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Morocco Makes History with First-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup Title

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In a landmark moment for African football, Morocco clinched the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Argentina in the final, held early Monday morning in Santiago, Chile.

The North African side owed their historic win to rising star Yassir Zabiri, who struck twice in the first half, once in the 12th minute and again in the 29th, to silence the Argentine crowd and secure the title.

Despite Argentina’s best efforts in the second half, they were unable to break through a disciplined Moroccan backline.

Captain Rayan El-Mourabet led by example, anchoring a rock-solid defence, while goalkeeper Youssef Bakkali delivered a standout performance, making several key saves to maintain a clean sheet.

Morocco’s road to glory was anything but easy. Drawn into a daunting group alongside football heavyweights Spain, Brazil, and Mexico, the Atlas Lions topped the group despite an opening loss to Mexico.

They went on to defeat Brazil and Spain in impressive fashion to advance.

The knockout rounds saw Morocco eliminate South Korea in the round of 16, outclass the United States in the quarter-finals, and edge out France on penalties in a nerve-wracking semi-final. Their victory over Argentina in the final capped a sensational tournament run.

With this triumph, Morocco becomes the second African country to win the U-20 World Cup, following Ghana’s memorable 2009 victory over Brazil.

This win not only marks Morocco’s first FIFA trophy at any level but also underscores the country’s emergence as a growing powerhouse in global football.

It is a defining moment for Moroccan sport and a proud day for African football.

SPORTS

Super Eagles Threaten to Boycott Algeria Match over Unpaid Bonuses

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Super Eagles players have threatened not to travel to Marrakech for their next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match against Algeria unless all outstanding winning bonuses are paid by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

A highly reliable source within the team disclosed.

According to the source, players and officials are reportedly still awaiting their bonus payments from the tournament.

It was gathered that win bonuses for the four matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique have yet to be settled.

While the team remains committed to the competition, they have made it clear that they will not train or travel to Marrakech for the next match unless the outstanding payments are resolved, our source confirmed.

Recall that in November, the team also threatened to boycott their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Gabon, citing unpaid entitlements.

In a joint statement signed by players and staff, the squad said, “The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments. The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparations for Thursday’s game with Gabon.”

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SPORTS

Chelsea Appoint Rosenior New Head Coach

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Chelsea have announced the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach.

Rosenior will take charge at Stamford Bridge following Enzo Maresca’s departure last week.

The 41-year-old signed a contract until 2032.

Rosenior arrived at the London club after coaching overseas with RC Strasbourg, where he led the French club to European qualification for the first time in 19 years in his first season, and following earlier roles in England with Hull City and Derby County.

‘I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed Head Coach of Chelsea Football Club. This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies,” Rosenior told the club’s official website.

‘My job is to protect that identity and create a team that reflects these values in every game we play as we continue winning trophies. To be entrusted with this role means the world to me and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job. I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves.

‘I believe deeply in teamwork, unity, togetherness and working for one another, and those values will be at the heart of everything we do. They will be the foundation of our success.

‘I am excited to work with this extremely talented group of players and staff, to build strong connections on and off the pitch, and to create an environment where everyone feels united and driven by the same goal.

‘There is a real hunger to win, and I will give everything, every single day, to help this team compete and win at the very highest level to make everyone connected and proud to be a part of Chelsea Football Club.

‘I want our fans to be proud of who we are and what we represent in every single game that we play. They are the soul of this enormous, historic and huge football club.

‘I cannot wait to meet you all. I cannot wait to get started.’

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SPORTS

Chelle Has Done a Good Job With Eagles – Oliseh

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Former Nigerian international Sunday Oliseh believes Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has done a good job with the senior national team at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Oliseh, who won Olympic gold with Nigeria in 1996 and the Africa Nations Cup in 1994, played at two other AFCON tournaments in 2000 and 2002, and also represented the country at two FIFA World Cup tournaments, made this comment after the team impressively dispatched Mozambique 4-0 in the round of 16 game on Monday.

Goals from Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, and a brace from Victor Osimhen were enough to seal the Super Eagles’ place in the quarter finals of the tournament in Morocco.

Speaking during his commentary on CAF TV, Oliseh was particularly impressed with the way Chelle has set up the Super Eagles at the tournament.

“Eric Chelle has done a good job with the Super Eagles, considering the way he set up his players and gave Alex Iwobi that free role to control the midfield.

“The team have also played good football in the tournament, and I am impressed with Chelle.”

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