AFCON
Odegbami turns a prophet, sees Nigeria – Cote d’Ivoire finale on February 11! –
Nigerian football legend, Segun Odegbami who won the Africa Cup of Nations with the then Green Eagles in 1980 and third placed in 1978 has prophesied that Nigeria and hosts, Cote d’Ivoire will play the Afcon final match on 11 February.
In essence, he sees Nigeria scaling the South African hurdle on Wednesday while Cote d’Ivoire too will defeat DR Congo in the semi-finals.
If the ‘prophesy comes to past, it will be the second time that Nigeria will face a team in its group stage at the final match.
That happened the last time Nigeria won the cup in 2013. The Super Eagles were held to a draw by Burkina Faso and later met in the final match which Nigeria won.
According to a press statement by the NFF, Odegbami addressed the Super Eagles at their Pullman Hotel in Abidjan on the eve of their encounter with Guinea Bissau which was the last group match.
“Some persons who were there did not quite share in his conviction that the Super Eagles would be champions”, remarked Ademola Olajire, the spokesman of the NFF.
“Today, many have been ‘converted’, and the 71-year- old legend says he is happy that things are going according to his expectations, Olajire concluded.
Odegbami.
“I said long before the finals that we would be champions of Africa. Many people thought I was just sounding off. Now, they are seeing their light. Everyone appears to believe now that the Super Eagles can do it”, Odegbami reportedly said.
“Now that we are in the semi-finals, I am seeing that we are going to be playing the host nation, Cote d’Ivoire in the Final. We are beating South Africa and Cote d’Ivoire will beat Democratic Republic of Congo. The stage is set for a classic Final match on February 11.”
With just one month to the Africa Cup of Nations, Moroccan defensive stalwarts Achraf Hakimi and Nayef Aguerd have offered fans a reassuring glimpse into their accelerated recovery programmes after both players shared photos of an intense gym session on social media.
Aguerd, who has been sidelined with pubalgia, is currently on a strict rehabilitation schedule aimed at ensuring his return in December.
Hakimi is also racing against time, recovering from a severe ankle sprain sustained earlier in the season.
The PSG full-back began his treatment ten days after Aguerd and was initially projected to miss six to eight weeks, but he has since intensified his workload with focused indoor sessions.
Images posted by Aguerd show the duo in high spirits, smiling as they pose beside the African Ballon d’Or recently won by Hakimi on November 19.
Other photos portray a more serious mood, with both players fully concentrated, executing tailored exercises in what appears to be a private training space — a clear testament to their determination.
Morocco will be banking on the timely return of the pair as they look to reunite with captain Romain Saïss and the rest of the squad ahead of the continental showpiece.
Their progress will be closely watched as the Atlas Lions aim to arrive at AFCON with their defensive backbone fully restored.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
With the Africa Cup of Nations just a month away, Morocco has launched a major promotional drive to sell itself as the continent’s top football destination ahead of AFCON 2025 kicking off on December 21.
The Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) rolled out the “Morocco, Land of Football” campaign on Tuesday in Rabat, working in partnership with the country’s football federation (FRMF) under a long-term agreement running until 2030.
ONMT boss Achraf Fayda said the plan uses the “power of football” to showcase Morocco as a world-class tourist hotspot, backed by a series of new measures to attract visitors during the tournament.
The campaign includes special AFCON travel packages, increased flight options, global roadshows targeting African diaspora communities, and a 90-second promotional film featuring national stars Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz.
Digital tools have also been upgraded, including the YALLA app and a new AFCON section on Visit Morocco, while 24 international content creators will tour host cities to boost online visibility.
Fan zones will open across several cities, and officials say the campaign is already driving up interest and ticket demand.
Former Moroccan star Salaheddine Bassir praised the initiative, noting the country’s top-tier hotels, transport systems, stadiums and famous hospitality.
Morocco hopes the campaign will project a vibrant image of the Kingdom as it prepares to host Africa’s biggest football showpiece.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja.
The countdown to the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has taken a vibrant turn, as the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has launched a nationwide campaign to engage citizens across the kingdom in what promises to be a grand celebration of African football.
The initiative, which began on November 11, will run for 30 days, covering all 12 regions of Morocco and reaching more than 60 municipalities. The first two stops of the tour were held in Tahannaout and Boufakrane, drawing enthusiastic participation from residents.
According to the LOC, the program aims to make AFCON 2025 truly a “CAN for all Moroccans” by bringing football excitement to every corner of the country, from major cities to remote communities.
At each stop, locals can take part in friendly football matches, interactive games, freestyle exhibitions, musical performances, and meet-and-greet sessions with Moroccan football legends. Merchandise stands and cultural showcases will also form part of the festivities, creating a carnival-like atmosphere ahead of the continental showpiece.
“This is more than a football tournament—it’s a national celebration,” an LOC spokesperson said. “We want every Moroccan, whether in urban centers or rural areas, to feel part of the story and share in the joy of hosting Africa’s biggest sporting event.”
The roadshow will continue through December, ensuring that by the time the tournament kicks off on December 21, 2025, the entire country will be united in festive anticipation of welcoming Africa to Morocco.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Bet9ja Southeast Badminton Championship: Young Enugu Duo Target Growth After Quarterfinal Exit
Morocco makes winning a habit as ASFAR wins Women’s Champions Clubs Cup again
Morocco’s Hakimi and Aguerd Step Up Recovery as AFCON Countdown Intensifies
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
AIU releases its report on Tobi Amusan
-
World Cup5 days agoBizarre! Chelle Alleges Voodoo Use in Nigeria’s World Cup Exit
-
World Cup1 week agoSuper Eagles training boycott may snowball into match forfeiture
-
World Cup1 week agoClear and Present Danger Looms Ahead of Gabon Clash
-
World Cup1 week agoDR Congo Set Up Play-Off Final Showdown With Nigeria After Stunning Late Win Over Cameroon
-
AFCON1 week agoMoroccan Ambassador Outlines Simple Steps for Nigerian Fans to Secure AFCON 2025 E-Visas
-
World Cup4 days agoNigerian Fans to Benefit as US Introduces Priority Visa Appointments for FIFA World Cup Ticket Holders
-
OBITUARY1 week agoCoaching Adieu, Mfon Bassey
-
World Cup1 week agoGabon Down, DR Congo Next: Super Eagles Set for Play-Off Final Showdown in Rabat