Sports

Senegal Clinch AFCON 2025 Title with 1-0 Extra-Time Victory Over Hosts Morocco

Published

3 months ago

January 18, 2026

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In one of the most chaotic and unforgettable finals in Africa Cup of Nations history, Senegal emerged as champions after defeating host nation Morocco 1-0 in extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Midfielder Pape Gueye delivered a thunderous strike in the first period of extra time, firing a spectacular left-footed shot into the top corner to secure Senegal’s second continental crown since their 2021 triumph.

The goal proved decisive in a tense, low-scoring encounter that had remained goalless through 90 minutes.

The match will be remembered as much for its dramatic finish as for the football itself. Deep into second-half stoppage time, the referee awarded Morocco a controversial penalty following a lengthy VAR review, ruling that Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Brahim Diaz in the box.

The decision sparked fury among the Senegalese players, who briefly walked off the pitch in protest, leading to unprecedented scenes of chaos and lengthy delays.

After returning to the field, Diaz stepped up for the spot-kick but saw his audacious Panenka attempt comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, keeping the scores level and sending the game into extra time.

Senegal’s resilience shone through in the additional 30 minutes, where Gueye’s moment of brilliance sealed a famous upset against the heavily favored hosts, who were chasing their first AFCON title since 1976.

The Lions of Teranga, led by talismanic forward Sadio Mané in what may be his final AFCON appearance, demonstrated tactical discipline and defensive solidity throughout the tournament. Their victory marks them as one of the continent’s premier forces in recent years.

For Morocco, the result ends a dream of continental glory on home soil, extending their wait for a second title to 50 years. Despite the heartbreak, the Atlas Lions’ run to the final showcased their growing stature in African football.

This extraordinary final, filled with tension, controversy, and high drama, will be talked about for years to come as Senegal lift the trophy in stunning fashion.

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Sports

Former NFF chairman Ibrahim Galadima dies at 78

His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.

Published

7 hours ago

April 19, 2026

OCHEFA

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A former chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Galadima, is dead at the age of 78.

His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.

Galadima, who also held the traditional title of Galadiman Fagge, died on Saturday evening at a hospital in Kano, according to his younger brother, Abba Galadima.

The late administrator was widely regarded as a key figure in Nigerian football, having played a major role in shaping the sport during his tenure.

He served as chairman of the football federation between 2002 and 2006, a period marked by efforts to strengthen the organisation and enhance Nigeria’s presence on the international stage.

Sports

FIFA to introduce halftime show at 2026 World Cup final

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the development, revealing that the show will feature multiple performers.

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2026

OCHEFA

17 Views

FIFA will introduce a halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final for the first time in the tournament’s history, with Nigerian artists potentially taking centre stage amid the global rise of Afrobeats.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the development, revealing that the show will feature multiple performers.

The lineup is being curated by Chris Martin and the band’s manager, Phil Harvey.

The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, which will be temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament.

Organised in partnership with Global Citizen, the halftime show is expected to be a landmark moment.

Infantino described it as “a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”

In addition to the halftime performance, FIFA is planning a major “takeover” of Times Square during the final weekend of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

(The Nation)

Sports

Bundesliga: Marie-Louise Eta Emerges First Woman To Coach Men’s Team

Club director of men’s football Horst Heldt said in a statement on the club’s website that the decision was driven by recent performances and the need for a fresh approach in the final stages of the season.

Published

6 days ago

April 13, 2026

OCHEFA

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Marie-Louise Eta /Credit: Getty Images

Marie-Louise Eta has made history after being appointed interim head coach of Union Berlin, becoming the first woman to manage a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five football leagues.

Her appointment runs until the end of the season following the dismissal of head coach Steffen Baumgart after Union Berlin’s 3-1 defeat to bottom-placed FC Heidenheim.

Union Berlin currently sit 11th in the Bundesliga table, 11 points clear of the relegation zone with five matches remaining.

However, the club has struggled for form, winning only twice in their last 14 league matches in 2026.

“We have had a hugely disappointing second half of the season. The performances shown in recent weeks do not give us confidence that we can turn things around with the current set-up,” Heldt said.

Eta is no stranger to breaking barriers at the club. She became Union Berlin’s first female assistant coach in November 2023 and later made history again in January 2024 when she led the team from the touchline during a Bundesliga match while then-manager Nenad Bjelica was suspended.