Nigeria stumble before the AFCON in friendly defeat to Egypt.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Nigeria were beaten in their AFCON 2025 preparatory friendly against Egypt. The Pharaohs edged the Super Eagles through a Mostafa Mohamed second-half strike to win 2–1.

Mahmoud Saber opened the scoring for Egypt before Chidozie Awaziem retired parity before half time. Mostafa’s goal was ultimately the winner condemning Eric Chelle’s side to consecutive defeats before the AFCON opener against Tanzania.

Key match details

Eric Chelle started with a second-string side, with heavy hitters like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi left out of the side.

Paul Onuachu led the line, with Sevilla’s Chidera Ejuke supporting him upfront. The centre-back pairing was also a new one, with Igoh Ogbu partnering Nantes Chidozie Awaziem.

The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that it has initiated a probe into DR Congo’s use of ineligible players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a development that could reopen Nigeria’s path to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, PUNCH Online reports.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

DR Congo eliminated Nigeria from the African play-offs in November after a 4–3 penalty shoot-out victory in Morocco, a result that ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of progressing to the FIFA intercontinental play-off.

The Congolese side has since been handed a bye into the final of the intercontinental play-off tournament, where they are scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica.

However, their participation at that stage could now be in doubt following concerns raised by the NFF over the eligibility of several DR Congo players fielded during the African play-offs.

Reports suggest that between six and nine DR Congo players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with the eligibility requirements under Congolese law before representing the country.

While FIFA reportedly cleared the players on the basis that they possessed valid DR Congo passports, it is alleged that they failed to formally renounce their previous citizenships, contrary to the Central African nation’s constitution, which does not permit dual nationality.

“NFF has done the needful,” a member of the federation’s executive board told PUNCH Online.

“Their constitution does not allow dual citizenship, and about six to nine players had that status during the play-off. That is the loophole we are exploring. Our lawyers must have submitted the relevant documents to FIFA as well.”

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, also confirmed that the NFF has faulted the players’ switch.

“We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality,” Sanusi said. “Wan-Bissaka has a European passport; some of them have French passports, others Dutch passports. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition.

“FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared,” Sanusi explained. “But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s domestic regulations; FIFA acts based on what is submitted to it. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.”

The development has boosted Nigeria’s hope of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The country had been condemned to missing back-to-back World Cups after failing to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar as well.

DR Congo, meanwhile, has appeared at the FIFA World Cup on one occasion in 1974 when they were known as Zaire.

With the countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) gathering momentum, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued clear guidance to supporters on items that will not be allowed inside stadiums throughout the tournament.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

AFCON 2025 is scheduled to begin on December 21 in Morocco, and organisers say the restrictions are designed to guarantee safety, order and a smooth experience for fans attending matches across the host cities.

According to guidelines published on CAF’s official website on Monday, all spectators will be subjected to security screening before being granted access to stadiums. Supporters have been strongly advised to leave prohibited items at home to avoid delays or denial of entry on match days.

CAF stressed that the measures are part of broader security arrangements put in place to protect fans, players and officials during Africa’s flagship football competition.

Items banned from all AFCON 2025 stadiums include alcoholic beverages, illegal substances and drugs, weapons and sharp objects, fireworks and pyrotechnics, glass bottles or containers, and flammable materials. Racist, violent or discriminatory banners are also prohibited, along with unauthorised political, religious or commercial signs.

Other restricted items listed by CAF include drones and animals, large umbrellas and oversized hats, professional cameras and recording equipment, musical instruments and loud horns, radio-emitting devices except mobile phones, as well as heavy or large bags.

The football body urged supporters to cooperate fully with security personnel to ensure matches are played in a safe and friendly atmosphere befitting the tournament.
Below is the list of items fans are advised to leave at home before entering AFCON stadiums in Morocco:

Alcoholic beverages
Illegal substances and drugs
Weapons and sharp objects
Fireworks and pyrotechnics
Glass bottles or containers
Flammable materials
Racist, violent or discriminatory banners
Unauthorised political, religious or commercial signs
Drones and animals
Large umbrellas and oversized hats
Professional cameras and recording equipment
Musical instruments and loud horns
Radio-emitting devices (except mobile phones)
Heavy or large bags