SPORTS
Power, Pride and the Eagles’ Rise at AFCON
By Muhyideen Jimoh
Amid uncertainty, criticism, and widespread scepticism, the Super Eagles landed in Fes under cold skies and persistent Moroccan rain for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025.
From the start, they arrived carrying a weight heavier than their kits; not as favourites, but as wounded giants, one among 24 contenders all vying for Africa’s coveted crown.
Moreover, this was a team still haunted by the agony of missing the North-America bound World Cup; a team many had written off even before the first ball was kicked in the beautiful Maghreb.
However, from the blast of the first whistle, the Eagles began to peel off doubt like old feathers.
They dimmed Tanzania’s Stars, clipped the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, and dismantled a disjointed Ugandan Cranes with ruthless efficiency.
In doing so, it was not just victory; it was a declaration, with each match washing away lingering pain and restoring belief.
By the time the tournament tightened into the unforgiving knockout rounds, the Eagles no longer flinched.
Mozambique’s Mambas were swiftly devoured, while Algeria’s old foxes were sent scurrying back to the desert, outpaced by raw hunger and the Naija belief.
Clearly, Nigeria was flying again.
An excited Nigerian coach, Eric Chelle, described the victories as inspiring, adding that preparation and commitment were evident throughout the contest.
“I am extremely proud of the boys. They were happy, focused, and brave. We worked hard, and my vision is clearly taking shape in this team,” Chelle said ahead of the titanic semi-final clash in Rabat.
Then, on the D-day, in the ultimate final-before-the-final as it was dubbed, a hostile red-sea crowd, the roar of Moroccan fans, and questionable officiating all conspired to tilt the vociferous clash.
Albeit this, the Eagles fought with grit, muscle, and belief, but destiny reduced their dream to football’s cruelest lottery: the penalties.
Morocco eventually advanced. Yet, Nigeria staggered but did not fall.
What followed revealed the soul of the nation.
From Abuja came a rallying backup; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (P-BAT) stood firmly behind the team, urging them to rise again, to empty the tank, and to fight for pride.
In response, the Eagles delivered vintage Nigerian football.
In the bronze medal clash, they caged Egypt’s Pharaohs, seven-time AFCON champions, silencing North Africa’s kings to claim a record ninth AFCON bronze medal; a “golden bronze” forged in resilience rather than regret.
Moments after the final whistle, President Tinubu again spoke not with disappointment, but with pride, noting that the bronze felt like gold.
“Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players.
This bronze medal surely feels good like gold.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final to Morocco on penalties, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted. They showed the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, and their effort has now paid off. This team fought for the badge, for the country, and for our collective pride”.
Clearly, the message resonated far beyond the dressing room.
With soaring wings and confidence renewed, stakeholders insist the task ahead is clear to sustain the flight, build consistency, and push Nigeria back into the elite circle of world football.
Beyond the fierce jungle of competition in Morocco lies a deeper story; one of cohesion, preparation, and strategic support.
Sports stakeholders say the Eagles’ resurgence mirrors a broader reset at home, driven by Tinubu’s deliberate push to reposition Nigerian sports as a global force and a unifying platform for over 240 million citizens.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, said presidential backing made a significant difference for the team.
“Mr President was personally invested in this team not just in words, but in action.
“From logistics to player welfare, everything was handled with intent. The players felt that confidence from the highest level, and when athletes feel valued, it reflects in their performance,” Dikko said.
Dikko added that the bronze medal represents far more than a podium finish.
“It speaks to the resilience, character, and belief of this Super Eagles team. After a difficult loss against Morocco, they responded with discipline, unity, and courage; values that define Nigerian football and the Nigerian spirit”.
He also thanked President Tinubu for his fatherly love and support for Nigerian sports.
Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, also lauded the players and technical crew for their commitment and professionalism throughout the tournament.
“This is a team that gave Nigerians hope, excitement, and pride. Winning the bronze medal against a strong Egyptian side, and doing so with composure under pressure, is a testament to the mental strength of the players and the quality of preparation by the technical crew,” Olopade said.
“The collective effort of the squad reflects a team that believes in itself and in the future of Nigerian football”.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Communication, and former Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, described the AFCON outing as a product of intentional leadership.
“President Bola Tinubu understands the power of sports to inspire hope, unite diverse people, and project Nigeria positively to the world. His support for the team was massive,” Dare said.
Tinubu’s influence, stakeholders argue, extends beyond football, as seen in the development of the so-called lesser sports.
It will be recalled that, following recent continental triumphs, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, and the Super Falcons were rewarded with cash bonuses, national honours, and houses.
They also received renewed institutional backing; gestures widely seen as restoring dignity to national service.
Analysts say the message is clear; excellence will be recognised, and sacrifice will be rewarded.
As the Super Eagles reflect on their AFCON campaign with quiet pride rather than loud celebration, their combination of talent, teamwork, and renewed belief has reignited a shared Nigerian dream.
Support from the presidency has reinforced this momentum, helping create a vision of football as a unifying force that lifts the nation’s spirit.
Ultimately, in Morocco, the Eagles did more than compete for a trophy; they reclaimed national pride, reinforced their identity, and reminded millions at home and abroad of the power of belief. (NAN)
The Super Eagles will face Poland and Portugal in international friendlies in June as part of preparations for upcoming global competitions, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said.
A statement by NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, in Abuja yesterday confirmed the high-profile fixtures and described them as crucial tests for the team.
Olajire said the matches would help the technical crew assess the squad against top European opposition.
“These fixtures are very important for us as a team seeking to build momentum and cohesion ahead of major competitions,” he said.
He added that the games would also provide an opportunity to test new players and tactical approaches.
“Playing against Poland and Portugal offers us the chance to measure our strength against quality sides and make necessary adjustments,” Olajire said.
Fresh from defeating FIFA World Cup-bound Iran and drawing with Jordan in Antalya, Turkey, Nigeria are looking forward to an exciting summer of football.
The three-time African champions aim to build on recent performances as they intensify preparations for future tournaments.
NFF’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport, said the match against Poland will be played at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on June 3.
He added that the game against Portugal will take place on June 10 at a venue to be announced later.
Olajire expressed confidence that the fixtures would boost the team’s readiness.
“We are confident that these matches will sharpen the team and position us strongly for the challenges ahead,” he said.
The encounter with Portugal will serve as the hosts’ final game before travelling for the FIFA World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria are also scheduled to defend their title at the Unity Cup Tournament in London from May 26 to May 30.
Swiatek Appoints Former Coach of Nadal, Raducanu
Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek will work with Francisco Roig – the former coach of Rafael Nadal and Emma Raducanu – as she looks to turn around her inconsistent form.
Poland’s Swiatek has struggled to find her rhythm in 2026, exiting the Australian Open and Indian Wells at the quarter-final stage.
The 24-year-old tends to perform better on clay, having won four of her six Grand Slam titles at the French Open, and has drafted in Roig in preparation for next month’s event in Paris.
Swiatek confirmed the partnership on Instagram, writing “welcome to the team, Francisco! Very excited for this new chapter”.
Spain’s Roig coached Briton Raducanu for five months between 2025 and 2026, but is best known for his 17-year stint with 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal.
World number four Swiatek had been working under Wim Fissette, who helped her win a first Wimbledon title in July, but they parted ways after Swiatek’s first-round loss at the Miami Open in March.
Swiatek experienced immense highs alongside Fissette, with her triumph at SW19 the pinnacle, but also endured serious lows, including being ‘bageled’ – losing a set to love – in her quarter-final defeat by Aryna Sabalenka at last year’s French Open.
Feliciano Lopez and Matteo Berrettini are among the other names to have spent time with Roig.
Lopez said Roig achieves the best results by using unique coaching drills, which are “practical” and “specific”, with his players.
It is said the 58-year-old identifies technical issues by observation, rather than relying on forensic video analysis.
Swiatek began working with Roig at Nadal’s academy in Manacor, Spain, as she shifted her attention to the clay-court season.
Davies Back in Wales Squad as Clark Misses Out
Manchester City teenager Mayzee Davies is back in the Wales squad for this month’s World Cup qualifying double-header against Albania, but there is no place for injured goalkeeper Olivia Clark.
Defender Davies has not appeared for her country since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while on Wales duty 11 months ago.
The 19-year-old has been recalled after returning to action for Manchester City’s under-21 side this week, though Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson says she is unlikely to play in this camp as a result of her long lay-off.
“We don’t want to put that pressure on at this point but to have her back with the squad I think is really important,” Wikinson said.
Wales will have to cope without Leicester City’s Clark, who has not played since picking up a lower leg injury while training with her country last month.
In the absence of 35-cap Clark, Wilkinson has handed a first senior call-up to Llantrisant-born Lucy Farrell-Shrouder, 22, who is on loan at Stoke City from Burnley.
Wales face Albania at Wrexham’s Stoke Cae Ras on Tuesday, 14 April (19:15 BST) before travelling for the return fixture at the Elbasan Arena in Elbasan four days later (17:00 BST).
Wilkinson says Clark’s injury is not serious, though it does leave Manchester United’s Safia Middleton-Patel as the only goalkeeper in this Wales squad who has played a senior international.
Wilkinson has regularly rotated her two senior keepers, but says eight-cap Middleton-Patel will feature in both Albania games.
“She will come in as our number one and that’s an opportunity for her,” Wilkinson said.
“Liv’s not here and that does not mean she’s out sight out of mind. She is absolutely still in there in the running [to be first-choice keeper], but I am looking forward to seeing what Saf can do for us.
Farrell-Shrouder, Poppy Soper, Annie Wilding and Phoebie Poole are the four uncapped players in the squad, while Gwen Zimmerman, Olivia Francis and Mary McAteer are not included having been involved in the previous camp.
Wilkinson’s side began their bid to secure a place at the 2027 World Cup with an away draw against the Czech Republic – who are expected to be their main rivals to top Group B1 – and a comprehensive home victory over Montenegro.
With no automatic route to the tournament available to League B sides, Wales hope to finish first in the group because that would secure a more favourable play-off route to the tournament, which is being staged in Brazil.
Davies had been on course to feature at Euro 2025 until she suffered the ACL injury during Wales’ Nations League defeat in Denmark last May.
The Bodelwyddan-born player was winning her sixth cap against the Danes having been given her senior debut by Wilkinson in Kosovo two years ago.
Davies first joined Manchester City at the age of 10, then returned to the club in 2024 after a brief spell at Manchester United.
She was named Wales’ player of the match having made her first international start in the defeat in Italy 14 months ago.
After that game, Wilkinson suggested Davies had the quality to win more than a century of caps for her country.
Wilkinson did not completely rule out the idea of Davies featuring in one of the two Albania games, saying: “I won’t say never because we haven’t had our eyes across her, but she is coming in as a training player and not as part of the 23.
“She’s been working hard. We’ve been in touch with her, just sort of making sure she’s feeling seen during a long process.
“I think she’s played some minutes for some of the younger [Manchester City] squads but she’s now starting to be more full-time with the senior team and back to full training.”
Liverpool Striker Isak Returns to training, Coach Confirms
Alexander Isak will return to team training on Thursday, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has confirmed.
Club record £125m signing Isak has been ruled out since December, having fractured his leg and had ankle surgery.
The 26-year-old Sweden striker managed 16 appearances and scored three goals for the Reds before his injury against Tottenham.
“I think Alex is in a really good place because Sweden qualified for the World Cup and, apart from that, he’s going to train with the group again for the first time tomorrow,” Slot told the club’s website.
“If you’ve worked so hard for three, four months or something like that and then to return to team training, that’s for everyone very nice. So Alex is, in that sense, in a good place.”
Liverpool are preparing to face Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at Etihad Stadium on Saturday (12:45 BST).
The Reds signed Isak from Newcastle United for a British record transfer fee in September.
He had surgery on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture, sustained following a challenge by Micky van de Ven as he scored against Spurs in a 2-1 win on 20 December.
Ghana have sacked manager Otto Addo, 72 days before the start of this summer’s World Cup.
Addo’s departure followed a 2-1 defeat by Germany in a friendly in Stuttgart on Monday, and a 5-1 thrashing by Austria in Vienna last Friday.
The Black Stars, who are in the same World Cup group as England, have lost their last four games and despite having Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo and Tottenham forward Mohammed Kudus among their ranks, failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations under Addo.
Following the Germany game, the Ghana Football Association said, external it had “parted ways” with Addo and his exit was “effective immediately”.
It added: “The Ghana Football Association will communicate the new technical direction of the Black Stars in due course.”
Addo, 50, was born in Germany and spent his entire playing career in the country, also winning 15 caps for Ghana, and began his second spell as national team manager in March 2024.
The World Cup, which is being held in Canada, Mexico and the USA, runs from 11 June to 19 July.
Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on 18 June (00:00 BST) before facing England on 23 June (21:00 BST) and Croatia on 27 June (22:00 BST).
Nigeria’s Samson Adamu has been appointed Acting Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Adamu becomes the first Nigerian to occupy the position since the organisation’s establishment over 70 years ago.
A statement by Ademola Olajire, the Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Sunday, said that Adamu replaced Veron Mosengo-Omba of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“He replaces DR Congo’s Veron Mosengo-Omba, who stepped down to contest the presidential election of his country’s football federation, (FECOFA).
“Prior to his appointment, Adamu served as CAF’s Director of Tournaments and Events, where he played a pivotal role in the successful organisation of major continental competitions.
“His nomination was proposed by the CAF Executive Committee and ratified by the congress at its meeting held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Cairo,” Olajire said.
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