By Adedapo Adesanya

Senegal beat hosts Morocco in extra time to win the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday in a controversial game that saw the West Africans storm off the field in protest at a penalty awarded against them in the last minute of play.

Midfielder Pape Gueye netted the only goal of the game in 94th-minute after Morocco’s player Brahim Diaz squandered the chance to win it for the home side by fluffing the last-gasp penalty in normal time following a 14-minute delay.

The game had evened out until a last minute spot-kick was awarded to the hosts, leading Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw to order his players off.

However, former Liverpool forward, Sadio Mane, persuaded them to return and eventually won the tournament.

The penalty was awarded following a VAR check by Congolese referee, Jean-Jacques Ndala, after Diaz had been tugged to the ground by Senegal full back, El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Despite the walk out, the penalty stood but upon returning to the pitch, Diaz tried a Panenka-style chip and his weak penalty sailed tamely into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy.

Gueye’s powerful shot gave Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou no chance, handing Morocco their first defeat in 27 international games.

Morocco will have to wait to win the coveted trophy which it has not won in almost 50 years with the loss to Senegal.

Senegal will add to its last titles won in the 2021 edition.

Before the award presentation, President of the Confederations of African Football (CAF), Mr Patrice Motsepe, presented the host flag to the joint host of the next edition in 2027 slated for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Morocco won the Fair Play Award, Moroccan and Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia Goalkeeper Bounou won the Golden Glove for his exemplary saves and clean sheet records, a sad Diaz won the Golden Boot scoring five goals in the tournament, and an ecstatic Sadio Mane won the Man of the Tournament award.

On Saturday, Nigeria defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win the third-place match after both sides failed to break the deadlock in 90 minutes.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been drawn in Group C with Egypt, Zambia and Malawi for the defence of their Women’s’ Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in March, which will be hosted again in Morocco.

Last year, the Nigerian team won the record 10th tournament after defeating the host nation, Morocco, 3-2 in a spectacular final after going down 2-0.

The 2026 edition will be played in Morocco from March 17-April 3, eight months after the last tournament.

The last edition slated for 2024 was postponed by a year for logistical reasons as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) could not get interested hosts.

The next edition which will be the 14th edition and Nigeria will be hoping to win the women’s tournament for the 11th time.

Nigeria’s dominance is only rivalled by Equatorial Guinea which won as hosts of the 2008 and 2012 editions. South Africa won the 2022 edition to become the third African nation to ever win the tournament.

The next edition carries added importance because it serves as qualifying for next year’s Women’s World Cup, with the top four finishers taking up Africa’s slots in the global tournament to be hosted by Brazil.

GROUPS

Group A (Rabat Moulay Hassan Stadium): Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya,

Group B (Rabat Al Madina Stadium): South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania

Group C (Casablanca): Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi

Group D (Fes): Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde. 

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Chairman of BUA Group, Mr Abdul Samad Rabiu, has reaffirmed his commitment to reward the Super Eagles with the promised $500,000 despite losing the semi-final match against Morocco in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday night.

The Nigerian senior national football team lost the tie against Morocco 4-2 on penalties after both sides failed to break the deadlock after 120 minutes.

In a post on his official Instagram on Thursday, the billionaire industrialist commended the football team for their determination and unity throughout the competition.

Mr Rabiu said the players displayed admirable grit and commitment on the field, adding that although the trophy eluded them, their performance inspired pride and admiration among Nigerians at home and abroad.

“To our brave Super Eagles, You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.

“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matter. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.

“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation.

“Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons, and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories!” the statement read.

Nigeria failed to advance to the final of the 2025 AFCON yesterday after losing to Morocco’s Atlas Lions in a tense penalty shootout, a result that sent the North African side through to the final.

Moroccan goalkeeper, Yacine Bounou saved kicks from both Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Nigeria will play Egypt in the bronze medal match on Sunday, January 18 while Morocco will face 2021 winners, Senegal for the chance to win the trophy for the first time in 50 years.