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.”

Ademola Lookman will not feature in Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League showdown against Barcelona.

The Nigerian forward had a knee injury during Atalanta’s Serie A encounter with Como last weekend, leaving fans worried about his condition.

Early assessments indicate he will be out for several weeks, but further tests in the coming days will provide a clearer timeline for his recovery.

Lookman has been in impressive form this season, playing a vital role in Atalanta’s Champions League campaign. He recently found the back of the net during their dominant 5-0 victory over Sturm Graz.

So far, he has racked up four goals and two assists in just six appearances in the competition, proving his importance to Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

Former Premier League referee David Coote has publicly come out as gay, sharing his journey for the first time in an interview with the UK Sun. In the interview, Coote also revealed that he used cocaine as a way to escape from the pressures of his life and career.

The 42-year-old was dismissed from his position as a referee last year after a series of incidents that led the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to conclude that he had seriously breached his contract.

Coote spoke candidly about his struggles, reflecting on the shame he felt during his teenage years for hiding his sexuality. He admitted that he didn’t come out to his parents until he was 21 and to his friends until he was 25.

While Coote acknowledged that his sexuality was not the sole factor behind the downfall of his career, he emphasized that he couldn’t tell his full story without being honest about his identity.

He admitted that the emotional suppression he experienced as a young referee—both in terms of hiding his sexuality and his feelings—was a trait that may have served him well in his professional role but was damaged in his personal life.