Sports
Senegal Clinch AFCON 2025 Title with 1-0 Extra-Time Victory Over Hosts Morocco
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.
Sports
NFF Crisis: NSC Names Ikpeme Acting General – Secretary., Ademola Olajire, Deputy
The appointments followed the resignations on Thursday of NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General – Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, and several members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
[File photo] Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has appointed Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme as Acting General -Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), following a major leadership shake-up in the country’s football governing body.
Ikpeme, who previously served as the NFF Deputy General – Secretary, will oversee the federation’s secretariat during the transition period, while Dr Ademola Olajire, former Director of Media and Communications, will serve as Acting Deputy General -Secretary.
The appointments followed the resignations on Thursday of NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General – Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, and several members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
The NSC also suspended all processes initiated for the NFF Elective Congress scheduled for September 27.
Sports
NFF President Gusau, other board members resign Over DSS Probe
The latest probe comes amid persistent public concerns over the administration of Nigerian football teams that have suffered severe systemic decline, highlighted by the Super Eagles missing consecutive FIFA World Cups and the historic failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The President of Nigeria Football Federation( NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, and other board members have resigned.
The NFF board had come under intense pressure following the poor management of Nigerian football.
The latest debacle was the failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the FIFA Women World Cup for the first time.
The Department of State Services, DSS, joined other security operatives in investigating the NFF over the utilisation of the N17bn Federal Government intervention fund released to the Federation for players’ wages and bonuses.
The fund was approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to clear outstanding payments owed to Nigeria’s national teams.
An authoritative source said on Monday, that the DSS had beamed their searchlight on officials of NFF to show proof on what they did with the massive fund released to the Glass house.
It’s a normal thing for DSS to go through all documents relating to the funds released them,” our source said, dismissing fears of witch hunt or hounding.
The latest probe comes amid persistent public concerns over the administration of Nigerian football teams that have suffered severe systemic decline, highlighted by the Super Eagles missing consecutive FIFA World Cups and the historic failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Sports
Ronaldo To End Career In Football This Year Without World Cup Title
The 41-year-old Portugal captain is one of football’s most decorated players, having won major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current club Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo says this could be his final year in football as the Portugal captain prepares to leave a lasting legacy.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told lifestyle magazine Vogue in an interview published on Sunday.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain is one of football’s most decorated players, having won major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current club Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo made his senior debut for Sporting in 2002 and has enjoyed a career spanning more than two decades.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 976 goals for club and country and is now closing in on the 1,000-goal milestone.
However, Ronaldo was unable to add a World Cup title to his list of honours after Portugal fell short at this year’s tournament.
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