkiye, and Colombia—that have intervened or sought to intervene, underscoring increasing international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the expanding global legal response to the conflict.


#ICJ
#GazaConflict
#InternationalLaw

Nigerian-American Naval Officer Kelechi Ndukwe Makes History Again, Appointed Commodore Of US Navy Destroyer Squadron 60

Nigerian-American naval officer Captain Kelechi Ndukwe has been appointed Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 60 and Task Force 65, based in Rota, Spain. Ndukwe, who earlier became the first Nigerian-American to command a U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer—the USS Halsey (DDG-97)—was celebrated by U.S. Mission Nigeria as an inspiring figure and symbol of “American Excellence.”
Ndukwe’s 20-year Navy career includes roles aboard the USS Normandy and USS Thorn in Norfolk, command of the USS Devastator in Bahrain, service in the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and leadership of the USS Halsey from 2021. A University of Notre Dame graduate with a master’s from the U.S. Naval War College, he was promoted to Navy Captain in 2024. His new appointment represents the highest point in his distinguished service.

Lamine Yamal’s Father Gets Engaged to Girlfriend 16 Years Younger.

Mounir Nasraoui, father of Spanish football star Lamine Yamal, has announced his engagement to his much younger girlfriend.

Nasraoui, 39, shared a photo with his 23-year-old partner, Khristina, on October 31, adding a black heart and a wedding ring emoji, signaling their engagement. The post quickly gained attention, amassing over 43,000 likes and more than 2,000 comments, with most users congratulating the couple while a few responded sarcastically, including one who joked, “Poor Yamal, now he has another mouth to feed.”

According to reports, Nasraoui and Khristina recently made their relationship public and frequently post affectionate photos on social media, which have drawn mixed reactions from the public. Their wedding is expected to take place within the next few months, marking a new chapter in Nasraoui’s personal life.

Born in Larache, Morocco, Nasraoui later moved to Barcelona and married Sheila Ebana of Equatorial Guinea, who gave birth to Lamine Yamal on July 13, 2007. After their separation, Sheila played a significant role in supporting Yamal’s football career, assisting with arrangements and accommodations as he rose through the ranks.

With Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise to stardom, Nasraoui has also become more prominent on social media, often sharing updates about his personal life and responding to public commentary related to his son. At 18, Yamal has become a key player for both Barcelona and the Spain national team and recently won his second Kopa Trophy for the best young player in the world.

Shehu Sani Mocks Labour Party Over Outrage at Governor Mbah’s Defection: “You Left Africa to Syria, They Left to Spain”


Former Nigerian senator, Shehu Sani, has taken a swipe at critics of Governor Peter Mbah’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC)—especially those from the Labour Party (LP)—accusing them of hypocrisy and selective outrage.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Sani reacted to comments made by Peter Obi, who had downplayed the political impact of Mbah’s defection but criticized the trend of cross-party movement among politicians.

Sani questioned why members of the Labour Party should be angry over a PDP member joining the APC, pointing out that many within the LP themselves were originally from the PDP.

Using his trademark humor, Sani drew a colorful analogy:

“You left Africa to Syria, and they left Africa to Spain. You are angry because they didn’t follow your route. You saw the vision and left; they only trailed your footsteps. The defectors only divorced the wife you once divorced.”


The former lawmaker argued that political migration has long been part of Nigeria’s political culture, and it was inconsistent for politicians to condemn defections when they had once done the same.

Sani’s remarks came after Obi clarified that Governor Mbah’s defection does not represent a regional political takeover, insisting that good governance—not party affiliation—should determine political support.

However, Sani’s post reframed the conversation, suggesting that Nigeria’s political class is caught in a revolving door of defections, where party switches are more about personal ambition than ideology.

His witty metaphor quickly went viral, reigniting debates about loyalty, integrity, and the fluid nature of political alliances in the country.

Hundreds of doctors & nurses way to GAZA Again Never stop being human
#malaysia #italy #fyp #viral #berlin #spain #creative #humanity #hollywood #movie #reels #tiktok400073778

Bill Gates Raises Alarm Over High Child Mortality in Northern Nigeria.

Philanthropist Bill Gates has sounded the alarm over child mortality in northern Nigeria, revealing that “a kid born in northern Nigeria has a 15% chance of dying before the age of five.”

Speaking at a Reuters Newsmaker event in New York on Monday, Gates said the situation highlights the urgency of reversing cuts in global health aid. “The world is at a crossroads, with millions of children at risk of dy+ng if funding drops too steeply. You can either be part of improving that or act like that doesn’t matter,” he warned.

Ahead of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s annual Goalkeepers event, Gates pledged $912 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. But he stressed that private philanthropy cannot fully cover government shortfalls: “I am not capable of making up what the government cuts, and I don’t want to create an illusion of that.”

Global health funding has dropped sharply, with assistance falling 21% between 2024 and 2025, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Gates warned that without urgent action, progress achieved since 2000 which halved child mortality and saved about five million lives each year could be reversed.

Still, he expressed optimism that the right investments could save millions of lives by 2045, when he plans to have given away almost his entire $200 billion fortune. This, he noted, would require sustained support for organisations like the Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as well as rapid adoption of new innovations such as the long-acting HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir.

“What’s happening to the health of the world’s children is worse than most people realise, but our long-term prospects are better than most people can imagine,” Gates said.

While many countries have reduced support, Spain increased its contributions this year—raising its donation to the Global Fund by 12% and to Gavi by 30%.

Ballon d’Or: Lamine Yamal Wins 2025 Kopa Trophy
The 18-year-old forward becomes the first player to secure the men’s youth award in consecutive years.

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has retained the Kopa Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards in Paris on Monday.

The 18-year-old forward becomes the first player to secure the men’s youth award back-to-back.

The Kopa Trophy, presented to the best player under 21, underscores Yamal’s rise as one of football’s brightest prospects.

Yamal scored 18 goals in 55 matches last season, helping Barcelona win La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

The teenager also played a key role in Spain’s European championship triumph.

NIDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri, Hails Nigerian’s Historic Promotion to U.S. Navy Commodore.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has celebrated Captain Kelechi Ndukwe, a Nigerian-American, on his historic promotion to the rank of Commodore in the United States Navy.

In a statement signed by Gabriel Odu of its Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit on Friday, NIDCOM, under the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described Ndukwe’s achievement as a source of pride to Nigeria, the global naval community, and Nigerians in the diaspora.

The statement read: “We congratulate Capt. Kelechi Ndukwe on his promotion to Commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 60, and Commander, Task Force (CTF) 65 of the United States Navy in Rota, Spain. This remarkable accomplishment highlights his professionalism, leadership, and dedication to advancing global maritime security.”

In his new role, Commodore Ndukwe will oversee U.S. Navy destroyer operations across Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean. His career has been marked by trailblazing achievements, including making history in April 2021 as the first Nigerian-American to command a U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer, the USS Halsey (DDG-97).

Odu noted that Ndukwe’s journey from the son of Nigerian immigrants to one of the highest-ranking officers in the U.S. Navy reflects resilience, discipline, and excellence.

NIDCOM reaffirmed its commitment to honouring Nigerians abroad who embody hard work, honesty, and diligence, stressing that Ndukwe’s promotion exemplifies the positive impact of the diaspora and the limitless potential of Nigerians worldwide.

Real Madrid ‘ready to woo’ Liverpool wonderkid; Richard Hughes knows he must take immediate action.

Reports in Spain claim Real Madrid are ready to make a concerted push to prise Rio Ngumoha away from Liverpool and with his contract due to expire in just under 10 months, though TEAMtalk can reveal why Richard Hughes and Co are well on top of the teenage superstar’s situation.

The Liverpool No.73 has shown he is ready to start making a big name for himself, having impressed Arne Slot by having a hand in four goals (two goals, two assists) over their pre-season campaign. Since then, Ngumoha has become Liverpool‘s youngest-ever goalscorer, having scored a brilliantly taken winner in their 3-2 success at Newcastle last month, days before his 17th birthday.

While Ngumoha’s talent have been well known to Liverpool fans ever since his high-profile move to Anfield from Chelsea last summer, his deal on Merseyside is currently due to expire in June 2026 – meaning the Reds now face the possible loss of their new burgeoning talent in the coming months.

Those fears have now been compounded by strong reports via Defensa Central that claim Real Madrid are ‘keeping a close eye on his situation’.

Their report states Ngumoha ‘has been wooed’ by Real Madrid and is ‘being targeted’ by the La Liga champions, who know ‘his name will be in the spotlight sooner rather than later’.

The Reds have already lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to the Spanish giants in recent months, while both Ibrahima Konate and Alexis Mac Allister have been strongly tipped as targets for Xabi Alonso’s side heading into 2026.

However, Defensa Central‘s report claims the 17-year-old Ngomoha will be the next top Liverpool star in Los Blancos’ sights – and they worryingly claim the teenager has ‘made it clear that he has a certain love for Real Madrid’ and that the La Liga giants are ‘closely monitoring’ his progress in case a deal can be done.

Despite that, there is a confidence that Liverpool do not need to worry with efforts to pin the teenage wonderkid down to a new deal already underway…

Liverpool ready to hand Rio Ngumoha new deal amid Ballon d’Or claim

Newsbrief: 17-Year-Old Cyclist Dies After Junior Vuelta Crash

Spanish teenager Ivan Melendez Luque has died after a major crash involving about 20 riders during the queen stage of the Junior Tour of Spain between Langa de Duero and Laguna Negra.

Eighteen riders were hospitalised in Soria, three in serious condition, but doctors later confirmed Luque, who rode for the Tenerife team, succumbed to his injuries. Organisers have cancelled the remainder of the race, with tributes held in Aranda del Duero.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) expressed condolences, describing the loss as “deeply saddening.” Luque becomes the second junior cyclist to die in competition this year after Italy’s Samuele Privitera.
#IvanLuque #Cycling #Spain #JuniorVuelta

Spain is at "extreme risk" of new wildfires, the country's prime minister has warned, as firefighters continue to battle 14 major blazes.

"PASKAL!! You will Suffa" - Cubana Chief Priest seemingly taunts his alleged Kenyan babymama as he holidays in Spain.

DPP To Prosecute Alaba Market Trader Who knocked Off Wife's To Tooth During Brawl.

The Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) has taken over the prosecution of a 40-year old Alaba International Market trader, Nwabunwanne Nnamdi Michael, who allegedly displayed his boxing skills on his wife, Chidinma Nwabunwanne (Nee Okeke), by knocking off her two teeth during a brawl in Lagos State.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that it was the outcome of the matter before the Apapa Magistrate Court sitting in Ajegunle, Lagos, before the Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.R. Williams, who directed the prosecutor, Inspector Adega Tyongines, to hand over the case file to the DPP for advice and prosecution.

The matter was adjourned till 13th October, 2025, for the DPP’s report to be available, which will determine if the matter will be transferred to the High Court or not over jurisdiction.

The incident happened on 23rd December, 2024, at No. 2 Mike Chuks Avenue, opposite Unipetrol, Satellite town area of Lagos, where they reside.


After the alleged assault, the defendant was arrested and later charged before the Court before he was granted bail and released.

The defendant, Michael, who hails from Awkuzu, got married to Chidinma from Nanka both in Anambra State, four years ago and had two children. They were said to be living peacefully before trouble started over the decision of the defendant to take their daughter abroad to be under the custody of his brother, which the wife resisted.

Accordingly, the defendant, Nnamdi Michael, allegedly arranged with his brother living in Spain, Sunday Nwabunwanne, without the consent of his wife to change the real identity of their three-year old daughter from Mitchelle Chinacherem to Chisom Sunday in order to procure travelling documents to travel abroad at such age and live with his brother, Sunday.

The defendant was said to have gone to the passport office and the Embassy to perfect the changing of the identity before the wife discovered and insisted that she doesn’t want her daughter to travel abroad until the daughter reaches the age of 18, which jolted the whole arrangement.

It caused serious problems between the couple, which later led to exchange of hot words. In the process, Michael grabbed her in anger, rained blows, knock off her teeth and injured her on the hand.

The matter was reported to the Police at FESTAC town Division. Michael was arrested and granted an administrative bail to reconcile with the wife. But it did not work, thus he was charged before the Court.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.R Williams, granted him bail in the sum of N300,,000 with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.The defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center and released after he perfected his bail conditions.

The matter was then adjourned till 21st July, 2025, for mention. On adjourned date, the prosecutor informed the Court that the DPP has requested him to hand over the file and the Court granted it and further adjourned the matter until it receives the DPP’s report.

WAFCON Final Showdown: Spain’s World Cup-Winning Coach Vows to Crush Nigeria’s 10th Title Dream


History is on the line as Morocco’s head coach Jorge Vilda—the mastermind behind Spain’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory—declares his Atlas Lionesses are mentally ready to deny Nigeria a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.

Vilda, now aiming to deliver Morocco’s first-ever WAFCON crown, expressed unwavering confidence during a press briefing:

> “They are a psychologically strong team… we never give up. These players are champions in every sense.”

After falling short in the 2022 final, Morocco now returns hungrier, sharper, and backed by a home crowd at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat. But standing tall in their path is a red-hot Nigerian Super Falcons side, who’ve netted 11 goals and conceded only once all tournament.

Powered by stars like Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, and Toni Payne, Nigeria is determined to defend their legacy and reaffirm their place at the pinnacle of African women’s football.

A Moroccan victory would make Vilda the first coach in history to win both a Women’s World Cup and a WAFCON title.

All roads lead to Rabat this Saturday. It's Africa's biggest women's football battle yet.

#WAFCON2025 #NigeriaVsMorocco #SuperFalcons