Sport
Troost-Ekong Confident Super Eagles Can Win Fourth AFCON Title in 2025
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has expressed the team’s determination to claim their fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title at the 2025 tournament.
The group stage draw, held in Rabat on Monday night, placed Nigeria in Group C alongside Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles, Uganda’s Cranes, and Tanzania’s Taifa Stars. Troost-Ekong emphasized the importance of respecting these opponents, noting that no game in African football is easy anymore.
Speaking through the Super Eagles media, the Al Kholood defender highlighted the team’s growth since finishing second at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. “The AFCON 2025 draw is done, and it’s exciting to see the groups. Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania are teams we must respect,” he said.
Troost-Ekong also pointed to the team’s quality and experience as key factors for success. “We’ve learned a lot from our past performances. This time, we’ll be more prepared and work hard to ensure everyone is fit and ready. We have what it takes to not just advance but go all the way.”
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about working under the new coach and the opportunities the tournament presents. “It’s going to be an exciting year, and I’m very happy with the AFCON draw. We are ready to give our best.”
Pep Guardiola has chosen Bernardo Silva as Manchester City’s new captain, handing the midfielder the armband without putting it to a team vote. Silva steps into the role following the exit of Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract with City recently expired. Guardiola also named Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland as the team’s new vice-captains for the upcoming season.
Silva’s current contract runs out next summer, meaning his time as captain could be short if no new deal is signed. Though he’s turned down multiple transfer offers in recent windows, interest in the Portuguese playmaker remains strong, with clubs from Saudi Arabia and former side Benfica still keen on him.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to face long-time rivals Ghana’s Black Princesses in a friendly match as part of their build-up to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Justine Madugu’s team also has a second friendly lined up against Portugal, which will be played on Monday, June 23.
The clash with Ghana will take place in Morocco, where the Black Princesses are already camped in Benslimane for their final round of preparations. Meanwhile, the Super Falcons will travel to Portugal later this week to begin their own final training phase ahead of the tournament.
Nigeria is in Group B, where they will take on Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. Ghana, on the other hand, will compete in Group C alongside defending champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania.
Real Madrid might be without Kylian Mbappe for their Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal on Wednesday, as the forward is currently down with an illness. Mbappe missed training ahead of the match, and new manager Xabi Alonso says a final decision will be made on game day.
“Kylian felt a bit better this morning, but not well enough just yet,” Alonso said. “We’ll wait till tomorrow morning to make the call.” Madrid could also be missing key players Antonio Rudiger and Eduardo Camavinga.
“Rudiger gave everything this season. I’m not sure he’ll be in the squad, but he’s recovering fast and should be back first. Camavinga is getting better too, but he still needs some time,” Alonso added. Alonso is set to take charge of Madrid for the first time, but injuries and illness may leave him without some of his top stars.
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