Morocco coach Walid Regragui has confirmed captain Achraf Hakimi is fit to face Zambia in their final Group A clash at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday after two false starts in the competition so far.

Hakimi was crowned Africa’s best player at the Confederation of African Football awards last month but appeared at the ceremony in Rabat on crutches, sparking doubt over whether he would recover in time for the finals.

The Paris Saint-Germain right-back said he felt ready to play on the eve of the tournament, but has not been used in host Morocco’s opening two games, a 2-0 victory over Comoros and a 1-1 draw against Mali.

However, Regragui said on Sunday that the player is now available and thanked PSG for aiding the player’s recovery and releasing him early to link up with the national team and work with their medical staff.

“I want to thank Paris Saint-Germain. If Hakimi is back with us today, it’s thanks to them,” Regragui said.

“There’s not a single club in the world that would release a player 15 days before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Morocco need victory over Zambia to ensure they win Group B, having last lifted the Cup of Nations trophy in 1976.

-Reuters

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By Kunle Solaja

Nigeria’s next strike at the Africa Cup of Nations will carry historic significance, as the Super Eagles stand on the threshold of their 150th goal in the tournament’s history.

The landmark moment narrowly eluded the three-time African champions in their dramatic 3–2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday in Fez. Ademola Lookman’s third goal of the night briefly appeared to be the milestone strike, but historical records show that an earlier encounter between Nigeria and Tunisia 47 years ago was officially awarded 2–0 to Nigeria following a Tunisian walkout, despite ending 1–1 on the pitch. That adjustment means Nigeria currently sit on 149 AFCON goals.

As a result, the Super Eagles’ first goal in their next Group C match on Tuesday will officially become Nigeria’s 150th at the continental finals — a journey that began in 1963.

That trail was first blazed by Asuquo Ekpe, who scored Nigeria’s maiden AFCON goal against Egypt in Kumasi on November 24, 1963, reducing the deficit to 3–1 in a match Nigeria eventually lost 6–3. Ekpe’s effort marked the country’s entry onto Africa’s biggest football stage.

Several iconic moments have since defined Nigeria’s scoring milestones. The 50th and 60th goals were both scored by legendary striker Rashidi Yekini, while Obinna Nsofor netted the 100th goal in a tense quarter-final against Tunisia at Port Said in 2006 — a match Nigeria won on penalties.

The most recent chapter was written again by Lookman, whose strike against Tunisia in Fez last Saturday became Nigeria’s 149th AFCON goal. Earlier in the same match, newly appointed captain Wilfred Ndidi found the net for the first time in Super Eagles colours, consolidating Nigeria’s lead and underlining his growing leadership role.

Also on target was Victor Osimhen, who opened the scoring and took his international tally to 32 goals in 47 appearances. The Napoli forward now needs just five more goals to equal Yekini’s long-standing national record of 37.

Beyond the numbers, Nigeria still have important business to settle in Group C. Although the Super Eagles have already secured qualification for the Round of 16 — becoming the second team at the tournament to do so after Egypt — they must avoid defeat in their final group match to guarantee top spot. A loss to Uganda, combined with a heavy Tunisia win over Tanzania, could still see Nigeria drop to second place.

Finishing first would allow Nigeria to remain in Fez for the Round of 16, where they would face one of the third-placed teams from Groups A, B or F — a logistical and tactical advantage.

When the Super Eagles next score, it will not only push them closer to another AFCON title challenge but also etch a new milestone into Nigeria’s rich continental football history.

Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations Milestone Goals

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By Kunle Solaja.

Ademola Lookman has delivered a resounding response to pre-tournament doubts by emerging as a central figure in Nigeria’s impressive start to the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Atalanta forward, who was controversially tipped by a Nigerian prophet to be dropped from the Super Eagles squad before the tournament, has instead become one of Nigeria’s most decisive players.

Lookman scored the winning goal in Nigeria’s opening match against Tanzania and followed it up with another crucial strike in the thrilling 3–2 victory over Tunisia — a goal that proved the difference between a draw and all three points.

Beyond the scoresheet, Lookman’s influence against Tunisia was all-encompassing. He supplied the cross that Victor Osimhen headed in for Nigeria’s opener, delivered the corner kick that Wilfred Ndidi nodded home for the second, and then crowned his performance with a brilliant solo effort for the third goal. His commanding display earned him the Man of the Match award.

With two goals so far, Ademola Lookman has firmly inserted himself into the race for the tournament’s top scorer award, underlining his growing stature on the continental stage.

He is not alone at the summit of the scoring chart. Also on two goals are Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, Tunisia winger Elias Achouri, Mali forward Lassine Sinayoko, Egypt captain Mohamed Salah, Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson, and Algeria’s attacking leader Riyad Mahrez.

As the tournament gathers momentum, Lookman’s performances have not only propelled Nigeria into a strong position but have also transformed him from a subject of controversy into one of AFCON’s defining figures — proof once again that football’s loudest answers are delivered on the pitch.

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