There are only three certainties in life: death, taxes and a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations. However, even by the tournament's extraordinary standards, the final of the 2025 edition was like nothing we've ever seen before - albeit not in a good way. In the 93rd minute of a tense but largely uneventful encounter in Rabat, Senegal had a goal from Ismaila Sarr very harshly disallowed for a perceived foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi beforehand. Just moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after an invention by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), who had spotted a minor tug on Brahim Diaz's shirt by El Hadji Malick Diouf.
GOAL gives you the details to follow the Pharaohs and Super Eagles' third-place clash at Stade Mohamed V on Saturday. Both teams failed to reach the final and they are now embroiled in the fight for bronze to salvage some respect after they were touted as tournament favourites. None would want to lose a second successive match at this tournament.
Back in the summer of 2023, Victor Osimhen was the most in-demand striker in world football. He'd just spearheaded Napoli's run to their first Scudetto in 33 years, netting 26 goals in 32 games to become the first African player ever to finish as Serie A top scorer, and had pretty much every elite club in Europe knocking on his door. For a 24-year-old with talent and drive, it seemed like the start of something truly special.
The Super Eagles came into the match hoping to go all the way and make amends for the shortcomings that saw them finish second two years ago in the Ivory Coast. However, they were not going to get it easy playing the Atlas Lions, who have enjoyed massive home support since the start of the biennial competition.
Victor Osimhen marred Nigeria's commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique with a shocking display of petulance that stunned spectators. The striker squared up to team-mate Ademola Lookman mid-game before demanding to be subbed off and storming onto the team bus alone, leaving his colleagues to celebrate reaching the Africa Cup Of Nations quarter-finals without him.
Victor Osimhen has sent his condolences to heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua after he was involved in a car crash that killed two people in Nigeria this week. Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, friends and trainers of Joshua, both tragically lost their lives in the accident after the car struck a stationary vehicle.
Looking for a third straight victory in Morocco, the Super Eagles will face the East Africans, who are yet to win a game. Nigeria, who have already qualified for the knockout stage, have been impressive so far with victories against Tanzania and Tunisia. On the other hand, the Uganda Cranes are looking for their first win after an opening loss to Tunisia, which was followed by a 1-1 draw against Taifa Stars of Tanzania.
In Europe, much of the build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has unfortunately - but inevitably - focused on which clubs will be most affected by the tournament's scheduling slap-bang in the middle of the season. As an incredibly prestigious tournament that rarely fails to deliver a barely-believable amount of drama, the AFCON deserves so much better.
Ex-Chelsea star William Gallas has revealed who he believes the Blues should sign this January, as their lack of striking options rears its head once again following a second injury in quick succession for summer signing Liam Delap. Gallas believes the Blues should target 'dream' striker Victor Osimhen, who he believes would adapt with ease to the demands of the club and the Premier League and could put Chelsea 'on top'.
Napoli have been plunged into turmoil after club president Aurelio De Laurentiis was officially indicted on charges of false accounting tied to the high-profile transfers of Victor Osimhen and Kostas Manolas. With prosecutors alleging inflated valuations, leaked testimonies revealing pressure behind the deals, and a full trial set for 2026, the crisis now raises serious questions about the club’s future on and off the pitch.
Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen missed out as Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi won the African Player of the Year award. The Moroccan full-back collected the honour on Wednesday evening, sealing a triumphant year in which he won the treble, including the Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League trophy. The only blemish was PSG’s defeat in the Club World Cup final to Chelsea in New York, where he was forced to settle for a silver medal.
Despite their financial constraints, Barcelona remain confident of signing a new world-class No.9 to replace Robert Lewandowski, with Bayern Munich star Harry Kane one of the options being considered. Lewandowski is in the final few months of his existing contract and is expected to leave the club as a free agent next summer as the Catalan giants are unlikely to offer him a new deal.
After a valiant fight by the Panthers in regulation time, the Super Eagles ultimately emerged victorious from this 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-offs semi-final battle in neutral Morocco on Thursday. Eric Chelle's men needed extra time to win 4-1 at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium with the Galatasaray forward grabbing a double. They remain in contention to go to the global competition but still have other hurdles to plain.
Barcelona have identified Victor Osimhen as a potential successor to the ageing Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to leave the reigning La Liga champions at the end of the season. Osimhen joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli ahead of the 2025-26 season in a record-breaking move, but he could return to one of Europe's big five leagues next season if Barca are serious about signing him.
