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)
Two-time World Cup champions France will on Tuesday take on Spain, the reigning European champions and 2010 FIFA World Cup champions, in a match dubbed the “Clash of the Titans.”
It is the first semi-final fixture and one of the most anticipated match-ups of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup being hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
France is aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final appearance, led by the attacking prowess of Captain Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappé, as expected, has dominated the tournament, taking his performances to another level as he leads the scoring chart with eight goals and three assists.
He is a force to be reckoned with, and his brilliance has inspired teammates such as Ousmane Dembélé, the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year.
Together with Michael Olise, they have tormented opposing defences and given French fans the belief that 2026 could be their year.
France has been one of the standout teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
They reached the semi-finals with an unbeaten run and have looked strong in both attack and defence.
They defeated Senegal 3-1, Iraq 3-0 and Norway 4-1 to finish top of their group with three wins from three matches.
In the Round of 32, France beat Sweden 3-0 before edging Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16, with Mbappé converting a penalty.
In the quarter-finals, they defeated tournament favourites Morocco 2-0, thanks to goals from Mbappé and Dembélé, to advance to the semi-finals.
Mbappé and Dembélé have been among the tournament’s most dangerous attacking players.
Together, they have scored 13 goals, matching a World Cup record for a pair of teammates.
France’s next challenge is a blockbuster semi-final against Spain, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
Similarly, Spain, the reigning European champions, have impressed with their possession-based football and the emergence of young stars such as Lamine Yamal.
While France has been the tournament’s highest-scoring side, Spain has combined strong defensive performances with midfield dominance.
Spain has also been one of the standout teams at the World Cup, reaching the semi-finals for the first time since winning the tournament in 2010.
They finished top of Group H, defeating Uruguay 1-0, thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 and playing out a goalless draw against a resilient Cabo Verde side.
They maintained their impressive form by crushing Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32.
They defeated Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal 1-0 in a keenly contested and thrilling Round of 16 encounter, courtesy of a late winner from Mikel Merino.
Spain eliminated Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals, with Merino once again scoring the decisive late goal.
So far, Spain has conceded only one goal on the way to the semi-finals, making them one of the tournament’s strongest defensive teams.
They joined Argentina, France and England as the four top-ranked nations to reach the semi-finals, marking a historic first since the FIFA World Rankings were introduced.
Spain’s clash against the highly rated France promises to be a fascinating semi-final, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
It is expected to be a mouth-watering tactical battle between France’s pace on the counter-attack and Spain’s patient possession game.
Meanwhile, as football fans across the globe eagerly await the encounter, supporters in Lagos are equally excited.
Femi Oshisami, a trader, said he was confident Spain would eliminate France because of his passion for Spanish football, which he considers superior to the French style.
He believes Spain is hungry for another major title after winning the current European Championship and looks capable of repeating the feat at the World Cup.
“It is going to be very explosive, a match to behold, and I am confident Spain will win at the end,” Oshisami said.
Similarly, Emeka Chukwura said he is a big fan of Mbappé and believes France is unstoppable because the team possesses the quality to break down any opposition in the competition.
“I have my money on France. They have a great team with players of different qualities who are basically world-class.
“They are aiming for a third consecutive appearance in the final, which is a credit to their hard work and consistency,” Chukwura said.
In the same vein, Yussuf Tijani, a shoe cobbler, said the World Cup has been very interesting and highly competitive.
He said he was heartbroken when the African teams were eliminated but still supports France because of the presence of players of African descent in the squad.
“I believe France will beat Spain to reach the final. They are a good team and have the capability to handle any kind of pressure,” Tijani said.
England will wear their all-white home kit to face Argentina in the semi-finals of the World Cup in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Holders Argentina will be in their navy blue away strip, with black shorts and socks, for the game at the Atlanta Stadium (20:00 BST).
They have only worn the darker kit once during the tournament, in their 3-1 win against Jordan in the group stage.
Argentina have enjoyed success in their away kit against England at previous World Cups.
They defeated the Three Lions 2-1 in the 1986 quarter-finals, in which Diego Maradona scored the ‘Hand of God’ goal, and also secured a last-16 penalty shootout victory over their old rivals at the 1998 tournament in France.
The home and away kits were reversed in 2002 for their group-stage match in Japan, with England claiming a 1-0 victory in red while Argentina wore their traditional striped kit.
Media outlets in Argentina have reported the team requested to wear the away kit in favour of their usual light blue and white strip for Wednesday’s last-four tie.
FIFA’S preference is for each team to wear its first-choice colours, but if there is a potential clash it will follow steps to ensure an acceptable colour contrast is found.
Football’s world governing body also tries to make sure there is a dark-kit and light-kit colour contrast, in the interests of fans with colour vision deficiency (colour blindness).
England booked their place in the semi-finals with a 2-1 extra-time victory against Norway on Saturday, while Argentina claimed a dramatic 3-1 win over 10-man Switzerland, also in extra time, on Sunday.
Confédération Africaine de Football Président Dr. Patrice Motsepe has expressed sadness over the death of South Africa international and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams.
In a condolence message, Motsepe described the 25-year-old as a player who represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was part of the Mamelodi Sundowns side that won the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League in Rabat.
On behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, Motsepe extended his condolences to the South African Football Association (SAFA), its president Dr. Danny Jordaan, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and Adams’ family.
“On behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, Dr. Motsepe conveys his heartfelt condolences to the South African Football Association (SAFA), and its President, Dr. Danny Jordaan, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and to the Family of Jayden Adams,” the Saturday statement said.
Before joining Mamelodi Sundowns, Adams played for Stellenbosch FC and had recently become a regular member of the South African national team, Bafana Bafana.
Motsepe concluded the tribute with a prayer for the late midfielder.
“May Jayden Adam’s Soul Rest in Peace.”
It was reported on Saturday that Adams died just weeks after representing South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The midfielder featured in all three of Bafana Bafana’s group-stage matches as the team reached the knockout stage for the first time before being eliminated by co-hosts Canada in the round of 32.
Adams, who made his senior international debut in 2022, also helped South Africa reach the semi-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
He began his professional career with Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he won the South African Premiership title and the 2026 CAF Champions League.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, announced Adams’ death on Saturday in a statement, describing it as a huge loss to the country’s football community.
The statement read, “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams.
Authorities have not confirmed the cause of his death, with South African police saying an investigation is underway.
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