Sports
AFCON 2025: Aubameyang Reacts As Gabon Govt Sacks Him, Suspends National Team After Group Exit
Gabon’s embarrassing outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has sparked a major crisis back home, with the government sacking star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and suspending the national team following their early elimination in Morocco.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
The decision was announced on Wednesday by Gabon’s acting Sports Minister, Simplice-Désiré Mamboula, after the Panthers finished bottom of their group with three consecutive defeats.
Government Pulls the Plug
Speaking on national television after Gabon’s dramatic 3–2 loss to Ivory Coast in Marrakesh, Mamboula confirmed that the government had taken drastic measures, including:
Immediate suspension of the Gabon national team
Dissolution of the entire coaching crew
Exclusion of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga
“Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dissolve the coaching staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and exclude Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga,” Mamboula said.
AFCON Campaign Ends in Disaster
Gabon, coached by former defender Thierry Mouyouma, had already crashed out of the competition after losses to Cameroon and Mozambique before squandering a 2–0 lead against defending champions Ivory Coast, conceding three late goals to end their campaign in humiliation.
Neither Aubameyang nor Ecuele Manga featured in the final group game. Aubameyang had earlier returned to Olympique de Marseille for treatment on a thigh injury.
Aubameyang Fires Back
Reacting on social media platform X, the former African Footballer of the Year rejected suggestions that he was the root of Gabon’s problems.
“I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am.”
At 36, Aubameyang is widely believed to have played his final match for Gabon, with 37-year-old Ecuele Manga also nearing the end of his international career.
FIFA Sanctions a Real Possibility
While disbanding national teams was once common in African football, FIFA’s strict stance on government interference now makes such actions rare, raising fears that Gabon could face sanctions if the suspension is not lifted.
Breaking News
AFCON 2025: Mozambique Players To Get ₦11.3 Million Each If Super Eagles Of Nigeria Suffer Defeat
Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo has praised the Mambas for reaching the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco and has offered a substantial financial incentive if they can defeat Nigeria in the knockout phase.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
The Mambas booked their place in the last 16 after finishing third in Group F, setting up a high-profile clash with the Super Eagles, one of the most convincing sides at the tournament so far. Mozambique progressed despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in their final group fixture.
In a message addressed to the players and coaching staff on Thursday, President Chapo described the qualification as unprecedented and richly deserved.
He said the team’s journey through the group stage had stirred pride across the country and highlighted the steady growth of Mozambican football.
Speaking on behalf of the nation, the president commended the squad for their courage, discipline and determination, qualities he said had carried them to a historic milestone on the continental stage.
According to Jornal Notícias, President Chapo announced an extraordinary bonus of 500,000 meticais for each player and member of the coaching staff, should Mozambique overcome Nigeria and reach the quarter-finals.
The sum is valued at about ₦11.3 million in Nigerian currency.
He reassured the team of the country’s full backing and expressed confidence that they could rise to the challenge against a formidable opponent.
Nigeria and Mozambique will meet on Monday, January 5, at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with kick-off set for 8 pm.
Sports
AFCON 2025: Avoid Nigeria — Ivory Coast legend gives 3 reasons why Super Eagles can win tournament
Legendary Ivorian forward Salomon Kalou explained why Nigeria are a problematic opponent on the knocuout stage.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
Ivorian football legend Salomon Kalou has picked the Super Eagles as the team to avoid in the knockout round, warning that Eric Chelle’s side were slowly building up strength.
Nigeria’s AFCON campaign began unconvincingly, with a 2–1 win against Tanzania. They were much improved, especially offensively in the 3–2 against Tunisia, and were nearly perfect when they beat Uganda 3–1 in the final game of the group stage.
What Kalou said
Having closely observed Nigeria’s progression, as one of the analysts covering the competition, Kalou singled out the Super Eagles as the team to avoid.
He explained that Nigeria were slowly building up strength and had incredible unrealised potential which he expects to materialise during the knockout stage.
“If you had to pick one team to avoid right now, who is it and why?” he was asked.
Former Chelsea stars Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Jon Obi Mikel || Image credit: Imago
“Nigeria,” Kalou told Duelbits.com. “They look strong, confident, and they haven’t even hit their highest level yet.
“When a team is winning without playing their best football, that’s when you should worry. They have match-winners everywhere and a mentality that suits knockout football.
The Super Eagles begin the knockout round of the tournament with a clash against Mozambique on December 5th at Fez Stadium, Fez. Victory against the Mambas potentially sets up a grudge match against Algeria.
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez is currently joint-top scorer at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, alongside Morocco duo Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
The trio have each scored three goals so far in the tournament, placing them at the top of the scoring chart ahead of the knockout phase.
Mahrez, Diaz and El Kaabi are currently ahead of several high-profile attackers, including Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson, Tunisia’s Elias Achouri, and Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman, among others.
With the Round of 16 fixtures set to take place from Saturday to Tuesday, the race for the Golden Boot is expected to intensify as the competition enters its decisive stage.
AFCON 2025 Top Scorers Ahead of the Round of 16
Three goals:
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), Brahim Diaz (Morocco), Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco)
Two goals:
Nicolas Jackson (Senegal), Raphael Onyedika (Nigeria), Elias Achouri (Tunisia), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), Amad Diallo, Lyle Foster, Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Lassine Sinayoko
One goal:
Semi Ajayi (Nigeria), Marvin Anieboh, Wilfred Ndidi (Nigeria), Paul Onuachu (Nigeria), Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
As the knockout rounds begin, all eyes will be on the tournament’s leading scorers to see who can maintain their form and push their teams closer to AFCON glory.
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