AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Super Eagles Triumph Over Benin, Cameroon and Mauritania Also Secure Wins

Published

2 years ago

September 7, 2024

Photo source: Google

In a dominant performance, the Super Eagles of Nigeria comfortably secured a 3-0 victory against the Republic of Benin, kicking off their AFCON qualifying campaign with a strong start.

Nigeria’s win places them at the top of Group D with three points from their opening match.

Ademola Lookman was the standout player, scoring twice, while Victor Osimhen added to the tally with a goal after coming on as a substitute.

The match showcased Nigeria’s attacking prowess, as they controlled the game from start to finish.

Meanwhile, in another exciting AFCON qualifier, Cameroon overcame a tough challenge from Namibia with a narrow 1-0 win at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium.

The Indomitable Lions were made to sweat for their victory, as Namibia proved a tough opponent, applying constant pressure throughout the match.

However, Cameroon’s captain, Vincent Aboubakar, broke the deadlock in the second half with a well-placed goal, earning his team three valuable points.

Over in Nouakchott, Mauritania also started their AFCON journey on a high note with a 1-0 win over Botswana.

The match was tightly contested, with Mauritania dominating possession but finding it difficult to penetrate Botswana’s solid defense.

However, their persistence paid off when Sidi Amar struck in the 84th minute to secure the win for the Mourabitounes.

It was a vital victory for Mauritania, giving them a crucial boost as they look to qualify for the tournament.

As the AFCON qualifiers continue, these early results set the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive road to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Fans across the continent are eagerly following the progress of their national teams as they fight for a spot in the prestigious tournament.

Walid Acherchour Backs Lamine Yamal to Win 2026 Ballon d’Or

Published

14 hours ago

October 10, 2026

Ese Ohwofa

French football pundit Walid Acherchour has named Lamine Yamal as his pick to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, sparking reactions among football fans.

Acherchour’s choice came as a surprise to some fans, who expected him to support fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappé instead.

Speaking about his prediction, Acherchour expressed confidence in Yamal’s chances of winning the prestigious individual award.

“For me, Lamine Yamal, he is going to get it [2026 Ballon d’Or]. For me, there’s no doubt anymore,” Acherchour said, as quoted by Actu Foot. That start to the season shows that in fact, he was injured during the World Cup. He was the best player in La Liga, and he won the World Cup.

“Even if, for me, in fact, he doesn’t have the Ballon d’Or unanimously because his World Cup was average, even being average, he won it with Spain. He won La Liga with Barça.”

Sport

David Silva Names His Favourite to Win 2026 Ballon d’Or

Published

2 days ago

October 8, 2026

Ese Ohwofa

Former Manchester City player David Silva has shared his thoughts on the 2026 Ballon d’Or and revealed who he believes could win the prestigious award.

During a recent interview, the former midfielder was asked who he thinks will win the award, and he named Fabian Ruiz.

Silva’s choice sparked reactions from fans, especially as he did not mention Barcelona star Lamine Yamal as one of his picks.

“For me, teamwork is the most important thing, because without it you cannot win. If I had to give the Ballon d’Or to someone, it would be Fabian, because he has won the most titles in the last two years.

“He does not get enough recognition, I do not know why, because he is a wonderful player. I admire him a lot.”

Sport

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal Future Remains Uncertain After Squad Exit

Published

5 days ago

October 6, 2026

Ese Ohwofa

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the Portugal national team remains uncertain following his sudden departure from the squad ahead of the team’s Nations League match against Denmark.

The 41-year-old forward left the national team camp after he was left on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway and was informed that he would not start against Denmark. Ronaldo later said he would explain his decision to leave the camp at a later time.

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has since said the door remains open for Ronaldo to return to the national team. Jesus said the decision ultimately rests with Ronaldo, while the Portuguese Football Federation has also described the situation as a misunderstanding.

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer, with 146 goals in 234 appearances, and his next decision could determine how his international career ends.