Sports
Morocco 2025: Ekong, Aina, Simon, Ndidi Among 23-Man Squad for Benin and Rwanda AFCON Qualifiers
Captain William Ekong, wing-back Olaoluwa Aina, forwards Victor Osimhen, and Taiwo Awoniyi are set to return to the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda next month.
Ekong, who was named the Man of the Competition at this year’s AFCON, missed the Matchdays 3 and 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June due to injury. Similarly, Aina, Awoniyi, and reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen were sidelined with injuries.
The 23-man squad includes three goalkeepers—such as AFCON 2023 standout Stanley Nwabali—seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards. Among the returning players is Bendel Insurance’s goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, South Africa-based defender Olisa Ndah, and Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been absent since the 1-1 draw against Lesotho in Uyo during the first matchday of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign last November.
The Super Eagles will face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 7, before traveling to Kigali to take on Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, September 10.
All players are expected to arrive in Uyo on Monday, September 2.
Sports
CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2024 Women’s Champions League
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.
Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.
Sports
Messi Matches Ronaldo’s Record with Hat-Trick Against Bolivia
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.
On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.
Sports
Mourinho Targets Barcelona’s Ansu Fati for January Transfer to Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.
Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.
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