Former Nigeria international and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner Segun Odegbami has expressed strong conviction ahead of the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 semi-final clash against hosts Morocco in Rabat.

Nigeria will face Morocco on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in a high-stakes semi-final encounter.

While acknowledging Morocco’s home advantage, Odegbami described the Rabat crowd as a major factor.

“They will have a 12th player, a loud army of supporters pushing them forward,” he said.

Nevertheless, he remains confident Nigeria can rise to the occasion.

Nicknamed “Mathematical” during his playing career, Odegbami said Nigeria’s commanding 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria brought back memories of the country’s historic dominance on the continent four decades ago.

“It felt like March 22, 1980, all over again. History was echoing loudly in my head,” Odegbami said.

The former Eagles captain recalled Nigeria’s emphatic 3-0 win over Algeria at the 1980 AFCON, when the North Africans were widely regarded as Africa’s strongest side, achieved through intensity, discipline and fearless attacking football.

“Algeria were stunned then, just as they looked helpless again two days ago,” he noted.

…… A Triumph of Collaboration and National Pride

Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic hub, transformed into a vibrant stage for endurance cycling this past weekend as the inaugural Lagos Gran Fondo “EKO 170” concluded triumphantly on January 11, 2026. The groundbreaking 170-kilometre mass-participation race, Africa’s longest urban cycling event of its kind, drew hundreds of elite and amateur cyclists from across Nigeria and beyond, marking a major milestone in the city’s push for sports tourism, healthy living, and sustainable mobility.

The event, organized by the Dynastar Sport and Education Foundation and fully endorsed by the Lagos State Government, aligned seamlessly with the state’s strategic development goals, including traffic management, health and environment, tourism, and governance. Starting and finishing at the iconic Eko Atlantic City, participants tackled challenging routes that showcased Lagos’s stunning coastal beauty, modern infrastructure, and dynamic urban landscape — from Victoria Island through Lekki-Epe Expressway to Epe and back.

The race featured two distances: a demanding 170km full course and a more accessible 70km option, with full traffic diversions and security support from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other agencies ensuring safety from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This grand achievement was a powerful demonstration of what visionary leadership and collective effort can accomplish. The Lagos State Government’s crucial backing provided the essential framework of legitimacy, security coordination, and inter-agency support, while a coalition of forward-thinking private partners brought the vision to life.

Among the key contributors was Mikano International, Motors Division and Changan, serving as the Official Infrastructure Partner. Their foundational support helped deliver the high-quality execution that made the event possible.

More than just a sporting spectacle, the EKO 170 served as a masterclass in collaborative nation-building — bringing together government, communities, athletes, and corporate partners to create a replicable model of excellence for Nigeria. It inspired healthier lifestyles, boosted local tourism, and positioned Lagos as a rising global destination for world-class endurance sports.

As the dust settles on this historic weekend, the EKO 170 stands as a national triumph, proving that when Lagos unites in purpose, extraordinary results follow. Organizers and officials are already looking ahead to future editions that will further elevate Africa’s megacity on the international stage.

BUA Group’s Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu congratulated the Super Eagles players on their brilliant victory against Algeria!

The Super Eagles thrashed the desert warriors 2-0 in the Saturday’s match at Marrakesh.

The billionaire industrialist, following the Super Eagles won, took the his official X handle, rejoicing with the team, and pledging:

” You have lifted the spirit of the nation, and we proudly cheer you on as you prepare for the semi-finals.

To encourage you, I pledge USD $500,000 to the players upon winning the semi-final, with an additional USD $50,000 for every goal scored.

Should you go on to win the final, I further pledge USD $1,000,000, plus USD $100,000 for each goal scored in the final.”