Africa cup of Nations
NFF decries online attacks on Alex Iwobi
Nigeria Football Federation says virulent attacks on the Super Eagle Star are uncalled
Alex Iwobi
The Nigeria Football Federation has condemned the cyber attacks on Super Eagles’ midfielder Alex Iwobi, saying the virulent attacks on the player are uncalled for given his commitment and dedication to duty for his homeland over the years.
“Alex Iwobi does not deserve these attacks. He has a record of utmost dedication to duty and a remarkable attitude of giving his all on international duty. We cannot suddenly forget the great moments he has made on duty for Nigeria, like scoring that goal against Zambia in Uyo that qualified Nigeria for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
“We are talking about someone who is history’s seventh most-capped Nigerian footballer. With 76 caps, Alex Iwobi has nothing to prove to anyone about his patriotic enthusiasm and dedication to duty for Nigeria. Please let us show him love and not hatred,” NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire appealed on Tuesday.
Iwobi is behind only Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, John Mikel Obi, Nwankwo Kanu, and Mudashiru Babatunde Lawal (of blessed memory) in the record of most caps for Nigeria and has traveled to different countries and continents to defend the green-white-green for about eight years now.
He has featured for Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia in 2018 and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 (Egypt), 2021 (Cameroon) and Cõte d’Ivoire (2023).
Africa cup of Nations
‘Qualification is our only objective’
Kévin Nicaise & Casimir Ninga (Chad coach and captain)
Chad managed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mauritius on Friday, 22 March, in the opening leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifiers. This was the nation’s first win in five years, as it aims to qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON for the first time in history.
The return leg of the qualifier is scheduled for Mauritius on Tuesday, 26 March.
CAFOnline caught up with Chad coach Kevin Nicaise, and captain Casimir Ninga posted the victory.
Coach, congratulations on the victory. Your team dominated the second period but lacked efficiency in finishing. Does this concern you?
Kévin Nicaise: We faltered a little in the finishing. However, what I remember is that we created a lot of chances. We were solid defensively. In the first half, the match was more balanced. During the second half, we took the upper hand. At the start of the game, the boys were a little stressed about what was at stake. It’s a relatively young group; they don’t all have experience compared to Mauritius. But overall, we are satisfied.
How do you plan on rectifying the lack of finishing?
KN: We are far from perfect, far from being a top team globally. We are in the construction phase. There are still things to work on and improve. It is not overnight that we will be a top team in the world, we are aware of that, however we are working hard with the group and the staff to achieve this goal. The first twenty minutes were not significant. During the second half, we dared to play and placed ourselves higher. Our group has players with a lot of quality, but the occasion stressed them initially, and then they adjusted later. We could have scored a goal a little earlier, which would have relieved everyone, but I am satisfied with my team’s performance.
Captain, what did the coach say to the team during halftime?
Casimir Ninga: During half-time, the coach told us about our missed chances. I knew we had to work harder in front of the goal and that, at some point, it would kick in.
What analysis do you make of this first meeting against Mauritius?
CN: The group has just been formed, and we are still gelling. Our opponents now know our game, and we know theirs. We will now get back to work to fill our gaps.
What will be the key to winning the return match?
CN: We will go to Mauritius to qualify. Our objective is clear. Chad has never been to the AFCON. Many generations have struggled with the accomplishment of this project. Everything comes in its time; we have good hope of getting there.
Coach, what are your team’s good points after this meeting?
KN: The biggest thing is winning. It’s been five years since we last won a match; it’s a relief for everyone. I think it will give me confidence for the future. Then, defensively, we must remain strong. We didn’t concede too many chances. We must take advantage of this victory and quickly refocus because a match awaits us on Tuesday.
Africa cup of Nations
Chad move on in AFCON 2025 qualifier
Join Liberia, Eswatini in TotalEnergies driving seat
Following Liberia and Eswatini’s emphatic first-leg wins in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers on Wednesday, 20 March, Chad joined the two nations in the driving seat following their slender 1-0 win over Mauritius on Friday.
Liberia edged Djibouti 2-0 at home, while Eswatini were happy travelers when they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Liberia to mark the start of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 qualifiers.
The slim victory sees coach Kevin Nicaise’s charges take an important lead in the two-legged affair. The return leg in Mauritius will be even tougher against the islanders on Tuesday, 26 March.
Meanwhile, nothing could separate Sao Tome, Principe, and South Sudan when the two sides played out to a goalless draw in Berkane on the same evening.
The 0-0 draw will be highly welcomed by South Sudan, hoping to secure a victory at the expense of their opponents, who failed to take their chances in the first leg.
Eight (8) of the lowest-ranked nations, as per the FIFA Rankings, are competing in a home-and-away knockout format for the preliminary stage of the qualifiers. The four (4) remaining countries will be eligible to join the 44 nations that will be engaged in the group stages of the qualifiers.
TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Preliminary Qualifiers Results:
First Leg Fixtures:
Wednesday, 20 March
Somalia 0 – 3 Eswatini
Djibouti 0 – 2 Liberia
Friday, 22 March
Chad 1 – 0 Mauritius
Sao Tome and Principe 0 – 0 South Sudan
Return Leg Fixtures:
Tuesday, 26 March
13:00 GMT | Eswatini – Somalia
16:00 GMT | Liberia – Djibouti
17:00 GMT | South Sudan – Sao Tome and Principe
15:00 GMT | Mauritius – Chad
Africa cup of Nations
WATCH LIVE: AFCON Morocco 2025 Preliminary Draw Today
